cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHANGES IN INLET OFFSET DUE TO STABILIZATION

Available evidence indicates southward littoral transport through the Mem'mack Embayment. In apparent contradiction, the beach on the southern (Plum Island) side of the inlet has built seaward of the updrift beach. This phenomenon is related to a balance between storm and fair weather conditions. Wave observations under a variety of surf conditions show that during storms, sand is transported southward along the face of the nearshore bar fronting Plum Island. During calm periods sand is moved northward along the beach until it is trapped by the southern jetty and removed from the then active tidal current transfer system. Using discharge data and wave measurements from the Merrimack Inlet area, Bruun's bypassing coefficient (r = Qis/Qmax. where Qis is the longshore transport rate in M-fyyr and Qmax is the maximum inlet discharge in M^/sec) was computed for storm and fair weather conditions. During storms, the bar bypassing observed in the field was clearly indicated. During calmer periods tidal current transfer was predicted. This relationship is considered only an approximation as it does not consider many important physical parameters (grain size, nearshore slope, wave type, etc.).
An Analysis on Epidemic Characteristics of Hand-foot-mouth Disease in Henan Province from 2008 to 2012

Objective To find out the epidemiological characteristics and pathogen type of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD)in Henan province in order to provide scientific evidence for making prevention and control strategies.Methods Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to describe the epidemic characteristics of HFMD in Henan province from 2008 to 2012 and analytical statistical methods were used to analyze the pathogen-detecting results.Results 33872 HFMD cases were reported in Henan province from 2008 to 2012 and the morbidities for the five years were 12.63/100000,107.82/100000,101.97/100000,63.44/100000 and 73.28/100000,respectively.68.27 % of the total cases were attacked from March to June and 87.61 % of the total cases were 3 years old and younger children.Among 23213 laboratory diagnosed cases,the positive rates of EV71,CA16 and other enteroviruses were 62.43 %,12.97 % and 24.60 %,respectively.There were significantly statistical differences in the positive rates of EV71,CA16 and other enteroviruses in different years(x2=819.68,P0.05).Conclusion The morbidity of HFMD in Henan province dropped every year from 2008 to 2012.There was obvious seasonality in disease prevalence and Scattered children were main attacked people.The main pathogens were EV71 and CA16,furthermore,EV71 was the dominant type.
Multiscale Modeling of Mechanotransduction Processes in Flow-Induced Platelet Activation

Shear induced platelet activation is the major cause of thrombus formation in cardiovascular diseases and prosthetic devices. A novel multiscale modeling approach based on discrete particle methods permits the investigation of such complex phenomena by coupling the macroscopic flow conditions with the cellular and molecular effects of platelet activation. However, such a modeling approach poses a major computational challenge, where a typical simulation involves the computation and communication of millions of particles. The large computational requirement was fulfilled with the assistance of the state of the art high performance computing facilities. In this paper, we first present our multiscale model of shear-induced platelet activation, where the blood plasma and platelet were modeled by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), and coarse grained molecular dynamics (CGMD), respectively. We then employ the blood plasma-platelet interaction model to study the platelet flipping dynamics and mechanotransduction process of platelet activation. To achieve the best performance of our model on supercomputers, we conduct the performance analysis by scaling our blood plasma model with 20 million particles to 10, 000 CPU cores on Sunway bluelight system. The simulation results suggest that our multiscale model of shear-induced platelet activation can fully achieve fluid-platelet interaction across micro-and nano-scales, and can achieve good strong scalability running on the system with large number of processors.
Description of a facility for vapor clearing rates studies of ife reactors flibe liquid chambers

The design and operating characteristics of the ALICE (Advanced Liquid Ionized Condensation Experiment) facility at UCLA are here presented. The goal of this vapor condensation experiment is to rapidly generate an IFE prototypical post-shot vapor density in a control volume using characteristic liquid chamber material (flibe, Li 2 BeF 4 ), and investigate the condensation rates for the proposed schemes. This experimental goal is achieved by: 1) a pulsed electrothermal plasma source that simulates the pellet explosion for rapid vapor generation and 2) an expansion chamber that represents the IFE liquid chamber. This paper reports also on the construction and operation of a furnace for flibe casting. Melting and handling procedures connected with the use of flibe are also discussed. The first flibe liner has been inserted in the plasma source. Results from the first low energy experiments are showed.
Clinical Basis and Use of an Automated ICU Testing System

Tools for monitoring respiration to prevent accidents and to detect catastrophic failures are still in their infancy. These tools are essential, however, because the relative danger of accidental airway disconnection or ventilator malfunction increases directly with a patient’s dependence on ventilator support. The most dependent patients have drug or disease induced muscle paralysis and cannot develop spontaneous ventilatory force. At the other extreme, patients on intermittent mandatory ventilation (IMV) require only a small number of breaths per minute to supplement their own ventilatory effort. A continuous monitor of expiratory volume, respiratory rate, and airway pressure is needed to prevent catastrophic failures. Unfortunately, this full mix has rarely been available, principally because of the unreliability of airflow sensors .
Quality of life of older African American breast cancer survivors: a population-based study.

Introduction Factors associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among older African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCS) have not been elucidated.
Racial Identity in Online Spaces: Social Media’s Impact on Students of Color

College students are frequent social media users. Heightened racial tensions across college campuses and the United States have increased the volume of racial discourse on social media, suggesting a need to understand social media’s influence on how students make meaning of race. Using symbolic interactionism and racial identity theories, this qualitative study examined the social media engagement of 10 undergraduate students of Color and its impact on their understanding of race and racial identity.
Psychometric Properties of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool-Chronic Pain Version in Families of Children With Headache

Children with headache disorders are at increased psychosocial risk, and no validated screening measures exist to succinctly assess for risk. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool-Chronic Pain, a previously adapted screening measure of risk, in a retrospective sample of families of children diagnosed with headaches. Participants included 127 children and caregivers presenting for behavioral health evaluation of headache. Children and their primary caregivers completed several psychosocial assessment measures. Internal consistency for the Psychosocial Assessment Tool-Chronic Pain total score was high (α = 0.80), and all subscale scores had moderate to high internal consistency (α = 0.597-0.88), with the exception of the caregiver beliefs subscale (α = 0.443). The total score and the majority of subscale scores on the Psychosocial Assessment Tool-Chronic Pain were correlated with caregiver- and child-reported scores on study measures. The results demonstrate that the Psychosocial Assessment Tool-Chronic Pain has adequate psychometric properties, and because of the brief administration time, ease of scoring, and accessibility of the measure, it is a promising measure of screening for psychosocial risk in this population.
Evidence-Based Social Skills Groups for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan

Deficits in social interaction and communication skills are the common impairment shared by all individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), regardless of cognitive or language ability (Carter, Davis, Klin, & Volkmar, 2005). Broadly, social deficits often observed across the autism spectrum and throughout the lifespan include poor social communication and impaired social cognition. These social impairments do not appear to improve as a result of development or maturation; in fact, when left untreated, they can become more apparent during adolescence and adulthood with the increasing complexity and demands of social interactions (Laushey & Heflin, 2000; White, Keonig & Scahill, 2007; Schall & McDonough, 2010).
Preventive care utilization: Association with individual- and workgroup-level policy and practice perceptions

Preventive medical care may reduce downstream medical costs and reduce population burden of disease. However, although social, demographic, and geographic determinants of preventive care have been studied, there is little information about how the workplace affects preventive care utilization. This study examines how four types of organizational policies and practices (OPPs) are associated with individual workers' preventive care utilization. We used data collected in 2012 from 838 hospital patient care workers, grouped in 84 patient care units at two hospitals in Boston. Via survey, we assessed individuals' perceptions of four types of OPPs on their work units. We linked the survey data to a database containing detailed information on medical expenditures. Using multilevel models, we tested whether individual-level perceptions, workgroup-average perceptions, and their combination were associated with individual workers' preventive care utilization (measured by number of preventive care encounters over a two-year period). Adjusting for worker characteristics, higher individual-level perceptions of workplace flexibility were associated with greater preventive care utilization. Higher average unit-level perceptions of people-oriented culture, ergonomic practices, and flexibility were associated with greater preventive care utilization. Overall, we find that workplace policies and practices supporting flexibility, ergonomics, and people-oriented culture are associated with positive preventive care-seeking behavior among workers, with some policies and practices operating at the individual level and some at the group level. Improving the work environment could impact employers' health-related expenditures and improve workers' health-related quality of life.
Role of actin in regulation of epithelial sodium channels by CFTR

Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway epithelia exhibit enhanced Na+ reabsorption in parallel with diminished Cl- secretion. We tested the hypothesis that actin plays a role in the regulation of a cloned epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) by the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We found that immunopurified bovine tracheal CFTR coreconstituted into a planar lipid bilayer with alpha,beta,gamma-rat ENaC (rENaC) decreased single-channel open probability (Po) of rENaC in the presence of actin by over 60%, a significantly greater effect than was observed in the absence of actin (approximately 20%). In the presence of actin, protein kinase A plus ATP activated both CFTR and rENaC, but CFTR was activated in a sustained manner, whereas the activation of rENaC was transitory. ATP alone could also activate ENaC transiently in the presence ofactin but had no effect on CFTR. Stabilizing short actin filaments at a fixed length with gelsolin (at a ratio to actin of 2:1) produced a sustained activation of alpha,beta,gamma-rENaC in both the presence or absence of CFTR. Gelsolin alone (i.e., in the absence of actin) had no effect on the conductance or Po of either CFTR or rENaC. We have also found that short actin filaments produced their modulatory action on alpha-rENaC independent of the presence of the beta- or gamma-rENaC subunits. In contrast, CFTR did not affect any properties of the channel formed by alpha-rENaC alone, i.e., in the absence of beta- or gamma-rENaC. These results indicate that CFTR can directly downregulate single Na+ channel activity, which may account for the observed differences between Na+ transport in normal and CF-affected airway epithelia. Moreover, the presence of actin confers an enhanced modulatory ability of CFTR on Na+ channels.
Multicriteria Decision Aid Techniques

Decision aids are computer systems intended to assist users in analyzing tradeoffs in their decisions. Some of the methods implemented in decision aids have been tested over a series of past experiments conducted by the authors. This paper presents the authors’ evaluation of the methods with respect to cognitive complexity. Decision aids must be easy to understand and use if they are to be implemented by nonspecialists. The need for improved sensitivity and recognition of cultural differences were cited as needed areas of development. The importance of methods to support learning was emphasized as an area in need of research activity.
On a Spline-Based Fast Integral Wavelet Transform Algorithm

Multiresolution properties of the cardinal B-splines and the high-degree of vanishing moments of their corresponding B-wavelets, along with the flexibility and near-optimality of their time-frequency windows, make them suitable for the time-frequency analysis of signals consisting of a wide range of frequency components. In most of the applications, one needs to compute the integral wavelet transform (IWT) of the signal only at certain scales. The standard wavelet decomposition algorithm (sometimes called the fast wavelet transform (FWT) algorithm), based on certain digital samples, say s(k/2 N ), k ∈ ℤ, of a signal s(t), can be applied with real-time capability to give the IWT values of s(t) on the scale levels a = 2−j , and j ≤ N - 1. However, this information on the IWT of s(t), on such a sparse set of dyadic points (k/2 j , 1/2 j ) in the time-scale domain, is sometimes insufficient to give the desirable time-frequency analysis of the function s(t).
A RECONSIDERATION OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE EMOTION LEXICON

This study replicated a pile sort task involving 135 emotion terms originally presented by Shaver, Schwartz, Kirson, and O'Connor (1987) with a slight change in procedures, from an unconstrained single-sort task to a constrained successive-sort task, made necessary by methodological problems during their data analysis. Subjects (86 male and female undergraduates) were asked to assign names to their piles during the successive stages of sorting. This change produced a hierarchical cluster analysis solution supporting interpretations other than the prototype structure found by Shaver et al. Decision criteria reported by subjects during sorting were described and revealed dimensions reported by previous investigators, suggesting that this is a viable method of determining dimensions important in distinguishing emotion terms.
INFLUENCE OF DYNAMIC PRESSURE ON SINTERABILITY OF SHOCK-CONDITIONED TiC POWDERS

Shock-conditioned powders of TiC were produced at two levels of nominal shock pressure (5.0 and 10.6 GPa) by planar impact of an explosively driven flyer plate on a steel-encapsulated powder compact. The shocked powders were characterized, then comminuted and reconstituted as small cylindrical compacts (D0>0.68). Sinterability of the compacts was continuously monitored by precision digital dilatometry to 1873K, carried out in a purified flowing atmosphere of argon, 4%H2 from 293 to 1273K, and thereafter, to 1873K in pure argon. Densification behavior and microstructural development to Df > 0.93 are presented, and related to the shock treatments imposed.
The Importance of Marine Predators in the Provisioning of Ecosystem Services by Coastal Plant Communities

Food web theory predicts that current global declines in marine predators could generate unwanted consequences for many marine ecosystems. In coastal plant communities (kelp, seagrass, mangroves, and salt marsh), several studies have documented the far-reaching effects of changing predator populations. Across coastal ecosystems, the loss of marine predators appears to negatively affect coastal plant communities and the ecosystem services they provide. Here, we discuss some of the documented and suspected effects of predators on coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and the stability and resilience of coastal plant communities. In addition, we present a meta-analysis to assess the strength and direction of trophic cascades in kelp forests, seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves. We demonstrate that the strength and direction of trophic cascades varied across ecosystem types, with predators having a large positive effect on plants in salt marshes, a moderate positive effect on plants in kelp and mangroves, and no effect on plants in seagrasses. Our analysis also identified that there is a paucity of literature on trophic cascades for all four coastal plant systems, but especially seagrass and mangroves. Our results demonstrate the crucial role of predators in maintaining coastal ecosystem services, but also highlights the need for further research before large-scale generalizations about the prevalence, direction, and strength of trophic cascade in coastal plant communities can be made.
Ge-on-Si Waveguide Photodiode Array for High-Power Applications

A Ge-on-Si photodiode (PD) array is demonstrated using the AIM Photonics silicon foundry. The array with 4 PDs has a low dark current of 0.3 μΑ at −2 V, 0.58 A/W external responsivity, a 3-dB bandwidth of 15 GHz and an RF saturation power of 7 dBm.
The state of carbon footprint calculators: An evaluation of calculator design and user interaction features

Abstract The individual carbon footprint has become a widely used concept for communicating both the causes of climate change and the many opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to standardized greenhouse gas equivalencies and carbon-intensity metrics for everyday activities, many organizations have created online carbon footprint calculators, often with a great deal of input categories and user customization. This particular study critically examines the state of online carbon footprint calculators that target the individual. A calculator Feature Index was developed using guidance from carbon calculator literature and an extensive review of common calculator features and architecture. This index was then applied to 31 online carbon footprint calculators, summarized in heat index tables and scores generated using radar plot methodology. Overall trends are identified and specific lessons are taken from the cluster of six calculators with highest Feature Index scores. Finally, this review of performance features is paired with a survey of individuals concerning their interactions with online carbon footprint calculators. Using this feedback and the performance evaluation indices, recommendations are made for improving carbon footprint calculator design.
High work absence around time of diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is associated with fatigue and relapse rate.

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with high rates of disability pension and work absence. Little is known about work absence in early MS. The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the prevalence of work absence shortly after MS diagnosis, (2) to explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and disease impact in relation to work absence and (3) to investigate demographic and clinical factors that may be associated with high work absence. Methods Patients with relapsing remitting (RRMS) or primary progressive MS (PPMS) were included shortly after MS diagnosis. We collected data on work absence due to MS in the year prior to inclusion, disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale), relapse rate, fatigue (Neurological Fatigue Index), health-related quality of life (HRQoL, 36-Item Short Form Survey) and disease impact (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale). For analysis, patients were divided in 2 groups: low work absence ( Results In total, 90 MS patients participated (80 RRMS, 10 PPMS, mean age = 39.3 years, median disease duration since diagnosis = 0.5 year). Work absence in the year prior to inclusion was reported by 66 patients (73.3%). High work absence of ≥ 1 month was reported by 41 patients (45.6%). Disability, gender, age, disease duration and education did not differ between groups. Patients with high work absence reported a lower HRQoL and higher disease impact compared to patients with low work absence. Backward regression analysis showed that high work absence is associated with being single/not married, fatigue and relapses. The strongest association was found for fatigue (highest fatigue vs. lowest fatigue level: OR total group = 7.8, RRMS = 15.8). In RRMS patients the second-strongest association was relapse rate (≥2 relapses in the past year vs. no relapses: OR 11.1). Conclusion Prevalence of work absence is high in early MS. Patients with high work absence report a lower HRQoL and a higher disease impact. High work absence is associated with being single/not married, fatigue and relapses. Interventions aimed at fatigue and prevention of relapses may help maintain employment in early MS.
Three Reflections on Banking Regulations and Cross-Border Financial Flows

Edwin Truman discusses the incidence of banking crises and concludes that there is no reason to expect an end to financial crises in the future. Moreover, he argues that financial reforms in recent years may have had the effect of increasing the severity of those crises that will occur by preventing the occurrence of smaller crises. Second, he finds that capital controls can be of use but not as a rule for all countries in all circumstances. Although a sudden stop of capital flows often precede crises they are not the underlying cause. Instead, there is greed on the part of borrowers and lenders that turns into fear when a disturbance occurs. Thus capital flow management controls, although often desirable, are not a panacea. Moreover, the authorities may find it difficult to distinguish between good and bad types of banking flows and over time capital controls will be evaded and become distortionary. Finally, Truman explores the possibility of major countries taking into account the effect of their policies on others but is not hopeful that central banks can deviate much from the local mandates.
A Family Perspective: Caregiving and Family Contexts of Children with an Incarcerated Parent

A growing body of research evidence suggests that as a group, children with incarcerated parents face unique challenges that can contribute to poor developmental outcomes and the reproduction of disadvantage. Yet how a parent’s incarceration impacts children can vary widely and may depend largely on the ways in which children’s caregiving scenarios and the quality of their family relationships are altered as a result of a parent’s criminal justice involvement. Utilizing a family perspective, which considers the collateral consequences of parental incarceration for children and their caregivers, we examine resource adequacy, caregiver and family stability, and the quality of care children receive. We conclude with a discussion of intervention and policy implications aimed at strengthening children’s family contexts and enhancing positive developmental and parenting trajectories.
Reoxygenation Induces Premature Senescence of FA Hematopoietic Progenitor/Stem Cells through a Pathway Involving ATM, P53, and P21CIP1/WAF1.

Hematopoietic cells are often exposed to transient hypoxia as they develop and migrate between blood and tissues. We sought to test the role of continuous cycles of hypoxia and reoxygenation in the pathogenesis of bone marrow failure in Fanconi anemia (FA). We isolated Lin− BM cells from wild-type (WT) and Fancc −/− mice, and subjected them to two cycles of hypoxic (1% O2) then reoxygenation (20% O2). Expansion of Fancc −/− Lin− BM cells was significantly decreased in response to the oxidative stress of reoxygenation, as compared with WT Lin− BM cells (1.3 vs. 4.9-fold by day 6, respectively). This inhibition was attributable to a marked decrease of Fancc − / − progenitor (Lin− ScaI− c-kit+) cells, as well as a slower expansion of Fancc − / − stem (Lin− ScaI+ c-kit+) cells than the WT stem cells following reoxygenation. Fancc − / − Lin− BM cells transduced with FANCC retroviruses exhibited a significant growth advantage to untransduced cells, particularly in hypoxia and reoxygenation conditions where the predominance of FANCC/GFP+ progenitors was observed in both the short-term liquid culture and clonogenic assays. There was no evidence of increased apoptotic death in these reoxygenated Fancc − / − BM progenitor and stem cells compared to their WT counterparts, as assessed by a flow cytometric method for caspase 3 activation (early apoptosis). Interestingly, evaluation of the apoptotic profile and cell cycle of stroma-supported long-term BM culture (LTBMC; two weeks after second reoxygenation) revealed that reoxygenated Fancc − / − LTBMC cells had reduced apoptosis compared to reoxygenated short-term culture. However, a vast majority (70.6%) of reoxygenated Fancc − / − LTBMC cells was residing in the G + G1 phases compared with 55.8% in WT LTBMC cells. Fancc − / − LTBMC cells stained intensely for SA-b-galactosidase activity, a biomarker for senescence; this was associated with increased expression of senescence-associated proteins p53 and p21CIP1/WAF1 and to a lesser extent, p16INK4A. Moreover, reoxygenation-induced phosphorylation of p53ser15 was dependent on the ATM kinase but not ATR, as inhibition of ATM signaling by the kinase inhibitor 2-aminopurine or siRNA knockdown of ATM decreased p53ser15 phosphorylation and reduced cell senescence. Taken together, these results suggest that reoxygenation induces premature senescence in Fancc − / − BM hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells by signaling through the ATM to p53, upregulating p21 and causing senescent cell cycle arrest. In addition, reoxygenation-induced premature senescence may be a novel mechanism underlying hematopoietic stem cell depletion and BM failure in FA. <B style=%
Evasion of Innate and Intrinsic Antiviral Pathways by the Zika Virus.

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a recently emerged mosquito-borne flavivirus that, while typically asymptomatic, can cause neurological symptoms in adults and birth defects in babies born to infected mothers. The interactions of ZIKV with many different pathways in the human host ultimately determine successful virus replication and ZIKV-induced pathogenesis; however, the molecular mechanisms of such host-ZIKV interactions have just begun to be elucidated. Here, we summarize the recent advances that defined the mechanisms by which ZIKV antagonizes antiviral innate immune signaling pathways, with a particular focus on evasion of the type I interferon response in the human host. Furthermore, we describe emerging evidence that indicated the contribution of several cell-intrinsic mechanisms to an effective restriction of ZIKV infection, such as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, stress granule formation, and “reticulophagy”, a type of selective autophagy. Finally, we summarize the recent work that identified strategies by which ZIKV modulated these intrinsic antiviral responses.
Normative Data of Pulmonary Function Tests and Radiographic Measures of Chest Development in Children Without Spinal Deformity: Is a T1–T12 Height of 22 cm Adequate?

Abstract Study Design Retrospective case series. Objectives To develop normative data of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and radiographic measures of chest development in normal children and to determine if the prior proposed T1–T12 height of 22 cm for spinal fusion in a growing child is adequate for pulmonary function based on normative PFT values at skeletal maturity. Summary of Background Data Shortening of the spine from T1–T12 is a concern with early thoracic fusion for spinal deformity, as it has a deleterious effect on the development of the pulmonary system. Methods Children with mild asthma who had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) >90% and without chest or spinal deformity were identified. PFT data included absolute forced vital capacity (FVC), %-predicted FVC, absolute forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), %-predicted FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. Radiographic measurements performed on chest radiographs included T1–T12 height, coronal chest width (CCW), and space available for the lung (SAL) bilaterally. These data were analyzed for all patients and for patients with T1–T12 heights 22–24 cm. To assess the impact of T1–T12 shortening on PFTs at skeletal maturity, spirometric standards for healthy adult lifetime nonsmokers were used. Results Of 1,797 PFT studies, 149 children (average age 12.4 ± 3.0 years; girls, 97) were analyzed. For the entire cohort, PFT values were as follows: FVC 3.0 ± 0.9 L, %-predicted FVC 103.9% ± 10.6%, absolute FEV1 2.7 ± 0.9 L, %-predicted FEV1 106.9% ± 11.1%, and FEV1/FVC 90.7% ± 2.6%. The averages for T1–T12 height was 25.6 ± 3.8 cm, CCW 25.5 ± 3.4 cm, and SAL bilaterally 19.0 ± 3.5 cm. For the 21 patients (girls 11; average age 9.7 ± 1.4 years) with T1–T12 heights 22–24 cm, absolute FVC was 2.2 ± 0.3 L, %-predicted FVC was 104.0% ± 13.0%, absolute FEV1 was 2.0 ± 0.3 L, %-predicted FEV1 was 108.2% ± 15.0%, and FEV1/FVC was 91.0% ± 2.7%. If these kids with 22–24 cm T1–T12 heights maintained the same thoracic height, they were calculated to have %-predicted FVC of 44% (girl) and 42% (boy) and %-predicted FEV1 of 42% (girl) and 43% (boy) at skeletal maturity (15 years old). Conclusions Percent-predicted FEV1 and FVC values for normal children with a T1–T12 height of 22 cm at skeletal maturity were Level of Evidence Level IV.
Growth and Sexual Dimorphism of the Hyoid Body in Macaca mulatta

The hyoid contributes to a range of functional behaviors such as breathing, swallowing, and vocalization. Among nonhuman primates, hyoid morphology and position show taxonomic differences. For example, cercopithecoid hyoids are more anatomically constrained than hominoid hyoids, which may influence their morphology. While most of the existing literature on the hyoid in nonhuman primates compares morphological differences among species, studies of intraspecific hyoid morphological variation are scarce. This study used a geometric morphometric approach to examine the effects of age and sex on hyoid morphology in Macaca mulatta. The sample comprised 154 skeletal specimens housed at the University of Puerto Rico’s Caribbean Primate Research Center, representing both sexes and an age range of 1–25 years old. I collected three-dimensional landmark coordinate data from the cranium, mandible, and hyoid body of each specimen and tested the effects of age and sex on hyoid morphology through principal components analysis and full factorial analyses. Hyoid shape correlated strongly with age but not sex. Hyoid shape and size correlated strongly with both life history stage and age class. While the hyoid appears to grow within expected body size parameters, hyoid morphology is not fully isometric. Rather, the hyoid exhibits superoinferior lengthening and upward rotation through postnatal ontogeny, with notable upward rotation of the superior surface occurring at 1–4 years of age. As maturational processes such as vocal tract lengthening impose age-linked constraints on vocal behavior, these findings suggest that the hyoid grows in relation to surrounding vocal tract anatomy, and that hyoid shape may contribute to structural support for age-linked vocalization.
Systematic Review of Telehospice Telemedicine and e-Health.

Background: A 2012 systematic review by Oliver et al. of evidence-based research on telehospice included 26 research articles published between 2000 and 2010 on the use of telehospice connecting hospice professionals with caregivers and their care recipients. The present study replicated research by Oliver et al., extending the time frame from 2010 through 2020. The aim of this study was to answer the question-what is the current state of the evidence related to telehospice services? Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted for the time period 2010 to 2020 of the existing literature researching the topic of telehospice. Thirteen articles (five quantitative, six qualitative, and two mixed methods) were found that meet the inclusion criteria of the study. The Methodological Rigor Scoring Instrument was used to code the qualitative and quantitative articles separately to address methodological differences. Results: The most common findings were related to technology adaptation readiness for staff and caregivers. Studies assessed the use of telehospice that included incorporated technology, such as an electronic tablet, to provide synchronous communication between the provider and the patient/caregiver. Provider and caregiver attitudes regarding telehospice care were largely positive with studies reporting acceptance of telehospice as generally high. Conclusions: The past 10 years have yielded a small but significant body of research on telehospice. Published research on the topic reports a generally high level of patient and caregiver satisfaction about the experience, but limited findings have been published relating to patient outcomes. As adaptation of telehospice and technology has surged in the past year, it is expected that additional research on the impact of technology on clinical outcomes will emerge in the future.
Contribution of ADAM17 and related ADAMs in cardiovascular diseases

A disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) are key mediators of cell signaling by ectodomain shedding of various growth factors, cytokines, receptors and adhesion molecules at the cellular membrane. ADAMs regulate cell proliferation, cell growth, inflammation, and other regular cellular processes. ADAM17, the most extensively studied ADAM family member, is also known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α converting enzyme (TACE). ADAMs-mediated shedding of cytokines such as TNF-α orchestrates immune system or inflammatory cascades and ADAMs-mediated shedding of growth factors causes cell growth or proliferation by transactivation of the growth factor receptors including epidermal growth factor receptor. Therefore, increased ADAMs-mediated shedding can induce inflammation, tissue remodeling and dysfunction associated with various cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, and ADAMs can be a potential therapeutic target in these diseases. In this review, we focus on the role of ADAMs in cardiovascular pathophysiology and cardiovascular diseases. The main aim of this review is to stimulate new interest in this area by highlighting remarkable evidence.
The use of ultrasound indices to evaluate volume status and fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock

Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the use of ultrasound indices to evaluate volume status and fluid responsiveness in patients with septic shock. Patients and methods A total of 40 successive patients aged above 40 years, with septic shock on admission to the ICU, were enrolled in the study, comprising 26 fluid responders and 14 fluid nonresponders. Results Regarding demographic data and other patient characteristics, no statistically significant difference between both the study groups was seen. Regard baseline hemodynamics data, there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. but after fluid bolus, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups. Regarding hemodynamics data. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding maximum inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, whereas the minimum IVC diameter and internal jugular vein (IJV) area/common carotid artery area were significantly lower in the group of fluid responders compared with the nonresponder group. The caval index was significantly higher in the responder group compared with the nonresponder group, whereas there was no significant difference in the aspect ratio of the IJV between responder and nonresponder groups. Conclusion IVC diameter, caval index, IJV area, and IJV/common carotid artery area ratio are useful methods to predict fluid responsiveness in spontaneously breathing patients in septic shock.
Quantitative Assessment of Ensemble Coherency in Contrast-free Ultrasound Microvasculature Imaging

Purpose Contrast-free visualization of microvascular blood flow (MBF) using ultrasound can play a valuable role in diagnosis and detection of diseases. In this study, we demonstrate the importance of quantifying ensemble coherence for robust MBF imaging. We propose a novel approach to quantify ensemble coherence by estimating the local spatiotemporal correlation (LSTC) image, and evaluate its efficacy through simulation and in vivo studies. Methods The in vivo patient studies included three volunteers with a suspicious breast tumor, 15 volunteers with a suspicious thyroid tumor, and two healthy volunteers for renal MBF imaging. The breast data displayed negligible prior motion and were used for simulation analysis involving synthetically induced motion, to assess its impact on ensemble coherency and motion artifacts in MBF images. The in vivo thyroid data involved complex physiological motion due to its proximity to the pulsating carotid artery, which was used to assess the in vivo efficacy of the proposed technique. Further, in vivo renal MBF images demonstrated the feasibility of using the proposed ensemble coherence metric for curved array-based MBF imaging involving phase conversion. All ultrasound data were acquired at high imaging frame rates and the tissue signal was suppressed using spatiotemporal clutter filtering. Thyroid tissue motion was estimated using two-dimensional normalized cross correlation-based speckle tracking, which was subsequently used for ensemble motion correction. The coherence of the MBF image was quantified based on Casorati correlation of the Doppler ensemble. Results The simulation results demonstrated that an increase in ensemble motion corresponded with a decrease in ensemble coherency, which reciprocally degraded the MBF images. Further the data acquired from breast tumors demonstrated higher ensemble coherency than that from thyroid tumors. Motion correction improved the coherence of the thyroid MBF images, which substantially improved its visualization. The proposed coherence metrics were also useful in assessing the ensemble coherence for renal MBF imaging. The results also demonstrated that the proposed coherence metric can be reliably estimated from downsampled ensembles (by up to 90 % ), thus allowing improved computational efficiency for potential applications in real-time MBF imaging. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrates the importance of assessing ensemble coherency in contrast-free MBF imaging. The proposed LSTC image quantified coherence of the Doppler ensemble for robust MBF imaging. The results obtained from this pilot study are promising, and warrant further development and in vivo validation.
Genetic Variation and Immunohistochemical Localization of the Glucocorticoid Receptor in Breast Cancer Cases from the Breast Cancer Care in Chicago Cohort.

Background: Glucocorticoid, one of the primary mediators of stress, acts via its receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR/NR3C1), to regulate a myriad of physiological processes. We measured the genetic variation and protein expression of GCR, and the genes that regulate GCR function or response and examined whether these alterations were associated with breast cancer clinicopathological characteristics. Method: We used samples from a multiracial cohort of breast cancer patients to assess the association between breast cancer characteristics and the genetic variants of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GCR/NR3C1, FKBP5, Sgk1, IL-6, ADIPOQ, LEPR, SOD2, CAT, and BCL2. Results: Several SNPs were associated with breast cancer characteristics, but statistical significance was lost after adjustment for multiple comparisons. GCR was detected in all normal breast tissues and was predominantly located in the nuclei of the myoepithelial cell layer, whereas the luminal layer was negative for GCR. GCR expression was significantly decreased in all breast cancer tissue types, compared to nontumor tissue, but was not associated with breast cancer characteristics. We found that high nuclear GCR expression was associated with basal cell marker cytokeratin 5/6 positivity. Conclusion: GCR expression is reduced in breast cancer tissue and correlates with the basal cell marker CK5/6.
Rapid assessment of Watson–Crick to Hoogsteen exchange in unlabeled DNA duplexes using high-power SELOPE imino 1 H CEST

Abstract. In duplex DNA, Watson–Crick A–T and G–C base pairs (bp's) exist in dynamic equilibrium with an alternative Hoogsteen conformation, which is low in abundance and short-lived. Measuring how the Hoogsteen dynamics varies across different DNA sequences, structural contexts and physiological conditions is key for identifying potential Hoogsteen hot spots and for understanding the potential roles of Hoogsteen base pairs in DNA recognition and repair. However, such studies are hampered by the need to prepare 13 C or 15 N isotopically enriched DNA samples for NMR relaxation dispersion (RD) experiments. Here, using SELective Optimized Proton Experiments (SELOPE) 1 H CEST experiments employing high-power radiofrequency fields ( B1 > 250 Hz) targeting imino protons, we demonstrate accurate and robust characterization of Watson–Crick to Hoogsteen exchange, without the need for isotopic enrichment of the DNA. For 13 residues in three DNA duplexes under different temperature and pH conditions, the exchange parameters deduced from high-power imino 1 H CEST were in very good agreement with counterparts measured using off-resonance 13 C / 15 N spin relaxation in the rotating frame ( R1ρ ). It is shown that 1 H– 1 H NOE effects which typically introduce artifacts in 1 H-based measurements of chemical exchange can be effectively suppressed by selective excitation, provided that the relaxation delay is short ( ≤ 100 ms). The 1 H CEST experiment can be performed with ∼ 10 × higher throughput and ∼ 100 × lower cost relative to 13 C / 15 N R1ρ and enabled Hoogsteen chemical exchange measurements undetectable by R1ρ . The results reveal an increased propensity to form Hoogsteen bp's near terminal ends and a diminished propensity within A-tract motifs. The 1 H CEST experiment provides a basis for rapidly screening Hoogsteen breathing in duplex DNA, enabling identification of unusual motifs for more in-depth characterization.
Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 Characteristics According to Age and Physical Activity Levels in Premenopausal Women.

Abstract We aimed to compare serum concentrations of sclerostin and DKK-1 in young (20-30 yrs, n = 25) and middle-aged (35-45 yrs, n = 25) premenopausal women and based on physical activity (PA) status. PA status was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (low-moderate (≤ 2999 MET-min/week) and high (≥ 3000 MET-min/week). Serum sclerostin and DKK-1 levels were measured in fasting morning blood samples by ELISA. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured by DXA, and non-dominant tibia bone characteristics were assessed by pQCT. After adjusting for total body aBMD, middle-aged women had significantly (p
Data assimilation in meteorology and oceanography

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a review of current operational practice and of advanced data assimilation techniques in meteorology. Numerical models can be used to assimilate meteorological and oceanographic data, creating a dynamically consistent, complete and accurate “movie” of the two geofluids, atmosphere, and ocean in motion. The ocean's strong stratification helps determine the most energetic scales and processes for the global ocean circulation. Active research on data assimilation is burgeoning rapidly in both meteorology and oceanography. Operational NWP requirements have produced a mature data-assimilation technology in meteorology, from which climatic research has benefitted as well. Ocean is characterized by transient, energetic motions with a broad spectrum in frequency and wave number. A steady component of the circulation may not even exist, and be only a model resulting from the analysis of data sets sparse in space and time, like hydrographic data sets, for which steadiness is assumed a priori. Thus, in oceanic data-assimilation problems, the choice of a model and related data assimilation scheme and the definition of success of the assimilation process itself depend crucially on the scientific issue of interest as the starting point.
Experimental evidence of two-stage formation of Al3Ni in reactive Ni/Al multilayer foils

This paper reports a two-stage process for the formation of Al 3 Ni via igniting and quenching Ni/Al multilayer foils. The first stage involved lateral growth of Al 3 Ni from isolated nucleation sites and subsequent coalescence into a continuous layer. The second stage was the growth of such Al 3 Ni layers in the direction normal to the layering until the entire Al was consumed, as suggested in Coffey’s model. Al 3 Ni subsequently reacted with the remaining Ni to form AlNi.
Economics are too important to leave to economists: The everyday - and emotional - dimensions of international political economy

John M. Hobson and Leonard Seabrooke (eds) (2007) Everyday Politics of the World Economy, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, US$36.99, ISBN 0521701635. Meg Jacobs (2005) Pocketbook Politics: Ec...
Exercise Tolerance Changes Following Renal Transplantation

Maximal exercise capacity was measured in 20 nondiabetic patients with end-stage renal disease before and soon after successful renal transplantation. Maximal oxygen consumption increased significantly in all patients posttransplant. Increases in maximal heart rate and heart rates at 70% of maximal levels were also observed. The changes in maximal oxygen consumption were not significantly correlated with changes in hematocrit. The removal of uremia may result in improved functioning of one or more of the systems involved in oxygen transport and utilization that determine exercise capacity.
Seeing Green in Mali’s Woods: Colonial Legacy, Forest Use, and Local Control

Political decentralization and local, participatory control of natural resources number among the development trends of the 1990s and the early 2000s. Where they have initially assumed an undifferentiated local community and a free flow of commonly understood information about environments and resources, they are potentially flawed. The devolution of natural-resource management authority to local communities raises questions about who participates in decision making and how state and local institutions work together. This article provides a historical perspective based on archival records that show how state forestry management in colonial Mali reflected the interests of the French administration, in contrast to those of the peasantry. The precolonial peasantry was internally differentiated, and change in the colonial political economy favored certain social groups. In the 1990s, Mali began to reform forestry policy so that forest resource user-groups could have a greater role in management. Data on incom...
Effects of Positive and Negative Faking Sets on the Survey of Interpersonal Values

Two educational psychology classes (Ns = 26, 23) took the Survey of Interpersonal Values under normal instructions and under faking instructions. Under the fake-good top management set, scores increased on Conformity and Leadership, and decreased on Support and Independence. The fake-bad top management set produced increase in Independence and decrease in Leadership. Results indicate that research designs using simulated guidance instructions versus simulated employment instructions underestimate the fakability of forced-choice inventories.