cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining Shifts in Carabidae Assemblages Across a Forest-Agriculture Ecotone

Northeastern U.S. farms are often situated adjacent to forestland due to the heterogeneous nature of the landscape. We investigated how forested areas influence Carabidae diversity within nearby crop fields by establishing transects of pitfall traps. Trapping extended across a forest-agriculture ecotone consisting of maize, an intermediate mowed grass margin, and a forest edge. Carabidae diversity was compared among the three habitats, and community and population dynamics were assessed along the transect. We used a principal response curve to examine and visualize community change across a spatial gradient. The highest levels of richness and evenness were observed in the forest community, and carabid assemblages shifted significantly across the ecotone, especially at the forest-grass interface. Despite strong ecotone effects, population distributions showed that some species were found in all three habitats and seemed to thrive at the ecotone. Based on similarity indices, carabid assemblages collected in maize adjacent to forest differed from carabid assemblages in maize not adjacent to forest. We conclude that forest carabid assemblages exhibit high degrees of dissimilarity with those found in agricultural fields and forested areas should thus be retained in agricultural landscapes to increase biodiversity at the landscape scale. However, ecotone species found at forest edges can still noticeably influence carabid community composition within neighboring agricultural fields. Further studies should determine how these shifts in carabid assemblages influence agroecosystem services in relation to ecosystem services observed in fields embedded in an agricultural matrix.
Complete relativistic Faddeev calculations of pion-deuteron scattering

Pion-deuteron elastic scattering in the region of the (3,3) resonance is calculated with two covariant reductions of the relativistic Faddeev equations. The two $S$-wave nucleon-nucleon channels and the six $S$- and $P$-wave pion-nucleon channels are included by means of separable $T$ matrices. Both of the space and the spin variables are treated relativistically, by use of the three-body helicity formalism of Wick. The results agree very well with the data at 142 and 182 MeV, but do not resolve the discrepancy at 256 MeV.
Teaching Information Security with Virtual Laboratories

With rapid advances in the online education and computer virtualization technology, laboratories leveraging virtual machines, or Virtual Hands-on Laboratories, have become one of the key education resources in many fields. In the College of Information Sciences and Technology at the Pennsylvania State University, we have developed a set of virtual hands-on laboratories and used them in many technology courses. These virtual labs are collaboratively developed by instructors, instructional technologists, system administrators, student learning assistants, and interns. They have become an integrated component of many courses taught in our college to enhance hands-on learning experience in the information sciences. In this article, we introduce our teaching experience on using virtual hands-on laboratories in an introductory information security course as part of the curriculum of the Security and Risk Analysis major. Our teaching experiences show that the hands-on virtual labs are quite effective in learning, especially on connecting theory to practice. We expect they will continue to play a critical role in our curriculum as online education becomes indispensable.
Texas State Funding of Schools and its Effect on Property Taxes

The author analyzes the effects of Texas state funding of schools on property tax rates and school construction.
Rural Resource Development in an Urban Society: Some Research Priorities

THOUGH a generation apart and reflecting different philosophies, these two introductory quotations contain implicit recognition of a fundamental change in our concept of natural resources. The Harrison Brown quotation has significance only in the context of a MalthusianRicardian concept of resource endowments. Yet, if we accept Brown's statement, we must ask: Were we ever not completely dependent on our science and technology, however primitive these may have been at the time? And if we answer "never," we must then recognize that it is not the degree of our dependence on our science and technology that has changed, but our concept of the nature of natural resources. This is not the place, nor have I the competence, to discuss the philosophical sense in which man can be understood as the creator of his economic resources. But we cannot define nor identify these resources except by reference to man and his capacities in using them. Was atomic energy a natural resource in 1900? Are salt licks a natural resource in 1963? The negative answers we must give illustrate the fact that we are continually redefining our concept of the nature of a resource. And with this continual redefinition goes a parallel reassessment of our resource stocks and flows.
Dislocation Core Structure Evolution During Dislocation Glide in FCC Lattices

A dislocation core model is developed in terms of a singular decomposition of the elastic field surrounding the defect in a power series of 1/r n . The decomposition is a Laurent expansion beginning with the term corresponding to the Volterra dislocation and continuing with a series of dipoles and multipoles. The analysis is performed for an edge dislocation in an fcc lattice. The field surrounding the dislocation is derived by means of atomistic simulations. The coefficients of the series expansion are determined from the elastic field using path independent integrals. When loaded by a shear stress smaller than the Peierls stress, the core distorts. The distortion up to the instability (Peierls stress) is monitored based on the variation of these coefficients. The stacking fault separating the two partials is characterized, by using a similar procedure, as a source of elastic field.
ALCC Allocation Final Report: HPC Colony II

The report describes those activities of the HPC Colony II Project as they relate to their FY2013 ALCC Award.
Intelligent Power IC for Automotive Electronics, Using Trench-Dielectric-Isolation Technology

We developed an intelligent power IC suitable for automotive applications, which integrated CMOS, Bipolar and LDMOS and which was fabricated on 0.65 μm design rule process. This IC employs trench-dielectric-isolation (TD) technology and power device technology that improves the ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) robustness. TD technology employing an SOI (Silicon On Insulator) wafer and deep trench isolation realizes very narrow isolation width with no parasitic device. It enables the easier mixing of various circuits on a single chip with high integration density. The power device technology of improves ESD robustness, enables reduction in the number of protection devices in automotive Electronic control units (ECUs), which connect with the power IC output terminals. Therefore, the intelligent power IC developed here can reduce ECU component numbers and hence ECU size, and is applicable to various kinds of ECUs and smart actuators with high reliability at lower cost.
Serum-circulating miRNAs predict neuroblastoma progression in mouse model of high-risk metastatic disease

// Satish Kumar Ramraj 1 , Sheeja Aravindan 2 , Dinesh Babu Somasundaram 1 , Terence S. Herman 1, 2 , Mohan Natarajan 3 , Natarajan Aravindan 1 1 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA 2 Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA 3 Department of Pathology, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA Correspondence to: Natarajan Aravindan, e-mail: naravind@ouhsc.edu Keywords: serum-circulating miRNA, high-risk metastatic neuroblastoma, miRnome profiling, prognostic biomarker Received: August 30, 2015 Accepted: January 19, 2016 Published: February 23, 2016 ABSTRACT Background : Circulating miRNAs have momentous clinical relevance as prognostic biomarkers and in the progression of solid tumors. Recognizing novel candidates of neuroblastoma-specific circulating miRNAs would allow us to identify potential prognostic biomarkers that could predict the switch from favorable to high-risk metastatic neuroblastoma (HR-NB). Results : Utilizing mouse models of favorable and HR-NB and whole miRnome profiling, we identified high serum levels of 34 and low levels of 46 miRNAs in animals with HR-NB. Preferential sequence homology exclusion of mouse miRNAs identified 25 (11 increased; 14 decreased) human-specific prognostic marker candidates, of which, 21 were unique to HR-NB. miRNA QPCR validated miRnome profile. Target analysis defined the candidate miRNAs’ signal transduction flow-through and demonstrated their converged roles in tumor progression. miRNA silencing studies verified the function of select miRNAs on the translation of at least 14 target proteins. Expressions of critical targets that correlate tumor progression in tissue of multifarious organs identify the orchestration of HR-NB. Significant (>10 fold) increase in serum levels of miR-381, miR-548h, and miR-580 identify them as potential prognostic markers for neuroblastoma progression. Conclusion : For the first time, we identified serum-circulating miRNAs that predict the switch from favorable to HR-NB and, further imply that these miRNAs could play a functional role in tumor progression.
Unemployment In Lebanon: Application Of Okuns Law

The purpose of this paper is to apply Okun-type relationship to the Lebanese equation in order to estimate the Lebanese potential output. An empirical study covering 400 households is carried out to investigate the employment status using the BLS criterion in determining the most useful measures of the labor market.
CFD Calculation of Stability and Control Derivatives For Ram-Air Parachutes

Generation of aerodynamic models for ram-air parachutes is currently the subject of active research. These parachutes resemble a rectangular wing of low aspect ratio. The aerodynamic characteristics of these unswept wings can be very different from those predicted by lifting-line theory due to openings in the leading edge for the admission of ram air. This research specifically investigates the aerodynamics of ram-air parachutes with open and closed round inlets. All wings are assumed to be rigid and have an aspect ratio of two. Aerodynamic predictions are made with flow solvers of Cobalt and Kestrel and are compared with available wind-tunnel experimental data. Simulations and measurements are carried out at a Mach number of 0.25 and Reynolds number of 1.4 million. The aerodynamic changes are predicted due to pulling the left trailing edge down. Aerodynamic stability derivatives are calculated from simulations of forced periodic motions in directions of pitch, yaw, and roll. The effects of motion reduced frequency are studied as well. Two different estimation methods are used, namely linear regression method and a method based on points of maximum and minimum angular velocity. The experimental data of wings considered here match the computational predictions quite well. For the wings with a left-side bending, the lift and drag will increase, the pitch moment at the quarter chord point will decreases and wing will produce a positive roll and a negative yaw moment. The open wings stall earlier than the closed wings, have higher pressure-drag values, and the pitch moment slope becomes more negative. The calculated derivatives are similar for both methods and show only a small change with reduced frequencies less than 0.1. The results show that damping derivatives of closed wings remain fairly constant up to ten degrees angle of attack. However, the open wings show a very sensitive behavior in damping derivatives with respect to angles of attack. Finally, the models are evaluated for the closed and open wings undergoing a chirp motion. The results of the comparison show that the aerodynamic models of the closed wing match time-marching full CFD calculations well, but some discrepancies can be seen in the open wing plots. The lift values from model and full CFD do not match everywhere and there is a time lag between pitch moment predictions and time-marching solution, suggesting substantial unsteady effects on the numerical simulations of open wings during the motion.
Executive Leadership and Administration Founding versus Progressive Views

The theories of administration advanced by the Founders and by Woodrow Wilson bear striking similarities. First, the Founders and Wilson alike thought it impossible to discuss administration proper without raising profound political questions such as the proper separation of powers, the nature and amount of executive energy, and the role of reason and passion in public life. Second, both agreed on the necessity of an energetic executive that was both unitary and responsible. But despite these areas of agreement, Wilson and the Founders disagreed on several issues, perhaps nowhere more fundamentally than on the source of executive energy and the character of public leadership.
Atypical Parkinsonism following Occult Carbon Monoxide Exposure (P5.254)

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of occult carbon monoxide poisoning presenting as Parkinsonism and neuropsychiatric symptoms. BACKGROUND: Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is a leading cause of death and injury due to poisoning worldwide. CO impairs hemoglobin oxygen carrying capacity and causes hypoxic injury in vulnerable tissues in the nervous system and myocardium. Acutely, CO poisoning can manifest as headache, nausea, dizziness, seizures, coma, and myocardial infarction. However, delayed neurologic manifestations, including parkinsonism, akinetic mutism, cognitive impairment, and personality changes, can occur many weeks after the initial exposure. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report RESULTS: A 43-year-old man presented with a two week history of progressive psychomotor retardation and gait difficulties. Neurological examination revealed profound parkinsonism and neuropsychiatric abnormalities including cognitive impairment, abulia, and flattened affect. MRI demonstrated focal hyperintensities in globus pallidus and posterior limb of the internal capsule bilaterally on T1 and T2-weighted MR sequences. Arterial blood gas showed normal carboxyhemoglobin level, and serum levels of cyanide, arsenic, lead, and mercury were also normal. History revealed a suspected recent exposure to persistently elevated CO in an enclosed space. The patient was given a brief trial of carbidopa-levodopa without symptomatic improvement. Low-dose bromocriptine and modafinil were initiated with modest improvement in lethargy and concentration. Following inpatient rehabilitation and a short skilled-nursing facility stay, he achieved functional independence and returned home. At four months follow-up, he was living independently with minor cognitive impairment. By eight months, the patient had returned to full time employment. CONCLUSIONS: Carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of death and injury due to poisoning worldwide, and may present insidiously with a delayed neurologic syndrome without obvious exposure history. It is important to consider CO poisoning in patients presenting with new neuropsychiatric complaints and Parkinsonism so that the causal source may be identified and removed and indicated treatment initiated. Study Supported by: not applicable Disclosure: Dr. Raja has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dutta has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kwan has nothing to disclose.
Cable Section and Laying of Xiamen ±320 kV Flexible DC Cable Transmission Project

Xiamen ±320 k V Flexible DC Transmission Project is designed to work at the highest voltage among similar power transmission lines presently and it faces a lot of challenges. We discussed the selection of crosslink cable and cable accessory, cable operating temperature, length of cable segments, and cables' current-carrying capacity, as well as laying AC and DC cables in common tunnels. As a result, reasonable solutions for technology difficulties in the project are presented: setting the operating temperature of 70 ℃ for DC cables ensures good performance of the cables' insulation; cable conductors with sectional area of 1 800 mm2 have current carrying capacity of 1 617 A, satisfying the requirements of engineering; 962 m is a reasonable length of segment cables that reduces the number of joints as well as the project cost; the cable accessories should be injection in-site type; for the project under either transient state or steady state, common-cable-tunnel laying of AC and DC power cables satisfies the requirements of both security and stability.
Microwave Power Beaming using Ka-band Radar

Power is transferred wirelessly from a ground based microwave transmitter to a receiver flown on a platform attached to a tethered aerostat. The signal is analyzed using consumer radar detection hardware and developed circuitry. This signal is analyzed by a programmable microcontroller, or Arduino, and data is then transmitted to a logging computer on the ground via flight computer and base station. Eventually, a rectenna and receiver will be developed to convert the microwaves to a useable voltage to power on-board instruments. This technology could be employed as a means to reduce the need for on-board power supplies for CubeSats deployed by the International Space Station, on orbit solar power generation, solar power satellites, etc.
SU-F-P-17: Making the Match: Selection Factors in the Medical Physics Residency Match

Purpose: To provide information on selection factors in the medical physics residency match process to assist both residency programs and future applicants in successfully matching with their preferred choices. Methods: A survey on the medical physics residency match and interview process, including questions regarding specific major and minor considerations for interview selection and match ranking, was emailed to all applicants and residency program directors registered in the 2015 MedPhys Match. Results: Survey respondents included 109 (27%) applicants and 42 (54%) program directors. Of the applicant respondent pool, 85% received interviews and 48% matched to a residency. These matched respondents also represent 48% of the 108 matched applicants from the 2015 cycle. Primary factors influencing applicants’ ranking of residency programs were location (69%), work environment (62%), and program structure (59%). Major considerations of residency programs in selecting candidates for interview were quality and content of reference letters (85%), personality fit (71%), and graduate program reputation (68%). The most influential factors in final candidate rankings, both of which were cited by all respondents, were impressions from the interview (94% as a major reason) and personality fit (80% as a major reason). Responses from program directors showed that candidates who communicated how they would rank a program did not improve their ranking. 32% of program directors indicated that they may consider post-interview communication from a candidate's mentor or another advocate in that candidate's ranking. Conclusion: While many factors influence candidate selection for interview and ranking, future applicants can benefit from the results presented here: first in selecting a well-regarded medical physics graduate program, then performing at a level that earns strong recommendation letters, and finally developing interview and interpersonal skills. Residency programs will make themselves most attractive to their top candidates by fostering a desirable work environment and developing a well-organized training program.
Community-Level Reform Efforts

O'Day and Smith (1993) wrote that it takes a combination of improved social conditions and additional educational resources to close the achievement gap between white and poor minority youth. The research studies discussed in this chapter return to the relationship between community capacity and student achievement and the role of the community in reform efforts. They expand and complicate the discussion of urban and rural school reform by bringing to the forefront elements of (a) language (Hamann 2002; Tharp et al. 2000); (b) race (Henig et al. 1999; Horn 2000a; Rich 1996; Stone 1998a); (c) economic (Horn 2000b; Rich 1996) and civic capacity (Stone et al. 2001); and (d) the politics inherent in education reform (Hess 1999; Hill et al. 2000). In this section, the authors we cite stress the importance of considering different dimensions of a locale's political context and the linkages between various governmental agencies and community businesses, organizations, and groups when studying school reform. For several of these researchers, school reform cannot be separated from the social reconstruction of urban centers (Anyon 1997; Henig et al. 1999; Rich 1996; Stone 1998b), or from the economic challenges that poor, isolated rural communities face (Horn 2000a, 2000b). Figure 4 helps to orient the role of the community in our framework. In this chapter, we separately address the issues faced by educators in high-poverty rural contexts and high-poverty urban contexts.
Towards automated segmentation and classification of masses in mammograms

This work presents a straightforward approach to detecting and segmenting mammographic mass cores. The method utilizes adaptive thresholding applied to a contrast-enhanced version of the gray-scale mammogram, where the threshold is a function of the localized gray-level mean and variance. To assess the method's efficacy, it is applied to a database of 62 mammograms, each containing a suspicious mass (39 benign and 23 malignant). Each test case consists of a gray-scale image and a binary image containing a radiologist segmentation of the mass. After segmentation, a variety of features are extracted, including several based on the normalized radial length, rubber band straightening algorithm, gray-level statistics, and patient age. Next, step-wise linear discriminant analysis is utilized for feature reduction and optimization. The same procedure is applied to the manually segmented masses. Analysis of the optimized features resulted in an ROC curve area of Az = 0.8796 and Az = 0.8719 for the automated and manually segmented masses, respectively.
Liver Magnetic Resonance Elastography Technique

Mechanical properties are promising surrogates for monitoring and characterizing various pathophysiologic conditions of cells and tissues. The mechanical properties of liver tissue are strongly correlated with the extent of fibrosis, and perhaps with increased hepatic vascular resistance and the associated increase of portal venous pressure. With recent advances in biomedical imaging, the ability to quantify in vivo liver stiffness with the development of MR elastography (MRE) is beginning to see widespread clinical use for assessing hepatic fibrosis as an alternative to biopsy. In this chapter, we will introduce the practical in vivo hepatic MRE technique for clinical investigations in humans, which is the culmination of technology development and optimization involving driver design (generating shear waves in the liver), pulse sequence design, imaging parameters, inversion algorithms, and image analyses.
Public policy, community colleges, and the path to globalization

This study addresses the nature of governmentpolicy toward community colleges in the 1990sand the responses of institutions to thesepolicies. This is an examination of Canadianand U.S. community colleges in two Canadianprovinces and three U.S. states as well asanalysis of government policy in two countries,at the federal, state and provincial levels.Government policies are viewed as directingcommunity colleges toward economic goals,emphasizing workforce training and stateeconomic competitiveness as outcomes,compelling colleges to improve efficiencies,increase productivity, and to becomeaccountable to government and responsive tobusiness and industry. Government responses toeconomic concerns at the provincial and statelevels resulted in economic developmentpolicies applicable to community colleges. Institutional responses among communitycolleges, evident in behaviors such asmarketization and productivity and efficiency,altered college missions, resulting in thepursuit of economic ends by theseinstitutions.
Why do we fail to deliver evidence-based practice in critical care medicine?

Purpose of reviewThe use of evidence-based practices in clinical practice is frequently inadequate. Recent research has uncovered many barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practices in critical care medicine. Using a comprehensive conceptual framework, this review identifies and classifi
The Sick Lung Circulation and the Failing Right Ventricle

The global hypothesis proposed is that the health of the lung circulation affects the health and function of the right ventricle (RV). The activated, injured, and phenotypically altered cells of the vast lung microcirculation emit signals and inform the downstream coronary microvasculature and the systemic vessels. Injured lung endothelial cells can release microparticles-containing microRNA which can be taken up by coronary and systemic vessel endothelial cells. This mechanism can account in part for reprogramming—via altered gene expression—of recipient endothelium. In addition, there are inflammatory mediators, which after being released by sick lung endothelial cells, activate distal systemic and coronary vessels, and cell-free double-stranded DNA, as found circulating in the plasma of patients with thromboembolic disease, can be toxic to distal vascular beds. Finally, inflammatory mediators and growth factors released from the sick lung circulation are likely participating in the release of precursor cells from the bone marrow which in turn can affect the behavior of the lung- and coronary microvessels.
Quality Improvement: Staff Radiation Exposure Reduction While Maintaining Patient Safety

Abstract Radiology nurses continuously strive for improved patient safety. However, these practices may lead to unanticipated decreased staff safety. The Department of Radiology at our institution involves radiology nurses in adult and pediatric diagnostic and interventional settings. The radiology practice is a high-throughput area where almost 400 computed tomographic scans are performed daily. Nursing leadership identified an increase in quarterly dosimeter readings among staff and found that the root cause was linked to insufficient education and practices regarding radiation exposure times. The goal of the present project was to educate staff on the importance of reduced radiation exposure times.
Uncertainty in silicon displacement damage metrics due to the displacement threshold treatment

This paper examines the influence of the displacement threshold energy and the treatment of the threshold on the 1-MeV(Si) response function. This uncertainty contribution is characterized in the form of a covariance matrix.
Weight Loss Strategies in the Elderly: A Clinical Conundrum

The age-related concomitant loss of skeletal muscle and accumulation of excess adipose tissue have been commonly referred to as sarcopenic obesity. While weight loss may help mitigate the metabolic abnormalities linked to obesity, low fitness levels and muscle atrophy complicate the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions. Because of low levels of compliance, suboptimal economic efficiency, and low functional capacity, there has been no consensus on optimal therapy. This includes the use of high-protein diets that do not ensure muscle preservation during weight loss in this segment of the population. The primary objectives of this review are to discuss the relevance of sarcopenic obesity, examine the feasibility of weight loss in the elderly, and highlight new approaches to the problem.
A simple model for indentation creep

Abstract A simple model for indentation creep is developed that allows one to directly convert creep parameters measured in indentation tests to those observed in uniaxial tests through simple closed-form relationships. The model is based on the expansion of a spherical cavity in a power law creeping material modified to account for indentation loading in a manner similar to that developed by Johnson for elastic-plastic indentation (Johnson, 1970). Although only approximate in nature, the simple mathematical form of the new model makes it useful for general estimation purposes or in the development of other deformation models in which a simple closed-form expression for the indentation creep rate is desirable. Comparison to a more rigorous analysis which uses finite element simulation for numerical evaluation shows that the new model predicts uniaxial creep rates within a factor of 2.5, and usually much better than this, for materials creeping with stress exponents in the range 1 ≤ n ≤ 7. The predictive capabilities of the model are evaluated by comparing it to the more rigorous analysis and several sets of experimental data in which both the indentation and uniaxial creep behavior have been measured independently.
Offender rehabilitation reform in Japan: Effective cooperation between professional and volunteer probation officers

Abstract Probation programmes in Japan have drawn critical attention over the last decade for not effectively preventing recidivism and for relying too heavily on volunteers. Despite the establishment of a Council for Offender Rehabilitation Reform in 2006 and consequent legislative clarification of the roles of professional probation officers (PPOs) and volunteer probation officers (VPOs), the repeat offender rate has been increasing and the prevention of recidivism remains an urgent issue in criminal justice in Japan. At the same time, it is important to recognize that parole and probation revocation rates have dropped slightly and that recidivism rates are lower for sexual offenders who have undergone specialized treatment programmes administered by PPOs. This article considers what issues were addressed by Offender Rehabilitation Reform and examine whether further clarification of the roles of VPOs and PPOs is needed in terms of legislative status, caseload, personnel matters, and functions in the community. Finally, this article will discuss ideal roles for VPOs and PPOs in the face of changing social contexts in Japan.
Medication adherence patterns in aortic dissection survivors.

Background & objectives: Beta-blockers have been shown to improve survival in both type A and type B acute aortic dissection (AAD) patients. Calcium channel blockers have been shown to selectively improve survival only in type B AAD patients. There is a lack of data on medication adherence in AAD survivors. The purpose of this study was to assess medication adherence in patients who survived an AAD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey-based study of individuals from a single medical centre which was part of the larger International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD). Patients with type A or B AAD who survived to discharge were included in this study. Individuals who were deceased based on the results of an online Social Security Death Index were excluded from the study. Data were obtained from both a survey and also from abstraction from the local academic institution's IRAD registry. A survey packet was sent to patients. One section of this survey was dedicated to assessing medication adherence using the 4-item Morisky scale. Results: Eighty two completed surveys were returned; 74 patients completed the section of the survey pertaining to medication adherence (response rate 38%). Morisky score was ≥1.0 for 27 (36%) patients and 0 for 47 (64%) patients. Thirty three patients reported yes to 'forget to take medications' and eight reported yes to 'careless with medications.' Medication non-adherence (defined as a score of ≥1.0 on Morisky) was associated with increased follow up recurrence of chest pain at one year of follow up. Only two patients stopped their antihypertensive on their own and did not cite a reason for doing this. Interpretation & conclusions: The medication adherence rate for patients who survived an AAD was 64 per cent at a median (Q1, Q3) of 7.1 yr (5.6, 11.5) after discharge, as per the Morisky scale. The clinicians should educate their patients on the importance of antihypertensive therapy and assess for forgetfulness and carelessness at each clinic visit, as well as understand patients' beliefs about drug therapy, all of which have been shown to increase medication adherence.
Fractal Analysis of Proteins Involved in Drug Design on Biosensor Surfaces

This chapter presents a fractal analysis to re-analyze the binding and dissociation kinetics of kalata B1 and kalata B6 in solution to DMPE (dimyristoyl-L-α-phosphatidylethanolamine) liposome immobilized on the L1 sensor chip. The values of the binding and dissociation rate coefficients and affinity values, and the fractal dimension values in the binding and in the dissociation phase are also provided. The fractal analysis is used with the aim to relate the binding and dissociation rate coefficients with the degree of heterogeneity or fractal dimension present on the DMPE liposome immobilized on the L1 sensor chip surface. The fractal analysis provides a quantitative indication of the state of disorder (fractal dimension) and the binding (and dissociation) rate coefficients on the sensor chip surface. On the basis of the prefactor analysis for fractal aggregates, quantitative (predictive) expressions are developed for the binding rate coefficients, k 1 and k 2 , as a function of the natural cyclotide, kalata B1 concentration in solution; the fractal dimension D f in the binding phase and the fractal dimension in the dissociation phase D fd as a function of the cyclotide, kalata B1 concentration; the binding rate coefficients, k 1 and k 2 , as a function of the fractal dimensions, D f1 and D f2 , for the 10–50 μM kalata B1 concentration in solution; the affinity, K 1 (= k 1 / k d1 ), as a function of the ratio of fractal dimensions, D f / D fd1 ; and the ratio of the binding rate coefficients, k 2 / k 1 , as a function of the fractal dimensions, D f2 / D f1 . Similar predictive relations are also developed and presented for the cyclotide analogue, kalata B6. The expressions obtained for the binding and the dissociation rate coefficients for a single- and a dual-fractal analysis as a function of the fractal dimension indicate a high sensitivity of these rate coefficients on the their respective fractal dimensions on the SPR sensor chip surface.
Weight Halo Effects: Individual Differences in Perceived Life Success as a Function of Women's Race and Weight

The question of whether or not life success halo effects occur for weight for Black and White women was examined in an experiment using a 2 (race of woman) × 2 (weight of woman) × 2 (sex of participant) design and measures of perceived life success, attractiveness, and personality. The thinner White woman was expected to receive higher life success, attractiveness, and personality ratings than the heavy White woman. However, the heavy Black woman was expected to receive higher ratings than the thinner Black woman. The results were consistent with expectations. These results are discussed in terms of prior research on beauty, weight, and stereotyping.
The Role of Glutamatergic and Dopaminergic Neurons in the Periaqueductal Gray/Dorsal Raphe: Separating Analgesia and Anxiety

The periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a significant modulator of both analgesic and fear behaviors in both humans and rodents, but the underlying circuitry responsible for these two phenotypes is incompletely understood. Importantly, it is not known if there is a way to produce analgesia without anxiety by targeting the PAG, as modulation of glutamate or GABA neurons in this area initiates both antinociceptive and anxiogenic behavior. While dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG)/dorsal raphe display a supraspinal antinociceptive effect, their influence on anxiety and fear are unknown. Using DAT-cre and Vglut2-cre male mice, we introduced designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) to DA and glutamate neurons within the vlPAG using viral-mediated delivery and found that levels of analgesia were significant and quantitatively similar when DA and glutamate neurons were selectively stimulated. Activation of glutamatergic neurons, however, reliably produced higher indices of anxiety, with increased freezing time and more time spent in the safety of a dark enclosure. In contrast, animals in which PAG/dorsal raphe DA neurons were stimulated failed to show fear behaviors. DA-mediated antinociception was inhibitable by haloperidol and was sufficient to prevent persistent inflammatory pain induced by carrageenan. In summary, only activation of DA neurons in the PAG/dorsal raphe produced profound analgesia without signs of anxiety, indicating that PAG/dorsal raphe DA neurons are an important target involved in analgesia that may lead to new treatments for pain.
Wireless crack detection of a concrete building using low-cost RFID tags

Our aging infrastructure has high safety concerns due to increasing extreme weather events. Over time small damages in these structures may develop into catastrophic failure and therefore need to be monitored closely. Non-destructive evaluation techniques have been developed and achieve acceptable reliability in such damage identification. However, the high implementation cost dissuades bridge owners leaving visual inspections as the default technique. In this study, field implementation of low-cost Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-based crack sensors for reinforced concrete buildings is provided. Commercially available low cost RFID tags were used for passive sensors on different extents of cracks, received powers were monitored in the field using new measurement methods (MM) to simulate a more controlled environment for improving accuracy and consistency of crack detection.
Medical Marijuana for Chronic Pain

Marijuana is a flowering plant that produces cannabinoids such as THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Marijuana is commonly referred to as cannabis, Commonly acknowledged species include cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. The plant itself (usually in the form of dried flowers), plant derived products (oils, concentrates, plant derived THC), and synthetic cannabinoids are currently being debated for its utility in managing chronic pain. Most of the evidence seems to suggest that there may be some benefit in relieving chronic neuropathic pain, although it may not be as effective as drugs currently marketed, and mental and behavioral side effects may limit its use. Risks may not outweigh the benefits. There are associated harms in using medical cannabis including confusion, sedation, dizziness, intoxication, and worsening psychoses. Medical cannabis is not recommended in pregnancy due to harms to the neurodevelopment and growth of the fetus. There are many issues to be discussed when counseling a patient concerning medical cannabis including perceptions, legality, risk of substance use disorder, and other health concerns.
A Utility Theory of Privacy and Information Sharing

Today enormous data storage capacities and computational power in the e-big data era have created unforeseen opportunities for big data hoarding corporations to reap hidden benefits from individual’s information sharing, which occurs bit by bit in small tranches over time. Behavioral economics describes human decision making fallibility over time but has – to this day – not covered the problem of individuals’ decision to share information about themselves in tranches on social media and big data administrators being able to reap a benefit from putting data together over time and reflecting the individual’s information in relation to big data of others. The decision-making fallibility inherent in individuals having problems understanding the impact of their current information sharing in the future is introduced as hyper-hyperbolic discounting decision-making predicament. Individuals lose control over their data without knowing what surplus value big data moguls can reap from the social media consumer-workers’ information sharing, what information can be complied over time and what information this data can provide in relation to the general public’s data in drawing inferences about the innocent individual information sharer. For instance, big data derived personality cues have recently been used for governance control purposes, such as border protection and tax compliance surveillance. The utility theory of contradicting information sharing and privacy predicaments is presented in this paper for the first time and a nomenclature of different personality types regarding information sharing and privacy preferences is theoretically introduced. Unravelling the utility of information sharing versus privacy conflict but also shedding light at the current commodification of big data holds economic theory advancement and governance improvement potentials in the digital age.
"It took me almost 30 minutes to practice this". Performance and Production Practices in Dance Challenge Videos on TikTok.

TikTok is a music-based video sharing social media app famous for users creating short meme and dance videos. TikTok videos are largely based on popular song snippets, which is why lip syncing and dance moves evolve as significant user performance practices in videos. User prosumption has not yet been studied regarding the characteristics of TikTok. This paper is based on social practice and performance theory, social media studies, and participatory online video culture. It uses the #distantdance challenge on TikTok to analyze production practices and strategies of users through qualitative video product analysis. 92 videos were coded and categorized regarding their visual content (who participated in which way) and paratextual elements (used tags and captions). The visual and (para-)textual elements were then analyzed regarding indicators that allow to draw conclusions on users' video creation strategies and performance practices in participating in the #distantdance challenge. The results show videos are mainly performed by single white female teenagers wearing casual outfits in their bedrooms. Users shared their experiences about learning and performing the dance in video captions. While users prepared settings and outfits for their performance, the majority of performances seems rather unplanned or spontaneous. This indicates most videos might be part of a series of user attempts to master the dance challenge resulting in posting the first successful video performance to TikTok. In addition to the dance moves, participants also added gestures as closing elements to their performances. This indicates their knowledge of using signals as part of an online community while at the same time manifesting their belongingness to the community. These first results of a qualitative product analysis illustrate some of users' motivations and effort to participate in TikTok dance challenges.
Trends for Stage and Grade Group of Prostate Cancer in the US (2010-2016).

OBJECTIVE To quantify the yearly prostate cancer incidence per 100,000 men, comparing consecutive years from 2010 through 2016. In the years immediately following the 2011/2012 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force update to prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening guidelines, PSA screening, biopsy, and subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis and definitive local treatment have declined. We performed an analysis of stage and grade at diagnosis for prostate cancer in the US, in the years following the 2011/2012 update. METHODS/MATERIALS This was a retrospective study performed using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program data. Inclusion criteria were men ≥ 40 years with prostate cancer diagnosed between the years 2010 and 2016. RESULTS In total, 370,865 cases of prostate cancer were analyzed. Overall, the incidence of prostate cancer decreased from 522 to 327 cases per 100,000 persons from 2010 to 2016. Conversely, the rate of metastatic disease increased over this duration from 29 to 37 cases per 100,000 persons (P CONCLUSIONS In the years following the 2011/2012 recommendation against PSA screening, fewer localized prostate cancers and more distantly metastatic prostate cancers were diagnosed. Most increases in metastatic disease was among men ≥70 years.
Optical motion capture accuracy is task-dependent in assessing wrist motion.

Abstract Optical motion capture (OMC) systems are commonly used to capture in-vivo three-dimensional joint kinematics. However, the skin-based markers may not reflect the underlying bone movement, a source of error known as soft tissue artifact (STA). This study examined STA during wrist motion by evaluating the agreement between OMC and biplanar videoradiography (BVR). Nine subjects completed 7 different wrist motion tasks: doorknob rotation to capture supination and pronation, radial-ulnar deviation, flexion–extension, circumduction, hammering, and pitcher pouring. BVR and OMC captured the motion simultaneously. Wrist kinematics were quantified using helical motion parameters of rotation and translation, and Bland-Altman analysis quantified the mean difference (bias) and 95% limit of agreement (LOA). The rotational bias of doorknob pronation, a median bias of −4.9°, was significantly larger than the flexion–extension (0.7°, p
Permanent pacemaker implantation following mitral valve surgery: a retrospective cohort study of risk factors and long-term outcomes

Objectives Conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation remain a complication following valvular surgery. PPMs confer the risk of infection, tricuspid valve regurgitation and pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Literature examining PPM placement in mitral valve surgery (MVS) is limited. Methods Our institutional mitral valve (MV) database was retrospectively reviewed for adult patients undergoing surgery from 2011 to 2019. Patients with preoperative PPM were excluded. Patients were stratified by the receipt of PPM following their index operations. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine patient and operative risk factors for PPM. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients who underwent isolated MVS. Kaplan-Meier analysis and a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model were utilized to assess the association between PPM implantation and long-term survival. Results A total of 3391 (2991 non-PPM and 400 PPM) patients met the study criteria. Significant predictors of PPM included increased decade of age (odds ratio: 1.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.12-1.35), concomitant aortic (1.44; 1.10-1.90) and tricuspid valve procedures (2.21; 1.64-2.97) and prior history of myocardial infarction (1.48; 1.07-1.86). In the isolated MV repair population, annuloplasty with ring prosthesis was associated with PPM (3.09; 1.19-8.02). Patients in the replacement population did not have significant identifiable risk factors. There was no survival difference found, and postoperative PPM placement was not found to be an independent predictor of mortality. Conclusions Our primary aim was to elucidate predictors for PPM implantation in MVS and found increasing age and concomitant procedures to be risk factors. Receipt of PPM is associated with worse long-term survival but does not independently predict survival. Among patients undergoing isolated MV repair, use of an annuloplasty ring confers a higher risk of PPM compared to an annuloplasty band.