cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The evolving face of telemedicine & e-health: opening doors and closing gaps in e-health services opportunities & challenges

Despite the growing number of e-health Web sites that are dedicated to health education and information therapy, healthcare provider organizations have been slow in embarking on sign e-commerce ventures to improve the delivery of healthcare services to patients and consumers in geographically dispersed communities. More specifically, hospitals and health provider organizations tend to use static Web sites that supply information, but have not made major investments in interactive technologies to engage patients and healthcare consumers more actively. In this paper, we survey a number of key participants in the e-health marketplace and the technologies that these players have employed to date. Not surprisingly, we found that opportunities abound to change the face of telemedicine and e-health in terms of improving efficiencies, developing new markets, reducing costs, and enhancing the quality and value of health services delivery. Evidently, today's Internet savvy consumers have become more informed as well as more demanding than ever and the healthcare industry must respond in kind. We therefore conclude that the healthcare industry faces sign challenges in closing the gaps of e-health services delivery to meet the desires and needs of a growing population of sophisticated healthcare consumers.
AUTONOMOUS OVARIAN HYPERFUNCTION FOLLOWED BY GONADOTROPHIN‐DEPENDENT PUBERTY IN McCUNE‐ALBRIGHT SYNDROME

SUMMARY A 5-year-old girl with the McCune-Albright syndrome presented with precocious puberty secondary to autonomously functioning ovarian cysts, followed by true central puberty. Progression from gonadotrophin-independent to gonadotrophin-dependent precocious puberty may occur from elevated sex steroid levels leading to the early maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
Studies on Phenylazoferrocene and Derivatives

Abstract Mercuration of phenylazoferrocene gave (2-chloromercuri)-phenylazoferrocene as well as a mixture of meso- and d,1-bis-(2-phenylazoferrocenyl)mercury. Iodination of either mercurial gave a heat and light sensitive compound, (2-iodo)phenylazoferrocene. Diazotization of aminoferrocene with isoamyl nitrite in refluxing benzene has produced a low yield of phenylferrocene and ferrocene.
Investigation of aging effects from high voltage profiles in ceramic phase shifter materials

Ceramic composite materials comprised of Ba/sub 0.60/Sr/sub 0.40/TiO/sub 3/ and Alumina and other non-ferroelectric oxides have been fabricated for use in phased array antennas. These composites have shown superior electronic properties and have been incorporated into several antenna designs. However, minimal testing has been accomplished to determine the electrical aging and fatigue caused by the large electric fields required to operate these devices. In this paper, a systematic study of the effect of the application of large fields will be presented. The electronic properties of the BSTO-Oxide composites (pre-voltage application) will be presented and include the dielectric constant, loss tangent, and tunability (change in dielectric constant with applied field). The study of the change in the electronic properties after large voltages applications includes results on the electronic aging and fatigue of the material and appropriate conditioning of the material for application in phased array antenna systems.
Forced hot air to dry feces and kill bacteria on transport cage flooring1

SUMMARY Because of fecal shedding from Campylobacter-positive birds, broiler transport cages can be contaminated with Campylobacter, leading to cross-contamination of previously Campylobacter-negative broilers during live haul. Earlier work has shown that drying soiled or washed cages for 24 to 48 h can lower or even eliminate detectable Campylobacter on cage flooring. Because extended drying times are impractical, we tested the use of hot flowing air to speed the process. To determine if the effect was due to heat alone or flowing air alone, hot flowing air was compared with unheated flowing air and static hot air as well as with a benchtop control. The numbers of Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and coliforms on small squares of washed or unwashed fecally soiled transport cage flooring were measured after drying treatments. When applied after a water spray wash treatment, flowing air at approximately 50°C for 15 min lowered the numbers of Campylobacter to an undetectable level. This represents a tremendous savings in drying time and suggests a potential commercial application. Static heat at similar temperatures was not nearly as effective, and unheated flowing air was moderately effective, but less so than hot air. Processors may be able to use a forced hot air treatment to dry cages between flocks, lessening the number of Campylobacter on cage flooring, thereby decreasing the potential for cross-contamination during live haul.
Influence of Cortisone, Liver L, and Dienestrol Diacetate on the Body and Organ Weight of Male Chicks

Abstract REVIEW OF LITERATURE A STUDY of the effect of cortisone on the testes of birds was made by Leroy (1951 Leroy (1952). Injections of cortisone increased the size of the testes and combs of young cockerels but had no effect on the comb of the capon. Cortisone was also given to young, mature cockerels and drakes for twelve days. After that time, testes of the controls were all found to be in a pre-spermatogenic state whereas all treated groups showed active spermatogenesis. Courrier and Marois (1952) reported that large doses of cortisone (100 mg./day) inhibited the action of testosterone on the comb of the capon but did not inhibit the androgenic action of testosterone on the seminal vesicles of the castrate rat. The effects of cortisone on the White Leghorn cockerel and capon were also studied by Dulin (1955). Graded dosages of cortisone resulted in an inhibition of testes growth in …
Corticosteroid classes: a quick reference guide including patch test substances and cross-reactivity.

I n the 2004 Burden of Skin Disease study conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the Society for Investigative Dermatology, approximately 90.6 million Americans were reported to be affected by psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. Importantly, the leading therapeutic modality for these dermatitides isunquestionably topical corticosteroids. Although allergic contact dermatitis to topically applied corticosteroids was first reported in 1959, corticosteroid allergy has only been a widely recognized entity for the past 17 years. In their patch test results for 2001 and 2002, the North American Contact Dermatitis Group reported a 3% incidence rate in positive reactions to tixocortol-21-pivalate (up from 2.7% the year before), a 1.1% incidence rate for budesonide, and a 0.5% incidence rate for hydrocortisone-17-butyrate. In fact, this family of allergens has become so prevalent that the North American Contact Dermatitis Group added triamcinolone acetonide and clobetasol-17-propionate to the 2003 standard series. With broad and vast utilization, it stands to reason that corticosteroids became recognized as the American Contact Dermatitis Society’s 2005 allergen of the year. The anti-inflammatory nature of corticosteroids makes the diagnosis of
Determining the maximum clique size in large random geometric graphs

For a geometric graph on a topology, we employ an iterated version of the smallest last coloring algorithm to obtain either the largest clique or very tight bounds on its size. The procedure is topology independent and runs in two phases, global and local. We exploit pruning methods in building the geometric graphs and in limiting the number of sub-graphs searched. We have performed experiments using random geometric graphs in the plane and on the sphere, and provide computational results. The time complexity of the algorithm is O(|E|×|V|+|V|2) where |E| and |V| are the cardinalities of a geometric graph's edge set and vertex set, respectively.
The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine and cyclic AMP in the control of fluid secretion by isolated salivary glands.

1. Isolated salivary glands of Calliphora have been used as a system on which to study the mode of action of a hormone. 2. Cyclic AMP, which is thought to mediate the action of many different hormones, can stimulate fluid secretion equally as well as 5-HT. 3. Methyl xanthines, which inhibit the hydrolysis of intracellular cyclic AMP by phosphodiesterase, can stimulate secretion and prolong recovery time after removal of 5-HT. 4. Methyl xanthines can sensitize salivary glands to both 5-HT and cyclic AMP. 5. Butyryl derivatives of cyclic AMP can stimulate secretion, but their effect is slower and lasts longer. 6. Certain amino acids and malate support fluid secretion more effectively than trehalose or glucose. 7. It is concluded that cyclic AMP plays an important role in the ability of 5-HT to control fluid secretion by salivary glands.
Large-Scale Chromatin Structure–Function Relationships during the Cell Cycle and Development: Insights from Replication Timing

Chromosome architecture has received a lot of attention since the recent development of genome-scale methods to measure chromatin interactions (Hi-C), enabling the first sequence-based models of chromosome tertiary structure. A view has emerged of chromosomes as a string of structural units (topologically associating domains; TADs) whose boundaries persist through the cell cycle and development. TADs with similar chromatin states tend to aggregate, forming spatially segregated chromatin compartments. However, high-resolution Hi-C has revealed substructure within TADs (subTADs) that poses a challenge for models that attribute significance to structural units at any given scale. More than 20 years ago, the DNA replication field independently identified stable structural (and functional) units of chromosomes (replication foci) as well as spatially segregated chromatin compartments (early and late foci), but lacked the means to link these units to genomic map units. Genome-wide studies of replication timing (RT) have now merged these two disciplines by identifying individual units of replication regulation (replication domains; RDs) that correspond to TADs and are arranged in 3D to form spatiotemporally segregated subnuclear compartments. Furthermore, classifying RDs/TADs by their constitutive versus developmentally regulated RT has revealed distinct classes of chromatin organization, providing unexpected insight into the relationship between large-scale chromosome structure and function.
Solving Ethical Issues in eLearning

The emergence of the information age has changed the world forever. The Internet and frantic growth in communication technologies have had one of the most profound and visible effects of any invention in modern history. Web technologies have changed how we communicate, how we make purchases, and how we learn and educate ourselves. There is a strong belief in the education community that the traditional teachinglearning models do not scale to meet the new challenges created by emerging technologies. eLearning provides all the necessary tools to meet those challenges. eLearning is available to anyone, anywhere in the world; all a learner needs is the access to a Web browser. eLearning is described as online delivery of information, communication, education, and training. eLearning is also a good example of the convergence of the learning and the Internet. While the global increase in the use of the Internet has provided numerous benefits to our colleges and universities, it has also extended traditional problems of cheating, plagiarism, and violation of privacy, vandalism, theft, and spying into the cyberspace. Although eLearning has provided the learner with all the freedom to access and manage information, it has also created new issues around ethical learning practices, personal integrity and accountability. This paper will discuss these issues in an eLearning environment. It will also attempt to provide suggestions and possible solutions to some of these problems.
List blocking and longer retention intervals reveal an influence of gist processing for lexically ambiguous critical lures

In two experiments, we examined veridical and false memory for lists of associates from two meanings (e.g., stumble, trip, harvest, pumpkin, etc.) that converged upon a single, lexically ambiguous critical lure (e.g., fall), in order to compare the activation-monitoring and fuzzy-trace false memory accounts. In Experiment 1, we presented study lists that were blocked or alternated by meaning (within subjects), followed by a free recall test completed immediately or after a 2.5-min delay. Correct recall was greater for blocked than for alternated lists. Critical-lure false recall was greater for blocked lists on an immediate test, whereas both list types produced equivalent false recall on a delayed test. In Experiment 2, lists blocked and alternated by meaning were presented via a between-subjects design, in order to eliminate possible list-type carryover effects. Correct recall replicated the result from Experiment 1; however, blocking lists increased false recall on delayed, but not on immediate, tests. Across the experiments, clustering correct recall by meaning increased across the delay selectively for the alternated lists. Our results suggest that thematic (i.e., gist) processes are influential for false recall, especially following a delay, a pattern consistent with fuzzy-trace theory.
Treadmill Training for an Infant Born Preterm With a Grade III Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose. Research has documented the feasibility and benefit of treadmill training in children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. The purposes of this case report are: (1) to determine the feasibility of treadmill training in an infant at high risk for neuromotor dysfunction and (2) to describe the child's treadmill stepping patterns following treadmill training. Case Description. The male infant, who had a grade III intraventricular hemorrhage following premature birth, began physical therapy and treadmill training at 5¼ months corrected age. Treadmill training was conducted 3 times weekly and videotaped weekly. Videotape analysis determined number of steps, step type, and foot position. Outcomes. Except for foot position, trends in treadmill stepping were similar to those of studies with infants not at high risk for neuromotor disabilities. Discussion. This case report shows that treadmill training is feasible for an infant at high risk for neuromotor disabilities and may be associated with more mature stepping characteristics. Future research should evaluate optimum treadmill training parameters and long-term developmental outcomes.
The assessment of mobile computational thinking

This paper introduces a rubric for analyzing "mobile computational thinking" (MCT) as represented in App Inventor work products. To demonstrate its efficacy, this rubric was used to evaluate and compare student work from the CS and non-CS student cohorts in a mixed-major app design undergraduate course. Our analysis showed some significant differences between the cohorts, which were expected, as well as more subtle differences. The rubric demonstrated that it was sensitive to significant and subtle variations of MCT. The instrument is available for download and use.
Si nanowire-gold nanoparticles heterostructures for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Here, we present a method for the fabrication of silicon (Si) nanowires and Si nanowire-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) heterostructures for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. Branched Si nanowires were grown in atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Further decoration of these nanowires was achieved by a galvanic deposition of gold followed by annealing procedure. This resulted in Si nanowires-AuNPs heterostructures with controlled size and inter-particle spacing. Furthermore, the fabricated heterostructures were studied for Raman signal enhancement of the low concentration (∼10-6 M) dye (Rhodamine 6G, R6G). It was observed that heterostructuring of SiNWs with AuNPs led to improvement of R6G signals as compared to AuNPs dispersed on flat Si substrate.
Low dose mitomycin c, capecitabine & radiation for HIV patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma

14148 Background: Chemoradiotherapy has replaced radical surgery as the initial treatment of choice for anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). Optimal chemotherapy regimen for ASCC in HIV positive pa...
Thinking About Women

This article reviews the development of feminist studies during the latter quarter of the twentieth century, identifying initial themes in feminist theory and highlighting three major themes framing feminist scholarship today: the relationship between structure and agency; the intersection of race, class, and gender; and emerging studies of the political economy of sexuality. The article emphasizes the significance of understanding structured inequality, including new studies of sexuality and their relationship to race/class/gender stratification.
Relationship of Bisphosphonate Therapy and Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter: Outcomes of Sleep Disorders in Older Men (MrOS Sleep) Study

Background Prior studies suggested an association between bisphosphonates and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) in women. This relationship in men, including those with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), remains unclear. This study evaluated the relationship between bisphosphonate use and prevalent (nocturnal) and incident (clinically relevant) AF in a population of community-dwelling older men. Methods A total of 2,911 male participants (mean age, 76 years) of the prospective observational Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study sleep cohort with overnight in-home polysomnography (PSG) constituted the analytic cohort. Nocturnal AF from ECGs during PSG and incident AF events were centrally adjudicated. The association of bisphosphonate use and AF was examined using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression for prevalent AF and Cox proportional hazards regression for incident AF. Results A total of 123 (4.2%) men were current bisphosphonate users. Prevalent nocturnal AF was present in 138 participants (4.6%). After multivariable adjustment, there was a significant association between current bisphosphonate use and prevalent AF (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.13-4.79). In the subset of men with moderate to severe SDB, this association was even more pronounced (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.29-8.03). However, the multivariable-adjusted relationship between bisphosphonate use and incident AF did not reach statistical significance (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.96-2.45). Conclusions These results support an association between bisphosphonate use and prevalent nocturnal AF in community-dwelling older men. The data further suggest that those with moderate to severe SDB may be a particularly vulnerable group susceptible to bisphosphonate-related AF. Similar associations were not seen for bisphosphonate use and clinically relevant incident AF.
Long-lead predictions of eastern United States hot days from Pacific sea surface temperatures

Extreme summer temperatures are difficult to forecast. A statistical analysis reveals a pattern of Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies that provides skilful predictions of hot weather in the eastern US.
Laparoscopic vs open partial colectomy in elderly patients: Insights from the American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Laparoscopic vs open partial colectomy in elderly patients: Insights from the American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database
EMI Shielding Effectiveness of Copper/Epoxy Composites:

Samples of shaped and treated copper (Cu) fibre/brittle matrix composites have been fabricated with a variety of fibre shapes, treatments, diameters, and powder inclusions and tested for shielding effectiveness (SE) usingthe ASTM standard D4935-99 method over the frequency range 200 to 1500 MHz. A small amount of nickel (Ni) powder was included in some specimens to evaluate the effect of magnetic permeability on SE. Most tests were conducted at constant (15 vol%, "v% ") fibre volume fraction. Results show that a smaller fibre diameter results in significant SE improvements. SE was also substantially improved by relatively minor fibre shaping (which changes along the fibre length) or by fine-scale roughening via chemical treatment. Addition of small amounts of Cu powder leads to major improvements in SE. Most of the improvements are presumably due to the establishment of conductive networks, although fibre shaping or treatment allows greater scattering and thus more internal reflections with attendant absorption. The smaller diameter fibres consistently gave better SE. When a continuous fibre mesh was used, high SE resulted, showing the dominance of fibre connectivity for such materials; the surface condition of the mesh is relatively unimportant. The improvements in SE can be achieved with essentially identical mechanical properties, leading to an effective multifunctional material, although most of the SE values achieved so far are modest. Ni powder results in overall improvement in SE as well as a cyclic dependence of SE on frequency, which indicates phase interference at a scale of particle size not previously seen.
Group work in schools (2nd ed.) by B. T. Erford

This fine book explicates the counseling approach to group work in schools. Almost all of the 22 contributors to this substantial book are associated with university-based counselor education progr...
Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor VIII-derived peptide MSP68 is a cytoskeletal immunomodulator of neutrophils that inhibits Rac1.

Abstract Background Prolonged neutrophil infiltration leads to exaggerated inflammation and tissue damage during sepsis. Neutrophil migration requires rearrangement of their cytoskeleton. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor-factor VIII–derived short peptide 68 (MSP68) has recently been shown to be beneficial in sepsis-induced tissue injury and mortality. We hypothesize that MSP68 inhibits neutrophil migration by modulating small GTPase Rac1–dependent cytoskeletal rearrangements. Methods Bone marrow–derived neutrophils (BMDNs) or whole lung digest isolated neutrophils were isolated from 8 to 10 wk old C57BL/6 mice by Percoll density gradient centrifugation. The purity of BMDN was verified by flow cytometry with CD11b/Gr-1 staining. Neutrophils were stimulated with N-formylmethionine-leucine-phenylalanine ( f- MLP) (10 nM) in the presence or absence of MSP68 at 10 nM or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to induce sepsis, and MSP68 was administered at 1 mg/kg intravenously. Cytoskeletal organization was assessed by phalloidin staining, followed by analysis using fluorescence microscopy. Activity of the Rac1 GTPase in f- MLP or CLP-activated BMDN in the presence or absence of MSP68 was assessed by GTPase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity was determined by western blot densitometry. Results BMDN treatment with f- MLP increased cytoskeletal remodeling as revealed by the localization of filamentous actin to the periphery of the neutrophil. By contrast, cells pretreated with MSP68 had considerably reduced filamentous actin polymerization. Cytoskeletal spreading is associated with the activation of the small GTPase Rac1. We found BMDN-treated with f- MLP or that were exposed to sepsis by CLP had increased Rac1 signaling, whereas the cells pretreated with MSP68 had significantly reduced Rac1 activation ( P f- MLP. Upregulation of these MAP kinases was also significantly reduced after pretreatment with MSP68 ( P Conclusions MSP68 downregulates actin cytoskeleton-dependent, Rac1-MAP kinase–mediated neutrophil motility. Thus, MSP68 is a novel therapeutic candidate for regulating inflammation and tissue damage caused by excessive neutrophil migration in sepsis.
In situ deprotection and dynamic covalent assembly using a dual role catalyst.

Utilization of constituent molecular precursors bearing covalently coreactive functional groups for self-assembly risks premature reaction, impeding synthetic and purification efforts. To prevent premature amine–aldehyde condensation for oligomers bearing both groups, we employ a dual-role Lewis acid catalyst for both in situ acetal deprotection and subsequent imine exchange, effecting oligomer assembly.
Pressure-Induced Superconductivity in Elemental Ytterbium Metal.

Ytterbium (Yb) metal is divalent and nonmagnetic ($4{f}^{14}$ configuration). Under pressure its valence increases significantly leading to the expectation that magnetic instabilities and other highly correlated electron effects may appear before a stable trivalent state is reached ($4{f}^{13}$ configuration). We carried out electrical resistivity and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements to 179 GPa over the temperature range 1.4--295 K. No evidence for magnetic order is observed. However, Yb becomes a superconductor at 86 GPa with ${T}_{\mathrm{c}}\ensuremath{\simeq}1.4\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$, increasing to 4.6 K at 179 GPa. X-ray absorption spectroscopy shows that Yb remains mixed valent to at least 125 GPa, pointing to an active role of $f$ electrons in the emergence of superconductivity in this simple, elemental solid.
Correlates and trends in youth co-use of marijuana and tobacco in the United States, 2005-2014.

Abstract Background Past-month marijuana and tobacco use (co-use) are increasing among U.S. adults, but little is known about the prevalence of co-use among U.S. youth. This study uses nationally representative data to assess the prevalence, correlates, and trends in co-use of marijuana and tobacco, tobacco-only use, and marijuana-only use among U.S. youth. Methods Data came from 176,245 youth ages 12–17 who responded to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health − a nationally representative, household interview survey − between 2005 and 2014. Prevalence, demographics and substance use characteristics from 2013 to 14 were assessed across three groups: past-month users of marijuana and tobacco (co-users), past-month tobacco-only users, and past-month marijuana-only users. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess demographic correlates of each group. Linear and quadratic trends were assessed from 2005 to 2014 using logistic regression with orthogonal polynomials. Results In 2013–14, 5.4% of youth reported past-month co-use of tobacco and marijuana, 2.2% reported marijuana-only use, and 3.9% reported tobacco-only use. Co-use was associated with higher prevalence of past year marijuana dependence (vs. marijuana-only users), and higher past-month risky alcohol and other illicit drug use (vs. both tobacco and marijuana-only use groups). Co-use did not increase significantly between 2005 and 2014; tobacco-only use declined, and marijuana-only use increased. Conclusions Co-use of marijuana and tobacco is more prevalent than tobacco-only or marijuana-only use in U.S. youth. Given changing tobacco and marijuana policies, ongoing surveillance and studies that seek to increase our understanding of co-use behaviors in youth are critical.
Cysticercosis: The Ides of March

Unlike the tiny adult tapeworms of Echinococcus, tapeworms that belong to the genus Taenia are the archetype of what we think of as tapeworms. Human infections are associated with three species, Taenia solium, T. saginata and the more recently discovered T. asiatica. These are huge parasites, for which the name tapeworm was first used to describe them. The adult stage of Taeniid tapeworms live in the human small intestines with their scolex embedded in the mucosal wall of the intestine (Fig. 3.1). The main body of the tapeworm, known as the strobila, is flat and broad like a measuring tape and it can extend to 25 m (80 feet) long, and lives floating in the nutrient rich broth of the host intestinal lumen where it shares its food. This type of infection by the adult tapeworm is called taeniasis, and it seldom causes anything more life threatening than bowel irritation and discomfort. However, since sections of the strobila are occasionally passed out in the stool, still visibly moving and undulating, this must be disturbing to the carrier to say the least, and these large parasites must have been easily observed and known by our early ancestors (Fig. 3.2).
Does movement integration into classroom lessons work? And are teachers receptive?

Too few children meet the recommended 300 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week (e.g., 60 minutes per day, 5 days per week). To help overcome this, and as suggested in the comp...
Correlation between Invasive Hemodynamic Measurements and Echocardiographic Markers of LV Diastolic Function in Heart Transplant Recipients

Introduction Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in orthotopic heart transplant patients has been thought to be a marker of rejection and predictive of increased mortality. However, standard echocardiographic measurements of diastolic function have not been validated in this population. Factors unique to transplant recipients including larger atria, younger donor hearts, and electrical dissociation between donor and recipient hearts may affect echo measurements. We evaluated the correlation between echo parameters and left-ventricular end diastolic pressure in transplant recipients. Hypothesis At one year post-transplant, standard echocardiographic markers of diastolic function do not correlate well with invasive hemodynamic measurements of diastolic function given the unique characteristics of cardiac transplantation. Methods A series of 115 consecutive heart transplant recipients at our institution between January 2010 and December 2015 who were assessed at the time of their one-year post-transplant follow-up visit with same-day echocardiograms and cardiac catheterizations were studied. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) was measured at cardiac catheterization. Echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function included E/A, septal E/e', lateral E/e', average E/e', and left atrial volume. Chart abstraction was performed for clinical data evaluation. Linear association among catheterization and echo parameters was determined by the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient. Results None of the standard echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function were well correlated with LVEDP ( Table 1 ). Only E/A had a statistically significant correlation with LVEDP, with a correlation coefficient of 0.27 (p = 0.007). Septal, lateral, and average E/e’ were predictors of death and re-hospitalization for rejection (p ≤ 0.001 for all). Conclusions Standard echocardiographic markers of diastolic function were not well-correlated with LVEDP, suggesting they are not reliable surrogates of LVEDP. However, elevated E/e’ ratio was associated with subsequent death and hospitalization for allograft rejection, implying that early mitral filling and tissue velocity may describe important allograft functional properties independent of resting LVEDP.
Effect of Course Structure on the Accuracy of Nonsterile Compounded Preparations

Objective. To investigate if students in the new course structure attained the same level of compounding competency as students in the legacy course structure.Methods. Students compounded four nons...
Comprehensive strategy to reduce the incidence of lead dislodgement for cardiac implantable electronic devices.

Background Lead dislodgement (LD) is a well-recognized complication during implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). An intraprocedural protocol, referred to as reduction of LD protocol, was developed to reduce the risk of LD. Methods The protocol involved (1) inserting a straight stylet down the right atrial lead and applying forward pressure while monitoring for fluoroscopic stability, (2) visualizing all leads during deep inspiration to determine if there is adequate lead redundancy, and (3) having the patient take a deep breath and cough while pacing just at capture threshold to assess for loss of capture in each lead. Any intraprocedural change in the parameters fulfilling the predefined criteria for inadequate lead implantation prompted lead repositioning. Data regarding demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and incidence of LD in the first 30 days after implant was obtained from intramural CIED database. The preintervention (control) group spanned 27 months and consisted of a total of 4,294 leads while the postintervention (intervention) group spanned 17 months and consisted of 2,361 leads implanted. Results There was no significant difference in the demographic factors and clinical characteristics in the two groups. Protocol compliance was > 90%. There were 44 occurrences of LD (1.02%) before and 10 (0.4%) after implementation of the protocol. The protocol significantly reduced the incidence of LD during the 30 days after implant (P = 0.014). No clinical characteristic predicted the risk of LD. Conclusion Intraprocedural maneuvers performed to assess the adequacy of lead implantation results in reduced risk of LD.
The Case for Native Instructions in the Detection of Mobile Ransomware

Recently, the mobile segment observed the emergence of a new class of malware known as ransomware. In 2017, more than 468,830 unique mobile ransomware samples were discovered marking a 415 percent year-over-year increase in new ransomware. This trend presents a major concern for mobile users as they increasingly rely on their devices to safeguard sensitive information. Previous solutions have relied on high level bytecode and XML-based permission files to detect malicious applications. Unfortunately, attackers are resorting to obfuscation techniques that involve repackaging apps with malicious content directly in native machine code. As such, the aforementioned methods are insufficient for detecting modern mobile ransomware. To address these concerns, this work evaluates the effectiveness of using native instructions in detecting ransomware. We characterize different machine learning models and demonstrate that opcodes in native instructions can be used for detecting mobile ransomware with near ideal accuracy. In addition, we make the observation that the number of instruction opcodes that contribute to the detection of ransomware is significantly less than the full range of supported opcodes within a contemporary instruction set. Finally, we evaluate the robustness of our approach against six different ransomware families available in a state-of-the-art Android malware dataset.
Automated Tools for Mapping Among Ontologies

Abstract : The Yale/BBN effort was focused on developing techniques for implementing and managing ontology translations. The simplest case is translation of datasets or queries expressed using one ontology into datasets or queries expressed in another. They devised and implemented the merging-deduction- projection model: Bridging axioms are stored in merged ontologies; a set of facts to translate are used to start forward chaining using the bridging axioms; conclusions in the target ontology are retained.
The Eighth Day of Creation: looking back across 40 years to the birth of molecular biology and the roots of modern cell biology

Forty years ago, Horace Judson's The Eighth Day of Creation was published, a book vividly recounting the foundations of modern biology, the molecular biology revolution. This book inspired many in my generation. The anniversary provides a chance for a new generation to take a look back, to see how science has and hasn't changed. Many central players in the book, including Sydney Brenner, Seymour Benzer, and Francois Jacob, would go on to be among the founders of modern cell biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology. These players come alive via their own words, as complex individuals, both heroes and anti-heroes. The technologies and experimental approaches they pioneered, ranging from cell fractionation to immunoprecipitation to structural biology, and the multidisciplinary approaches they took continue to power and inspire our work today. In the process, Judson brings out of the shadows the central roles played by women in many of the era's discoveries. He provides us with a vision of how science and scientists have changed, of how many things about our endeavor never change, and of how some new ideas are perhaps not as new as we would like to think.
Abstract WP459: Advanced Practice Providers versus Neurology Residents: Similar Stroke Code Quality Metrics and Functional Outcomes

Background: Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are important members of stroke code teams. However, the impact of APP involvement on quality metrics and functional outcomes is unclear. We sought to...
Change Comes from Without: Lessons Learned in a Chaotic Year

Our university is one campus of the larger, 23-campus California State University system. In 2017, the Chancellor of the system discontinued the developmental mathematics programs at all 23 campuse...
“It's important to me”: A qualitative analysis on shared decision‐making and patient preferences in older adults with early‐stage breast cancer

Objective Shared decision-making (SDM) occurs when physicians and patients jointly select treatment that aligns with patient care goals. Incorporating patient preferences into the decision-making process is integral to successful decision-making. This study explores factors influencing treatment selection in older patients with early-stage breast cancer (EBC). Methods This qualitative study included women age ≥65 years with EBC. To understand role preferences, patients completed the Control Preferences Scale. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore patients' treatment selection rationale. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative method identifying major themes related to treatment selection. Results Of 33 patients, the majority (48%) desired shared responsibility in treatment decision-making. Interviews revealed that EBC treatment incorporated three domains: Intrinsic and extrinsic influences, clinical characteristics, and patient values. Patients considered 19 treatment selection themes, the most prioritized including physician trust and physical side effects. Conclusions Because preferences and approach to treatment selection varied widely in this sample of older, EBC patients, more research is needed to determine best practices for preference incorporation to optimize SDM at the time of treatment decisions.
A Multilevel Analysis of Community College Students’ Transfer to Four-Year Institutions of Varying Selectivity:

Background/ContextTransfer from community colleges to selective four-year institutions is an issue that assumes great importance for the democratization of postsecondary education. Yet research on ...
Large-scale investigation of the effects of nucleobase sequence on fluorescence excitation and Stokes shifts of DNA-stabilized silver clusters

DNA-stabilized silver clusters (AgN-DNAs) exhibit diverse sequence-programmed fluorescence, making these tunable nanoclusters promising sensors and bioimaging probes. Recent advances in the understanding of AgN-DNA structures and optical properties have largely relied on detailed characterization of single species isolated by chromatography. Because most AgN-DNAs are unstable under chromatography, such studies do not fully capture the diversity of these clusters. As an alternative method, we use high-throughput synthesis and spectroscopy to measure steady state Stokes shifts of hundreds of AgN-DNAs. Steady state Stokes shift is of interest because its magnitude is determined by energy relaxation processes which may be sensitive to specific cluster geometry, attachment to the DNA template, and structural engagement of solvent molecules. We identify 305 AgN-DNA samples with single-peaked emission and excitation spectra, a characteristic of pure solutions and single emitters, which thus likely contain a dominant emissive AgN-DNA species. Steady state Stokes shifts of these samples vary widely, are in agreement with values reported for purified clusters, and are several times larger than for typical organic dyes. We then examine how DNA sequence selects AgN-DNA excitation energies and Stokes shifts, comment on possible mechanisms for energy relaxation processes in AgN-DNAs, and discuss how differences in AgN-DNA structure and DNA conformation may result in the wide distribution of optical properties observed here. These results may aid computational studies seeking to understand the fluorescence process in AgN-DNAs and the relations of this process to AgN-DNA structure.
Hyperglycemia Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19

Objective: To explore the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperglycemia, and adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Research Design and Methods: The study population comprised 133 patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) at an academic, urban, quaternary-care center between March 10th and April 8th, 2020. Patients were categorized based on the presence of DM and early-onset hyperglycemia (EHG), defined as a blood glucose >180 mg/dL during the first two days of ICU admission. The primary outcome was 14-day in-hospital mortality; also examined were 60-day in-hospital mortality and the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6, procalcitonin, and lactate. Results: Compared to non-DM patients without EHG, non-DM patients with EHG exhibited higher adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for in-hospital mortality at 14 days (HR 5.76, p=0.008) and 60 days (HR 7.28, p=0.004). Non-DM patients with EHG also featured higher levels of mean CRP (322.3±177.7 mg/L, p=0.036), procalcitonin (34.75±69.33 ng/mL, p=0.028), and lactate (2.7±2.1 mmol/L, p=0.023). Conclusions: In patients with critical illness from COVID-19, those without DM with EHG were at greatest risk of 14-day and 60-day in-hospital mortality. The limitations of our study include its retrospective design, and relatively small cohort. However, our results raise the possibility that the combination of elevated glucose and lactate may identify a specific cohort of individuals at high mortality risk from COVID-19, and suggest that glucose testing and control are important in individuals with COVID-19, even in those without pre-existing diabetes.
Dietary Iron Deficiency Modulates Adipocyte Iron Homeostasis, Adaptive Thermogenesis, and Obesity in C57BL/6 Mice

BACKGROUND Adaptive thermogenesis is an iron-demanding pathway, significantly contributing to whole-body energy expenditure. However, the effects of iron-deficient diets on adaptive thermogenesis and obesity remain unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the impact of dietary iron deficiency on iron homeostasis in adipocytes, adaptive thermogenic capacity, and metabolic consequences in obesity. METHODS C57BL/6 male mice were assigned to either the iron-adequate (IA, 35 ppm) or the iron-deficient group (ID, 3 ppm) at weaning. Upon 8 wk of age, both IA and ID groups received an isocaloric high-fat diet (45% kcal from fat) for 10 wk, maintaining the same iron content. Mice (n = 8) were used to determine the iron status at the systemic and tissue levels and lipid metabolism and inflammatory signaling in adipose tissue. The same mice were used to evaluate cold tolerance (4°C) for 3 h. For assessing adaptive thermogenesis, mice (n = 5) received an intraperitoneal injection of β3-adrenoceptor agonist CL316243 (CL) for 5 d. RESULTS Compared with the IA group, the ID group had nonanemic iron deficiency, lower serum ferritin (42.8%, P < 0.01), and greater weight gain (8.67%, P < 0.05) and insulin resistance (159%, P < 0.01), partly due to reduced AMP-activated protein kinase activation (61.0%, P < 0.05). Upon cold exposure, the ID group maintained a core body temperature 2°C lower than the IA group. The ID group had lower iron content (47.0%, P < 0.01) in the inguinal adipose tissue (iWAT) than the IA group, which was associated with impaired adaptive thermogenesis. In response to CL, ID mice showed decreased heat production (P < 0.01) and defective upregulation of beige adipocyte-specific markers, including uncoupling protein 1 (41.1%, P < 0.001), transferrin receptor 1 (47.5%, P < 0.001), and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (P < 0.05) compared with IA mice. CONCLUSIONS Dietary iron deficiency deregulates iron balance in the iWAT and impairs adaptive thermogenesis, thereby escalating the diet-induced weight gain in C57BL/6 mice.
Evolution and Implementation: A Study of Values, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

There is growing recognition that good ethics can have a positive economic impact on the performance of firms. Many statistics support the premise that ethics, values, integrity and responsibility are required in the modern workplace. For consumer groups and society at large, research has shown that good ethics is good business. This study defines and traces the emergence and evolution within the business literature of the concepts of values, business ethics and corporate social responsibility to illustrate the increased emphasis that has been placed on these issues over time. Two organizations that have successfully dealt with these issues were analyzed to identify the links among values, ethics, and corporate social responsibility as they are incorporated into the culture and management of a firm. This study identified the presence and implementation of values, business ethics, and CSR actions within the two organizations studied.
Penguin waddling is not wasteful

Penguins use twice as much metabolic energy as other terrestrial animals of a similar mass to walk a given distance1,2, which was thought to be because side-to-side waddling requires excessive work. Here we show that waddling actually conserves mechanical energy and suggest instead that walking is expensive for penguins because their short legs require them to generate muscular force rapidly.
Bloch-Boltzmann analysis of electrical transport in intermetallic compounds: ReO3, BaPbO3, CoSi2, and Pd2Si.

The shape and magnitude of the electrical resistivity \ensuremath{\rho}(T) is analyzed for four intermetallic compounds, and electron-phonon coupling constants \ensuremath{\lambda} are extracted. ${\mathrm{ReO}}_{3}$ is particularly interesting because a sharp departure from the Bloch-Gr\"uneisen shape can be attributed to high-frequency optical vibrations. The \ensuremath{\lambda} values for the oxide metals seem too large to be consistent with the absence of superconductivity, but the results generally agree well with a conventional Fermi-liquid interpretation. The Hall coefficient ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{H}}$ of ${\mathrm{ReO}}_{3}$ is found to agree well with theory.