cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stroke survivors’ endorsement of a “stress belief model” of stroke prevention predicts control of risk factors for recurrent stroke

Perceptions that stress causes and stress-reduction controls hypertension have been associated with poorer blood pressure (BP) control in hypertension populations. The current study investigated these "stress-model perceptions" in stroke survivors regarding prevention of recurrent stroke and the influence of these perceptions on patients' stroke risk factor control. Stroke and transient ischemic attack survivors (N=600) participated in an in-person interview in which they were asked about their beliefs regarding control of future stroke; BP and cholesterol were measured directly after the interview. Counter to expectations, patients who endorsed a "stress-model" but not a "medication-model" of stroke prevention were in better control of their stroke risk factors (BP and cholesterol) than those who endorsed a medication-model but not a stress-model of stroke prevention (OR for poor control=.54, Wald statistic=6.07, p=.01). This result was not explained by between group differences in patients' reported medication adherence. The results have implications for theory and practice, regarding the role of stress belief models and acute cardiac events, compared to chronic hypertension.
Oceanographic Applications of SAR Remote Sensing

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the use of synthetic aperture radar for oceanographic applications. It summarizes the current state of the art, covering research and operational aspects of the various applications: ocean wave imaging, solitary waves, ocean currents, sea floor topography, oil spill detection, ship and wake detection, wind speed and direction as well as other wind related phenomena. The extensive references throughout the review can serve as starting point for a more intensive study of the ocean by novice and expert alike.
RNA-seq and high-definition mass spectrometry reveal the complex and divergent venoms of two rear-fanged colubrid snakes

Largely because of their direct, negative impacts on human health, the venoms of front-fanged snakes of the families Viperidae and Elapidae have been extensively characterized proteomically, transcriptomically, and pharmacologically. However, relatively little is known about the molecular complexity and evolution of the venoms of rear-fanged colubrid snakes, which are, with a few notable exceptions, regarded as harmless to humans. Many of these snakes have venoms with major effects on their preferred prey, and their venoms are probably as critical to their survival as those of front-fanged elapids and viperids. We sequenced the venom-gland transcriptomes from a specimen of Hypsiglena (Desert Night Snake; family Colubridae, subfamily Dipsadinae) and of Boiga irregularis (Brown Treesnake; family Colubridae, subfamily Colubrinae) and verified the transcriptomic results proteomically by means of high-definition mass spectrometry. We identified nearly 3,000 nontoxin genes for each species. For B. irregularis, we found 108 putative toxin transcripts in 46 clusters with <1% nucleotide divergence, and for Hypsiglena we identified 79 toxin sequences that were grouped into 33 clusters. Comparisons of the venoms revealed divergent venom types, with Hypsiglena possessing a viper-like venom dominated by metalloproteinases, and B. irregularis having a more elapid-like venom, consisting primarily of three-finger toxins. Despite the difficulty of procuring venom from rear-fanged species, we were able to complete all analyses from a single specimen of each species without pooling venom samples or glands, demonstrating the power of high-definition transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. We found a high level of divergence in the venom types of two colubrids. These two venoms reflected the hemorrhagic/neurotoxic venom dichotomy that broadly characterizes the difference in venom strategies between elapids and viperids.
Age and emotion of an offender as determinants of adult punitive reactions

Male and female college students were shown videotapes of supposed male offenders describing the details of thefts they had committed. Videotaped sequences were varied so that offenders were 9 to 10 years old or of college age. Also, actors varied in their mode of emotional self-presentation. Comparisons of punishments suggested by subjects indicated that joyful actors received the highest level of punishment while distressed offenders received the lowest level of suggested punishment. It was also found that the emotions of children exerted a greater persuasive effect on subjects' ratings than did the emotions of adults although the pattern of results was similar across ages. These results were discussed as demonstrating that the age and emotion of an offender can exert considerable influence on the attribution of blame made by a disciplinarian.
Effects of d-amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide on spaced responding in pigeons

The effects of d-amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide were studied in pigeons on performance (1) under a schedule that reinforced responses on a key (food key) if they were more than 20 sec apart, (2) under the same schedule when responses also were required on a collateral key during the interresponse time on the food key, and (3) under the same schedule when responses were required on a collateral key during the interresponse time on the food key and collateral-key responses could produce a stimulus correlated with the availability of food. Under all three spaced-responding schedules, d-amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide at low dose levels slightly increased the frequency of short interresponse times on the food key for about half the birds, and either did not affect the interresponse time patterns of the other birds, or lengthened the durations slightly. At higher dose levels, d-amphetamine and chlordiazepoxide increased the frequency of long interresponse times or abolished responding in all birds. Changes in the pattern of interresponse times on the food key did not seem to depend on changes in the rate or pattern of collateral-key responses.
THE EVOLVING CONTROVERSY OVER INSIDER TRADING

The restriction of insider trading is widely accepted as a principal enforcement goal under various provisions of the federal securities laws. These provisions deny certain trading opportunities to persons with knowledge of material, nonpublic, confidential information about an issuer, its business prospects, or external events that may affect the market for the issuer's securities. This trading restriction is often termed the "disclose or abstain" rule, since the "insider" usually has a choice either to trade after disclosing the confidential information or to refrain from trading altogether until the information becomes public. The insider trading restriction originated in state common law.' The first congressional restriction of insider trading was imposed by section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (1934 Act).' This provision gives the issuer a right of action for all profits made by officers, direc·
Cone beam computerized tomography measurement of alveolar ridge at posterior mandible for implant graft estimation

Damaging the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is the most serious complication when harvesting an autogenous graft from posterior mandible. The objective of this study was to use cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) to measure dimensions of the alveolar ridge in the posterior mandible for estimation of a safe graft size, and then analyze how it is related to the gender, age, and dentition status of subjects. CBCT scans were screened to include 59 subjects without interfering pathologies. Alveolar height was measured from the alveolar crest to superior border of IAN and also to the inferior border of the mandible. Alveolar width (from buccal to lingual cortical plates) and buccal bone thickness (from buccal cortical plate to mandibular molar mesial root buccal surface) were measured at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds divided from the alveolar crest to the IAN. It was found that males and dentate sites had larger alveolar dimensions than did females and edentulous sites, respectively. Bone volume di...
The Relative Importance of Race and Socioeconomic Status Among Hispanic and White Students

Using a nationally representative sample from the National Educational Longitudinal Study, this research examines the longitudinal effects of race and socioeconomic status on 12th-grade educational achievement and achievement 2 years after high school. For 12th-grade outcomes, the authors found no statistical difference in scores between Hispanic and White students. Two years after high school, the results were very surprising: (a) when controlling for socioeconomic status, Hispanic students actually outperformed their White counterparts; (b) socioeconomic status was 10 times more powerful than race in predicting outcomes; and (c) White students received a greater benefit for increases in socioeconomic status than did their Hispanic counterparts.
The Amuletic Design of the Mithraic Bull-Wounding Scene*

Recent research reveals that in the so-called Mithraic tauroctony, the god is, in fact, wounding a bull, not killing it. I argue that the scene combines the overall design of evil-eye amulets with the pose of the goddess Nike performing a military sphagion and I suggest that the scene must have been understood by its creator and by some viewers, at least, to offer protective power in this world, as well as salvific assurance about the next, a dual focus that seems to have been especially strong in Mithraism.
Interaction Between Abdominal Ganglia During the Performance of Hormonally Triggered Behavioural Programmes in Moths

1.The isolated chain of four abdominal ganglia of Hyalophora cecropia has previously been shown to respond to the eclosion hormone by generating a pre-eclosion motor programme followed by the eclosion programme. 2.Abdominal nervous systems reduced at any two ganglia could still generate both programmes. 3.Selective addition of hormone to individual ganglia of the intact abdominal CNS resulted in the coordinated performance of both programmes by the entire CNS. 4.In the eclosion programme, burst frequency was little influenced by which ganglion was exposed to hormone but in many cases the eclosion waves were initiated by the neurones in the treated ganglion rather than at the normal site in the terminal ganglion. 5.When ganglia were removed from hormone-treated preparations during eclosion, the remainder of the chain showed a transient disruption in the bursting frequency but the frequency often eventually returned to pre-cut levels. Removal of anterior ganglia had no effect on the patterning of posterior bursts but removal of posterior ganglia resulted in a permanent reduction in the length of eclosion bursts in anterior ganglia. 6.It was concluded that the information for both the pre-eclosion and eclosion programmes is patterned into each ganglion of the abdominal chain. For the pre-eclosion behaviour, the endogenous programme becomes progressively longer in more posterior ganglia and each ganglion appears to have mutually exciting interactions with the other ganglia in the chain. In the intact animal the most anterior ganglion appears to drive the behaviour. By contrast, the eclosion behaviour also has segmental burst generators but they appear very similar in their properties. Each burst generator has an excitatory input on to the next anterior ganglion and inhibitory influences on posterior ganglia. Normally, the most posterior ganglion serves as driver for the eclosion behaviour.
Extrapolated Multirate Methods for Differential Equations with Multiple Time Scales

In this paper we construct extrapolated multirate discretization methods that allows one to efficiently solve problems that have components with different dynamics. This approach is suited for the time integration of multiscale ordinary and partial differential equations and provides highly accurate discretizations. We analyze the linear stability properties of the multirate explicit and linearly implicit extrapolated methods. Numerical results with multiscale ODEs illustrate the theoretical findings.
Enhanced 3-O-sulfation of galactose in Asn-linked glycans and Maackia amurenesis lectin binding in a new Chinese hamster ovary cell line

We report the characterization of two Chinese hamster ovary cell lines that produce large amounts of sulfated N-linked oligosaccharides. Clones 26 and 489 were derived by stable transfection of the glycosaminoglycan-deficient cell mutant pgsA-745 with a cDNA library prepared from wild-type cells. Peptide:N-glycanase F released nearly all of the sulfate label, indicating that sulfation had occurred selectively on the Asn-linked glycans. Hydrazinolysis followed by nitrous acid treatment at pH 4 and borohydride reduction yielded reduced sulfated disaccharides that comigrated with standard Gal3SO4beta1-4anhydromannitol. The disaccharides were resistant to periodate oxidation but became sensitive after the sulfate group was removed by methanolysis, indicating that the sulfate was located at C3 of the galactose residues. Maackia amurensis lectin bound to the sulfated glycopeptides on the cell surface and in free form, even after sialidase treatment. This finding indicates that the lectin requires only a charged group at C3 of the galactose unit and not an intact sialic acid. Growth of cells with chlorate restored sialidase sensitivity to lectin binding, indicating that sulfation and sialylation occurred largely at the same sites. The enhanced sulfation was due to elevated sulfotransferase activity that catalyzed transfer of sulfate from phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate to Galbeta1-4(3)GlcNAcbeta-O-naphthalenemethanol.
Understanding medical error and improving patient safety in the inpatient setting.

Improving patient safety incorporates two complementary approaches. The first, inspired by research in cognitive psychology and the lessons of accident investigation in other industries, provides qualitative methods for anticipating errors, documenting critical incidents, and responding to them in a blame-free and structured manner. Using such qualitative methods, physicians can generate meaningful strategies for preventing similar occurrences in the future. Hospital-based physicians have an important role to play in promoting a culture of safety by championing incident-reporting initiatives and participating in multidisciplinary teams that analyze adverse events and promote change. The second approach involves applying the results of quantitative clinical research to reduce some of the common hazards of hospitalization. Hospitalists also have an important role to play in this arena because many of these safety targets and the associated clinical practices (e.g., early enteral nutritional support and fall prevention) are not on the radar screens of many hospital-based specialists. In both circumstances, physician participation in collaboration with nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, and other health care professionals would likely produce important improvements in patient care. More important, physician involvement in these initiatives will undoubtedly contribute visible leadership in promoting a culture of patient safety in hospitals and in health care.
Mechanizing CSP trace theory in higher order logic

How a mechanized tool for reasoning about CSP (communicating sequential processes) can be developed by customizing an existing general-purpose theorem prover based on higher-order logic is described. How the trace semantics of CSP operators can be mechanized in higher-order logic is investigated, and how the laws associated with these operators can be proved from their semantic definitions is shown. The resulting system is one in which natural-deduction style proofs can be conducted using the standard CSP laws. >
What Do You Need to Know Before Performing a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The majority of interventional cardiologists spend considerable time reviewing the angiograms before performing a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Over the years, considerable experience has been gained from both clinical observations and investigations that guide the assessment of the risk-to-benefit ratio that leads to the decision of when and how to proceed with coronary revascularization in individual patients. During the early years of balloon angioplasty, the majority of time was spent reviewing the angiogram, because it largely predicted whether the procedure would be successful, but the consistency of such a review among cardiologists was not always present.1 In that era, angiographic variables by and large predicted outcomes, because abrupt vessel closure and periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) were relatively common and also predicted later long-term mortality. However, it was also recognized that the nonangiographic variables were more important in predicting the long-term outcomes.2 Over time, improved techniques and better understanding of antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapies have reduced both the need for emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and the mortality rate despite the increased use of PCI in high-risk populations.3 Given the technical successes in interventional cardiology, focus has now moved from the feasibility of PCI to the optimal use of existing techniques to improve survival and reduce symptomatic heart disease. Article p 632 In order to optimize care, the interventional cardiologist needs to be able to predict the outcomes, including long-term mortality, so that he or she can best define the risks and benefits of PCI for the patient. Multivariable analyses from multiple registries and clinical trials have helped to define the risk factors for the development of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing PCI.4 In the current era of PCI, long-term mortality is now by and large only predicted by clinical variables such as symptom status (acute …
Minimally invasive surgical repair of pectus excavatum

The minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum has become widely accepted. The number of patients presenting for repair has increased dramatically. There have been many technical improvements over 20 years that have made the procedure much safer and more successful. The complications have been identified and preventative measures instituted. The long-term results have shown a 95% good to excellent outcome, and patient satisfaction studies have shown similar results.
The case for a dorsal V3 in the ‘third-tier’ of primate visual cortex: a reply to ‘the case for a dorsomedial area in the primate ‘third-tier’ visual cortex’

The commentary by Rosa et al. , argues that while a V3-like area (VLP), termed VLP, is present in the V3v region immediately adjacent to the ventral half of V2; dorsally, a V3d is not found along the dorsal half of V2 in any primate species. Instead, the dorsal region (which represents the lower
The Equity Indexed Annuity: A Monte Carlo Forensic Investigation into a Controversial Financial Product

Equity Indexed Annuities (EIAs) are controversial financial products because the payoffs to investors are based on formulas that are supposedly too complex for average investors to understand. This brief describes how Monte Carlo simulation can provide insight into the true risk and return of an EIA. This approach can be used as a project assignment or an in-class assignment to demonstrate the ability of Monte Carlo simulation to solve problems involving uncertainty and nonlinear payoffs.
Calcium-to-Creatinine Ratio in a Spot Sample of Urine, for Early Prediction of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Prospective Study.

Background Hypertensive disorders complicate 5–10 % of all pregnancies. Various methods for screening have been studied to identify pregnant women at risk of development of preeclampsia, but no ideal screening test has been identified so far. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio, in a spot urine sample, for the prediction of preeclampsia in asymptomatic pregnant women between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation.
Maitotoxin and P2Z/P2X7purinergic receptor stimulation activate a common cytolytic pore

The effects of maitotoxin (MTX) on plasmalemma permeability are similar to those caused by stimulation of P2Z/P2X7ionotropic receptors, suggesting that1) MTX directly activates P2Z/P2X7 receptors o...
Pulmonary Arterial Stiffness: Toward a New Paradigm in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Pathophysiology and Assessment

Stiffening of the pulmonary arterial bed with the subsequent increased load on the right ventricle is a paramount feature of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The pathophysiology of vascular stiffening is a complex and self-reinforcing function of extracellular matrix remodeling, driven by recruitment of circulating inflammatory cells and their interactions with resident vascular cells, and mechanotransduction of altered hemodynamic forces throughout the ventricular-vascular axis. New approaches to understanding the cell and molecular determinants of the pathophysiology combine novel biopolymer substrates, controlled flow conditions, and defined cell types to recapitulate the biomechanical environment in vitro. Simultaneously, advances are occurring to assess novel parameters of stiffness in vivo. In this comprehensive state-of-art review, we describe clinical hemodynamic markers, together with the newest translational echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging methods, to assess vascular stiffness and ventricular-vascular coupling. Finally, fluid-tissue interactions appear to offer a novel route of investigating the mechanotransduction processes and disease progression.
Dependence of Elastic Properties of Human Femoral Cortical Bone on Porosity

Hip fracture is one of the most serious and common health problems among elderly which may lead to permanent disability or death. Hip fracture commonly occurs in the femoral bone, the major bone in the hip joint. Microscopic age-related changes in the structure of cortical bone is one of the factors that is considered to be partially responsible for the increase of fracture risk in elderly. It is of great interest to develop a predictable model of such fractures for the aging population in preparation of a suitable therapy. These micro structural changes influence mechanical properties and, therefore, behavior of bone and are critical to understand risk and mechanics of fracture of bone. Correlation between cortical bone strength and porosity, as a microscopic structural factor, has been examined frequently as a function of age and/or porosity. These studies have investigated the effect of porosity experimentally and have not studied the effect of porosity independently from other structural factors such as bone mineral density. In this study effect of porosity on elastic properties of human femoral cortical bone was studied independently using finite element analysis assuming transversely isotropic behavior in terms of elastic properties with the axis of elastic properties along the longitudinal axis of femur shaft. In this study, published standard mechanical tests for transversely isotropic materials were simulated using finite element computer simulation on models with different porosities. The developed finite element model utilized material properties based on the best fit regression in previously published articles. Pores’ size, shape and distribution were also modeled based on previous experimental studies. The finite element model, in general, predicted behavior of five independent elastic mechanical properties, namely, longitudinal Young’s modulus, transverse poisson’s ratio, transverse shear modulus, transverse Young’s modulus and longitudinal poisson’s ratio, as a function of porosity. Furthermore, effect of porosity on the elastic properties across various age groups was investigated using published data on age-related changes in bone porosity. Mathematical models based on Finite Element Analysis results have been developed using linear least square regression. These models show negative linear relationship between studied elastic properties of human femoral cortical bone and porosity. The Finite Element Analysis results compared well with the previously published experimental data. Furthermore, the results obtained show the elastic properties as functions of age for females and males. The predicted values for elastic properties are lower for men compared to women of age 20 to 40 years old. However, after the age of 44, elastic properties of femoral cortical bone for men are higher than women. The Finite Element Model developed in this study will help to create a clinical bone model for the prediction of fracture risk or the selection of suitable therapy in orthopedic surgery.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Stability of Boron Nitride Coatings on Ceramic Substrates

When BN is synthesized via polymeric precursors and applied to ceramic substrates, tough adherent coatings of hexagonal-BN (h-BN) are obtained after annealing at 1200°C in N2. The study of these coatings is facilitated by using nonporous oxide powders containing single crystal particles of submicron size (e.g. cubes of MgO) as model ceramic substrates. These oxide powders permit high resolution TEM examination of the BN coatings with no further sample preparation. In this study, samples of BN/MgO cubes containing 50 wt% BN were heated in air at elevated temperatures for 16 hours to study the oxidation resistance of BN coatings. The BN coating was found to be stable at 600°C, but the 700°C-treated sample showed evidence for partial amorphization of the coating and reaction with MgO. A significant fraction of the MgO in the 800°C-treated sample had transformed to Mg2B2O5. The reaction of MgO with the BN coating under oxidizing ambients leads to loss of the cubic morphology in the precursor powder.
Early Experience with AngioVac Aspiration in the Pulmonary Arteries

Five consecutive cases in which the AngioVac aspiration cannula was used for the management of pulmonary embolism (PE) were retrospectively reviewed. Four cases (80%) presented with massive PE, and two (40%) were technically successful (reduction in Miller index ≥ 5). Four patients (80%) died at a mean of 7.3 days after the procedure, including one death related to right ventricular free wall perforation. Although the AngioVac aspiration cannula has shown clinical promise in a variety of clinical applications, early experience in the pulmonary arteries has shown limited success, and further study and careful patient selection are required.
Who Buys Foreclosed Homes? How Neighborhood Characteristics Influence Real Estate-Owned Home Sales to Investors and Households

AbstractThis study examines the trajectory of real estate-owned (REO) sales in the Chicago metropolitan statistical area from 2009 to 2013, roughly the first few years of the housing market recovery. Using a data set of property transactions, it tracks property sales to investors and owner-occupiers, and examines the neighborhood characteristics that contribute to an investor’s decision to purchase an REO property. Neighborhood characteristics include social and physical variables as well as housing and transportation affordability variables. Findings are consistent with previous studies in that investor activity is high in neighborhoods with higher proportions of African American and older residents. In addition, investors are more likely to purchase homes in neighborhoods that offer more affordable transportation options. Our findings can help planners identify areas where they may need to target programs that help reduce barriers to REO sales, particularly to owner-occupiers. By understanding the neigh...
Evidence that the E2-isoprostane, 15-E2t-isoprostane (8-iso-prostaglandin E2) is formed in vivo

Abstract D2/E2-isoprostanes are prostaglandin D2/E2-like compounds that are produced in vivo as non-enzymatic products of free radical catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid. One E2-isoprostane that should be formed is 15-E2t-isoprostane (8-iso-prostaglandin E2). 15-E2t-isoprostane has been shown to exert potent biological activity but proof that it is formed in vivo is lacking. Evidence is now presented that 15-E2t-isoprostane is formed in vivo by demonstrating that an endogenous E2-isoprostane with a retention time on capillary GC identical with that of 15-E2t-isoprostane co-chromatographs through four high resolving HPLC purification procedures with authentic radiolabeled 15-E2t-isoprostane.—Morrow, J. D., J. Scruggs, Y. Chan, W. E. Zackert, and L. J. Roberts II. Evidence that the E2-isoprostane, 15-E2t-isoprostane (8-iso-prostaglandin E2) is formed in vivo.
SU-F-R-39: Effects of Radiation Dose Reduction On Renal Cell Carcinoma Discrimination Using Multi-Phasic CT Imaging

Purpose: A method to discriminate different types of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was developed using attenuation values observed in multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT. This work evaluates the sensitivity of this RCC discrimination task at different CT radiation dose levels. Methods: We selected 5 cases of kidney lesion patients who had undergone four-phase CT scans covering the abdomen to the lilac crest. Through an IRB-approved study, the scans were conducted on 64-slice CT scanners (Definition AS/Definition Flash, Siemens Healthcare) using automatic tube-current modulation (TCM). The protocol included an initial baseline unenhanced scan, followed by three post-contrast injection phases. CTDIvol (32 cm phantom) measured between 9 to 35 mGy for any given phase. As a preliminary study, we limited the scope to the cortico-medullary phase—shown previously to be the most discriminative phase. A previously validated method was used to simulate a reduced dose acquisition via adding noise to raw CT sinogram data, emulating corresponding images at simulated doses of 50%, 25%, and 10%. To discriminate the lesion subtype, ROIs were placed in the most enhancing region of the lesion. The mean HU value of an ROI was extracted and used to discriminate to the worst-case RCC subtype, ranked in the order of clear cell, papillary, chromophobe and the benign oncocytoma. Results: Two patients exhibited a change of worst case RCC subtype between original and simulated scans, at 25% and 10% doses. In one case, the worst-case RCC subtype changed from oncocytoma to chromophobe at 10% and 25% doses, while the other case changed from oncocytoma to clear cell at 10% dose. Conclusion: Based on preliminary results from an initial cohort of 5 patients, worst-case RCC subtypes remained constant at all simulated dose levels except for 2 patients. Further study conducted on more patients will be needed to confirm our findings. Institutional research agreement, Siemens Healthcare; Past recipient, research grant support, Siemens Healthcare; Consultant, Toshiba America Medical Systems; Consultant, Samsung Electronics; NIH Grant Support from: U01 CA181156
Empirical Feasibility of an Acoustic Cabin for Reduction the Workers’ Exposure to High Frequency Noise in Typical Metal Industry

Introduction: A practical solution which is sometimes efficient for noise control in the receiver locations is to enclose workers in an acoustic cabin. Accordingly, prediction of the noise insulation performance is regarded as an important aspect of the design a personnel cabin. This study empirically aims to design an acoustic cabin using sandwich panels in a typical metal industry and analyze its effectiveness for reduction the operators’ exposure to high frequency noise. Method: Sheet metal was used as main element of the personnel cabin, and it was coupled with damping materials to achieve efficient noise insulation. The simplified prediction equations were used for prediction of noise transmission loss of the main elements (steel sheet). For design of the cabin sandwich wall, based on the primary prediction results, selection of the other materials and their thickness was performed empirically. Determination of the noise reduction performance of the designed cabin was performed based on in situ measurements. Discussion: The results indicated that all workers were continuously exposed to high noise levels before intervention. However, inside the designed cabin, the exposure levels actually reduced to of 66.6 dB (A) which was much lower than the national exposure limit. The designed cabin showed an overall noise reduction of 20.5 dB (L). Result: The results empirically confirmed where high insulation performance is required; sandwich panels which have adequate mass, low stiffness and high damping can be usually preferred.
Effect of Tamsulosin on Stone Passage for Ureteral Stones: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Study objective Tamsulosin is recommended for patients receiving a diagnosis of a ureteral stone less than 10 mm who do not require immediate urologic intervention. Because of conflicting results from recent meta-analyses and large randomized controlled trials, the efficacy of tamsulosin is unclear. We perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of tamsulosin on stone passage in patients receiving a diagnosis of ureteral stone. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched without language restriction through November 2015 for studies assessing the efficacy of tamsulosin and using a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial design. Meta-analysis was conducted with a random-effects model and subgroup analyses were conducted to determine sources of heterogeneity. Results Eight randomized controlled trials (N=1,384) contained sufficient information for inclusion. The pooled risk of stone passage in the tamsulosin arm was 85% versus 66% in the placebo arm, but substantial heterogeneity existed across trials (I2=80.2%; P Conclusion Tamsulosin significantly improves stone passage in patients with larger stones, whereas the effect of tamsulosin is diminished in those with smaller stones, who are likely to pass their stone regardless of treatment.
Exact and Approximate Bayesian Smoothing Algorithms in Partially Observed Markov Chains

Let x = {X n } n IN be a hidden process, y = {y n } n IN an observed process and r = {r n } n IN some auxiliary process. We assume that t = {t n } n IN with t n = (x n , r n , y n-1 ) is a (Triplet) Markov Chain (TMC). TMC are more general than Hidden Markov Chains (HMC) and yet enable the development of efficient restoration and parameter estimation algorithms. This paper is devoted to Bayesian smoothing algorithms for TMC. We first propose twelve algorithms for general TMC. In the Gaussian case, they reduce to a set of algorithms which includes, among other solutions, extensions to TMC of classical Kalman-like smoothing algorithms such as the RTS algorithms, the Two-Filter algorithm or the Bryson and Frazier algorithm. We finally propose particle filtering (PF) approximations for the general case.
Development and validation of an intelligent load control algorithm

Abstract The renewable generation technologies form a significant (>20%) fraction of grid capacity, however their generation capabilities remain variable in nature. Therefore, utilities will be forced to maintain a significant standby capacity to mitigate the imbalance between supply and demand. Because more than 75% of electricity consumption occurs in buildings, building loads can be used to mitigate some of the imbalance. This paper describes the development and validation of an intelligent load control (ILC) algorithm that can be used to manage loads in a building or group of buildings using both quantitative and qualitative criteria. ILC uses an analytic hierarchy process to prioritize the loads for curtailment. The ILC process was developed and tested in a simulation environment to control a group of rooftop units (RTUs) to manage a building’s peak demand while still keeping zone temperatures within acceptable deviations. The ILC algorithm can be implemented at a low cost on a supervisory controller without the need for additional sensing. By anticipating future demand, the process can be extended to add advanced control features such as precooling and preheating to alleviate comfort when operation of the RTUs is curtailed to manage the peak demand.
Utilizing Gyroscopes Towards the Automatic Annotation of Seismocardiograms

This paper reports on the use of the rotational component of chest vibrations for the automatic annotation of seismogram (SCG) recordings for the first time. An inertial measurement unit consisting of a three-axis MEMS accelerometer and a three-axis MEMS gyroscope is used for recording chest vibrations. The gyroscope signal acts as a reference for the detection of the isovolumic moment (IM) and aortic valve closure (AC) peaks on the SCG signal. Experimental results from ten subjects at rest indicate a close correlation between the timings of the P1 and P2 peaks of the gyroscope energy waveform and the accelerometer IM and AC peaks, and provide the capability for ECG-free annotation of the SCG signal using the energy peaks, which are simpler to detect. Furthermore, extended experiments from walking subjects reveal the feasibility of using the head-to-foot axis gyroscope recordings as an enhancement tool for the annotation of the SCG signal.
Using practice algorithms to deliver cancer survivorship care.

e19625 Background: Clinical practice algorithms provide a framework to guide providers’ practice in delivering care to long-term cancer survivors. Here we describe how algorithms were developed in a comprehensive cancer center and types of metrics used to evaluate their feasibility. Methods: Survivorship practice algorithms were based on a multidisciplinary care approach successfully used to build screening and treatment algorithms. This model consisted of four phases: development, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of algorithms. Phase 1, expert clinicians and researchers identified and agreed upon a specific cancer site. Group-consensus and literature reviews/syntheses were used to determine eligibility criteria to transition patients to survivorship care. Phase 2, reviews and approval processes were conducted by credentialing and regulatory committees to ensure adoption of the algorithms into clinical practice. Phase 3, pilot programs were conducted to implement the algorithm(s) in disease-specif...
Photo-cleavable analog of BAPTA for the fast and efficient release of Ca2+

A new photocleavable analog of BAPTA chelating ligand has a high affinity towards Ca2+ ions (K = 2.5 × 106 M−1). The use of photolabile 3-(hydroxymethyl)-2-naphthol core in the design of photo-BAPTA allows for the efficient (Φ = 0. 63) and very fast (τ < 12 μs) release of Ca2+ ions upon 300 or 350 nm irradiation.
The nexus between health and time use among racially and ethnically diverse women.

ABSTRACTObjectivesEthnic and racial health disparities have been well-documented in the scholarly literature. In recent years, evidence about time spent in physical (in)activity and its relationshi...
Cytochrome P450 eicosanoids in cerebrovascular function and disease

Cytochrome P450 eicosanoids play important roles in brain function and disease through their complementary actions on cell-cell communications within the neurovascular unit (NVU) and mechanisms of brain injury. Epoxy- and hydroxyeicosanoids, respectively formed by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases and ω-hydroxylases, play opposing roles in cerebrovascular function and in pathological processes underlying neural injury, including ischemia, neuroinflammation and oxidative injury. P450 eicosanoids also contribute to cerebrovascular disease risk factors, including hypertension and diabetes. We summarize studies investigating the roles P450 eicosanoids in cerebrovascular physiology and disease to highlight the existing balance between these important lipid signaling molecules, as well as their roles in maintaining neurovascular homeostasis and in acute and chronic neurovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.
Institutional Logics of Patriarchy and the Legitimacy of Women Not Engaging in Paid Work

Patriarchy is an omnipresent institution that limits the paid work opportunities of women and legitimizes women’s unpaid work within the home. Using notions of institutional logics and legitimacy j...
Optimal stopping of two-time scale Markovian systems: Analysis, numerical methods, and applications☆

Abstract Numerous systems arising in applications are subject to uncertainty and stochastic influence. They are often of large scales and have complex structures. They may also display hybrid behavior represented by regime-switching dynamic systems. Exact optimal control policies for these systems are difficult or virtually impossible to obtain. In this paper, we study a representative of such systems, which is an optimal stopping problem driven by a Markov chain. We consider the case that the chain has a large state space. Then, it is natural to divide the states into a number of groups so that the chain jumps frequently within each group and only occasionally among different groups. We develop a two-time-scale approach to reduce the overall dimensionality and construct near-optimal strategies for the original problem. Examples are provided to illustrate the results. Application examples to equity markets are also considered as well.
Sensitivity image compensation in pixelated, 3-D position-sensitive CdZnTe detectors

Accurate quantification of gamma-ray source activity using CdZnTe-based imaging systems requires compensation of sensitivity loss mechanisms specific to large volume, pixelated CdZnTe detectors. Current sensitivity estimation methods are based on simulation, but the effects that reduce sensitivity are difficult to model and vary with detector-specific electric field profiles. A new, empirical method for estimating pixelated CdZnTe sensitivity is developed as an alternative to invalidated simulation models and exhaustive calibration measurements. The calculated-to-measured cathode signal ratio (CMCR) is introduced as an efficiency metric for the recorded charge induction on anode pixels, and it is used to estimate pixelated CdZnTe crystal sensitivity as a function of gamma-ray interaction position and signal amplitude. The Maximum Likelihood Expectation-Maximization (MLEM) sensitivity image calculation with the detector sensitivity function is compared to sensitivity images generated by conventional simulation methods, and the systematic error in sensitivity estimation is quantified.
Stochastic Unit Commitment With Topology Control Recourse for Power Systems With Large-Scale Renewable Integration

In this paper, we model topology control through transmission switching as a recourse action in the day-ahead operation of power systems with large-scale renewable generation resources. We prove that transmission switching could only reduce the linear objective value of direct current optimal power flow when congestion exists. However, we also show, through a simple example, that unit commitment cost could be reduced by transmission switching even in the absence of congestion. To solve the stochastic unit commitment with topology control within reasonable computational time, we proposed a heuristic that first decomposes a practical system into zones and then solves the problem for each zone in parallel. The benefit of topology control recourse is demonstrated on a network representing the Central European System. We compare the costs of the network with different loading and renewable generation conditions. The cost reduction of the test system can reach 3.34% with heavy load and large-scale renewable generation while in a single zone the cost reduction can be above 7%.
Staff assistance visit: Bridging the gap between headquarters and the operational contracting officer

The Staff Assistance Visit Program (SAV) is an important tool used by the Department of State’s Procurement Executive since 1995 to support the Department’s overseas contracting operations. The program is structured much differently from a formal contract compliance review. The SAV’s purpose is to improve relationships between the field and headquarters. Also, the program provides hands-on expertise to improve operations. During the visit, the SAV team works to reinforce existing training, solve real problems, and improve communications with the contracting office and its clients. The program consistently demonstrates its value of assisting geographically dispersed contracting officers overcome the numerous contracting challenges that they encounter around the world.
Capturing Post-Translational Modification-Triggered Protein–Protein Interactions Using Dual Noncanonical Amino Acid Mutagenesis

Reversible post-translational modification (PTM) is a powerful and ubiquitous mechanism to regulate protein function. The mechanistic basis of the associated functional regulation by PTMs often involves the recruitment of interaction partners that selectively bind the modified protein. Identifying such functionally important protein–protein interactions that are uniquely triggered by PTMs remains difficult due to several technical challenges. To address this, here we develop technology to site-specifically incorporate two distinct noncanonical amino acids into recombinant proteins: one modeling a PTM of interest and the second harboring a photoaffinity probe. Using lysine-23 acetylation of histone 3 as a model system, we show that such dual-labeled “protein probes” can covalently capture its “reader” protein.
Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Academic Career Goals: Doctoral Students’ Perspectives

While more doctoral students are pregnant and/or parenting in their doctoral programs than previously, little research has focused on their experiences. This qualitative study (N = 28) explored the...
Chemotherapy for Medulloblastoma in Adults

Abstract The principles of treatment for adult medulloblastoma have largely been inferred from pediatric medulloblastoma which is 10 times more common and for which major clinical trials over the last 30 years have provided a wealth of data. Gradually, the adult medulloblastoma literature has matured, and while not up to the level of the pediatric information, now provides important guides to prognosis and treatment recommendations. Major advances in our understanding of the biology of medulloblastoma, impacting risk-adapted therapy strategies and providing new targets for therapy, have also driven interest and spawned new clinical trials for adult medulloblastoma. This chapter reviews the application of chemotherapy for medulloblastoma, including preradiation chemotherapy, concurrent chemoradiation, maintenance chemotherapy, myeloablative chemotherapy, intrathecal chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. In each of these contexts, the pediatric data are reviewed and applications to adult medulloblastoma therapy are discussed. The strength of the pediatric data and the bias toward more aggressive options when treating a potentially curable malignancy contribute to a widely held view that chemotherapy is beneficial for adult medulloblastoma. The limits of current information and need for additional data based on clinical trials in adult medulloblastoma is highlighted.
Tissue, Serum and Saliva Sampling for Proteomic Analysis

Proteomics refers to comprehensive analysis and study of all the proteins present in a biological sample. It is a powerful approach that can be used to discover diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers, elucidate molecular determinants of diseases, and identify novel protein targets for therapeutic intervention. Sample preparation and processing plays a large role in the outcome of proteomic analysis, especially when clinical samples are analyzed. This chapter discusses the techniques and procedures for sampling and handling of tissue, serum, and saliva protein samples. Understanding these sampling and handling procedures will ensure the integrity of a proteomic sample and, in turn, maximize accuracy and reproducibility of proteomic analysis.