cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Analysis of Launch Vehicle Success Rates

In the choosing of a launch vehicle for a given mission or in the determination of insurance coverage and premiums fo rag iven launch, accurate estimates of the probability of success of the different launch vehicles provide important information. There are three general approaches to estimating the probability of launch success. The first is to use a probabilistic risk analysis, decomposing the system into its subsystems and components and estimating the probability of each of the failure modes. The second is to rely on expert judgment about the vehicle’s success rate as a whole, without a functional decomposition of the system. The third is to use statistical data about the past performance of the system to estimate the vehicle’s success rate. The focus is put on this last approach, using Bayesian probability theory to make better use of vehicle-level performance data. The procedure is demonstrated by an analysis of the success rates of most of the major families of launch vehicles currently in use in the world. A family of launch vehicles includes all variants of a particular type of vehicle from a specific manufacturer, for example, the Delta 2. For vehicles with a small number of launch attempts, the Bayesian approach provides the advantage over classic statistical approaches of yielding estimates of both the mean future frequency of success and the uncertainty about that mean.
Does Religion Bias Individuals Against Female Political Leadership in Latin America

This study explores the relationship between several dimensions of religiosity and biases against female political leadership within 15 Latin America countries. The central finding is that religious characteristics are correlated with pro-male bias in many countries; however, the relationship varies in strength and even direction from one country to the next. Analyses of a subset of religiously diverse nations further demonstrate that individual-level gender biases against female leadership have no systematic connection to country-level differences in secularization or levels religious pluralism.
Hand disorders in musicians: The orthopaedic surgeon’s role

Like athletes, musicians are vulnerable to musculoskeletal injuries that can be career ending or have a severe negative financial impact. All ages are affected, with a peak incidence in the third and fourth decades. Women are slightly more likely to be affected than men. It is incumbent upon orthopaedic surgeons to be able to complete a thorough physical assessment, be aware of the risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in musicians, and have a detailed knowledge of the specific syndromes they suffer and their appropriate treatment. In this paper we review the common hand injuries that afflict musicians and discuss their treatment.
Effect of Medical Management and Residual Fragments on Recurrent Stone Formation Following Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Before the advent of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and percutaneous nephrostolithotomy, patients underwent open surgical procedures for the removal of their stone burden. A successful surgical procedure was defined as complete removal of all stones without leaving any residual stone fragments. Patients with residual calculi were considered as treatment failures.
Effect of Orthene Medicaps on Populations of Western Spruce Budworm on Grand Fir and Douglas Fir

Orthene Medicaps were effective in protecting foliage on grand fir, Abies grandis (Dougl.), and in reducing populations of Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman on grand fir and Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziessi var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco. A dosage of one cartridge (0.8 g of acephate) per 10 cm of trunk circumference was applied at three times based on bud development (tight bud, bud well, and bud burst), two tree heights (7.7 ± 1.5 and 15.4 ± 1.5 m), and two tree species (grand fir and Douglas fir). Acephate and methamidophos residue levels, monitored in midcrown foliage, sufficient to cause larval mortality, were detected 28 days after treatment.
Thomas Traherne and Hermes Trismegistus.

Among Renaissance Platonists, the texts ascribed to Hermes Trismegistus provoked both adulation and controversy. Scholars variously considered the texts precious repositories of ancient wisdom; labeled them frauds; or, more cautiously, suggested they were partly corrupt, partly wise. The first step towards enlightenment came in 1614, when Isaac Casaubon challenged the authenticity of the hermetic texts. Except by ignoring Casaubon, no one thereafter could believe (as William Baldwin could in 1555) that ‘of all the Philosophers’ Hermes was ‘not onely the most excellent, but also the most auncient.’ No longer coeval with Moses, no longer indeed assured of personal existence, Hermes came in the seventeenth century to occupy an equivocal position. On the one hand, Casaubon's argument was far too convincing to be denied; on the other, the traditional reputation of Hermes, in Marsilio Ficino's influential words, ‘Primus… Theologiae Autor,’ was far too popular to die a swift and decisive death.
Mechanisms of angiotensin-induced hypotension and bradycardia in the medial solitary tract nucleus

The selective angiotensin (ANG) II antagonists losartan (AT1) and CGP-42112A (AT2) were used to determine the receptor subtype and neuronal pathways that mediate the hypotension and bradycardia produced by 200 fmol of ANG II microinjected into the dorsal medial nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) or dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (dmnX) in anesthetized rats. At dorsal medial NTS sites (0.3 mm below the surface) where L-glutamate microinjections produced maximal decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), ANG II (200 fmol, 50 nl, n = 16) elicited hypotension (-22 +/- 1 mmHg) and bradycardia (-26 +/- 2 beats/min). Although L-glutamate also suppressed respiration, ANG II injections in the medial NTS did not alter respiration. Losartan injected at the medial NTS site caused a dose-dependent reduction of ANG II-induced decreases in MAP and HR. At 2 pmol, the AT1 antagonist attenuated the response to ANG II, whereas 100 pmol abolished the effects of ANG II microinjections. In contrast, the AT2 antagonist CGP-42112A (100 pmol) had no effect on the responses to ANG II. Neither ANG II antagonist altered the cardiovascular effects of L-glutamate injections. Losartan injected into the dmnX blocked hypotension and bradycardia produced by ANG II at that site but did not prevent responses to subsequent ANG II injections in the medial NTS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Transparent protective barrier for fluoroscopy during angiography.

‘ Diagnostic Radiology Department, Bldg. 10, Rm. 6521 1 , National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD 20205. Address reprint requests to N. R. Dunnick. 2 Present address: Nuclear Engineering Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville. FL 3261 1. Biomedical Engineering and Instrumentation Branch, Division of Research Services. National Institutes of Health, Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD 2001 4
Two cases of histiocytic sarcoma with BCL2 translocations and occult or subsequent follicular lymphoma

Histiocytic sarcoma is rare and difficult to distinguish from histologic mimics such as myeloid sarcoma due to its relatively nonspecific immunoprofile. A subset of histiocytic sarcomas are clonally related to synchronous or metachronous follicular lymphomas. Interestingly, the histiocytic tumor component has been shown to harbor BCL2 gene translocations that are identical to those found in the lymphoma. We present one case of histiocytic sarcoma and initially occult follicular lymphoma in which detection of a BCL2 gene translocation helped support the diagnosis. We also provide follow-up regarding a previously published case of histiocytic sarcoma with IGH/BCL2 fusion gene in which the patient subsequently developed follicular lymphoma and, later, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Our findings suggest that BCL2 gene translocations are a recurrent feature of a distinct subset of histiocytic sarcomas that are associated with follicular lymphoma; the follicular lymphoma component may be clinically occult at the time of diagnosis. Testing for an IGH/BCL2 translocation should be considered in the diagnostic workup of difficult-to-characterize neoplasms with histiocytic/monocytic morphology and immunoprofile.
A specific endothelin-1 antagonist blocks inhaled endothelin-1-induced bronchoconstriction in sheep

In this study we used conscious sheep to compare the relative potencies of inhaled endothelin- (ET) 1 and ET-3 and to determine whether a newly described selective ET-1 receptor antagonist, [diaminopropionic acid1-Asp15]ET-1 ([Dpr1-Asp15]ET-1), when given as an aerosol blocks ET-1-induced bronchoconstriction. Partial concentration-response curves to ET-1 and ET-3 were obtained by measuring the change in pulmonary airflow resistance (RL) after aerosol challenge. Both ET-1 (n = 6) and ET-3 (n = 4) caused concentration-dependent (10(-10)-10(-7) bronchoconstriction, but ET-3 was 400-fold less potent than ET-1. Pretreatment (30 min) with 25 breaths of 5 x 10(-8) M [Dpr1-Asp15]ET-1 caused a 100-fold rightward shift of the ET-1 concentration-response curve. The activity of the ET-1 antagonist (25 breaths of 5 x 10(-8) M) was compared with that of various control peptides (25 breaths of 10(-8) M). ET-1 (50 breaths of 10(-7) M) caused an increase in RL of 133 +/- 33% (SE) over baseline. [Dpr1-Asp15]ET-1 significantly inhibited this response by 54%. No protection was seen with a monocyclic control peptide or a thrombin receptor peptide. There was, however, a small protective effect (38%, P < 0.05) seen with [Dpr1-Asp15]ET-3, a structurally homologous ET-3 antagonist. [Dpr1-Asp15]ET-1 had no effect on carbachol (n = 3) or leukotriene D4-induced bronchoconstriction. Thus inhaled ET-1 and, to a lesser extent, ET-3 cause concentration-dependent bronchoconstriction in conscious sheep.
The role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in the management of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

SUMMARY Nosocomial diarrhea due to infection with C. difficile is a major health care problem, causing 20% to 30% of institutionally acquired diarrhea and affecting up to 8% of hospitalized patients. The clinical microbiology laboratory should be able to provide both diagnostic and epidemiologic services for institutions where this disease occurs. Diagnostic testing includes culture for isolation of toxigenic C. difficile and detection of either toxin A or B from stool specimens. Epidemiologic services include providing appropriate media and specimen preparation for surveillance activities and performance of accurate typing of C. difficile strains when necessary to determine organism relatedness for development of effective infection control practices.
Intermittent Short Sleep Results in Lasting Sleep Wake Disturbances and Degeneration of Locus Coeruleus and Orexinergic Neurons.

Study objectives Intermittent short sleep (ISS) is pervasive among students and workers in modern societies, yet the lasting consequences of repeated short sleep on behavior and brain health are largely unexplored. Wake-activated neurons may be at increased risk of metabolic injury across sustained wakefulness. Methods To examine the effects of ISS on wake-activated neurons and wake behavior, wild-type mice were randomized to ISS (a repeated pattern of short sleep on 3 consecutive days followed by 4 days of recovery sleep for 4 weeks) or rested control conditions. Subsets of both groups were allowed a recovery period consisting of 4-week unperturbed activity in home cages with littermates. Mice were examined for immediate and delayed (following recovery) effects of ISS on wake neuron cell metabolics, cell counts, and sleep/wake patterns. Results ISS resulted in sustained disruption of sleep/wake activity, with increased wakefulness during the lights-on period and reduced wake bout duration and wake time during the lights-off period. Noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) and orexinergic neurons showed persistent alterations in morphology, and reductions in both neuronal stereological cell counts and fronto-cortical projections. Surviving wake-activated neurons evidenced persistent reductions in sirtuins 1 and 3 and increased lipofuscin. In contrast, ISS resulted in no lasting injury to the sleep-activated melanin concentrating hormone neurons. Conclusions Collectively these findings demonstrate for the first time that ISS imparts significant lasting disturbances in sleep/wake activity, degeneration of wake-activated LC and orexinergic neurons, and lasting metabolic changes in remaining neurons most consistent with premature senescence.
Abstract ED03-02: The era of big data informatics for clinical and translational research in cancer prevention

Despite considerable progress in prevention and treatment, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States. Cancer researchers around the world are generating massive amounts of clinical and genetic data, although due to its volume, complexity and lack of centralization, much is left unanalyzed. Big Data backed by powerful analytics holds the key to gain important insights from such high volume, variety and velocity data enabling a new understanding of cancer from molecular biology through clinical management. It provides opportunities to ask complex questions and identify novel knowledge from existing data including the study of genetics of an individual9s cancer cells, on her response to treatment and sensitivity to side effects. In this session, we will understand the recent developments in Big Data Analytics platforms and how this transformative technology can be harnessed to leverage multidimensional data for developing new preventive measures, diagnostic tools and interventions in cancer research. We will also review success stories from early adopters of Big Data in cancer and highlight the challenges and opportunities for future research and development. Learning objectives : By the end of this session, the participants should be able to: 1.) Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of Big Data technology 2.) Identify community-based open-source Big Data informatics resources and tools 3.) Recognize the importance of Big Data in cancer prevention research Citation Format: Jyotishman Pathak. The era of big data informatics for clinical and translational research in cancer prevention. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2013 Oct 27-30; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2013;6(11 Suppl): Abstract nr ED03-02.
Bundle-Based Decomposition: Conditions for Convergence

Bundle-based decomposition is a recently proposed method for decentralized convex optimization. Computational tests indicate that it is very fast. In this paper we exhibit conditions for convergence of the method. In the process we study conditions for linearly-constrained approximate minimization of a convex function.
Signal processing for wind turbine interference mitigation in Doppler weather radars: data synthesis, clutter detector performance, and spectral interpolation in range-azimuth-Doppler

In this paper, a method is proposed to generate synthetic wind turbine interference in Doppler weather radar. The combination of such synthetic data and real weather data gives a basis of evaluating the statistical performance of radar signal processing algorithms for mitigating turbine interference. The Receiver Operating Characteristic of Phase Difference Detector is evaluated by utilizing such combined data. Further, Sliding Window Average method is proposed to replace the Bi-linear Interpolation of the mitigation method presented in [9]. (6 pages)
SPATIAL KINEMATIC STUDY BASED ON A VIDEO-TAPING METHOD

Spatial kinematic study of joint motion is performed using a biplanar videotaping technique. This technique is based upon the characterization of each segment by four points in three-dimensional space using biplanar videotaping, followed by a computer aided analysis using descriptive geometry. The tests were conducted to determine the system's accuracy and repeatability.
Educating Code-Switchers in a Post-sustainability World

To prepare future leaders to tackle the rapidly changing challenges of climate change, complex inequality, resource depletion, etc., planning education and research must draw from new languages, new knowledge, and new partnerships. Planning education and research should privilege skills of code-switching and incorporate learning through change-oriented projects that lead to more reflective and empathetic outcomes.
Distortion in time perception as a result of concern about appearing biased

Two experiments illustrate that the perception of a given time duration slows when white participants observe faces of black men, but only if participants are concerned with appearing biased. In Experiment 1 the concern with the appearance of bias is measured as a chronic state using the external motivation to respond without prejudice scale (Plant & Devine, 1998). In Experiment 2 it is manipulated by varying the race of the experimenter (black versus white). Time perception is assessed via a temporal discrimination task commonly used in the literature. Models of time perception identify arousal as a factor that causes perceived time to slow, and we speculate that arousal arising in intergroup interactions can alter time perception.
Gender, side to side and BMI differences in long thoracic nerve conduction velocity: A novel technique.

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe a new technique to record long thoracic nerve conduction velocity through the axilla as well as to assist in establishing normative values for latency and amplitude of the long thoracic nerve and to evaluate side to side, gender and BMI differences. Methods 26 healthy subjects (12 males/14 females) participated in the study with data collected bilaterally resulting in 52 limbs studied. Surface recording was over the serratus anterior muscle with the recording electrode located on the rib closest to a distance within a standardized range of 22–24 cm distal to the acromion. Stimulation was delivered at the mid axillary line, then again in the supraclavicular region. A caliper was used to measure the distance between the two stimulation sites in order to calculate the nerve conduction velocity. Results The normal value (mean + 2 SD) for distal latency is 61.0 m/s. Absolute amplitude values were not calculated. Side to side difference normal values for distal latency, amplitude and velocity are 0.7 msec, 70.3% and 8.5% respectively. A two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant gender and BMI difference in both distal (0.02) and proximal amplitude (0.05) means. There was no significant interaction between gender and BMI for latency or velocity values for either stimulation site. Conclusions The distal latency values are not significantly different from those reported previously, however long thoracic nerve conduction velocity has not been described before and would be an appropriate way to monitor velocity through the proximal portions of the brachial plexus. Men who qualified as overweight with a BMI greater than 25 demonstrated a larger amplitude when compared with average weight men and women. In contrast women with BMI greater than 25 demonstrated a much smaller amplitude when compared with overweight men and average weight men and women. Significance Absolute amplitude normal values are not reported as BMI may impact the ability to record an accurate amplitude for both men and women. Long thoracic nerve conduction velocity and latency appear to be more reliable measures.
Safety of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Patients With Pacemakers.

Background and importance Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LiTT) has increasingly been used as a treatment option for medically refractory epilepsy, tumors, and radiation necrosis. The use of LiTT requires intraoperative magnetic resonance (MR) thermography. This can become an issue in patients with other implanted therapeutic devices such as pacemakers and vagal nerve stimulators due to concerns regarding increases in the specific absorption rate (SAR). This is a technical case report demonstrating a successfully and safely performed LiTT in a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a patient with a pacemaker for mesial temporal sclerosis. Clinical presentation An 83-yr-old gentleman who had an implanted cardiac pacemaker presented with medically intractable epilepsy and was confirmed to have mesial temporal sclerosis on imaging. Video electroencephalography demonstrated concordant ipsilateral seizures and semiology. He underwent LiTT for ablation of the mesial temporal lobe. This was performed with the below described protocol with a cardiology nurse monitoring the patient's cardiac condition and a physicist monitoring SAR, and MR imaging quality without any adverse events. Conclusion This study reports on a protocol of cardiac and MR SAR to safely perform MR-guided LiTT in the setting of traditional pacemakers in patients who are not pacemaker dependent.
Quantitative Characterization of Cholesterol Partitioning between Binary Bilayers.

We have devised a practical simulation protocol for quantitative characterization of cholesterol (Chol) partitioning between bilayers with different lipid types. The simulation model contains two patches of laterally contacting lipid bilayers, where the host lipids of each bilayer are allowed to self-adjust their packing. For two combinations of bilayers with different lipid types, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC)/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), the simulation model has been verified by self-adjusted lipid packing in each bilayer, convergence of Chol partitioning between different Chol initial distributions, and relative diffusion coefficients consistent to those from experiments. The calculated Chol partition coefficient between POPC and DOPC bilayers from the Chol partitioning simulations in the POPC-DPPC and DOPC-DPPC binary bilayer systems shows an excellent agreement with that from available Chol exchange e...
Longer-Term Outdoor Temperatures and Health Effects: a Review

Our goal was to assess current literature and knowledge on associations between characteristics (mean, variability, extremes) of ambient temperatures and human health. We were motivated by concerns that climate change, which operates on a time frame of decades or longer, may influence not only shorter-term associations between weather and health (daily/weekly) but also have enduring implications for population health. We reviewed papers published between 2010 and 2017 on the health effects of longer-term (3 weeks to years) exposures to ambient temperature. We sought to answer: “What health outcomes have been associated with longer-term exposures?” We included studies on a diverse range of health outcomes, with the exception of vector-borne diseases such as malaria. Longer-term exposures were considered to be exposures to annual and seasonal temperatures and temperature variability. We found 26 papers meeting inclusion criteria, which addressed mortality, morbidity, respiratory disease, obesity, suicide, infectious diseases, and allergies among various age groups. In general, most studies found associations between longer-term temperature metrics and health outcomes. Effects varied by population subgroup. For example, associations with suicide differed by sex and underlying chronic illness modified effects of heat on mortality among the elderly. We found that regional and local temperatures, and changing conditions in weather due to climate change, were associated with a diversity of health outcomes through multiple mechanisms. Future research should focus on evidence for particular mechanistic pathways in order to inform adaptation responses to climate change.
Amiloride transport in rabbit renal brush-border membrane vesicles

Rabbit renal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were used to study amiloride transport across the luminal membrane of proximal tubular cells. An outwardly directed H+ gradient (pHi 6.0; pHo 7.5) stimulated 8 microM [14C]-amiloride uptake into BBMV and supported a transient "active" accumulation of substrate consistent with the presence of an amiloride-H+ exchange process. Uptake was inhibited, in the presence or absence of a pH gradient, by 1 mM unlabeled amiloride or 20 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA). Amiloride transport was not directly affected by the presence of 100 mM Na+ in the extravesicular medium, suggesting that Na-H exchange did not mediate amiloride flux. Amiloride transport was a saturable process with a maximal flux (under pH gradient conditions) of 3 nmol.mg-1.min-1 and an apparent Kt of 8 microM. TEA acted as a competitive inhibitor of this process with an apparent Ki of approximately 80 microM, similar to the Kt of TEA transport via the TEA-H+ exchanger. Likewise, amiloride acted as a competitive inhibitor of TEA uptake with an apparent Ki of approximately 11 microM. Preloading BBMV with 1-2 mM TEA stimulated the rate of amiloride uptake and supported a transient active accumulation of amiloride. We conclude that amiloride and TEA are transported by a common pathway in BBMV, which involves a carrier-mediated exchange with H+ and which may play a role in the tubular secretion of these compounds.
Comparative Health Systems

A good health system is one of the most important elements in ensuring the health of a population in any modern society. However, a perfect health system does not exist; nearly every nation in the world puts great efforts into improving its health system. Comparative health-care systems is a rapidly growing field that is being called on more and more frequently in health policy and health service research communities. This is particularly true in the current trend of globalization, wherein alternative ways to solve inherent problems in health systems and to improve the performance of health systems are being analyzed.
Analysing Payoff Salience in Coalition Allocation: Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Committee Chairs

Research during the past six decades has found that parties joining coalition governments receive payoffs, in the form of government posts, in proportion to their coalition share. These findings, however, do not indicate which coalition partners receive payoffs that will most enable them to influence their preferred policies. This article joins recent qualitative analyses of coalition allocation and examines payoffs in terms of the salience of positions relative to the policy goals of the parties receiving them. The single-country study of eight Israeli governments from 1992 to 2015 integrates quantitative and qualitative analyses of coalition payoffs. This article contributes to coalition allocation research by expanding the scope of coalition payoffs to include junior ministers and committee chairs, and by distinguishing payoff outcomes for different party families. The results show an edge for formateur parties in obtaining policy-salient ministerial payoffs and an advantage to non-formateurs for policy-salient deputy (junior) minister positions.
Atrial Tachyarrhythmias Among Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Prevalence, Clinical Outcomes, and Impact of Rhythm Control Strategies.

Abstract Objectives This study sought to describe the burden of atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFL) in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and to evaluate the impact of rhythm control strategies. Background AF and AFL among patients with LVADs are poorly characterized. Methods Retrospective multivariable survival analysis of all LVAD recipients at the Cleveland Clinic from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2016 examining the association of death, thromboembolism, and major bleeding with AF/AFL and exposure to rhythm control measures. Results Among 418 patients (median age: 58 [interquartile range: 50 to 67] years, 80% male) with median follow-up of 445 (interquartile range: 165 to 936) days, AF (n = 287 of 418, 69%) and AFL (n = 61 of 418, 15%) were highly prevalent. Patients with AF/AFL (n = 302 of 418, 72%) and without AF/AFL (n = 116 of 418, 28%) had similar mortality (39% vs. 38%; p = 0.88) and major bleeding (46% vs. 49%; p = 0.53); AF/AFL patients had fewer thromboembolic events (13% vs. 23%; p Conclusions Though highly prevalent among LVAD patients, AF/AFL was not associated with increased mortality, thromboembolism, or bleeding, and among paroxysmal/persistent AF patients, rhythm control measures were not associated with improved outcomes.
Anatomy of the Urinary Bladder Revisited: Implications for Diagnosis and Staging of Bladder Cancer

The anatomy of the urinary bladder is complex. Surface urothelium may invaginate into the lamina propria and metaplastic changes in this epithelium can mimic invasive carcinoma. The lamina propria may be of variable thickness depending on the location within the bladder and it may or may not contain components of muscularis mucosae, which can be misinterpreted as muscularis propria. Since the layers of muscularis propria are usually irregular, establishing the presence of extravesical extension by tumor can be a challenge. Further complicating the issue, prior transurethral resections can induce changes in the cellular composition of the bladder wall, in essence masking normal anatomical landmarks. Since pathological stage is the most significant risk factor in predicting disease progression, understanding the microscopic anatomy of the viscus is of great importance.
Hydronitrogen Molecular Assisted Recombination (HN-MAR) process in ammonia seeded deuterium plasmas

Abstract Ammonia molecules, which will be formed in a nitrogen-seeded divertor plasma, show significant catalytic effects for volumetric recombination of hydrogen ions. This new Molecular Assisted Recombination (MAR), named the Hydronitrogen-MAR (HN-MAR), is based on the charge/ion exchange with NH3 and subsequent volumetric recombination of NH3+ and NH4+. In our PISCES-E RF plasma device, Ar is mixed with ND3/D2 gasses to realize a high electron density plasma [ne ∼ 1017 m−3] which allows us to see the importance of the dissociative recombination reactions which become comparable with wall loss reactions in our chamber. As increasing the plasma density, a calibrated Electrostatic Quadrupole Plasma analyzer measured dropping of ND4+ density fractions which can be explained reasonably by the existence of its dissociative recombination process in the plasma as a dominant reaction.
Immigrant-Established Resident Interactions in Miami, Florida

This article examines factors that affect interethnic relations in Miami, Florida. The theoretical framework, based on the ‘contact hypothesis’ argues that better interethnic relations stem from not only contact, but also contact in which individuals from opposing groups share equal status and a stake in outcomes, and when contact activities require cooperation. The contact hypothesis, however, does not address the factors that produce inequality in social relations. To address these factors ideas from international migration research are used to argue that those with power must create structures in which other groups feel welcome rather than rejected and that leaders must emphasize similarities rather than differences among groups.
Clinical evaluation of two-piece zirconia abutments with bonded titanium inserts for implant-supported restorations.

Abstract Statement of problem Information about the long-term evaluation of 2-piece zirconia abutments (TPZAs) with bonded titanium inserts for implant-supported restorations is sparse. Purpose The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of TPZAs with bonded titanium inserts for implant-supported restorations. Material and methods This study retrospectively evaluated the records of patients who received implant restorations supported by TPZAs with bonded titanium inserts. The patients were recalled between January 2017 and December 2017 so that the restorations could be examined clinically and radiographically for technical and biological complications. Results A total of 27 patients with 30 restorations and 42 zirconia abutments (ZAs) were included in the study. The patient records revealed that all implants remained integrated. However, 5 restorations supported by seven ZAs in 4 patients had to be refabricated because of abutment failure before the recall. Six of the failed abutments were in the molar area, with a combination of zirconia and titanium as the connection platform. Additional complications included screw loosening (1 patient), ceramic chipping (1 patient), and peri-implantitis (1 patient). The mean observation period was 6.6 ±1.5 years (range: 3.6 to 9.2 years). Conclusions After a mean observation period of 6 years after insertion, TPZAs with bonded titanium inserts appear to be a suitable treatment option in the anterior and premolar regions. However, in the molar area, the use of the same type of ZA without a complete metal-to-metal connection platform to support the restoration led to a high incidence of fracture.
System-of-Systems Quality Attribute-Based Architectural Alternatives

Building on a previously published research into a system-of-systems (SoS) quality attribute (QAt) balancing approach, this article extends the identification of desired characteristics for a selected as-is SoS architecture into defined design configurations as candidate architectures. We propose a process framework for the identification of the desired characteristics as QAts of interest to be balanced against selected performance measures. We show the extension of QAts to operational activities to be accounted for within the architecture and design techniques for employment against an as-is SoS architecture. We show how the operational activities and design techniques can be mapped to metrics used to compare alternative design configurations. These design configurations are then quantified in terms of the metrics for later comparison. We illustrate the framework using a generic DoD satellite communications (SATCOM) case study. Although our focus here is on a SATCOM example with a selected sub-et of attributes, the framework can be extended to address multiple similar issues across a multidomain space.
Problematizing the variable of conflict to address children, media, and conflict

It is children who are most affected by political conflict. Efforts to establish global peace, equality, justice, and security should, therefore, consider best approaches for aiding and empowering ...
Lsm12 is an NAADP receptor mediating intracellular calcium mobilization

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is a potent Ca2+-mobilizing second messenger which uniquely mobilizes Ca2+ from acidic endolysosomal organelles. However, the molecular identity of the NAADP receptor remains unknown. Given that the endolysosomal two-pore channel (TPC) is essential for NAADP-signaling and likely part of the signaling protein complexes, we performed affinity purification and quantitative proteomic analysis of the NAADP signaling complexes. We identified an Sm-like protein Lsm12 that interacts with both NAADP and TPCs. Lsm12 directly binds to NAADP via its Lsm domain, whereas TPC-containing membranes and isolated TPCs lose their affinities to NAADP in the absence of Lsm12. Lsm12 is essential and immediately involved in NAADP-evoked TPC2 activation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. This finding reveals a role of a putative RNA-binding protein to function as an NAADP receptor in different cells and provides a molecular basis for understanding the mechanisms of NAADP signaling.
Cryptococcal Choroid Plexitis and Non-Communicating Hydrocephalus

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus that commonly invades the central nervous system. While the choroid plexus, the site of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, serves as one potential entry point for the pathogen, disease involvement of the choroid plexus itself remains a very rare manifestation of Cryptococcus infection. In cases in which choroid plexus involvement blocks cerebrospinal fluid flow, obstructive hydrocephalus may occur. Here we report the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with choroid plexitis causing obstructive hydrocephalus at the foramen of Monro. Endoscopic biopsy confirmed Cryptococcus neoformans, and the patient was successfully treated with amphotericin, flucytosine, and fluconazole. With proper recognition and treatment of this pathology, patients can fully recover from this condition.
Online state of health and aging parameter estimation using a physics-based life model with a particle filter

Abstract Degradation of lithium-ion batteries due to undesirable side reactions causes changes in the compounds and morphologies of electrode materials that lead to the loss of lithium ions, loss of active materials, consumption of electrolyte solvents, and increase of internal resistance, eventually resulting in capacity and power fade, thereby reducing battery life. In this paper, we propose an online estimator for the state of health (SOH) and aging parameters using a high-fidelity, reduced-order physics-based life model, which consists of a pseudo-two-dimensional model coupled with a degradation model of two types of side reactions—solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formation and lithium plating—for the negative electrode, and a single particle model for the positive electrode to increase computational efficiency. Simultaneous SOH and aging parameter estimation are achieved by reformulating the model into a control-oriented recursive aging model and with the employment of a particle filter from real-time current and terminal voltage measurements, which enables the prediction of cell failure due to bulk and local aging mechanisms. Validations and battery-in-the-loop tests were conducted to illustrate the performance of the proposed estimation scheme at different temperatures, where the resulting errors of capacity and power fade estimation are within 3% and 4%, respectively.
Does Meditation Training Influence Social Approach and Avoidance Goals? Evidence from a Randomized Intervention Study of Midlife Adults

Social approach and avoidance goals—which refer to individual differences in the desire to pursue rewards versus avoid negative experiences in social relationships—have numerous implications for the health and quality of social relationships. Although endorsement of these goals largely arises from people’s pre-dispositions towards approach and avoidance, in this research, we proposed that meditation training has the potential to beneficially influence the extent to which people adopt approach and avoidance goals. Specifically, we hypothesized that individuals who were randomly assigned to receive training in mindfulness or loving-kindness meditation would report differences in social approach and avoidance goals, as compared with those in a wait-list control condition, and that these effects would be mediated by differences in positive and negative emotions. To examine these hypotheses, we drew upon a community-based, randomized intervention study of 138 midlife adults, who were assigned to receive mindfulness training, loving-kindness training, or no training in meditation. As compared with the control condition, results demonstrated that loving-kindness training was directly associated with lower social avoidance goals, and indirectly associated with greater social approach goals, via enhanced positive emotion. These results suggest loving-kindness meditation is a means by which people can beneficially influence their approach and avoidance tendencies, which likely plays an important role in enhancing their social relationships.
A comparison of attachment methods of skin mounted inertial measurement units on tibial accelerations

Abstract Peak tibial accelerations during running are of interest because of their correlation with vertical ground reaction force load rates and association with running injury. Previous work has demonstrated systematically lower accelerations measured with a bone- compared to skin-mounted accelerometer. However, no studies have assessed the effects of more or less secure attachment methods for skin mounted sensors. Our purpose was to compare two methods of attaching a skin mounted sensor on mean tibial accelerations, stride-to-stride variability, and correlations with vertical load rates. 18 injury-free runners were recruited as participants. An inertial measurement unit, containing a tri-axial accelerometer, was used to record tibial accelerations while participants ran at a self-selected speed on an instrumented treadmill to collect ground reaction forces. The two attachment methods for securing the sensor to the skin were a manufacturer-provided strap (strap condition) and a combination of tape and elastic wraps (wrap condition). Mean vertical accelerations were significantly lower in the wrap condition (p = 0.02, d = 0.57). No differences were detected in resultant accelerations, vertical loading rates, or stride-to-stride variability. Correlations between tibial accelerations and vertical loading rates were strong (r = 0.79–0.91) and similar between conditions. These results provide two key findings of evidence. Evidenced by systematically lower vertical accelerations, a more secure attachment method may be necessary for capturing the most representative measure of tibial accelerations during running. However, a less secure method (i.e. the strap) is sufficient for capturing tibial accelerations as a surrogate for impact loading forces.
COVID-19: Mitigation Measures and the Aftershock in an Overlapping Generations Model (preprint)

Older, unhealthy individuals seem especially vulnerable to the coronavirus. Using an overlapping generations model, we show that a targeted lockdown policy based on preexisting health conditions would have reduced the economic severity of the pandemic by 22.5% without compromising health outcomes. Our model predicts that after the mandatory lockdown measures are lifted, individuals respond to the continued infection risk by lowering their labor supply, resulting in a slower economic recovery where output remains 2.16% below trend. The model predicts significant heterogeneity in agent’s behavioral response to the lingering infection risk. While the vulnerable wealth rich can be convinced to stay home by transfers equalling 10% of their earnings, it would require 35% of own earnings to compensate the vulnerable wealth poor. In aggregate, the vulnerable working age individuals who are at risk of infections can be convinced to self-isolate at a cost of 0.43% of GDP, once the lockdown is lifted.
Identifying barriers to accessing skilled maternal health care in rural Morocco.

Over the past 30 years, the Moroccan government has made enormous strides towards improving maternal health care for Moroccan women, but outcomes for rural women remain much worse than those of their urban counterparts. This study aimed to understand the experiences of women giving birth in rural Morocco, and to identify the barriers they face when accessing facility-based maternity care. Fifty-five participants were recruited from villages in Morocco’s rural south to participate in focus group discussions (FGDs), using appreciative inquiry as the guiding framework. Several themes emerged from the analysis of the focus group data. Women felt well-cared for and safe giving birth both at home and in the large, tertiary care hospitals, but not in the small, primary care hospitals. Women who gave birth at the primary care hospitals reported a shortage of some equipment and supplies and poor treatment at the hands of hospital staff. Locating and paying for transportation was identified as the biggest hurdle in accessing maternity care at any hospital. The findings of this study indicate the need for change within primary care health facilities. (Afr J Reprod Health 202 1; 25[1]: 20-28 ).
Prediction of the Borrowers' Payback to the Loan with Lending Club Data

The lending industry has been growing at a rapid speed, in particular, the peer-to-peer (P2P) lending segment of the loan market. This growth can be attributed to technology and the nature of the business, which makes the lending process to be cheaper and convenient than traditional lending institutions [4]. Despite the ever-growing popularity and utilization of these P2P lending platforms, little is understood about the metrics that lenders use to determine the creditworthiness of a borrower using these online services. This paper aims to construct a model to predict whether the borrower will pay back the loan.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of respiratory viruses in children with lower respiratory tract infections in China.

BACKGROUND: The multifaceted non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) taken during the COVID-19 pandemic not only decrease the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2, but have impact on the prevalence of other viruses. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of common respiratory viruses among hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Respiratory specimens were obtained from children with LRTI at Children's Hospital of Fudan University for detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (ADV), parainfluenza virus (PIV) 1 to 3, influenza virus A (FluA), influenza virus B (FluB), human metapneumovirus (MPV) and rhinovirus (RV). The data were analyzed and compared between the year of 2020 (COVID-19 pandemic) and 2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic). RESULTS: A total of 7107 patients were enrolled, including 4600 patients in 2019 and 2507 patients in 2020. Compared with 2019, we observed an unprecedented reduction of RSV, ADV, FluA, FluB, and MPV infections in 2020, despite of reopening of schools in June, 2020. However, the RV infection was significantly increased in 2020 and a sharp increase was observed especially after reopening of schools. Besides, the PIV infection showed resurgent characteristic after September of 2020. The mixed infections were significantly less frequent in 2020 compared with the year of 2019. CONCLUSIONS: The NPIs during the COVID-19 pandemic have great impact on the prevalence of common respiratory viruses in China. Meanwhile, we do need to be cautious of a possible resurgence of some respiratory viruses as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed.
Deletion of Kif5c Does Not Alter Prion Disease Tempo or Spread in Mouse Brain.

In prion diseases, the spread of infectious prions (PrPSc) is thought to occur within nerves and across synapses of the central nervous system (CNS). However, the mechanisms by which PrPSc moves within axons and across nerve synapses remain undetermined. Molecular motors, including kinesins and dyneins, transport many types of intracellular cargo. Kinesin-1C (KIF5C) has been shown to transport vesicles carrying the normal prion protein (PrPC) within axons, but whether KIF5C is involved in PrPSc axonal transport is unknown. The current study tested whether stereotactic inoculation in the striatum of KIF5C knock-out mice (Kif5c-/-) with 0.5 µL volumes of mouse-adapted scrapie strains 22 L or ME7 would result in an altered rate of prion spreading and/or disease timing. Groups of mice injected with each strain were euthanized at either pre-clinical time points or following the development of prion disease. Immunohistochemistry for PrP was performed on brain sections and PrPSc distribution and tempo of spread were compared between mouse strains. In these experiments, no differences in PrPSc spread, distribution or survival times were observed between C57BL/6 and Kif5c-/- mice.