cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obesity and pelvic organ prolapse: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Background Studies evaluating the association between obesity and pelvic organ prolapse report estimates that range from negative to positive associations. Heterogeneous definitions for pelvic organ prolapse and variable choices for categorizing obesity measures have made it challenging to conduct meta-analysis. Objective We systematically evaluated evidence to provide quantitative summaries of association between degrees of obesity and pelvic organ prolapse, and identify sources of heterogeneity. Study Design We searched for all indexed publications relevant to pelvic organ prolapse up until June 18, 2015, in PubMed/MEDLINE to identify analytical observational studies published in English that reported risk ratios (relative risk, odds ratio, or hazard ratio) for body mass index categories in relation to pelvic organ prolapse. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted to report associations with pelvic organ prolapse for overweight and obese body mass index categories compared with women in the normal-weight category (referent: body mass index 2 ). Results Of the 70 studies that reported evidence on obesity and pelvic organ prolapse, 22 eligible studies provided effect estimates for meta-analysis of the overweight and obese body mass index categories. Compared with the referent category, women in the overweight and obese categories had meta-analysis risk ratios of at least 1.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.20–1.53) and at least 1.47 (95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.59), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed effect estimates for objectively measured clinically significant pelvic organ prolapse were higher than for self-reported pelvic organ prolapse. Other potential sources of heterogeneity included proportion of postmenopausal women in study and reported study design. Conclusion Overweight and obese women are more likely to have pelvic organ prolapse compared with women with body mass index in the normal range. The finding that the associations for obesity measures were strongest for objectively measured, clinically significant pelvic organ prolapse further strengthens this evidence. However, prospective investigations evaluating obesity and pelvic organ prolapse are few.
Social Capital and Economic Development: A Neighborhood Perspective

Sean Safford’s 2009 book Why the Garden Club Couldn’t Save Youngstown introduces a revolutionary idea that much of a community’s economic resilience is tied to the social capital that exists within it. Recent research suggests that social capital not only benefits those who develop it, but it can serve as a source of economic development in the communities in which it arises. Past quantitative research on the economic benefit of social capital has only examined the city or higher levels of aggregation. This study measures social capital in three diverse socioeconomic neighborhoods to better understand how social capital can serve as a tool for economic development. An ordered probit regression model was developed to examine how individual and neighborhood levels of social capital benefit households within these communities. Moreover, this study addresses how differences in social capital across neighborhoods are explained by both individual and neighborhood characteristics.
Fluid-Fluid Systems

In this chapter, we consider fluid-fluid two-phase flows under the condition that the interfacial heat transfer between the two fluids is the principal con-vective heat transfer. We also examine the models describing phasic energy conservation for cases where one of the fluids is dispersed within the other. The heat transfer between a pair of nonvolatile immiscible liquids is of interest in the direct-contact heat exchange, and generally one of the liquids is dispersed. We first consider these liquid-liquid systems and the condition for a liquid-liquid interfacial vapor nucleation. The gas-liquid systems are considered next. These are the most widely encountered fluid-fluid system and occur with or without a continuous interface, with or without a phase change, and with or without a chemical reaction (for multicomponent systems). Since the gases from two different streams brought together mix, the two-medium treatment of the gas-gas systems is limited to the application in the modeling of the low-pressure plasmas heat transfer. There, the heat exchange between the electrons and the heavier species must be addressed. Although this heat exchange is through molecular collisions and is dealt with using the result of the kinetic theory of gases, the two-medium treatment of the electrons and the heavier species, discussed briefly in Section 5.4.5, has similarities with the phasic energy conservation equations used in this chapter and in Chapter 5.
Strategies to Contain Cost Associated with Orthopaedic Care.

Orthopaedic surgery maintains a large portion of the total health-care spending in the United States. In the near future, a greater importance will be placed on efforts to curtail health-care spending and on providing cost-effective care.The literature has established that there are substantial trea
Appreciation of Others Buffers the Associations of Stressful Life Events with Depressive and Physical Symptoms

The current study is a cross-sectional examination of the stress-buffering effects of gratitude. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to examine whether various aspect of gratitude—appreciation of others, simple appreciation, and sense of abundance—functioned equivalently as stress-buffers and alleviated negative psychological and physical reactions to life events. One-hundred eighty-one college students completed self-report, retrospective measures of dispositional gratitude, depressive symptoms, and physical symptoms, as well as the amount of stressful life events experienced. Data were analyzed using multiple hierarchical regression. The results of the analyses revealed significant statistical interactions between appreciation of others, stressful life events, and both depressive and physical symptoms. Specifically, participants reporting a greater sense of appreciation of others also reported lower levels of depressive and physical symptoms when experiencing stress. Our results are consistent with previous research that demonstrates the protective health benefits of gratitude but highlights the importance of considering the unique aspects of the different components of gratitude.
DNA-Functionalized, Bivalent Proteins.

Bivalent DNA conjugates of β-galactosidase (βGal), having pairs of oligonucleotides positioned closely on opposing faces of the protein, have been synthesized and characterized. These structures, due to their directional bonding characteristics, allow for the programmable access of one-dimensional protein materials. When conjugates functionalized with complementary oligonucleotides are combined under conditions that support DNA hybridization, periodic wire-type superstructures consisting of aligned proteins form. These structures have been characterized by gel electrophoresis, cryo-transmission electron microscopy, and negative-stain transmission electron microscopy. Significantly, melting experiments of complementary building blocks display narrowed and elevated melting transitions compared to the free duplex DNA, further supporting the formation of the designed binding mode, and unambiguously characterizing their association as DNA-mediated. These novel structures illustrate, for the first time, that di...
Psoas Muscle Abscess due to Pasteurella Multocida

AbstractA 9-year-old girl with meningomyelocele, an ileal conduit and a living related kidney transplant presented with a progressive gait disturbance. Radiographic evaluation included a computerized tomography scan that disclosed a large right psoas muscle abscess. The abscess cavity was drained percutaneously and culture of its contents yielded Pasteurella multocida. This case illustrates an unusual presentation of a psoas muscle abscess caused by an uncommon organism that was diagnosed and treated by nonoperative methods.
The characterological basis of multiple personality

This review has focused on the characterological features of dissociative identity disorder (DID), extending the "state versus trait" debate to the realm of the dissociative disorders. A number of different theories are presented describing DID as a variant of, on a continuum with, or being comorbid with the narcissistic and the borderline personality disorders. It is then hypothesized that DID is best considered a distinct characterological entity. Two theories are put forth, which describe a personality disorder whose predominant defense is dissociation. The more developed model which possibly has more explanatory value is the "dissociative character." In this schema, DID would be considered a lower-level dissociative character, utilizing primitive forms of dissociation in which splitting is enhanced by an autohypnotic defensive altered state of consciousness. These altered states originate in response to the overstimulation of external trauma, but get reactivated in the service of here-and-now intrapsychic conflicts. Recognition of this dual quality of dissociation seems helpful in psychodynamic treatment, which allows for analysis of the defense and analysis of the content of these states. The nature of the content of what is "in dissociation" appears to have a dreamlike quality to it that may correspond to previous trauma but also be subject to some secondary revision. There is clinical evidence to suggest that "dream work" of the ego is operative in both the representation of a separate self in dreams and in alter personalities. Another organizing influence which contributes to seemingly separate identities is that of perverse sexuality. It appears that a number of dissociated sexual pathways may be followed in the same individual, which encapsulate aggression, childhood trauma, anxiety, and a sense of self. When this exceedingly complex psychic structure is successful, it may then free up some ego to proceed with aspects of healthy development.
A Decision Support System for Personality Based Phishing Susceptibility Analysis

Phishing e-mails are the stepping stone for many cyber attacks exploiting the psychology of the victims. However, the literature lacks a study that correlates these phishing e-mail contents and the personality traits of the victims. By understanding how different types of phishing e-mails are crafted to exploit a population of certain personality types, one can develop a system that can predict which types of phishing e-mails a person might be more susceptible to. In this paper, we outline the architecture of such a decision support system based on five factor model of personality traits and a phishing experiment creating a virtual stock market, which can be used by an organization for personalized phishing awareness training of employees and better defense from phishing attacks.
Citrus Aurantium and caffeine complex versus placebo on biomarkers of metabolism: a double blind crossover design

The purpose of this study was to examine resting the metabolic response to the ingestion of a complex containing Citrus Aurantium + Caffeine (CA + C) and if its consumption influences metabolic recovery following a high-intensity anaerobic exercise bout in habitual caffeine users. Ten physically active males (25.1 ± 3.9 years; weight 78.71 ± 9.53 kg; height 177.2 ± 4.6 cm; body fat 15.5 ± 3.13%) participated in this study. This study was performed in a double-blind, randomized crossover fashion consisting of two exhaustive exercise protocols. On each visit the participants consumed either a CA + C (100 mg of CA and 100 mg of C) or placebo (dextrose) capsule. After consumption, participants were monitored throughout a 45-min ingestion period, then completed a repeated Wingate protocol, and were then monitored throughout a 45-min recovery period. Metabolic function was measured through blood glucose, plasma insulin, plasma triglycerides, and plasma catecholamines: epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE). Biomarkers were taken at four different time points; Ingestion period: baseline (I1), post-ingestion period (I2); Recovery period: immediately post-exercise (R1), post-recovery period (R2). A repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time-dependent increases in plasma E and NE at I2 only in the CA + C trial (p < 0.05), and a significant decrease in blood glucose at I2 in the PLA trial (p < 0.05); however, no meaningful changes in glucose was observed following CA + C ingestion. No changes in insulin or triglycerides were observed during the ingestion period. No trial-dependent differences were observed in the Recovery period. All biomarkers of metabolic recovery were equivalent when evaluating R1 v R2. Participants recovered in a similar time-dependent manner in all markers of metabolism following the PLA and CA + C trials. The findings of this study suggested that normal recommended dosages of 100 mg CA + 100 mg C is sufficient to promote glucose sparing at rest, with modest increases in SNS activity; however, the individual role of CA or C in this response cannot be determined.
Negotiated board-level employee representation in European Companies: Leverage for the institutional power of labour?:

The European Company Directive anchored board-level employee representation in European law for the first time. Rules negotiated between management and worker representatives became the primary sou...
A Revision of Computer Self-Efficacy Conceptualizations in Information Systems

Computer self-efficacy is one of the more important constructs in information systems (IS) research. Over the years, IS researchers have debated about its multifaceted nature. Yet, despite, extensive debate, we contend that for information systems, the conceptualization of various self-efficacy dimensions is incomplete. The primary dimension currently focused on is the specificity of the technology. This has resulted in two types of self-efficacy being investigated: computer self-efficacy and specific computer self-efficacy. However, the task being performed with technology has received limited attention in information systems self-efficacy research and discussions. We argue that there are four distinct types of computer self-efficacy constructs that are derived from combining the dimensions of specificity of information technology (specific/general) and task type (simple/complex) into a 2x2 model. Using data gathered from a quasi-experimental study, we illustrate how these constructs are not only theoretically different but also have a distinct measurement item set. Implications for expanding self-efficacy research are discussed at the end.
ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION OF BEEF HEIFERS AGAINST LUTEINIZING HORMONE. II, EVALUATION OF CONJUGATION TECHNIQUE ON ANTIGENICITY OF LH

This study evaluated the antigenicity of LH-ovalbumin complexes produced using different conjugation techniques. Two homobifunctional cross-linkers, glutaraldehyde (Glut) and carbodiimide (ECDI), were evaluated together with one heterobifunctional reagent, m-maleimido-benzoyl N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (MBS). Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western transfer techniques were used to confirm conjugation of LH. Forty-four beef heifers were assigned randomly to seven treatment groups. Two groups of heifers were immunized against glutaraldehyde conjugates (Glut-I and Glut-II), two against MBS conjugates (MBS-I and MBS-II) and one against a carbodiimide conjugate (ECDI). Control animals were immunized against nonconjugated LH (LH-only) or ovalbumin alone (Oval). Heifers received one primary injection of antigen followed by two boosters at a 3-wk interval. The Glut conjugates induced the highest (P less than .05) LH antibody activity (Glut-II, 18 +/- 4%; Glut-I, 14 +/- 4%). The ECDI (11 +/- 4%), and MBS-I (11 +/- 2%) conjugates induced greater LH binding than MBS-II (4 +/- 1%), LH-only (4 +/- 1%) or Oval (2 +/- 1%). Glutaraldehyde produced an LH-ovalbumin conjugate of greater LH immunogenicity than either ECDI or the heterobifunctional reagent, MBS.
Regions and Connections: Complementary Approaches to Characterize Brain Organization and Function:

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has proved to be a powerful tool to characterize spatiotemporal patterns of human brain activity. Analysis methods broadly fall into two camps: those summarizi...
How Much Should We Rely on Student Test Achievement as a Measure of Success

The use of test scores as a performance measure in high-stakes educational accountability has become increasingly popular since the enactment of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), which i...
Multi-Drug Resistance Phenotype in Myeloid Leukemia Cells Confers Radiation Resistance Via DNA Damage Sensor Uncoupling.

Abstract Abstract 4243 We have found that a stable multi-drug resistant (MDR) variant of the myeloid leukemia line, HL60, called RV+, which was selected for drug resistance in the presence of vincristine, is clonogenically cross-resistant to gamma radiation (RV+ Do= 0.81 Gy, HL60 Do = 0.49 Gy). At equal doses, these two different cell lines incurred equivalent DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) upon irradiation as measured by pulse-field electrophoresis, and showed nearly identical bulk DSB repair capacity and efficiency, suggesting that the resistence phenotype is not due to a reduction in DSBs. Interestingly, an early and proximal marker of DSBs, phosphorylation of the histone variant H2AX, is up to seven-fold lower in RV+ cells, despite equivalent bulk DNA damage. This discrepancy between physical damage and proximal signaling is accompanied by dramatically attenuated early and late G2/M checkpoint responses in RV+ cells, which require nearly 10 times the radiation dose of HL60 cells (2.0 Gy compared to 0.2 Gy) to elicit a full early G2/M check, and up to four times the dose (4.0 Gy compared to 1.0 Gy) for an equivalent late G2/M response. Consistent with decreased checkpoint stringency, up to eight time as many RV+ cells were found to be entering mitosis after radiation, with 62.7% unresolved DSBs as measured by micronuclei formation. Although HL60 had a comparable percentage of cells with unresolved breaks (72.6%), the total number of cells entering mitosis with intact nuclei was proportionally much lower. Moreover, in the same dose range, RV+ cells have a marked decrease in radiation-induced apoptosis compared to HL60, which has been shown to be an important clonogenic predictor in hematopoietic cells. As RV+ cells are 10-fold more sensitive to cytarabine-induced apoptosis, RV+ cell insensitivity is likely not due to a global anti-apoptotic phenotype. Increased clonogenic survival suggests that RV+ have partially decoupled sensing of extant DNA damage from checkpoint and apoptotic responses, possibly through downregulation of phospho-H2AX or its cognate upstream kinases. Current research seeks to determine a causal relationship between these unique radioresistance phenomena. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Adjudicating the Religious Beliefs of an Asylum Seekers: When the ‘Well-Founded Fear’ Standard Leads Courts Astray

This note discusses the standard that should be applied for asylum seekers who are fleeing religious persecution in their home country. In order to gain asylum in the United States, applicants must meet the standard of a refugee, meaning that, among other things, they must demonstrate that they have a “well-founded fear” of returning to their country of origin. “Well-founded fear” has been defined as when the applicant has a “subjectively genuine and an objectively reasonable fear”. The subjective fear is established when an applicant is found to have testified credibly concerning their fear of return. The objective standard is more difficult to define but has been likened to the “reasonable person standard”, when “a reasonable person in his circumstances would fear persecution” upon return to the native country. This standard is inconsistent with the way in which other religious legal issues are typically addressed, and becomes impossible to apply when an individual fears religious persecution such as black magic, voodoo, or witchcraft that is incompatible with the Western perspective of a “reasonable” fear. Evaluating another culture’s religious beliefs through the lens of a “reasonable person” standard results in blanket discrimination against non-Western ideologies. The Supreme Court’s long-standing approach to determining an individual’s religious beliefs is that it is only appropriate to determine the sincerity of the belief, not the underlying veracity of the belief itself. The same standard should be applied towards asylum seekers whose fear of returning to their home country is rooted in their religious beliefs.
Probe melting analysis for rapid detection of ethambutol-resistant mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates

Objective To evaluate the potential use of a probe melting analysis (PMA) assay in detecting the embB mutations which confer resistance against ethambutol in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Methods The analysis sensitivity and specificity of PMA were investigated by detecting a serially diluted H37 Rv DNA and a reference panel from National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Product. Six hundred and thirteen sputum samples were collected from the Xiamen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xiamen First Hospital and Center for Zhangzhou Disease Control and Prevention from September 2009 to April 2010. The PMA assay was then evaluated by detecting 613 clinical isolates and the results were compared with the sequencing results. Results The PMA assay could specifically detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis and had a limit of detection of 3 copies per reaction. The assay results with 613 clinical isolates showed that PMA gave a 100% concordance with sequencing in the 583 qualified samples, among which 34 were mutations at embB 306,23 at embB 378-380, 3 at embB 406 and 3 at embB 497. Conclusions PMA assay is a sensitive and specific method enabling efficient detection of common embB mutations causing ethambutol-resistance. The rapidness of this method together with its reliability would facilitate its use in routine testing. Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Ethambutol; Drug resistance,bacterial; Mutation; Polymerase chain reaction
Deep inelastic vortex scattering: A third outcome for head-on collisions

Results are presented from numerical simulations of the flat-space nonlinear Maxwell-Klein-Gordon equations demonstrating deep inelastic scattering of $m=1$ vortices for a range of Ginzburg-Landau (or Abelian-Higgs) parameters ($\kappa$), impact parameters ($b$), and initial velocities ($v_0$). The threshold ($v_0^*$) of right-angle scattering is explored for head-on ($b=0$) collisions by varying $v_0$. Solutions obey time-scaling laws, $T\propto \alpha\ln(v_0-v_0^*) $, with $\kappa$-dependent scaling exponents, $\alpha$, and have $v_0^*$ that appear not to have the previously reported upper bound. The arbitrarily long-lived static intermediate attractor at criticality ($v_0=v_0^*$) is observed to be the $\kappa$-specific $m=2$ vortex solution. Scattering angles are observed for off-axis ($b\neq 0$) collisions for a wide range of $b$, $v_0$, and $\kappa$. It is shown that for arbitrarily small impact parameters ($b\rightarrow 0$), the unstable %but arbitrarily long-lived $\kappa$-dependent $m=2$ "critical" vortex is an intermediate attractor and decays with a $\kappa$-\emph{independent} scattering angle of $135^{\circ}$, as opposed to either of the well-known values of $180^{\circ}$ or $90^{\circ}$ for $b=0$.
The Influence of Pop Songs Referencing Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation on College Students' Mental Health Empathy, Stigma, and Behavioral Intentions.

U.S. college students’ general mental health is rapidly declining, and scholars have observed significant increases in references to depression, suicide, and mental health metaphors in popular musi...
Isofurans and isoprostanes as markers of delayed brain injury and mitochondrial dysfunction following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A prospective observational study

Abstract Introduction F2-Isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) and Isofurans (IsoF), specific markers of lipid peroxidation in vivo, have been reported to be elevated and have prognostic implications following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Platelet activation and vasoconstriction are attributed to these compounds. Elevated IsoF: F2-IsoPs ratios have been previously suggested as indicative of mitochondrial dysfunction. In this small study we examined their performance as specific biomarkers for delayed brain injury (DBI) development following SAH. We also explored if evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction could be found in a cohort of SAH patients. Methods Eighteen patients with SAH and 7 controls with normal neuroimaging and CSF analysis results underwent CSF sampling and abstraction of clinical, demographic, and laboratory data. Samples (two) of CSF were collected on day 1 and once on days 5-8 post-bleed. F2-IsoP and IsoF assays were performed at Vanderbilt Eicosanoid Core Lab by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Levels are expressed in median (IQR) for non-parametric data. Repeated sample measurement were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, whereas the Mann Whitney test was used for other non-parametric data. Results Mean age was 61.2 + 15.7 (SAH cases) vs. 47.6 + 10 (controls) years, and 80% of SAH patients were female. Median Hunt-Hess score was 3 (2-4) and modified Fisher scale 3 (3-4). Thirty nine percent of patients developed DBI. F2-IsoP were significantly higher in SAH cases than in controls [47.5 (30.2-53.5) vs. 26.0 (21.2-34.5) pg/mL]. No significant differences were observed in patients with or without DBI [41 (33.5-52) vs. 44 (28.5-55.5) pg/mL]. IsoF were elevated in the second CSF sample in 9 patients, but undetectable in the remainder cases and all controls. Patients who developed DBI had significantly higher IsoF than cases who did not [(57 (34-72) vs. 0 (0-34) pg/mL]. Patients who met criteria for delayed injury had a significantly higher IsoF: F2IsoPs ratio on the late CSF sample [1.03 (1-1.38) vs. 0 (0-0.52)]. Conclusions Preliminary findings from this study suggest that IsoF may represent a specific biomarker predicting DBI following SAH and provide possible evidence of CNS mitochondrial dysfunction in SAH. Future studies to further explore the value of IsoF as biomarkers of secondary brain injury and the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis to clinical outcomes following SAH seem warranted.
Use of Community Based Participatory Research to Design Interventions for Healthy Lifestyle in an Alternative Learning Environment

Introduction/ObjectivesChildhood obesity develops as the result of the interplay between individual and environmental factors. Community based participatory research (CBPR) is an effective tool for...
Characteristics of systematic reviews in the social sciences

Abstract As systematic reviews become more common in the social sciences journal literature, it is important for social science librarians to be familiar with this methodology. Knowledge of characteristics of systematic reviews that have been published in the journal literature can help to inform librarians as they guide researchers to adopt good practices. This paper analyzes a collection of 164 systematic reviews gleaned from the International Bibliography of Social Sciences database for the period 2017 to 2019 from journals in the fields of anthropology, business and economics, communications, education, political science, psychology, social sciences (comprehensive), and sociology. The methodology of each review was checked to answer questions about reporting of keywords and search terms, reporting of inclusion/exclusion criteria, time period searched, external guidelines referenced, initial number of studies retrieved and number of studies included in the review, and number and names of databases searched. Details are provided for the individual subject categories, and the implications of these findings for social science librarians are discussed.
The architecture of phenotypic flexibility within a complex trait: an empirical case study using avian thermogenic performance

ABSTRACT Reversible modifications to trait values can allow individuals to match their phenotypes to changing environmental conditions, a phenomenon known as phenotypic flexibility. A system’s capacity for flexibility may be determined by its underlying architecture, and these relationships can have important implications for both organismal adaptation and the evolvability of acclimatization responses. Theory provides two possible alternatives to explain the ways in which lower-level traits respond to environmental challenges and contribute to phenotypic flexibility in complex, whole-organism traits: symmorphosis predicts correspondence between structure and demand across all levels of a physiological system, while the alternative predicts that influence is concentrated in select elements of a physiological network. Here we provide a rich dataset — composed of 20 sub-organismal, physiological traits paired with whole-organism metabolic rates for 106 adult Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) — to explore the mechanistic basis of phenotypic flexibility in complex traits. When exposed to synthetic temperature cues, these individuals have previously been shown to increase their thermogenic capacity (Msum) and enhance their ability to maintain their body temperature in the cold. We show that the relationships among a number of the traits that contribute to Msum varied as the environmental context changed. Moreover, variation in Msum in response to temperature acclimation was correlated with only a handful of subordinate phenotypes. As a result, avian thermogenic flexibility does not appear to be a symmorphotic response. If this is generally true of complex traits, it suggests that simple and reversible modifications can significantly impact whole-organism performance, and thus that the evolution of phenotypic flexibility in a single component part could impart flexibility for the entire system.
Hertz's Mechanics and a unitary notion of force.

Abstract Heinrich Hertz dedicated the last four years of his life to a systematic reformulation of mechanics. One of the main issues that troubled Hertz in the customary formulation of mechanics was a ‘logical obscurity’ in the notion of force. However, it is unclear what this logical obscurity was, hence it is unclear how Hertz took himself to have avoided it. In this paper, I argue that a subtle ambiguity in Newton's original laws of motion lay at the basis of Hertz's concerns; an ambiguity which led to the development of two slightly different notions of force. I then show how Hertz avoided this ambiguity by deriving a unitary notion of force, thus dispelling the obscurity that lurked in the customary representation of mechanics.
Improving Patient Attendance in Neurology Outpatient Resident Clinic (P4.198)

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the clinic new patient no-show rate by 25[percnt]. BACKGROUND: Attendance of patients at Duke Neurology Resident Clinic is notoriously poor. This results in new patients being wait listed for several months. Initial analysis showed that 46[percnt] of new patient visits were “no-shows” and 33[percnt] of return patient visits were no-shows. The aim of this project was to reduce the new patient no-show rate by 25[percnt]. DESIGN/METHODS: Patients who did not present for their appointments from 10/16/2013 - 11/22/2013 were contacted via telephone. After IRB exemption was obtained, patient demographic data was collected via chart review. Using a standardized questionnaire, we attempted to determine the etiology of no-show visits. For three weeks, non-automated reminder phone calls were placed to new patients one week prior to their scheduled appointment. For the next seven weeks, the reminder phone calls were placed two days prior to the appointments. All phone calls were made in the evenings from a Duke hospital number, using a telephone conversation template. Return visits to clinic were used as the control. RESULTS: Notable differences were seen among new and return no-show patients. New patients were more likely to be younger, female, unemployed and more often aware of their appointment. Similarities included distance from clinic and when the appointment was made. Most common reasons for absence were forgetfulness (38.9[percnt]), illness (11.1[percnt]), financial constraint (11.1[percnt]), transportation (8.3[percnt]), stress (8.3[percnt]), and weather (2.8[percnt]). With our intervention, we were successfully able to decrease the new no-show visit rate from 46[percnt] to 27[percnt], resulting in a 41[percnt] improvement in patient attendance. CONCLUSIONS: A non-automated phone call reminder 2 days prior to a patient’s appointment decreased the new patient no-show visit rate by 41[percnt]. Notably, phone call reminders closer to appointment times are more effective and non-automated calls appear to be valuable. Disclosure: Dr. Wasim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vakani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barrio has nothing to disclose.
Formation of self-assembled cuprous oxide nano-dots on SrTiO/sub 3/(001) surfaces

Formation of self-assembled crystalline cuprous oxide (Cu/sub 2/O) nanoclusters on the SrTiO/sub 3/(001) substrate have been observed using oxygen plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (OPA MBE). The composition and structure were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in a wide range of growth parameters (temperature, oxygen pressure, and Cu flux). The parameters were optimized to obtain Cu/sub 2/O as a single phase in these structures. Understanding of the evolution of the dot shape, size and composition would allow us to optimize formation conditions to synthesize cuprous oxide nanodots with desirable parameters.
Boron neutron capture enhanced fast neutron radiotherapy for malignant gliomas and other tumors

Both fast neutron radiotherapy and boron neutron capturetherapy have been investigated as new radiation treatmenttechniques for patients with malignant gliomas. While eachof these techniques individually has shown the potentialfor pathological eradication of malignant glioma, to dateneither has evolved into an accepted, improved methodof treatment. We have recently begun a researchprogram investigating the feasibility of combining the benefitsof both types of therapy. As a fastneutron beam penetrates tissue some of the particlesare degraded to thermal energies. These can becaptured by 10B or other suitable isotopes resultingin a highly-localized release of additional energy duringa course of fast neutron radiotherapy. In thisarticle we will review the rationale for suchan approach, and review the underlying physics aswell as in vitro, in vivo, and earlyhuman studies testing its feasibility. If appropriate carrieragents can be found that preferentially-localize in tumorcells, this approach cna be applied to manydifferent tumor systems.
In Brief: Congressman asks about ocean winds satellite replacement

NASA's QuikSCAT satellite, which launched in 1999, was intended to measure ocean winds over a two-year period. Now in its fifth year, the satellite has proven its worth; NOAA, for example, uses QuikSCAT data in its hurricane forecasts. However, there are no plans to replace the satellite or its capabilities. Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Tex.), chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, sent letters on 8 May to the NASA Director and the NOAA Administrator asking about their plans for replacing QuikSCAT data in the event of the satellite's failure, particularly during the Atlantic hurricane season. He noted that in a recent media report, the director of NOAAs Hurricane Center said that without QuikSCAT data, the accuracy of the center's two- and three-day forecasts would decrease by 10% and 16%, respectively.
The social network implications of prestigious goods among young adults: evaluating the self vs others

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the paradox of whether prestigious goods help or inhibit a consumer’s social affinity. The goal of this research is to explore whether pursuit of prestigious goods increases consumers’ social affinity or decreases their social affinity, and, more importantly, to understand the mechanisms that drive this process. Design/methodology/approach – Three laboratory experimental studies and a social network study are conducted to show that consumers hold inconsistent beliefs about the social implication of prestigious goods. Findings – In Study 1, the authors showed that prestigious goods evoked stronger social affinity for the self than for the other. In Study 2, the authors showed that people evaluated themselves high in social affinity when they brought a prestigious wine to a party compared to when they brought a cheaper, generic wine, but evaluated others low in social affinity when they brought the same prestigious wine. In Study 3, the authors showed the mediating e...
Prevalence and patterns of metal artifacts in FDG PET/CT

2123 Objectives In PET/CT, the use of CT for attenuation correction (AC) and image fusion offers several advantages including shorter image acquisition, improved lesion localization and identification. However, metal artifacts in the CT portion of the study may propagate to the PET portion when CT is used for AC. Dental artifacts have been previously reported. The objective of the current study was to evaluate prevalence and patterns of extra cranial metal artifacts detected on FDG PET/CT. Methods PET/CT reports of 1,300 patients, age >18 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the presence of metals and their locations within the body. Mean age of the patients was 61 years (SD±13). A log was kept to record cases of metals causing CT artifacts. Location of the metal was grouped by anatomic area into: chest, abdomen, pelvis and musculoskeletal regions. Head and neck area was not included in the analysis. Results Of the 1300, 131 patients (10%) had metals below the head and neck area (Table 1). The musculoskeletal region was the most common site for metals and related artifacts. Conclusions We conclude that extra cranial metal artifacts are not uncommon (10%) in the CT portion of the PET/CT. When present, the extent and propagation of metal artifacts to the CTAC may depend on the type/composition of metal. It is important to be aware of metal artifacts resulting from using CT for AC in FDG PET/CT in order to avoid false interpretations
Cyclosporine in the treatment of dermatologic disease: an update.

Treatment with cyclosporine is beneficial for many dermatologic diseases such as psoriasis, lichen planus, Behcet disease, atopic dermatitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. The selective action of cyclosporine on helper T cells and its rapid therapeutic action and weak myelo-toxicity are the key advantages in the treatment of many dermatologic diseases. Nevertheless, drug toxicity, especially nephrotoxicity, high rates of relapse after treatment cessation, and high cost have limited its use to those diseases refractory to other therapies. Herein we discuss the use of cyclosporine for dermatologic diseases relative to efficacy, dosage, safety profile, and monitoring. In addition, we review the formulations and metabolism of cyclosporine; discuss its mechanism of action, clinical indications in dermatology, and side effects; and provide usage guidelines for this drug. Cyclosporine can be safely administered when potential toxicities, dosing, and monitoring guidelines are known.
A sub-millimeterwave micromachined frequency beam-steering antenna array

This paper describes a novel travelling-wave frequency beam-scanning array antenna operating at Y-band. The proposed antenna is composed of over 40 cavity-backed patch arrays as the radiating elements, with a total of 588 patch elements. The array generates a very narrow beam (HPBW of less than 2.5°) at the broadside of the antenna with ±25° steering capability. A prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated using silicon micromachining with high level of accuracy and low mass and cost. To characterize the micromachined antenna, a novel waveguide-probe near-field measurement setup is proposed and good agreement between the measurement and the full-wave simulation results of the antenna is shown.
Simultaneous nitric acid, particulate nitrate and acidity measurements in ambient air

Abstract A laboratory and field study was conducted to evaluate measurement methods for atmospheric nitric acid and to elucidate the formation of artifact particulate nitrate on filter media. Nitric acid collection with nylon and NaCl-impregnated filters was compared employing Teflon pre-filters to remove atmospheric particulate matter. The two collection procedures provided > 97% collection of nitric acid at the levels expected under ambient conditions. At higher levels, the efficiency of the nylon filters decreased. Nylon filters supplied by Millipore and Ghia Corporations were shown to be equally effective. Clean Teflon pre-filters permitted passage of > 98% of the HNO 3 to the collection filters. However, atmospheric particulate matter on the pre-filters retained HNO 3 . Ammonium nitrate on otherwise clean pre-filters caused positive error in HNO 3 measurement (and a corresponding loss of particulate nitrate) when clean air was passed through the sample. Dissociation to NH 3 and HNO 3 is a likely source of these errors. A lower limit of 22 (ppb) 2 is obtained for the NH 4 NO 3 dissociation constant at 21°C. Atmospheric sampling was done in Pittsburg, California. On average, results with the two HNO 3 collection procedures agreed within 3% for levels in the range 0.3–1.5 ppb. Levels of HNO 3 and NH 3 were below those needed for saturation with respect to NH 4 NO 3 formation. A glass fiber filter was shown to serve as a total inorganic nitrate sampler, collecting both particulate nitrate and HNO 3 .
Metabolism of glycosylated very-low-density lipoproteins in human skin fibroblasts

Abstract Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were glycosylated using glucose and sodium cyanoborohydride. The binding and rate of degradation of glycosylated VLDL in human skin fibroblasts were reduced significantly compared to native VLDL. These glycosylated VLDL were not able to activate acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase or inhibit cholesterol synthesis in fibroblasts. Glycosylated VLDL showed higher mobility on agarose electrophoresis, and apolipoprotein E in these lipoproteins showed higher molecular weight on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The physiological significance of glycosylation of VLDL in hyperglycemie subjects is speculated.
Reduced risk of brain cancer mortality from walking and running.

ABSTRACTPurposeThis study aimed to test prospectively whether exercise is associated with lower brain cancer mortality in 111,266 runners and 42,136 walkers from the National Runners’ and Walkers’ Health Studies.MethodsHazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) from Cox proportional hazards
Current controversies in cervical cerclage

Cervical incompetence is defined as the inability to support a full-term pregnancy because of a functional or structural defect of the cervix. It is characterized clinically by acute, painless dilatation of the cervix usually in the mid-trimester culminating in prolapse and/or premature rupture of the membranes with resultant preterm and often previable delivery. Cervical cerclage has become the mainstay for the management of cervical incompetence, but remains one the more controversial surgical interventions in obstetrics. This article reviews the current state of the literature as regards the indications, contraindications, and techniques of cervical cerclage. This article also focuses in detail on 4 areas of controversy, namely transabdominal cerclage, cervical cerclage for a short cervix, the management of cerclage after preterm premature rupture of the membranes, and the utility of a second (salvage) cerclage.
Strategies to support self-management in osteoarthritis: five categories of interventions, including education.

OVERVIEW: This overview of successful strategies for supporting self-management in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) defines the concepts of self-management, self-management support (SMS), and self-management education (SME); describes five categories of SMS interventions; identifies common elements across SMS categories; and provides evidence for and examples of self-management tools that are useful in OA. SMS categories include SME, other skill-building and behavior-change interventions, supportive provider interactions, ongoing supportive follow-up, and environmental changes. Where available, relevant OA-specific SMS strategies are used to illustrate these categories.
Reexamining the ‘Aborted Apostle’: An Exploration of Paul’s Self-Description in 1 Corinthians 15.8:

In Paul’s description of his vision of the risen Christ (1 Cor. 15.8) he refers to himself as ‘one untimely born’. The Greek word underlying this phrase literally means a ‘miscarriage’ or ‘abortion’, and presents a problem for commentators seeking to understand the precise manner in which Paul considers himself to be an abortion or miscarriage, since Paul’s vision of the risen Christ is unusual in its lateness, while an [UNKNOWN]κτρωμα arrives before its time. Studies of the word’s extra-biblical use, though extensive, have failed to provide an explanation for Paul’s use, often attributing it to a function of Paul’s humility or his regret over his past persecution of the church, and suggesting its difficulty can be explained away as a ‘unique’ use of the word by Paul. It seems more plausible, however, in light of the well-established semantic range of the word and its context, to understand it as a reference to the rejection of his apostolic authority as equal to that of the other apostles.
Simulation: improving communication with patients.

Patient–doctor communication has become a topic of increasing importance and attention, with both personal and public health ramifications. Despite this, formal training in communication is rare in later professional life, and the best way of improving these skills is unknown. Recently, attention has turned to simulation as a way to teach communication skills to medical providers. In this article, we review the history and current evidence behind utilizing simulation for patient–doctor communication teaching, as well as the challenges for future research in this field as it progresses into mainstream practice.
A Poly(p-phenyleneethynylene) with a Highly Emissive Aggregated Phase

have been the materials of choicefor semiconductor applications. Interchain interactions are animportant determinant of the emissive properties of conjugatedorganic polymers in the solid-state. It has often been the rule thataggregation of polymer chains results in the undesirable side effectof self-quenching, to the detriment of fluorescence efficiencies.Therefore, a measure of control must be exerted over the structuresadopted by these polymers in the solid-state, if one desires toexploit their emissive properties. We have previously demon-strated amplification in fluorescence-based polyreceptor chemosen-sors using the energy transport properties of conjugated poly-mers.
Theoretical Study of Optical Rectification at Radio Frequencies in a Slot Waveguide

We present a theoretical study of optical rectification (OR) at radio frequencies (RF). OR is a process by which a second-order nonlinear optical material can directly convert an optical field into an RF electric field. The combination of high-index nanoscale waveguides and new optical materials allow this effect to be greatly enhanced. We develop a lumped-element equivalent circuit model for the OR process from first principles, which enables the power conversion and bandwidth of the effect to be predicted. We use our model to predict that significant amounts of RF power should be obtainable from a slot waveguide device clad in a nonlinear optical polymer. Based on our model, we estimate that OR-based photodetectors may be possible, operating at speeds of 400 GHz, with responsivities on the order of 9 mA/W.