cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An electrical study of USB2.0 channels supporting multiplexers/BC1.2 power switches/charging modules

An electrical study on USB2.0 channels supporting multiplexers, BC1.2 power switches and charging modules is presented in this paper. The issues caused by the inclusion of the aforementioned devices in a USB2.0 channel are tackled in the key learnings of this paper. The proposed methods focus on channel design on existing and new signaling. Of note, they maintain design flexibility, while maintaining healthy compliance eye margins. The methods primarily mitigate harmful signal degradation through correct device placement in the channel, tradeoff between device loss and length in mainstream, tablet and phone solutions. Ultimately, this translates into a shift in line with recent platforms' move to extend the usage of the USB2.0 interface into a wider number of applications.
Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Metastasis to the Tongue

This case presentation examines a rare clinical entity: colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) metastasis to the tongue. CRC is among the least common tumors to metastasize to the oral cavity. Objectives for this case report are to (1) maintain a high index of suspicion for oral cavity tumors representing metastatic disease, (2) consider appropriate surgical and adjunctive interventions, and (3) recognize the significance of identifying the primary tumor via immunohistochemical staining. We present a case of a 57-year-old male with a history of stage IV rectal adenocarcinoma metastatic to the lung who presented to our clinic with a painful mass of the right lateral tongue that he noticed one month before. MRI of the neck revealed a mass involving the anterior two-thirds of the right tongue with irregular margins and an ipsilateral enlarged right jugulodigastric lymph node. The patient underwent right partial glossectomy with primary reconstruction and right modified radical neck dissection. Pathology confirmed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma consistent with a colorectal primary with lymphovascular and perineural invasion. The tumor was staged as T2N1, and the patient was referred for chemoradiation. In this report, we discuss the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this uncommon disease, with a thorough review of the world literature.
Probabilistic pricebots

Past research has been concerned with the potential of embedding deterministic pricing algorithms into {\em pricebots}: software agents used by on-line sellers to automatically price Internet goods. In this work, probabilistic pricing algorithms based on {\em no-regret\/} learning are explored, in both high-information and low-information settings. It is shown via simulations that the long-run empirical frequencies of prices in a market of no-regret pricebots can converge to equilibria arbitrarily close to an asymmetric Nash equilibrium; however, instantaneous price distributions need not converge.
A new smart fall-down detector for senior healthcare system using inertial microsensors

A new smart fall-down detector for senior healthcare system using inertial microsensors and Wi-Fi technology has been designed, prototyped and characterized in this work. The detector can reduce the risk of severe injury or death caused by falling down with minimum false alarm rate. The different patterns of motion are sensed by a set of inertial sensors composed of a tri-axial accelerometer and a tri-axial gyroscope. The signals of motion are sampled and processed by a microcontroller with integrated algorithms. The smart algorithm integrated with machine learning can be customized according to different habits of different seniors to reduce false alarms. The fall-down signal is transmitted through Wi-Fi to the client via Internet.
An updated calibration of the plagioclase-liquid hygrometer-thermometer applicable to basalts through rhyolites

An updated and expanded data set that consists of 214 plagioclase-liquid equilibrium pairs from 40 experimental studies in the literature is used to recalibrate the thermodynamic model for the plagioclase-liquid hygrometer of Lange et al. (2009); the updated model is applicable to metaluminous and alkaline magmas. The model is based on the crystal-liquid exchange reaction between the anorthite (CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 ) and albite (NaAlSi 3 O 8 ) components, and all available volumetric and calorimetric data for the pure end-member components are used in the revised model. The activities of the crystalline plagioclase components are taken from Holland and Powell (1992). Of the 214 experiments, 107 are hydrous and 107 are anhydrous. Four criteria were applied for inclusion of experiments in the final data set: (1) crystallinities 2 O fluid saturated; (3) compositional totals (including H 2 O component) of 97–101% for hydrous quenched glasses and 98.5–101 for anhydrous quenched glasses; and (4) melt viscosities ≤5.2 log 10 Pa·s. The final data set spans a wide range in liquid composition (45–80 wt% SiO 2 ; 1–10 wt% Na 2 O+K 2 O), plagioclase composition (An 17–95 ), temperature (750–1244 °C), pressure (0–350 MPa), and H 2 O content (0–8.3 wt%). The water solubility model of Zhang et al. (2007) was applied to all hydrous experiments. The standard error estimate on the hygrometer model is 0.35 wt% H 2 O, and all liquid compositions are fitted equally well. Application of the model as a thermometer recovers temperatures to within ±12°, on average. Tests of the hygrometer on anhydrous piston-cylinder experiments in the literature, not included in the regression, show that the model is accurate at all pressures where plagioclase is stable. Applications of the hygrometer are made to natural rhyolites (Bishop Tuff, Katmai, and TobaTuff) with reported H 2 O analyses in quartz-hosted melt inclusions from the literature; the results show agreement. Applications of the hygrometer/thermometer are additionally made to natural rhyolites from Iceland and Glass Mountain, California. The updated model can be downloaded either as a program in Excel format or as a MatLab script from the Data Repository.
Understanding the Mechanism of Grain Refinement in Plain Carbon Steels

This paper documents a series of plate casting experiments in 1010 steel. A set of castings with various levels of rare earth (RE) silicide and engineered grain refiner were produced via induction melting and green sand molds. One set of castings also contained a high phosphorous content to enable etching for the solidification structure. Metallographic and tensile specimens were examined to determine the resulting microstructure and property changes. Yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and percent elongation significantly increased with the RE additions. This increase appeared to be primarily a function of the cerium content of the final castings. Examination of the phosphorous containing castings revealed the solidification morphology changed from a columnar to equiaxed type. Electron microscopy revealed RE oxides formed in both sets of castings. The strength and solidification morphology changes were likely caused by the nucleation of δ-ferrite on these RE oxides.
A laboratory test on a food poisoning due to contamination with Proteus mirabilis and London Salmonella

Objective: Microbiological test was conducted on samples collected from a food poisoning to identify the pathogens causing food poisoning.Methods: Suspected pathogens were selected in accordance with the epidemiological investigation and clinical symptoms,and the isolates were obtained and identified according to GB/T4789-2003,GB/T4789-2008,WS/T9-1996 and "Bacteriological Inspection for Health and Disease Prevention".Results: Proteus mirabilis and London salmonella were both detected from 2 leftover food samples,1 stool sample and 1 anal swab sample.Conclusion: This food poisoning was caused by contamination mixed with Proteus mirabilis and London salmonella.
Resistance of Blattella germanica to insecticides at Yinchuan railway region

Objective To understand the sensitivity and deadly effect of Blattella germanica to insecticides at Yinchuan railway region,and provide scientific evidence for preventing and controlling cockroaches effectively.Methods Residual smearing and contacting method.Results The resistance ration(RR) of Blattella germanica to clocythrin and beta-cypermethrin were 3.01 and 2.52.Conclusion Insecticides should be used scientifically and rational for preventing and controlling cockroaches effectively.
The Application of Derivative Weld in Automobile Weld Product Line

The article introduces the application of derivative weld in automobile weld product line.The operation result on the spot shows that the derivative weld affords a kind of successful sample on automobile spot weld operation with legerity structure,compact space,easy to operate,improving efficiency,accord with ergonomics.
Set Theory for the Working Mathematician: Natural numbers, integers, and real numbers

From the results of Section 1.2 it is clear that sets such as ∅, {∅}, {∅, {∅}}, {{∅}}, and so forth exist. Using the axiom of infinity we can also conclude that we can build similar infinite sets. But how do we construct complicated sets, such as the sets of natural and real numbers, if the only tools we have to build them are the empty set ∅ and “braces” {·}? We will solve this problem by identifying the aforementioned objects with some specific sets. Briefly, we will identify the number 0 with the empty set ∅, and the other natural numbers will be constructed by induction, identifying n with {0, …, n − 1}. The existence of the set ℕ of all natural numbers is guaranteed by the infinity axiom. The real numbers from the interval [0,1] will be identified with the set of functions {0,1} ℕ , where an infinite sequence a : ℕ → {0,1} is identified with the binary expansion of a number, that is, with Σ n ∈ℕ a(n) /2 n +1 . The details of these constructions are described in the rest of this chapter. Natural numbers In this section we will find a set that represents the set ℕ of natural numbers in our set-theoretic universe. For this, we need to find for each natural number n a set that represents it. Moreover, we will have to show that the class of all such defined natural numbers forms a set.
Vancomycin extravasation: Evaluation, treatment, and avoidance of this adverse drug event

Purpose: To report the presentation, management, and potential future avoidance of vancomycin extravasation. Summary: An 84-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department due to observed seizures that progressed to statusepilepticus. Status epilepticus was controlled, but the patient developed hospital-acquired pneumonia, requiring treatment withvancomycin and cefepime. During treatment with vancomycin, extravasation occurred during peripheral administration. Coldpacks were immediately applied to the lesion for the next 24 hours with common gauze open dressings with frequent changes, andsilver sulfadiazine 1% topical application once daily were started on the day after extravasation. While skin necrosis developed, itdid not require surgical intervention and common gauze open dressings with frequent changes and silver sulfadiazine 1% topicallywere continued until the wound was healed. Conclusion: Although the package insert warns of extravasation with potential necrosis during vancomycin administration, thiscase highlights a potentially under-reported adverse event. Vancomycin extravasation was successfully managed by utilizing coldcompress for the first 24 hours post-extravasation with common gauze open dressings and silver sulfadiazine 1% until the woundwas healed. With a potential for vancomycin extravasation when administered peripherally, we would recommend central venousadministration.
What CDM Can Tell About What Students Have Learned: An Analysis of TIMSS Eighth Grade Mathematics

International trended assessments have long attempted to provide instructional information to educational researchers and classroom teachers. Studies have shown that traditional methods of item analysis have not provided specific information that can be directly applicable to improve student performance. To this end, cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) were developed to identify the presence or the absence of multiple fine-grained skills or attributes. This study reanalyzed the TIMSS 2003 8th grade mathematics assessment by applying a cognitive diagnosis modeling approach to provide useful information about test takers. Specifically, the deterministic, inputs, noisy, “and” gate (DINA; Junker & Sijtsma, 2001) model was used to provide more valuable diagnostic information about how well students perform on underlying skills and cognitive processes necessary to answer mathematics problems. Results showed that the interpretable benefits of using the DINA discrimination index provided additional information about comparative differences between the U.S. and Korea.
Taylor Series Solutions

This chapter describes the different aspects of the Taylor series solutions. It is applicable to initial value problems, both ordinary differential equations, and partial differential equations. It yields an approximation to the solution near a point. It is found that for an initial value problem, a Taylor series expansion can give an approximate solution. The general procedure on a first-order linear ordinary differential equation is illustrated. The process of differentiation is continued and the result is evaluated to determine the n th derivative of y ( x ) at the point x = a .
Allergens in the Pathogenesis of Asthma

Evidence suggests that allergy is a significant triggering factor in asthma in children and adults alike. In immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated allergic reactions, sensitization occurs when allergen-specific B cells are stimulated and switched to IgE antibody production by interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 provided by helper T cells type 2 (Th2). The IgE antibodies act by arming cells bearing either the high-affinity (FceRI) or low-affinity (FceRII or CD23) receptor. The subsequent interaction of allergen with IgE-FceRI complexes on mast cells and basophils causes cross-linking of receptors that triggers the release of a variety of inflammatory mediators, cytokines and chemokines. Therefore, the ability to lower circulating free IgE levels is desirable because most individuals are exposed to multiple allergens to which they are sensitive at any given time. Omalizumab (formerly known as rhuMAb-E25) is a recently developed humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody directed at the FceRI binding domain of human IgE. It inhibits binding of IgE to mast cells without provoking mast cell activation. Preliminary clinical data from randomized controlled trials have shown that the addition of omalizumab to standard asthma therapy reduces asthma exacerbations and decreases inhaled corticosteroid and rescue medication use. The compound is also well tolerated. Omalizumab represents a novel therapeutic approach in the management of asthma.
The Devil Is in the Details Achieving Reductions in Global Cardiovascular Disease Mortality

Achieving historic reductions in global cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality will require attention to detail in 4 areas: a clear understanding of current trends in CVD mortality, an appreciation of what has influenced positive trends in CVD mortality, a knowledge of which interventions are cost-effective, and an ability to scale the interventions. Globally, CVD mortality has increased,1 but this statistic belies significant successes that have already occurred. Although CVD mortality overall has increased, the reasons require a devil is in the details look at various trends that give us this summary statistic.2 First, the world population is aging in part because of our successes in managing many of the challenges of previous centuries, including improved control of infectious diseases and increased food supplies to the starving. Second, the overall world population is growing. Third, we have recently developed and implemented successful solutions to control more recent afflictions, such as HIV/AIDS. Article see p 541 A better statistic for evaluating success than total mortality is age-adjusted mortality where we have also seen tremendous reductions in age-adjusted CVD mortality. Recent estimates suggest that age-standardized death rates because of ischemic heart disease dropped from over 200 per 100 000 to 300 per 100 000 to nearly 100 per 100 000 over the same time frame. In comparison, less dramatic declines occurred in most other countries and even increases in age-adjusted ischemic heart disease mortality occurred in some Latin American and many Eastern European countries, such as Russia. With such varying experiences in age-adjusted mortality rates, …
Protein Kinase CK2 in Health and Disease

CK2 is a highly conserved tetrameric serine/ threonine kinase present in all eukaryotic organisms. It is constitutively active, and appears to be regulated by level of expression and activity, and subcellular localization. In turn, it has been postulated to control the function of many proteins through changes in phosphorylation that affect protein stability, protein-protein interactions, and subcellular localization. Through these mechanisms, CK2 regulates many fundamental cellular properties. An enzyme that carries out such a master regulatory function is likely to be important in organismic development and in cancer. We have shown that overexpression of CK2 catalytic subunits is capable of promoting tumorigenesis, and that loss of CK2 catalytic subunits in development can be lethal. Through studies in cells, mice, and frogs, we and others have identified the Wnt and NF-κB pathways as two key signal transduction pathways that are regulated by CK2 activity, in embryonic development and in cancer. These results suggest that inhibiting CK2 could be useful in treating cancer, but dangerous to developing organisms.
Riemannian Nonlinear Mixed Effects Models: Analyzing Longitudinal Deformations in Neuroimaging

Statistical machine learning models that operate on manifold-valued data are being extensively studied in vision, motivated by applications in activity recognition, feature tracking and medical imaging. While non-parametric methods have been relatively well studied in the literature, efficient formulations for parametric models (which may offer benefits in small sample size regimes) have only emerged recently. So far, manifold-valued regression models (such as geodesic regression) are restricted to the analysis of cross-sectional data, i.e., the so-called fixed effects in statistics. But in most longitudinal analysis (e.g., when a participant provides multiple measurements, over time) the application of fixed effects models is problematic. In an effort to answer this need, this paper generalizes non-linear mixed effects model to the regime where the response variable is manifold-valued, i.e., f: Rd &#x2192; M. We derive the underlying model and estimation schemes and demonstrate the immediate benefits such a model can provide &#x2014; both for group level and individual level analysis &#x2014; on longitudinal brain imaging data. The direct consequence of our results is that longitudinal analysis of manifold-valued measurements (especially, the symmetric positive definite manifold) can be conducted in a computationally tractable manner.
Analysis of acute Naproxen administration on memory in young adults: A randomized double-blind placebo–controlled study

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by non-selectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. Evidence indicates that metabolites of the cyclooxygenase pathway play a critical role in the process of learning and memory. We evaluated whether acute naproxen treatment impairs short-term working memory, episodic memory, or semantic memory in a young, healthy adult population. Participants received a single dose of placebo or naproxen (750 mg) in random order separated by 7-10 days. Two hours following administration, participants completed five memory tasks. The administration of acute high-dose naproxen had no effect on memory in healthy young adults.
Calciphylaxis in Patients With Normal Renal Function: A Case Series and Systematic Review

Abstract Objective To define concomitant risk factors, treatment, and outcomes for patients with nonnephrogenic calciphylaxis (NNC). Patients and Methods A retrospective review of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) medical records (January 1, 2014, through February 29, 2016) and a systematic literature review of PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL (August 1, 1970, through July 31, 2016) were performed. Demographic characteristics and concomitant features were summarized and compared between patients with different lesion characteristics. Outcomes (lesion improvement and mortality) and their predictors were analyzed. Results Nine patients (median age, 72 years [interquartile range (IQR), 44-82 years]; 78% women; 89% white race) were identified through MGH records. The literature review identified 107 patients (median age, 60 years [IQR, 49-72 years]; 77% women; 86% white race). Vitamin K antagonism and obesity were the most common concomitant factors. In the literature review, lower age (P Conclusion This description of concomitant traits may augment an earlier recognition of NNC. Future research is needed to investigate NNC pathogenesis and treatments.
Middle school mathematics teachers’ orientations and noticing of features of mathematics curriculum materials

Abstract We report findings on teachers’ noticing of features in the teacher resources of mathematics curriculum programs. Based on prior analysis, we selected teachers using one of two curriculum types: delivery mechanism or thinking device. The participating teachers and the curriculum programs aimed to align with the Common Core Standards for Mathematics, and thus, they ostensibly held a common aim for instruction. We analyzed 147 lesson planning interviews with 20 middle school mathematics teachers. We found that teachers attended to similar features of teacher resources; however, patterns for interpreting and planning decisions varied based on teachers’ orientations and curriculum type.
“A seething mass of rottenness”: regulating food and the landscape of modern New York

The foodways and landscape of New York were both transformed in the modern era, with new forms of regulation needed to discipline the teeming city. These transformations happened jointly, as foodways were understood as a primary and integral aspect of the city’s landscape. In particular, the foodways of New York’s immigrants came under increasing regulation, most notably in “The Pushcart Wars,” which characterized the immigrant and his food as a pestilential presence on the urban landscape. This joint culinary and landscape reform typifies the divergent sensibilities and constituencies that worked to fashion New York according to emergent conceptions of the modern city.
Alternative/Integrative Medical Approaches in Allergy and Sleep: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice

There has been a significant increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the United States, both in terms of public interest and practice. While drawing substantially on advances in the field of allergy/immunology for this review, there are additional vigorous research efforts on these and other sleep-compromising diseases, in Asia, Europe, and the United States. China, Korea, and India, to name just three countries, have adopted stringent standards for proof of efficacy and safety. They are isolating active ingredients and exploring the mechanisms by which the medicines work. The Chinese formulary is a vast resource that has been used to treat universal maladies, including itching, sneezing, wheezing, and disordered sleep. By combining these ancient methods with the methods of modern science, effective and safe integrative practices can be developed to help patients.
The interventional magnetic resonance imaging suite: Experience in the design, development, and implementation in a pre-existing radiology space and review of concepts.

Background Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) has led to significant advancements in neurosurgery with improved accuracy, assessment of the extent of resection, less invasive surgical alternatives, and real-time confirmation of targeting as well delivery of therapies. The costs associated with developing ioMRI units in the surgical suite have been obstacles to the expansion of their use. More recently, the development of hybrid interventional MRI (iMRI) units has become a viable alternative. The process of designing, developing, and implementing operations for these units requires the careful integration of environmental, technical, and safety elements of both surgical and MR practices. There is a paucity of published literature providing guidance for institutions looking to develop a hybrid iMRI unit, especially with a limited footprint in the radiology department. Methods The experience of designing, developing, and implementing an iMRI in a preexisting space for neurosurgical procedures at a single institution in light of available options and the literature is described. Results The development of the unit was accomplished through the engagement of a multidisciplinary team of stakeholders who utilized existing guidelines and recommendations and their own professional experience to address issues including physical layout, equipment selection, operations planning, infection control, and oversight/review, among others. Conclusion Successful creation of an iMRI program requires multidisciplinary collaboration in integrating surgical and MR practice. The authors' aim is that the experience described in this article will serve as an example for facilities or neurosurgical departments looking to navigate the same process.
Geographic disparities in access to glioblastoma treatment based on Hispanic ethnicity in the United States: Insights from a national database

Access to treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) can be impacted by multiple demographic parameters. Barriers specific to the Hispanic population of the United States (US) are not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate geographic disparities for access to GBM treatment in the US Hispanic population. All GBM patients with known Hispanic ethnicity status (and Caucasian race) in the US National Cancer Database (NCDB) between the years 2005–2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment statuses of surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and triple therapy (resection, chemotherapy and radiation) were summarized, and analyzed by comparison and regression analyses over US Census regions. A total cohort size of 40,232 Caucasian GBM patients were included, with 3,111 (8%) identifying as Hispanic. The odds of treatment by chemotherapy (OR 0.78, P < 0.01), radiation therapy (OR 0.82, P < 0.01) and triple therapy (OR 0.84, P < 0.01) were all significantly lower in the Hispanic group versus non-Hispanic group. The odds of being treated in the Hispanic group were significantly lower in multiple Census regions with respect to surgical resection (New England, OR 0.51; Mountain, OR 0.68), chemotherapy (East North Central, OR 0.77; Middle Atlantic, OR 0.71; Pacific, OR 0.77), radiation therapy (Middle Atlantic, OR 0.77) and triple therapy (New England, OR 0.49; Middle Atlantic, OR 0.87; Pacific, OR 0.84). Significant barriers to triple therapy in the Hispanic group within these regions were older age (OR 0.97; P < 0.01), treatment in a community facility (OR 0.85, P = 0.03), lack of insurance (OR 0.71, P = 0.03), yearly income < $40,227 (OR 0.69, P < 0.01), low education levels (OR 0.75, P = 0.03) and presence of co-morbidity (OR 0.82; P < 0.01). Currently in the US, there exists heterogenous geographic disparities for Hispanic GBM patients to access different treatments compared to non-Hispanic patients. Multiple circumstances can influence access to treatment within the Hispanic community of these regions, and greater investigation with more granularity required to reveal mechanisms in which these disparities may be addressed in the future.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Approach for Bias Correction of NEXRAD Dual-Polarization Rainfall Estimates: Case Study on Hurricane Irma in Florida

It still remains a challenge to obtain accurate rainfall estimates for weather radar on extreme events. In this letter, a hierarchical Bayesian approach is proposed for bias correction of the weather service surveillance radar (WSR-88D) dual-polarization (Dual-Pol) rainfall estimates in a hurricane. Based on various assumptions of the probabilistic likelihood function of hourly rainfall and spatial dependences between residual errors, four specific models are developed and intercompared to quantify the bias of the existing WSR-88D Dual-Pol rainfall product. The case of Hurricane Irma in Melbourne, Florida, is used to demonstrate the proposed technique. It is found that Bayesian analysis is capable of improving the Dual-Pol rainfall estimates and quantifying the associated predictive uncertainty: both root-mean-square error and normalized mean absolute error are declined by at least 30% after the Bayesian correction at the validation sites. Additionally, the consideration of the spatial Gaussian process in the spatial error model achieves a better skill score compared to the model without the spatial Gaussian process, and the usage of spatial Gaussian process has a positive impact on the Bayesian rainfall estimates at short distance from ground reference sites in regions of interest.
Chapter 9 – HDL Apoprotein Mimetic Peptides as Anti-Inflammatory Molecules

HDL and apoA-I have been shown in epidemiological studies and in animal models to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Synthetic peptides modeling the repeating amphipathic α-helices in apoA-I, the major apoprotein of HDL, were originally designed to study the lipid binding and other physical properties of the helices. The interest in apoA-I mimetic peptides was greatly stimulated by the observation that some, but not all, of the peptides significantly reduce atherosclerosis in animal models. Both monohelical and tandem helical peptides have been studied in vitro and in vivo for properties that mimic the anti-atherogenic functional properties of HDL and apoA-I, particularly their ability to promote cholesterol efflux and reduce inflammation and oxidation. Mimetic peptides related to apoE, another apoprotein with repeating amphipathic helices, have also been shown to be anti-atherogenic. Both peptide families likely function via common and unique mechanisms. The understanding of how the structural properties of the various mimetic peptides relate to their mechanism of action will facilitate the development of optimal anti-atherogenic therapeutic mimetic peptides.
The Effectiveness of a Problem Resolution and Brief Counseling EAP Intervention

Abstract One component of the effectiveness of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) has been the clinical outcomes that occur as part of the EAP continuum. This study examines the clinical effectiveness of an EAP providing Problem Resolution and Brief Counseling (PRBC) through a pre— and post-treatment clinical assessment. The results suggest that the PRBC produces positive clinical outcomes. In addition, the results suggest that the degree of clinical improvement relates positively to self-reported improvement in work performance.
Fully Coherent Electromagnetic Scattering Computation for Snowpacks Based on Statistical S-Matrix Approach

Electromagnetic scattering model from 3-D snowpack with arbitrary thickness is considered. A fully coherent model is presented through the usage of the Statistical S-Matrix Wave Propagation in Spectral Domain approach (SSWaP-SD). The computer-generated snow media is constructed using 3-D spatial exponential correlation function along with Lineal-Path function to preserve the connectivity of the snow particles as well. The SSWaP-SD in conjunction with a Method of Moments (MoM) code based on the discrete-dipole approximation (DDA) is chosen to leverage both the time-efficient computations of the DDA and the full-coherency of the SSWaP-SD method simultaneously. The SSWaP-SD depends on the discretization of the medium into thin slabs. Several realizations of a thin snow slab are solved numerically to form the statistics of the scattering matrix representing such a thin snow layer. For an arbitrarily thick snow layer, thin slabs of a snowpack are analyzed and a corresponding polarimetric N-port (representing different directions of scattering) S-matrix is generated. These S-matrices are cascaded using SSWaP-SD method to calculate the total forward and backward bistatic scattered fields in a fully coherent way. The simulation results of the backscattering from an arbitrary thick snow layer are presented and validated with measurements.
Heart rate and blood pressure response improve the prediction of orthostatic cardiovascular dysregulation in persons with chronic spinal cord injury

Unstable blood pressure after spinal cord injury (SCI) is not routinely examined but rather predicted by level and completeness of injury (i.e., American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale AIS classification). Our aim was to investigate hemodynamic response to a sit-up test in a large cohort of individuals with chronic SCI to better understand cardiovascular function in this population. Continuous blood pressure and ECG were recorded from individuals with SCI (n = 159) and non-injured individuals (n = 48). We found orthostatic hypotension occurred within each level and AIS classification (n = 36). Moreover, 45 individuals with chronic SCI experienced a drop in blood pressure that did not meet the criteria for orthostatic hypotension, but was accompanied by dramatic increases in heart rate, reflecting orthostatic intolerance. A cluster analysis of hemodynamic response to a seated position identified eight distinct patterns of interaction between blood pressure and heart rate during orthostatic stress indicating varied autonomic responses. Algorithmic cluster analysis of heart rate and blood pressure is more sensitive to diagnosing orthostatic cardiovascular dysregulation. This indicates blood pressure instability cannot be predicted by level and completeness of SCI, and the consensus statement definition of orthostatic hypotension is insufficient to characterize the variability of blood pressure and heart rate responses during orthostatic stress. Both blood pressure and heart rate responses are needed to characterize autonomic function after SCI.
The role of linguistic background in interaction: A comparison of mixed and matched second language and heritage language learner dyads

Despite the growing number of heritage language (HL) learners in language courses, the interaction between second language (L2) and HL learners has not been fully explored in the research, and thus, it still remains unclear whether mixed (L2-HL) or matched (L2-L2, HL-HL) dyads are more beneficial for language learning. This study investigates whether the three possible dyad types differ in terms of the form-focused episodes (FFEs) that arose while learners worked together, as well as learning gains as a result of the interaction. Research questions were addressed by analyzing the audio-recorded interactions of eight L2-L2, eight HL-HL, and eight L2-HL dyads engaged in a collaborative writing task, as well as the texts produced by the learners. Learning gains were assessed through the incorporation of linguistic information from FFEs in immediate and two-week delayed post-treatment individual writing tasks. There were no differences regarding the total number of FFEs, but dyads differed with respect to the linguistic focus and resolution of FFEs. Moreover, learning gains were greater for matched dyads than for mixed dyads, suggesting that working with a peer of similar linguistic background and proficiency might be more beneficial for both L2 and HL learners.
Identifying Students at Risk Using a New Math Skills Assessment

Math skills are critical for success in economics courses. However, instructors often lack information about the level and extent of their students' underpreparedness in mathematics. In this paper, we describe the development of two new assessments of math skills relevant for introductory and intermediate economics courses. The assessments may be used early in the semester to evaluate students and identify those with weak math skills. With data from introductory and intermediate microeconomics courses, we employ two different methodologies, a simple threshold analysis and a more sophisticated LASSO logit approach, to illustrate how our assessments identify students at risk of underperforming.
Gamma Glutamyl Transferase Activity Has Limited Utility in Assessment of Alkaline Phosphatase Elevations.

INTRODUCTION As part of an ongoing effort to improve healthcare value for patients, laboratories increasingly implement test utilization review. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzymes (hereafter: isoenzymes) testing distinguishes the various ALP isoforms to explain elevations in total serum ALP. Gamma glutamyl transferase activity (GGT) has served as a proxy for total ALP elevations attributable to the hepatic isoform given that both are membrane-bound proteins with a shared mechanism of release. We assessed the utility of GGT in evaluating isoenzymes requests. METHODS We obtained 8 years of isoenzymes results and identified same-patient GGT measurements obtained within 7 days. We assessed the ability of GGT to predict elevations in hepatic, bone, intestinal, and nonhepatic ALP isoforms overall. We generated ROC curves and calculated sensitivity and specificity using our in-house reference limits for GGT. RESULTS GGT as a predictor of hepatic isoform elevation had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.68, and GGT activity above the upper reference limit was 46.6% sensitive and 85.0% specific for hepatic ALP elevation. GGT activity as a predictor of nonhepatic isoform elevation had an AUC of 0.52, and GGT within reference limits was 59.8% sensitive and 46.4% specific for elevation in a nonhepatic ALP isoform. In 133 individuals with hepatic isoform elevations, 93 had a concurrent elevation in a nonhepatic ALP isoform. CONCLUSION GGT was reasonably specific but insensitive for hepatic ALP isoform elevation and was a poor predictor of ALP isoform elevation overall, suggesting that its usefulness in evaluating isoenzymes orders is limited.
Better in 2021.

Abstract While effective teaching is critical to passing on knowledge and skill to surgical trainees, the actual learning must be done by the trainees. Neural pathways are created as memories which are consolidated, refined, forgotten, and subsequently retrieved. Knowledge and skill build on previous memories as learners gain additional experience. Learning will be greatly enhanced when teachers: 1) praise student efforts, 2) offer individualized feedback, and 3) consistently challenge (assess) trainees. Coaxing learners to put forth more effort creates stronger memories that are easier to retrieve. Detailed feedback leads to refining neural pathways and enhance learning efficiency. Challenging learners with quizzes, assessments, and questions makes it clear to both learner and teacher what the trainee knows and does not know – and additional efforts, feedback, and assessments offer opportunities for learners to master surgical knowledge and skill.
Fiber-Optic Strain Sensing (Foss): Shape and Load Measurement Demonstration Tests

Presentation documenting tests performed to demonstrate shape and load measurement using fiber optic strain sensors (FOSS)
Synthesis and Structure of Glycerolipids

Glycerolipids are a class of lipids containing glycerol to which long-chain hydrocarbons are attached to the hydroxyl groups via carboxylic acid ester linkages. The triacylglycerols are the storage form for fatty acids in fat cells. Glycerophospholipids (phospholipids) are the primary building blocks of cell membranes and define the lipid bilayer permeability barrier of membranes. Phospholipids are diacylglycerols with various alcohol phosphates in phosphodiester linkage to the free hydroxyl. The major phospholipids are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, and cardiolipin. The synthesis and structure of the major phospholipids in the eubacterium Escherichia coli , the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian cells are covered.
STUDIES ON PHAGE DEVELOPMENT. I. AN ACRIDINE-SENSITIVE CLOCK.

Abstract Bacteria infected with T4 bacteriophage do not produce phage in the presence of 9-aminoacridine (9AA). The acridine inhibits both maturation and lysis. Pulse treatments with 9AA show that the production of infective phage depends on a continuous, acridine-sensitive process that begins 7 minutes after infection (at 30°C) and that culminates at 23 minutes in the production of the first mature phage. The presence of 9AA at any time during the critical period between 7 and 23 minutes leads to a corresponding delay in maturation after the inhibitor is removed. This acridine-sensitive process that affects the timing of maturation has been called the maturation clock . In cells in which infective intracellular phage has begun to appear, maturation stops within 1 minute after addition of 9AA. The inhibition of lysis depends on the time at which 9AA is added. Maximum inhibition is achieved by adding 9AA within the first 10 minutes of the latent period. The dye no longer has any effect on lysis if the cells are first exposed to the dye at 20 minutes after infection. Evidence is presented to show that 9AA does not prevent the synthesis of phage DNA or phage protein. Furthermore, the maturation clock does not appear to depend on the synthesis of phage DNA or protein.
Modulation of gastric acid secretion by hypnosis

Abstract The ability of hypnosis to both stimulate and inhibit gastric acid secretion in highly hypnotizable healthy volunteers was examined in two studies. In the first, after basal acid secretion was measured, subjects were hypnotized and instructed to imagine all aspects of eating a series of delicious meals. Acid output rose from a basal mean of 3.60 ± 0.48 to a mean of 6.80 ± 0.02 mmol H + /h with hypnosis, an increase of 89% (p = 0.0007). In a second study, subjects underwent two sessions of gastric analysis in random order, once with no hypnosis and once under a hypnotic instruction to experience deep relaxation and remove their thoughts from hunger. When compared to the no-hypnosis session, with hypnosis there was a 39% reduction in basal acid output (4.29 ± 0.93 vs. 2.60 ± 0.44 mmol H + /h, p + /h, p
PRODUÇÃO DE MUDAS DE ESPÉCIE NATIVA PARA PLANTIO NO SEMIÁRIDO COM A PARTICIPAÇÃO DA SOCIEDADE: RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA COM O JUAZEIRO (Zizyphus joazeiro)

A vegetacao do bioma Caatinga vem sendo afetado com a constante acao antropica. A pesquisa em tela tem como foco o envolvimento de um pool de atores sociais no processo de producao de mudas de Juazeiro (Zizyphus joazeiro), especie desse bioma, para distribuicao, sem onus, a populacao com o intuito de contribuir na revejetacao do espaco rural e urbano. Um total de 250 mudas com ate cinco cm de altura, foram manejadas com o auxilio de uma foice, sob a copa de uma planta adulta situada na localidade Quixaba/Caico/RN. O transporte aconteceu dentro de sacolas plasticas ate o Centro de Producao de Mudas Xique-xique (CPMX), unidade de producao de mudas do municipio de Sao Jose do Serido/RN. Todas foram transplantadas para embalagens plasticas de um quilograma. Do total, 24 mudas correspondente a 9,6% que chegaram ao CPMX sem a presenca do substrato envolvendo o sistema radicular nao sobreviveram. As 226 plantas restantes morreram 18 unidades, correspondente a 7,9%. Portanto, um total de 208 mudas permaneceu temporariamente nas dependencias do CPMX. No monitoramento de distribuicao os atores sociais foram assim distribuidos: estudantes, a quem foram entregues 85 mudas; governo do municipio de Sao Jose do Serido, 25; entidades privadas, 92; a categoria “outros”, contemplando populares que desejam o plantio dessa xerofita na zona rural e urbana de suas respectivas municipalidade, um total de 45 mudas.
The impedance transformation technique for the elimination of numerical errors in the simulation of power/ground plane noise

In the simulation of power/ground plane noise in electronic packaging, certain numerical errors are introduced in discretizing metal planes by numerical meshes. This paper presents the impedance transformation technique that eliminates such numerical errors. An impedance transformer used to transform the input impedance of an arbitrary rectangular finite-difference mesh to the input impedance of the physical structure composed of power and ground planes is presented. Numerical verification of the closed form solution is also provided.
Attentuation of the vigilance decrement through stimulation in a second modality.

The use of discrete, randomly-placed tones to attenuate a decrement in performance in a visual vigilance task was studied. As the measure of vigilance, the descending CFF threshold was taken at 15 ...
Establishment and maintenance of position-specific expression of the Drosophila homeotic selector gene Deformed.

Publisher Summary The body pattern of Drosophila varies a basic segmental morphology at different positions on the anterior–posterior axis to achieve an astonishing variety of related but very different structures. At early stages of development, the morphological organization of the posterior head is similar to that of the rest of the body, but thereafter it rapidly diverges. The morphological divisions that mark the segmental boundaries of the gnathal segments are the first to appear in the visible segmentation of the Drosophila body plan, arising at about 6.5 hours of development. Among the most prominent, and the most important for the purposes of this chapter, are the mouth hooks and cirri. The mouth hooks are serrated chitinous structures that function as the jawbones and teeth of the larva. Finally, the mouth hooks develop from cells of the maxillary segment, as do the cirri, the rows of triangular papillae that flank the opening of the larval mouth.
K+ Efflux Agonists Induce NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Independently of Ca2+ Signaling

Perturbation of intracellular ion homeostasis is a major cellular stress signal for activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling that results in caspase-1-mediated production of IL-1β and pyroptosis. However, the relative contributions of decreased cytosolic K(+) concentration versus increased cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]) remain disputed and incompletely defined. We investigated roles for elevated cytosolic [Ca(2+)] in NLRP3 activation and downstream inflammasome signaling responses in primary murine dendritic cells and macrophages in response to two canonical NLRP3 agonists (ATP and nigericin) that facilitate primary K(+) efflux by mechanistically distinct pathways or the lysosome-destabilizing agonist Leu-Leu-O-methyl ester. The study provides three major findings relevant to this unresolved area of NLRP3 regulation. First, increased cytosolic [Ca(2+)] was neither a necessary nor sufficient signal for the NLRP3 inflammasome cascade during activation by endogenous ATP-gated P2X7 receptor channels, the exogenous bacterial ionophore nigericin, or the lysosomotropic agent Leu-Leu-O-methyl ester. Second, agonists for three Ca(2+)-mobilizing G protein-coupled receptors (formyl peptide receptor, P2Y2 purinergic receptor, and calcium-sensing receptor) expressed in murine dendritic cells were ineffective as activators of rapidly induced NLRP3 signaling when directly compared with the K(+) efflux agonists. Third, the intracellular Ca(2+) buffer, BAPTA, and the channel blocker, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, widely used reagents for disruption of Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways, strongly suppressed nigericin-induced NLRP3 inflammasome signaling via mechanisms dissociated from their canonical or expected effects on Ca(2+) homeostasis. The results indicate that the ability of K(+) efflux agonists to activate NLRP3 inflammasome signaling can be dissociated from changes in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] as a necessary or sufficient signal.