cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Quantification of Chest Wall Distortion by Multiple Methods in Preterm Infants

Three methods for volume partitioning were simultaneously used to study 8 preterm infants: (1) miniature magnetometers, which measured the anteroposterior diameter of the chest wall and abdomen, (2) mercury-in-rubber strain gauges, which measured circumference changes, and (3) an inductance plethysmograph (Respitrace), which reportedly measures volume changes of a coil of fine wire placed around the chest and abdomen. Volume changes of the chest wall and abdomen were calibrated against lung volume changes measured with a pneumotachograph using a multiple linear regression (MLR) method, and the partitioning was checked by airway occlusion. The abdominal signals of the 3 systems were similar. The chest wall signals from the strain gauges and inductance plethysmograph were also similar but differed from those of the magnetometers (in 2 of the infants) primarily due to differences in the phase relationship of the signals. The 95% confidence limits for estimates of changes in lung volume by the MLR method in most infants was +/- 5% using all 3 systems. The airway occlusion check, however, could not corroborate the accuracy of volume partitioning by the magnetometers in half the infants. The minute volume displacement of the diaphragm was the same for the strain gauges and the inductance plethysmograph, ranging from 48 to 127% of the pulmonary minute ventilation, and was significantly underestimated by the magnetometers (p less than 0.001). These results suggest that distortion of the sternal portion of the chest wall, as detected by the magnetometers, represents less volumetric loss than the volume lost for the entire chest wall due to paradoxical breathing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Uncertainty in fuzzy and partial logic in the context of electrical CAD

ABSTRACT Uncertainty is a fundamental feature of the design process. Until the appearance of fuzzy logic only probabilistic models were available for dealing with uncertainty. In this paper an issue of uncertainty is considered based on fuzzy logic models and logic of partial information (PIL) models- a new development in logic. The paper contains anoverview of inference principles in fuzzy logic and partial logic as well as a classification of CAD systems based on application of fuzzy logic. Examples of problem formulations in fuzzy logic and partial information logic are provided for for the same problems and results are compared.Keywords: Uncertainty, CAD, electronics design, fuzzy logic, partial information logic (PIL), fuzzy expert systems,tentative knowledge, inference rules 1. INTRODUCTION The concept of uncertainty is tightly related to the concept of information. The problem of uncertainty emergeswhen information is incomplete, imprecise, tentative, vague, fragmentary, contradictory or imperfect on some otherrespect. Interpretation of uncertainty is dependent on mathematical theory used in the modeling of the problem.For example, initially uncertainty was considered in terms of probability theory andstatistics. A substantial bodyof work exists on application of probabilistic and statistical models in CAD of VLSI , , and many others. Appli-cation of statistical methods is based on accumulation of "
Reversing Melanoma Cross-Resistance to BRAF and MEK Inhibitors by Co-Targeting the AKT/mTOR Pathway

Author(s): Atefi, Mohammad; von Euw, Erika; Attar, Narsis; Ng, Charles; Chu, Connie; Guo, Deliang; Nazarian, Ramin; Chmielowski, Bartosz; Glaspy, John A; Comin-Anduix, Begonya; Mischel, Paul S; Lo, Roger S; Ribas, Antoni | Abstract: BackgroundThe sustained clinical activity of the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib (PLX4032/RG7204) in patients with BRAF(V600) mutant melanoma is limited primarily by the development of acquired resistance leading to tumor progression. Clinical trials are in progress using MEK inhibitors following disease progression in patients receiving BRAF inhibitors. However, the PI3K/AKT pathway can also induce resistance to the inhibitors of MAPK pathway.Methodology/principal findingsThe sensitivity to vemurafenib or the MEK inhibitor AZD6244 was tested in sensitive and resistant human melanoma cell lines exploring differences in activation-associated phosphorylation levels of major signaling molecules, leading to the testing of co-inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway genetically and pharmacologically. There was a high degree of cross-resistance to vemurafenib and AZD6244, except in two vemurafenib-resistant cell lines that acquired a secondary mutation in NRAS. In other cell lines, acquired resistance to both drugs was associated with persistence or increase in activity of AKT pathway. siRNA-mediated gene silencing and combination therapy with an AKT inhibitor or rapamycin partially or completely reversed the resistance.Conclusions/significancePrimary and acquired resistance to vemurafenib in these in vitro models results in frequent cross resistance to MEK inhibitors, except when the resistance is the result of a secondary NRAS mutation. Resistance to BRAF or MEK inhibitors is associated with the induction or persistence of activity within the AKT pathway in the presence of these drugs. This resistance can be potentially reversed by the combination of a RAF or MEK inhibitor with an AKT or mTOR inhibitor. These combinations should be available for clinical testing in patients progressing on BRAF inhibitors.
Abstract Riccati equations in an L1 space of finite measure and applications to transport theory

We consider operator-valued Riccati initial-value problems of the form R′(t) + TR(t) + R(t)T = TA(t) + TB(t)R(t) + R(t)TC(t) + R(t)TD(t)R(t), R(0) = R0. Here A to D and R0 have values as non-negative bounded linear operators in L1 (μ), where μ is a finite measure, and T is a closed non-negative operator in L1 (μ) satisfying additional technical conditions. For such problems the notion of strongly mild solutions is defined, and local existence and uniqueness theorems for such solutions are established. The results of the analysis are applied to the reflection kernels with both isotropically scattering homogeneous and anisotropically scattering inhomogeneous medium.
Murine leukemia virus mutants with temperature-sensitive defects in precursor polypeptide cleavage

Abstract Among temperature-sensitive conditional lethal mutants of the Rauscher strain of murine leukemia virus (R-MuLV), several were previously shown to express viral antigens in the absence of complete virus release at the nonpermissive temperature. In the present study, analysis of the size distribution of viral polypeptides of molecular weight 30,000 and 12,000 daltons in extracts of cells infected with two temperature-sensitive mutants at the nonpermissive temperature revealed a marked accumulation of both antigens in a size region corresponding to 60,000–70,000 daltons. The precursor was partially purified and shown to contain the polypeptides of molecular weight 15,000 daltons, as well as 30,000 and 12,000 daltons, in relative concentrations similar to those found in purified virions.
Epidemiology of brain tumors in childhood—a review

Malignant brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death among children and the second most common type of pediatric cancer. Despite several decades of epidemiologic investigation, the etiology of childhood brain tumors (CBT) is still largely unknown. A few genetic syndromes and ionizing radiation are established risk factors. Many environmental exposures and infectious agents have been suspected of playing a role in the development of CBT. This review, based on a search of the medical literature through August 2003, summarizes the epidemiologic evidence to date. The types of exposures discussed include ionizing radiation, N-nitroso compounds (NOC), pesticides, tobacco smoke, electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), infectious agents, medications, and parental occupational exposures. We have chosen to focus on perinatal exposures and review some of the recent evidence indicating that such exposures may play a significant role in the causation of CBT. The scientific community is rapidly learning more about the molecular mechanisms by which carcinogenesis occurs and how the brain develops. We believe that advances in genetic and molecular biologic technology, including improved histologic subtyping of tumors, will be of huge importance in the future of epidemiologic research and will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of CBT etiology. We discuss some of the early findings using these technologies.
Surface grafting of thermoresponsive microgel nanoparticles

A monolayer of thermoresponsive microgel nanoparticles, containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), has been anchored to the surface of silicon wafers, glass slides, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers, and tungsten wires using a “grafting to” approach. The behavior of the synthesized grafted layers is compared with the behavior of the PNIPAM brushes (densely end-grafted layers). The comparison demonstrates that in many aspects the microgel grafted layer is comparable to PNIPAM brushes with respect to its thermoresponsive properties. Indeed, the grafted monolayer swells and collapses reversibly at temperatures below and above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM. For the flat silicon substrate, a wettability study of the grafted layer shows an approximately 20° increase in the advancing contact angle of water upon heating above the LCST of PNIPAM. Wettability data obtained for the tungsten wires indicate that the grafted microgel layer retains its ability to undergo morphological changes when exposed to external temperature variations on complex curved surfaces. Therefore, the microgel-grafted layer can be considered as a system capable of competing with the PNIPAM brushes.
POTENCY, CONTINENCE AND COMPLICATIONS IN 3,477 CONSECUTIVE RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMIES

ABSTRACTPurpose: We report results in a series of 3,477 consecutive patients treated with anatomical nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in terms of recovery of erectile function, ...
My whole world’s in my palm! The second-level divide of teenagers’ mobile use and skill

Mobile communication emerged as a dominant channel for networked teenagers. While some theorists celebrate possibilities for autonomy, others are concerned that the increased reliance on mobile-based communication leads to disparities in digital skill and status replication. We examined how mobile-mediated behavior among teens interacted with the characteristics of socio-demographics and mobile access to predict (1) levels of diverse use and skill and (2) consequences of skill/use differences (n = 552). Findings revealed that skill/use disparities were manifested based on race, and such variations were associated with status of parents in interaction with mobile phone ownership. Instrumental use and content/creation-based skill had significant impacts on public involvement among teens. Our data have implications for understanding how social backgrounds incubate mobile-based disparities in light of enabling teens’ life chances.
Practice guidelines: Screening and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases part 2: Trichomonas, human papillomavirus infection, and genital herpes simplex virus

This article is Part 2 of a practice guideline on the screening and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (Part 1 appeared in the January/February 2000 issue of the Journal). GENERAL SEXUAL HISTORY: Number of partners; Infected or symptomatic partners; Sexual orientation and characteristics of partners (ie age homosexuality/ bisexuality); Type of sexual activity (anal oral vaginal intercourse); Condom use; and Alcohol and drug use. (excerpt)
Asymmetries in Universal Grammar: The Role of Method and Statistics.

Felix (1988) claimed to demonstrate that UG-based knowledge of grammaticality causes nonnative speakers (NNSs) to have more accurate grammaticality judgments on sentences that are ungrammatical according to UG than on those that are grammatical. Birdsong (1994) criticized the methodology employed, noting that it ignores “response bias” (a propensity to judge sentences as ungrammatical) as a potential explanation. Felix and Zobl (1994) dismissed this criticism as merely methodological. In this paper, Birdsong's criticism is upheld by considering a statistical model of the data. At the same time, a more complete logistic regression model allows a fuller statistical analysis, revealing tentative support for the asymmetry claim, as well as differential learning states for different constructions and a tendency toward transfer avoidance. These theoretically significant effects were unnoticed in the earlier discussion of this research. For SLA research on grammaticality judgments to proceed fruitfully, appropriate statistical models need to be considered in designing the research.
On solving exact Euclidean distance transformation with invariance to object size

A distance transformation converts a digital binary image that consists of object (foreground) and non-object (background) pixels into a gray-scale image in which each object pixel has a value corresponding to the minimum distance from the background by a distance function. Due to its nonlinearity, the global operation of Euclidean distance transformation (EDT) is difficult to decompose into small neighborhood operations. Two efficient algorithms on EDT are presented, using integers of squared Euclidean distances in which the global computations can be equivalent to local 3/spl times/3 neighborhood operations. The first algorithm requires only a limited number of iterations on the chain propagation. The second algorithm can avoid iterations, and simply requires two scans of the image. The complexity of both algorithms is only linearly proportional to image size. >
A pilot open-label trial of minocycline in patients with autism and regressive features

Minocycline is a tetracycline derivative that readily crosses the blood brain barrier and appears to have beneficial effects on neuroinflammation, microglial activation and neuroprotection in a variety of neurological disorders. Both microglial activation and neuroinflammation have been reported to be associated with autism. The study was designed to evaluate the effects of minocycline treatment on markers of neuroinflammation and autism symptomatology in children with autism and a history of developmental regression. Eleven children were enrolled in an open-label trial of six months of minocycline (1.4 mg/kg). Ten children completed the trial. Behavioral measures were collected and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum and plasma were obtained before and at the end of minocycline treatment and were analyzed for markers of neuroinflammation. Clinical improvements were negligible. The laboratory assays demonstrated significant changes in the expression profile of the truncated form of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (P = 0.042) and hepatic growth factor (HGF) (P = 0.028) in CSF. In serum, the ratio of the truncated BDNF form and α-2 macroglobulin (α-2 M), was also significantly lower (P = 0.028) while the mature BDNF/α-2 M ratio revealed no difference following treatment. Only the chemokine CXCL8 (IL-8) was significantly different (P = 0.047) in serum while no significant changes were observed in CSF or serum in chemokines such as CCL2 (MCP-1) or cytokines such as TNF-α, CD40L, IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-1β when pre- and post-treatment levels of these proteins were compared. No significant pre- and post-treatment changes were seen in the profiles of plasma metalloproteinases, putative targets of the effects of minocycline. Changes in the pre- and post-treatment profiles of BDNF in CSF and blood, HGF in CSF and CXCL8 (IL-8) in serum, suggest that minocycline may have effects in the CNS by modulating the production of neurotrophic growth factors. However, in this small group of children, no clinical improvements were observed during or after the six months of minocycline administration. NCT00409747
Vitamin B-6 deficiency and level of dietary protein affect hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase activity in cats

Total activity [pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) added in the assay] of hepatic tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) measured in cats at 0300, 0900, 1500 and 2100h was 10.3 +/-1.1, 14.0 +/- 0.7, 9.8 +/- 1.3 and 11.0 +/- 0.7 nkat/g liver, indicating little diurnal variation. Activity after 18 h of food deprivation was 10.0 +/- 0.3 nkat/g liver, also not different from cats that were eating ad libitum. These findings support the idea that cats have only limited changes in the activity of hepatic TAT compared with rats. Total TAT activity was measured in cats fed high protein (550 g/kg) and low protein (180 g/kg) diets for 4 wk. Cats fed a high protein diet had activities significantly higher (about twice) than cats fed the low protein diet. Hepatic TAT activity of vitamin B-6-deficient cats (diet without pyridoxine for 9 wk) was compared with cats given the same diet with 8 mg pyridoxine/kg. Total hepatic TAT activity in deficient cats was significantly (P < 0.05) lower per gram soluble or total protein (but not per gram liver) than control cats; holoenzyme activity and percentage of active enzyme in deficient cats were also significantly lower by 75 and 64%, respectively. The apparent Km of TAT from cats for tyrosine (2.1 mmol/L) was similar to that for rats (1.9 mmol/L), but higher for PLP in cats (0.16 micromol/L) than rats (0.034 micromol/L). Part of the reason for the higher plasma tyrosine in vitamin B-6-deficient cats than rats is the higher Km of TAT for PLP in cats than rats.
Aerodynamic Effects of a Helicopter Fuselage on a Jettisoned Missile with Forward Strakes

The effect of the presence of a helicopter fuselage on the aerodynamic behavior of an unthrusted, jettisoned missile with forward strakes and tail control surfaces is explored. The investigative tool used for this purpose is a production-oriented, Euler, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodology titled Euler Tunnel Analysis (ETA). Initially, comparisons of CFD computations with wind tunnel measurements for the isolated missile are used to anchor the computations in reality and provide an evaluation benchmark. The ensuing study then examines a single missile in the presence of the helicopter. The forward flight speed is assumed to be sufficiently fast so as to convect rotor downwash effects downstream of the region of interest. Further, the calculations are performed in steady-state mode for each scenario. As expected, it is found that even without downwash the presence of the fuselage significantly modifies the aerodynamic properties of the missile. In addition, the vorticity confinement method (which conserves field and surface vorticity) is shown to preserve the vorticity created by the forward strakes as it convects downstream to the tail controls.
Human Health Risk Assessment at a Depleted Uranium Site

Human health risk assessments for depleted uranium are common for Department of Defense (DOD) sites since the metal has various military uses. At a training and experimental site, DU was evaluated in soil in order to make decisions regarding cleanup and future use of the site. At this site, concentrations were found to be protective of human health; DU is less toxic than uranium. Other data important to this decision were the type of receptors likely to be exposed, the amount of time spent by the receptor on-site, the acceptable yearly radiation dose, and other non-radiation associated effects to the kidney. Total uranium concentrations in soil were calculated for the 90th percentile and the 50th percentile. The highest soil concentration used as an exposure point was 3500 ug/g (90th percentile). Short exposure timeframes contributed to the risk results.
In Defense of Consumer Critique: Revisiting the Consumption Debates of the Twentieth Century

In the past twenty-five years, the literature on consumption has gained analytic power by positioning itself against the consumer critics of the twentieth century (Veblen, Adorno and Horkheimer, Galbraith, Baudrillard), arguing that these accounts were totalizing, theorized consumers as too passive, and simplified motives. The literature moved to micro-level, interpretive studies that are often depoliticized and lack a critical approach to the subject matter. The author argues that developments such as the emergence of a global production system, ecological degradation, and new findings on well-being warrant a reengagement with the critical tradition and macro-level critiques. This article considers three traditions—Veblenian accounts of status seeking, the Frankfurt School, and Galbraith and the economic approach to consumer demand— arguing that the flaws of these models are not necessarily fatal and that the debate about producer versus consumer sovereignty should be revisited in light of the changing p...
Principal component vector quantization for abrupt scene changes

The authors present a vector quantization technique, referred to as principal component vector quantization (PCVQ), and investigate the problem of abrupt scene changes of video signals. This technique, featuring a simple design procedure, is implemented by an artificial neural network with a learning algorithm for online codebook design based on the local statistics for each difference scene. This network features online learning and a constant encoding time that is independent of the codebook size. The PCVQ was examined via simulation on an abrupt scene change problem which had nonstationary training sequences. >
TRANSFORMING THE PARADIGM OF WO/MEN’S HUMAN RIGHTS THROUGH INTERCULTURAL PASTORAL CARE

How can transformative feminist care exist across cultures and movements in the wo/men's human rights movement? Can such care carefully nuance the dangers in embracing either a Western feminist hegemonic discourse or an essentialist understanding of wo/men that further perpetuates stereotypes of wo/men and robs them of their agentive power? I argue that such an ethic of care is possible by incorporating intercultural pastoral/spiritual care as a method of wo/men's human rights work.1 have come to see the growing importance of building a dialogue between the disciplines of pastoral/spiritual care and human rights through my work in human rights and wo/men's rights organizations in the mid 1990s, through my fieldwork in various placements while doing my M.Div., as well as through my work as an interfaith hospital chaplain and doctoral student. In my pastoral practice as well as academic studies, I have seen the crucial importance of pastoral care and human rights to be dialogical partners in that both disciplines seek the integration of theory and practice, as well as argue for the importance of finding creative ways in dealing with social injustice and crises (Couture & Hunter, 1995).
The effects of prenatal protein deprivation on thyrotroph development.

Maternal dietary protein restriction produced by feeding a diet containing 4% casein throughout gestation adversely affects body size and retards development of various organs in the progeny. For the most part, alterations are present in structural or functional entities which evolve during the last trimester of gestation. Fetal thyroid follicle formation and iodine concentrating capacity, which increase rapidly between the 17th gestational day and birth in pups of dams fed the control (24% casein) ration, are retarded in age-matched pups of protein-deficient females.The first immunoreactive thyrotrophs appear in the fetal pituitary on day 17 in both control and prenatally protein-deprived (PPD) young. The total number of thyrotrophs per pituitary was unaffected by maternal protein deficiency, except on day 21 when there were significantly more thyrotrophs per pituitary in fetal control rats. Although pituitary volume was significantly reduced in 18-, 19- and 21-day old fetal PPD rats, as compared with co...
The Science of Choosing Wisely — Overcoming the Therapeutic Illusion

The success of efforts to reduce inappropriate use of medical tests and interventions may be limited by our tendency to overestimate the effect of our actions. Efforts to promote more rational medical decision making will need to address this illusion of control.
DNA cytosine hydroxymethylation levels are distinct among non-overlapping classes of peripheral blood leukocytes

Abstract Background Peripheral blood leukocytes are the most commonly used surrogates to study epigenome-induced risk and epigenomic response to disease-related stress. We considered the hypothesis that the various classes of peripheral leukocytes differentially regulate the synthesis of 5-methylcytosine (5mCG) and its removal via Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) dioxygenase catalyzed hydroxymethylation to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmCG), reflecting their responsiveness to environment. Although it is known that reductions in TET1 and/or TET2 activity lead to the over-proliferation of various leukocyte precursors in bone marrow and in development of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and myeloproliferative neoplasms, the role of 5mCG hydroxymethylation in peripheral blood is less well studied. Results We developed simplified protocols to rapidly and reiteratively isolate non-overlapping leukocyte populations from a single small sample of fresh or frozen whole blood. Among peripheral leukocyte types we found extreme variation in the levels of transcripts encoding proteins involved in cytosine methylation (DNMT1, 3A, 3B), the turnover of 5mC by demethylation (TET1, 2, 3), and DNA repair (GADD45A, B, G) and in the global and gene-region-specific levels of DNA 5hmCG (CD4 + T cells ≫ CD14 + monocytes > CD16 + neutrophils > CD19 + B cells > CD56 + NK cells > Siglec8 + eosinophils > CD8 + T cells). Conclusions Our data taken together suggest a potential hierarchy of responsiveness among classes of leukocytes with CD4 +, CD8 + T cells and CD14 + monocytes being the most distinctly poised for a rapid methylome response to physiological stress and disease.
Epidemic situation of hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Shiyan City in 2012

[Objective]To understand the epidemic characteristics of hand-foot-and-mouth disease( HFMD) in Shiyan City in 2012.[Methods]The epidemic data of HFMD in Shiyan City in 2012 were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological method.[Results]A total of 4263 HFMD cases were reported in Shiyan City in 2012,and the reported incidence rate was 126. 71/lakh.The reported incidence rate in Maojian District and Zhangwan District was higher than that in Fangxian County and Zhuxi County(χ2= 88. 004,P 0. 01),the reported incidence rate in Fangxian County and Zhuxi County was higher than that in Zhushan County(χ2= 105. 756,P 0. 01),and the reported incidence rate in Zhushan County was higher than that in Yunxian County,Yunxi County and Danjiangkou City(χ2= 42. 822,P 0. 01). The peak season showed the bimodal pattern,which occurred April to June,December to October. Most of cases were scattered children and preschool children under 5 years old. EV71 was the main pathogen in the city,which the cases were dominated by EV71 in Zhushan County and Zhuxi County,by CoxA16 in Maojian District,Zhangwan District,Yunxian County,Yunxi County and Fangxian County,as well as by other intestinal virus in Danjiangkou City.[Conclusion]HFMD cases have obvious characteristics of region,season,crowd and pathogen in Shiyan City.
The Clinical Significance of Vesicoureteral Reflux

Vesicoureteral reflux is the leading cause of preventable renal damage in childhood. Urinary infection plus retrograde contamination of the kidneys combine to cause acute and chronic illness. Susceptibility to renal scarring is more common in the very young making early diagnosis imperative.
Band Gap Dependence of Continuous-Wave Laser Induced Damage Threshold of Optics with Absorptive Contamination

The laser induced damage threshold of optical coatings with differing band gaps was measured using a high power 1070 nm continuous-wave laser. High reflectivity distributed Bragg reflectors of niobia-silica, tantala-silica, and hafnia-silica were tested in addition to half-wave coatings of titania, tantala, hafnia, and alumina. Absorbing contamination in the form of 20–50 µm carbon particles was added to the surface of the optics prior to exposure to test for particle induced damage. For both half-wave and high reflectivity coatings, the minimum damage thresholds were found to increase for larger band gap materials. Low band gap niobia reflectors and titania half wave coatings damaged at 20 kWcm−2 and 155 kWcm−2 respectively while larger bandgap hafnia reflectors failed at 1 MWcm−2 and alumina half-wave coatings failed at 9.7 MWcm−2. Most laser induced damage was catastrophic with the film and underlying substrate being damaged and the optic uncontrollably hearting. Damage effects differed for high band gap half-wave coatings that did not damage the substrate or thermally runaway with additional laser exposure.
Tonic accommodation predicts closed-loop accommodation responses.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the potential relationship between tonic accommodation (TA), near work induced TA-adaptation and the steady state closed-loop accommodation response (AR). Forty-two graduate students participated in the study. Various aspects of their accommodation system were objectively measured using an open-field infrared auto-refractor (Grand Seiko WAM-5500). Tonic accommodation was assessed in a completely dark environment. The association between TA and closed-loop AR was assessed using linear regression correlations and t -test comparisons. Initial mean baseline TA was 1.84 diopter (D) (SD ± 1.29 D) with a wide distribution range (−0.43 D to 5.14 D). For monocular visual tasks, baseline TA was significantly correlated with the closed-loop AR. The slope of the best fit line indicated that closed-loop AR varied by approximately 0.3 D for every 1 D change in TA. This ratio was consistent across a variety of viewing distances and different near work tasks, including both static targets and continuous reading. Binocular reading conditions weakened the correlation between baseline TA and AR, although results remained statistically significant. The 10 min near reading task with a 3 D demand did not reveal significant near work induced TA-adaptation for either monocular or binocular conditions. Consistently, the TA-adaptation did not show any correlation with AR during reading. This study found a strong association between open-loop TA and closed-loop AR across a variety of viewing distances and different near work tasks. Difference between the correlations under monocular and binocular reading condition suggests a potential role for vergence compensation during binocular closed-loop AR.
An investigation of a multi-layered oscillating heat pipe additively manufactured from Ti-6Al-4V powder

Abstract A laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) method was employed for fabricating a multi-layered, Ti-6Al-4V oscillating heat pipe (ML-OHP). The 50.8 × 38.1 × 15.75 mm3 ML-OHP consisted of four inter-connected layers of circular mini-channels, as well an integrated, hermetic-grade fill port. A series of experiments were conducted to characterize the ML-OHP thermal performance by varying power input (up to 50 W), working fluid (water, acetone, Novec™ 7200, and n-pentane), and operating orientation (vertical bottom-heating, horizontal, and vertical top-heating). The ML-OHP was found to operate effectively for all working fluids and orientations investigated, demonstrating that the OHP can function in a multi-layered form, and further indicating that one can ‘stack’ multiple, interconnected OHPs within flat media for increased thermal management. The ML-OHP evaporator size was found to depend on the layer-wise heat penetration which subsequently depends on power input and the ML-OHP design and material selection. Using neutron radiography, electron scanning microscopy and surface metrology, the ML-OHP channel structure was characterized and found to possess sintered Ti-6Al-4V powder along its periphery. The sintered channel surface, although a byproduct of the L-PBF manufacturing process, was found to behave as a secondary wicking structure for enhanced capillary pumping and wall/fluid heat transfer within the OHP. With the newfound capabilities of AM, many high heat flux thermal management devices, specifically those that employ mini- or micro-channels, can be ‘re-invented’ to possess embedded channels with atypical geometries, arrangements and surface conditions.
The Role of Global Educational Database in Educational Data Mining

Educational Data Mining is one of the major on-going research platforms now. Students’ records need to be maintained and analyzed in a manner so that they can be utilized to predict students’ behavior and learning methods. Although students’ academic records need to be processed and analyzed through data mining tools, the primary challenge is to gather individual academic student details. This paper proposes a global database of students irrespective of geographical boundaries. Academic performance of every student from every country will be updated in this platform. Students’ performance on major examinations will be available in the database. Supporting documents and performance details will be readily available and accessible to the evaluators from any geographic location. This will be helpful to standardize the evaluation process and analyze the performance of a student, irrespective of geographic boundaries. The following paper will discuss the available EDM tools and how data can be analyzed to extract information.
Fresnel Zone Plate and Fresnel Phase Plate Patterns for Acoustic Transducers

An ultrasonic transducer with an electrode pattern in the shape of a Fresnel zone plate (FZP) is useful in acoustic imaging. However a major problem in focusing with an FZP is that the final image will have a large zero-order component and this will restrict the dynamic range of the system. One way to solve this problem is to use a Fresnel phase plate pattern (FPP).
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2017: Immunotherapy for ALL takes the world by storm

In 2017, three groundbreaking immunotherapies for relapsed and/or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were approved based on impressive outcomes observed in clinical trials. Additional breakthroughs included seminal research into ALL genomics and the importance of adherence to chemotherapy, which will have direct implications for clinical care.
Impact of Ticagrelor in Patients With Prior MI and MVD for Reducing Cardiovascular Events.

Objective To evaluate the effect of the 6-PACK programme on falls and fall injuries in acute wards. Design Cluster randomised controlled trial. Setting Six Australian hospitals. Participants All patients admitted to 24 acute wards during the trial period. Interventions Participating wards were randomly assigned to receive either the nurse led 6-PACK programme or usual care over 12 months. The 6-PACK programme included a fall risk tool and individualised use of one or more of six interventions: “falls alert” sign, supervision of patients in the bathroom, ensuring patients’ walking aids are within reach, a toileting regimen, use of a low-low bed, and use of a bed/chair alarm. Main outcome measures The co-primary outcomes were falls and fall injuries per 1000 occupied bed days. Results During the trial, 46 245 admissions to 16 medical and eight surgical wards occurred. As many people were admitted more than once, this represented 31 411 individual patients. Patients’ characteristics and length of stay were similar for intervention and control wards. Use of 6-PACK programme components was higher on intervention wards than on control wards (incidence rate ratio 3.05, 95% confidence interval 2.14 to 4.34; P Conclusions Positive changes in falls prevention practice occurred following the introduction of the 6-PACK programme. However, no difference was seen in falls or fall injuries between groups. High quality evidence showing the effectiveness of falls prevention interventions in acute wards remains absent. Novel solutions to the problem of in-hospital falls are urgently needed. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000332921.
Development of an Electrochemical Paper-Based Analytical Device for Trace Detection of Virus Particles

Viral pathogens are a serious health threat around the world, particularly in resource limited settings, where current sensing approaches are often insufficient and slow, compounding the spread and burden of these pathogens. Here, we describe a label-free, point-of-care approach toward detection of virus particles, based on a microfluidic paper-based analytical device with integrated microwire Au electrodes. The device is initially characterized through capturing of streptavidin modified nanoparticles by biotin-modified microwires. An order of magnitude improvement in detection limits is achieved through use of a microfluidic device over a classical static paper-based device, due to enhanced mass transport and capturing of particles on the modified electrodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy detection of West Nile virus particles was carried out using antibody functionalized Au microwires, achieving a detection limit of 10.2 particles in 50 μL of cell culture media. No increase in signal is found o...
Impact of Geospatial Reasoning Ability and Perceived Task-Technology Fit on Decision-Performance: The Moderating Role of Task Characteristics

Consumer, business and governmental entities increasingly rely on spatial decision support systems (SDSS) for decisionmaking involving geospatial data. Understanding userand task-characteristics that impact decision performance will allow developers of such systems to maximize geospatial decision-making performance. Furthermore, scholars will benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of what specific characteristics influence decision-making as such knowledge can guide future research in the decision sciences domain. This paper provides a synthesis of geospatial reasoning ability, taskcomplexity, geovisualization and decision-performance research. A two-factor experiment designed to measure the impact of geospatial reasoning ability on decision-performance is performed. Two treatments, problem-complexity and mapcomplexity, are investigated for their moderating role on decision-performance. A partial least squares analysis is performed to assess the experiment results. Cognitive Fit Theory is used as the theoretical framework of this study and is extended, along with research in decision-performance and geospatial reasoning ability.
Myostatin: Regulation, function, and therapeutic applications

Myostatin (MSTN) is a transforming growth factor-s family member that normally acts to limit skeletal muscle mass. Mice engineered to lack myostatin exhibit about a doubling of skeletal muscle mass throughout the body. Moreover, pharmacological agents capable of inhibiting myostatin signaling can cause significant muscle growth when administered systemically to normal adult mice. The sequence of myostatin has been highly conserved through evolution, and naturally-occurring mutations in the MSTN gene leading to increased muscling have been identified in cattle, sheep, dogs, and humans. Beneficial effects of myostatin loss have been demonstrated in numerous experimental models of muscle degenerative and wasting conditions as well as metabolic diseases. Based on the results of these preclinical studies, several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have entered clinical trials with myostatin inhibitors to attempt to improve muscle growth and function in patients with muscle loss.
The Architecture Becomes a Machine

The previous Chapter provided the specification for the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) of the PLM. This Chapter realizes the ISA by defining the microarchitecture of the PLM and describing the physical hardware which implements that microarchitecture. The next Chapter discusses and analyses the projected performance.
Genesis of Crural Revascularization.

Background The purpose of this study is to recognize those investigators responsible for initiating progress in limb salvage where runoff beyond the arterial blockage was limited to the crural vasculature and to also describe how crural bypass has evolved into the contemporary setting where endovascular options have become increasingly prominent. Methods An extensive literature review of articles published from 1960 to 1979 was the basis for selecting and recognizing surgeons who pioneered infrageniculate revascularization. Documentation of patency and amputation rates were tabulated for these early series of distal limb bypass. Cases performed in the decade of interest, but not published until the 1980s, are also recognized and recorded separately. Results Subsequent to the first tibial bypass performed in 1961 by McCaughan, a total of 746 crural bypasses were defined in the decades of interest, where possible, with overall 6-, 12-, and 36-month patencies of 76%, 59%, and 48%, respectively. There was an overall amputation rate of 17%. Life table analysis and other statistical methods were also adopted during this time. Conclusions Performance of crural bypass from 1960 to 1979 was analyzed in groups according to the distal anastomosis site. These results confirm the satisfactory early progress leading to further refinement in subsequent decades. It is essential that the current generation of vascular surgeons recognize the value of these early open procedures as a stable force for securing limb salvage in conjunction with evolving endovascular techniques.
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Binucleating Schiff Base Macrocycle (III) and Its Nickel(II) and Copper(II) Complexes (V).

1H and 13C NMR spectra confirm that the square-planar geometry of the complexes is maintained in solution.
Testing mediational processes of substance use relapse among youth who participated in a mobile texting aftercare project

Background: The goal of this paper is to advance the understanding of mechanisms of action involved in behavioral-driven aftercare interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) among youth popul...
Evaluating the Benefit of Highlighting Key Words in Captions for People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

Recent research has investigated automatic methods for identifying how important each word in a text is for the overall message, in the context of people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) viewing video with captions. We examine whether DHH users report benefits from visual highlighting of important words in video captions. In formative interview and prototype studies, users indicated a preference for underlining of 5%-15% of words in a caption text to indicate that they are important, and they expressed an interest for such text markup in the context of educational lecture videos. In a subsequent user study, 30 DHH participants viewed lecture videos in two forms: with and without such visual markup. Users indicated that the videos with captions containing highlighted words were easier to read and follow, with lower perceived task-load ratings, compared to the videos without highlighting. This study motivates future research on caption highlighting in online educational videos, and it provides a foundation for how to evaluate the efficacy of such systems with users.
Multiple Transmitter Localization under Time-Skewed Observations

Radio spectrum is a limited natural resource under a significant demand and thus, must be effectively monitored and protected from unauthorized access. Recently, there has been a significant interest in the use of inexpensive commodity-grade spectrum sensors for large-scale RF spectrum monitoring. These sensors being inexpensive can be deployed at much higher density, and thus, can provide much more accurate spectrum occupancy maps or intruder detection schemes. However, these sensors being inexpensive also have limited computing resources, and being independent and distributed can suffer from clock skew (i.e., their clocks may not be sufficiently synchronized). In this paper, we are interested in the problem of detection and localization of multiple intruders present simultaneously, in the above context of distributed sensors with limited resources and clock skew. The key challenge in addressing the intruder localization problem using sensors with clock skew is that it is very difficult to even derive an observation vector over sensors, for any (absolute) instant. In this work, we propose Group-Based Algorithm, a skew-aware multiple intruders localization method that essentially works by extracting observations across sensors for certain small sets of transmitters. Our results show that Group-Based Algorithm yields significant improvement of accuracy over relatively simpler approaches.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental disorders in young adulthood: Latent classes and community violence exposure.

Abstract Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have significant impacts on mental health outcomes. There is a growing interest in expanding the scope of ACEs beyond household environments. To date, few studies examine multidimensional ACEs with community violence. This study aims to (1) identify underlying ACE classes including exposure to community violence, and (2) investigate the associations of ACE classes with mental disorders in adulthood: depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We employed Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and logistic regression analyses using the data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health (Add Health). The LCA identified four heterogeneous ACE classes: (1) child maltreatment (17.47%), (2) household dysfunction (14.39%), (3) community violence (5.36%), and (4) low adversity (62.79%). Three logistic analyses showed that the “child maltreatment” class was more likely to report a depression (OR = 1.56, CI = 1.26–1.92), anxiety (OR = 1.31, CI = 1.06–1.62), and PTSD (OR = 1.97, CI = 1.35–2.87) in adulthood compared to the “low adversity” class. Also, the “community violence” class was more likely to have PTSD (OR = 2.15, CI = 1.14–4.06) in adulthood, compared to the “low adversity” class. However, the “household dysfunction” class was not significantly different in all three mental disorders from the “low adversity” class. Findings supported the differences in mental disorders in young adulthood by types of exposures to ACEs. The study highlights the importance of considering types of ACEs exposure for promoting mental health of young adults.
On Positive Partial Transpose Matrices

This paper mainly focuses on the class of $2 \times 2$ block PPT matrices. The relationship between PPT matrices and the norm inequalities is further explored. Some properties of a non-PPT matrix in terms of its eigenvalues are investigated. Moreover, a number of useful sufficient conditions for a matrix to be PPT are provided.