cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Freezing of gait after bilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation for Parkinson's disease

Abstract Objective To determine the long-term effect of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) on freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease patients. Patients and methods Sixty-seven patients were followed 12 months after bilateral STN DBS and 32 patients were followed 24 months post-surgery. Patients were evaluated with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) with medications on and off at baseline and again in both conditions with stimulation on at follow-up. Specific attention was paid to the freezing item of the ADL section. Results Freezing scores in the medication off state improved significantly with stimulation at 1 and 2 years. In the medication on state there were no significant improvements in freezing. Conclusion Off period freezing of gait is significantly improved with STN DBS up to 24 months; however, on period freezing is not affected by STN DBS.
Trade space exploration of satellite datasets using a design by shopping paradigm

One of the goals of early stage conceptual design is to execute broad trade studies of possible design concepts, evaluating them for their capability to meet minimum requirements, and choosing the one that best satisfies the goals of the project. To support trade space exploration, we have developed the advanced trade space visualizer (ATSV) that facilitates a design by shopping paradigm, which allows a decision-maker to form a preference a posteriori and use this preference to select a preferred satellite. Design automation has allowed us to implement this paradigm, since a large number of designs can be synthesized in a short period of time. The ATSV uses multidimensional visualization techniques, preference shading, and Pareto frontier display to visualize satellite trade spaces.
A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet to treat type 2 diabetes

The low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet (LCKD) may be effective for improving glycemia and reducing medications in patients with type 2 diabetes. From an outpatient clinic, we recruited 28 overweight participants with type 2 diabetes for a 16-week single-arm pilot diet intervention trial. We provided LCKD counseling, with an initial goal of <20 g carbohydrate/day, while reducing diabetes medication dosages at diet initiation. Participants returned every other week for measurements, counseling, and further medication adjustment. The primary outcome was hemoglobin A1c. Twenty-one of the 28 participants who were enrolled completed the study. Twenty participants were men; 13 were White, 8 were African-American. The mean [± SD] age was 56.0 ± 7.9 years and BMI was 42.2 ± 5.8 kg/m2. Hemoglobin A1c decreased by 16% from 7.5 ± 1.4% to 6.3 ± 1.0% (p < 0.001) from baseline to week 16. Diabetes medications were discontinued in 7 participants, reduced in 10 participants, and unchanged in 4 participants. The mean body weight decreased by 6.6% from 131.4 ± 18.3 kg to 122.7 ± 18.9 kg (p < 0.001). In linear regression analyses, weight change at 16 weeks did not predict change in hemoglobin A1c. Fasting serum triglyceride decreased 42% from 2.69 ± 2.87 mmol/L to 1.57 ± 1.38 mmol/L (p = 0.001) while other serum lipid measurements did not change significantly. The LCKD improved glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes such that diabetes medications were discontinued or reduced in most participants. Because the LCKD can be very effective at lowering blood glucose, patients on diabetes medication who use this diet should be under close medical supervision or capable of adjusting their medication.
Performance Gaps Between Online and Face-to-Face Courses: Differences Across Types of Students and Academic Subject Areas

Using a dataset containing nearly 500,000 courses taken by over 40,000 community and technical college students in Washington State, this study examines the performance gap between online and face-to-face courses and how the size of that gap differs across student subgroups and academic subject areas. While all types of students in the study suffered decrements in performance in online courses, those with the strongest declines were males, younger students, Black students, and students with lower grade point averages. Online performance gaps were also wider in some academic subject areas than others. After controlling for individual and peer effects, the social sciences and the applied professions (e.g., business, law, and nursing) showed the strongest online performance gaps.
Transient Analysis of a Porous Electrode

An analytical expression is presented for the voltage response including the transient voltage for a simple ~i.e., no concentration gradients! porous electrode model subject to a sinusoidal input current density. The transient voltage response as a function of the frequency, exchange current density, and double layer capacitance is studied independent of the periodic ~steady state! voltage response. The change in the voltage response in the transient region is compared to that of the periodic voltage response with respect to the parameters. The physical properties of the porous electrode can be estimated using the voltage response in the transient region is presented. The methodology for doing this is described.
Dosing algorithm for warfarin using CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotyping from a multi-ethnic population: comparison with other equations.

Objectives: Polymorphism in the genes for cytochrome (CYP)2C9 and the vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1) affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin. We developed and validated a warfarin-dosing algorithm for a multi-ethnic population that predicts the best dose for stable anticoagulation, and compared its performance against other regression equations. Methods: We determined the allele and haplotype frequencies of genes for CYP2C9 and VKORC1 on 167 Caucasian, African–American, Asian and Hispanic patients on warfarin. On a subset where complete data were available (n = 92), we developed a dosing equation that predicts the actual dose needed to maintain target anticoagulation using demographic variables and genotypes. This regression was validated against an independent group of subjects. We also applied our data to five other published warfarin-dosing equations. Results: The allele frequency for CYP2C9*2 and *3 and the A allele for VKORC1 3673 was similar to previously...
Benefits of Reevaluating Real-Time Order Fulfillment Decisions

When a customer orders online, an online retailer assigns the order to one or more of its warehouses and/or drop-shippers to minimize procurement and transportation costs based on the available current information. However, this assignment is necessarily myopic because it cannot account for any subsequent customer orders or future inventory replenishment. We examine the benefits of periodically reevaluating these real-time assignments. We construct near-optimal heuristics for the reassignment for a large set of customer orders to minimize the total number of shipments. Finally, we present evidence of significant saving opportunities by testing the heuristics on order data from a major online retailer.
The relationship between user participation and system success: a simultaneous contingency approach

Abstract The relationship between user participation and information system (IS) success has drawn attention from researchers for some time. It is assumed that strong participation of future users in the design of IS would lead to successful outcomes in terms of more IS usage, greater user acceptance, and increased user satisfaction. However, in spite of this, much of the empirical research so far has been unable to demonstrate its benefits. This paper examines the participation–success relationship in a broader context, where the effects of user participation and two other factors, user attitudes and user involvement, on system success occur simultaneously. Other contingency variables considered here are: system impact, system complexity, and development methodology. The theoretical framework and the associated hypotheses are empirically tested by a survey of 32 organizations. Empirical results corroborate the positive link between user participation and user satisfaction and provide evidence on the interplay between user attitudes and user involvement.
Developmental Dynamics of X-Chromosome Dosage Compensation by the DCC and H4K20me1 in C. elegans.

In Caenorhabditis elegans, the dosage compensation complex (DCC) specifically binds to and represses transcription from both X chromosomes in hermaphrodites. The DCC is composed of an X-specific condensin complex that interacts with several proteins. During embryogenesis, DCC starts localizing to the X chromosomes around the 40-cell stage, and is followed by X-enrichment of H4K20me1 between 100-cell to comma stage. Here, we analyzed dosage compensation of the X chromosome between sexes, and the roles of dpy-27 (condensin subunit), dpy-21 (non-condensin DCC member), set-1 (H4K20 monomethylase) and set-4 (H4K20 di-/tri-methylase) in X chromosome repression using mRNA-seq and ChIP-seq analyses across several developmental time points. We found that the DCC starts repressing the X chromosomes by the 40-cell stage, but X-linked transcript levels remain significantly higher in hermaphrodites compared to males through the comma stage of embryogenesis. Dpy-27 and dpy-21 are required for X chromosome repression throughout development, but particularly in early embryos dpy-27 and dpy-21 mutations produced distinct expression changes, suggesting a DCC independent role for dpy-21. We previously hypothesized that the DCC increases H4K20me1 by reducing set-4 activity on the X chromosomes. Accordingly, in the set-4 mutant, H4K20me1 increased more from the autosomes compared to the X, equalizing H4K20me1 level between X and autosomes. H4K20me1 increase on the autosomes led to a slight repression, resulting in a relative effect of X derepression. H4K20me1 depletion in the set-1 mutant showed greater X derepression compared to equalization of H4K20me1 levels between X and autosomes in the set-4 mutant, indicating that H4K20me1 level is important, but X to autosomal balance of H4K20me1 contributes only slightly to X-repression. Thus H4K20me1 by itself is not a downstream effector of the DCC. In summary, X chromosome dosage compensation starts in early embryos as the DCC localizes to the X, and is strengthened in later embryogenesis by H4K20me1.
Rapid Chromatography for Quantitation of Radioimmunoassayable 5α-Androstane-17β-OL-3-One and Testosterone in Ram, Bull and Boar Serum

A rapid technique for the simultaneous determination of serum 5α-androstane-17β-01–3-one (DHT) and testosterone (T) was developed and validated. The procedure incorporates a chromatographic step prior to binding with a T-3BSA antiserum. Anakrom columns used to separate DHT from T also isolate other steroids quickly and efficiently. Utilizing this procedure, levels of both androgens have been measured in the intact ram, bull and boar. Concentrations of DHT and T expressed as mean ± SE in ng/ml were respectively: ram, 0.14 ± 0.03 and 4.96 ± 0.80; bull, 0.10 ± 0.01 and 3.92 ± 0.80; boar, 0.71 ± 0.11 and 5.58 ± 0.64. Whether these minute quantities of serum DHT play important physiological roles, particularly in the boar, is unresolved. Monitoring DHT under varying experimental or pathological conditions may allude to its importance in the domestic male.
Preliminary evidence that DEXA provides an accurate assessment of body composition

Kohrt, Wendy M. Preliminary evidence that DEXA provides an accurate assessment of body composition. J. Appl. Physiol. 84(1): 372–377, 1998.—It was previously found that dual-energy X-ray absorptiom...
The Case for Internet Optimism, Part 1 - Saving the Net from its Detractors

This is the first of two essays making “The Case for Internet Optimism.” It was written by Adam Thierer, a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. These two essays appeared in the book, "The Next Digital Decade: Essays on the Future of the Internet" (2011), which was edited by Berin Szoka and Adam Marcus of Tech Freedom, a digital policy think tank in Washington, D.C. In these essays, Thierer identifies two schools of Internet pessimism: (1) “Net Skeptics,” who are pessimistic about the Internet improving the lot of mankind; and (2) “Net Lovers,” who appreciate the benefits the Net brings society but who fear those benefits are disappearing, or that the Net or openness are dying. In this first essay, Thierer focuses on the first variant of Internet pessimism, which is rooted in general skepticism about the supposed benefits of cyberspace, digital technologies, and information abundance. The proponents of this pessimistic view often wax nostalgic about some supposed “good ‘ol days” when life was much better (although they can’t seem to agree when those were). At a minimum, they want us to slow down and think twice about life in the Information Age and how it’s personally affecting each of us. Occasionally, however, this pessimism borders on neo-Ludditism, with some proponents recommending steps to curtail what they feel is the destructive impact of the Net or digital technologies on culture or the economy. Thierer identifies the leading exponents of this view of Internet pessimism and their works. He traces their technological pessimism back to Plato but argues that their pessimism is largely unwarranted. Humans are more resilient than pessimists care to admit and we learn how to adapt to technological change and assimilate new tools into our lives over time. Moreover, Thierer questions whether we were really better off in the scarcity era when we were collectively suffering from information poverty. Generally speaking, despite the challenges it presents society, information abundance is a better dilemma to be facing than information poverty. Nonetheless, Thierer argues, we should not underestimate or belittle the disruptive impacts associated with the Information Revolution. He argues, however, that we need to find ways to better cope with turbulent change in a dynamist fashion instead of attempting to roll back the clock on progress or recapture “the good ‘ol days,” which actually weren’t all that good.
Comparison of Midazolam Nasal Spray to Nasal Drops for the Sedation of Children

Objective: In pediatric nuclear medicine efforts to reduce the distress of the child is essential. Sedation is indicated when other means are not sufficient. The choice of sedative and the route of administration are important issues. Midazolam administered intranasally has proven to be safe and efficient. In this study we have compared midazolam given as nasal drops with midazolam given as nasal spray. Methods: Of 376 children (age 0.5–15 yr), 233 received midazolam as nasal drops (0.3 mg/kg body weight) and 143 as nasal spray (0.2 mg/kg body weight) prior to venipuncture or during gamma camera examinations. The conditions for the procedures were judged on a four-level arbitrary scale. Results: Mean time to adequate sedation was 7 min in both groups. Conditions during procedures were significantly better after spray administration. Good or acceptable cooperation was recorded in 77.3% for nasal drops compared to 86.7% for nasal spray. Nasal discomfort was frequent, 28% and 39%, respectively, for drops and spray. Other side effects were rare and not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: This study shows that nasal administration of midazolam is an excellent alternative for sedation in pediatric nuclear medicine and that nasal spray is favorable to nasal drops.
Hantaviruses and Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

logical testing and autopsy findings did not indicate any known cause of acute respiratory illness and shock. Persons who were affected lived in rural areas of northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona, but there was no obvious epidemiologic connection between patients. Recognition and reporting of this outbreak led to an unprecedented multiagency response that involved the collaborative efforts of clinicians, field epidemiologists, biologists, laboratory researchers, and public health educators. Specimens from the patients were tested for a wide variety of agents at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [1]. Within 3 weeks of the recognition of the outbreak, the first evidence of the cause of illness was found. IgM and IgG antibodies to several hantaviruses were detected in the sera of patients with use of enzyme immunoassay (EIA), suggesting that illness was due to a previously unrecognized but serologically cross-reactive hantavirus. Additional evidence that a hantavirus was the etiologic agent accumulated in short order. Antigen was detected in the endothelia of multiple organs of these patients on immunohistochemical testing when a monoclonal antibody reactive with conserved hantaviral nucleoprotein epitopes was used, and hantaviral nucleotide sequences were detected in patient tissue specimens by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nichol and colleagues [2] confirmed that the etiologic agent was a unique hantavirus on the basis of results of nucleotide sequence analysis of RT-PCR-amplified viral genetic material. The respiratory illness associated with hantavirus infection has been designated hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) [3]. Clinical illness associated with hantavirus infection first
Preparation and Structure of Cu-W Multilayers

Sputtered multilayer samples of W and Cu have been prepared on a variety of substrates with nominal individual layer thicknesses ranging from about 5 to about 100 A. High angle X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) data have been obtained at room temperature on all of these samples. In addition, selected samples have been studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and by low and high angle XRD from room temperature to above the melting point of bulk Cu. XRD and TEM data indicate that the as-deposited multilayer samples are comprised of well-defined individual layers due, in part, to the very small mutual solubility of W and Cu. At high temperatures the existence of low angle scattering peaks as well as satellites about Bragg peaks indicates that the layered structure is not lost. As a result, the W-Cu multilayer system seems to be an interesting candidate for the study of the melting behavior of thin Cu layers.
On-chip drop-to-drop liquid microextraction coupled with real-time concentration monitoring technique

This paper demonstrates a novel drop-to-drop liquid−liquid micro-extraction (DTD-LLME) device, which is based on an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) digital microfluidic chip. Droplets of two immiscible liquids, one of which is an ionic liquid, are formed in nanoliter volumes, driven along electrodes, merged and mixed for extraction, and finally separated upon the completion of the extraction process. All the steps are carried out on a microfluidic chip using combined electrowetting and dielectrophoretic forces, which act on the droplet upon the application of electric potential. Specially, the phase separation of two immiscible nanoliter-scale liquid drops was achieved for the first time on an EWOD digital microfluidic chip. To study the on-chip extraction kinetics, an image-based concentration measurement technique with suitable color parameters was studied and compared with the typical UV absorption based technique. Finally, the effect of applied ac voltage frequency on the extraction kinetics was s...
Experiences Gained Creating a Biophysics Major at a Predominately Undergraduate Institution

Xavier University, a liberal arts predominately undergraduate institution (PUI) located in Cincinnati, OH, implemented a Biophysics major in the Department of Physics in spring 2012. The program is built upon foundational physics courses and is unique due to the possible selection of upper-division courses that students elect to take towards their undergraduate degree. A capstone course is offered to bring all prior knowledge in the fundamental sciences together to approach complex problems in biology. Due to the flexibility of the program, it serves students well who are interested in pursuing advanced degrees in Biophysics or Biomedical Engineering. It also offers students interested in the health professions an alternate path towards medical school which can be advantageous in the application process. This session will express some of the advantages and challenges to creating such a program at a liberal arts PUI and discuss the capstone course within the major.
Ion Irradiation Induced Amorphous to Quasicrystalline Transformation: Composition Dependence in the Almn System

Multilayered Al84Mn16 films ion irradiated with Xe at room temperature transform into an amorphous phase. Subsequent Xe ion irradiation at 150C transforms the amorphous to the quasicrystalline phase. The quasicrystalline structure may be formed in the composition range of 91 atomic % Al to 80 atomic % Al.
Possible role of pure human follicle-stimulating hormone in the treatment of severe male-factor infertility by assisted reproduction : preliminary report

Objective Experimental clinical trial assessing the potential of systemic follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to improve sperm fertilizing ability in in vitro fertilization (IVF). Design Retrospective clinical evaluation of severe male factor patients failing fertilization in IVF or showing severe sperm defects. Setting Academic tertiary clinical care unit. Patients, Participants Fourteen patients (41 cycles) who failed IVF, 22 patients (32 cycles) with severe quantitative and qualitative semen abnormalities indicating poor fertilization. Interventions Treatment: FSH 150 U IM three times a week for 3 months. Main Outcome Measure(s) Pretreatment and post-treatment evaluation of endocrine profile, basic semen analysis, and fertilization and pregnancy rates. Hypothesis: FSH treatment may improve spermatogenesis quality by its multiple actions on the Sertoli-gamete cell compartment without interfering with testicular hormonogenic function. Results No significant changes were observed in the endocrine profile or in semen parameters; individual cases showed improvements in sperm concentration and motility. Significant increase in fertilization rate of preovulatory oocytes was demonstrated; seven term pregnancies were achieved. Conclusions A multicenter randomized, double-blind trial with crossover is needed to demonstrate the benefit of systemic FSH administration and if this effect is FSH exclusive.
Novel blast furnace operation process involving charging with low-titanium vanadium–titanium magnetite carbon composite hot briquette

An innovative process of blast furnace (BF) operation involving charging with low-titanium vanadium–titanium magnetite carbon composite hot briquette (LVTM-CCB) was proposed for utilizing LVTM and conserving energy. In this study, the effect of LVTM-CCB charging ratio on the softening, melting, and dripping behaviors of the mixed burden was explored systemically, and the migration of valuable elements V and Cr was extensively investigated. The results show that with increasing LVTM-CCB charging ratio, the softening interval T40 − T4 increases from 146.1°C to 266.1°C, and the melting interval TD − TS first decreases from 137.2°C to 129.5°C and then increases from 129.5°C to 133.2°C. Moreover, the cohesive zone becomes narrower and then wider, and its location shifts slightly downward. In addition, the recovery ratios of V and Cr in dripped iron first increase and then decrease, reaching maximum values of 14.552% and 28.163%, respectively, when the charging ratio is 25%. A proper LVTM-CCB charging ratio would improve the softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden; however, Ti(C,N) would be generated rapidly in slag when the charging ratio exceeds 25%, which is not favorable for BF operation. When considering the comprehensive softening–melting behavior of the mixed burden and the recovery ratios of V and Cr, the recommended LVTM-CCB charging ratio is 20%.
Application of time-series model in forecasting the number of cases of measles

Objective To explore the advantages of time-series decomposition method combined with the ARIMA model othe simple use of the ARIMA model.Methods We compared the results of two methods by analyzing the 9-year measles data of Ningbo to predict the number of cases in 2013.Results ARIMA(2,0,0)(0,0,0)4model was constructed with significance of all parameter estimation and the model residuals white noise test(delay order 13,P=0.634)was also passed,which indicated that the model fit perfect.AIC、BIC and square sum of residuals were all smaller.Conclusions Combination of ARIMA model and time-series decomposition is better than the use of ARIMA model.
Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well: Mastery and Publicity

Although women writers offer important test cases for women’s negotiation of the public/private boundary, becoming the subject of public commentary rather than its author was a more common, and equally fraught, form of public exposure for early modern women. By delving into a set of ballads and a Shakespeare play that represent exposure of women’s privacy as both reward and punishment, this chapter explores popular literature’s portrayal of women’s notoriety at the turn of the seventeenth century. It is conventional in the period’s literature for female characters to shudder at the thought of becoming the subject of popular attention. Shakespeare has his Cleopatra envision with horror witnessing “Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness / I’ th’ posture of a whore” (5.2.220–21). Helena of All’s Well That Ends Well names her horror of being “traduc’d by odious ballads” (2.1.172). To become a notorious woman is the focus of both anxiety and ambition for the fallen women of ballad literature, a class of heroines easily recognizable in early modern literature but little noticed in modern criticism. Heroines including Jane Shore, Rosamond, Helen of Troy, and Cressida were icons representing an interlocking set of themes: notoriety as both a curse and a reward for fallen women, the sexual connotation of notoriety itself, and the complex dynamics of sympathy, identification, and revulsion linking audiences and heroines.
An Integrative Framework of Service Convenience, Service Consumption Experience, and Relational Exchange in Electronic Mediated Environment (EME)

The purpose of this study is to provide insights into consumers’ perception of service convenience and services consumption experience (conceptualized as two second-order formative constructs) and their potential influence on the development of long-term exchange relationship among consumers and service providers in the context of E-Services or broadly Services in the Electronic Meditated Environment (EME). A comprehensive research framework is developed. Analyses of data from 1,250 U.S. consumers, with at least six months or more experience in consuming services in EME, reveal that service convenience and service consumption experience significantly influence consumers’ long term relationship development with service providers in EME. Suggestions for future research and implications are discussed.
Screening for Breast Cancer in Women With Dense Breasts

Abstract High breast density or dense breasts is a common risk factor for breast cancer that increases the false-negative and false-positive rate of mammography. Supplemental screening in women with dense breasts and a negative screening mammogram may facilitate early cancer detection and reduce mortality from breast cancer. This chapter reviews the literature on the test characteristics and clinical outcomes of supplemental screening of women with dense breasts with the four most commonly used modalities: hand-held ultrasound, automatic breast ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Ultrasound identifies an additional 2–3 cancers per 1000 women screened, but has a high recall rate and benign biopsy rate, and a low positive predictive value for cancer following biopsy (PPV3 ~7%). The data for breast MRI primarily reflect studies in very high-risk women. It has the highest cancer detection rate and maintains a PPV3 of about 25%, which is comparable to that of mammography overall; however, the technology is invasive, time-consuming, and costly for widespread use in the general population. DBT holds promise as a replacement of digital mammography for primary screening, but has limited data available addressing its effectiveness at reducing interval cancer rates in women with dense breasts. The rate of additional cancers detected by DBT is similar to ultrasound, but it has a much lower recall rate and a PPV3 of about 25% in women with dense breasts. No studies demonstrated a reduction in breast cancer mortality or the incidence of advanced stage breast cancer. Risk assessment can be used to target supplemental screening to those who have the most potential to benefit.
Educational Equity Demands Empathy

An educator finds empathy is key to conntecting students with each other and with their instructors.
Modelling and Characterization of Ohmic Contact Resistances in Submicron Gate-Length Modulation-Doped Field-Effect Transistor

A multiple layer transmission line (MTL) model has been developed for the planar source and drain ohmic contacts as encountered in modulation-doped FET's. Detailed current and voltage distributions under the MTL system have been obtained by numerical solutions of the coupled differential equations, and the effects of the resistivity parameters on the series resistance have been investigated by the “spice” network simulation. Experimental results obtained from submicron gate-length MODFET's based on the ‘gate-probe’ method, and a new small-signal two-trans-conductance measurement scheme are also presented.
Dental Caries Experience in Texan Children with Cleft Lip and Palate.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the caries experience in the primary dentition of children born with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on subjects between two and six years old recruited from a university-based pediatric dentistry residency clinic. The number of dental visits and professional fluoride applications, the plaque index and treatment modality, and the presence/location of caries, white spot lesions, and enamel hypoplastic lesions were compared between CLP patients and healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Descriptive statistics, Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and regression analysis were completed. Results A total of 183 charts were reviewed. Compared to healthy children, CLP children had increases in number of dental visits (P 0.05). Conclusions Children with cleft lip and palate are at a greater risk of enamel hypoplasia and dental caries. No significant caries experience difference was found between unilateral or bilateral CLP cases.
Impaired norepinephrine regulation of monocyte inflammatory cytokine balance in heart failure.

Impaired norepinephrine regulation of monocyte inflammatory cytokine balance in heart failure
Emergent Lévy behavior in single-cell stochastic gene expression.

Single-cell gene expression is inherently stochastic; its emergent behavior can be defined in terms of the chemical master equation describing the evolution of the mRNA and protein copy numbers as the latter tends to infinity. We establish two types of "macroscopic limits": the Kurtz limit is consistent with the classical chemical kinetics, while the Levy limit provides a theoretical foundation for an empirical equation proposed in N. Friedman et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 168302 (2006)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.97.168302. Furthermore, we clarify the biochemical implications and ranges of applicability for various macroscopic limits and calculate a comprehensive analytic expression for the protein concentration distribution in autoregulatory gene networks. The relationship between our work and modern population genetics is discussed.
Invisible families, invisible conflicts: Examining the added layer of work-family conflict for employees with LGB families

Abstract Despite the prominent place of work-family conflict (WFC) research in organizational psychology, surprisingly little is known about the WFC experiences of individuals who belong to LGB families. We argue that challenging heteronormative assumptions of “family” by examining the WFC experiences of employees with LGB families may reveal an added layer of conflict that has been previously unexplored. Based on a qualitative study of fifty-three employees in same-sex relationships, we develop new theory regarding the additional WFCs and associated family identity management behaviors and psychological strains faced by LGB employees who perceive their family identity to be stigmatized at work. Our analysis suggests that the work and family domains often conflict in unique ways for employees with LGB family structures, resulting in added strains that are not experienced by those with heterosexual family structures. We propose the concept of stigma-based WFC to capture the additional WFCs experienced by members of LGB families. We conclude by highlighting implications and avenues for future research.
Absolute Fluorescence Yields by Thermal Blooming: Fluorescein and Cresyl Violet

We have used the thermal blooming technique [1,2] to measure the absolute quantum yield for fluorescence of strongly luminescent molecules in dilute liquid solution. We tested the method on the fluorescence standard disodium fluorescein in 0.1 N aqueous sodium hydroxide at concentrations below 10-5 M, for which we found ϕf = 0.95 ± 0.03. We also studied the laser dye cresyl violet Perchlorate in three solvents, methanol, nitrobenzene, and glycerol. We found ϕf = 0.51 ± 0.04, independent of solvent. We tested the applicability of the method over a two decade range of concentrations of the dye in methanol, from 6.8 × 10-6 M to 6.8 × 10-4 M, and detected no significant variation in ϕf.
Implementing trauma-informed care at a non-profit human service agency in Alaska: assessing knowledge, attitudes, and readiness for change.

Purpose This study assessed the critical aspect of individual staff attitudes and readiness for change within staff at a non-profit human service organization in Anchorage, Alaska, committed to adopting trauma-informed care (TIC). Organizational research has highlighted that staff attitudes and readiness impact the success of change efforts. Method An online survey was used to measure staff knowledge about trauma, attitudes toward TIC, and readiness for change. Results A significant finding was that attitudes favorable toward TIC were positively associated with higher readiness for change. Discussion Human service organizations have sought to become more responsive to the needs of clients that have experienced trauma by adopting TIC. Prior to change efforts, it is critical that organizations consider staff readiness. Conclusion As awareness about the prevalence and impact of trauma is increasing, these significant findings have implications for other agencies adopting TIC.
Current and emerging therapies for migraine prevention and treatment

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses current and emerging strategies for migraine prevention and treatment in the light of the understanding of migraine pathophysiology. Discoveries in the field of migraine genetics, functional imaging, trigeminovascular pharmacology and physiology, and the biochemistry of events preceding and during migraine headache have become interwoven into a sophisticated integrated hypothesis that provides a framework for the understanding of antimigraine agents and the generation of new hypotheses to fuel the discovery of the next generation of acute and prophylactic antimigraine therapeutics. While the efficacy of current prophylactic medications has been established based on serendipity more than rational drug design, recent research has focused on the characterization of pathophysiological events leading to a migraine attack. This research has followed three main directions: (1) the study of biochemical and physiological processes leading to the development of neurogenic dural inflammation in animal models; (2) imaging studies of migraine patients during the aura phase of “classic” migraine; and (3) analysis of the genetic traits associated with different migraine subtypes. The chapter summarizes some of these findings and examines their clinical implications for emerging drug treatments.
Pharmacological Interventions for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

The purpose of this chapter is to review the current evidence base for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with pharmacological agents. For the most part, the scope of this review is limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacotherapies, although where such data are sparse or nonexistent for specific agents, other evidence (e.g., open-label trials) will be included. Pharmacotherapy whose goal is to prevent the occurrence of PTSD shortly after trauma exposure is covered in another chapter in this volume (see the chapter by Pitman, this volume). Cognitive and behavioral treatments are also covered in another chapter in this volume (see the chapter by Bryant, this volume). However, brief commentary on the use of combined (i.e., pharmacological and psychological) treatments is provided here.
History of Microbiology

Microbiology as a field is defined by the size range of its objects of interest and thus relies on both instrumentation and interpretation of the unseen. The history of microbiology is one of the linked advances in laboratory technology and biological insights. The disparate organisms, their ecology, biology, chemistry, and physiology as well as their genetic mechanisms have provided key insights into other areas of science, including medicine, agriculture, fermentations, metabolism, food processing, and genetics. The interplay of these insights has had a major role in the progress of biological thought over the past several centuries.
The Effect of Assimmetry on Rapid Bubble Growth and Collapse in Non-Newtonian Fluids

There are numerous practical and fundamental motivations for study of time dependent behavior of bubble growth and collapse in non-Newtonian liquids. The former are associated with the subject of cavitation.
A Stable Ultrahigh Extinction Silicon Photonic Amplitude Modulator

We demonstrate the ultrahigh extinction operation of a silicon photonic (SiP) amplitude modulator (AM) employing a cascaded Mach-Zehnder interferometer. By carrying out optimization sweeps without significantly degrading the extinction, the SiP AM is robust to environment changes and maintained >52 dB extinction for >6 hrs.
Describe NMR relaxation by anomalous rotational or translational diffusion

This paper employs the general time-space fractional diffusion equation to derive correlation time function for analyzing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation. Both the anomalous rotational and translational diffusion are treated. NMR relaxation time affected by various Hamilton interactions such as dipolar or quadrupolar couplings can be calculated from the Mittag-Leffler type time correlation and their corresponded spectral density functions obtained. Additionally, to verify the results, the theoretical expressions are applied to fit reported experimental data of NMR quadrupolar coupling relaxation of head-to-head poly(propylene) (hhPP) in a polymer blend. The fitting is excellent and more convenient than the fitting utilizing the traditional modified Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) formalism. Further, it is found that the temperature dependence behavior of the segmental dynamics in anomalous diffusion may obey a different Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) expression. The paper proposes new, general formalisms for analyzing various NMR relaxation experiments in macromolecular systems.
Hero or Villain? The Treason Trial of Aaron Burr (1807)

Aaron Burr, U.S. Senator and Vice President of the United States, has long been confined to the outer edges of the founding generation for three principal reasons: his aggressive reputation for political office and fame; the so-called Burr conspiracy, his alleged attempt to create an empire in what became the western United States; and his treason trial, 1807, when Chief Justice John Marshall, who presided as a trial court judge, acquitted him. Burr claimed he was an American patriot, attempting to secure America’s borders and expand the new nation westward to ensure its stability and growth. This essay investigates the charges against Burr and his trial to determine the major questions left open that establish whether he was a hero or a villain.
When Do Clinicians Follow-up Abnormal Liver Tests in Primary Care?

ABSTRACT Background Many guidelines addressing the approach to abnormal liver chemistries, including bilirubin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, recommend repeating the tests. However, when clinicians repeat testing is unknown. Material and Methods This retrospective study followed adult patients with abnormal liver chemistries in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) from 2007 to 2016. All PCMH patients possessing at least 1 abnormal liver test (total bilirubin, aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase) were included. Patients were followed from the index abnormal liver chemistry until the next liver test result, or the end of the study period. The primary predictor variable of interest was the number of abnormal chemistries (out of 4) on index testing. Demographic and clinical variables served as other potential predictors of outcome. A Cox proportional hazards model was applied to investigate associations between the predictor variables and the time to repeat liver chemistry testing. Results Of 9,545 patients with at least 2 PCMH visits and 1 liver test abnormality, 6,489 (68%) obtained repeat testing within 1 year, and 80% of patients had follow-up tests within 2 years. Patients with multiple abnormal liver tests and those with higher degrees of abnormality were associated with shorter time to repeat testing. Conclusions A large proportion of patients with abnormal liver tests still lack repeat testing at 1 year. The number of liver abnormal liver tests and degree of elevation were inversely associated with the time to repeat testing.
Prolonged Solitary Confinement of a Pretrial Detainee

In Williamson v. Stirling , 912 F.3d 154 (4th Cir. 2018), the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the district court erred in granting summary judgment based on qualified immunity to two officials involved in a pretrial detainee's extended period of solitary confinement. The Fourth Circuit
Risk of Mortality with Paclitaxel Drug-Coated Balloon in De Novo Coronary Artery Disease.

Abstract A recent meta-analysis showed increased mortality with paclitaxel drug-coated balloons (PCB) in peripheral arterial disease. With the absence of a definitive study evaluating the risk of mortality with PCB in de novo coronary artery disease, we performed a systematic review and critical appraisal of the literature analyzing this risk. In this review, we included 17 trials with a total of 1573 patients. Cardiac mortality was reported in 16 studies and all-cause mortality in 14 studies. Eleven studies had A recent meta-analysis showed increased mortality with paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (PCB) in peripheries. No studies to date evaluate the risk of mortality with PCB in de novo coronary artery disease. In this systematic review and critical appraisal of literature, we outline why the risk cannot be elucidated from the available literature. A standard meta-analysis using inverse variance method would be incorrect to use, as mortality is a time-to-event data point, and only 1 out of 17 studies reported a Kaplan-Meier survival plot.
EFFECT OF BROMOCRIPTINE TREATMENT ON LEFT AND RIGHT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION IN PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but devastating cause of heart failure in peripartum women. At the time of diagnosis, approximately one-third of patients exhibit right ventricular (RV) dysfunction on echocardiography. Improvement in RV function has been associated with subsequent left
Evolving cervical imaging technologies to predict preterm birth.

Preterm birth, defined as delivery at less than 37 weeks’ gestation, increases maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality and places heavy financial and emotional burdens on families and society. Although premature cervical remodeling is a major factor in many preterm deliveries, how and why this occurs is poorly understood. This review describes existing and emerging imaging techniques and their advantages and disadvantages in assessing cervical remodeling. Brightness mode (B-mode) ultrasound is used to measure the cervical length, currently the gold standard for determining risk of preterm birth. Several new B-mode ultrasound techniques are being developed, including measuring attenuation, cervical gland area, and the cervical consistency index. Shear wave speed can differentiate between soft (ripe) and firm (unripe) cervices by measuring the speed of ultrasound through a tissue. Elastography provides qualitative information regarding cervical stiffness by compressing the tissue with the ultrasound probe. Raman spectroscopy uses a fiber optic probe to assess the biochemical composition of the cervix throughout pregnancy. Second harmonic generation microscopy uses light to quantify changes in collagen fiber structure and size during cervical maturation. Finally, photoacoustic endoscopy records light-induced sound to determine optical characteristics of cervical tissue. In the long term, a combination of several imaging approaches, combined with consideration of clinical epidemiologic characteristics, will likely be required to accurately predict preterm birth.
Effects of monensin inclusion and level of intake in limit-feeding strategies for beef cows.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of intake management and ionophore inclusion on diet utilization under managed intake conditions in beef cattle. Two experiments utilized common diets fed at 120% (H) or 80% (L) of maintenance with either 0 or 200 mg/d monensin in a factorial arrangement. Forty cows were fed for 56 d (Exp. 1) to evaluate effects on diet utilization and energy retention; diets were fed to 16 ruminally cannulated steers (Exp. 2) to determine effects on digestion, energy value, and ruminal fermentation. Cows fed H had greater body weight (BW) gain (P 0.15) but did reduce passage rate (P < 0.03). Monensin lowered (P < 0.01) acetate:propionate ratio and increased (P < 0.05) ruminal pH. Monensin did not alter feed required for maintenance; however, limit-feeding reduced apparent daily maintenance requirement to 62.85 kcal/kg BW0.75, a 26% reduction from model-predicted values.
A longitudinal examination of temporal and iterative relationships among learner engagement dimensions during online discussion

Scholars have examined how students feel, behave, and think when engaged in asynchronous online discussion (AOD), which has become a prevalent means of collaborative learning in higher education. However, few have considered the impact of time on these learning-related dimensions, partly due to reliance on self-reported instruments that are not sufficient to measure the temporal, changeable, and iterative relationships among learning-related dimensions during online conversation. The purpose of the current study was to use learning analytics to investigate longitudinally the relationships among learning-related emotions, learner participation level, and cognitive effort of students. Analysis of system-stored student data from 56 students enrolled in a wiki-based, blended undergraduate writing course revealed that positive or negative expressed emotions led to higher participation in ongoing discussions and that participation level predicted the rate of change in textual revision. These findings not only confirm theories of learner engagement but also demonstrate the viability of trace data and their potential in educational research and practice.