cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic techniques in bariatric patients: Obesity basics and normal postbariatric surgery anatomy

With the sharp rise in the number of bariatric surgical procedures over the past 15 y, the number and array of complications have also risen. Many of these complications are now either diagnosed or managed endoscopically. However, the rising diversity of surgical options requires endoscopists to have a good working knowledge of normal postoperative anatomy for each procedure. This article reviews basic obesity epidemiology and describes postsurgical anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract, separating the procedures into those with normal small bowel anatomy (restrictive procedures) and procedures resulting in small bowel modifications (procedures with a “malabsorptive” component).
Building Path Diagrams for Multilevel Models.

Multilevel models have come to play an increasingly important role in many areas of social science research. However, in contrast to other modeling strategies, there is currently no widely used approach for graphically diagramming multilevel models. Ideally, such diagrams would serve two functions: to provide a formal structure for deriving the underlying equations and to provide a mechanism for clearly and efficiently communicating the model structure, assumptions, and empirical results. Here the authors propose a path diagramming approach for multilevel models that seeks to meet these goals. The authors begin with a description of the core components of their proposed diagramming system and establish tracing rules for the direct derivation of model equations. They then demonstrate their approach using several published empirical multilevel applications and conclude with potential limitations and directions for future developments.
Initialization vector attacks on the IPsec protocol suite

In this paper, we analyze the security of IPsec against a class of attacks known as the IV attacks, which are based on modifying the initialization vector (IV) of a CBC-encrypted packet during transmission. We show that IV attacks can be a serious threat for IPsec if IPsec is not used carefully. We also discuss the defense methods against these attacks.
Facile synthesis of ultra-small Bi2Te3 nanoparticles, nanorods and nanoplates and their morphology-dependent Raman spectroscopy

Abstract High-crystalline 0D, 1D and 2D ultra-small Bi 2 Te 3 nanocrystals were synthesized using the pyrolysis of organometallic compound method. The Bi 2 Te 3 nanocrystals was studied with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Samples synthesized at 35 °C possessed a dominant morphology of 0D nanoparticles or 1D nanorods, while samples synthesized at temperatures higher than 75 °C possessed a dominant morphology of 2D nanoplates. Phonon vibrations were investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The 2D nanoplates showed similar Raman features as few-quintuple-thick Bi 2 Te 3 layers, while the 0D and 1D nanostructures showed a blue-shifted A 1g 2 mode and a much stronger A 1u mode. This is the first report regarding the morphology effect on the Raman-active phonon modes of Bi 2 Te 3 nanocrystals.
An Illustration of Positive Behavioral Support in the Workplace for Individuals with Severe Mental Retardation

This article descn'bes the use of positive behavioral support in the workplace for an individual with severe mental retardation and chronic job-threatening behaviors. Multiple interventions, including differential reiriforcement, permanent prompts, and coworker support were used in an AB design for two unappealing behaviors, inappropriate nose wiping and loud snorting noises. Coworker and supervisor assessments of behavioral change were far more positive than the data indicate, likely because of the effect of renewed social contact on perceptions of the individual and his behaviors.
Using a Simulated Annealing Algorithm to Solve the Transit Route Network Design Problem

This paper uses a simulated annealing algorithm to solve the optimal bus transit route network design problem (BTRNDP) at the distribution node level. A multiobjective nonlinear mixed integer model is formulated for the BTRNDP. The proposed solution framework consists of three main components: An initial candidate route set generation procedure that generates all feasible routes incorporating practical bus transit industry guidelines; and a network analysis procedure that assigns transit trips, determines service frequencies, and computes performance measures; and a simulated annealing procedure that combines these two parts, guides the candidate solution generation process and selects an optimal set of routes from the huge solution space. Three experimental networks are successfully tested as a pilot study. A genetic algorithm is also used as a benchmark to measure the quality of the simulated annealing algorithm. The presented numerical results clearly indicate that the simulated annealing outperforms the genetic algorithm in most cases using the example networks. Sensitivity analyses are performed and related characteristics and tradeoffs underlying the BTRNDP are also discussed.
Mitochondrial permeability transition in pH-dependent reperfusion injury to rat hepatocytes

To simulate ischemia and reperfusion, cultured rat hepatocytes were incubated in anoxic buffer at pH 6.2 for 4 h and reoxygenated at pH 7.4. During anoxia, intracellular pH (pHi) decreased to 6.3, mitochondria depolarized, and ATP decreased to 90%. After reperfusion at pH 7.4, pHi returned to pH 7.2, the MPT occurred, and most hepatocytes lost viability. In contrast, after reperfusion at pH 6.2 or with Na(+)-free buffer at pH 7.4, pHi did not rise and cell viability remained > 80%. After acidotic reperfusion, the MPT did not occur. When hepatocytes were reperfused with cyclosporin A (0.5-1 microM) at pH 7.4, the MPT was prevented and cell viability remained > 80%, although pHi increased to 7.2. Reperfusion with glycine (5 mM) also prevented cell killing but did not block recovery of pHi or the MPT. Retention of cell viability was associated with recovery of 30-40% of ATP. In conclusion, preventing the rise of pHi after reperfusion blocked the MPT, improved ATP recovery, and prevented cell death. Cyclosporin A also prevented cell killing by blocking the MPT without blocking recovery of pHi. Glycine prevented cell killing but did not inhibit recovery of pHi or the MPT.
An Operational Multiscale Hurricane Forecasting System

The Operational Multiscale Environment model with Grid Adaptivity (OMEGA) is an atmospheric simulation system that links the latest methods in computational fluid dynamics and high-resolution gridding technologies with numerical weather prediction. In the fall of 1999, OMEGA was used for the first time to examine the structure and evolution of a hurricane (Floyd, 1999). The first simulation of Floyd was conducted in an operational forecast mode; additional simulations exploiting both the static as well as the dynamic grid adaptation options in OMEGA were performed later as part of a sensitivity‐capability study. While a horizontal grid resolution ranging from about 120 km down to about 40 km was employed in the operational run, resolutions down to about 15 km were used in the sensitivity study to explicitly model the structure of the inner core. All the simulations produced very similar storm tracks and reproduced the salient features of the observed storm such as the recurvature off the Florida coast with an average 48-h position error of 65 km. In addition, OMEGA predicted the landfall near Cape Fear, North Carolina, with an accuracy of less than 100 km up to 96 h in advance. It was found that a higher resolution in the eyewall region of the hurricane, provided by dynamic adaptation, was capable of generating better-organized cloud and flow fields and a well-defined eye with a central pressure lower than the environment by roughly 50 mb. Since that time, forecasts were performed for a number of other storms including Georges (1998) and six 2000 storms (Tropical Storms Beryl and Chris, Hurricanes Debby and Florence, Tropical Storm Helene, and Typhoon Xangsane). The OMEGA mean track error for all of these forecasts of 101, 140, and 298 km at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, represents a significant improvement over the National Hurricane Center (NHC) 1998 average of 156, 268, and 374 km, respectively. In a direct comparison with the GFDL model, OMEGA started with a considerably larger position error yet came within 5% of the GFDL 72-h track error. This paper details the simulations produced and documents the results, including a comparison of the OMEGA forecasts against satellite data, observed tracks, reported pressure lows and maximum wind speed, and the rainfall distribution over land.
Dynein Light Chain LC8 Is Required for RNA Polymerase I-Mediated Transcription in Trypanosoma brucei, Facilitating Assembly and Promoter Binding of Class I Transcription Factor A

Dynein light chain LC8 is highly conserved among eukaryotes and has both dynein-dependent and dynein-independent functions. Interestingly, LC8 was identified as a subunit of the class I transcription factor A (CITFA), which is essential for transcription by RNA polymerase I (Pol I) in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Given that LC8 has never been identified with a basal transcription factor and that T. brucei relies on RNA Pol I for expressing the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG), the key protein in antigenic variation, we investigated the CITFA-specific role of LC8. Depletion of LC8 from mammalian-infective bloodstream trypanosomes affected cell cycle progression, reduced the abundances of rRNA and VSG mRNA, and resulted in rapid cell death. Sedimentation analysis, coimmunoprecipitation of recombinant proteins, and bioinformatic analysis revealed an LC8 binding site near the N terminus of the subunit CITFA2. Mutation of this site prevented the formation of a CITFA2-LC8 heterotetramer and, in vivo, was lethal, affecting assembly of a functional CITFA complex. Gel shift assays and UV cross-linking experiments identified CITFA2 as a promoter-binding CITFA subunit. Accordingly, silencing of LC8 or CITFA2 resulted in a loss of CITFA from RNA Pol I promoters. Hence, we discovered an LC8 interaction that, unprecedentedly, has a basal function in transcription.
Toward the automatic detection of coronary artery calcification in non-contrast computed tomography data

Measurements related to coronary artery calcification (CAC) offer significant predictive value for coronary artery disease (CAD). In current medical practice CAC scoring is a labor-intensive task. The objective of this paper is the development and evaluation of a family of coronary artery region (CAR) models applied to the detection of CACs in coronary artery zones and sections. Thirty patients underwent non-contrast electron-beam computed tomography scanning. Coronary artery trajectory points as presented in the University of Houston heart-centered coordinate system were utilized to construct the CAR models which automatically detect coronary artery zones and sections. On a per-patient and per-zone basis the proposed CAR models detected CACs with a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 85.56 (±15.80)%, 93.54 (±1.98)%, and 85.27 (±14.67)%, respectively while the corresponding values in the zones and segments based case were 77.94 (±7.78)%, 96.57 (±4.90)%, and 73.58 (±8.96)%, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the family of CAR models provide an effective method to detect different regions of the coronaries. Further, the CAR classifiers are able to detect CACs with a mean sensitivity and specificity of 86.33 and 93.78%, respectively.
Maximally Invasive Ablation Versus Minimally Invasive Partial Nephrectomy

Renal preservation techniques have become prevalent and favored in managing incidental small renal masses (SRMs). Currently, the minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN) is a standard for the treatment of SRMs. The comparison of MIPN and laparoscopic renal cryoablation (LRC) in this article by Fossati et al is not the most practical [1]. The development of percutaneous ablation techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation have mostly supplanted the use of LRC. The authors alluded to the fact that LRC patients tended to be older and sicker and thus selected for ablation. Would it then not make sense to perform a less invasive procedure on these sicker patients? A percutaneous ablation would bypass the need for general anesthesia and the need to insufflate the abdomen with pneumoperitoneum. If one were to go through the trouble of laparoscopic dissection of the kidney for an SRM, it would not take much time to perform an MIPN. In fact, the operative times in this study were essentially equivalent. More surprisingly, the blood loss was significantly greater in the LRC group [1]. It is hard to determine whether these are just comparisons because a number of factors have not been well evaluated. Nephrometry scoring [2] and PADUA scoring [3] are necessary to determine the relative difficulty of a renal mass for an intervention. Not having these complexity scores represents a significant knowledge gap; they might have provided more insight into the interventions described. Moreover, inclusion of the learning curve of the surgeons and for which procedures (laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, robotic partial nephrectomy, or LRC) was not well detailed and could have affected many of the measured outcomes. Selection bias has not been well accounted for in
Glycogen depletion-induced lactate reductions attenuate reflex responses in exercising humans.

Post leg exercise circulatory arrest (PLE-CA) raises blood pressure (BP) and reduces peak forearm vascular conductance (C). This reflex is evoked by activation of muscle afferents that are often sensitive to lactic acid. We tested the hypothesis that lactic acid reductions induced by muscle glycogen depletion would attenuate the lower-limb metaboreceptor-mediated pressor and forearm vasoconstrictor responses. Eleven subjects had C measured (plethysmography) during post leg exercise circulatory arrest (PLE-CA) (supine bicycle exercise for 9 min, 10 s at 75% VO2max before and after undergoing a glycogen-depletion paradigm (24-h fast followed by 10 min of supine leg exercise at 75% VO2max). In six subjects with lower lactate values, C during PLE-CA was higher after glycogen depletion (0.39 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.01 ml.min-1.100 ml-1 x mmHg-1; P < 0.01) and BP was lower (113 +/- 6 vs. 128 +/- 6 mmHg, P < 0.01). In five subjects without attenuated lactate responses, C and BP during PLE-CA were not different. Muscle biopsies (n = 5) demonstrated that the paradigm lowered muscle glycogen concentrations. Thus glycogen depletion-induced reductions in muscle lactate are associated with reduced muscle metaboreceptor-mediated responses.
An FPGA design of generalized low-density parity-check codes for rate-adaptive optical transport networks

Forward error correction (FEC) is as one of the key technologies enabling the next-generation high-speed fiber optical communications. In this paper, we propose a rate-adaptive scheme using a class of generalized low-density parity-check (GLDPC) codes with a Hamming code as local code. We show that with the proposed unified GLDPC decoder architecture, a variable net coding gains (NCGs) can be achieved with no error floor at BER down to 10 -15 , making it a viable solution in the next-generation high-speed fiber optical communications.
Understanding the Impact of Negative and Positive Traveler Reviews Social Influence and Price Anchoring Effects

This research utilizes theories of social influence and price anchoring to provide insights into the psychological processes underlying travel purchases in the presence of online reviews. Two experiments were conducted in which subjects chose between two resorts for a Las Vegas vacation in a 2 × 3 experimental design that manipulated social influence (unanimous, non-unanimous reviews) and price (10%, 30%, and 50% higher or lower). Social influence was in the form of negative (experiment 1) or positive (experiment 2) traveler reviews. Perceptions of quality and value as well as discount to purchase/willingness to pay were measured. Results indicate that no amount of price reduction was sufficient to offset the impact of unanimously negative reviews, although an extreme price reduction influenced decisions when negative reviews were not unanimous. Price anchoring occurred for positive reviews, such that a higher reference price increased willingness to pay.
Advantages of organic halogen bonding for halide recognition

AbstractThe synthesis of a bidentate halogen bonding receptor and a nearly isostructural hydrogen bonding analogue is described. Crystal structures reveal the interactions of each receptor with anions in the solid state, while NMR titrations elucidate bidentate binding and association constants in solution. Of the two, the halogen bonding receptor demonstrates stronger, water resistant halide binding in competitive solvents.
In-situ Synthesis of MoSi2-Al2O3 Composites by Self-propagating High Temperature Synthesis

MoSi2-Al203 composites with 0-50 vol% Al203 were in-situ fabricate by self-propagating high temperature synthetic process. The compacts of the powder mixture of MoO3, Al, Si and MoSi2 were encapsulated in Pyrex tube and then HIP'ed at 1573K under pressure of 196MPa. Self-propagation synthesis reaction occurred during elevated temperature and pressure.Relative density of HIP'ed samples decreased with increasing addition of MoSi2 pre-alloyed powder to the starting powder mixture.Vickers hardness and fracture toughness were performed to investigate the mechanical property of composites. Vickers hardness increased linearly with increasing volume fraction of Al2O3 tested. The indentation fracture toughness of 50 vol% Al2O3 composite was two times lager than that of monolithic MoSi2.
Concepts and Indications of Rheumatoid Wrist Surgery

The wrist is commonly affected in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and as the disease worsens, there is a typical progression of deformity that develops. The carpus will commonly supinate, translate ulnarly, and radially deviate. This wrist malalignment will fuel further deformity distally and contribute to ulnar deviation of the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints. The patients will often present with pain, swelling, deformity, and limited motion of the wrist. A complete and thorough history and physical exam is essential. The wrist examination will likely demonstrate pain to palpation, most at the areas of swelling, crepitus, weakness, and limited motion. Pharmacologic treatments can be effective in curbing the effects of the disease and providing pain relief. Splinting and intra-articular injections can also be helpful adjuncts to medications. Surgical indications include persistent symptoms despite conservative treatments, tendon ruptures, and tendons at risk. Multiple considerations must be taken into account regarding the role of surgery. In addition to discussions with the patients, the decision for surgery is best made in conjunction with their rheumatologists. This chapter details the pathogenesis, presentation, and nonoperative and surgical considerations of patients with RA of the wrist.
F-actin dismantling through a redox-driven synergy between Mical and cofilin

Numerous cellular functions depend on actin filament (F-actin) disassembly. The best-characterized disassembly proteins, the ADF (actin-depolymerizing factor)/cofilins (encoded by the twinstar gene in Drosophila), sever filaments and recycle monomers to promote actin assembly. Cofilin is also a relatively weak actin disassembler, posing questions about mechanisms of cellular F-actin destabilization. Here we uncover a key link to targeted F-actin disassembly by finding that F-actin is efficiently dismantled through a post-translational-mediated synergism between cofilin and the actin-oxidizing enzyme Mical. We find that Mical-mediated oxidation of actin improves cofilin binding to filaments, where their combined effect dramatically accelerates F-actin disassembly compared with either effector alone. This synergism is also necessary and sufficient for F-actin disassembly in vivo, magnifying the effects of both Mical and cofilin on cellular remodelling, axon guidance and Semaphorin-Plexin repulsion. Mical and cofilin, therefore, form a redox-dependent synergistic pair that promotes F-actin instability by rapidly dismantling F-actin and generating post-translationally modified actin that has altered assembly properties.
Treatment of Newly Diagnosed, Inner-City Multiple Myeloma Patients with Low-Dose Thalidomide in Combination with Dexamethasone and Zoledronate: A Phase II Trial.

Background: Although the incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) is increased in HIV+ patients, optimal treatment of MM in the HIV setting remains unknown. This Phase II trial was designed to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of low-dose thalidomide in combination with dexamethasone and zoledronate (TDZ) in newly diagnosed MM in an inner-city population, in which the HIV infection rate is high. The TDZ regimen was thus intended to be non-myelotoxic and compatible with HAART. Because it mitigates tumor growth and angiogenesis as well as bone resorption, zoledronate was expected to boost the therapeutic effects of thalidomide and dexamethasone. Methods: Of 45 consecutive enrollees, 38 (22F/16M; median age = 61 years) were evaluable. All patients had bone disease, and baseline levels of β2-microglobulin (4.9 mg/dL; SE = 0.76) and serum albumin (3.3 mg/dL; SE = 0.11) indicated advanced disease. Eight evaluable patients (21%) were HIV+ (7F/1M; median age = 47 years). Patients with HIV were younger (P 90% (near-complete response [N-CR]), > 50–90% (partial response [PR]), or 25–50% (minor response [MR]). Results: Mean duration of TDZ treatment was 18 months (range = 3–24). Age-adjusted one-year survival was 74.4%, and was identical to SEER data (73.7%). N-CR was achieved in 30% (n = 11, [7 HIV−/4 HIV+]) and PR in 68% (n = 26, [22 HIV−/3 HIV+] of evaluable patients. One patient did not respond. Median time to maximum response was 4.5 months in HIV− patients and 2.5 months in HIV+ patients ( P <.05). Overall cumulative survival at 24 months was 68% by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and was not affected by HIV status, age, or sex. Baseline creatinine clearance both for HIV+ and HIV− patients was within normal limits, and was unaffected by TDZ. Even with prophylactic ASA, thromboembolism occurred in 6 patients (13%), necessitating additional anticoagulation with warfarin. No other significant toxicity was observed. Of the 10 patients who died, 9 were HIV− and 1 was HIV+; deaths were due to progression of MM (n = 3), complications of MM (n = 3), and causes unrelated to MM (n = 4). Seven patients were dropped from the study (5 moved from the area and 2 patients declined to continue). Conclusions: Thalidomide administered at less than half the standard dosage and in combination with zoledronate and dexamethasone is a safe and effective treatment in the long-term management of MM both in HIV− and HIV+ patients. The potential synergy of thalidomide and zoledronate in the treatment of MM should be evaluated in a larger randomized study. In addition, the faster response to TDZ in HIV+ MM patients on HAART suggests a cooperative interaction between the two regimens that should be further evaluated.
School-Based Positive Youth Development: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND The values, perspectives, and behavior patterns that begin in adolescence can continue throughout one's life. Because of these lifetime effects, much research has focused on adolescent risk and prevention, but a new body of knowledge investigates protective factors and strengths. Positive youth development (PYD) increases internal and external assets during adolescence and is often based within communities. This review, however, focuses on school-based PYD interventions because these institutions are the largest youth-serving institutions in the country. METHODS This review considered 711 PYD school-based programs found using 4 databases. We included articles published after 2000, and did not review those reporting on regular school curriculum or activities. RESULTS The 24 remaining articles describe PYD programs that fall under 3 general categories: curriculum-based, leadership development, and student-based mentorship programs. CONCLUSIONS Evaluations indicate that programs increase intrapsychic measures of well-being in youth as well as social confidence and healthy behaviors. However, it is important to not only include “at-risk” persons in programming, because a mixed group of young people encourages a more positive peer-to-peer climate. In addition, peer mentorship activities should be actively facilitated by an adult supervisor to ensure positive communication and trust between the mentor and mentee.
Preconceptual design of a fluoride high temperature salt-cooled engineering demonstration reactor: Core design and safety analysis

Engineering demonstration reactors are nuclear reactors built to establish proof of concept for technology options that have never been built. Examples of engineering demonstration reactors include Peach Bottom 1 for high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) for sodium-cooled fast reactors. Engineering demonstrations have historically played a vital role in advancing the technology readiness level of reactor technologies. This paper details a preconceptual design for a fluoride salt-cooled engineering demonstration reactor. The fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR) demonstration reactor (DR) is a concept for a salt-cooled reactor with 100 megawatts of thermal output (MWt). It would use tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) particle fuel within prismatic graphite blocks. FLiBe (2 7LiF-BeF2) is the reference primary coolant. The FHR DR is designed to be small, simple, and affordable. Core design characteristics, fuel cycle performance, and safety analysis of the FHR DR preconcept have been evaluated. The FHR DR core design features a negative or negligible void coefficient throughout a reactor operating cycle. Both single-batch (cartridge) and multiple-batch fuel cycles can be demonstrated in the FHR DR. The single-batch cycle length of the FHR DR core is estimated at between 12 and 18 months, assuming the successful qualification of composite carbon (C/C) or silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) structural fuel block tie rod material. Fuel cycle performance of the FHR DR is similar to a high temperature gas-cooled reactor. Preliminary safety analysis of the FHR DR indicates that the reactor could be used to demonstrate the inherent safety characteristics of FHR designs.
Climate impacts of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation simulated in the CMIP5 models: A re‐evaluation based on a revised index

The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) has pronounced influences on weather and climate across the globe. This study provides a direct comparison of the observed AMO-related surface temperature and precipitation anomalies to those simulated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models. It is found that the model-simulated AMO-related features are obscured by the global signal in some key regions if the North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) itself is used to represent the AMO as in previous studies. After the global mean SST is removed from the North Atlantic SST, the CMIP5 models show substantially better agreement with the observations in terms of the AMO-related worldwide impacts, such as the Pacific SST and the rainfall over the United States and India. These results suggest the removal of the global signal or signals originating in other ocean basins is a necessary procedure to uncover the AMO features in climate model simulations.
Methanol Photo-Oxidation on Rutile TiO2 Nanowires: Probing Reaction Pathways on Complex Materials

Understanding photochemical processes on nanomaterials is key to developing effective photocatalysts. Herein, methanol oxidation and reduction is used to probe the thermal and photochemical properties of rutile titania nanowires grown using a hydrothermal method. The presence of oxygen vacancy defects leads to methoxy formation and subsequent disproportionation to formaldehyde and methanol at 700 K. Methane and dimethyl ether are also produced in minor quantities. Oxygen adatoms enhance the formation of methoxy, which led to an increase in the disproportionation products and dimethyl ether at high temperature and a decreased amount of methane. The thermal reactivity of the nanowires parallels that of rutile TiO2(110) single crystals. Photo-oxidation of methoxy using UV light produced formaldehyde and methyl formate. These product yields were enhanced on nanowires with oxygen adatoms, but a majority of methoxy (∼70%) is not photoactive. In contrast, all methoxy is photo-oxidized on rutile TiO2(110) when O-...
Norms and stigma around unintended pregnancy in Alabama: Associations with recent contraceptive use and dual method use among young women

The role of unintended pregnancy norms and stigma in contraceptive use among young women is understudied. This study investigated relationships between anticipated reactions from others, pe...
The collective method: collaborative social science research and scholarly accountability:

This article conceptualizes the collective method to describe how 12 scholars worked collaboratively to study the effects of displacement following Hurricane Katrina. The collective method is defin...
Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support in Adult Congenital Heart Disease-Related Advanced Heart Failure

Heart transplantation has become an increasingly common and effective therapy for adults with end-stage congenital heart disease (ACHD) because of advances in patient selection and surgical technique. Indications for transplantation in ACHD are similar to other forms of heart failure. Timing of referral, pretransplant assessment of ACHD patients, wait-list outcomes and opportunities for decreasing wait-list mortality as well as outcome, alternatives to transplantation, and peri- and postoperative management are discussed in this chapter.
Radiation Field Associated With Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Accuracy of dosimetric estimates can determine the value of the atomic bomb survivor experience in establishing radiation risks. The status of a major revision of this dosimetry, initiated in 1980, is assessed.
The Success of HIV Prison-Based Peer Programming

This chapter will assess the numerous benefits HIV peer programs provide to correctional administrators. In addition to providing a cost-effective service to inmate population and increasing inmate knowledge regarding HIV transmission and prevention, HIV prison-based peer programs allow women offenders who worked as peers to obtain marketable job skills, obtain a higher purpose in life, cultivate conventional networks of support, limit the effects of prisonization and maladjustment and increase levels of institutional success (i.e., decreased disciplinary infractions) and post-release success (i.e., reduced recidivism). Findings from a national survey regarding the prevalence of HIV prison-based peer programs are discussed.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

HIV is a transmissible retrovirus present in pandemic proportions across the globe. The primary route of transmission in the United States is through sexual contact. Uncontrolled infection can progress to AIDS at varying intervals. Screening for HIV via ELISA testing and confirmation by Western blot is now considered a routine component of yearly care. In cases of infection, antiretroviral therapy is typically indicated in those patients with symptomatic disease or with a CD4+ cell count less than 350 cells/mm3. Treatment typically involves the simultaneous use of three concurrent antiretrovirals. Genotypic or phenotypic resistance testing may also be employed to guide the selection of appropriate antiretrovirals. Once treatment is initiated, the length of therapy is indefinite. The primary goal of treatment is an undetectable viral load (<48 copies/ml) with the secondary goal being preservation of CD4+ cell counts. Antiretroviral therapy has in many cases extended the life expectancies of most patients and transformed this once acute condition into a chronic disease state. The search for novel drug therapies and target as well as a vaccine is ongoing.
Systemic Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Extremities

Adjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of adult soft tissue sarcomas remains investigational. Review of the previously conducted randomized trials suggests benefits for the use of immediate adjuvant therapy. Precepts for future trials should include selection of patients with a poor prognosis, an emphasis on early institution of dose-intensive combination chemotherapy, and a description of biologic parameters likely to be important in clinical outcomes.
Epidural Analgesia and Any Vaginal Laceration

Background: Studies have shown increased incidence of severe vaginal lacerations (third and fourth degree) in women under the influence of epidural analgesia. This increase has been attributed to the increased the use of operative vaginal delivery (OVD), with attendant increased risk of laceration. Although mild and moderate vaginal lacerations requiring suturing are clinically significant, their relationship to epidural analgesia has not been extensively studied. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine relationships between epidural analgesia in laboring women and vaginal lacerations at delivery. Our research addresses the question: “Is epidural analgesia in labor associated with reduced likelihood of vaginal laceration at delivery, compared with delivery without epidural analgesia? In addition, is there a difference in vaginal laceration rates between an urban hospital staffed by obstetricians and a suburban hospital staffed mainly by family physicians?” Study Design: For the purposes of our study we included mild and severe perineal lacerations (first through fourth degree). We included all-term singleton vaginal deliveries at Truman Medical Centers Hospital Hill and Lakewood during 2013. We conducted a retrospective chart review that included 2131 women. We examined the relationship of OVD to epidural and to laceration. Since the 2 hospitals had different characteristics, we also examined the relationship of location of delivery to laceration. We controlled for maternal age, birth weight, location of delivery, OVD, parity, and race. We examined these factors using a logistic regression analysis. Results: After controlling for all factors mentioned above, epidural was negatively associated with laceration (odd ratio [OR], 0.886; 95% CL, 0.665, 0.991). Other factors negatively associated with laceration included black race, parity, and delivery at Truman Medical Center Lakewood (TMCLW). Conclusions: Patients who received epidural analgesia experienced fewer vaginal lacerations. There was no increase in OVD in patients who received epidural analgesia. Patients who delivered at a suburban hospital staffed by family medicine residents experienced fewer lacerations than those delivering at an urban hospital staffed by Obstetrics and Gynecology residents after controlling for race and other factors.
Timely Events in Their Interrelation to Paddlefish and Sturgeon Harvest from 1945-2010

Abstract Due to the high amounts of harvest of natural fish populations, overexploitation can occur and subsequently lead to depleted fisheries. This is especially true for commercially exploited r...
Understanding length × width × height with modified tasks

In this article, we describe one possible way to modify volume tasks in textbooks to promote conceptual understanding of the volume formula: length × width × height. From the results of previous st...
Ixodes scapularis Src tyrosine kinase facilitates Anaplasma phagocytophilum survival in its arthropod vector

Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human anaplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that uses multiple survival strategies to persist in Ixodes scapularis ticks. Our previous study showed that A. phagocytophilum efficiently induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of several Ixodes proteins that includes extended phosphorylation of actin at tyrosine residue Y178. In order to identify the tyrosine kinase responsible for the A. phagocytophilum induced tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins, we combed the I. scapularis genome and identified a non-receptor Src tyrosine kinase ortholog. I. scapularis Src kinase showed high degree of amino acid sequence conservation with Dsrc from Drosophila melanogaster. We noted that at different developmental stages of I. scapularis ticks, larvae expressed significantly higher levels of src transcripts in comparison to the other stages. We found that A. phagocytophilum significantly reduced Src levels in unfed nymphs and in nymphs while blood feeding (48 h during feeding) in comparison to the levels noted to relative uninfected controls. However, A. phagocytophilum increased Src levels in fully engorged larvae and nymphs (48 h post feeding) and in vitro tick cells in comparison to the relative uninfected controls. Inhibition of Src kinase expression and activity by treatment with src-dsRNA or Src-inhibitor, respectively, significantly reduced A. phagocytophilum loads in ticks and tick cells. Overall, our study provides evidence for the important role of I. scapularis Src kinase in facilitating A. phagocytophilum colonization and survival in the arthropod vector.
Impact of Intermediate Cystic Fibrosis Classification on Parents' Perceptions of Child Vulnerability and Protectiveness

This cross-sectional, mixed-method study examined factors associated with parent perceptions of child vulnerability and protectiveness in three groups: cystic fibrosis (CF-group, n = 40), intermediate CF classification (I-group, n = 20), and healthy (H-group, n = 50). A composite indicator structural equation (CISE) using Bayesian estimation tested two mediational models: psychological and biological. Significant results ( p < .05) from the psychological model showed I-group and CF-group parents perceived their children to be more vulnerable than H-group parents but reported lower levels of protectiveness than H-group parents. Perceptions of vulnerability mediated protectiveness for CF- and I-groups. The biological model showed I-group children had significantly less severe genotype and phenotype, and lower sweat chloride levels than the CF-group; I-group parents had lower expectations about children developing CF symptoms. Both models showed negative associations between children's ages and protectiveness. Psychological factors explained perceptions of child vulnerability and protectiveness; biological factors explained protectiveness. Parent perceptions of vulnerability and protectiveness are separate, independent constructs.
Growing apart: Religious Reflection on the Rise of Economic Inequality

I thought I had all the analytics right and mastered most of the technical details about economic inequality. One cannot miss a day without reading something in the academic or popular press about ...
Optimizing the recovery of disrupted single-sourced multi-echelon assembly supply chain networks

We consider optimization problems related to the scheduling of Multi-Echelon Assembly Supply Chain (MEASC) networks that find application in the recovery from large-scale disruptive events. Each ma...
Medication adherence: A method for designing context-aware reminders

Abstract Objectives Several interventions have been proposed to improve medication adherence including those using reminders. Context-aware reminders can be effective because they operate when the dose is due, has not been taken, and is still safe to take. Although very promising, we find that there is no method to design context-aware reminders. To address these, we focus on proposing a method to design context-aware reminders. Methods We conducted a systematic review of context-aware reminders for medication adherence using PRISMA approach. The analysis of literature leads to several interesting observations including the need for a method to design context-aware reminders. In this study, we present Method to Design Context-Aware Reminders (MDCAR) that can also meet special requirements. We used domain experts reasoning to evaluate the designed Context-Aware Reminders for Medication Adherence (CARS-MA). Further, we used analytical model to evaluate reliability, side effects, and cost of intervention. Results This is the first paper that addresses “how to” design context-aware reminders. The proposed design method can lead to range of context-aware reminders including CARS-MA. The verification, validation, and evaluation of CARS-MA indicate that the context-aware reminders perform better than simple reminders in improving medication adherence. Conclusions The proposed method for context-aware reminders will help healthcare professionals and researchers to implement and select a suitable intervention to improve medication adherence. Further, it can lead to decision support systems for patients, healthcare professionals, researchers and policy makers for medication adherence. The design method can be extended for complex scenarios of multiple medications, persistent-reminders, and composite interventions.
Work Hours and Cognitive Function: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is a public health burden. Our objective was to investigate associations between work hours and cognitive function. Methods Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants (n = 2,497; 50.7% men; age range 44–84 years) reported hours per week worked in all jobs in Exams 1 (2000–2002), 2 (2002–2004), 3 (2004–2005), and 5 (2010–2011). Cognitive function was assessed (Exam 5) using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (version 2), a measure of global cognitive functioning; the Digit Symbol Coding, a measure of processing speed; and the Digit Span test, a measure of attention and working memory. We used a prospective approach and linear regression to assess associations for every 10 hours of work. Results Among all participants, associations of hours worked with cognitive function of any type were not statistically significant. In occupation-stratified analyses (interaction p = 0.051), longer work hours were associated with poorer global cognitive function among Sales/Office and blue-collar workers, after adjustment for age, sex, physical activity, body mass index, race/ethnicity, educational level, annual income, history of heart attack, diabetes, apolipoprotein E-epsilon 4 allele (ApoE4) status, birth-place, number of years in the United States, language spoken at MESA Exam 1, and work hours at Exam 5 (β = –0.55, 95% CI = –0.99, –0.09) and (β = –0.80, –1.51, –0.09), respectively. In occupation-stratified analyses (interaction p = 0.040), we also observed an inverse association with processing speed among blue-collar workers (adjusted β = –0.80, –1.52, –0.07). Sex, race/ethnicity, and ApoE4 did not significantly modify associations between work hours and cognitive function. Conclusion Weak inverse associations were observed between work hours and cognitive function among Sales/Office and blue-collar workers.
Chapter 63 – Health Economics

Publisher Summary Health economics and evidence-based medicine (EBM) relate to a society's ability and willingness to pay for intervention strategies that are addressed to improve health outcomes. Health economics acknowledge these evaluations through quantitative tools designed to facilitate decisions of resource allocation throughout the various levels of the health-care system. This chapter explores the health-economic literature related to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and highlights the principles of EBM and the methods of health economics. The chapter also focuses on the health-economic burden for asthma and COPD and examines health-economic studies that conform to evidence-based treatment guidelines. The cost of illness studies and health-economic evaluations significantly define the boundaries by which current and new intervention strategies provide value to patients, providers, and communities. However, it is important to address the issue of lack of standardization outcomes for use in health-economic analysis for both asthma and COPD so that the optimal clinical strategies that could lead to improved diagnosis and management of asthma and COPD could be determined.
New-Onset Nephrotic Syndrome in a Child Associated With COVID-19 Infection

Introduction: The COVID-19 outbreak has become a worldwide public health emergency. The renal histopathological features of acute tubular necrosis or thrombotic microangiopathy have been previously reported in adults with severe COVID-19 infections. In children, the renal manifestations associated with COVID-19 disease are not widely reported. Here we describe a case report of a child with new-onset nephrotic syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection. Case Presentation: An 8-year-old boy with no previous significant medical history presented with bilateral eyelid and facial swelling soon after his parents were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. He had diarrhea but no fever or shortness of breath. At 1 week after the onset of swelling, the boy tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Based on clinical findings of significant proteinuria (urine protein and creatinine ratio of 11.4), hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin of 2 g/dl), and hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol of 384 mg/dl), he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. He responded well to standard-dose prednisone treatment for nephrotic syndrome. At 1 week after starting the prednisone treatment, he went into clinical remission. Lymphopenia continued to be present for 4 weeks after the onset of symptoms. There were no complications related to clot formation or secondary infections with this presentation. Conclusion: COVID-19 can be associated with new-onset nephrotic syndrome in children. The patient responded well to the standard-dose prednisone treatment that is typically used for new-onset nephrotic syndrome. Summary: We describe the unique presentation of COVID-19 in a child as new-onset nephrotic syndrome. We offer insight on the success of standard treatment of nephrotic syndrome with COVID-19.
Spurious regulatory connections dictate the expression-fitness landscape of translation termination factors

During steady-state cell growth, individual enzymatic fluxes can be directly inferred from growth rate by mass conservation, but the inverse problem remains unsolved. Perturbing the flux and expression of a single enzyme could have pleiotropic effects that may or may not dominate the impact on cell fitness. Here we quantitatively dissect the molecular and global responses to varied expression of translation termination factors (peptide release factors, RFs) in bacterium Bacillus subtilis. While endogenous RF expression maximizes proliferation, deviations in expression lead to unexpected distal regulatory responses that dictate fitness reduction. Molecularly, RF depletion causes expression imbalance at specific operons, which activates master regulators and detrimentally overrides the transcriptome. Through these spurious connections, RF abundances are thus entrenched by focal points within the regulatory network, in one case located at a single stop codon. Such regulatory entrenchment suggests that predictive bottom-up models of expression-fitness landscapes will require near-exhaustive characterization of parts.