cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
X-RAY MANIFESTATIONS OF TYPEI MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSIS

Objective To study the radiographic characteristics of mucopolysaccharidosis(MPS),and improve its diagnostic level. Methods A retrospective analysis was done for clinical data of 20 patients confirmed with type Ⅰ MPS,all had an X-ray examination,of whom,two patients underwent additional spinal MRI. Results All of them showed various changes of vertebrae: beaklike protrusion of lumbar spine was found in 18 cases,especially of L1-2,and 13 with kyphosis.The manifestations of fingers were: tubbiness of bones of fingers,widening of metaphysis,the proximal metacarpus and distal end of digital bone became tapering as bullet shape,and distal phalanx appeared as crab-foot like(5/8).The change of wrist joint was that the ulnoradial articular surface appeared as V shape(2/8).As for hip joints,different degree of shallowed acetabulum,flattened or ectropion of epiphysis of femur head,or only widening of acetabulum could be seen. Conclusion The X-ray manifestations of this disease are relatively characteristic,especially the L1-2,showing as beaklike protrusion,growing down,retropositioning,clawhand and V-shape alinement.If this kind of patients is met,further laboratory examinations are recommended for final diagnosis.
Using Computer-Assisted Instruction to Build Math Fact Fluency: An Implementation Guide.

Research findings support the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as a curriculum supplement for improving math skills, including math fact fluency. There are a number of websites and mobile...
The Evaluation on Regional Ecological Security under Rapid Urbanization——A Case Study of Chang'an District in Xi'an

Based on the ecological security evaluation model and sensitivity analysis,combined with the changes of the four factors of GDP,population,arable land and paddy fields from 1991 to 2009 of Chang'an in Xi'an,the ecological security index,evaluation factors and the safety index trend and the ecological security of sensitive coefficient were analyzed in the study. The results showed that in the Chang'an District,ecological security index increased from 0. 69 in 1991 to 4. 59 in 2009,and the ecological declined in the security situation. Ecological security index for each factor sensitivity in the 1991- 1997 was demographic,the coefficient of 1. 61; 1998-2001 years was GDP,the coefficient of 0. 44; 2002- 2009 years was arable land,the coefficient was 0. 21. The influencing factors contributed to the decline of the regional ecological security in different ways.
On the Representation and Diagnosis of Frontal Circulations in Two and Three Dimensions

Ageostrophic circulations play a significant role in the kinematics and dynamics of a variety of synoptic- and mesoscale weather systems found within extratropical baroclinic wave regimes. Here the ageostrophic circulation is defined as (V ag , ω) where the horizontal and vertical “branches” are linked through mass continuity, which may be expressed ∇ p •V ag + ∂ω/∂p = 0, as provided that the geostrophic wind, V g , is defined in terms of constant Coriolis parameter, f0. Ageostrophic circulations contribute to: (1) modulation of the structure of cloud and precipitation systems; (2) cyclo-genesis through vortex stretching; (3) frontogenesis through positive feedbacks with the geostrophic flow involving horizontal scale contractions and tilting; and (4) energy transformations involving cross-contour ageostrophic flow, ageostrophic geopotential fluxes, and correlations between vertical velocity, ω, and potential temperature, θ (i.e., direct/indirect circulations). Diagnostic studies of ageostrophic circulations offer a means both to quantify predictions of conceptual models of the structure of synoptic- and meso-scale weather systems, such as cyclones and fronts, and to identify signatures of dynamical processes operative in theoretical models of these systems.
Experimental Demonstration of High-Voltage 4H-SiC Bi-Directional IGBTs

We experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, bi-directional 4H-SiC planar gate, insulated gate bipolar transistors fabricated on 250- $\mu \text{m}$ thick, lightly doped free-standing substrates. On Si face, forward voltage drop (at 50 A/cm $^{2})$ of 9.7 V was obtained at room temperature, with a differential ON-resistance of 140 $\text{m}\Omega \cdot \text {cm}^{2}$ , indicating good conductivity modulation. We have also demonstrated control over minority carrier injection in static characteristics of the BD-IGBTs by application of a back-gate bias.
Termination effect on pulse shape discrimination

NE213 liquid scintillation detectors have been used in mixed radiation fields with great success due to their pulse shape discrimination (PSD) ability. Numerous PSD techniques using various analog equipments had been proposed and developed by various individuals in past years. A common method for PSD is to evaluate the fall-time of the voltage across a resistor terminating the output of the photomultiplier tube (PMT) attached to the NE213 cell. The product of the terminating resistor and the terminating capacitance is known as the time- constant. Additionally, the combination of the terminating resistance and capacitance create a high-pass filter whose characteristics depend upon the value of the time constant. The greater the time-constant the less attenuation of the longer frequencies in a given signal occur. This paper will present a quantitative comparison of the fall time PSD technique using various terminating resistors. Specifically, 50 ohm, 500 ohm and a 1 kohm termination schemes are tested. Furthermore, due to nonlinearities in the system, a linear PSD spectrum may not be possible to obtain. In such cases, a traditional figure of merit (FOM) may not be usable to quantify the PSD capability of the system. A modified version of FOM is explored and used to describe the PSD capability of the current system.
The effect of F0/F1 coincidence in soprano high notes on pressure at the glottis

Using high-frequency miniature pressure transducers, direct measurements of sub- and supra-glottal pressure are taken on two sopranos singing high notes, in a range where F1 is close to F0. When the peak in supraglottal pressure occurs well into the open phase of the glottal cycle, the instantaneous transglottal pressure approaches zero. When this peak occurs later in one of the subjects as a feature of the vibrato modulation, the transglottal pressure even drops appreciably below zero. The implications of these findings for the glottal volume velocity waveform, as well as for the singer’s experience of the second “passaggio” point, are discussed.
Policies to mitigate health inequity: a comparison of Israel and 24 developing countries

Efforts to mitigate health inequity are at the heart of health policy in Israel and in many developing countries seeking to advance toward universal health coverage. This commentary uses the conceptual framework and the description of health policy interventions presented in a recent IJHPR article to compare policies implemented by Israel’s Ministry of Health during 2011–2014 with policies under implementation in 24 developing countries, and identifies key differences and similarities. It also identifies three areas of policy where Israel seems to have strong capacities that are in high demand in developing countries. Identifying these areas of policy could help design a menu for Israeli technical assistance in health policy.
Continuous body dynamics and the Mathisson-Papapetrou-Dixon equations

We show that an effective particle Lagrangian yields the Mathisson-Papapetrou-Dixon (MPD) equations. The spin of the effective particle is defined without any reference to a fixed body frame or angular velocity variable. We then demonstrate that a continuous body, defined by a congruence of world lines and described by a general action, can be rewritten as an effective particle. We analyze the gauge freedom of the body and show that a natural center of mass condition is related to a spin supplementary condition.
A novel application of machine learning techniques for activity-based load disaggregation in rural off-grid, isolated solar systems

In power systems and electricity markets, accurate monitoring and prediction of electricity demand is important in order to manage real-time load balancing and for distribution and transmission planning. In the context of rural electrification, the uncertainty of both supply — often with 100% renewables — and demand is large and the central reason that solar-based micro-grids and home systems can be expensive. Oversizing battery storage and solar panel size or limiting the electricity available to each user can alleviate this uncertainty but increases system costs. Historical data for solar irradiance is available and allows quantification of the uncertainty associated with supply. However, electricity demand in rural households is not well characterized in developing world contexts. In an ideal scenario, the data should be captured on a per-household level and must be measured on a sufficiently fine time resolution to translate the demand onto individual, user activities. This massive quantity of household demand data requires automatic tools to convert time series power usage data into data on the use of individual appliances. This paper presents a methodology, based on data acquired in individual, isolated solar home systems in Jharkhand, India, on utilizing classification and clustering algorithms to create activity-based models that can be used to conduct load forecasts. Additional statistical data analysis can yield insights on users' power consumption behavior in relation to exogenous variables such as time of day and conditioned on ambient air temperature.
Novel Acid Catalysts from Waste‐Tire‐Derived Carbon: Application in Waste–to‐Biofuel Conversion

Many inexpensive biofuel feedstocks, including those containing free fatty acids (FFAs) in high concentrations, are typically disposed of as waste due to our inability to efficiently convert them into usable biofuels. Here we demonstrate that carbon derived from waste tires could be functionalized with sulfonic acid (-SO3H) to effectively catalyze the esterification of oleic acid or a mixture of fatty acids to usable biofuels. Waste tires were converted to hard carbon, then functionalized with catalytically active -SO3H groups on the surface through an environmentally benign process that involved the sequential treatment with L-cysteine, dithiothreitol, and H2O2. When benchmarked against the same waste-tire derived carbon material treated with concentrated sulfuric acid at 150 °C, similar catalytic activity was observed. Both catalysts could also effectively convert oleic acid or a mixture of fatty acids and soybean oil to usable biofuels at 65 °C and 1 atm without leaching of the catalytic sites.
Surgically Induced Focal Retinal Detachment Does Not Cause Detectable SD-OCT Retinal Changes in Normal Human Retina.

Purpose Induction of focal retinal detachment (RD) for subretinal delivery of stem cells and gene therapy is increasingly common. In order to determine if this procedure has an adverse impact on the retina, we use spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to evaluate the pre- and postoperative retinal anatomy of the incidentally detached normal retina surrounding large submacular hemorrhages (SMH) during surgical displacement procedures. Methods Retrospective, observational study of human subjects with monocular SMH evaluated before and after surgical displacement using clinical exam, fundus photography, and SD-OCT. Manual measurements of the inner retinal thickness (IRT), outer retinal thickness (ORT), and full retinal thickness (FRT) were made in regions involving the SMH and surrounding normal retina. Comparison of retinal thickness measurements was made using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Seven eyes were included in this study. All eyes successfully underwent surgical displacement of SMH. Visual acuity improved in 6/7 subjects and was unchanged in the remaining subject. Incidental RD of the normal retinal regions surrounding the SMH did not cause any significant change in IRT, ORT, or FRT that was detectable by SD-OCT. In contrast, mean FRT overlying regions with SMH was significantly greater before surgery compared to after displacement of SMH or normal adjacent retina. Conclusions Surgically induced focal RD does not cause detectable retinal changes in the incidentally detached normal retina surrounding large SMH. Therefore, surgical induction of focal RD should not be considered to have the same adverse impact on the retina as pathologic RD.
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM)

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the clinical manifestation of compression of the spinal cord caused by degenerative changes of the cervical spine. It is a rare but potentially devastating manifestation of cervical spondylosis that usually has a chronic and slowly progressive character. While rare, it is reported as the most common disorder causing dysfunction of the spinal cord in the USA.
Comparing bonding capital in New England groundfish and scallop fisheries: Differing effects of privatization

Abstract Based on qualitative data analysis, this paper makes three contributions: (1) following recent privatization policies, social inequality emerged across New England's two most prominent fisheries—the scallop and groundfish fisheries. Given that inequality is not solely a financial phenomenon but also social, engrained in daily practices, the decline in bonding capital serves as an important indicator of this growing disparity between vessel owners and active crewmembers. (2) While the resulting class formation is characterized by differences in labor precarity in the scallop fishery, it is characterized by differences in labor inactivity in the groundfish fishery. Labor precarity refers to the disproportionate risk and vulnerability experienced by active scallop boat crewmembers as compared to vessel owners. Meanwhile labor inactivity describes both vessel owners' ability to earn money without fishing and fishermen's difficulty in finding employment, creating a sharp social divide between those who work and those who do not. The contraction of the active labor pool in the groundfish fishery coincides with stronger ties of kinship, which serve as a survival tactic under times of stress. (3) Although there is a wealth of literature on the privatization of the world's oceans and inequality, few studies have investigated the textured experience of class formation, which this analysis seeks to remediate.
Uneven Access: Working-Class Women and the Education Acts

This chapter compares the educational barriers faced by working-class women before and after the Education Act of 1870, as reflected in the poignant testimonies of Janet Bathgate, Mary Smith, Marianne Farningham, Hannah Mitchell, Peig Sayers, and several others. As these accounts testify, opportunities for bright and eager children to access formal education varied widely by region, parental occupation, and religious affiliation. The provision of government-sponsored primary education as initiated by the 1870 and later Education Acts, though delayed by minimal attendance requirements, lax enforcement, the politics of local school boards, and the rote nature of the instruction provided, nonetheless marked a seismic shift in widening opportunities for women of the British working classes in the late nineteenth century and beyond.
Are Lethal Alleles Too Abundant in Humans

Across species, many individuals carry one or more recessive lethal alleles, posing an evolutionary conundrum for their persistence. Using a population genomic approach, Amorim et al. studied the abundance of lethal disease-causing mutations in humans and found that, while appearing more common than expected, most may nonetheless persist at frequencies predicted by mutation–selection balance.
Femur Length and Famine Mortality in Medieval London

From the twelfth to the sixteenth century, London was one of Europe’s largest urban centers and suffered from frequent cereal shortages that were capable of instigating massive famine-related mortality. To assess biological susceptibility to these crises, this study examines the association between femur length (as a proxy for stature) and interment in famine burials in London during this period using a sample of 858 individuals buried in the St. Mary Spital cemetery (SRP98, c. 1120–1539). SRP98 includes both single and multiple interments, and the dating and demographic profiles of the latter suggest they were used during famines. Hierarchical log-linear analysis reveals a significantly higher proportion of individuals with short femora in putative famine burials compared to contemporaneous attritional burials; this association exists independent of an age or sex effect. These results suggest that people who experienced nutritional deprivations or other deleterious conditions during development severe enough to interfere with growth were more likely to die during conditions of famine than was true under normal conditions of mortality. These results might reflect an exacerbation of underlying vulnerabilities in the face of starvation and attendant infectious diseases during times of medieval famine that elevated the mortality risks of relatively frail individuals even higher than they would have been during non-famine years. Keywords: famine; frailty; stature; St. Mary Spital cemetery Durante los siglos XII a XVI d.C., Londres, Inglaterra fue uno de los centros urbanos mas grandes de Europa, y la ciudad sufrio frecuentemente de una escasez de los cereales, que contribuyo a la gran mortalidad por hambre. Para evaluar la susceptibilidad biologica a estas crisis de hambre, este estudio examina la asociacion entre la longitud del femur (como representacion de estatura) y los entierros de las mujeres que fueron enterradas entre los siglos XII a XVI en Londres. El estudio usa un muestreo de 858 individuos del cementerio St. Mary Spital (SRP98 c. 1120–1539). SRP98 incluye los entierros individuales y multiples. La datacion y los perfiles demograficos de los entierros multiples sugieren que fueron utilizados durante las epocas de hambruna. Los analisis jerarquicos del modelo log-linear revelan que hay mas individuos con femures cortos en los entierros asociados con el hambre, comparado con los entierros mas contemporaneos; esta asociacion existe independiente del efecto de la edad o el sexo. Los resultados sugieren que las personas que sufrian de una falta de nutricion o cualquier otro detrimento de salud que ocurrio durante del desarrollo natural humano estaban en mas riesgo de la muerte durante los periodos de hambre que durante las condiciones normales. Los resultados podrian reflejar una exacerbacion de las vulnerabilidades a la hambruna y otras enfermedades infecciosas durante los tiempos de hambruna, que contribuyo a un riesgo de muerte en los individuos debiles que era mas alto que en los tiempos sin la hambruna.
Articular Cartilage Lesion Characteristic Reporting Is Highly Variable in Clinical Outcomes Studies of the Knee.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the degree of standardized evaluation and reporting of cartilage lesion characteristics in high-impact clinical studies for symptomatic lesions...
Tissue-Specific Control of Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells

Tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells have emerged as a major component of T cell biology. Recent investigations have greatly advanced our understanding of TRMs. Common features have been discovered to distinguish memory T cells residing in various mucosal and non-mucosal tissues from their circulating counterparts. Given that most organs and tissues contain a unique microenvironment, local signal-induced tissue-specific features are tightly associated with the differentiation, homeostasis, and protective functions of TRMs. Here, we discuss recent advances in the TRM field with a special emphasis on the interaction between local signals and TRMs in the context of individual tissue environment.
Increasing Electrical Stimulation Efficacy in Degenerated Retina: Stimulus Waveform Design in a Multiscale Computational Model

A computational model of electrical stimulation of the retina is proposed for investigating current waveforms used in prosthetic devices for restoring partial vision lost to retinal degenerative diseases. The model framework combines a connectome-based neural network model characterized by accurate morphological and synaptic properties with an admittance method model of bulk tissue and prosthetic electronics. In this model, the retina was computationally “degenerated,” considering cellular death and anatomical changes that occur early in disease, as well as altered neural behavior that develops throughout the neurodegeneration and is likely interfering with current attempts at restoring vision. A resulting analysis of stimulation range and threshold of ON ganglion cells within the retina that are either healthy or in beginning stages of degeneration is presented for currently used stimulation waveforms, and an asymmetric biphasic current stimulation for subduing spontaneous firing to allow increased control over ganglion cell firing patterns in degenerated retina is proposed. Results show that stimulation thresholds of retinal ganglion cells do not notably vary after beginning stages of retina degeneration. In addition, simulation of proposed asymmetric waveforms showed the ability to enhance the control of ganglion cell firing via electrical stimulation.
Population Health, Ethnicity, and Rate of Living Donor Kidney Transplantation.

BACKGROUND Living donor kidney transplantation has declined in the United States since 2004, but the relationship between population characteristics and rate of living donation is unknown. The goal of our study was to use data on general population health and socioeconomic status to investigate the association with living donation. METHODS This cross-sectional, ecological study used population health and socioeconomic status data from the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to investigate the association with living donation. Transplant centers performing 10 or greater kidney transplants reported to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients in 2015 were included. Center rate of living donation was defined as the proportion of all kidney transplants performed at a center that were from living donors. RESULTS In a linear mixed-effects model, a composite index of health and socioeconomic status factors was negatively associated with living donation, with a rate of living donation that was on average 7.3 percentage points lower among centers in areas with more comorbid disease and poorer socioeconomic status (95% confidence interval, -12.2 to -2.3, P = 0.004). Transplant centers in areas with higher prevalence of minorities had a rate of living donation that was 7.1 percentage points lower than centers with fewer minorities (95% confidence interval, -11.8 to -2.3, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Center-level variation in living donation was associated with population characteristics and minority prevalence. Further examination of these factors in the context of patient and center-level barriers to living donation is warranted.
Extensions to MED

In the previous chapter we saw how the MED approach to learning can combine generative modeling with discriminative methods, such as SVMs. In this chapter we explore extensions of this framework spanning a wide variety of learning scenarios. One resounding theme is the introduction of further (possibly intermediate) variables in the discriminant function \( {\cal L}\left( {X;\Theta } \right) \), and solving for an augmented distribution P(Θ, …) involving these new terms (Figure 4.1). The resulting partition function typically involves more integrals, but as long as it is analytic, the number of Lagrange multipliers and the complexity of the optimization will remain basically unchanged, as when we introduced slack variables in Section 3. Once again, we note that as we add more distributions to the prior, we must be careful to balance their competing goals (i.e. their variances) evenly so that we still derive meaningful information from each component of the aggregate prior (the model prior, the margin prior, and the many further priors we will introduce shortly).
A Critique of the Transitional Internship

Way, way, way back in 1968–1969 I pursued and completed a year of post graduate training which could be considered a prototype of the transitional year experience that approximately one third of prospective radiology residents opt for today. In many ways, my internship provided the perfect introduction for a career in radiology, exposing me to clinical encounters of such diversity and with many insightful interactions that I recall many of them vividly today. My training consisted of 8 months of medicine, including one ER month, and 4 months of surgery. The medical experience also encompassed 4 months of general medicine, 1 month on an oncology service at Montefiore Hospital—a full service academic medical center—and 2 months of medicine at Morrisania Hospital—a now defunct city hospital which served mostly indigent patients from the, South and West Bronx. Morrisania was designed, can you believe it, into a series of open wards, 35 patients in one large room. The elevators often did not work and the lab was six flights up. Managing diabetic ketoacidosis patients was like marathon training.
Expanding the System: Organizational and Technical Growth

This chapter examines the various ways in which the system was expanded throughout the rest of the 1970s. The expansions were both organizational and technological, and I argue that the two must be kept in a dynamic tension in order to understand this period fully. Organizational topics include the formation of the international organization; anti-trust battles and the institution of “duality”; and the adoption of the name “Visa.” Technological topics include the expansion of BASE I’s capacity by switching to the Airline Control Program (ACP) on IBM hardware and creating a second cooperative data center; the expansion of the authorization network internationally; and multi-currency clearing and settlement.
Chemical stability of metoclopramide hydrochloride injection diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride injection in polypropylene syringes at room temperature

The stability of metoclopramide hydrochloride (0.5 mg/mL) in 0.9% sodium chloride injection in polypropylene syringes was studied at 25 deg C, using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic assay method. The concentrations of the drug were directly related to peak heights, and the percent relative standard deviation based on five injections was 1.4. The drug decomposed when treated with sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid, and the products of decomposition did not interfere wiht the assay procedure. the injection did not lose any potency after 21 days of storage at 25 deg C, and the pH value of 5.0 did not change. The physcial appearance of the injection remained clear throughout the study period.
Making every minute count: tools to improve office efficiency.

Using proven techniques borrowed from the business world, you can eliminate bottlenecks and waste in your practice.
A COMPARISON OF SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA PRIMARY PRODUCTION ESTIMATED BY DESTRUCTIVE AND NONDESTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUES

Individual live and dead culms of highmarsh Spartina alterniflora Loisel. within permanent 0.1 m2 quadrats were tagged. Growth data reveal leaf production, senescence and abscission are continuous processes throughout the year in this Georgia salt marsh. Leaf production of culms < 10 cm in height peaked in June (0.023 leaves culm-1 day-1) and of culms ≤ 10 cm in height in December (0.031 leaves culm-1 day-1). Leaf senescence peaked in August (0.047 leaves culm-1 day-1) as did leaf abscission (0.023 leaves culm-1 day-1). Production of new leaves from shoots ≤ 10 cm exceeded leaf production from older culms during fall and early winter. Recruitment of new shoots occurred throughout the year with a maximum rate of 71 culms m-2 56 days-1 in April and a total annual recruitment of 277 culms m-2 yr-1. Total annual mortality was estimated at 248 culms m-2 yr-1. Live standing biomass in grams dry weight (gdw) was estimated using the model, y = 0.63 - 0.05h + 0.002h2 where h = culm height. Field testing of the model suggested agreement between destructively and nondestructively estimated biomass within 95% confidence limits throughout the year, except during spring and early summer. Nondestructive estimation of net aerial primary production (NAPP) consisted of summing biomass losses to the dead component resulting from culm mortality and abscission of leaves from live culms. Leaf abscission from live culms accounted for 31% of the annual NAPP. Destructively estimated NAPP was 931 gdw m-2 yr-1 whereas the nondestructively estimated NAPP was 635 gdw m-2 yr-1. The difference in NAPP estimates appears to be related to sampling variability and leaf loss during the year, both of which are addressed by the nondestructive method.
Hearing loss in space.

BACKGROUND: Temporary and, in some cases, permanent hearing loss has been documented after long-duration spaceflights. METHODS: We examined all existing published data on hearing loss after space missions to characterize the losses. RESULTS: Data from Russian missions suggest that the hearing loss, when it occurs, affects mainly mid to high frequencies and that using hearing protection often might prevent the loss. Several significant questions remain about hearing loss in space. While the hearing loss has been presumed to be noise-induced, no clear link has been established between noise exposure and hearing loss during spaceflight. In one documented case of temporary hearing loss from the Shuttle-Mir program, the pattern of loss was atypical for a noise-induced loss. Continuous noise levels that have been measured on the Mir and previous space stations, while above engineering standards, are not at levels usually associated with hearing loss in ground-based studies (which have usually been limited to 8-10 h exposure periods). Attempts to measure hearing in space using threshold-based audiograms have been unsuccessful in both the American and Russian programs due to noise interference with the measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The existing data highlight the need for reliable monitoring of both hearing and noise in long-duration spaceflight.
Underwater mechanical behavior of closed cell PVC foams under hydrostatic loading through 3D DIC technique

Abstract The underwater constitutive behavior of poly vinyl chloride foams with varying densities was investigated in this study. The experiments were conducted in an optically clear acrylic tube, which allowed for visualization of the specimen and the application of 3D Digital Image Correlation. A series of calibration experiments was conducted to investigate the applicability of the Digital Image Correlation technique for measuring the deformation of objects underwater inside of a curved acrylic tube of considerable thickness. The results of the calibration experiments demonstrated that a submerged object located in the middle of the acrylic tube appears magnified in the radial direction. This apparent magnification was taken into account during the analysis of the deformation for all underwater experiments. The hydrostatic loading was achieved by fitting the acrylic tube with a nylon piston, and compressing the piston with an Intron testing machine. Hydrostatic load of up to 5 MPa was achieved during quasi-static compression of the piston. The load applied by the Instron machine was coupled with the Digital Image Correlation data to analyze the constitutive behavior of the PVC foams. The hydraulic crush pressure, bulk modulus, and energy stored up to densification strain were determined for each foam density.
Cognitive Appraisal as a Mechanism Linking Negative Organizational Shocks and Desire to Leave

The past two decades have seen a significant rise in both frequency and size of M&As in the U.S., many of which have been associated with considerable interruption of organizational activities and ...
A new analytic tool developed to assess safe use recommendations.

Purpose Develop a flexible analytic tool for the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Sentinel System to assess adherence to safe use recommendations with two capabilities: characterize adherence to patient monitoring recommendations for a drug, and characterize concomitant medication use before, during, and/or after drug therapy. Methods We applied the tool in the Sentinel Distributed Database to assess adherence to the labeled recommendation that patients treated with dronedarone undergo electrocardiogram (ECG) testing no less often than every 3 months. Measures of length of treatment, time to first ECG, number of ECGs, and time between ECGs were assessed. We also assessed concomitant use of contraception among female users of mycophenolate per label recommendations (concomitancy 4 weeks before through 6 weeks after discontinuation of mycophenolate). Unadjusted results were stratified by age, month-year, and sex. Results We identified 21 457 new episodes of dronedarone use of greater than or equal to 90 days (July 2009 to September 2015); 86% had greater than or equal to one ECG, and 22% met the recommendation of an ECG no less often than every 3 months. We identified 21 942 new episodes of mycophenolate use among females 12 to 55 years (January 2016 to September 2015); 16% had greater than or equal to 1 day of concomitant contraception dispensed, 12% had concomitant contraception use for greater than or equal to 50% of the 4 weeks before initiation through 6 weeks after mycophenolate; younger females had more concomitancy. These results may be underestimates as the analyses are limited to claims data. Conclusions We developed a tool for use in databases formatted to the Sentinel Common Data Model that can assess adherence to safe use recommendations involving patient monitoring and concomitant drug use over time.
Probing hair cell’s mechano-transduction using two-tone suppression measurements

When two sound tones are delivered to the cochlea simultaneously, they interact with each other in a suppressive way, a phenomenon referred to as two-tone suppression (2TS). This nonlinear response is ascribed to the saturation of the outer hair cell’s mechano-transduction. Thus, 2TS can be used as a non-invasive probe to investigate the fundamental properties of cochlear mechano-transduction. We developed a nonlinear cochlear model in the time domain to interpret 2TS data. The multi-scale model incorporates cochlear fluid dynamics, organ of Corti (OoC) mechanics and outer hair cell electrophysiology. The model simulations of 2TS show that the threshold amplitudes and rates of low-side suppression are dependent on mechano-transduction properties. By comparing model responses to existing 2TS measurement data, we estimate intrinsic characteristics of mechano-transduction such as sensitivity and adaptation. For mechano-transduction sensitivity at the basal location (characteristic frequency of 17 kHz) at 0.06 nm−1, the simulation results agree with 2TS measurements of basilar membrane responses. This estimate is an order of magnitude higher than the values observed in experiments on isolated outer hair cells. The model also demonstrates how the outer hair cell’s adaptation alters the temporal pattern of 2TS by modulating mechano-electrical gain and phase.
The Role of NADPH Oxidases in the Etiology of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome: Contribution of Individual Isoforms and Cell Biology

Significance: Highly prevalent in Western cultures, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and cost health care systems billions of dollars annually. At the cellular level, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes are associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased levels of ROS production in key organ systems such as adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and the vasculature cause disruption of tissue homeostasis, leading to increased morbidity and risk of mortality. More specifically, growing evidence implicates the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) enzymes in these pathologies through impairment of insulin signaling, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction. The NOX family of enzymes is a major driver of redox signaling through its production of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and attendant downstream metabolites acting on redox-sensitive signaling molecules. Recent Advances: The primary goal of this review is to highlight recent advances and survey our present understanding of cell-specific NOX enzyme contributions to metabolic diseases. Critical Issues: However, due to the short half-lives of individual ROS and/or cellular defense systems, radii of ROS diffusion are commonly short, often restricting redox signaling and oxidant stress to localized events. Thus, special emphasis should be placed on cell type and subcellular location of NOX enzymes to better understand their role in the pathophysiology of metabolic diseases. Future Directions: We discuss the targeting of NOX enzymes as potential therapy and bring to light potential emerging areas of NOX research, microparticles and epigenetics, in the context of metabolic disease.
Functioning Characteristics of Patients with Neck Pain: ICF Concept Based

Purpose: This study examine the functioning level and quality of life (QoL) of people with non-specific neck pain and neck pain with ra diculopathy using the neck disability index (NDI), functional rating index (FRI), and short form of health survey 36 (SF-36) and each of linked lCF code lists of those scales. Methods: Each item of the NDI, FRI, and SF-36 were linked conceptually to the ICF code, and the lCF code lists of those scales were pro duced as iNDI, iFRI, and iSF-36, respectively. Seventy-nine patients with neck pain filled the instruments and its linked ICF code lists. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the diagnosis, non-specific neck pain (Group1), and neck pain with radiculopathy (Group2). A group comparison was performed using an independent t-test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was also used to analyze the relationships between each scale and the linked ICF code list. Results: The participants in Group 2 experienced more difficulties in their daily activities than those in Group 2 when examined in NDI and FRI (p<0.05). This result was also found consistently in the ICF code lists, iNDI and iFRI (p=0.05). On the other hand, the QoL did not show a difference between groups (p=0.06). A strong correlation was observed between the instruments and linked ICF code lists: NDI and iNDI (r=0.90), FRI and iFRI (r=0.91), and SF-36 and iSF-36 (r=-0.61). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the concept of each item in NDI and FRI could be linked to the ICF codes when examining pa tients with neck pain, but the items of SF-36 were found to be linked and expressed in ICF.
The Roving Eye

This chapter focuses on Bowen’s vivid visual imagination, her sketches of characters in landscapes, and her progressive interest in the new media, a consciousness that contributed to the texture of her writing. The still shots of photography, montage of films and the shadows, dreams and collage of the new art movement of surrealism, as well as her interest in painting contribute to a new style of writing.
Inadequate β-cell mass is essential for the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes

For patients with type 1 diabetes, it is accepted among the scientific community that there is a marked reduction in β-cell mass; however, with type 2 diabetes, there is disagreement as to whether this reduction in mass occurs in every case. Some have argued that β-cell mass in some patients with type 2 diabetes is normal and that the cause of the hyperglycaemia in these patients is a functional abnormality of insulin secretion. In this Personal View, we argue that a deficient β-cell mass is essential for the development of type 2 diabetes. The main point is that there are enormous (≥10 fold) variations in insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in the general population, with a very close correlation between these two factors for any individual. Although β-cell mass cannot be accurately measured in living patients, it is highly likely that it too is highly correlated with insulin sensitivity and secretion. Thus, our argument is that a person with type 2 diabetes can have a β-cell mass that is the same as a person without type 2 diabetes, but because they are insulin resistant, the mass is inadequate and responsible for their diabetes. Because the abnormal insulin secretion of diabetes is caused by dysglycaemia and can be largely reversed with glycaemic control, it is a less serious problem than the reduction in β-cell mass, which is far more difficult to restore.
Targeting dual signalling pathways in concert with immune checkpoints for the treatment of pancreatic cancer

Objective This study exploits the intersection between molecular-targeted therapies and immune-checkpoint inhibition to define new means to treat pancreatic cancer. Design Patient-derived cell lines and xenograft models were used to define the response to CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition in the tumour compartment. Impacts relative to immunotherapy were performed using subcutaneous and orthotopic syngeneic models. Single-cell RNA sequencing and multispectral imaging were employed to delineate effects on the immunological milieu in the tumour microenvironment. Results We found that combination treatment with MEK and CDK4/6 inhibitors was effective across a broad range of PDX models in delaying tumour progression. These effects were associated with stable cell-cycle arrest, as well as the induction of multiple genes associated with interferon response and antigen presentation in an RB-dependent fashion. Using single-cell sequencing and complementary approaches, we found that the combination of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition had a significant impact on increasing T-cell infiltration and altering myeloid populations, while potently cooperating with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Conclusions Together, these data indicate that there are canonical and non-canonical features of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibition that impact on the tumour and immune microenvironment. This combination-targeted treatment can promote robust tumour control in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
High willingness to use overdose prevention sites among female sex workers in Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract Background Overdose Prevention Sites (OPS) operate worldwide as spaces where people can consume previously purchased drugs under supervision, and are linked to reductions in HIV/HCV transmission and fatal overdoses. As the United States weighs their merits and legality, research is needed to estimate acceptability and use among populations at high risk for overdose. We examine willingness to use OPS among street-based female sex workers (FSW) with prevalent drug use and associated morbidities. Methods We describe self-reported willingness, barriers and conditions around use of a hypothetical OPS among 141 FSW engaged in active drug use in Baltimore City, and describe trends using Pearson’s χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests. Results Most women had history of overdose (55 %) and were likely to use OPS (77 %). Willingness was higher among women who: were sexual minorities (97 %;P=0.002),experienced homelessness (82 %;P=0.019), injected drugs (82 %;P=0.013), shared syringes (82 %;P=0.007), experienced sexual violence (92 %;P=0.045) or reported heroin use (83 %;P=0.039) in the past 3 months. Common anticipated barriers included transportation (45 %) and fear of arrest (41 %). Conclusions This study highlights a population of uniquely high-risk women who would benefit from an OPS integrated with other services. Conditions and barriers discussed are informative for planning and implementation.
FLight: toward programmable visible-light-band wireless UAV networking

Wireless unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) networking has been unleashed to be a key technology to enable massive numbers of novel applications in future Internet of Things (IoTs) and 5G networks. However, scaling out of zillions of mobile devices, drones and objects in IoT will inevitably lead to the dreaded spectrum crunch problem. To alleviate the scarce radio spectrum problem, in this paper, we envision using visible light communication (VLC) for wireless UAV networks to unlock the capacity and propose FLight, a programmable visible-light-band wireless UAV networking system. Unlike RF communications, two main challenges in FLight are (i) limited network coverage because of significant pass loss, and (ii) intermittent visible light connections due to blockage-rich environments. In this paper, we discuss the key research components and open challenges in implementing FLight. By combining VLC and drone networking, FLight opens the way for a new class of applications that will benefit from ground-air and air-air communication.
Web-Based Homework Systems: Students' Perceptions of Course Interaction and Learning in Mathematics.

The use of web-based homework management systems has been on the rise for the past few years. These systems provide digital alternatives to the traditional paper-and-pencil assignments. The current study aimed at investigating student perceptions of the impact of the use of web-based homework systems on students’ active learning in mathematics. The study also investigated the effects of specific features of these systems such as immediate feedback and multiple attempts on student motivation and practice. Ninety-seven college students enrolled in a mathematics course participated in this study. Data were collected using a 5-point Likert-type questionnaire. The results indicated that students had a positive attitude toward the use of web-based homework systems and they also felt motivated to do more practice using the different features of these systems. Students perceived the web-based homework systems to have a positive influence on their learning experience in the classroom.
Serotonin Regulation of Alcohol Drinking

Rat lines selectively bred for their disparate alcohol drinking behavior exhibit differences in their CNS serotonin (5-HT) systems. The alcohol-preferring P line has lower contents of 5-HT and fewer immunostained 5-HT fibers than the alcohol-nonpreferring NP line in several CNS regions. In addition, the densities of 5-HTAreceptors are higher while values for 5-HTBand 5-HT, sites are lower in the P compared to the NP line. Alcohol administration (i.p. and local) increases the synaptic levels of 5-HT and dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (ACB). Moreover, the alcohol-stimulated release of DA appears to be mediated by 5-HT, receptors. In addition, manipulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus 5-HT system produces a corresponding change in ACB DA release, suggesting that 5-HT is regulating the mesolimbic DA system. Systemic administration of agents that increase synaptic levels of 5-HT reduce the alcohol intake of P rats. Overall, the data suggest that CNS 5-HT systems are involved in regulating the actions of alcohol and that a deficiency in 5-HT may be an important factor contributing to the high alcohol drinking characteristics of the P rats.