cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimates for censored (log)normal samples

The author presents an evaluation, by simulation, of the properties of several estimators of the parameters of the (two-parameter) lognormal distribution, for sample sizes from 10 to 60 and for right-censoring of 0 to 80% of the sample. Correction factors to reduce bias and recommendations are included. The estimators are also applicable to right-censored normal samples. >
Eliminating undetected interest looping in content-centric networks

It has been shown that Interest loops can go undetected in NDN (named data networking) and CCNx (content-centric networking) when Interests are aggregated. To solve this problem, we introduce CCN-ELF, a simple variation of the way in which CCNx and NDN work based on a new type of forwarding information base (FIB) that stores distance information about name prefixes for neighbors of a content router that can serve as next hops, rather than just a ranked list of those next hops. CCN-ELF uses a loop-free forwarding algorithm based on the information available in the new FIBs that allows Interests to be forwarded and aggregated, without the risk of undetected Interest loops and without requiring any changes to the packet formats used in NDN and CCNx.
Differentiation of short, single-stranded DNA homopolymers in solid-state nanopores.

In the last two decades, new techniques that monitor ionic current modulations as single molecules pass through a nanoscale pore have enabled numerous single-molecule studies. While biological nanopores have recently shown the ability to resolve single nucleotides within individual DNA molecules, similar developments with solid-state nanopores have lagged, due to challenges both in fabricating stable nanopores of similar dimensions as biological nanopores and in achieving sufficiently low-noise and high-bandwidth recordings. Here we show that small silicon nitride nanopores (0.8- to 2-nm diameter in 5- to 8-nm-thick membranes) can resolve differences between ionic current signals produced by short (30 base) ssDNA homopolymers (poly(dA), poly(dC), poly(dT)), when combined with measurement electronics that allow a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 10 to be achieved at 1-MHz bandwidth. While identifying intramolecular DNA sequences with silicon nitride nanopores will require further improvements in nanopo...
Histiocytic aggregates in benign nodular goiters mimicking cytologic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)

Macrophages/histiocytes are commonly seen in fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens of thyroid nodules with varying degrees of cystic change. In some cases the histiocytic component of a cystic thyroid nodule can occur as large tissue fragments with marked nuclear atypia, including elongated nuclei with chromatin clearing, nuclear grooves, and membrane thickening. These nuclear changes mimic cytologic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), thus leading to diagnostic difficulty in interpretation of FNAB specimens of benign cystic thyroid nodules. We evaluated ethanol-fixed Papanicolaou-stained smears of 273 cases of FNAB thyroid specimens from goitrous nodules with cystic change. Twenty cases were selected due to the presence of large aggregates of histiocytic cells with the above-mentioned nuclear atypia. An immunostain for histiocytic cells using CD68 was performed on alcohol-fixed slides. Histiocytic cells in tissue fragments with nuclear atypia mimicking PTC nuclei showed strong cytoplasmic staining for CD68; thyroid follicular cells stained negative for CD68. We conclude that histiocytic cells in cystic goitrous nodules can show nuclear features, which appear similar to PTC nuclei. Immunostaining for CD68 may be of value in differentiating between benign cystic thyroid nodules with histiocytic aggregates that mimic cytologic features of papillary carcinoma, and PTC with cystic change.
Routine use of unilateral and bilateral radial arteries for coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to evaluate the routine use of radial artery (RA) grafts in patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization. Background. Previous long-term studies have documented poor patency of saphenous vein grafts compared with internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafts. Methods. We performed a prospective review of 175 of 249 consecutive patients. Results. Fifty-four patients had bilateral RAs harvested. Mean number (±SD) of grafts/patient was 3.27 ± 0.93, with 2.76 ± 0.97 arterial grafts; a mean of 1.53 ± 0.68 grafts were performed with the RA. The operative mortality rate was 1.6%. No deaths were related to RA grafts, and there were no RA harvest site hematomas or infections. Transient dysesthesia 1 day to 4 weeks in duration occurred in the distribution of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve in six extremities (2.6%). Elective cardiac catheterization in 60 patients at 12 weeks postoperatively demonstrated a 95.7% patency rate. Conclusions. Because of potential benefit of long-term patency associated with arterial grafts, minimal morbidity and mortality associated with use of the RA and excellent short-term patency rates, we cautiously recommend use of one or both RAs as additional conduits to be used concomitantly with the ITA for arterial revascularization of the coronary arteries.
Statins Block Calcific Nodule Formation of Valvular Interstitial Cells by Inhibiting α-Smooth Muscle Actin Expression

Objective— Calcific aortic stenosis, characterized by excessive fibrosis and deposition of bone-like calcified tissue, affects roughly 2% to 3% of the U.S. population over the age of 65. Recent studies have suggested that statins have a positive effect on the progression of aoritic stenosis, likely because of their ability to affect the resident cell population, known as valvular interstitial cells (VICs). VICs are fibroblastic cells that can differentiate to form activated myofibroblasts, displaying increased alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression, contractility, and collagen production. Methods and Results— In culture, VICs spontaneously form multicellular aggregates that subsequently develop into calcified nodules, providing an in vitro model for aortic stenosis. Using real-time microscopic tracking, we observed that confluent VIC monolayers spontaneously contract into rounded nodules, suggesting that myofibroblastic contractility is a critical step in the process of nodule formation. Overexpression of αSMA increased VIC calcific nodule formation and contractility, whereas knockdown of αSMA with siRNAs reduced these phenotypes, suggesting that the expression and contractile properties of αSMA are essential to the formation of nodules. Statin treatment of VICs reduced αSMA expression, inhibited contractility, and decreased nodule formation. When statins were used to treat preformed nodules, no decrease in the number of calcified nodules was observed, suggesting that statins may play more of a preventative role in aortic stenosis than a cure. Conclusions— Our studies provide evidence of a causal relationship between VIC myofibroblastic activity and initial VIC calcific nodule formation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that pravastatin inhibition of calcific nodule formation is related to inhibition of myofibroblastic activity.
A Component Analysis Modeling, Self-Reporting, and Reinforcement of Self-Reporting in the Development of Sharing

In a previous study, sharing was established and maintained in preschool children by the combined use of modeling, self-reporting, and reinforcement for true reports of sharing. The present study systematically analyzed five components of that procedure in a multiple-baseline design across two groups of four-year-old children. The first two components, (1) modeling of sharing and (2) modeling of sharing combined with reinforcement of modeled reports of sharing, did not increase subjects' sharing above base-line levels. When given an opportunity to report their own behaviors (component 3), most subjects began reporting sharing, and three (of eight) subjects began sharing play materials. Reinforcement of any (true or untrue) report of sharing (component 4) maintained the reports of sharing, but produced only small increases in actual sharing. However, the fifth component, reinforcement of true reports of sharing, produced desirable rates of sharing and high levels of reporting for all subjects. Thus, althou...
Another Family of Distributions for Describing and Analyzing Precipitation Data

Abstract A positively skewed two-parameterer family of distributions is introduced as an alternative description of precipitation amounts. Each distribution of this family is associated with a simple two-sample non-parametric test which, for large samples, is optimum in detecting scale changes induced, say, by cloud seeding. Since the nonpararmetric test in question here is specified by the shape parameter of this family, two procedures are given for estimating parameters of this family from observed precipitation data. In addition, specific comparisons are made between this new family and corresponding gamma and one-sided t families.
A simple, robust hardware device for passive or active respiratory gating in MRI and MRS experiments

The synchronization of MR data collection with respiration is essential for collecting high-quality, in vivo magnetic resonance images and spectra of rodents. In this article, we describe the design and operation of a simple, robust device for respiratory gating. Inexpensive and easy to construct, the device operates in either free-breathing or actively driven (ventilator) modes. Respiration is monitored either by a pressure transducer connected to the nosecone used to deliver anesthesia to the animal or by a fiber-optic detector of the animal's motion. The device generates a TTL signal that can be used to trigger the MR scanner to enable respiratory-synchronized data acquisition. A variety of different MR imaging sequences can be easily modified to incorporate respiratory gating. We present respiratory-synchronized imaging and spectroscopy results obtained using this device, including 1H MR images of mouse lung, liver, and spinal cord and localized 1H spectra of mouse liver. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 21B: 40–48, 2004
Regulatory evolution of innate immunity through co-option of endogenous retroviruses

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are abundant in mammalian genomes and contain sequences modulating transcription. The impact of ERV propagation on the evolution of gene regulation remains poorly understood. We found that ERVs have shaped the evolution of a transcriptional network underlying the interferon (IFN) response, a major branch of innate immunity, and that lineage-specific ERVs have dispersed numerous IFN-inducible enhancers independently in diverse mammalian genomes. CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of a subset of these ERV elements in the human genome impaired expression of adjacent IFN-induced genes and revealed their involvement in the regulation of essential immune functions, including activation of the AIM2 inflammasome. Although these regulatory sequences likely arose in ancient viruses, they now constitute a dynamic reservoir of IFN-inducible enhancers fueling genetic innovation in mammalian immune defenses.
Control of Static Shape, Dynamic Oscillation, and Thermally Induced Vibration of Nozzles

Static shape actuation and dynamic control of nozzles can optimize their performance, accuracy, reliability, etc. A new curved laminated piezothermoelastic hexahedral finite element is formulated based on the layerwise constant shear angle theory and it is used for modeling and analysis of piezothermoelastic conical shell structures subjected to control voltages for static shape actuation, dynamic and thermally-induced vibration controls. Free vibration characteristics of an elastic truncated conical shell nozzle with fixed-free boundary conditions are studied using the new finite element. Both frequencies and mode shapes are accurately computed and compared favorably with the experimental and other numerical data. This study is then extended to evaluate control effectiveness of the conical shell with laminated piezoelectric layers. Static shape control is achieved by an applied electric potential. Vibration sensing and control are carried out using the negative velocity control scheme. Control of thermal excitation is also investigated. Analysis data suggests that the dynamic behavior and control characteristics of conical shells are quite complicated due to the coupled membrane and bending effects participating in the responses. To improve control effectiveness, segmentation and/or shaping of sensor and actuator layers need to be further investigated.© 2003 ASME
The Steroidogenic Capacity of the Aging Rat Testis

Factors bearing on the steroidogenic capacity of the aging testis have been examined in Sprague-Dawley rats between 3 and 24 months of age. Neither the number nor the binding affinity of testicular receptors for 125I-hCG changed with age. The ability of the aging testis to synthesize cholesterol from octanoate was similarly undiminished. Testicular conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, the gonadotropin-responsive, rate-limiting portion of the androgenic pathway, remained near young adult levels with advancing age. The rate at which the testis converted pregnenolone to testosterone actually increased by almost 25% in the oldest rats. Hence, the steroidogenic capacity of the Sprague-Dawley rat testis does not decline with advancing age.
The global burden of congenital heart disease

Although the incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) is similar worldwide, the burden of supporting these patients falls more heavily on countries with high fertility rates. In a country with a fertility rate of about eight per woman, the population has to support four times as many children with CHD as in a country with a fertility rate of two. Countries with the highest fertility rates tend to have the lowest incomes per capita, thus accentuating the disparity. Countries with high fertility rates have more children with congenital heart disease per wage earner. Improving local health services and controlling infectious diseases (diarrhoeal illness, rheumatic fever, measles, rotoviral infection) are important but are mere 'band-aids' compared to improving education, empowering women and reducing birth rates.
An Analytical Solution for Dynamic Stress Concentration of Underground Twin Cavities due to Incident SV Waves

An analytical solution for two-dimensional dynamic stress concentration of underground twin cavities for incident plane SV waves is derived by wave function expansion technique.It is shown that interaction between two cavities may prominently amplify the dynamic stress concentration of the cavities when the two cavities are close,and the dynamic stress concentration factor may reach to 5.2 times of that for the case of single cavity,and the maximum dynamic concentration factors are located at the boundaries opposite to each other.
Research of manufacturing resources optimum allocation platform supporting rapid extended manufacturing

On the basis of analyzing networked manufacturing research results at home and abroad,armament REM definition was introduced according to the requirement of armament rapid batch variable production,and the concept model of manufacturing resource for REM was also discussed.In order to organize manufacturing resource to produce in large quantities quickly,manufacturing resource optimum allocation platform was proposed to support REM.Further more,its infrastructure and key technologies were also discussed to establish paper research bounds.
Overcoming the Disability Deceptions

Several years ago, a disease from which I suffer rendered me disabled. I am now in a wheelchair, I’m legally blind, and I speak with difficulty. As a consequence, after about 50 years as an able-bodied person, I am now living life as a disabled person. In my experience, there is simply no comparison between the treatment accorded an able-bodied person and that accorded a disabled person. Persons who are not disabled receive substantially better treatment. Obamacare will not result in universal care in the United States, a goal to which this country committed itself in 1948 (with its support of the Declaration), and a goal that has been achieved, in virtually every developed country other than this one. Even after Obamacare is fully implemented, more than 20 million Americans will be without adequate health care coverage, resulting in the preventable deaths of thousands of Americans per year. Not surprisingly, disabled persons need more medical treatment, supplies, and equipment than non-disabled persons. The denial of those things, therefore, has a disproportionate effect on disabled persons.
SU-F-T-92: Clinical Benefit for Breast and Chest Wall Setup in Using a Breast Board

Purpose: To validate benefit of using a breast board (BB) by analyzing the geometry and dosimetry changes of the regions of interest (ROIs) between CT scans with and without BB. Methods: Seven patients, two chest walls (CW) and five breasts, use BB at CT simulation and no BB at diagnostic CT were included. By using deformable image registration software (Velocity AI), diagnostic CT and planning CT were rigidly co-registered according to the thoracic cage at the target. The heart and the target were then deformedly matched and the contours of the planned ROIs were transferred to the diagnostic CT. Which were brought back to the planning CT data set though the initial rigid co-registration in order to keep the deformed ROIs redefined in the diagnostic CT. Anatomic shifts and volume changes of a ROI beyond the rigid translation were recorded and dosimetry changes to ROIs were compared with recalculated DVHs. Results: Patient setup without the BB had small but systematic heart shifts superiorly by ∼5 mm. Torso rotations in two cases moved the heart in opposite directions by ∼10 mm. The breast target volume, shape, and locations were significantly changed with arm extension over the head but not in cases with the arm extended laterally. Breast setup without BB could increase the mean dose to the heart and the maximal dose to the anterior ventricle wall by 1.1 and 6.7 Gy, respectively. Conclusion: A method for evaluation of breast setup technique is introduced and applied for patients. Results of systematic heart displacement without using the BB and the potential increase of heart doses encourage us to further investigate the current trend of not using a BB for easy setup and CT scans. Using a BB would likely increase patient sag during prolonged IMRT and real-time patient position monitoring is clinically desired.
Redefining myocardial infarction for the 21st century.

By defining an object or a concept, we gain control over it. Medical education consists in large part of learning a series of definitions that carry with them the power to communicate with one's colleagues. This process of definition and hence control continues indefinitely throughout a medical career. Defining a disease is a process that enables clinicians and clinical scientists to label patients-a process known as "making a diagnosis". Labeling a patient with a specific diagnosis has important implications for that individual with respect to his/her relationship to the medical community and to the rest of society. For example, when a patient is given a diagnosis of myocardial infarction, this simple step changes that individual's ability to perform certain jobs, e.g., airline pilot; or, it may make this patient eligible to participate in a variety of clinical experiments aimed at improving either the diagnostic or the therapeutic aspects of myocardial infarction. Unfortunately, clinicians and clinical scientists often define the same disease differently. Thus, characteristics used to define a disease in one country may be interpreted differently by physicians in another nation thus rendering comparisons of this particular disease between countries difficult if not impossible. Similarly, one study may define a disease in a manner that is different from the definition employed in another clinical trial. This makes it very difficult to compare the results of different pharmacological, interventional and epidemiological studies that employ patients with a specific disease. Moreover, public health statistics and insurance company data may also employ differing definitions of a particular disease such as myocardial infarction, thereby making comparisons of results very difficult.
Controlled synthesis of MnO2 nanoparticles for aqueous battery cathodes: polymorphism–capacity correlation

Polymorphs of MnO2 are known to have different electrochemical activity, with gamma (γ) and akhtenskite (e) polymorphs often considered as the most active phases for aqueous battery cathodes. However, most synthetic samples contain a mixture of polymorph phases, which makes understanding of the structure-property correlations more complicated. In this paper, we report on a systematic study that correlates synthesis parameters with the morphology, phase composition and reversible storage capacity of the resulting nanoparticles. Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction patterns was used to accurately describe fractional composition of multi-phase nanoparticles. It was demonstrated that through control of the synthesis parameters desired phase compositions and nanoparticle morphologies can be achieved. The key synthesis parameters were found to be the concentration of Mn2+ precursor which strongly affects both the morphology and the crystalline structure of the products, and the time of reaction. The presence of surfactant only impacts the crystalline phase composition of the MnO2 nanoparticles and has insignificant effect on the morphology. It was also demonstrated that nanoparticles with higher fraction of the akhtenskite polymorph show higher reversible capacities in LiOH electrolyte (~210 mAh/g) compared to other MnO2 phase compositions (~120 mAh/g).
Characterization and restoration of degenerated IVD function with an injectable, in situ gelling alginate hydrogel: An in vitro and ex vivo study

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a naturally, irreparable process that causes loss in IVD hydration, cellularity, and, mechanical stability. Invasive surgical attempts to ease back pain and, radiculopathy have shown to cause increased degeneration along the rest, of the spine. Due to its highly tunable mechanical and degradation, properties, alginate is a viable option for a less-invasive injectable, repair for IVD degeneration. This study centers on the characterization, of in situ gelling alginate and subsequent injection into enzymatically, degraded motion segments., In situ gelation of 2% alginate (% w/v PBS) was performed using calcium, carbonate (CaCO3) and glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) and compared to, instantaneously gelled 2% alginate crosslinked with calcium chloride., After characterization of multiple molar concentrations, a ratio of, 60mM:120mM CaCO3:GDL was determined to have the most optimum properties, for injection. Enzymatically degraded bovine caudal motion segments were, injected with the optimized in situ gelling alginate and mechanically, loaded; injected motion segments were compared to intact specimens, degraded specimens, and specimens injected with 20% gelatin to, corroborate with previous ex vivo injection studies., Overall, injection of in situ curing 2% alginate into an enzymatically, and mechanically degraded IVD restores function via reduction of height, loss over long-term cyclic loading, is constrained within the disc with, no injection site leakage, and successfully fills all void spaces created, by chemonucleolysis with 1% collagenase-f. These findings, along with the, ability of alginate to be specifically tailored to support cell, viability, show promise for a tissue engineered injectable NP substitute for the reversal of disc degeneration.
An Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation Practices and Programs for Adolescents

There are a growing number of mindfulness and meditation programs designed to help adolescents manage stress, improve health and wellness, and promote personal strengths. It is essential that these programs be offered in a developmentally appropriate and theoretically grounded manner. In order to more fully understand these diverse practices and the vast potential for positively impacting adolescents, it is necessary to provide a historical context for offering meditative practices to adolescents and to clearly delineate what is meant by the terms meditation, mindfulness, and adolescence. This chapter provides a comprehensive discussion of these topics with a focus on contemporary mindfulness and meditation practices and programming adapted for use with adolescents and supported by research.
Regional connectivity for recolonizing American black bears (Ursus americanus) in southcentral USA

Abstract Landscape connectivity is vital for species conservation in human-modified landscapes, lessening population declines and genetic depression caused by habitat loss and fragmentation. We used concepts from electronic circuit theory to identify potential areas for American black bears ( Ursus americanus ) that facilitate connectivity between key federally protected areas, determined if black bears used higher quality habitat than available, and examined their distribution relative to human disturbance. We developed a regional (Mississippi, Louisiana, eastern Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri, USA) model estimating landscape resistance to movement using GIS-based features considered to affect black bear space use: land cover type, distance to major rivers, road density, and highway presence. We selected national forests and national wildlife refuges as patches among which to model potential movement. Using citizen-reported black bear sightings from Mississippi and Missouri, we evaluated land cover selection at fine and coarse scales, and validated our model comparing current density between bear sightings and random locations. Black bear sightings occurred in areas of higher current density compared to random locations ( p
Frequency and factors predicting the risk for aberrant opioid use in patients receiving outpatient palliative care at a comprehensive cancer center.

228Background: Opioid misuse is a growing crisis among patients with chronic pain. Cancer patients at risk of aberrant drug behaviors (ADB) are frequently underdiagnosed in routine cancer care. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and factors predicting risk for Aberrant Opioid and Drug use among Patients receiving Outpatient Supportive Care Consultation at a Comprehensive Cancer Center Methods: In this retrospective study, 690 consecutive patients referred to a supportive care clinic were reviewed. Patients were eligible if they were ≥18 years, had a diagnosis of cancer, and were on opioids for pain for atleast a week. All patients were assessed with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), SOAPP-14, and CAGE-AID. At risk patients with aberrant opioid behavior (+Risk) was defined as SOAPP-14 score ≥7. Descriptive statistics, spearman correlation coefficient, multivariate analysis were performed. Results: 690/752 consults were eligible. A total of 135(20%)were +risk. 69(11%) were CAGE...
Marijuana buyers in the United States, 2010-2014.

Abstract Background Obtaining or purchasing marijuana in the U.S. can be done only in certain states via a lawful market for medical or non-medical (recreational) purposes, or via an unlawful market (“black market”) by home cultivation and unlicensed vendors and individuals. Given the evolving U.S. state marijuana legislation landscape, the objective of this study is to describe individuals who report buying marijuana in the past year by selected characteristics and U.S. geographical location. Methods Using data from the 2010–2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), we conducted bivariate chi-square tests to examine sociodemographic and selected behavioral indicators associated with buying marijuana and analyzed these factors in a multivariable logistic regression model. NSDUH participants were the noninstitutionalized civilian population aged 12+ (approximately 62,100 individuals per year) who reported using marijuana in the past year (approximately 12,400 annual average). Results A weighted estimate of approximately 18.5 million individuals aged 12+ reported buying marijuana in the past year (59% of marijuana users). Overall, buyers of marijuana were more likely to be male, report using marijuana for a greater number of days, and to meet the criteria for substance use disorder and marijuana dependence. Data showed differences of proportion of marijuana buyers by state of residence. Conclusions Given recent changes in state laws and policies and the increased demand for marijuana products, continued monitoring of the U.S. marijuana market in coming years is important in order to understand consumption and buying patterns among at-risk segments of the population, especially youth.
SBPG: Secure Better Portable Graphics for Trustworthy Media Communications in the IoT

Smart Healthcare is envisioned as the combination of traditional healthcare augmented by smart bio-sensors, wearable devices, and a plethora of on-body sensors that communicate with smart hospitals, smart emergency response systems, and ambulances, through advanced information and communication technologies. The vision of smart healthcare as part of a smart city relies on the framework of the Internet of Things (IoT) as the underlying core technology that enables the design and operation of a city, whereby smart technology, energy grids, transportation, buildings, communication, and information technology, are all interconnected. This paper addresses some of the challenges faced in the IoT infrastructure, specifically secure communication and user authentication in the context of automated analysis of biomedical images and communication of the analysis results and related metadata in a smart healthcare framework. A hardware architecture for a secure digital camera integrated with the secure better portable graphics (SBPG) compression algorithm, suitable for applications in the IoT, is proposed in this paper. The focus of this paper is on patient data protection and authentication. The proposed SBPG architecture offers two layers of protection, concurrent encryption and watermarking, which address all issues related to security, privacy, and digital rights management. The experimental results demonstrate that the new compression technique BPG outperforms JPEG in terms of compression quality and compressed file size while providing increased image quality. High performance requirements of BPG have been met by employing two techniques: 1) insertion of an encrypted signature in the center portion of the image and 2) frequency-domain watermarking using blockwise DCT of size $8\times 8$ pixels. These approaches optimize the proposed architecture by decreasing computational complexity while maintaining strong protection, with concomitant increase of the speed of the watermarking and compression processes. A Simulink® prototype for the proposed architecture has been built and tested. To the best of our knowledge, the hardware architecture for BPG compression with built-in image authentication capability for integration with a secure digital camera is the first one ever proposed .
Response by Gold to Letter Regarding Article, “Treatment of Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation: Does One Plus One Always Equal Two?”

I thank Dr Reiffel for his interest and insightful comments regarding my article on subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF).1 The association between AF and stroke is very strong, and he clearly provides compelling evidence for why there should be an interaction between the duration of AF and stroke risk factors (ie, CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score). However, whether AF is causative or …
Strong Effect of Organic Ligands on the Electronic Structure of Metal-Chalcogenide Clusters.

It is shown that multiple ionization energies of metal-chalcogenide clusters can be substantially reduced by adding ligands that form charge transfer complexes. We demonstrate this intriguing phenomenon by considering metal-chalcogenide clusters including cases where a cluster has a filled electronic shell with a large gap between the occupied and unoccupied states reminiscent of stable species. The studies include a Co6Se8 core ligated with tri-ethylphosphine (PEt3) ligands forming a stable Co6Se8(PEt3)6 species. All of the ligated clusters have a first ionization energy in the range for alkali atoms and multiple ionization energies that are considerably lower than those for the non-ligated clusters. The change in electronic behavior upon ligation can be associated with a shift in the electronic spectrum via a crystal field like effect due to attaching ligands that form charge transfer complexes. We also show that metal-chalcogenide species can be programmed by proper ligand replacement to promote dimeri...
Fellow as Clinical Teacher (FACT) Curriculum: Improving Fellows' Teaching Skills During Inpatient Consultation.

Introduction Multiple barriers, including time constraints, a demanding teaching environment, and lack of longitudinal relationships with residents, make it challenging for fellows and learners to ...
U.S. maritime strategy: sound and safe

The last area of U.S. superiority over the Soviet Union is at sea. The new strategy seeks to use that advantage to help secure peace, yet if war should come, to gain leverage over Moscow and its allies.
Antihypertensive Activity of 2[(2-Hydroxyphenyl) amino] -4(3H)-quinazolinone

Two 2-substituted 4(3H)-quinazolinones were synthesized through an easy one-step synthetic procedure. One of them (1), which was synthesized by the reaction of l-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-thiourea and isatoic anhydride, contained a guanidino moiety and showed antihypertensive activity following cumulative intravenous administration to anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats. The other compound (2) does not contain the guanidino group and did not exhibit antihypertensive activity.
Strong coupling and induced transparency at room temperature with single quantum dots and gap plasmons

Coherent coupling between plasmons and transition dipole moments in emitters can lead to two distinct spectral effects: vacuum Rabi splitting at strong coupling strengths, and induced transparency (also known as Fano interference) at intermediate coupling strengths. Achieving either strong or intermediate coupling between a single emitter and a localized plasmon resonance has the potential to enable single-photon nonlinearities and other extreme light-matter interactions, at room temperature and on the nanometer scale. Both effects produce two peaks in the spectrum of scattering from the plasmon resonance, and can thus be confused if scattering measurements alone are performed. Here we report measurements of scattering and photoluminescence from individual coupled plasmon-emitter systems that consist of a single colloidal quantum dot in the gap between a gold nanoparticle and a silver film. The measurements unambiguously demonstrate weak coupling (the Purcell effect), intermediate coupling (Fano interference), and strong coupling (Rabi splitting) at room temperature.
SYNTHESIS OF N,N‐DIALKYLHYDROXYLAMINES, A REVIEW

In der Ubersichtarbeit werden Herstellungsverfahren von Dialkylhydroxylami: nen (I) durch Umsetzung von Organometallverbindungen mit verschiedenen, N-O-Bindungen enthaltenden Verbindungen, durch Cope-Reaktion, durch Oxi=" dation von sekundaren Aminen, Alkylierung von Hydroxylaminen oder N-Alkylhydroxylaminen und durch′ Reduktion von Nitronen behandelt.
Effect of risk messages on risk appraisals, attitudes, ambivalence, and willingness to smoke hookah in young adults.

Objective: We examined effects of hookah tobacco risk messages on risk appraisals, attitudes towards hookah, ambivalence about hookah use, and willingness to smoke in young adults aged 18–30 years ...
Is Early Amniotomy Associated with Higher Likelihood of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean

Objective The study aims to reduce cesarean rates, eligible women are being offered an option of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). However, little data exist regarding efficacy of amniotomy as a tool in this population. We sought to evaluate the impact of early amniotomy on VBAC success. Study Design This is a secondary analysis case-control study using the MFMU (Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network) Cesarean Registry. Women were included if they had a singleton pregnancy, were attempting VBAC, and underwent induction with artificial rupture of membranes. Cases were defined as subjects with successful VBAC; controls were defined as subjects with failed trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). Early amniotomy was defined as amniotomy at Results A total of 1,490 women were included. Early amniotomy occurred in 59.5% with VBAC versus 63.2% with failed TOLAC (p = 0.24). After controlling for body mass index, prior vaginal delivery, African–American race, labor length, gestational age, birthweight, epidural use, Foley catheter balloon ripening, induction method and oxytocin use, early amniotomy was associated with a 34% decrease in VBAC success (p 0.99). Conclusion Unlike data from nulliparous women, our data suggest that induction with early amniotomy does not increase the likelihood of VBAC.
Gain-of-function Shh mutants activate Smo in cis independent of Ptch1/2 function

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling is characterized by strict non-cell autonomy; cells expressing Shh do not respond to their ligand. Here, we identify several Shh mutations that gain the ability to activate the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway in cis. This activation requires the extracellular cysteine rich domain of Smoothened, but is otherwise independent of Ptch1/2. Many of the identified mutations disrupt either a highly conserved catalytic motif found in peptidases or an alpha-helix domain frequently mutated in holoprosencephaly-causing SHH alleles. The expression of gain-of-function mutants often results in the accumulation of unprocessed Shh pro-peptide, a form of Shh we demonstrate is sufficient to activate the Hh response cell-autonomously. Our results demonstrate that Shh is capable of activating the Hh pathway via Smo independently of Ptch1/2, and that it harbors an intrinsic mechanism that prevents cell-autonomous activation of the pathway to favor non-cell autonomous signaling.
The Differences in Viral Etiologies between Children with and without Severe Disability Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with Acute Respiratory Illness

Objectives The objectives of this study were to evaluate the differences in the viral etiologies and variability in the clinical course between children with and without severe disability (SD) admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with acute respiratory illness (ARI). Methods The medical records of patients admitted to our PICU between June 2017 and July 2019 were retrospectively reviewed for viral etiology and clinical course. Results Forty-eight of 136 patients included in the study had SD. The rates of requiring positive pressure ventilation (43.5% vs. 20.5%) or inotropic support (39.9% vs. 15.9%), and the median length of stay (11 [10] vs. 5 [8]) were significantly higher in children with SD (p Conclusion In this present study, influenza was an important pathogen for children with SD, while RSV was the main cause of ARI-associated PICU admission in children without SD. By focusing on increasing the rate of immunization against influenza in children with SD and their caregivers the burden of influenza-associated PICU admissions could be decreased.
Symptoms and recovery among adult outpatients with and without COVID-19 at 11 healthcare facilities-July 2020, United States.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of mild COVID-19 illness are non-specific and may persist for prolonged periods. Effects on quality of life of persistent poor physical or mental health associated with COVID-19 are not well understood. METHODS: Adults aged ≥18 years with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and matched control patients who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection at outpatient facilities associated with 11 medical centers in the United States were interviewed to assess symptoms, illness duration, and health-related quality of life. Duration of symptoms, health-related quality of life measures, and days of poor physical health by symptoms experienced during illness were compared between case patients and controls using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Symptoms associated with COVID-19 case status were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 320 participants included, 157 were COVID-19 cases and 163 were SARS-CoV-2 negative controls. Loss of taste or smell was reported by 63% of cases and 6% of controls and was strongly associated with COVID-19 in logistic regression models (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 32.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.6-83.1). COVID-19 cases were more likely than controls to have experienced fever, body aches, weakness, or fatigue during illness, and to report ≥1 persistent symptom more than 14 days after symptom onset (50% vs 32%, P < .001). Cases reported significantly more days of poor physical health during the past 14 days than controls (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Differentiating COVID-19 from other acute illnesses will require widespread diagnostic testing, especially during influenza seasons. Persistent COVID-19-related symptoms may negatively affect quality of life, even among those initially presenting with mild illness.
Promotion of leisure-time physical activity by craft breweries in Knoxville, Tennessee

There exists literature written on connections between alcohol consumption and physical activity, but no research has been conducted to assess co-occurrence of these as paired behaviours. However, ...
Radiotherapy Deserts: Impact of Race, Poverty and the Rural-Urban Continuum on Density of Radiation Oncologists in the United States.

Purpose/Objective(s) In the landmark work of Bates et al. (2020), per capita distribution of radiation oncologists was strongly linked to rural-urban continuum status. To build on this effort and further isolate resource-poor “radiotherapy deserts,” we investigated associations between physician density and rural-urban continuum status, race, poverty, & prostate (PC) and invasive breast (BC) cancer metrics at the county level. Materials/Methods We created an ecologic study model using data from US HRSA Area Health Resources Files, USDA Economic Research Service, and the AMA Physician Masterfile. The NIH Cancer State Profiles provided cancer-specific incidence and death rates per county. Physician to person at risk (PPR) density was defined as the number of attending-level radiation oncologists per 100,000 persons at risk (males and females ≥ 35 years for PC and BC, respectively). Uni- and multivariable regressions evaluated relationships between PPR density and race, percent poverty, and metro (vs. nonmetro) status per rural-urban continuum definitions. Logistic regression tested links between > 2 standard deviations (2SD) above mean cancer-specific incidence & death rates and PPR density, race, & metro status. Reported statistics are P Results Mean PPR density is 2.1 (SD 5.9) for PC and 1.9 (SD 5.3) for BC. Univariable analyses show higher PPR density is significantly associated with metro status (β coefficients 2.9 and 2.6), lower %poverty (both -.1), lower %White (-1.4 and -1.3) and higher %Black (2.5 and 2.2) for PC and BC, respectively. The table below shows β coefficients for PPR density on racial distribution by metro status, controlling for %poverty. For both PC and BC, lower %White and higher %Black race are associated with higher PPR density in metro but not nonmetro counties. This pattern may be due to higher %Black concentration in metro counties with the largest populations, which may be linked to nominal resource density. Such an association is absent in nonmetro counties. For PC and BC, respectively, mean (SD) incidence rate is 102.4 (25.6) and 120 (20.1), and death rate is 20.8 (6) and 21.4 (4.8). For PC, higher odds of > 2SD death rate but not incidence is tied to lower PPR density (odds ratio .9), whereas for BC, higher odds of both are associated with lower PPR density (.8 and .9, respectively). For both BC and PC, higher odds of these cancer metrics are also linked to higher %Black or nonmetro status. Conclusion Radiation oncology PPR density is intricately linked to counties’ rural-urban status, poverty rate, and racial distributions. Inverse relationships between PPR density and PC & BC incidence or death rates reveal mismatch in distributions between resources and need, particularly when considering race and nonmetro status. Interactive density maps at bit.ly/density maps show “radiotherapy deserts” for targeting interventions.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION OF FLAT BOTTOM SLAMMING IMPACT OF ADVANCED MARINE VEHICLES IN WAVES

This article treats the problem of the analytical-computational determination of slamming forces, and resultant structural loads, for flat-bottom centerbody surfaces of advanced marine vehicles (such as hullborne SES, SWATH and similar catamaran vessels) in waves. The analysis uses the concept of fluid momentum theory. A three-dimensional model eliminates the infinite force behavior attaching to conventional two-dimensional strip theory methods applied to impact problems for flat surfaces. Theoretical results are in good agreement with model test data. The range of values possible in peak slamming load measurements in regular wave is discussed, as are the contributing causes for such effects.
Giraffa camelopardalis (Giraffe)

The karyotypes presented here are gifts of Dr. P. Hosli, University of Basel, Switzerland, who used cultured cells of umbilical cords for cytological preparations.
Progression free survival and functional outcome after surgical resection of intramedullary ependymomas

We present a 15 year institutional analysis of the factors affecting progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing attempted resection of adult intramedullary spinal cord ependymomas. Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are rare but important clinical entities, and ependymomas are the most commonly encountered intramedullary tumor. In total, 53 adult patients over the span of 15 years were analyzed for OS, PFS, and the effects of plane of dissection (POD) and gross total resection (GTR) on functional and long term outcomes. The mean age was 45 years and median follow-up was 54 months. The follow-up neurological outcome and modified McCormick scale were used to determine the functional outcome. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to calculate progression and survival. The overall ability to achieve GTR was significantly correlated to identification of an intraoperative POD (p<0.001). There was a trend towards increased PFS with the ability to achieve a GTR. There was no significant difference in the pre- and postoperative functional outcome scores. The ability to achieve a GTR is strongly correlated to the identification of a POD in ependymomas. There is a trend towards an increased probability of PFS in intramedullary spinal cord tumors when GTR is achieved. The resection of these tumors is likely to halt, but not reverse, neurological deterioration.
A Minority of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Routinely Downloads and Retrospectively Reviews Device Data

Abstract Background: In type 1 diabetes (T1D), periodic review of blood glucose and insulin dosing should be performed, but it is not known how often patients review these data on their own. We describe the proportion of patients with T1D who routinely downloaded and reviewed their data at home. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 155 adults and 185 caregivers of children with T1D at a single academic institution was performed. “Routine Downloaders” (downloaded four or more times in the past year) were also considered “Routine Reviewers” if they reviewed their data most of the time they downloaded from devices. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with being a Routine Reviewer. Results: Only 31% of adults and 56% of caregivers reported ever downloading data from one or more devices, whereas 20% and 40%, respectively, were considered Routine Downloaders. Only 12% of adults and 27% of caregivers were Routine Reviewers. Mean hemoglobin A1c was lower in Routine Reviewers ...