cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retention of balance coordination learning as influenced by extended lay-offs.

Abstract Each of five groups of senior high school girls (N = 20 per group) were initially given 10 trials on the Bachman ladder climb task, and then given a different length of lay-off (10 minutes, or 1 day, or 1 week, or 4 weeks, or 13 weeks) before being retested with another 10 trials. No significant loss in retention or evidence of reminiscence or warm-up decrement was found across the lay-off periods.
Characteristics and requirements of the interaction between human monocytes and tumor cells on the single cell level.

Highly purified (97%-99%) and viable (99%) peripheral blood monocytes obtained by EDTA-reversible adherence to autologous-serum-precoated plastic surfaces could rapidly lyse a variety of tumor cells in a 3–4 hr 51Cr release assay. Using these monocytes as effectors, a short-term agarose/conjugate assay was utilized, permitting us to examine the interaction between fresh human monocytes and neoplastic target cells on a single cell level. That the tumor-bound effector cells were indeed monocytes was confirmed by employing the monocyte-specific monoclonal antibody 61D3, which stained 95%-99% of the mononuclear cells bound to conjugated and killed K562 tumor targets. The binding of monocytes to target cells appeared to be temperature dependent and was extremely rapid, reaching a plateau after 5 min at 30 degrees C. Our findings demonstrated for the first time that only a proportion of human blood monocytes can bind to a particular target cell and that only a fraction of the binding cells have the intrinsic potential to kill those neoplastic targets. The proportion of monocytes capable of binding and killing varies between individuals and also depends on the tumor cell used, indicating heterogeneity in the monocyte and tumor cell populations. The highest proportion of monocytes bind to the human erythromyeloid leukemia K562 cell line (13%-50%). The frequency of monocytes capable of killing K562 tumor cells is relatively low (7%- 13%). The system described here should be useful to study the heterogeneity of mononuclear phagocytes and to analyze the molecular basis of the interaction between those effector cells and neoplastic target cells.
Ulcerative colitis in female monozygotic twins and a female sibling.

A family constellation with asynchronous onset of ulcerative colitis affecting female monozygotic twins and a nontwin female sibling is reported. Neither of two non twin brothers nor either parent was affected. Certain genetic and environmental factors are discussed and the literature of ulcerative colitis in twins and in families is summarized. A familial tendency to develop ulcerative colitis based on a polygenic and possibly sex-linked mechanism of inheritance and which requires a further activator stimulus for expression, seems most probable in the light of evidence currently available concerning familial ulcerative colitis.
Humor in romantic relationships: A meta-analysis

This manuscript reports a meta-analysis of the correlation between humor and relationship satisfaction in romantic relationships, combining 43 distinct samples from 39 manuscripts and including 15,177 participants (54.7% female) with a mean age of 34.0 years. Drawing from 3 theoretical dimensions of humor (i.e., within-person/relational, positive/negative, instrumental/content free), weighted mean effect sizes were estimated for 12 distinct subdimensions of humor. All 6 positive types of humor were positively associated with relationship satisfaction, and 4 of 5 negative types of humor were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. Instrumental humor was unassociated with satisfaction. In support of the proposed relational dimension, self-reported humor showed small associations with satisfaction, while partner-perceived and relational humor showed medium and large effect sizes, respectively.
Stress-responsiveness influences baseline glucocorticoid levels: Revisiting the under 3 min sampling rule

Plasma glucocorticoid (CORT) levels collected within 3min of capture are commonly believed to reflect pre-stressor, baseline CORT levels. Differences in these "baseline" values are often interpreted as reflecting differences in health, or the amount of social and environmental stress recently experienced by an individual. When interpreting "baseline" values it is generally assumed that any effect of capture-and-handling during the initial sampling period is small enough and consistent enough among individuals to not obscure pre-capture differences in CORT levels. However, plasma CORT increases in less than 3min post-capture in many free-living, endothermic species in which timing has been assessed. In addition, the rate of CORT secretion and the maximum level attained (i.e., the degree of stress-responsiveness) during a severe stressor often differs among individuals of the same species. In Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens), an individual's stress-responsiveness during a 30min post-capture stressor is correlated with CORT levels in samples collected within 1.5min of capture, suggesting there is an intrinsic connection between stress-responsiveness and pre-capture CORT levels. Although differences in stress-responsiveness accounted for just 11% of the variance in these samples, on average, higher stress-responsive jays (top third of individuals) had baseline values twice that of lower stress-responsive jays (bottom third). Further, plasma CORT levels begin to increase around 2min post-capture in this species, but the rate of increase between 2 and 3min differs markedly with CORT increasing more rapidly in jays with higher stress-responsiveness. Together, these data indicate that baseline CORT values can be influenced by an individual's stress response phenotype and the differences due to stress-responsiveness can be exaggerated during sample collection. In some cases, the effects of differences in stress-responsiveness and the increase in CORT during sample collection could obscure, or supersede, differences in pre-capture plasma CORT levels that are caused by extrinsic factors.
Theranostic Multilayer Capsules for Ultrasound Imaging and Guided Drug Delivery

Despite the accessibility of ultrasound, the clinical potential of ultrasound-active theranostic agents has not been fully realized because it requires combining sufficient imaging contrast, high encapsulation efficiency, and ultrasound-triggered release in one entity. We report on theranostic polymer microcapsules composed of hydrogen-bonded multilayers of tannic acid and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) that produce high imaging contrast and deliver the anticancer drug doxorubicin upon low-power diagnostic or high-power therapeutic ultrasound irradiation. These capsules exhibit excellent imaging contrast in both brightness and harmonic modes and show prolonged contrast over six months, unlike commercially available microbubbles. We also demonstrate low-dose gradual and high-dose fast release of doxorubicin from the capsules by diagnostic (∼100 mW/cm2) and therapeutic (>10 W/cm2) ultrasound irradiation, respectively. We show that the imaging contrast of the capsules can be controlled by varying the number of lay...
Rare complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: two case reports.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a diagnostic procedure with several known risks. We present two rarely reported complications of ERCP and sphincterotomy: transverse mesocolon disruption with ischemic colitis and splenic rupture. RESULTS The first patient, a 54-year-old female, presented one day following ERCP and stent revision for pancreas divisum. She presented with hypotension and abdominal distention. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a ruptured spleen, which was confirmed on laparotomy. She had a complicated postoperative course and died of multiple organ failure. The second patient is a 56-year-old female who presented five days after ERCP and sphincterotomy with abdominal pain, abdominal wall ecchymosis, and decreasing hematocrit. Her evaluation included hospital admission and abdominal CT scan, which showed free fluid and a large hematoma in the transverse mesocolon. These findings were confirmed on laparotomy and a devascularized segment of bowel was resected. CONCLUSION Only 6 cases of ERCP-related splenic injury have been reported in the literature. One additional report is available of a fatal splenic artery injury. No previous reports exist of a mesenteric hematoma resulting in bowel devascularization. Prompt evaluation and awareness of potential complications should help capture potentially life-threatening sequelae of ERCP.
Exploring the Substance and Stakeholder Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility: An Expansion of Carroll's Discretionary Expectations

The research seeks to contribute to a more specific operationalization and measurement of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) construct as traditionally defined in the literature. In particular, we explore the expansion of Carroll's (1979; 2008) seminal "philanthropic/discretionary" category of social responsibilities to include broader environmental, human rights and stakeholder interests. A new multi-dimensional scale is proposed and tested. The efficacy of this scale is examined by measuring CSR perceptions among a young college educated population at multiple levels of analysis. Internationally, we look at the CSR orientations of students in the United States and China. Within the United States, we focus on the states of Utah and Oregon. Our findings suggest that dominant existing frameworks could be improved through greater specification of substantive issues areas and stakeholder interests. Findings also suggest single level analyses may ignore important variation in CSR perceptions across geographical/cultural boundaries. In particular, significant subnational (within country) variation in attitudes and perspectives exist. Future research should include not only refinement of the scale introduced in this paper, but additional testing to determine whether the underlying measurement model holds and has explanatory power.
Food Deserts: Limited Healthy Foods in the Land of Plenty.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States, producing an immense health and economic burden. An estimated 92.1 million US adults are diagnosed with at least one type of CVD, and a projected 43.9% of US adults will have some form of CVD by 2030.1 One of the primary reasons for the continued high burden of CVD is the persistent and even increasing degrees of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. To a large extent, these major risk factors are driven by poor nutrition from an increase in the consumption of processed foods high in sodium, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat. Unfortunately, all US populations do not have the same levels of access to healthy foods, especially in certain socially and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Contributors of CVD inequalities include race, ethnicity, social support, culture and language, access to care, and residential environment. These social determinants of health influence overall health and CVD outcomes.2 See Article by Kelli et al Food deserts are characterized as areas that lack access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk, and other foods that make up the full range of a healthy diet, and traditionally described as urban areas in which residents cannot easily reach fresh food options. These neighborhoods are usually comprised of lower income populations, whose residents must rely on unhealthier processed foods from convenience stores, gas stations, and fast-food restaurants, rather than supermarkets and grocery stores, which may provide healthy food choices. In this issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular …
Spatial coordination of compensatory eye movements in vertebrates: form and function.

The semicircular canals of the labyrinth of vertebrates provide one way of motion detection in three-dimensional space. The fully developed form of the vertebrate labyrinth consists of six semicircular canals, three on each side of the head, whose spatial arrangement (vertical canals are placed diagonally in the head, horizontal canals are oriented earth horizontally) follows three interconnected principles: 1) bilateral symmetry, 2) push-pull operational mode, and 3) mutual orthogonality. Other sensory and motor systems related to vestibular reflexes, such as the extraocular muscles or the "optokinetic" coordinate axes encoded in the activity of the visually driven cells of the accessory optic system, share the same geometrical framework. This framework is also reflected in the anatomical networks mediating compensatory eye movements, linking each of the semicircular canals to a particular set of extraocular muscles (so-called principal vestibuloocular reflex connections to yoke muscles). These classical vestibulo-oculomotor relationships have been verified at many levels of the vertebrate hierarchy, including lateral- and frontal-eyed animals. The particular spatial orientation of the semicircular canals requires further comment and phylogenetic evaluation. The spatial arrangement of the vertical canals is already present in fossil ostracoderms, and is also exemplified in lampreys, the modern forms of once abundant agnathan species that populated the Silurian and Devonian oceans. The lampreys and ostracoderms lack horizontal canals, which appear later in all descendent vertebrates. The fully developed vertebrate labyrinth with its six semicircular canals displays distinct differences that are obvious when comparing distant taxa (e.g. elasmobranchs versus other vertebrates). Whereas the common crus of the semicircular canals in teleosts through mammals is formed between the anterior and the posterior semicircular canal, it occurs between the anterior and the horizontal canal in elasmobranchs. However, despite this morphological difference, these two vertebrate labyrinth prototypes constitute a functionally identical solution. A similar analysis holds for certain invertebrate species (crab, octopus, squid), which display an even wider variety in the physical expressions of movement detection systems when compared to vertebrates. Although the physical expressions of motion detection systems differ in the animal kingdom, the functional solutions (providing the best signal-to-noise ratio) with adherence to bilateral symmetry, push-pull operational mode, and mutual orthogonality are identical.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Controlling orientational order in block copolymers using low-intensity magnetic fields

The interaction of fields with condensed matter during phase transitions produces a rich variety of physical phenomena. Self-assembly of liquid crystalline block copolymers (LC BCPs) in the presence of a magnetic field, for example, can result in highly oriented microstructures due to the LC BCP's anisotropic magnetic susceptibility. We show that such oriented mesophases can be produced using low-intensity fields ( 4 T) and superconducting magnets required to date. Low-intensity field alignment is enabled by the addition of labile mesogens that coassemble with the system's nematic and smectic A mesophases. The alignment saturation field strength and alignment kinetics have pronounced dependences on the free mesogen concentration. Highly aligned states with orientation distribution coefficients close to unity were obtained at fields as small as 0.2 T. This remarkable field response originates in an enhancement of alignment kinetics due to a reduction in viscosity, and increased magnetostatic energy due to increases in grain size, in the presence of labile mesogens. These developments provide routes for controlling structural order in BCPs, including the possibility of producing nontrivial textures and patterns of alignment by locally screening fields using magnetic nanoparticles.
Preparing Teachers to Teach with Technology: Examining the Effectiveness of a Course in Educational Technology

The reasons elementary teachers choose not to use technology are many and varied. One commonly cited reason is that preservice programs are struggling to adequately prepare future teachers (e.g., B...
Dermatologic Lesions Submitted to an Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Biopsy Service: An Analysis of 2487 Cases

Skin lesions are often submitted to oral and maxillofacial pathology practices. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency, distribution, variability, and composition of dermatologic lesions within a large oral and maxillofacial pathology biopsy service. An IRB-approved retrospective search of skin lesions diagnosed at University of Florida oral and maxillofacial pathology biopsy service between 1994 and 2015 was performed. 2487 cases were included in the study. Gender was reported in 2466 cases, of which 59% were male and 41% female. Age was provided in 2367 cases and ranged from 2 weeks to 96 years with an average of 55 years. Location was indicated in 2473 cases. Lips were the most common (41.7%), followed by face (25.3%), neck (7.4%), nose (6.5%), periorbital (5.3%), ear (4.1%), and scalp (3.8%). Of the 2487 cases, five diagnoses (actinic keratosis/cheilitis, intradermal nevus, epidermal inclusion cyst, seborrheic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma) constituted 84.4% of the cases. 69 of 2487 cases (2.8%) resulted in dermatopathologic consultation prior to final reporting. Skin lesions accounted for ~ 1.0% of all lesions submitted to an oral and maxillofacial pathology biopsy service. This study found a large variation in the dermatologic lesions submitted to an oral pathology biopsy service. Although most were routine in complexity, dermatopathology consultation was an important tool in the diagnosis of the more challenging cases. This study may help pathologists gain a better understanding of the frequency and variability of dermatologic lesions submitted to an oral and maxillofacial pathology biopsy service and promote more interdisciplinary consultation within the field. This study evaluated the incidence and scope of dermatologic lesions submitted to a large oral and maxillofacial pathology biopsy service over a long time period. A wide scope of lesions was found, and dermatopathology consultation was important to quality assurance.
The Multi-Axial Failure Response of Porcine Trabecular Skull Bone Estimated Using Microstructural Simulations

The development of a multi-axial failure criterion for trabecular skull bone has many clinical and biological implications. This failure criterion would allow for modeling of bone under daily loading scenarios that typically are multi-axial in nature. Some yield criteria have been developed to evaluate the failure of trabecular bone, but there is a little consensus among them. To help gain deeper understanding of multi-axial failure response of trabecular skull bone, we developed 30 microstructural finite element models of porous porcine skull bone and subjected them to multi-axial displacement loading simulations that spanned three-dimensional (3D) stress and strain space. High-resolution microcomputed tomography (microCT) scans of porcine trabecular bone were obtained and used to develop the meshes used for finite element simulations. In total, 376 unique multi-axial loading cases were simulated for each of the 30 microstructure models. Then, results from the total of 11,280 simulations (approximately 135,360 central processing unit-hours) were used to develop a mathematical expression, which describes the average three-dimensional yield surface in strain space. Our results indicate that the yield strain of porcine trabecular bone under multi-axial loading is nearly isotropic and despite a spread of yielding points between the 30 different microstructures, no significant relationship between the yield strain and bone volume fraction is observed. The proposed yield equation has simple format and it can be implemented into a macroscopic model for the prediction of failure of whole bones.
Impact of Immediate Interpretation of Screening Tomosynthesis Mammography on Performance Metrics.

Rationale and Objectives This study aimed to compare performance metrics for immediate and delayed batch interpretation of screening tomosynthesis mammograms. Materials and Methods This HIPAA compliant study was approved by institutional review board with a waiver of consent. A retrospective analysis of screening performance metrics for tomosynthesis mammograms interpreted in 2015 when mammograms were read immediately was compared to historical controls from 2013 to 2014 when mammograms were batch interpreted after the patient had departed. A total of 5518 screening tomosynthesis mammograms (n = 1212 for batch interpretation and n = 4306 for immediate interpretation) were evaluated. The larger sample size for the latter group reflects a group practice shift to performing tomosynthesis for the majority of patients. Age, breast density, comparison examinations, and high-risk status were compared. An asymptotic proportion test and multivariable analysis were used to compare performance metrics. Results There was no statistically significant difference in recall or cancer detection rates for the batch interpretation group compared to immediate interpretation group with respective recall rate of 6.5% vs 5.3% = +1.2% (95% confidence interval −0.3 to 2.7%; P = .101) and cancer detection rate of 6.6 vs 7.2 per thousand = −0.6 (95% confidence interval −5.9 to 4.6; P = .825). There was no statistically significant difference in positive predictive values (PPVs) including PPV1 (screening recall), PPV2 (biopsy recommendation), or PPV 3 (biopsy performed) with batch interpretation (10.1%, 42.1%, and 40.0%, respectively) and immediate interpretation (13.6%, 39.2%, and 39.7%, respectively). After adjusting for age, breast density, high-risk status, and comparison mammogram, there was no difference in the odds of being recalled or cancer detection between the two groups. Conclusions There is no statistically significant difference in interpretation performance metrics for screening tomosynthesis mammograms interpreted immediately compared to those interpreted in a delayed fashion.
Dofetilide-induced anorexia in an older adult.

An 84-year-old woman presented to her primary care physician with an unexplained 4-month history of weight and appetite loss after initiation of dofetilide 125 mcg orally twice daily for atrial fib...
Detection of Extravesical Disease: A Lack of Bladder Cancer Markers

Understaging is a significant problem in the treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma of the bladder. Up to 70% of patients with perceived organ-confined tumors have been found to be understaged by the current clinical standard at the time of cystectomy. With advances in molecular biology, tumor markers that can detect and predict prognosis of patients with bladder cancer are emerging. Both urine and serum cancer markers that aid in differentiating between superficial and invasive bladder cancer are being investigated. This chapter examines the spectrum of predictive markers including microsatellite-associated markers, proto-oncogenes/oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, cell cycle regulators, angiogenesis-related factors, extracellular adhesion molecules, and circulating serum markers. While no marker is yet a proven gold standard for predicting the extravesicular extension of bladder tumors, promising early data exists on bladder cancer markers that may differentiate those individuals with organ-confined disease from those with the poorer prognosis of more advanced cancer.
Synaptic Substrates of the Implicit and Explicit Self

Synaptic Self How Our Brains Become Who We Are. Joseph LeDoux. Viking, New York, 2002. 416 pp. $29.95, C$43.99. ISBN 0-670-03028-7. LeDoux combines perspectives from neuroscience, philosophy, literature, and the history of science to explain how human personalities are created by our brains (and, in particular, by the synaptic connectivity within them).
Round Table Discussion on Secondary Lithiasis

DR GRIFFITH: Our Round Table will focus on secondary stone formation. DR WERNESS (ROCHESTER, Ma. USA) has presented an overview of triamterene stones. Now our discussion will target upon infection stones. There seems to be a general consensus that the bacterial enzyme urease is primarily responsible for struvite and carbonate apatite stones in humans.
A Feasibility Study on Automating the Automotive Insurance Claims Processing

In this paper, we present a feasibility study in automating the insurance claims processing system related to automotive sector. In automobile insurance claims processing, usually an adjuster is sent to specic location from where the claim has been registered to physically inspect the validity of the claim. Sending adjusters for each and every such claim imposes a cost factor. With the increased number of such claims it often becomes very dicult to physically inspect each claim with a limited number of adjusters. Here we categorize certain claims where physical inspection is unnecessary and these claims can be processed without sending any adjuster (we call these claims as ‘fasttrack’ claims). The challenge of labeling any claim as a ‘fast-track’ claim is that in the past historical data no claim has been identied as ‘fast-track’ claim. The domain experts have certain knowledge about ‘fasttrack’ness of a claim, however, it is very dicult to articulate that knowledge in the form of crisp rules. Rather if certain rules are articulated then the domain experts can validate whether such rules agree with their expertise or not. Therefore, our objective is to label a subset of claims as ‘fast-track’ claims and extract the rules for labeling any new claim as ‘fasttrack’ or not such that the rules must agree with the domain knowledge of the experts. We consider the delay in claims processing as an indicator variable, and learn decision tree structures for various dierent thresholds on the delay. We arrive the nal decision tree structure where the total cost of false positive and false negative samples is minimized on the labeled data. Finally we validate the rules extracted by the decision tree with domain experts and observe that the decision tree brings out the domain expertise as the top set of rules.
Anemia due to Chronic Kidney Disease in the Elderly

Anemia is a well-known complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that develops as kidney function declines. In most patients with CKD, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declines over time, and as it does so, anemia becomes more prevalent and more severe. The relationship between anemia and CKD in elderly subjects is not as well defined as in younger populations. As discussed elsewhere in this book, the optimal definition of anemia in older subjects is a matter of some debate (1, 2). Also, the estimation of the level of kidney function in older individuals poses some special problems that will be discussed. Since the association of anemia and reduced kidney function in the general (i.e., non-elderly) population is discussed thoroughly elsewhere (3–5), this chapter focuses on specific issues pertinent to the assessment of kidney function in the elderly, the diagnosis and impact of CKD-related anemia in the elderly, and treatment of anemia in elderly subjects with CKDrelated anemia.
Quantum-limited superlocalization and superresolution of a source pair in three dimensions

A recent paper [Yu and Prasad Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 180504 (2018)] considered the problem of quantum-limited estimation of the separation vector for a pair of incoherent point sources in all three dimensions. Here we extend our analysis to treat the problem of simultaneously estimating the location of the centroid and the separation of the source pair, which is equivalent to localizing both sources simultaneously. We first calculate the quantum Fisher information for simultaneous pair centroid-separation estimation and then discuss the fundamental, estimation-theoretic tradeoffs between the two tasks, which we confirm using simulations.
Trends in Self-Reporting of Marijuana Consumption in the United States

To adjust for underreporting of marijuana use, researchers multiply the proportion of individuals who reported using marijuana by a constant factor, such as the US Office of National Drug Control P...
Political Environment and Perceptions of Social Inclusion After Nationwide Marriage Equality Among Partnered Men Who Have Sex with Men in the USA

The aim of this paper is to examine how nationwide marriage equality and minority stressors are associated with perceptions of social inclusion using a national sample of partnered men who have sex with men (MSM) (n = 498). A four-item scale measuring changes in perceived social inclusion due to the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage was created. Respondents were categorized into four distinct political environments using results from the 2016 US Presidential election. Multilevel modeling was used to examine associations between political environment, minority stressors, and perceived social inclusion. Changes in perceived social inclusion due to marriage equality did not significantly differ between political environments. Higher levels of internalized, anticipated, and enacted stigma were all associated with fewer gains in perceived social inclusion. An interaction between political environment and external stigma was significant in the most politically conservative areas. The legalization of marriage equality has improved perceived social inclusion overall, but less so among men who experience more discrimination and live in conservative environments. Multilevel interventions to change social norms are needed to help decrease minority stressors and improve perceived social inclusion in politically conservative areas with elevated levels of discrimination.
One-Carbon Cofactor Intake and Risk of Neural Tube Defects Among Women Who Meet Folic Acid Recommendations: A Multicenter Case-Control Study

We aimed to investigate associations between individual and concurrent (≥2) intakes of one-carbon cofactors vitamins B6 and B12, choline, betaine, and methionine and neural tube defect (NTD) outcomes among mothers meeting the folic acid recommendations. In the Slone Birth Defects Study (case-control design; North America, 1998-2015), mothers of 164 NTD cases and 2,831 nonmalformed controls completed food frequency questionnaires and structured interviews. Estimated intakes of one-carbon cofactors were dichotomized (high vs. low) for all except betaine (low or middle vs. high). We used logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals adjusted for center, age, and race. The analysis was restricted to mothers with estimated daily total folate intake of ≥400 μg during periconception. Fewer cases, compared with controls, had high intakes for each one-carbon cofactor except betaine, where the starkest contrast occurred in the middle group. Women with concurrent high intakes of B6, B12, choline, and methionine and moderate intake of betaine had approximately half the risk of an NTD-affected pregnancy (odds ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.23, 1.08). These findings suggest that, in the presence of folic acid, one-carbon cofactors-notably when consumed together-might reduce NTD risk. Additional research should inform any changes to clinical recommendations.
High-rate dislocation motion in stable nanocrystalline metals

Dislocation-mediated plasticity in stable nanocrystalline metals, where grain boundary motion is suppressed, is revisited in the context of dislocation elastodynamics. The effect of transient waves that emanate from the generation and motion of dislocations is quantified for an idealized Cu–10 at.% Ta system with grain sizes on the order of 50 nanometers. Simulations indicate that for this material, as dislocation velocities approach 0.6–0.8 times the shear wave speed, grains several grain diameters away from the initial glide event experience a large transient shear stress for a finite duration. These transient shear stresses increase with increasing glide velocity and can activate nucleation sites far from the original nucleation event. These considerations are used to explain recent experimental observations of a lack of increase in flow stress with increasing loading rate, as well as localization resistance, in this class of stable nanocrystalline metals.
Analytic and numerical solutions in the theory of elastic plates

ABSTRACTNumerical approximations of the solution of a boundary value problem when an exact solution is not available can be constructed by means of a variety of methods. In this paper, we present a...
Research on the Cost-sharing of Adopting RFID Technology among Supply Chain Enterprises

As the core technology of "Internet of Things",the adoption of RFID has been extended to supply chain management and also brought a great convenience.But now the fact is that the upstream firms invest but the downstream enterprises benefit in current situation,which greatly damages the initiative of upstream enterprises to adopt RFID technology.In order to improve the effective of supply chain with RFID technology,the reasonable cost allocation of RFID needs to be solved first.In this paper,considering several typical supply chain contracts which suit for different industries,the corresponding cost allocation models of RFID are established such as the wholesale price contract,revenue-sharing contract,buyback contract.Through rigorous mathematical derivation,the cost thresholds at which RFID technology investment becomes profitable and get a reasonable region of cost allocation coefficient with different contracts are obtained.Further,a scientific allocation basis are providecl when the supply chain enterprises investing in RFID technology.
Winning Paths In N-By-Infinity Hex

In n×∞ Hex the player whose task is to complete a finite path can win, but the other player can ensure that any winning path contains at least n + #n−2 4 $ cells.
Study on the Epidemiological Features of Lyme Disease in Korea between 2011 and 2018

라임병은 2010년 법정감염병 지정 이후 환자발생이 지속적으로 증가하고 있다. 첫 환자가 보고된 2011년부터 2018년 12월 31일까지 신고된 환자 119명의 신고 자료 및 역학조사서를 국내발생과 해외유입으로 구분하여 분석하였고, ArcGIS Pro를 이용하여 추정 감염 지역에 대한 공간분석을 하였다. 2011년부터 2018년 12월 31일까지 국내발생은 70명(58.8%) 해외유입은 49명(41.2%)이다. 환자 발생은 2017년에 31명(26.0%), 계절은 여름∼가을(6∼11월)이 91명(76.5%)으로 가장 많았다. 진단일_신고일은 국내발생이 2.8±14.7일, 해외유입이 1.4±4.5일로 차이를 보였고, 임상 증상 중 발열과 발진은 국내발생과 해외유입이 통계적으로 유의하였다(P＜0.001). 임상 경과는 초기 국소성 감염 61명(52.1%), 초기 파종성 감염 43명(35.3%), 만성 감염 15명(12.6%)이었다. 국내 추정 감염 지역은 충남 12명(17.1%), 경기 12명(17.1%), 강원 8명(11.4%), 경남 7명(10.0%)으로 지역적인 차이를 보였고, 해외유입은 미국이 21명(42.9%), 유럽이 17명(34.7%)으로 가장 많았다. 라임병 환자는 2016∼2018년이 환자수가 증가 하여 발생 지역이 확대된 것으로 추정된다. 해외유입도 증가하고 있어 환자 관리는 더욱 중요할 것으로 판단되며 전 연령에서 환자가 발생하고 있어 홍보 및 예방교육과 역학적 특성 파악은 꾸준히 실시되어야 할 것이다.
Chapter 14 – Population Structure and Dynamics

The chapter reviews abundance and its determination in marine mammals and techniques for monitoring populations (i.e., photo identification, telemetry, and molecular genetics). Also considered are growth rates, age of sexual maturity, and age determination and longevity. The chapter concludes with brief review of natural mortality in marine mammals (i.e., disease, competition, and predators).
Two-Dose Hepatitis B Vaccine (Heplisav-B) Results in Better Seroconversion Than Three-Dose Vaccine (Engerix-B) in Chronic Liver Disease.

The efficacy of the two-dose hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine (Heplisav-B®) in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) is unknown. To compare the immunogenicity achieved with Heplisav-B and the conventional three-dose vaccine (Engerix-B®) in patients with CLD, and to identify factors that predict seroconversion. We retrospectively identified all adults who completed Heplisav-B or Engerix-B regimens from August 1, 2015, to January 31, 2019. Post-vaccination immunity was assessed by quantitative HBV surface antibody (HBsAb) measurement. We identified 166 patients (106 Engerix-B and 60 Heplisav-B) with chronic liver disease (mean age 59.0 ± 11.3 years, 52% male, 34% cirrhosis, mean MELD score of those with cirrhosis 10.1 ± 5.4) who had completed the vaccinations and had data available on post-vaccination HBsAb levels at least 2 months after completion of the vaccine regimen. Seroprotective HBsAb levels (> 10 mIU/ml) were achieved in 63% with Heplisav-B and in 45% with Engerix-B (p = 0.03). Univariable analysis showed that age (p = 0.01), insurance (p = 0.02), renal failure (p = 0.02), COPD (p = 0.05), and cirrhosis (p < 0.01) had a significant effect on achieving immunogenicity. On multivariable analysis, patients with cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.27, 95% CI 0.13–0.55), COPD (aOR: 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.56), or renal failure (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14–0.93) had a lower likelihood of achieving immunity, and patients who received Heplisav-B® had a 2.7-fold greater likelihood of achieving immunity than those who received Engerix-B® (aOR: 2.74, 95% CI 1.31–5.71). The two-dose recombinant hepatitis B vaccine resulted in better seroconversion than the three-dose vaccine. Cirrhosis, COPD, and renal failure were associated with a lower likelihood of achieving immunogenicity.
Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the hydration products of ordinary Portland cement paste

Abstract We elucidate the mechanisms by which multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) influence the microstructure, fracture behavior, and hydration of cement paste. We disperse MWCNTs using a multi-step approach that involves high-energy pre-dispersion using ultrasonic energy followed by low-energy dispersion using un-hydrated cement particles. In turn, the low-energy dispersion step involves high-shear mixing and mechanical stirring. High-resolution environmental scanning electron microscopy of cement+0.2 wt% MWCNT, cement+0.5 wt% MWNCT, and of cement+1 wt% MWCNT show that MWCNTs bridge air voids, thereby refining the pore size and strengthening the C-S-H matrix. The fracture toughness increased by 9.38% with the addition of 0.2 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and by 14.06% with the addition of 0.5 wt% multi-walled carbon nanotubes and ligament bridging was the dominant toughening mechanism. Moreover, for all reinforcement levels, MWCNTs induced a conversion of low-density C-S-H into high-density C-S-H along with a drastic drop in the capillary porosity: adding 0.1–0.5 wt% MWCNT resulted in a 200% increase in the volume fraction of high-density C-S-H. Thus, our experiments show that MWCNT enhances the mechanical properties and transport properties by: (i) promoting high-density C-S-H formation, (ii) promoting calcium hydroxide formation, (iii) filling microscopic air voids, (iv) reducing the capillary porosity, (v) increasing the fraction of small gel pores (1.2–2 nm in size), and (vi) by bridging microcracks.
Modeling of Human-Machine Interaction in an Industrial Exoskeleton Control System

The paper considers the urgent problem of human-machine interaction organizing when controlling the of industrial assistive exoskeleton suit links movement. A method that implements device’s drives copy control, which ensures the operator and the exoskeleton movement synchronization is proposed. This method allows transfer the load from operator to exoskeleton mechanical frame, thereby facilitating the industrial workers manual labor. The article describes the human-machine interaction mathematical model and the results of the described system dynamics numerical modeling. The analysis of stiffness of the elastic suspension and controller coefficients influence of the on the assisting device control quality is carried out, and is made on the basis of complex criteria that take into account both positioning accuracy and device usage comfort.
Increased metabolic burden among blacks: A putative mechanism for disparate covid-19 outcomes

Mounting evidence shows a disproportionate COVID-19 burden among Blacks. Early findings indicate pre-existing metabolic burden (eg, obesity, hypertension and diabetes) as key drivers of COVID-19 severity. Since Blacks exhibit higher prevalence of metabolic burden, we examined the influence of metabolic syndrome on disparate COVID-19 burden. We analyzed data from a NIH-funded study to characterize metabolic burden among Blacks in New York (Metabolic Syndrome Outcome Study). Patients (n=1035) were recruited from outpatient clinics, where clinical and self-report data were obtained. The vast majority of the sample was overweight/obese (90%); diagnosed with hypertension (93%); dyslipidemia (72%); diabetes (61%); and nearly half of them were at risk for sleep apnea (48%). Older Blacks (age≥65 years) were characterized by higher levels of metabolic burden and co-morbidities (eg, heart disease, cancer). In multivariate-adjusted regression analyses, age was a significant (p≤.001) independent predictor of hypertension (OR=1.06; 95% CI: 1.04-1.09), diabetes (OR=1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.04), and dyslipidemia (OR=0.98; 95% CI: 0.97-0.99), but not obesity. Our study demonstrates an overwhelmingly high prevalence of the metabolic risk factors related to COVID-19 among Blacks in New York, highlighting disparate metabolic burden among Blacks as a possible mechanism conferring the greater burden of COVID-19 infection and mortality represented in published data.
Untangling the roots of the West Virginia opioid crisis: relationships in adolescent pregnancy, drug misuse, and future outcomes.

Context West Virginia (WV) is afflicted by high rates of teenage pregnancy and births, opioid usage during pregnancy, and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome births. Current efforts are ineffective at reducing teenage pregnancy and opioid misuse. While pregnancy and opioid usage may appear to be separate issues, a number of associations suggest adolescent pregnancy, opioid use, and other health-related outcomes are part of a cluster of negative health conditions that should be addressed holistically. Objective To determine whether there is an association between teenage pregnancy and negative health outcomes, including opioid misuse, among WV adolescent girls. Methods This study was conducted from July 2018 to March 2019. We obtained the most recently-available aggregate data at the county level for each of the 55 WV counties from the WV Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) on July 30, 2018, and we analyzed it during the fall of 2018. Raw data regarding pregnancy-related outcomes included WV girls between the ages of 15 and 19, was acquired between 2014 and 2017 by county, and was provided by the WVDHHR as a mean taken across all four years. Raw data regarding opioid misuse outcomes and heart-health variables included WV girls and women of all ages, was collected between 2014 and 2017 by county, and was provided by the WVDHHR as a mean taken across all four years, unless stated otherwise. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to examine the associations between the teenage pregnancy and birth rates, opioid misuse, pregnancy, and heart-health-related statistics, as well as environmental variables. Results Teenage pregnancy and birth rates were positively associated with fetal death rates (r=0.308, p 0.39, all p 0.10). Conclusion Reduction of unintended teenage pregnancy may be viewed as a nontraditional, holistic, method of ameliorating the opioid misuse crisis in the state of WV. This recommendation should be part of a multi-pronged approach to mitigating the opioid epidemic in WV and all of Appalachia.
HIV Viral Suppression and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in HIV and Syphilis Contact Tracing Networks: An Analysis of Disease Surveillance and Prescription Claims Data.

BACKGROUND HIV and syphilis contact tracing networks offer efficient platforms for HIV treatment and prevention interventions, but intervention coverage within these networks has not been characterized. SETTING HIV and syphilis sexual contact tracing networks among men who have sex with men (MSM) in North Carolina (NC). METHODS Using surveillance data, we identified 2 types of "network events" that occurred between January 2013 and June 2017 among MSM in NC: being diagnosed with early syphilis or being named as a recent sexual contact of a person diagnosed with HIV or early syphilis. We estimated prevalent and incident HIV viral suppression among persons diagnosed with HIV before the network event, and we assessed the effect of contact tracing services on a 6-month cumulative incidence of viral suppression among previously HIV-diagnosed, virally unsuppressed persons. Using linked prescription claims data, we also evaluated prevalent and incident pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use in an insured subset of HIV-negative network members. RESULTS Viral suppression prevalence among previously HIV-diagnosed persons was 52.6%. The 6-month cumulative incidence of viral suppression was 35.4% overall and 13.1 (95% confidence interval: 8.8 to 17.4) percentage points higher among persons reached than among those not reached by contact tracing services. Few HIV-negative persons had prevalent (5.4%) or incident (4.1%) PrEP use in the 6 months before or after network events, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Suboptimal viral suppression and PrEP use among MSM in NC in HIV/syphilis contact tracing networks indicate a need for intensified intervention efforts. In particular, expanded services for previously HIV-diagnosed persons could improve viral suppression and reduce HIV transmission within these networks.
Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap Calculations on the Electronic Spectra of Transition Metal Complexes

The title of this manuscript really suggests three separate subjects:(l) The Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap Model (INDO/S) that we have used for many years to describe the electronic spectraand photochemistry of large systems, (2) the description of how one might calculate electronic spectroscopy,and finally, (3) the electronic structure of transition metal complexes, per se. I should like to begin with the third of these, which is the theme of this school, paying only cursory attention to the first two. Transition metal compounds are different from compounds that contain only main group elements,and I think it is interesting to examine why. A after all, there are rather good computational tools for examining the electronic structure of molecules that do not contain transition metal compounds that are now widely used by theoristsand experimentalists alike. So called ab-initio programs such as Gaussian92 [1], GAMES S [2], Turbomole [3], ACESII [4], are rather sophisticated packages that yield accurate results for smaller systems,AMPAC [5], MOPAC [6], ZINDO [7]and SINDO [8] are semi-empirical methods available for rather large systems,and there are molecular modeling methods that use classical force fields such as AMBER [9], CHARM [10]and INSIGHT [11] that can be used for thousands of atoms. Such programs have not been widely used in the study of transition metal compounds. Why is that?