cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond Family Demographics, Community Risk Influences Maternal Engagement in Home Visiting

The present study investigated the influence of multi-level determinants on home visiting participation outcomes. Home visiting participation was assessed by: (1) duration of participation (i.e., retention); (2) number of home visits completed (i.e., dosage), and (3) number of home visits completed divided by the duration of participation (i.e., intensity). The sample consisted of 1024 mothers (mean age 22.89 years) who participated in home visiting funded through Georgia’s Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. Using hierarchical linear modeling, we investigated both family- and community-level characteristics associated with participation outcomes. Mothers (primary caregivers) were less likely to be retained in the program and more likely to have received fewer visits if they were not living with a main romantic partner or if their household incomes were below poverty level. The mothers were more likely to be actively engaged if their primary language was not English or if their child was relatively younger at enrollment. At the community level, after controlling family characteristics, living in a disadvantaged community (characterized by economic deprivation and elevated child health/safety risks) was associated with shorter and less intense program participation. These findings demonstrate that barriers to active engagement in home visiting programs persisted at multiple ecological levels. Explicitly considering the complexity of the communities in which home visiting programs are implemented may allow for more equitable allocations and expectations in future funding and performance measurement.
Risk Factors for Failure of Nonoperative Treatment for Unilateral Cervical Facet Fractures.

Study design Retrospective clinical study. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine what percentage of patients who underwent nonoperative management of unilateral non-displaced or minimally displaced facet fractures progressed radiographically and to determine what percentage of patients required surgical intervention and to identify risk factors for failure of conservative management. Overview of literature According to most commonly used classification systems, unilateral, non-and minimally displaced facet fractures are be amendable to nonoperative management. Methods A retrospective review of the Trauma Registry of a Level I trauma center was performed to identify all patients diagnosed with a non- or minimally displaced unilateral facet fracture which was managed nonoperatively. Several demographic variables and clinical outcomes were recorded. Using computed tomography scanning and plain radiographs, fracture pattern, listhesis, displacement, angle and percentage of the facet that included the fracture were determined. Radiographic progression was defined as the occurrence of listhesis of more than 10% of the anterior-posterior dimensions of the inferior vertebral body during radiographic follow-up. Failure of conservative management was defined as a patient requiring surgical intervention after initially being managed nonoperatively. Results Seventy-four patients were included. Fifteen patients (20%) progressed radiographically. However, only 2 developed radicular symptoms and none developed myelopathy or other catastrophic cord related symptoms. Seven patients (9%) underwent surgery. Indications for surgery included significant radiographic progression and/or radicular symptoms. Risk factors for failure of conservative management included presence of radiculopathy at the time of presentation, a higher body mass index, increased Injury Severity Score, greater initial fracture displacement and more than 2 mm of listhesis. Conclusions Patients with non-displaced or minimally displaced facet fractures who do not have neurological symptoms at the time of presentation can safely be managed conservatively with careful observation and follow-up.
Identifying self-inflicted vulnerabilities: The operational implications of technology within U.S. combat systems

Since the 1970s, the United States has integrated technology into combat platforms to maintain its military superiority. Modern digital vulnerabilities within these platforms place U.S. capabilities and military forces at risk for cyber attack. This paper discusses the impact of digital vulnerabilities for operational commanders through the lens of joint functions and operational factors. The undisciplined pursuit of a technological advantage within its weapons systems stands to revert U.S. military capabilities back to the World War I era. A cursory analysis of these implications yields two policy recommendations that will mitigate risk if adopted. Primarily, the United States needs to extend existing vulnerability disclosure programs to classified capabilities and programs. Secondly, the DoD must implement unscripted attack scenarios within combat readiness exercises that allow commanders to experience the brunt of a cyber attack before lives are at stake in a real-world scenario.
Reinventing Radiology: Big Data and the Future of Medical Imaging

Purpose: Today, data surrounding most of our lives are collected and stored. Data scientists are beginning to explore applications that could harness this information and make sense of it. Materials and Methods: In this review, the topic of Big Data is explored, and applications in modern health care are considered. Results: Big Data is a concept that has evolved from the modern trend of “scientism.” One of the primary goals of data scientists is to develop ways to discover new knowledge from the vast quantities of increasingly available information. Conclusions: Current and future opportunities and challenges with respect to radiology are provided with emphasis on cardiothoracic imaging.
Tuberculosis in indigenous peoples in the U.S., 2003-2008.

Objectives. We examined trends and epidemiology of tuberculosis (TB) across racial/ethnic groups to better understand TB disparities in the United States, with particular focus on American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) and Native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders (NH/PIs). Methods. We analyzed cases in the U.S. National Tuberculosis Surveillance System and calculated TB case rates among all racial/ethnic groups from 2003 to 2008. Socioeconomic and health indicators for counties in which TB cases were reported came from the Health Resources and Services Administration Area Resource File. Results. Among the 82,836 TB cases, 914 (1.1%) were in AI/ANs and 362 (0.4%) were in NH/PIs. In 2008, TB case rates for AI/ANs and NH/PIs were 5.9 and 14.7 per 100,000 population, respectively, rates that were more than five and 13 times greater than for non-Hispanic white people (1.1 per 100,000 population). From 2003 to 2008, AI/ANs had the largest percentage decline in TB case rates (–27.4%) for any racial/ethnic group, but NH/PIs had the smallest percentage decline (–3.5%). AI/ANs were more likely than other racial/ ethnic groups to be homeless, excessively use alcohol, receive totally directly observed therapy, and come from counties with a greater proportion of people living in poverty and without health insurance. A greater proportion of NH/PIs had extrapulmonary disease and came from counties with a higher proportion of people with a high school diploma.
Multiple Negations in Fuzzy Interval Logic

This paper continues our study in fuzzy interval logic based on the Checklist Paradigm(CP) semantics of Bandler and Ko- hout. We investigate the fuzzy interval system of negation which was defined by the Sheffer(NAND), the Nicod(NOR) and the implication connectives of m1 interval system in depth. The top-bottom(TOP- BOT) pair of fuzzy negation interval shows non-involutive property; however, it shows various interesting properties as the negation is iterated to each TOP and BOT fuzzy negation connective. As the iter- ation reaches to infinity, the TOP-BOTpair of iterated negation shows nearly involutive property.
A Focused Review of Smartphone Diet-Tracking Apps: Usability, Functionality, Coherence With Behavior Change Theory, and Comparative Validity of Nutrient Intake and Energy Estimates.

: Smartphone diet-tracking apps may help individuals lose weight, manage chronic conditions, and understand dietary patterns; however, the usabilities and functionalities of these apps have not been well studied. : The aim of this study was to review the usability of current iPhone operating system (iOS) and Android diet-tracking apps, the degree to which app features align with behavior change constructs, and to assess variations between apps in nutrient coding. : The top 7 diet-tracking apps were identified from the iOS iTunes and Android Play online stores, downloaded and used over a 2-week period. Each app was independently scored by researchers using the System Usability Scale (SUS), and features were compared with the domains in an integrated behavior change theory framework: the Theoretical Domains Framework. An estimated 3-day food diary was completed using each app, and food items were entered into the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Composition Databases to evaluate their differences in nutrient data against the USDA reference. : Of the apps that were reviewed, LifeSum had the highest average SUS score of 89.2, whereas MyDietCoach had the lowest SUS score of 46.7. Some variations in features were noted between Android and iOS versions of the same apps, mainly for MyDietCoach, which affected the SUS score. App features varied considerably, yet all of the apps had features consistent with Beliefs about Capabilities and thus have the potential to promote self-efficacy by helping individuals track their diet and progress toward goals. None of the apps allowed for tracking of emotional factors that may be associated with diet patterns. The presence of behavior change domain features tended to be weakly correlated with greater usability, with R2 ranging from 0 to .396. The exception to this was features related to the Reinforcement domain, which were correlated with less usability. Comparing the apps with the USDA reference for a 3-day diet, the average differences were 1.4% for calories, 1.0% for carbohydrates, 10.4% for protein, and −6.5% for fat. : Almost all reviewed diet-tracking apps scored well with respect to usability, used a variety of behavior change constructs, and accurately coded calories and carbohydrates, allowing them to play a potential role in dietary intervention studies.
Impact of Sorghum Polyphenols on Expression of Carcinogen-Metabolizing Enzymes in Human Colon Cancer Cells (P06-046-19).

Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites found in many fruits, grains, and vegetables, and are thus a part of normal human diet. One such food is sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), a cereal grain that contains varying concentrations of polyphenols. Many polyphenols have been implicated in the regulation of bioactivating (phase 1) and bioinactivating (phase 2) enzymes. The goal of this study is to assess the impact of sorghum polyphenol extracts on the expression of xenobiotic-activating and -inactivating enzymes important in cancer prevention and promotion. Polyphenols were extracted from two types of sorghum bran. Human colon cancer cells (HT29, HCT116) were incubated with 1.25 mg extract per mL medium for 48 hours. RNA was extracted with Trizol/Chloroform, and reverse-transcribed to cDNA. mRNA expression of carcinogen-activating and -inactivating enzymes are quantitated using qPCR, normalized to GAPDH as internal control, and analyzed using GraphPad Prism. Protein extracts will be used for Western blotting to assess impact on protein expression and enzymatic activity. Compared to solvent control, mRNA expression of the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AHR) nuclear transferase (ARNT) increased in HT29 cells exposed to a novel high-polyphenol abstract (N = 4, p = 0.0017), whereas expression of AHR itself remained unaffected. Preliminary data suggest that expression of carcinogen-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP1A1, may also increase in colon cancer cells upon exposure to the novel high-polyphenol extract. The balance of xenobiotic-bioactivating and –inactivating enzymes is important to consider, as we investigate carcinogenesis and its prevention using dietary micronutrients. We continue to elucidate the expression and activity of such phase I and II enzymes in colon cancer cell models exposed to polyphenolic extracts. Financial support was provided by Towson University's Fisher College of Science and Mathematics (P. Tsuji), and the USDA (D. Smolensky).
Formal Analysis of Galois Field Arithmetic Circuits-Parallel Verification and Reverse Engineering

Galois field (GF) arithmetic circuits find numerous applications in communications, signal processing, and security engineering. Formal verification techniques of GF circuits are scarce and limited to circuits with known bit positions of the primary inputs and outputs. They also require knowledge of the irreducible polynomial ${P(x)}$ , which affects final hardware implementation. This paper presents a computer algebra technique that performs verification and reverse engineering of GF( ${2^{m}}$ ) multipliers directly from the gate-level implementation. The approach is based on extracting a unique irreducible polynomial in a parallel fashion and proceeds in three steps: 1) determine the bit position of the output bits; 2) determine the bit position of the input bits; and 3) extract the irreducible polynomial used in the design. We demonstrate that this method is able to reverse engineer GF( ${2^{m}}$ ) multipliers in ${m}$ threads. Experiments performed on synthesized Mastrovito and Montgomery multipliers with different ${P(x)}$ , including NIST-recommended polynomials, demonstrate high efficiency of the proposed method.
Empirical Investigation of Word Callers Who Are English Learners

Oral reading fluency is frequently used in school settings to assess student reading skills, but it is somewhat commonly believed that some students can read words fluently while not comprehending ...
Evaluation of methods for selecting climate models to simulate future hydrological change

A challenge for climate impact studies is the selection of a limited number of climate model projections among the dozens that are typically available. Here, we examine the impacts of methods for climate model selection on projections of runoff change for five different watersheds across the conterminous USA. The results from an ensemble of 29 global climate models and 29 corresponding hydrological model simulations are compared with the results that would have been obtained by applying six different selection methods to the climate model data and using only the selected models to drive the hydrological model. We evaluate each selection method based on whether the runoff projections produced by the method meet the method’s objective and on whether the results are sensitive to the number of models chosen. The Katsavounidis–Kuo–Zhang (KKZ) method, which is intended to maximize the spread in the projected climate change, was the only method that met both criteria for suitability. Although the KKZ method generally performed well, the results from both it and the other methods varied somewhat unpredictably based on region and number of models chosen. This study shows that the methods and models used in similar top–down studies should be carefully chosen and that the results obtained should be interpreted with caution.
The provision of infrastructure: benefit–cost criteria for optimizing local governments

This paper models the provision of a local public good that is simultaneously utilized as a public consumption good and a public intermediate good. Since the public good enters both utility and production functions, it is considered a “generalized public good.” This is done to model the provision of infrastructure by sub-federal governments, which is financed with taxes on local residents. Households are mobile in the model, and the theoretical analysis provides a benefit–cost rule for public good provision by a rent-maximizing local government. Illustrative calculations of the marginal cost of public funds are provided, and they show a wide range of values matching previous estimates of the marginal productivity of infrastructure. The impact of intergovernmental transfers on the provision of infrastructure by rent-maximizing local governments is presented.
Does general anesthesia affect neurodevelopment in infants and children

General anesthesia has been unequivocally linked to abnormal development of the central nervous system, leading to neurocognitive impairments in laboratory models. In vitro and in vivo studies have consistently shown that exposure to GABA agonists (eg, volatile anesthetics, midazolam, and propofol) or NMDA antagonists (eg, ketamine, isoflurane, and nitrous oxide) produces dose dependent and developmental age dependent effects on various neuronal transmission systems. Exposure to these drugs increases neuronal cell death in juvenile animals including rats, mice, and non-human primates. The possibility of anesthetic induced neurotoxicity occurring in children has led to concerns about the safety of pediatric anesthesia. A spectrum of behavioral changes has been documented after general anesthetic exposure in young children, including emergence delirium, which may be evidence of toxicity. Most clinical studies are retrospective; specifics about medications or monitoring are unavailable and many of the outcomes may not be sensitive to detect small neurocognitive deficits. Some of these retrospective studies have shown an association between anesthesia exposure at a young age and neurocognitive deficits, but others have not. Practitioners and families should be reassured that although general anesthetics have the potential to induce neurotoxicity, very little clinical evidence exists to support this.
Grain Growth in CdTe Films During CdCl 2 Treatment: TeCl 4 Theory

The process for growing very large CdTe grains on MZO has been explored with the CdCl2 treatment performed for 1-30 minutes for varying film thicknesses and deposition methods.. Large grain growth occurred for thick films after 15 min. at 450°C. The minority lifetime also increased according to room temperature photoluminescence. The activation of the grain growth during the CdCl2 treatment is explained using the CdTe-CdCl2 phase diagram with preferential grain growth for Te rich grain boundaries explained by the Cd-Te-Cl Ternary phase diagram
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Opioid Use Among US Adults With Back Pain.

Study design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Objectives The aim of this study was to examine whether there are racial and ethnic disparities in opioid use for back pain treatment. In addition, we examine whether physical therapy reduces opioid use. Summary of background data Back pain is a common health problem that affects most adults in their lifetime. Opioid and physical therapy are commonly used to treat back pain. While evidence indicates that there are substantial disparities in the receipt of opioids by race and ethnicity in opioid use in the United States, it remains unclear whether these disparities in opioid use exist in the treatment of back pain. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of the 2010-2012 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey and logistic regression of a sample of about 4,000 adults with back pain. Results Logistic regression models showed statistically significant differences in opioids receipt by race among adult patients with back pain. Compared to White patients, Asian and Hispanic patients are less likely to be prescribed opioids. On the other hand, Black patients and patients of other race are more likely to receive an opioid prescription to treat their back pain even after accounting for socioeconomic status, health insurance status, and general health status. Additionally, patients who receive physical therapy treatment are less likely to be prescribed opioids. Conclusions These findings suggest that there are racial disparities in the use of opioids and physical therapy may reduce opioid prescription use to treat back pain. These disparities may be contributing to disparities in back pain recovery and long-term health disparities in general. Level of evidence 2.
Nuclear Levels of Cs 133

The gamma rays of ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{133}$ following the electron-capture decay of ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{133}$ were studied using a coincidence scintillation spectrometer. Gamma rays with the following energies (in kev) were observed: 386, 356, 301, 276, (220), 162, 82, 80, and 54. The energies (in kev) of the nuclear levels of ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{133}$ with their spins and parities are: ground state ($\frac{7}{2}+$), 82 ($\frac{5}{2}+$), 162 ($\frac{3}{2}+$), 383 ($\frac{3}{2}+$), and 438 (\textonehalf{}+). The electron-capture transitions and their relative intensities are as follows: (a) to the 438-kev level, 76% (b) to the 383-kev level, 11% (c) to the 162-kev level, 13%. In the decay of ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{133}$, (1.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0)% of the beta transitions was observed to go to the 162-kev level in ${\mathrm{Cs}}^{133}$ and the remaining go to the 82-kev level.
Creative Commons for Educators and Librarians. (2020)

Written by the members of the Creative Commons Team, this book is an additional resource to the website and certificate course. The book is organized like traditional textbooks including learning o...
A Longitudinal Look at OBHDP Using Big Data Analytics: Domain Representation Integration & Influence

As a leading academic journal for the scientific study of work behavior, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes (OBHDP) has published cutting edge work across multiple domains in the ...
Meaning-Making and Discovery

This chapter looks at business communication theories about processes that we use to better understand ourselves and our purpose at work. Unlike most business communication theories, those in this chapter examine what communication processes shape views of ourselves and our environment. As such, the phenomena these theories examine can influence a person’s core being and understanding. These theories give us powerful insights into how communication changes and even creates personalities and social dynamics.
Comparison of whole-genome sequencing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis for characterizing relationships in Mannheimia haemolytica

It has long been presumed that cattle developing BRD tend to become sick from their own native strains of Mannheimia haemolytica. Previous work by others has demonstrated that the diversity of Mannheimia haemolytica, as evaluated by PFGE, within a pen of cattle remains high during BRD outbreaks. Prior to the development of whole genome sequencing (WGS), pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) had been considered the gold standard for characterizing outbreaks of bacterial disease. Recently, many studies from the human literature have raised question regarding the accuracy of PFGE as WGS has become more widely implemented. Studies investigating Acinetobacter baumanii, Clostridium difficile, and vancomycin resistant Enterococci outbreaks in hospitals have shown WGS to have superior discernment and more accurately classify strains when compared to PFGE. Considering the superiority of WGS in characterizing outbreaks in all of these species, if may be that relationships inferred in Mannheimia haemolytica based on PFGE could be inaccurate. It is therefore our goal to compare the discernment ability of PFGE and WGS for Mannheimia haemolytica isolates collected from beef cattle.
Ethnicity and Belonging among Young Igbo in the United States: Explicating Coculturation and Ethnic Communication Theory

This theoretical and empirical study examines how second-generation Igbo (SGI) young adults in the United States articulate their ethnic identity within the framework of theorizing beyond the West....
Fiber optic acoustic sensing

A review of fiber optic acoustic sensors for naval applications is presented. Limitations of fiber interferometric sensors are described and novel acoustic sensor transducers enabled through fiber laser sensor technology are presented.
An economic analysis of subclinical ketosis testing and propylene glycol treatment strategies in early lactation dairy cattle

The negative associations of subclinical ketosis (SCK) with downstream health events and production have been well described in dairy cattle during early lactation. Cows with SCK have an increased risk of developing additional postpartum diseases such as displaced abomasum (DA), are at an increased risk of leaving the herd, and have decreased milk yield during early lactation. Thus, the cost per case of SCK depends on a variety of factors including increased occurrence of postpartum diseases, cost of herd replacements, and loss of milk production. The intensity and accuracy of diagnostic testing used to define a case of SCK then affects the reliability of the cost estimate. Additionally, overall herd costs of SCK vary based on herd SCK incidence, and a cost-to-treatment benefit ratio depends on the frequency and accuracy with which cows are tested. Although a higher testing frequency improves accuracy, it may not improve the cost-to-treatment benefit. Following accurate identification of SCK-positive cows, individual cow treatment with propylene glycol (PG) is an effective means ofreducing the risks associated with SCK. The purpose of this study was to develop stochastic economic models which address variation in disease risks and costs in order to evaluate different simulated on-farm testing and PG treatment strategies based on herd SCK incidence.
Couples Managing Type 1 Diabetes Using Diabetes Technology

OBJECTIVE Diabetes technology has improved the lives of people with diabetes (PWD), but there is little research on how insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) affect couples’ relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine how the use of diabetes technology affects couple interactions. METHODS In a secondary data analysis, we used a multiple-method qualitative analysis, including a constant-comparison approach, to examine similarities and differences in couple interactions related to diabetes technology. PWD and their spouses were interviewed separately, using a semi-structured interview guide; the interviews primarily focused on how couples coped with type 1 diabetes. RESULTS Participants (n = 134 couples) were using an insulin pump or CGM system. Average age was 44 ± 12.05 years for PWD and 44 ± 12.62 years for spouses. Couples’ average length of relationship was 18 ± 12.50 years. Among the PWD, 54 used a pump only, 12 used CGM only, and 68 used both. Four main themes emerged: 1) diabetes technology facilitates shared diabetes management for couples, 2) diabetes technology facilitates spousal involvement in diabetes care, 3) diabetes technology is a source of relationship tension, and 4) diabetes technology causes positive/negative responses to sleep and alarms. CONCLUSION Overall, couples perceived diabetes technology as having a positive effect on their relationship by increasing collaboration, promoting communication, and reducing diabetes burden and vigilance. Technology also was perceived to increase relationship tension, lifestyle inconveniences, and positive/negative responses regarding sleep and alarms. Involvement of spouses in diabetes technology education should be considered.
Macrophages as Targets and Mediators in the Transport of Nanotherapeutics

Macrophages line the walls of microvasculature, extending processes into the blood flow to capture intruders, including nanoparticles. Here, using mesoporous silica or silicon particles, we show the interplay between macrophages and nanomaterial from initial uptake to intracellular trafficking along microtubules, to intercellular trafficking of material to neighboring cells. Transfer of materials between cells includes robust transfer of nanoparticles and cargo from macrophages to cancer cells in cytoplasmic bridges, coined tunneling nanotubes (TNT), and in thick, adherent connections with elaborate points of connection between cells. Both direct administration of nanoparticles and adoptive transfer of nanoparticle-loaded splenocytes in mice results in abundant localization of nanomaterials within macrophages 24 hours post injection. The relevance of macrophages as natural targets of nanomaterials and as significant regulators of the tumor microenvironment arises as an overlooked key-consideration when designing nano therapeutics for optimal drug delivery and therapeutic benefit.
Combined plate and nail fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Abstract Introduction Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with meta-diaphyseal comminution commonly have a compromised soft tissue envelope. Combined plate-nail fixation is an emerging technique that utilizes a limited anterolateral approach for plate application and percutaneous incisions for placement of an intramedullary nail. This technique alleviates the need for a separate medial approach to the proximal tibia. We report a series of patients treated with this approach and outline the steps for implementation. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 18 consecutive patients treated with combination lateral locked plating and intramedullary nailing at a single academic institution from 2016 to 2019. Of these, 16 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. All patients had AO/OTA type 41C2/C3 fractures. Primary outcomes included coronal plane and sagittal plane alignment at latest follow up, rate of articular subsidence at latest follow up, and rate of postoperative infection. Results Of the 16 patients included, average followup was 8.2 months (range 0.1-29.7 months). At latest follow-up, average coronal alignment ranged from 0.8±1.2 degrees of varus (maximum 4.0 degrees) to 1.4±1.7 degrees of valgus (maximum 4.0 degrees). Average sagittal alignment ranged from 0.8±1.1 degrees of procurvatum (maximum 3.0 degrees) to 0.6±1.2 degrees of recurvatum (maximum 4.0 degrees). There was no radiographic evidence of articular subsidence at latest follow up for any patient. One patient (5.9%) presented at 141 days postoperatively with a draining wound and infection. Conclusions Combination plate-nail fixation is a viable option for treating patients with select bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with meta-diaphyseal comminution. This case series with short-term followup demonstrates acceptable radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as rates of postoperative infection and implant removal similar to those currently reported in the literature for other techniques used to treat these fractures.
Association between foot thermal responses and shear forces during turning gait in young adults.

Background The human foot typically changes temperature between pre and post-locomotion activities. However, the mechanisms responsible for temperature changes within the foot are currently unclear. Prior studies indicate that shear forces may increase foot temperature during locomotion. Here, we examined the shear-temperature relationship using turning gait with varying radii to manipulate magnitudes of shear onto the foot. Methods Healthy adult participants (N = 18) walked barefoot on their toes for 5 minutes at a speed of 1.0 m s-1 at three different radii (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 m). Toe-walking was utilized so that a standard force plate could measure shear localized to the forefoot. A thermal imaging camera was used to quantify the temperature changes from pre to post toe-walking (ΔT), including the entire foot and forefoot regions on the external limb (limb farther from the center of the curved path) and internal limb. Results We found that shear impulse was positively associated with ΔT within the entire foot (P < 0.001) and forefoot (P < 0.001): specifically, for every unit increase in shear, the temperature of the entire foot and forefoot increased by 0.11 and 0.17 °C, respectively. While ΔT, on average, decreased following the toe-walking trials (i.e., became colder), a significant change in ΔT was observed between radii conditions and between external versus internal limbs. In particular, ΔT was greater (i.e., less negative) when walking at smaller radii (P < 0.01) and was greater on the external limb (P < 0.01) in both the entire foot and forefoot regions, which were likely explained by greater shear forces with smaller radii (P < 0.0001) and on the external limb (P < 0.0001). Altogether, our results support the relationship between shear and foot temperature responses. These findings may motivate studying turning gait in the future to quantify the relationship between shear and foot temperature in individuals who are susceptible to abnormal thermoregulation.
US monetary and fiscal policy in the 1930s

The paper provides a survey of fiscal and monetary policies during the 1930s under the Hoover and Roosevelt administrations and how they influenced the policies during the recent Great Recession. The discussion of the causal impacts of monetary policy focuses on papers written in the last decade and the findings of scholars using dynamic structural general equilibrium modelling. The discussion of fiscal policy shows why economists do not see the New Deal as a Keynesian stimulus, describes the significant shift toward excise taxation during the 1930s, and surveys estimates of the impact of federal spending on local economies. The paper concludes with discussion of the lessons for the present from 1930s monetary and fiscal policy.
Structural Basis of T-Cell Receptor Specificity and Cross-Reactivity: Implications for Pathogenesis of Human Autoimmune Diseases

Activation of autoreactive T cells is critical for the induction of autoimmunity. Several mechanisms may be responsible for the activation of autoreactive T cells in autoimmune diseases. These include cross-reactive microbial peptides (molecular mimicry), viral or bacterial superantigens, release of autoantigen during inflammation, or bystander activation. The molecular mimicry hypothesis postulates that there is significant cross-reactivity between viral and bacterial T-cell epitopes and human self-peptides and that such cross-reactivity can initiate an autoimmune process. At first sight T-cell receptor (TCR) recognition appears to be exquisitely specific since even minor substitutions in a T-cell epitope can diminish or abrogate T-cell activation. The structure of HLA-DR2 with the bound myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide (residues 85 to 99) was determined by X-ray crystallography as a step toward defining molecular mimicry at a structural level. For this purpose, HLA-DR2 was expressed as a soluble protein in the baculovirus system. In the crystal structures of MHC class I-peptide complexes, the P5 side chain occupies a central pocket created by the CDR3 loops of α β TCRs. The dEV8 self-peptide represents a ligand with a low affinity for the 2C TCR. The diverse nature of the molecular mimicry peptides and the ubiquitous presence of some of these pathogens may make it difficult to establish a direct epidemiological link between infectious agents and the occurrence of certain autoimmune diseases.
Process for Managing and Optimizing Radiology Work Flow in the Electronic Heath Record Environment

Electronic health record (EHR) implementation has dramatically impacted all facets of radiology workflow. Many departments find themselves unprepared for the multiple issues that surface following EHR deployment and the ongoing need for workflow optimization. This paper reviews the structure and processes utilized by the team, developed at the University of Colorado Hospital to evaluate, prioritize, and implement requests for workflow repairs and improvements within the EHR. The evolution of this team as the academic hospital formed a health system with two community hospital sites is also described. This structure may serve as a useful template for others considering EHR deployment or struggling to manage radiology workflow within an existing EHR environment.
Mad Tea Party Cyclic Partitions.

SummaryMartin Gardner's The Annotated Alice, and Robin Wilson's Lewis Carroll in Numberland led the authors to put this article in a fantasy setting. Alice, the March Hare, the Hatter, and the Dormouse describe a straightforward, elementary algorithm for counting the number of ways to fit n identical objects into k cups arranged in a circle. The authors call these cyclic arrangements Mad Tea Party (MTP) partitions. Our algorithm enumerates MTP partitions (in separate sets of odd and even entries), then, by ordering them and striking out duplicates, one obtains the ordinary partitions for any positive integer n.
The effects of national culture on managers' attitudes toward business ethics: Implications for organizational change

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between culture and managers attitude towards business ethics in Nigeria. Several studies have recognized that culture affects ethical behavior. However, very few studies have been conducted on how culture affects managers' attitudes towards business ethics which may predict their ethical behavior especially in developing African countries. The focal point is that this study is to address this knowledge gap in the literature. Design/methodology/approach – The author collected data from 351 managers in selected firms in Nigeria. Two instruments were used to measure Hofstede's five cultural dimensions and attitudes toward business ethics. Correlation and regression analysis were used to test and predict the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables in the study. Findings – Results show that culture has a significant influence on ethical attitudes of managers. The findings also specifically revealed that relationships e...
Will the Great Banana War Ever End: Will the Tariff Only System Be the Solution?

The European Union and the United States are in the midst of the Great Banana War, a trade dispute over EU banana tariffs. The World Trade Organization authorized sanctions against the EU, effective until the EU modifies its banana tariff system to comply with WTO rules. Meanwhile, the EU's fonner colonies, the ACP nations, are caught in the precarious position of losing the EU's preferential treatment concerning the banana tariffs. This Note highlights the issues surrounding this conflict and advocates on behalf of the EU's latest re-configuration of its tariff system.
Detecting Termination of Active Database Rules Using Symbolic Model Checking

Many algorithms have been proposed that detect non-termination of active database rules. However, most of these provide a conservative estimate - they detect all potential cases of non-termination. The onus is on the database programmers to further analyze these cases and give more definite results about non-termination. In this paper we show how the database programmer can automatically detect non-termination using an existing symbolic model checker. Our approach does not require much expertise on the part of the database programmer, and can be used to detect termination cases which the conservative approaches reject as non-terminating ones.
Four-Month-Old Infants' Categorization of Animals: Does Any Body Part Hold Privileged Status?.

The influence of body parts on 4-month-olds’ categorization of cats and dogs was examined using a visual preference procedure. Infants were familiarized with pictures of exemplars from one of two categories, cat or dog. In test, looking time to an out-of-category exemplar was compared to looking time to a novel within-category exemplar with one changed body region (face, head, torso). Results demonstrate the importance of the torso region in infants’ categorization. Findings are discussed in terms of the relative influence of various body regions, depending on the conditions under which categorization occurs.
Search for neuron-specific and nonneuron-specific antibodies in narcoleptic patients with and without HLA DQB1*0602.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Narcolepsy is strongly associated with the presence of HLA DQB1*0602. This and other evidence suggests that human narcolepsy is an autoimmune disease. This is in distinction to that found in canine models where hypocretin receptor 2 mutations are etiologic. We decided to test for the presence of several neuron-specific and organ-specific autoantibodies to see if they were present in HLA DQB1*0602-associated or cataplexy-associated narcolepsy or could serve as a serologic marker of the illness. DESIGN We tested for N-type and P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium-channel antibodies, neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha3 subunit, acetylcholine receptor-binding antibodies, striated muscle antibodies, Type 1 Purkinje cell cytoplasmic antibodies, types 1 and 2 antineuronal nuclear antibodies and amphiphysin antibodies, GAD-65 antibody, and thyroid microsomal and thyroglobulin antibodies in the serum of 43 patients with or without cataplexy, 41 with known HLA status. SETTING Narcoleptic subjects were recruited from the Mayo Sleep Disorders Center. PARTICIPANTS N/A. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS No antibody test yielded significantly positive results for the group as a whole or for subgroups of patients with cataplexy or positive HLA DQB1*0602 status. CONCLUSIONS These results do not support the hypothesis that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disease. However, it is possible that the autoimmune attack is very selective and does not involve the epitopes measured in this study. Recent findings that the hypocretin neurotransmission system is involved in animal models of narcolepsy should lead to research to look for antibodies directed against components of the hypocretin neurotransmission system in narcolepsy.
Identification of sex-specific thresholds for accumulation of visceral adipose tissue in adults

Objective The purpose of this study was to measure the linearity of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation with measures of total body adiposity to determine whether a threshold exists and to explore the association with cardiometabolic risk factors in adults. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, data were obtained from 723 adults (324 females) age 19-47 years. Body mass index ranged from 15 to 52 kg/m2. Segmented linear regression was used to identify sex-specific percent body fat thresholds at which VAT slope changes. Linear regression measured the association of VAT mass, total fat mass, and subcutaneous fat with cardiometabolic risk factors above and below each threshold. Results Adiposity thresholds were identified at 23.4% body fat in males and 38.3% body fat in females beyond which the slope of VAT per unit of percent body fat increased to strongly positive. Males and females above these adiposity thresholds had significant dyslipidemia (P < 0.001), increased insulin resistance (P < 0.001), and higher fat mass across all depots. Conclusions From these cross-sectional data, the following were inferred: the accumulation of VAT mass is not linear with increasing adiposity; increases in visceral accumulation above threshold are associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk in males and females independent of total body fat.
Image quality and target recognition.

The terminology and literature in the area of image quality and target recognition are reviewed. An experiment in which subjects recognized strategic and tactical targets in aerial photographs with controlled image degradations is described. Some findings are: Recognition performance is only moderate for representative conditions. There are wide differences among target types in the recognizability. Knowledge of a target's presence (briefing) greatly aids recognition. Better resolution means better performance. Enlarging the image such that a line of resolution subtends more than three minutes of arc hinders recognition. Grain size should be kept below 20 seconds of arc. It is suggested that the eventual application of the modulation transfer function approach to measurement of image quality and target characteristics will enable a quantitative subsuming of various quality-size relationships. More attention needs to be paid in recognition research to suitable task definition, target description, and subje...
Ways that Our Solar System Helps Us Understand the Formation of Other Planetary Systems and Ways that it Doesn’t

Models of planetary formation can be tested by comparison of their ability to predict features of our Solar System in a consistent way, and then extrapolated to other hypothetical planetary systems by different choice of parameters. When this is done, it is found that the resulting systems are insensitive to direct effects of the mass of the star, but do strongly depend on the properties of the disk, principally its surface density. Major uncertainty results from lack of an adequate theoretical model that predicts the existence, size, and distribution of analogs of our Solar System, particularly the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn. Nevertheless, reasons can be found for expecting that planetary systems, including those containing biologically habitable planets similar to Earth, may be abundant in the Galaxy and Universe.
Diagnosis of fetal limb abnormalities before 15 weeks: cause for concern.

OBJECTIVES The purposes of this study were (1) to identify cases of limb abnormalities identified before 15 weeks and correlate with outcomes and (2) to assess first-trimester nuchal translucency examinations to determine how frequently the upper and lower limbs were identified. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of sonographic studies up to 15 weeks' gestational age from 2003 to 2010 at our high-risk fetal center. Data were collected regarding fetal gestational age, limb abnormalities, associated anatomic abnormalities, pregnancy outcomes, karyotypes, autopsy results, and the utility of transabdominal sonography, transvaginal sonography, and 3-dimensional sonography. A retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive first-trimester examinations was also conducted to assess the sensitivity of transabdominal sonography in visualization of limb buds. RESULTS A total of 15 cases were identified with a mean gestational age of 12 weeks 6 days. Club hand was the most common abnormality seen (8 cases), followed by absence of long bones (5 cases), a missing limb (5 cases), club foot (5 cases), shortening of long bones (2 cases), abnormal hands (2 cases), clenched hands (2 cases), and overlapping digits (1 case). Trisomy 18 was present in 9 cases. Transabdominal sonography allowed for detection of all limb buds in 100 consecutive nuchal translucency examinations and 9 of 15 cases of limb abnormalities. Four of the cases resulted in fetal death, and the remaining 11 cases were terminated. CONCLUSIONS Fetal limb abnormalities can be detected on sonography before 15 weeks' gestational age and are often associated with serious congenital conditions, especially trisomy 18. Transabdominal sonography alone can show most of these abnormalities, although transvaginal and 3-dimensional sonography can provide additional information. Targeted evaluation of fetal limbs during sonography before 15 weeks should be considered in high-risk populations.
Hispanic intermarriage in New York City: new evidence from 1991.

Cette etude reprend des recherches sur le mariage mixte entre groupes hispaniques realisees par Fitzpatrick en 1966 et par Gurak et Fitzpartick en 1982, a partir des registres de mariage de la ville de New York de 1991. Elle examine les tendances d'assimilation matrimoniale chez les Portoricains et pour la population hispanique non portoricaine. La frequence des mariages mixtes varie dans les six groupes d'origine nationale hispanique. Les resultats montrent de forts taux de mariage mixte avec des non Hispaniques chez les Cubains, Mexicains, et les populations d'Amerique centrale et d'Amerique du Sud. Le mariage mixte entre Hispaniques de differentes origine nationale est une caracteristique de tous les Hispaniques. Enfin, les Portoricains et les Dominicains ont des modeles de mariage mixte differents, caracterises par de forts taux de mariage mixte entre eux, de faibles taux de mariage mixte avec des non Hispaniques, une constante intergenerationnelle de l'exogamie et de taux plus eleves d'ascendance non mixte parmi la deuxieme generation