cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding adherence to noninvasive ventilation in youth with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked, progressive neuromuscular disorder that results in chronic respiratory insufficiency and subsequently failure requiring noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Adherence to NIV in neuromuscular disorders and related barriers are poorly described. The aim of the current study was to assess NIV adherence, adherence barriers, and identify psychosocial predictors of adherence in young boys with early DMD-related sleep disordered breathing and recommended nocturnal NIV. This cross-sectional study included 42 youth with DMD with prescribed nocturnal NIV, and their caregivers. Caregivers and youth completed questionnaires assessing adherence barriers, psychosocial symptoms (eg, anxiety and depressive symptoms), and stress. Medical information pertinent to cardiopulmonary health and neurologic status at both enrollment and initiation of NIV was reviewed. Adherence to NIV, defined as percent days used and days used ≥4 hours/day was 56.1 ± 38.7% and 46.2 ± 40.6%, respectively. Average duration of use on days worn was 5.61 ± 4.23 hours. NIV usage was correlated with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea but not cardiopulmonary variables. Mask discomfort was the most commonly reported adherence barrier followed by behavioral barriers (eg, refusing to use). Multiple regression analyses revealed that internalizing behaviors (eg, anxiety and depressive symptoms) and total adherence barriers significantly predicted NIV adherence. Adherence to NIV in DMD is poor and similar to other pediatric chronic diseases. Our data suggest interventions targeting adherence barriers and patient internalizing symptoms may improve adherence to NIV in DMD.
Climate-Driven Adaptation, Household Capital, and Nutritional Outcomes Among Farmers in Eswatini

Globally, communities are increasingly impacted by the stressors of climate change. In response, people may adapt to maintain their livelihoods and overall health and nutrition. However, the relationship between climate adaptation and human nutrition is poorly understood and results of adaptation are often unclear. We investigated the relationship between adaptation and child nutrition, in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) during an extreme drought. Households varied in both adaptation behavior and household resources and we found that, overall, households that adapted had better child nutrition than those that didn’t adapt. When controlling for the influence of household capital, we found that more vulnerable households, those with greater dependence on natural resources and lower income, had a stronger positive relationship between adaptation and nutrition than less vulnerable households. We also found that some adaptations had stronger positive relationships with nutrition than others. In our system, the adaptation that most strongly correlated with improved nutrition, selling chickens, most likely benefits from local social networksand consistent demand, and performed better than other adaptations. Our results emphasize the need to measure adaptation outcomes and identify and support the types of adaptations are most likely to improve nutrition in the future.
Treatment of Severe and Fulminnant Clostridioides difficile Infection.

Purpose of review This article will review current management strategies for severe and fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Recent findings Clostridioides difficile is the most common nosocomial cause of infectious diarrhea. With the rise of hypervirulent strains of CDI, almost 8% of patients hospitalized with CDI are afflicted with severe CDI (SCDI) or fulminant CDI (FCDI). A significant proportion of these patients do not respond to recommended anti-CDI antibiotic therapy such as oral vancomycin and fidaxomicin. Current recommendations suggest that patients with refractory CDI should proceed to colectomy or diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage. However, both of these surgical interventions result in high rates of post-surgical mortality approaching 30%. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising therapy that is recommended in recurrent CDI. Recent studies have found that FMT can safely produce cure rates between 70 and 90% in patients with SCDI and FCDI, while significantly decreasing rates of CDI-related mortality and colectomy. A patient population likely to benefit the most from FMT is elderly patients due to their increased risk for CDI, treatment failure, and high comorbidity burden that may preclude surgical intervention. FMT should be considered in patients with SCDI or FCDI particularly when traditional anti-CDI antibiotics are ineffective.
UWB Millimeter-Wave Phased Array with Differential Feed and Wide Scan Range

Recent advancements in differential Radio Frequency (RF) front-ends at millimeter-waves (mm-wave) create a need for high gain differentially fed arrays for 5G applications. In this paper, we present an ultra-wideband (UWB) mm-wave dual-polarized Tightly Coupled Dipole Array (TCDA) with a novel differential feeding network for operation across K-Wand 5G bands (viz. 22–80 GHz). Notably our novel H-Wall feed structure enables wide angle scanning. Full wave simulations show that the dual-polarized D-TCDA is capable of scanning to 60° at VSWR < 3 in both E and H planes. An UWB test board is presented for measurement of the array. Link budget analysis and measurements are presented for verification of 5G systems at mm-waves.
Ketorolac vs. Morphine for Pain Relief After Fractures.

Parenteral ketorolac is as effective as parenteral morphine for short-term pain relief in patients with long bone fractures, and it results in fewer adverse effects.
A simulation model of forage yield, quality and intake and growth of growing cattle grazing cornstalks.

A simulation model was developed to predict corn crop residue yield and quality and intake and performance of growing cattle grazing cornstalks. The model is wholly deterministic and integrates the effects of weather, residue supply and animal components. Low temperatures increase animal energy requirements, whereas snow cover decreases residue available. Residual grain and leaf are calculated from grain yield. Residue quantity and quality are reduced daily by environmental losses and animal consumption. Daily performance is predicted based on the nutrients obtained from residue and supplemental feed. Under unlimited roughage supply, leaf, husk and grain are primary diet components. Grain consumption decreases as the supply diminishes and forage quality decreases with time. Intake is calculated based on digestibility and fecal output = .0365 W.75. Forage availability affects intake in a curvilinear fashion. Energy gain is predicted by NRC equations and protein gain from metabolizable protein supply. The model underestimated intake of calves measured with chromic oxide and in vitro DM disappearance. Simulated daily gain (y, kg) of calves grazing at several stocking rates was related to observed daily gain (x, kg) by the equation y = .012 + .853 x (R2 = .71, Sy.x = .077). The model overestimated response to protein supplementation. Severe cold weather was predicted to reduce gains or cause weight loss due to increased energy requirements for maintenance. The model can be used as an aid in both research planning and cattle management.
Adaptive Remodeling in the Elastase-Induced Rabbit Aneurysms

Rupture of brain aneurysms is associated with high fatality and morbidity rates. Through remodeling of the collagen matrix, many aneurysms can remain unruptured for decades, despite an enlarging and evolving geometry. Our objective was to explore this adaptive remodeling for the first time in an elastase induced aneurysm model in rabbits. Saccular aneurysms were created in 22 New Zealand white rabbits and remodeling was assessed in tissue harvested 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after creation. The intramural principal stress ratio doubled after aneurysm creation due to increased longitudinal loads, triggering a remodeling response. A distinct wall layer with multi-directional collagen fibers developed between the media and adventitia as early as 2 weeks, and in all cases by 4 weeks with an average thickness of 50.6 ± 14.3 μm. Collagen fibers in this layer were multi-directional (AI = 0.56 ± 0.15) with low tortuosity (1.08 ± 0.02) compared with adjacent circumferentially aligned medial fibers (AI = 0.78 ± 0.12) and highly tortuous adventitial fibers (1.22 ± 0.03). A second phase of remodeling replaced circumferentially aligned fibers in the inner media with longitudinal fibers. A structurally motivated constitutive model with both remodeling modes was introduced along with methodology for determining material parameters from mechanical testing and multiphoton imaging. A new mechanism was identified by which aneurysm walls can rapidly adapt to changes in load, ensuring the structural integrity of the aneurysm until a slower process of medial reorganization occurs. The rabbit model can be used to evaluate therapies to increase aneurysm wall stability.
Discrete Logic vs Optimized Dispatch for Energy Storage in a Microgrid

Forward operating base (FOB) microgrids typically use diesel generators with discrete logic control to supply power. However, emerging energy storage systems can be added as spinning reserves and to increase the PV hosting capacity of microgrids to significantly reduce diesel consumption if resources are controlled appropriately. Discrete logic controllers use if/else statements to determine resource dispatch based on inputs such as net load and generator run times but do not account for the capabilities of energy storage systems explicitly. Optimal dispatch controllers could improve upon this architecture by optimizing dispatch based on forecasts of load and generation. However, optimal dispatch controllers are far less intuitive, require more processing power, and the level of potential improvement is unclear.This work seeks to address three points with regards to FOB microgrid operations. Firstly, the impact of energy storage systems on the adoption of solar generation in microgrids is discussed. Secondly, logic is added to the typical discrete controller decision tree to account for energy storage resources. Lastly, fuel savings with energy storage and solar generation using the new discrete control logic and optimal dispatch are compared based on load data measured from a real FOB. The results of these analyses show the potential impact of energy storage on fuel consumption in FOBs and gives guidance as to the appropriate control architecture for management of integrated resource microgrids.
Sparse Array Receiver Beamformer Design for Multi-Functional Antenna

Planning sensor locations can potentially economize the receiver cost by minimizing the hardware and computational needs, while satisfying a predetermined design criterion. In this paper, we consider a sparse array receive beamformer design approach for Multi-Functional Antennas (MFA), operating in different frequency bands. In this approach, antenna positions are selected from uniformly spaced locations that are served by a limited number of transceiver chains. The design objective is to maximize the beamformer output Signal-to-Interference-plus-noise-ratio (MaxSINR) for desired sources with disjoint frequency bands operating in a wideband jamming environment. The problem is solved efficiently through alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) and simplified to parallel quadratically constraint quadratic programs (QCQP) with a single associated constraint. The re-weighted group sparsity is adopted to ensure a common sparse configuration across all frequency bands. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated with the help of a design example.
Long-Term Neurocognitive Outcomes in Sagittal Synostosis: The Impact of Reoperation.

INTRODUCTION Optimal age at surgery in nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis continues to be debated. Previous reports suggest that earlier age at whole vault cranioplasty more frequently requires reoperation. It is unknown, however, whether reoperation affects neurocognitive outcome. This study examined the impact of reoperation on neurocognitive outcome in children with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis using comprehensive neurocognitive testing. METHODS Forty-seven school-age children (age 5-16 years) with nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis who underwent whole-vault cranioplasty were included in this analysis. Participants were administered a battery of standardized neuropsychological testing to measure neurocognitive outcomes. RESULTS Thirteen of the 47 participants underwent reoperation (27.7%); 11 out of the 13 reoperations were minor revisions while 2 reoperations were cranioplasties. Reoperation rate was not statistically different between patients who had earlier surgery (at age ≤6 months) versus later surgery (at age >6 months) (P > 0.05). Nonreoperated patients who had only one later-in-life surgery did not perform statistically better than reoperated patients on any outcome measure of neurocognitive function, including IQ, academic achievement, visuomotor integration, executive function, and behavior. Comparing reoperated earlier surgery patients with nonreoperated later surgery patients, reoperated earlier surgery patients had higher full-scale and verbal IQ (P < 0.05), scored higher on word reading, reading comprehension, spelling, numerical operations, and visuomotor integration (P < 0.05), and had fewer indicators of suspected learning disabilities (P < 0.01) compared to nonreoperated later surgery patients. CONCLUSION Reoperation rate after whole vault cranioplasty was 27.7%, with few cases of repeat cranioplasty (4.2% of all patients). Reoperation was not associated with worse neurocognitive outcome. Reoperated earlier surgery patients in fact performed better in IQ, academic achievement and visuomotor integration when compared to nonreoperated later surgery patients.
Na1+xMnx/2Zr2–x/2(PO4)3 as a Li+ and Na+ Super Ion Conductor for Solid-State Batteries

Here we report dual ion conduction capability of Na-based NASICON type super ion conductor materials using Na1+xMnx/2Zr2–x/2(PO4)3 (NMZP) as a candidate system. This method enables the use of Na-ba...
Connecting Disciplines with ChEM-H: An interview with Dr. Elizabeth Ponder

Dr. Elizabeth Ponder currently serves as the Associate Director of Stanford ChEM-H. Dr. Ponder joined Stanford ChEM-H in 2014, leading and planning initiatives with the faculty executive committee. Dr. Ponder's distinguished background includes having completed her Ph.D. in microbiology and Immunology at Stanford University and a subsequent postdoctoral Fellowship in pathology, also at Stanford. She previously served as executive director of the Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases of the University of California-Berkeley.
The multi-functional reovirus σ3 protein is a virulence factor that suppresses stress granule formation to allow viral replication and myocardial injury

The mammalian orthoreovirus double-stranded (ds) RNA binding protein {sigma}3 is a multifunctional protein that promotes viral protein synthesis and facilitates viral entry and assembly. The dsRNA-binding capacity of {sigma}3 correlates with its capacity to prevent dsRNA-mediated activation of protein kinase R (PKR). However, the effect of {sigma}3 binding to dsRNA during viral infection remains largely unknown. To identify functions of {sigma}3 dsRNA-binding activity during reovirus infection, we engineered a panel of 13 {sigma}3 mutants and screened them for the capacity to bind dsRNA. Six mutants were defective in dsRNA binding, and mutations in these constructs cluster in a putative dsRNA-binding region on the surface of {sigma}3. Two recombinant viruses expressing these {sigma}3 dsRNA-binding mutants, K287T and R296T, display strikingly different phenotypes. In a cell-type dependent manner, K287T, but not R296T, replicates less efficiently than wild-type (WT) virus. In cells in which K287T virus demonstrates a replication deficit, PKR activation occurs and abundant stress granules (SGs) are produced at late times post-infection. In contrast, the R296T virus retains the capacity to suppress activation of PKR and does not form SGs at late times post-infection. These findings indicate that {sigma}3 inhibits PKR independently of its capacity to bind dsRNA. In infected mice, K287T produces lower viral titers in the spleen, liver, lungs, and heart relative to WT or R296T. Moreover, mice inoculated with WT or R296T viruses develop myocarditis, whereas those inoculated with K287T do not. Overall, our results indicate that {sigma}3 functions to suppress PKR activation and subsequent SG formation during viral infection and that these functions correlate with virulence in mice.
Opportunistic Coccidioides Pulmonary Infection Following COVID-19 Pneumonia

Introduction: Co-infections in hospitalized patients are associated with higher mortality. The rate of co-infection in COVID-19 at the time of hospitalization is estimated at around 10%, but the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the immune system following the initial infectious period is unknown. Here we describe the case of a previously healthy patient hospitalized with coccidioides pulmonary infection following mild COVID-19 disease. Case: A 52-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented to the hospital with worsening non-productive cough, left-sided pleuritic chest pain, fevers, chills and sweats. Four weeks prior to presentation, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. He experienced respiratory symptoms for 7 days and then made a full recovery. Ten days later, he developed a new cough. He was found to have a new infiltrate on chest radiograph and was treated with two courses of oral antibiotics without improvement. CT chest was done and found to be concerning for a "fungal ball" and he subsequently presented to Jacobs Medical Center. He denied occupational exposures or smoking history. He was born in Ohio, and moved to California at age 3. Chest CT showed a left lower lobe mass-like consolidation with central necrosis, trace pleural effusion, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Initial laboratory evaluation revealed a leukocytosis to 17 that was neutrophil predominant. Over the next 5 days, his absolute eosinophil count climbed from 400 to 1100. COVID-19 PCR testing at the time of admission was negative. During bronchoscopy, there were two submucosal nodules in the distal trachea and left mainstem bronchus and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was obtained from the left lower lobe. Cytopathic review of the BAL fluid revealed acute inflammation and spherules consistent with Coccidioides immitis. The BAL cell count revealed 21% eosinophils and fungal cultures grew coccidioides. Coccidioides IgM was positive, while IgG was negative. He was initiated on fluconazole therapy with rapid resolution of fevers and improvement in his cough and pleuritic chest pain. Discussion: This is a classic presentation of acute coccidioidomycosis infection involving a lobar necrotizing pneumonia, peripheral and BAL eosinophilia, bronchial submucosal nodules, positive serum IgM antibodies, fungal cultures, and cytopathologic exam. This case highlights the possibility that patients with COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of developing subsequent infections. It will be important for providers to remain vigilant for opportunistic infections at the time of presentation and in the period following COVID-19 infection.
Microvascular Disease and Incident Heart Failure Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Microvascular disease (MVD) is a potential contributor to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus–related cardiac dysfunction. However, there is a paucity of data on the link between MVD a...
Classifying micro-Doppler signatures using deep convolutional neural networks

An electromagnetic signal transmitted by a radar is reflected from a target then returns to the radar with the information of the target characteristics. Doppler information is commonly used to detect moving objects while suppressing clutter. In particular, the micro-Doppler signatures from nonrigid body motions contain diverse information regarding target movement [1-3]. Accordingly, the use of micro-Doppler signatures has a variety of defense, security, surveillance, and biomedicine applications, includ-ing airborne target classification, human detection, human activity classification, and drone detection.
Current Practices in Infection Prevention: A 3-year Survey of Michigan Nursing Homes’ Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Strategies

Background Robust infection prevention and control (IPC) programs with evidence-based policies, audits, staff education and data-sharing are critical to safe nursing home (NH) resident environments. The purpose of this study was to identify outcome and process measure data in NHs to prevent both non-catheter and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs and CAUTIs). Methods Over a three-year period, 58 NHs participated in a 12-month program to reduce healthcare-associated infections by enhancing relationships between NHs and hospitals. A 36-question survey on IPC characteristics was distributed prior to the start of each cohort for years 2018-2020. All surveys were completed prior to March 2020 when the first case of COVID-19 was identified in Michigan. Surveys were completed by infection preventionists, directors of nursing, or NH administrators. Results 55 NHs (95%) completed the survey. Most were aware of their UTI and CAUTI rates (93%, 87%). Policies on catheter insertion, care and other UTI/CAUTI prevention practices were common, but frequency of staff training was inconsistent with some NHs providing education at hire (55%), annually (70%), “when needed” (60%) or never (4%). Less than half were aware of their hand hygiene rates (45%); 36% were aware of gown/glove use. 100% shared infection data with NH leadership, 70% with bedside nursing staff and 26% with residents and families. UTI/CAUTI prevention strategies included hydration practices (77%); nurse-initiated indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) discontinuation (59%); stop orders (45%); indwelling device rounds (28%); and electronic alerts (25%). 57% used cranberry juice/tablets to prevent UTI/CAUTI despite weak evidence of efficacy. Conclusions While awareness of UTI and CAUTI rates is high, process measures like hand hygiene rates and gown/glove use are not evaluated consistently. Hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment have heightened priority during the current COVID pandemic. NHs have made significant progress operationalizing many evidence-based infection prevention practices but gaps exist.
Peripheral blood markers and intraoperative pathology may be helpful in predicting non-Cutibacterium acnes shoulder periprosthetic joint infections

Abstract Introduction The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the preoperative complete blood count (with differential), c-reactive protein (cRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and intraoperative pathology (frozen section) results of patients undergoing surgical treatment for shoulder PJI by C. acnes vs. non-C. acnes bacteria, and (2) to estimate sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of these parameters. Methods Between 2004 and 2016, 167 consecutive shoulder PJIs were treated surgically. Infected implants included hemiarthroplasty in 39, anatomic TSA in 92, and reverse TSA in 36 shoulders. Shoulders were categorized in one of 4 groups: irrigation and debridement (21), one stage reimplantation (14), two-stage reimplantation (124), and permanent resection (8). Medical records were reviewed to record microorganisms isolated, intraoperative pathology, and preoperative cell count, ESR, and c-RP. Shoulders were further grouped into those that were positive only for C. acnes (37 shoulders) and those that were positive for any other microorganism (130 shoulders). In order to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values, the same data was collected for a separate group of 700 shoulder arthroplasties that underwent revision surgery for noninfectious reasons during the same time period. Results For the whole group of 167 infected shoulder arthroplasties, values were considered abnormal for leukocyte count in 15%, neutrophil count in 17%, ESR in 42%, cRP in 56% and pathology in 55%. Abnormal values were more common in the non-C. acnes group. The following positive predictive values were obtained: Leukocytes 47% (13% C. acnes, 43% other), ESR 65% (18% C. acnes, 62% other), cRP 70% (29% C. acnes, 66% other), and pathology 73% (30% C. acnes, 63% other). The following negative predictive values were obtained: Leukocytes 79% (94% C. acnes, 93% other), ESR 68% (86% C. acnes, 76% other), cRP 70% (88% C. acnes, 78% other), and pathology 87% (96% C. acnes, 91% other). Conclusion Bacteria other than C. acnes were responsible for 75% of the shoulder PJI treated consecutively with surgery at a single institution over a 12-year period. Negative predictive values for cell count, ESR, cRP, and pathology ranged between 70% and 81%, but there were much lower for C. acnes infection. Obtaining these tests in the evaluation of a painful shoulder arthroplasty should not be discontinued, since their positive predictive value for non-C. acnes infections seem reasonable and their negative predictive value is high. Level of evidence Level III; Retrospective Comparative Study
Proportion of commodity crop pollens and pesticide contamination in honey bee diets in two different landscapes

Abstract Honey bees are the most important managed pollinators in commercial agriculture. Large irrigated mixed agricultural landscapes in the mid-south United States can be vital to maintaining commercial honey bee operations during times of prolonged nectar dearth, even if those crops are not dependent on bee pollinators. Severe declines in bee populations have generated concerns about the relationship of pesticide-treated seeds and crops and the health of honey bees. To investigate the role of pollen from seed-treated crops as a component of honey bee diet and pesticide contamination in pollen diet of honey bees from agricultural and urban landscapes, we monitored honey bee colonies in both agricultural and urban areas. Pollen collection began in mid-March, before seed-treated crops were planted, and continued through the end of August, after crops had ceased blooming. Pollen samples from returning bees were identified to determine the botanical origin of the bees’ pollen diet, and were also analyzed for pesticide contamination. Honey bees in the agricultural landscape visited crop sources only during the seasonal period of natural nectar dearth, when other wildflower sources were limited, and they encountered acutely toxic pesticide residues (above LD50) during this period. These bees also encountered toxic levels of herbicide on multiple occasions throughout the season, in pollen from non-crop plants. Bees in the urban area were also exposed to toxic levels of insecticides on several occasions. Urban bees were exposed to herbicides throughout the season, but not at concentrations approaching acute toxicity. Simultaneous exposure to multiple pesticides occurred at both sites on multiple occasions. The results underscore the need to conserve areas of habitat and forage for both wild and managed pollinators within both agricultural and urban landscapes.
The interactions between anthocyanin and whey protein: A review

Anthocyanins (ACN) are natural pigments that produce bright red, blue, and purple colors in plants and can be used to color food products. However, ACN sensitivity to different factors limits their applications in the food industry. Whey protein (WP), a functional nutritional additive, has been shown to interact with ACN and improve the color, stability, antioxidant capacity, bioavailability, and other functional properties of the ACN-WP complex. The WP's secondary structure is expected to unfold due to heat treatment, which may increase its binding affinity with ACN. Different ACN structures will also have different binding affinity with WP and their interaction mechanism may also be different. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy show that the WP secondary structure changes after binding with ACN. Fluorescence spectroscopy shows that the WP maximum fluorescence emission wavelength shifts, and the fluorescence intensity decreases after interaction with ACN. Moreover, thermodynamic analysis suggests that the ACN-WP binding forces are mainly hydrophobic interactions, although there is also evidence of electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding between ACN and WP. In this review, we summarize the information available on ACN-WP interactions under different conditions and discuss the impact of different ACN chemical structures and of WP conformation changes on the affinity between ACN and WP. This summary helps improve our understanding of WP protection of ACN against color degradation, thus providing new tools to improve ACN color stability and expanding the applications of ACN and WP in the food and pharmacy industries.
Case 80: A Dying Patient

You are the only doctor in a mission hospital in an area called Transkei. It lies south of Durban in South Africa. Your referral hospital is the university hospital in Durban which is 4–5 hours away by car.
Book Review: Beginner's Guide to Echolocation for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Beginner's Guide to Echolocation for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Tim Johnson (with Justin Louchart.) North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012,168 pp., $25.16. Throughout history, the literature reports observations and scientific studies examining the phenomenon of "facial vision": the use of reflected sound, object perception, and echolocation among individuals who are blind or severely visually impaired (Wiener, Welsh, & Blasch, 2010; Thaler, Arnott, & Goodale, 2011). Although children who are born blind develop their senses to perceive objects and obstacles in their environment (Arnott, Thaler, Milne, Kish, & Goodale, 2013), both individuals who are congenitally visually impaired and those who have lost their sight as youths or adults rely on orientation and mobility (OM a personal philosophy about the benefits and ease of learning echolocation; a brief introduction to the science of echolocation that emphasizes the auditory aspects of the practice; strategies for producing sounds (clicks) or active and passive signals (naturally occurring environmental sounds) used for echolocation; some simple sample lessons; and a brief list of primarily Internet-based resources for continued training and white papers on the subject. …
HookScout: proactive binary-centric hook detection

In order to obtain and maintain control, kernel malware usually makes persistent control flow modifications (i.e., installing hooks). To avoid detection, malware developers have started to target function pointers in kernel data structures, especially those dynamically allocated from heaps and memory pools. Function pointer modification is stealthy and the attack surface is large; thus, this type of attacks is appealing to malware developers. In this paper, we first conduct a systematic study of this problem, and show that the attack surface is vast, with over 18, 000 function pointers (most of them long-lived) existing within the Windows kernel. Moreover, to demonstrate this threat is realistic for closed-source operating systems, we implement two new attacks for Windows by exploiting two function pointers individually. Then, we propose a new proactive hook detection technique, and develop a prototype, called HookScout. Our approach is binary-centric, and thus can generate hook detection policy without access to the OS kernel source code. Our approach is also context-sensitive, and thus can deal with polymorphic data structures. We evaluated HookScout with a set of rootkits which use advanced hooking techniques and show that it detects all of the stealth techniques utilized (including our new attacks). Additionally, we show that our approach is easily deployable, has wide coverage and minimal performance overhead.
Prescription opioid forgery: reporting to law enforcement and protection of medical information.

Objective To review confidentiality requirements of prescribers who become aware of a forged prescription. Design A case is reviewed in which a prescriber believes that a prescription has been forged. Results The literature and law related to prescription forgery and confidentiality are reviewed. Although prescription forgery is a crime, the prescriber's responsibility for reporting to law enforcement is not clear under current state and federal law. Federal laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), do not permit prescribers in all circumstances to disclose prescription fraud to law enforcement. Conclusions Under common circumstances, HIPAA may prohibit prescribers from reporting prescription forgery to law enforcement. However, collaborating with a dispensing pharmacist may offer a lawful pathway to reporting prescription forgery. State legislature may consider laws that clarify the reporting responsibilities of prescribers in cases of prescription forgery.
Hybrid integration of CdS filters with GaN LEDs for biophotonic chips

Hybrid integration of CdS filters, GaN light-emiting diodes (LEDs) and disposable microfluidics can enable the creation of low-cost autonomous biophotonic chips for fluorescence detection. Sensitive fluorescence detection techniques are a significant demand in biological assays. In such applications, the optical filter performs a critical function in separating the fluorescence emission photons from the more-intense excitation light. In comparison with distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs), which can be used to successfully filter the excitation signal, the fabrication process of thin CdS films is more straightforward and contains greater process latitude. This report demonstrates that a single CdS film of 2.4 /spl mu/m can accomplish the same function as many layers of a DBR in the optical filter application of fluorescence detection.
Two-dimensional electron localization in bulk single crystals of Bi 2 Sr 2 Y x Ca 1 − x Cu 2 O 8

The temperature dependence of the ab-plane electrical transport was investigated on a series of single-crystal ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Y}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ca}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$ samples with a wide range of yttrium content. The observed metal-insulator transition is discussed in terms of two-dimensional localization. The Hall-effect and thermopower results indicate that the driving force of the localization is the random impurity potential.
Antibiotic Prescribing Habits of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in Conjunction With Routine Dental Implant Placement.

Purpose Although various prophylactic systemic antibiotic regimens have been suggested to minimize failure after dental implant placement, the role of antibiotics in implant dentistry is still controversial. The purpose of the present survey was to determine the current antibiotic prescribing habits of oral and maxillofacial surgeons in conjunction with routine dental implant placement to determine whether any consensus has been reached among such practitioners. Materials and Methods An electronic survey was sent by electronic mail to all members of the American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The questions asked were related to whether antibiotics were routinely prescribed either pre- or postoperatively during routine dental implant placement, and, if so, what antibiotics, dosage, frequency, and duration were used. The survey participants were also asked to specify whether they were in solo private practice, group private practice, academia, military, or “other.” The results were tabulated and analyzed using SAS software. Descriptive statistics and χ 2 analyses were used. Results A total of 217 members responded to the survey. Overall, 112 of 217 (51.6%) prescribed antibiotics preoperatively (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.0 to 58.2%) and 152 of 213 (71.4%) prescribed antibiotics postoperatively (95% CI 65.0 to 77.0%) during routine dental implant placement. Also, 72 (34%) indicated that they prescribed antibiotics both pre- and postoperatively. The most common preoperative regimen used was amoxicillin 2 g given 1 hour before the procedure (32%, n = 36). The most common postoperative regimen used was amoxicillin 500 mg 3 times daily for 5 days (53%, n = 81). Conclusions We found no consensus among oral and maxillofacial surgeons regarding the use of antibiotics in association with routine dental implant placement, the type of regimen to use, or whether such use is even effective in preventing early implant loss. Furthermore, most of the antibiotic regimens being used are not in accordance with the recommendations current in the published data.
Fuzzy logic anti-lock brake system for a limited range coefficient of friction surface

Describes the preliminary research on and implementation of a fuzzy logic controller to control wheel slip for an antilock brake system. The dynamics of braking systems are highly nonlinear and time-variant. Simulation was used to derive an initial rule base, which was then tested on an experimental brake system. The rules were further refined by analysis of the data acquired from vehicle braking maneuvers on a surface with a high coefficient of friction. The robustness of the fuzzy logic slip regulator was further tested by varying operating conditions and external environmental variables. >
Chromatin structure, not DNA sequence specificity, is the primary determinant of topoisomerase II sites of action in vivo

In the studies reported here we have used topoisomerase II as a model system for analyzing the factors that determine the sites of action for DNA-binding proteins in vivo. To localize topoisomerase II sites in vivo we used an inhibitor of the purified enzyme, the antitumor drug VM-26. This drug stabilizes an intermediate in the catalytic cycle, the cleavable complex, and substantially stimulates DNA cleavage by topoisomerase II. We show that lysis of VM-26 treated tissue culture cells with sodium dodecyl sulfate induces highly specific double-strand breaks in genomic DNA, and we present evidence indicating that these double-strand breaks are generated by topoisomerase II. Using indirect end labeling to map the cleavage products, we have examined the in vivo sites of action of topoisomerase II in the 87A7 heat shock locus, the histone repeat, and a tRNA gene cluster at 90BC. Our analysis reveals that chromatin structure, not sequence specificity, is the primary determinant in topoisomerase II site selection in vivo. We suggest that chromatin organization may provide a general mechanism for generating specificity in a wide range of DNA-protein interactions in vivo.
Ectopic secretion of a growth hormone-releasing factor: Report of a case of acromegaly with bronchial carcinoid tumor

Rarely, acromegaly is produced by neuroendocrine neoplasms elaborating a substance similar to or identical with growth hormone-releasing factor. This report reviews the cases described to date and presents the clinicopathologic features of a patient with acromegaly, mild sellar enlargement, and elevated growth hormone levels associated with a large bronchial carcinoid tumor. Normalization of serum growth hormone levels and regression of acromegaly followed resection of the bronchial tumor, which was shown, by bioassay and immunocytochemistry, to contain a growth hormone-releasing factor.
Available Carbon Released from Crop Roots During Growth as Determined by Carbon‐13 Natural Abundance

Quantifying plant contributions to root-zone available C during the growing season is important for better understanding of microbial processes regulating N cycling. However, it is difficult to determine root-derived available C under conditions that better reflect plant growth in the field. We proposed an approach using 13 C natural abundance in soil with a history of C3 vegetation, which is planted to a C 4 plant, to estimate the contribution of C 4 root-derived C to soil microbial biomass by measuring the δ 13 C change in microbial biomass C during crop growth. In a pilot greenhouse study using this approach with large-diameter (30.5 cm) repacked soil cores, we estimated that 48 and 121 kg C ha -1 of root-derived available C was produced, which accounted for 16 and 13% of total C4-C entering the soil during 5 and 10 wk growth of corn (Zea mays L.), respectively. Similarly, 88, 283, and 402 kg C ha -1 of root-derived available C from corn were estimated at 4, 8, and 16 wk, respectively, in a repeated experiment. Thus, the 13 C natural abundance signals in microbial biomass can provide a practical and reliable way to assess available C released from plant roots during growth.
A Comparison of Short- and Long-Term Family Therapy for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

ABSTRACT Objective Research suggests that family treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa may be effective. This study was designed to determine the optimal length of such family therapy. Method Eighty-six adolescents (12-18 years of age) diagnosed with anorexia nervosa were allocated at random to either a short-term (10 sessions over 6 months) or long-term treatment (20 sessions over 12 months) and evaluated at the end of 1 year using the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) between 1999 and 2002. Results Although adequately powered to detect differences between treatment groups, an intent-to-treat analysis found no significant differences between the short-term and long-term treatment groups. Although a nonsignificant finding does not prove the null hypothesis, in no instance does the confidence interval on the effect size on the difference between the groups approach a moderate .5 level. However, post hoc analyses suggest that subjects with severe eating-related obsessive-compulsive features or who come from nonintact families respond better to long-term treatment. Conclusions A short-term course of family therapy appears to be as effective as a long-term course for adolescents with short-duration anorexia nervosa. However, there is a suggestion that those with more severe eating-related obsessive-compulsive thinking and nonintact families benefit from longer treatment.
The defect-pool model and charged defects in amorphous silicon

Abstract A generalized concept of chemical equilibration including electronic occupation statistics is presented. The model applies to both equilibrium and metastable defect densities and distributions under general non-equilibrium conditions. In undoped low-defect a-Si:H, the model predicts a charged-to-neutral defect ration of ∼3–7 and a decrease of this ratio to ∼1 by light soaking, in agreement with data from subgap absorption, ESR and LESR.
Oligo(A) and oligo(A)-adjacent sequences present in nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes and mRNA

Abstract Twenty to thirty percent of the nuclear oligo(A) sequences of mouse ascites cells were found associated with the 30S ribonucleoprotein (RNP) subunit of the larger hnRNA:protein fibril (hnRNP). The oligo(A) present in 30S RNP subcomplexes was found covalently linked to non-oligo(A) RNA. The sequences adjacent to the 5′ end of this oligo(A) have been transcribed into complementary DNA (cDNA) with reverse transcriptase. From analysis of RNA·cDNA hybridization kinetics utilizing 30S RNP-RNA and cytoplasmic messenger RNA (mRNA), the following observations were made: 1. 1. Approximately twenty-five percent of the oligo(A)-adjacent sequences constituted a single abundant class with a combined nucleotide complexity of ca. 500 nucleotides. 2. 2. These abundant oligo(A)-adjacent sequences were also found in the abundant class of cytoplasmic mRNA.
Electron microscopic observations of shale diagenesis, offshore Louisiana, USA, Gulf of Mexico

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic analyses of shale samples from offshore Louisiana, USA, Gulf of Mexico, reveal the relationship between mineralogical and microfabric changes during burial diagenesis. The local geopressured zone begins at 2200-m depth. Above that depth the shales are smectite-rich, generally lack particle orientation, and contain appreciable pores. Below the 2200-m depth, the shales become more illite-rich with increasing burial, more crystalline, and less porous. Microfabric changes are mainly caused by compaction during burial diagenesis; mineralogical changes (smectite-to-illite) and crystal growth also play an important role in fabric alteration during deep burial diagenesis.
A variable pulse-burst electromagnetic generator for electrical stimulation of biological systems

A variable frequency-burst type, electromagnetic pulse generator has been developed to optimize the effect of electrical stimulation on bone growth. Using a pair of coils, with 100 turns and 18-gauge wire, the instrument can generate a maximum magnetic field of 300 Gauss. Its pulse repetition frequency can be varied from 10 Hz to 2 KHz and the duty cycle, consisting of several short carrier frequency pulses, can be varied up to 95%. This design also permits the period of the carrier pulse to be changed.
Photodynamic therapy for psoriasis

AbstractIntroduction: Photodynamic therapy for psoriasis showed promise in the early 1990s with reports of plaque clearance following topical aminolevulinic acid – photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT).Methods: In December 2013, we conducted a systematic search of the PubMed Medline database using the keywords “psoriasis” and “photodynamic therapy”.Results: Numerous clinical studies have failed to demonstrate a consistent, efficacious response to topical ALA-PDT. Furthermore, severe pain and burning sensations were repeatedly reported, many cases being intolerable for patients.Discussion: The variability in clinical response and the painful side effects have made topical ALA-PDT an unsuitable treatment option for chronic plaque psoriasis. Nonetheless, early clinical studies of other modalities such as topical hypericin and methylene blue, as well as systemic ALA and verteporfin, have shown that these photosensitizers are efficacious and much better tolerated than topical ALA.Conclusion: With the current landscap...
Recent advances in stacked inverted top-emitting organic electrophosphorescent diodes (presentation video)

In this talk, we will discuss recent advances in green and white electrophosphorescent stacked organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with inverted top-emitting structures. These devices combine the advantages of having inverted electrode positions, a top-emissive design, and a stacked architecture. We will also demonstrate OLEDs that are fabricated on cellulose nanocrystal substrates and discuss how the use of such naturally-derived materials can reduce the environmental footprint of organic electronic devices such as OLEDs.
Ecology of San Francisco Bay: ABSTRACT

Comparison and contrast of the environmental conditions in San Francisco Bay and Suisun Bay show the ecology of both bays to be dominated by tidal currents. In Suisun Bay the (1) water velocity, (2) salinity variations, (3) turbidity, (4) median diameter of sedimentary particles, (5) aeration of the water, and (6) proportion of channels versus tidal flats are greater than in San Francisco Bay. Because of the greater variability of conditions in Suisun Bay, the foraminiferal fauna is less diversified, because there are only few genera able to tolerate great differences of most ecologic factors. Suisun Bay is characterized by a meager arenaceous fauna accompanied by a fairly diversified diatom flora. In contrast, the San Francisco Bay fauna is composed of a calcareous assemblage typical of shallow marine embayments. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1078------------