cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
National patterns of medication use during pregnancy

Purpose To describe patterns of medication use during pregnancy in ambulatory care settings according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pregnancy risk classification. Methods A cross-sectional study of two national ambulatory care surveys, sampling all office visits made by pregnant women in 1999 and 2000, was conducted. Using the FDA pregnancy risk classification, patterns of medication use and predictive factors for FDA pregnancy risk D or X (D/X) medications were evaluated. Results In 1999 and 2000, about half of all pregnant visits had one or more medications. Among the total visits, FDA Class A was the majority (private = 65.7%; hospital = 79.5%; p < 0.05) followed by Class C (private = 26.5%; hospital = 36.4%; p < 0.05). Class D/X medications accounted for 6.4% and 2.9% of visits in private and hospital, respectively (p < 0.05). Medications with unknown pregnancy categories were predominant in the private setting (12.0% and 3.9%; p < 0.05). Age, insurance type, region, physician specialty, and number of medications were associated with a category D/X prescription. Among hospital visits, those from the West region and with private insurance were more likely to receive category D/X prescriptions. Number of medications was strongly associated with high-risk drugs in both settings. Conclusions This study shows considerable medication use among pregnant women. The prevalence of visits with FDA pregnancy category D/X drugs was moderate, but still indicates exposure to high-risk medications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human Auditory Frequency-Following Responses to a Missing Fundamental.

Both a complex tone perceived as a 365-hertz "missing fundamental" and a 365-hertz pure tone evoked 365-hertz far-field frequency-following responses. Narrow-band masking noise centered at 365 hertz attenuated the responses to the pure tone but not to the complex tone. Results support the concept that perception of the missing fundamental is based on periodic neural activity.
A new battery/ultra-capacitor hybrid energy storage system for electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

In this paper, a new battery/ultra-capacitor hybrid energy storage system (HESS) is proposed for electric drive vehicles including electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Compared to the conventional HESS design, which requires a larger DC/DC converter to interface between the ultra-capacitor and the battery/DC link, the new design uses a much smaller DC/DC converter to maintain the voltage of the ultra-capacitor at a value higher than the battery voltage. In addition, the battery directly provides power when the ultracapacitor voltage drops below the battery voltage. Therefore, a relatively constant load profile is created for the battery. In addition, the battery is not used to directly harvest energy from the regenerative braking; thus, the battery is isolated from random charges, which will increase the life of the battery. The proposed topology has the possibility of utilizing the system configuration for fast charging via the ultra-capacitor.
Bottom‐up controls on bacterial production in tropical lowland rivers

The importance of organic carbon and inorganic nutrients in controlling bacterial production was investigated in two tropical lowland rivers draining undisturbed forested catchments. Glucose (C), ammonium (N), phosphate (P), leaf leachate, and algal leachate were added alone or combined to water collected from one clear-water (Cataniapo) and one black-water (Autana) river of the Middle Orinoco basin, and bacterial production (BP) was measured at 0, 8, 24, and 36 h of incubation. The rivers have low pH (3.8‐5.9) and conductivity (6.3‐9.1 m Sc m 21 ) and abundant nitrogen (total N, 273‐314 m gL 21 ) compared to phosphorus (total P, 3.6‐5.5 m gL 21 ). BP was significantly stimulated by additions of P, CP, NP, and CNP in both river waters. N or C alone or combined did not stimulate BP, suggesting that P rather than carbon is the primary limiting nutrient in these rivers. Higher responses to CNP and CP amendments (3‐7 times over controls), compared to P and NP (1.3‐4 times over controls), indicate that carbon is an important secondary constraint to bacterial production. Responses to NP and P were more frequent in the Autana than in the Cataniapo, suggesting that bacteria in the clear-water river were less resource limited than those in the black-water river. Responses to added leaf leachate, which had high concentrations of P and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), were generally greater than responses to added algal leachate. Seasonal patterns in response to nutrient addition suggest that the size of the labile fraction of DOC may increase during periods of low and rising water.
The effects of Victim's substance use and relationship closeness on mock jurors' judgments in an acquaintance rape case

Previous research has demonstrated that jurors perceive a female victim who is drunk at the time when she is sexually assaulted as less credible and more deserving of such punishment than a sober victim. In this experiment, we investigated the effect of an alleged acquaintance rape victim’s type of substance use and closeness of relationship with the defendant on the judgments of 152 student mock jurors. Participants read a case summary and answered a series of questions about their impressions of the actors and actions involved in the case. Participants perceived a victim who was sober at the time of the incident as more credible than a victim who was intoxicated due to illegal substance use (alcohol or LSD), and convictions were also most likely when the victim was sober. Women perceived the victim as more credible than men did. Higher victim credibility judgments were associated with less rape myth acceptance (RMA) on the part of participants.
Water-Absorbing Balls: A “Growing” Problem

Foreign body ingestion is a potentially serious clinical problem in children. We report a case of an 8-month-old infant who developed complete bowel obstruction requiring laparotomy due to ingestion of a superabsorbent polymer ball with advertised growth up to 400 times its original size. Most ingested foreign bodies that pass through the pylorus will make it safely through the gastrointestinal tract. This is not true for water-absorbing balls that progressively increase in size and cause intestinal obstruction. Other household products and toys on the market use a similar polymer-based water-absorbing technology, thus increasing the risk for accidental ingestion by young children. These rapidly expanding objects can cause significant morbidity, and timely diagnosis and treatment are prudent to improve patient outcomes.
Quad-Layer: Layered Quadrilateral Meshing of Narrow Two-Dimensional Domains by Bubble Packing and Chordal Axis Transformation

This paper presents a computational method for quadrilateral meshing of a thin, or narrow, two-dimensional domain for finite element analysis. The proposed method creates a well-shaped single-layered, multi-layered, or partially multi-layered quadrilateral mesh. Element sizes can be uniform or graded. A high quality, layered quadrilateral mesh is often required for finite element analysis of a narrow two-dimensional domain with a large deformation such as in the analysis of rubber deformation or sheet metal forming. Fully automated quadrilateral meshing is performed in two stages: (1) extraction of the skeleton of a given domain by discrete chordal axis transformation, and (2) discretization of the chordal axis into a set of line segments and conversion of each of the line segments to a single quadrilateral element or multiple layers of quadrilateral elements. In each step a physically-based computational method called bubble packing is applied to discretize a curve into a set of line segments of specified sizes. Experiments show that the accuracy of a large-deformation FEM analysis can be significantly improved by using a well-shaped quadrilateral mesh created by the proposed method.
Characterization and Physics of Threshold Voltage Dependence on Defect Related Properties of Channel-Buffer (Substrate) Interfaces in GaAs MESFET's Fabricated By Molecular Beam Epitaxy

A fundamental understanding of the channel-buffer (substrate) interface is obtained from the experimental and theoretical investigation of long channel GaAs MESFET’s fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The threshold voltage dependence on the semiconductor crystal lattice temperature indicates that the steady-state carrier trapping and accumulation of negative charge in donor-like states at the channel-buffer (substrate) interface play a detrimental role both in the linear and saturated regimes of device operation. The variations of the threshold voltage and gate capacitance with substrate bias are consistent with each other and suggest that significant reduction in the channel charge occurs with increased reverse bias on the substrate. The threshold voltage is found to decrease significantly as the sample temperature is increased both in the linear and saturated regimes of device operation.
Immunology Taught by Bacteria

It has been proposed that the innate immune system might discriminate living and virulent pathogens from dead or harmless microbes, but the molecular mechanisms by which this discrimination could occur remain unclear. Although studies of model antigens and adjuvants have illuminated important principles underlying immune responses, the specific immune responses made to living, virulent pathogens can only be discovered by studies of the living, virulent pathogens themselves. Here, I review what one particular bacterium, Legionella pneumophila, has taught us about the innate immune response. Pathogens differ greatly in the mechanisms they use to invade, replicate within, and transmit among their hosts. However, a theme that emerges is that the pathogenic activities sensed by host cells are conserved among multiple pathogenic bacteria. Thus, immunology taught by L. pneumophila may lead to a more general understanding of the host response to infection.
Characterization of the interaction of two unequal co-rotating vortices

The interactions and merging of two unequal co-rotating vortices in a viscous fluid are investigated. Two-dimensional numerical simulations of initially equal-sized vortices with differing relative strengths are performed. In the case of equal-strength vortices, i.e. symmetric vortex pairs (Brandt & Nomura, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 592, 2007, pp. 413–446), the mutually induced strain deforms and tilts the vortices, which leads to a core detrainment process. The weakened vortices are mutually entrained and rapidly move towards each other as they intertwine and destruct. The flow thereby develops into a single compound vortex. With unequal strengths, i.e. asymmetric pairs, the disparity of the vortices alters the interaction. Merger may result from reciprocal but unequal entrainment, which yields a compound vortex; however other outcomes are possible. The various interactions are classified based on the relative timing of core detrainment and core destruction of the vortices. Through scaling analysis and simulation results, a critical strain rate parameter which characterizes the establishment of core detrainment is identified and determined. The onset of merging is associated with the achievement of the critical strain rate by ‘both’ vortices, and a merging criterion is thereby developed. In the case of symmetric pairs, the critical strain rate parameter is shown to be related to the critical aspect ratio. In contrast with symmetric merger, which is in essence a flow transformation, asymmetric merger may result in the domination of the stronger vortex because of the unequal deformation rates. If the disparity of the vortex strengths is sufficiently large, the critical strain rate is not attained by the stronger vortex before destruction of the weaker vortex, and the vortices do not merge.
Racial Differences in the Performance of Existing Risk Prediction Models for Incident Type 2 Diabetes: The CARDIA Study

OBJECTIVE In 2010, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) added hemoglobin A 1c (A1C) to the guidelines for diagnosing type 2 diabetes. However, existing models for predicting diabetes risk were developed prior to the widespread adoption of A1C. Thus, it remains unknown how well existing diabetes risk prediction models predict incident diabetes defined according to the ADA 2010 guidelines. Accordingly, we examined the performance of an existing diabetes prediction model applied to a cohort of African American (AA) and white adults from the Coronary Artery Risk Development Study in Young Adults (CARDIA). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We evaluated the performance of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) diabetes risk prediction model among 2,456 participants in CARDIA free of diabetes at the 2005–2006 exam and followed for 5 years. We evaluated model discrimination, calibration, and integrated discrimination improvement with incident diabetes defined by ADA 2010 guidelines before and after adding baseline A1C to the prediction model. RESULTS In the overall cohort, re-estimating the ARIC model in the CARDIA cohort resulted in good discrimination for the prediction of 5-year diabetes risk (area under the curve [AUC] 0.841). Adding baseline A1C as a predictor improved discrimination (AUC 0.841 vs. 0.863, P = 0.03). In race-stratified analyses, model discrimination was significantly higher in whites than AA (AUC AA 0.816 vs. whites 0.902; P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Addition of A1C to the ARIC diabetes risk prediction model improved performance overall and in racial subgroups. However, for all models examined, discrimination was better in whites than AA. Additional studies are needed to further improve diabetes risk prediction among AA.
Three-Dimensional Acoustic Tissue Model: A Computational Tissue Phantom for Image Analyses

A novel methodology to obtain three-dimensional (3D) acoustic tissue models (3DATMs) is introduced. 3DATMs can be used as computational tools for ultrasonic imaging algorithm development and analysis. In particular, 3D models of biological structures can provide great benefit to better understand fundamentally how ultrasonic waves interact with biological materials. As an example, such models were used to generate ultrasonic images that characterize tumor tissue microstructures. 3DATMs can be used to evaluate a variety of tissue types. Typically, excised tissue is fixed, embedded, serially sectioned, and stained. The stained sections are digitally imaged (24-bit bitmap) with light microscopy. Contrast of each stained section is equalized and an automated registration algorithm aligns consecutive sections. The normalized mutual information is used as a similarity measure, and simplex optimization is conducted to find the best alignment. Both rigid and non-rigid registrations are performed. During tissue preparation, some sections are generally lost; thus, interpolation prior to 3D reconstruction is performed. Interpolation is conducted after registration using cubic Hermite polynoms. The registered (with interpolated) sections yield a 3D histologic volume (3DHV). Acoustic properties are then assigned to each tissue constituent of the 3DHV to obtain the 3DATMs. As an example, a 3D acoustic impedance tissue model (3DZM) was obtained for a solid breast tumor (EHS mouse sarcoma) and used to estimate ultrasonic scatterer size. The 3DZM results yielded an effective scatterer size of 32.9 (±6.1) μm. Ultrasonic backscatter measurements conducted on the same tumor tissue in vivo yielded an effective scatterer size of 33 (±8) μm. This good agreement shows that 3DATMs may be a powerful modeling tool for acoustic imaging applications
Discovering and Validating Breast Cancer Treatment Correlations Using an Associative Memory Model and Statistical Methods

Breast cancer care involves a number of clinical considerations, such as relevant patient characteristics, including age, hormone-receptor status and cancer stage, and choice among several interventions, like surgery, radiation therapy, and administered drugs. Discovering these relationships in real word care is a challenging problem due to the fragmentation of relevant data among multiple information systems and the absence of a common analysis framework that correlates all the factors across the systems. In this paper, we present an associative memory model that can integrate heterogeneous data from electronic medical records and a tumor registry. We then run efficient queries on the aggregated data model to obtain supporting evidences in the form of patient counts with all pair wise combinations of characteristic and intervention factors. Multiple statistical hypothesis testing protocols are finally applied on the supporting evidences to discover the important correlations among the factor categories. The results show significant correlations between patient age group and hormone-receptor status with both administered procedures and drugs.
Avoiding collapse: Grand challenges for science and society to solve by 2050

We maintain that humanity’s grand challenge is solving the intertwined problems of human population growth and overconsumption, climate change, pollution, ecosystem destruction, disease spillovers, and extinction, in order to avoid environmental tipping points that would make human life more difficult and would irrevocably damage planetary life support systems. These are not future issues: for example, detrimental impacts of climate change (increased wildfires and extreme weather, sea-level rise, ocean acidification), pollution (contaminated drinking water in many parts of the world), rapid population growth in some areas (contributing to poverty, war, and increasingly frequent migration) and overconsumption in others (a main driver of overexploitation of resources and greenhouse gas emissions), and new disease outbreaks (Ebola, Zika virus) already are apparent today, and if trends of the past half century continue, even more damaging, long-lasting impacts would be locked in within three decades. Solving these problems will require some scientific and technological breakthroughs, but that will not be enough. Even more critical will be effective collaboration of environmental and physical scientists with social scientists and those in the humanities, active exchange of information among practitioners in academics, politics, religion, and business and other stakeholders, and clear communication of relevant issues and solutions to the general public. This special feature offers examples of how researchers are addressing this grand challenge through the process of discovering new knowledge and relevant tools, transferring insights across disciplinary boundaries, and establishing critical dialogues with those outside academia to help effect positive global change.
Beyond the Binary: Toward the Paraconsistencies of Russian Communication Modes

Russian communication is often viewed as inherently mysterious or even mystical. The present article is aimed at the exposition of this view and shows how Russian communication modes can be conceptualized as a constant search for their own logical and practical grounding: This search goes beyond the binary model and focuses on the contingent nature of communication. To that end, we first present a short overview of the concepts of analog and digital. Then, the analog roots of Russian culture are discussed, followed by an examination of the role of the digital in today’s Russia. It is argued that the dynamic of the analog and the digital leads to a third ground, which is conceptualized by using the ideas of paraconsistent logic developed by Nikolai Vasil’ev. Finally, this third ground is identified with the public sphere and is presented as interaction between the state and individuals; electronic communication exemplars are given.
The Effect of Unrestricted Immigration on Schools

Opponents of immigration claim that because of migration, native schoolchildren have “no room to learn,” and educational standards are being “dumbed down.” To estimate the largest-possible immediate effects of various types of migrants on the degree of overcrowding and academic achievement in secondary schools in large cities in particular, this chapter analyzes official overtime classroom density and test score data from three natural experiments where immigration is clearly exogenous to the choice of school district: Mariel Cubans in Miami; Algerian “repatriates” in Marseille; and Eastern Europeans in Dublin. Elite interviews, archival materials, and quantitative panel analysis suggest that unrestricted immigration of secondary school students does not substantially increase classroom density or affect overall test scores. The study therefore disconfirms an immigration-based “peer effects” model of academic achievement.
Analysis on Effect of Vaccination in Left-behind Children in Shehong County of Suining

Objective To analyze the effect of vaccination in the left-behind children in Shehong county and provide evidence for the future vaccination.Method Five townships were selected by using PPS method,and 0-3 years old left-behind children and their guardians in one villages in each township received questionnaire survey before and after intervention.The results were entered in Epidata and analyzed with SAS software.Results After the intervention,the qualified vaccination rate in left-behind children increased form 96.67% to 99.5%for BCG,form 89.33% to 98.49% for OPV,from 86% to 97.99% for DPT,and from 86% to 96.98% for MV.The qualified fully vaccination rate for four EPI vaccines increased from 75.33% to 95.48 %,Hepatitis B vaccination rate increased from 84.67% to 94.97% and timely vaccination rate of hepatitis B increased from 73.33% to 87.44%.ConclusionAfter the intervention,except BCG,the vaccination rate of other three vaccines increased significantly among left-behind children in Shehong county.
Comparative analysis of mitosis-specific antibodies for bulk purification of mitotic populations by fluorescence-activated cell sorting

Mitosis entails complex chromatin changes that have garnered increasing interest from biologists who study genome structure and regulation-fields that are being advanced by high-throughput sequencing (Seq) technologies. The application of these technologies to study the mitotic genome requires large numbers of highly pure mitotic cells, with minimal contamination from interphase cells, to ensure accurate measurement of phenomena specific to mitosis. Here, we optimized a fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based method for isolating formaldehyde-fixed mitotic cells--at virtually 100% mitotic purity and in quantities sufficient for high-throughput genomic studies. We compared several commercially available antibodies that react with mitosis-specific epitopes over a range of concentrations and cell numbers, finding antibody MPM2 to be the most robust and cost-effective.
Initial report of a case of carcinosarcoma of the supraglottis.

Abstract Minor salivary gland carcinosarcoma is a rare malignancy with an ominous prognosis. This report recounts a single case of supraglottic minor salivary gland carcinosarcoma that was treated aggressively. We discuss the peculiarities of the histology, with special mention of the distinction that must be made between mucosal-origin and salivary-gland-origin carcinosarcoma. Carcinosarcomas are aggressive regardless of their origin, but differentiating their origin is important because the prognosis is worse for those that arise in salivary glands than for those that originate in the surface epithelium. This report adds to the literature a new case of minor salivary-gland-origin carcinosarcoma involving the upper airway. It is the first case we could identify in which the supraglottis was involved.
Can expired proprietary maize (Zea mays L.) industry lines be useful for short-season breeding programs? II. Agronomic traits

U.S. Patent and Plant Variety Protection Act protect maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds and hybrids. The overall objective of this research was to assess the usefulness of patent expired maize inbred lines. Factorial crosses were made including North Dakota State University (NDSU) lines, ex-PVP lines, and top industry testers in the 2010 NDSU Fargo summer nursery and in the 2010–2011 NDSU New Zealand winter nursery. Hybrids were planted across six different ND environments in 2011 and 2012 following partially balanced lattice experimental designs. Combining ability analyses were performed following a factorial design with fixed parents. Our research identified ex-PVP inbreds PH207, Q381, PHP02, S8324, PHK76, CR1Ht, PHT77, LH205, LH54, and PHJ40 as above average lines in hybrid combinations to increase yield. Our trials suggest most ex-PVP lines are not useful directly for commercial purposes but could be used as potential breeding sources for short-season maize breeding programs. Improvements in intellectual property and re-thinking of breeding rights access are encouraged to explore more suitable hybrids for northern U.S. farms. Current industry lines have important trait weaknesses for northern U.S. climates that public sector breeders in strategic breeding locations could improve in order to develop better hybrids for farmers. Our preferred choice would be to partner with industry in order to improve current industry lines with known weaknesses, especially for northern U.S. and Canada environments.
Authentic Engineering Assignments for an Undergraduate Vibration Laboratory Class

Authentic problem-solving experiences were used for a three-lab sequence on vibrations, offered as part of a required course for all mechanical engineering students at Michigan Tech, in order to guide undergraduates in building problem solving abilities. The sequence covers free-vibration, forced vibrations and tuned absorbers. In previous delivery of this course, a generic single degree of freedom test structure with no physical connection to a real-world application was used for all three activities. These initial lab activities guided the students through a process of gathering and interpreting measurements with little application of these engineering skills for solving realistic engineering problems.
Evaluating electronic health record data sources and algorithmic approaches to identify hypertensive individuals

Objective: Phenotyping algorithms applied to electronic health record (EHR) data enable investigators to identify large cohorts for clinical and genomic research. Algorithm development is often iterative, depends on fallible investigator intuition, and is time- and labor-intensive. We developed and evaluated 4 types of phenotyping algorithms and categories of EHR information to identify hypertensive individuals and controls and provide a portable module for implementation at other sites. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the EHRs of 631 individuals followed at Vanderbilt for hypertension status. We developed features and phenotyping algorithms of increasing complexity. Input categories included International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD9) codes, medications, vital signs, narrative-text search results, and Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) concepts extracted using natural language processing (NLP). We developed a module and tested portability by replicating 10 of the best-performing algorithms at the Marshfield Clinic. Results: Random forests using billing codes, medications, vitals, and concepts had the best performance with a median area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.976. Normalized sums of all 4 categories also performed well (0.959 AUC). The best non-NLP algorithm combined normalized ICD9 codes, medications, and blood pressure readings with a median AUC of 0.948. Blood pressure cutoffs or ICD9 code counts alone had AUCs of 0.854 and 0.908, respectively. Marshfield Clinic results were similar. Conclusion: This work shows that billing codes or blood pressure readings alone yield good hypertension classification performance. However, even simple combinations of input categories improve performance. The most complex algorithms classified hypertension with excellent recall and precision.
Reasoning about definiteness in a language without articles

Most theories of implicature make reference to a notion of alternatives. Interlocutors reason about what the speaker could have said. In this paper, I investigate the structure of these alternatives. In particular, I ask how these alternative utterances are constrained by the interlocutors' grammar. I argue that in order to derive certain implicatures, alternative utterances must be analyzed like actual utterances, as fully compositional structures appropriately generated by the grammar. The data supporting this position come from implicatures generated by indefinite bare noun phrases in Tagalog. I show that Tagalog indefinites give rise to non-uniqueness implicatures via competition with definites, as in English. However, unlike English, definite and indefinite interpretations of Tagalog NPs are not signalled by dedicated articles, but by verbal affixes. Therefore, in order to generate the observed implicatures, pragmatic competition must take into consideration the NP's broader syntactic context. Supporting the view that implicature calculation is sensitive to the morphosyntactic structure of alternative utterances, I show that in cases where the alternative is not grammatically well-formed, the implicature does not arise. These data provide evidence that only grammatically well-formed structures are able to enter into pragmatic competition.
A Taxonomy of Delivery and Documentation Deviations During Delivery of High-Fidelity Simulations.

Introduction We developed a taxonomy of simulation delivery and documentation deviations noted during a multicenter, high-fidelity simulation trial that was conducted to assess practicing physicians' performance. Eight simulation centers sought to implement standardized scenarios over 2 years. Rules, guidelines, and detailed scenario scripts were established to facilitate reproducible scenario delivery; however, pilot trials revealed deviations from those rubrics. A taxonomy with hierarchically arranged terms that define a lack of standardization of simulation scenario delivery was then created to aid educators and researchers in assessing and describing their ability to reproducibly conduct simulations. Methods Thirty-six types of delivery or documentation deviations were identified from the scenario scripts and study rules. Using a Delphi technique and open card sorting, simulation experts formulated a taxonomy of high-fidelity simulation execution and documentation deviations. The taxonomy was iteratively refined and then tested by 2 investigators not involved with its development. Results The taxonomy has 2 main classes, simulation center deviation and participant deviation, which are further subdivided into as many as 6 subclasses. Inter-rater classification agreement using the taxonomy was 74% or greater for each of the 7 levels of its hierarchy. Cohen kappa calculations confirmed substantial agreement beyond that expected by chance. All deviations were classified within the taxonomy. Conclusions This is a useful taxonomy that standardizes terms for simulation delivery and documentation deviations, facilitates quality assurance in scenario delivery, and enables quantification of the impact of deviations upon simulation-based performance assessment.
When Do Voters Support the European Union’s Involvement in Gay Rights?

Commitment to the European Union’s gay rights standards remains weak in new EU members and countries applying for EU membership. If the EU’s standards have minimal consequences, then when do voters support the EU’s involvement in gay rights? The existing research misses a comparison of opinions between those who identify with gay people, and those who do not. Sexuality-based marginalization carried out by state institutions (political homophobia) motivates those who identify with gay people to support alternatives to their state’s authority. Using an original survey of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I find that those who identify more closely with gay people are more likely to support transferring control of gay rights to the EU. Using twenty-one surveys of EU member states, I find that in countries with high levels of political homophobia, those who report discrimination on the basis of sexuality exhibit higher levels of support for the EU.
EM in identification of infectious organisms

A few electron microscopy (EM) laboratories are equipped for and expert in identifying viruses in fluids by negative staining, but many pathology EM laboratories only run into pathogenic organisms ...
MCDefender: Toward Effective Cyberbullying Defense in Mobile Online Social Networks

Cyberbullying in Online Social Networks (OSNs) has emerged as one of the most severe social concerns. Cyberbullying can be described as a form of bullying where a perpetrator uses electronic means to cause harm to a victim. With the proliferation of smartphone technology in present times, there has been a steady shift in the usage of OSNs from traditional computers to mobile devices. However, existing systems that defend against cyberbullying are largely applicable only to traditional computing platforms and cannot be directly applied to detect cyberbullying in mobile platforms. To address such a critical issue, we investigate an innovative mobile cyberbullying defense system called MCDefender that can effectively detect and prevent cyberbullying in mobile OSNs. We first analyze the key challenges that differentiate cyberbullying conditions in traditional and mobile platforms. We then investigate a two-level detection mechanism for comprehensive cyberbullying detection in mobile OSNs where cyberbullying can be quickly detected before a cyberbullying message is sent through a mobile device and hidden cyberbullying attacks can be also detected through a more fine-grained and context-aware analysis. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we implement and evaluate an Android application based on MCDefender. Our evaluation results show that our mobile application can detect cyberbullying with a high accuracy of 98.9% for OSNs.
Assessment of Neurodevelopment, Nutrition, and Inflammation From Fetal Life to Adolescence in Low-Resource Settings

Efforts to improve child neurodevelopment are critical to health, equity, and sustainable development, particularly in low-resource settings in the United States and globally. The colliding epidemics of food insecurity, infectious diseases, and noncommunicable diseases interact and impact neurodevelopment. Understanding the complex relationships between nutrition, inflammation, and neurodevelopment can inform clinical and public health interventions to improve outcomes. This article reviews key definitions, tools, and considerations for the assessment of nutrition, inflammation, and child neurodevelopment. The effectiveness of existing assessment tools to reflect status and biology, particularly in relation to each other, and to predict long-term changes in health is examined. The aim of this review is to present the extant evidence, identify critical research gaps, and suggest a research agenda for future longitudinal and intervention studies to address the assessment of nutrition, inflammation, and child neurodevelopment, particularly in low-resource settings. Despite research gaps, there is a strong relationship between nutrition, inflammation, environmental factors, and child neurodevelopment, which emphasizes the need to evaluate targeted, early interventions to improve long-term health and well-being.
An Uncanny Dehydrogenation Mechanism: Polar Bond Control over Stepwise or Concerted Transition States.

The mechanism of the dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles with the recently established bifunctional catalyst (iPrPNP)Fe(CO)(H) was investigated through experiments and density functional theory calculations (iPrPNP = iPr2PCH2CH2NCH2CH2PiPr2). In this system, the saturated N-heterocyclic substrates are completely dehydrogenated to the aromatic products. Calculations indicate that dehydrogenation barriers of the C–C bonds are very high in energy (ΔG‡ = 37.4–42.2 kcal/mol), and thus dehydrogenation only occurs at the C–N bond (ΔG‡ = 9.6–22.2 kcal/mol). Interestingly, substrates like piperidine with relatively unpolarized C–N bonds are dehydrogenated through a concerted proton/hydride transfer bifunctional transition state involving the nitrogen on the PNP ligand. However, substrates with polarized C–N bonds entail stepwise (proton then hydride) bifunctional dehydrogenation.
Intraoperative fast ripples independently predict postsurgical epilepsy outcome: Comparison with other electrocorticographic phenomena

Abstract In the surgical management of epilepsy, the resection of cortex exhibiting interictal fast ripples (250–500 Hz) on electrocorticography has been linked to postoperative seizure-freedom. Although fast ripples appear to accurately identify the epileptogenic zone—the minimum tissue that must be removed at surgery to achieve seizure-freedom—it has not been established that fast ripples are a superior biomarker in comparison with multimodal presurgical neuroimaging and other electrocorticography abnormalities. Hence, in the prediction of postoperative seizure-freedom, we compared the value of fast ripples with other intraoperative electocorticography abnormalities including focal slowing, paroxysmal fast activity, intermittent spike discharges, continuous epileptiform discharges, focal attenuation, and intraoperative seizures, as well as complete resection of the lesion defined by MRI and other neuroimaging. In a cohort of 60 children with lesional epilepsy and median postsurgical follow-up exceeding 4 years, who underwent resective epilepsy surgery with intraoperative electrocorticography, we evaluated the extent to which removal of each intraoperative electrocorticography abnormality impacts time to first postoperative seizure using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression. Secondly, we contrasted the predictive value of resection of each competing electrocorticography abnormality using standard test metrics (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value). In contrast with all other intraoperative electrocorticography abnormalities, fast ripples demonstrated the most favorable combination of positive predictive value (100%) and negative predictive value (76%) in the prediction of postoperative seizures. Among all candidate electrocorticography features, time to first postoperative seizure was most strongly associated with incomplete resection of fast ripples (hazard ratio = 19.8, p
Molecular basis for the substrate specificity of quorum signal synthases.

In several Proteobacteria, LuxI-type enzymes catalyze the biosynthesis of acyl–homoserine lactones (AHL) signals using S-adenosyl–l-methionine and either cellular acyl carrier protein (ACP)-coupled fatty acids or CoA–aryl/acyl moieties as progenitors. Little is known about the molecular mechanism of signal biosynthesis, the basis for substrate specificity, or the rationale for donor specificity for any LuxI member. Here, we present several cocrystal structures of BjaI, a CoA-dependent LuxI homolog that represent views of enzyme complexes that exist along the reaction coordinate of signal synthesis. Complementary biophysical, structure–function, and kinetic analysis define the features that facilitate the unusual acyl conjugation with S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). We also identify the determinant that establishes specificity for the acyl donor and identify residues that are critical for acyl/aryl specificity. These results highlight how a prevalent scaffold has evolved to catalyze quorum signal synthesis and provide a framework for the design of small-molecule antagonists of quorum signaling.
Intussusception: past, present and future

Intussusception is a common etiology of acute abdominal pain in children. Over the last 70 years, there have been significant changes in how we diagnose and treat intussusception, with a more recent focus on the role of ultrasound. In this article we discuss historical and current approaches to intussusception, with an emphasis on ultrasound as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality.
Design of a high-performance cascaded boost converter with SiC power devices for photovoltaic applications

This paper presents a positive output cascaded boost converter design based on wide bandgap power devices for photovoltaic (PV) applications. The objective is to enhance the converter’s performance and efficiency. The converter with SiC MOSFET devices is discussed and compared to a conventional cascaded boost converter based on Silicon (Si) devices. A 205 W cascaded boost converter with an input voltage of 26.6 V and an output voltage of 400 V is simulated to examine the switching behavior and energy loss of each power device. Converter performance with these two power devices is analyzed in terms of total power loss and efficiency at high switching frequencies and loading conditions. SiC power devices in the cascaded converter set-up perform better with minimized switching loss under a wide range of switching frequency conditions. The results show that the cascaded converter with SiC devices significantly reduces total power loss and improves the overall efficiency.
Validation study of a drift-wave turbulence model for CSDX linear plasma device

A validation study of self-regulating drift-wave turbulence/zonal flow dynamics in the Controlled Shear Decorrelation Experiment linear plasma device using Langmuir probe synthetic diagnostics is presented in this paper. We use a set of nonlocal 3D equations, which evolve density, vorticity, and electron temperature fluctuations, and include proper sheath boundary conditions. Nonlinear simulations of these equations are carried out using BOUndary Turbulence (BOUT++) framework. To identify the dominant parametric dependencies of the model, a linear growth rate sensitivity analysis is performed using input parameter uncertainties, which are taken from the experimental measurements. For the direct comparison of nonlinear simulation results to experiment, we use synthetic Langmuir probe diagnostics to generate a set of synthetic ion saturation current and floating potential fluctuations. In addition, comparisons of azimuthal velocities determined via time-delay estimation, and nonlinear energy transfer are shown. We observe a significant improvement of model-experiment agreement relative to the previous 2D simulations. An essential component of this improved agreement is found to be the effect of electron temperature fluctuations on floating potential measurements, which introduces clear amplitude and phase shifts relative to the plasma potential fluctuations in synthetically measured quantities, where the simulations capture the experimental measurements in the core of plasma. However, the simulations overpredict the fluctuation levels at larger radii. Moreover, systematic simulation scans show that the self-generated E × B zonal flows profile is very sensitive to the steepening of density equilibrium profile. This suggests that evolving both fluctuations and equilibrium profiles, along with the inclusion of modest axial variation of radial profiles in the model are needed for further improvement of simulation results against the experimental measurements.
Strong-axis and weak-axis buckling and local bulging of buckling-restrained braces with prismatic core plates

Abstract The performance of new type Buckling-Restrained Braces (BRB) is evaluated. The new type BRB is efficient since the steel core is constructed with prismatic steel plates that are straight throughout its length. Connection plates attaching the BRB to gusset plates are welded perpendicular to the steel core plates; this configuration is different from conventional BRBs in which the core plates also serve as the connection plates. Since the steel core plates are prismatic, construction of new type BRBs saves material and reduces the cost of manufacturing. Four full-scale new type BRBs were tested under quasi-static cyclic loading with either a single core plate or dual core plates using either bolted or welded connections to gusset plates. The hysteresis curves exhibited stable behavior with positive incremental stiffness; the ratio of maximum compression to tension capacity and the cumulative inelastic deformation were satisfactory. There was no rupture or instability and at failure the core plates achieved maximum tensile strains between 3.2% and 4.2%. Failure modes included core plate buckling about the strong or the weak axis and local bulging. The strong and weak axis buckling behavior is modeled using a strut-and-tie model. The local bulging behavior about either the strong or the weak axis is modeled using plastic analysis. Recommendations are presented for preventing strong axis buckling of the steel core and local bulging of the steel casing about the strong axis.
Development of a Questionnaire to Measure Impact and Outcomes of Brachial Plexus Injury.

Background:The physical and psychological impact of brachial plexus injury (BPI) has not been comprehensively measured with BPI-specific scales. Our objective was to develop and test a patient-derived questionnaire to measure the impact and outcomes of BPI.Methods:We developed a questionnaire in 3 p
Electrical Activity of Neurosecretory Terminals and Control of Peptide Hormone Release

Nerve cells specialized for the release of peptide hormones to the circulation, i.e., classic neurosecretory cells, retain their full complement of neuronal properties. Their activity is under control of the CNS through excitatory and inhibitory synaptic mediation. They integrate these influences with their own capabilities for endogenous activity to ultimately generate action potentials propagated to the secretory terminals. They represent the “final neuroendocrine pathway” (Knowles, 1974; E. Scharrer, 1965). In this chapter, I wish to examine the relationship between those action potentials that are propagated to the secretory terminals and release of peptide hormones from them. How much of the extensive, detailed knowledge of the mechanisms governing the release of transmitters at synapses (for reviews, see, for example, Katz, 1969; Gerschenfeld, 1973) is applicable to release of peptides from neurosecretory terminals? Are there modifications of the electrical activity of neurosecretory cells, particularly their terminals, that are related to peptide secretion? For example, is the longer duration of action potentials, well documented for the neuron somata, also a feature of neurosecretory axons and terminals, and what is its significance? What is the significance for hormone release of the “spontaneous” activity often recorded from neurosecretory cells, and of firing in bursts or patterned activity?
A Formulation of Hamiltonian Mechanics Using Geometric Calculus

The Clifford-algebra-based geometric calculus developed by Hestenes and Sobczyk is used to formulate some of the key concepts and theorems of Hamiltonian mechanics A brief comparison with other formulations is made.
Genetic Epidermal Diseases

Profound changes in the epidermis occur associated with abnormal epidermal structural proteins and lipids. Abnormal suprabasal keratins cause blistering and scaling: epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. Other abnormal keratins are associated with marked deformed nails and prenatal teeth: pachyonychia congenita. Deficient transglutaminase an enzyme that cross-links epidermal proteins is associated with generalized scaling: lamellar ichthyosis. Males with deficient steroid sulfatase have associated brown epidermal scales. Defective fatty acid alcohol metabolism in addition to scaling has associated mental retardation and spastic diplegia: Sjogren-Larsson syndrome. Mutations in different calcium pumps are associated with scaling and sun sensitivity (Darier disease) or blistering especially in intertriginous areas (Hailey-Hailey disease). Connexins, when mutated, are associated with scaling of the skin and sometimes associated deafness.