cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanofluids Suspensions: Possible Explanations for the Apparent Enhanced Effective Thermal Conductivity

The spectacular heat transfer enhancement revealed experimentally in naofluids suspensions is being investigated theoretically at the macro-scale level aiming at explaining the possible mechanisms that lead to such impressive experimental results. In particular, the possibility that Dual-Phase-Lagging heat conduction in the heterogeneous medium (nanofluid suspension) could have been the source of the excessively improved effective thermal conductivity of the suspension is shown to provide a viable explanation. The investigation of alternative possibilities is needed however prior to reaching an ultimate conclusion.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Erionite and offretite from the Killdeer Mountains, Dunn County, North Dakota, U.S.A.

The carcinogenic potential of erionite has sparked concern about human exposure in areas where it is present in regional bedrock. The Arikaree Formation in western North Dakota contains altered tuffaceous units with authigenic zeolites. We sampled stratigraphic profiles in the Killdeer Mountains, Dunn County, North Dakota, to determine the distribution and chemical composition of zeolites. Powder X-ray diffraction, SEM/EDS and electron microprobe analyses were carried out on sample concentrates. Only samples stratigraphically in or below the distinctive burrowed marker unit were found to contain zeolites. Erionite and offretite were the most common zeolites identified, with offretite being more abundant based on frequency of measured Mg/(Ca+Na) ratios. Intermediate chemical compositions could be natural or due to intimate intergrowths of the two minerals. A better understanding is needed of the potential toxicity across the range of erionite and offretite compositions.
The Response of Different Types and Strains of Pneumococcus to Sulfapyridine

It has been stated' that sulfapyridine is, or seems to be, equally effective against infections with all types of pneumococci. Many clinicians who use this drug in the treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia have accepted this as an established fact, although, as will be brought out later, the clinical data available at present do not seem to warrant such a conclusion. Evidence to support their view has come from the experimental studies of MacLean, Rogers and Fleming2 which showed that all types of pneumococci responded similarly to sulfapyridine in vitro. It seems to us that this evidence cannot be considered final until it is shown that sulfapyridine has the same effectiveness against pneumococci in vivo (i.e., against pneumococcal infections) as in vitro. At present, the observations of Long and Bliss3 seem to indicate that such a relation does not exist.
Current resistance situation and developing trend of Culex pipiens pallens to normal used insecticides

Objective To investigate the status and trends of Culex pipiens pallens resistance in Yancheng city. Methods Distinguishing dosage method. Results Culex pipiens pallens developed high resistance to DDVP in Yancheng.Except of Jianghu,it had low resistance or sensitive level to cypermethrin and permethrin.The deltamethrin resistance in Jianhu was noticeably higher than it in other areas. Conclusion After some insecticides were used to control mosquitoes in Jianhu,Dongtai and Suburb area for a long time,Culex pipiens pallens had developed obvious resistance to DDVP and deltamethrin.Therefore insecticides should be changed for controlling mosquitoes in these areas.
Synaptically Released Glutamate Does Not Overwhelm Transporters on Hippocampal Astrocytes During High-Frequency Stimulation

In addition to maintaining the extracellular glutamate concentration at low ambient levels, high-affinity glutamate transporters play a direct role in synaptic transmission by speeding the clearanc...
The rare blood factor rh (") or Eu.

1) A family study including the identification and transmission of the variant of time rh'' factor known as Eu is presented. 2) The need for caution in interpretation of unusual variations in reactions to standard sera, especially in Negroids is emphasized. 3) The value of special technics such as use of serum containing only a single antibody, anti-human globulin test, enzyme treated cells and elution methods for clarification of atypical findings is demonstrated.
Clinical evaluation of rodents.

Small rodents are gaining popularity as pets and more owners are seeking veterinary care for these animals. Although there is a wealth of information available on this species, it is often disseminated among a large variety of texts and journals, thereby making access difficult for the veterinary practitioner. This article is designed to provide introductory information for the clinician performing a basic physical examination. Differential diagnoses for common clinical signs are discussed.
Lessons Learned from the Use of Unconventional Materials for CO2 Capture

Having worked on several approaches to CO2 capture over the past decade, we have studied a great number of physical and chemical solvents as well as polymer and composite membranes. Initially, most of these materials were based upon ionic liquids (ILs), however due to challenges encountered in applying ILs to meet the demanding requirements in CO2 separation processes, there is a need to reconsider what role (if any) ILs might play in CO2 capture technologies. Ultimately, more promising and robust materials will not come from ILs themselves, but from retrosynthetic analysis and a reconsideration of which structural variables and properties are (and are not) important. The hybridization of the constituent parts into entirely new, yet seemingly familiar substances, can yield greatly improved properties and economics. This manuscript highlights recent work from our group based on lessons learned from ILs that have spurred the development of new amine solvents and polymer materials to better address the demanding process conditions and requirements of CO2 capture and related separations.
Controlling Hypertension to Prevent Target Organ Damage: Perspectives from the World Hypertension League President.

The evidence from epidemiological and observational studies over the past five decades consistently identify a significant association of blood pressure level and disease risks for both sexes, all races and cultures, as well as all age groups. The evidence is strong such that clinical guidelines and intervention programs focus on blood pressure management and lower blood pressure levels for primary and secondary stroke prevention supported and promoted by numerous organizations including the World Hypertension League. These comprehensive components of population risk reduction are ideal models for the clinical medicine and population health partnership, and timely for global implementation. The accelerated decline in blood pressure-related outcomes (eg, stroke mortality), which began in the 1970s in the US and Western countries, included models for aggressive detection, treatment and control strategies for hypertension. These strategies can be implemented on a global scale to respond to the global risks from blood pressure, which is developing in the most vulnerable populations. Ethn Dis. 2016;26(3):267-270; doi: 10.18865/ed.26.3.267
The Protective Effects of Diabetes Mellitus on Post-EVAR AAA Growth and Reinterventions

Background This study aims to investigate the effect of diabetes on post-endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVARs) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods A total of 1,479 consecutive patients who underwent AAA EVAR were reviewed. The cohorts were divided based on their diabetes status and compared. Preoperative demographic and comorbidity data were analyzed using the t -test and chi-squared test, whereas post-EVAR outcomes were analyzed using Probit multivariate model, followed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression. Results Of our 1,479 patients, 993 met inclusion criteria. One hundred eighty-three were diabetics (18.4%) compared with 810 nondiabetics (81.6%). Coronary artery disease (CAD; diabetics: 70.49%, nondiabetics: 60.76%, P = 0.014) and hypertension (HTN; diabetics: 90.16%, nondiabetics: 79.46%, P = 0.0008) were the only comorbidities analyzed, including follow-up length, which had any significant differences between the diabetic and nondiabetic groups. Probit multivariate analysis using a combined cohort follow-up mean of 51 months showed a significant decrease in aneurysm sac enlargement in diabetic patients (diabetics: 13.11%, nondiabetics: 19.43%, model estimate: 0.3058; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0486–0.5629, Pr > ChiSq = 0.0198) and trended toward significantly fewer reinterventions (diabetics: 23.50%, nondiabetics: 28.41%, model estimate: 0.1990; 95% CI: −0.0262 to 0.4243, Pr > ChiSq = 0.0833). In the Cox regressions, diabetes had a significant protective factor on reinterventions (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.697, Pr > ChiSq = 0.0151), and was trending toward significance for aneurysm sac enlargement (HR: 0.750, Pr > ChiSq = 0.1961). There was no significant difference across diabetic status in any other outcomes, including mortality and endoleak occurrence. Conclusions Although a higher proportion of diabetic patients present with HTN and CAD, they have decreased long-term rates of aneurysm sac enlargement after EVAR. As a result, this cohort trends toward a lower need for reintervention after EVAR.
The role of age in understanding the psychological effects of racism for African Americans.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to test age as a moderator of the effects of types of racism on psychological symptoms for a sample of 184 African American women. METHOD: We hypothesized that increased age would be associated with greater severity in psychological symptoms in relation to exposure to types of racism. Moderated hierarchical regression analyses were performed to test our hypothesis. RESULTS: Findings revealed significant interactions between institutional racism and age in predicting anxiety. Younger women experienced more severe anxiety in relation to greater exposure to institutional racism compared to older African American women. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that older age may function as a buffer to psychological outcomes related to racism exposure. Additional studies are needed to understand the ways in which older African American adults cope with racism-related experiences. (PsycINFO Database Record Language: en
Evaluation of Pressure Filtration of Coal Refuse Slurry: A Fractional Factorial Design Approach

ABSTRACTPressure filtration provides an opportunity for dewatering coal refuse sufficiently to reduce or possibly eliminate the need for a slurry impoundment. In this study, pressure filtration was...
Predicting delayed discharge in a multimodal Enhanced Recovery Pathway.

Abstract Background Despite advances with Enhanced Recovery Pathways(ERP), some patients have unexpected prolonged lengths of stay(LOS). Our goal was to identify the patient and procedural variables associated with delayed discharge despite an established ERP. Methods A divisional database was reviewed for minimally invasive colorectal resections with a multimodal ERP(8/1/13–7/31/15). Patients were stratified into ERP success or failure based on length of stay ≥5 days. Logistic regression modeling identified variables predictive of ERP failure. Results 274 patients were included- 229 successes and 45 failures. Groups were similar in demographics. Failures had higher rates of preoperative anxiety(p = 0.0352), chronic pain(p = 0.0040), prior abdominal surgery(p = 0.0313), and chemoradiation(p = 0.0301). Intraoperatively, failures had higher conversion rates(13.3% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.0002), transfusions(p = 0.0032), and longer operative times(219.8 vs. 183.5min,p = 0.0099). Total costs for failures were higher than successes($22,127 vs. $13,030,p = 0.0182). Variables independently associated with failure were anxiety(OR 2.28, p = 0.0389), chronic pain(OR 10.03, p = 0.0045), and intraoperative conversion(OR 8.02, p = 0.0043). Conclusions Identifiable factors are associated with delayed discharge in colorectal surgery. By prospectively preparing for patient factors and changing practice to address procedural factors and ERP adherence, postoperative outcomes could be improved.
Robustness of DC Networks With Controllable Link Weights

We study robustness of dc power networks with controllable link susceptances, or weights , toward balanced disturbances to a nominal supply–demand vector. Consider the set of balanced disturbances, for which there exist feasible link weights so that the resulting link flows are within specified capacity bounds. The margin of robustness is defined as the radius of the largest $\ell _1$ ball around the origin, which belongs to this set. Computation of this margin can be posed as a nonconvex optimization problem. We propose an equivalent multilevel programming approach for a class of networks, in which the nodes with nonzero demand or supply are relatively sparse. This approach is based on recursive application of equivalent bilevel formulation for a relevant class of, possibly nonconvex, optimization problems. The lower level problem in each recursion corresponds to replacing a subnetwork by a (virtual) link with equivalent weight and capacity functions. The equivalent capacity function for a link-reducible network possesses a strong quasi-concavity property. This property facilitates an easy solution to the multilevel programming formulation for tree-reducible networks . The computational gain from such a reduction procedure is illustrated via simulations on a benchmark IEEE network.
Evaluating CFSv2 Subseasonal Forecast Skill with an Emphasis on Tropical Convection

AbstractThis study examines the subseasonal predictive skill of CFSv2, focusing on the spatial and temporal distributions of error for large-scale atmospheric variables and the realism of simulated tropical convection. Errors in a 4-member CFSv2 ensemble forecast saturate at lead times of approximately 3 weeks for 500-hPa geopotential height and 5 weeks for 200-hPa velocity potential. Forecast errors exceed those of climatology at lead times beyond 2 weeks. Sea surface temperature, which evolves more slowly than atmospheric fields, maintains skill over climatology through the first month. Spatial patterns of error are robust across lead times and temporal averaging periods, increasing in amplitude as lead time increases and temporal averaging period decreases. Several significant biases were found in the CFSv2 reforecasts, such as too little convection over tropical land and excessive convection over the ocean. The realism of simulated tropical convection and associated teleconnections degrades with forec...
Histology of anomalous growth and adventitious roots associated with mainstem girdling by threecornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say) (Homoptera: Membracidae) on soybean.

Cell and tissue structure of undamaged soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, stems were compared with those from the swollen area immediately above (< 1 cm) threecornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say), girdles. Examination of epoxy - resin embedded transverse sections from the swollen stems revealed growth that differed significantly from the normal dicot structure. The anomalous growth consisted of vascular bundles scattered in the secondary phloem surrounded by parenchyma cells. Examination of Paraplast® embedded transverse and longitudinal sections of adventitious root - like growths arising from or above the swollen hypocotyl area revealed normal root structure.
Towards end-to-end polyphonic music transcription: Transforming music audio directly to a score

We present a neural network model that learns to produce music scores directly from audio signals. Instead of employing commonplace processing steps, such as frequency transform front-ends, harmonicity and scale priors, or temporal pitch smoothing, we show that a neural network can learn such steps on its own when presented with the appropriate training data. We show how such a network can perform monophonic transcription with very high accuracy, and how it also generalizes well to transcribing polyphonic music.
Management of Destructive Colon Injuries after Damage Control Surgery.

After the World War II, fecal diversion became the standard of care for colon injuries, although medical, logistic, and technical advancements have challenged this approach. Damage control surgery serves to temporize immediately life-threatening conditions, and definitive management of destructive colon injuries is delayed until after appropriate resuscitation. The bowel can be left in discontinuity for up to 3 days before edema ensues, but the optimal repair window remains within 12 to 48 hours. Delayed anastomosis performed at the take-back operation or stoma formation has been reported with variable results. Studies have revealed good outcomes in those undergoing anastomosis after damage control surgery; however, they point to a subgroup of trauma patients considered to be “high risk” that may benefit from fecal diversion. Risk factors influencing morbidity and mortality rates include hypotension, massive transfusion, the degree of intra-abdominal contamination, associated organ injuries, shock, left-sided colon injury, and multiple comorbid conditions. Patients who are not suitable for anastomosis by 36 hours after damage control may be best managed with a diverting stoma. Failures are more likely related to ongoing instability, and the management strategy of colorectal injury should be based mainly on the patient's overall condition.
What Approaches to Dysphasia Rehabilitation Are Felt to Be Most Effective

Speech pathologists are called upon to rehabilitate adults with disorders which range from global dysphasia with severe impairment in all language modalities, to anomic dysphasia with impairment only in substantive word finding. There is little reason to expect that disorders which vary widely in nature should or can be treated in a similar manner. There are, of course, some general principles which can be applied to any rehabilitative process and dysphasia is no exception. Such clinicians as Backus (1937) and Schuell, Jenkins and Jimeniz-Pabon (1964) provide us with general principles of treatment, and these principles are no less appropriate today than when they were written. Few of us would dispute, for example, that speech processes operate with greater facility when the individual experiences a reasonable degree of social adequacy (Backus, 1937), or that the clinician should elicit and not force the response (Schuell, Jenkins and Jimenez-Pabon, 1964). But while such principles may guide us in the treatment process, we must have a specific method in mind when sitting across from the patient.
Impact of In-Hospital Death on Spending for Bereaved Spouses.

OBJECTIVE To examine how patients' location of death relates to health care utilization and spending for surviving spouses. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2000-2012 linked to the Dartmouth Atlas and Medicare claims data. STUDY DESIGN This was an observational study. We matched bereaved spouses whose spouses died in a hospital to those whose spouses died outside the hospital using propensity scores based on decedent and spouse demographic and clinical characteristics, care preferences, and regional practice patterns. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We identified 1,348 HRS decedents with surviving spouses. We linked HRS data from each dyad with Medicare claims and regional characteristics. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In multivariable models, bereaved spouses of decedents who died in the hospital had $3,106 higher Medicare spending 12 months postdeath (p = .04) compared to those whose spouses died outside a hospital. Those surviving spouses were also significantly more likely to have an ED visit (OR = 1.5; p < .01) and hospital admission (OR = 1.4; p = .02) in the year after their spouse's in-hospital death. Increased Medicare spending for surviving spouses persisted through the 24-month period postdeath ($5,310; p = .02). CONCLUSIONS Bereaved spouses of decedents who died in the hospital had significantly greater Medicare spending and health care utilization themselves after their spouses' death.
The Cluster Growth Mechanism of Nanostructured Diamond

In this paper were investigated the structure of globular and cauliflower-like diamond particles obtained by HFCVD from methane-hydrogen gas mixture. It is established sphaerocrystalline structure. For understanding of principles of diamond growth were analysed various models of the nucleation. On the reason of the surface structure was suggested the mechanism of growth CVD diamond which is conditioned by the formation clusters in vapor phase, following deposition on the surface of diamond particles and coalescence by them. It is characterised the dispersion of ballas-type and cauliflower-like diamond films.
Coordinating a Multi-Agent Team using a Multiple Perspective Interface Paradigm.

A mission to Mars will be composed of several groups that need to interact effectively. Scientists on Earth, supervisors in a habitat on Mars, and a surface exploration team on Mars will all require different views of information. This position paper proposes a multiple perspective interface paradigm which implements augmented virtuality and multiple camera perspectives to clearly present these views.
Static Condensation and Substructuring

In the previous chapters we established the relationship (through the system stiffness matrix) between forces applied at the nodal coordinates of the structure and the corresponding nodal displacements. There are instances, such as the use of substructuring for the analysis of large structures, in which it might be advantageous to reduce the number of nodal coordinates. Substructuring requires the reduction of nodal coordinates to allow the independent analysis of portions of the structure (substructuring). The process of reducing the number of free displacements or degrees of freedom is known as static condensation. The same process is also applied to dynamic problems although, in that case, it is only approximate and in general may result in large errors. The static condensation method has recently been modified for applications to dynamic problems. This method is known as the dynamic condensation method (Paz, M. 1997); its application to dynamic problems gives solutions that are virtually exact.
Combating Terrorism at Sea: the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation

This chapter presents Germany?s position with respect to the topic of maritime security. Without prejudice to the fact that the concept of security is continuously being extended these days, and by far exceeds purely military questions but also embraces economic, ecological and humanitarian aspects, it focuses on military facets of security concept. It then raises the awareness of threats encountered at sea and threats that emerge from sea and give an idea of what modern naval forces can contribute to countering these threats within the sometimes restricted boundaries of international and national maritime law. The chapter discusses the sea as a difficult-to-control supply line that can be used by terrorists and their operations. The sea not only serves as a resource and universal transport route for the world economy, trade, fishery and tourism, but also for terrorism, which has long discovered that sea route is an ideal logistic supply line. Keywords: Germany; maritime law; maritime security; military facets; national and international approaches; naval forces; terrorists; threats
Development Assets and Asset-Building Communities: A View of the Issues

Young people are the resources on which the future must be built. How can segments of society coalesce to ensure that youth develop in ways that enable them to actualize their potential to contribute positively to the healthy development of self, family, and community?
Diet quality measured by four a priori-defined diet quality indices is associated with lipid-soluble micronutrients in the Multiethnic Cohort Study (MEC).

This study examined the long-term relation of lipid-soluble micronutrients with diet quality as assessed by four a priori-defined dietary patterns. In a prospective design, nutritional biomarkers (carotenoids, tocopherols, retinol, and coenzyme Q10) were measured using a validated HPLC-based assay. General linear models were applied to obtain covariate-adjusted means of biomarkers for tertiles of four a priori diet quality indices: Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010, Alternative HEI (AHEI) 2010, Alternate Mediterranean Diet Score (aMED), and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). For a subcohort of 8367 participants within the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC), diet was assessed by a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire in 1993–96 and serum was collected in 2001–06. Participants with the highest diet-quality scores had significantly higher serum concentrations of all carotenoids, total tocopherols, and α-tocopherol, whereas γ-tocopherol was inversely associated with diet quality. Adjusted means for the lowest vs. highest tertile of HEI 2010 were 1.2 vs. 1.5 mg/L for total carotenoids, 11.4 vs. 12.3 mg/L for total tocopherols, and 1.9 vs. 1.6 mg/L for γ-tocopherol (ptrend < 0.0001). The associations for the other dietary indices were similar; no indication for sex and ethnic differences was detected. Vegetable and fruit components were major predictors of most circulating micronutrients, but most other components were also associated. Higher diet-quality scores measured by four a priori diet quality indices were significantly associated higher serum concentrations of carotenoids and α-tocopherol, whereas γ-tocopherol was inversely associated with diet quality.
The biopsychosocial model of pain in the context of pediatric burn injuries.

Background Burns are a common and traumatic source of childhood injury in the United States. The treatment and recovery from burn injuries can be significantly painful and may lead to chronic or persistent pain for years following the initial incident. Further, burn injuries in youth have been found to increase the potential for significant psychosocial (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD) and physical (e.g., decreased mobility) impairment. Relatedly, the general experience and processing of pain in youth can also be associated with greater psychosocial (e.g., anxiety, depression) impairment and functional disability over time. However, the phenomenology and associated characteristics of the pain experience following burn injury and, in particular, the potential for combined impact on physical and psychosocial outcomes in youth with severe and/or prolonged pain and a history of burn injury is poorly understood. Methods A review of the literature was performed in the areas of burn injuries and outcomes associated with both acute and chronic pain with youth and adult populations. Results The current review highlights current gaps in the literature in important areas of function in youth with a history of burn injuries using the biopsychosocial model of pain. Future research and considerations for practice are also outlined. Conclusions Gaining a greater understanding of the relationship between pain, physical impairment, and psychosocial functioning in these youth is significantly important in order to provide greater preventative and treatment-related intervention going forward. Significance Using a biopsychosocial framework, this review highlights the need for a greater understanding of pain processing and the long-term potential for persistent pain and pain-related impairment (e.g., functional disability) in youth with a history of burn injuries.
Long-term survival with stereotactic radiotherapy for imaging-diagnosed pituitary tumors in dogs.

Published studies on the use of stereotactic radiotherapy for dogs with pituitary tumors are limited. This retrospective observational study describes results of stereotactic radiotherapy for 45 dogs with imaging-diagnosed pituitary tumors. All dogs were treated at a single hospital during the period of December 2009-2015. The stereotactic radiotherapy was delivered in one 15 Gray (Gy) fraction or in three 8 Gy fractions. At the time of analysis, 41 dogs were deceased. Four were alive and censored from all survival analyses; one dog received 8 Gy every other day and was removed from protocol analyses. The median overall survival from first treatment was 311 days (95% confidence interval 226-410 days [range 1-2134 days]). Thirty-two dogs received 15 Gy (median overall survival 311 days; 95% confidence interval [range 221-427 days]), and 12 received 24 Gy on three consecutive days (median overall survival 245 days, 95% confidence interval [range 2-626 days]). Twenty-nine dogs had hyperadrenocorticism (median overall survival 245 days), while 16 had nonfunctional masses (median overall survival 626 days). Clinical improvement was reported in 37/45 cases. Presumptive signs of acute adverse effects within 4 months of stereotactic radiotherapy were noted in 10/45, and most had improvement spontaneously or with steroids. Late effects versus tumor progression were not discernable, but posttreatment blindness (2), hypernatremia (2), and progressive neurological signs (31) were reported. There was no statistical difference in median overall survival for different protocols. Patients with nonfunctional masses had longer median overall survival than those with hyperadrenocorticism (P = 0.0003). Survival outcomes with stereotactic radiotherapy were shorter than those previously reported with definitive radiation, especially for dogs with hyperadrenocorticism.
Autism, aspect-perception, and neurodiversity

This paper examines the appeal, made by some philosophers, to Wittgenstein’s notion of aspect-blindness in order to better understand autistic perception and social cognition. I articulate and asse...
Gravity and spin with a nonsymmetric metric tensor

It is shown the antisymmetric part of the metric tensor is the potential for the spin field. Various metricity conditions are discussed and comparisons are made to other theories, including Einstein’s. It is shown in the weak field limit the theory reduces to one with a symmetric metric tensor and totally antisymmetric torsion.
Vermal Length and Transcerebellar Diameter in Gestational Age Estimation: A Guide to Forensic Expert

Background Transcerebellar diameter is one of the reliable, constant predicting parameters to assess the gestational age and fetal growth. Other than this, measurements of vermis, mostly the vermal length (height), have also been mentioned by authors to assess gestational age. Establishing a correlation between parameters and advancing gestation would be helpful in estimating the gestational age of fetus. Aims and Objectives To establish a correlation of vermal length and transcerebellar diameter with gestational age. Materials and Methods An observational and descriptive study conducted on 60 formalin-fixed human cerebellums. Fetuses with gross congenital/neurological abnormality were excluded. Fetuses were grouped into four groups—group 1 (13–17 weeks), group 2 (18–22 weeks), group 3 (23–27 weeks), and group 4 (28–32 weeks of gestation). Vermal length and transcerebellar diameter were measured with help of Vernier calipers. The data obtained were analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 20.0 and one-way analysis of variance. Observation A linear increase in vermal length parameters and transcerebellar diameter were seen with increasing gestational age. Regression analysis was done and regression equation was derived for each parameter. Conclusion Such correlations would help in fetal age determination in the field of forensic studies.
Neurociência Localizada: revendo diferenças de sexo/gênero em pesquisas sobre o cérebro

The goal of this paper is to present critics made by neuroscientists to research that seeks differences presented in the brain between men and women, mainly using neuroimaging. Since early 2000s, the concern with the use of neuroscience to justify gender stereotypes and the lack of criteria from the researchers to differentiate the expressions “sex” and “gender” have involved many neuroscientists in the deeper nature and nurture debate presented by such researches. Besides, it is imperative to think about the impact of these results, considering that they provide arguments for the several social discourses and contribute a lot to the understanding of human abilities.
Treatment of reclaimed municipal solid waste incinerator sands using alkaline treatments with mechanical agitation

Solid waste production is rapidly increasing, and municipal solid waste incinerator plants provide a practical and sustainable solution to significantly reduce the volume of waste. Incinerator ash is a byproduct of the combustion process, and lightweight sands can be reclaimed from the ash for use in cementitious materials once treated for hydrogen gas production. This work investigates treatment methods for reclaimed sands for use in concrete. A novel method based on a propriety patent to capture the amount of hydrogen gas production from reclaimed sands is presented using a steel pressure chamber, pressure transducer, and data acquisition system. The setup is maintained under a constant temperature, pressure, and agitation using an environmental incubator. Treatment methods using sodium hydroxide, reused sodium hydroxide, alumina, and alumina + sodium hydroxide are investigated. It is found that sodium hydroxide is an effective treatment solution for reclaimed sands, with the ability to reuse the solution multiple times. Alumina is found not to be an effective treatment method when used alone. Concrete is made using treated reclaimed sands, where it is shown through scanning electron microscopy imaging that large voids in the cement matrix due to hydrogen gas production are significantly reduced in size.
Molecular Action of ADAMTS13 and Transfusion Therapies of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Pupura

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Pupura (TTP) is a disease that is classified by abnormal functioning of the ADAMTS13 protease. ADAMTS13 protease impairment can be caused by genetic mutations at the gene level or through autoantibodies that are formed within the circulation. Congenital mutations account for about 5-10% of the TTP population while the acquired version is more common. The acquired version of TTP is due to inhibitory and non-inhibitory autoantibodies that affect the ADAMTS13 protease. Both congenital and acquired TTP are treated through transfusion therapy with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). TPE is used to remove the autoantibodies and any mutated ADAMTS13 proteases in the circulation while providing the addition of normal functioning ADAMTS13 to the circulation.
A Review of Literature on Accessibility and Authentication Techniques

Reliable and accessible authentication techniques are required to maintain privacy and security. This is paramount as technology plays an increasing role in our lives. In this paper, we examine the previous work on accessible authentication techniques for blind/low vision people, deaf/hard-of-hearing people, people with cognitive impairments, and people with motor impairments. We seek to identify gaps in the current research to advocate where future efforts are needed to create authentication techniques that will work for everyone. We found a lot of variability in prior work investigating the accessibility of authentication techniques, including shortfalls and gaps in the literature. We make recommendations on the directions future research should take.
Team Mensa: A case study of supporting middle school girls' interest in computer science through an informal learning program

This qualitative case study describes how participation in an outside-of-school program sustained middle school girls’ interest in computer science and positively influenced their computational per...
Impact of contraceptive counseling on Texans who can and cannot receive no-cost post-abortion contraception.

Abstract Objective To assess optimal timing, patient satisfaction, and 1-year contraceptive continuation associated with contraceptive counseling among Texans who could and could not receive no-cost long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) via a specialized funding program. Study Design In this prospective study conducted between October 2014 and March 2016, we evaluated participants’ desire for contraceptive counseling during abortion visits, impact of counseling on change in contraceptive preference, satisfaction with counseling, and 1-year postabortion contraceptive continuation. We stratified participants into 3 groups by income, insurance status, and eligibility for no-cost LARC: (1) low-income eligible, (2) low-income ineligible, and (3) higher-income and/or insured ineligible. We examined the association between contraceptive counseling rating and 1-year method continuation by program eligibility and post-abortion contraceptive type. Results Among 428 abortion patients, 68% wanted to receive contraceptive counseling at their first abortion visit. Counseling led to a contraceptive preference change for 34%. Of these, 21% low-income eligible participants received a more effective method than initially desired, 10% received a less effective method, and 69% received the method they initially desired. No low-income ineligible participants received a more effective method than they initially desired, 55% received a less effective method, and 45% received the method they initially desired. Five percent of higher-income eligible participants received a more effective method than they initially desired, 48% received a less effective method, and 47% received the method they initially desired. Highest counseling rating was reported by 51%. Compared to those providing a lower rating in each group, highest counseling rating was significantly associated with lower 1-year contraceptive discontinuation for low-income eligible participants (aHR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14, 0.81), but not for low-income ineligible (aHR 1.56, 95% CI 0.83, 2.91) and higher-income (aHR 0.73, 95% CI 0.47,1.13) participants. Additionally, 1-year contraceptive continuation was associated with highest counseling rating (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.09, 2.72) and post-abortion LARC use (OR 11.70, 95% CI 6.37, 21.48) in unadjusted models, but only postabortion LARC in adjusted models (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 0.90, 2.66 for highest counseling rating vs. aOR 11.83, 95% CI 6.29, 22.25 for postabortion LARC use). Conclusions In Texas, where access to affordable postabortion contraception is limited, high quality contraceptive counseling is associated with 1-year contraceptive continuation only among those eligible for no-cost methods. Implications State policies which restrict access to affordable post-abortion contraception limit the beneficial impact of patient-centered counseling and impede patients’ ability to obtain their preferred method.
Ultrasonic Bone Assessment: Ability of Apparent Backscatter Techniques to Detect Changes in the Microstructure of Human Cancellous Bone

Ultrasonic backscatter techniques may offer a useful approach for detecting changes in bone caused by osteoporosis. The goal of this study was to investigate how bone mineral density (BMD) and the microstructure of human cancellous bone affect three ultrasonic backscatter parameters that have been identified as potentially useful for ultrasonic bone assessment purposes: the apparent integrated backscatter (AIB), the frequency slope of apparent backscatter (FSAB), and the frequency intercept of apparent backscatter (FIAB). Ultrasonic measurements were performed with a 3.5-MHz broadband transducer on 54 specimens of human cancellous bone prepared from the proximal femur. Microstructural parameters and BMD were measured using X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Relationships between AIB, FSAB, FIAB, and the micro-CT parameters were investigated using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis techniques. Moderate-to-strong univariate correlations were observed between the backscatter parameters and microstructure and BMD in many cases. The partial correlation analysis indicated that the backscatter parameters are dependent on microstructure independently of BMD in some cases. Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis used to generate multivariate models found that microstructure was a significant predictor of the backscatter parameters in most cases.
Transduction Shield: A Low-Complexity Method to Detect and Correct the Effects of EMI Injection Attacks on Sensors

The reliability of control systems often relies on the trustworthiness of sensors. As process automation and robotics keep evolving, sensing methods such as pressure sensing are extensively used in both conventional systems and rapidly emerging applications. The goal of this paper is to investigate the threats and design a low-complexity defense method against EMI injection attacks on sensors. To ensure the security and usability of sensors and automated processes, we propose to leverage a matched dummy sensor circuit that shares the sensor's vulnerabilities to EMI but is insensitive to legitimate signals that the sensor is intended to measure. Our method can detect and correct corrupted sensor measurements without introducing components or modules that are highly complex compared to an original low-end sensor circuit. We analyze and evaluate our method on sensors with EMI injection experiments using different attack parameters. We investigate several attack scenarios, including manipulating the DC voltage of the sensor output, injecting sinusoidal signals, white noises, and malicious voice signals. Our experimental results suggest that, with relatively low cost and computation overhead, the proposed method not only detects the attack but also can correct corrupted sensor data to help maintain the functioning of systems based on different kinds of sensors in the presence of attacks.
Profiles in social vulnerability: The association of social determinants of health with postoperative surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND The association of different social vulnerability subthemes (ie, socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing and transportation) with surgical outcomes remains poorly defined. The current study aimed to identify distinct profiles of social vulnerability among Medicare beneficiaries and define the association of these profiles with postoperative outcomes. METHODS The Medicare 100% Standard Analytic Files were used to identify patients undergoing lung resection, coronary artery bypass grafting, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and colectomy between 2013 and 2017. A cluster analysis was performed based on ranked scores across the 4 subthemes of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention social vulnerability index. The likelihood of complications, extended length of stay, readmission, and mortality were assessed relative to cluster vulnerability profiles. RESULTS Among 852,449 Medicare beneficiaries undergoing surgery, median social vulnerability index among patients in the cohort was 49 (interquartile range: 24-74); cluster analysis revealed 5 vulnerability profiles that had heterogeneity in the vulnerability subthemes, even among patients with similar overall social vulnerability index scores. Postoperative outcomes differed across the 5 vulnerability profiles, with patients in the profiles characterized by higher overall vulnerability having worse postoperative outcomes. In particular, risk of complications (profile 1, 31.9% vs profile 5, 34.0%), extended length of stay (profile 1, 21.7% vs profile 5, 24.3%), 30-day readmission (profile 1, 12.6% vs profile 5, 13.2%), and 30-day mortality (profile 1, 4.0% vs profile 5, 4.7%) was greater among patients with the highest vulnerability (all P < .01). Of note, surgical outcomes varied among patients who resided in communities with similar average social vulnerability index scores (social vulnerability index 49-54). In particular, patients in social vulnerability profile 4 had 26% increased odds of 30-day mortality compared to social vulnerability profile 2 patients (odds ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.21-1.30). Additionally, profile 3 patients had 15% higher odds of 30-day mortality versus profile 2 patients (odds ratio 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.20). CONCLUSION Postoperative outcomes differed across patients based on cluster vulnerability profiles. Despite similar overall aggregate social vulnerability index scores, cluster analysis was able to discriminate various social determinants of health subthemes among patients who resided in "average" vulnerability communities that stratified patients relative to risk of adverse postoperative events.
The BET Inhibitor JQ1 Augments the Antitumor Efficacy of Gemcitabine in Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer

Gemcitabine is used to treat pancreatic cancer (PC), but is not curative. We sought to determine whether gemcitabine + a BET bromodomain inhibitor was superior to gemcitabine, and identify proteins that may contribute to the efficacy of this combination. This study was based on observations that cell cycle dysregulation and DNA damage augment the efficacy of gemcitabine. BET inhibitors arrest cells in G1 and allow increases in DNA damage, likely due to inhibition of expression of DNA repair proteins Ku80 and RAD51. BET inhibitors (JQ1 or I-BET762) + gemcitabine were synergistic in vitro, in Panc1, MiaPaCa2 and Su86 PC cell lines. JQ1 + gemcitabine was more effective in vivo than either drug alone in patient-derived xenograft models (P < 0.01). Increases in the apoptosis marker cleaved caspase 3 and DNA damage marker γH2AX paralleled antitumor efficacy. Notably, RNA-seq data showed that JQ1 + gemcitabine selectively inhibited HMGCS2 and APOC1 ~6-fold, compared to controls. These proteins contribute to cholesterol biosynthesis and lipid metabolism, and their overexpression supports tumor cell proliferation. IPA data indicated that JQ1 + gemcitabine selectively inhibited the LXR/RXR activation pathway, suggesting the hypothesis that this inhibition may contribute to the observed in vivo efficacy of JQ1 + gemcitabine.
A Review of Women's Health Advocacy: Rhetorical Ingenuity for the 21st Century

Review of: White-Farnham, J., Siegel Finer, B., & Molloy, C. (Eds.) (2020). Women's health advocacy: Rhetorical ingeniuty for the 21st century. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429201165
Thermochemistry of rare earth doped uranium oxides LnxU1−xO2−0.5x+y (Ln = La, Y, Nd)

Abstract Lanthanum, yttrium, and neodymium doped uranium dioxide samples in the fluorite structure have been synthesized, characterized in terms of metal ratio and oxygen content, and their enthalpies of formation measured by high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. For oxides doped with 10–50 mol % rare earth (Ln) cations, the formation enthalpies from constituent oxides (LnO1.5, UO2 and UO3 in a reaction not involving oxidation or reduction) become increasingly exothermic with increasing rare earth content, while showing no significant dependence on the varying uranium oxidation state. The oxidation enthalpy of LnxU1−xO2−0.5x+y is similar to that of UO2 to UO3 for all three rare earth doped systems. Though this may suggest that the oxidized uranium in these systems is energetically similar to that in the hexavalent state, thermochemical data alone can not constrain whether the uranium is present as U5+, U6+, or a mixture of oxidation states. The formation enthalpies from elements calculated from the calorimetric data are generally consistent with those from free energy measurements.