cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aggravation of arrhythmia: a complication of antiarrhythmic drug therapy

Aggravation of arrhythmia is a complication of antiarrhythmic drug therapy that is not uncommon. It may represent a worsening of an existing arrhythmia or a new arrhythmia not previously experienced by the patient. When non-invasive methods are used to evaluate drug effects, the overall incidence of aggravation is 9% while with electrophysiologic testing, it is 18%. While aggravation of arrhythmia may occur when the blood level of the drug is in the toxic range, most often this complication is observed when blood levels are in the defined therapeutic range. It is not associated with drug dose, baseline ECG intervals, changes in these intervals during therapy, the nature of the heart disease or other clinical parameters. However, it is more common in patients with a history of sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and in those with reduced left ventricular function and a history of congestive heart failure. Aggravation with one drug does not predict this complication with another agent, even if both are in the same subclass. Worsening of arrhythmia may often be precipitated by exercise testing, even when arrhythmia is suppressed on ambulatory monitoring. The frequency, unpredictability and seriousness of this side-effect demands the cautious use of antiarrhythmic drugs.
Contrast effects on the auditory evoked response and its relation to psychophysical judgments

An auditory average evoked response (AER) procedure was used to search for a physiological counterpart of the contrast effect-the tendency for a S’s judgment of the intensity of a stimulus to be modified by the intensity of prior stimulation. When a tone was preceded by a softer tone, its AER amplitude increased; conversely, when a tone followed a louder tone, amplitude decreased. Irregular intervals between tones decreased the AER contrast effect, as did increasing the interval between tones. Further, significant correlations were found between individual scores on the AER contrast procedure and performance on a battery of psychophysical tasks.
Optimizing the quantitative in vivo imaging for longitudinal studies in rat brain using FDG and microPET

FDG-PET imaging was performed in rats using a small animal PET scanner. The purpose was to improve the accuracy and precision of quantitative rat brain PET imaging and make longitudinal studies feasible. We evaluated bed position(s), scan time, movement correction, image reconstruction algorithms, input function (IF) derivation and methods for quantification of cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRG, mumol/min/100g). The optimum protocol includes: (1) acquisition of PET data in two-bed positions: 0-45 minutes centered at the heart for determination of IF and 45-65 minutes centered at the brain; (2) minimization of head movements with a restraining device; (3) a single tail vein blood sample to increase accuracy of the image-derived IF; (4) application of FBP reconstruction to the heart data and both FBP and MAP reconstructions to the brain data and (5) application of a CT-based attenuation correction. We generated CMRG parametric images by applying the Sokoloff's operational equation to the FBP brain images. The IF required by the operational equation was derived from the FBP heart images using a modified factor analysis program. Regions of brain were drawn on the MAP-reconstructed 'anatomical images' and superimposed on the parametric images to yield mean CMRG values. CMRG values were comparable to those from a FDG 3-compartmental model fit to the time activity curves of the brain regions.
The neurobiology of pathological gambling and drug addiction: an overview and new findings

Gambling is a prevalent recreational behaviour. Approximately 5% of adults have been estimated to experience problems with gambling. The most severe form of gambling, pathological gambling (PG), is recognized as a mental health condition. Two alternate non-mutually exclusive conceptualizations of PG have considered it as an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder and a ‘behavioural’ addiction. The most appropriate conceptualization of PG has important theoretical and practical implications. Data suggest a closer relationship between PG and substance use disorders than exists between PG and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This paper will review data on the neurobiology of PG, consider its conceptualization as a behavioural addiction, discuss impulsivity as an underlying construct, and present new brain imaging findings investigating the neural correlates of craving states in PG as compared to those in cocaine dependence. Implications for prevention and treatment strategies will be discussed.
Accountability and Educational Equity in the Transformation of an Urban District.

In the fall of 1999, began to work as part of a research team that was assembled to explore the effects of district leadership on academic outcomes with low-income children and children of color. During the course of that project, I was able to interview a considerable number of central office personnel, administrators, teachers, parents, and other community members in four districts in Texas that were experiencing remarkable levels of successful achievement with African American and Latino children. That study focused on identifying the best practices in four school districts across the state: Aldine Independent School District (ISD), Brazosport ISD, San Benito Consolidated ISD (CISD), and Wichita Falls ISD. The explicit objective of the project was to learn how certain districts in the state of Texas are managing to achieve high levels of performance with low-income children of color and to disseminate the findings to key organizations and persons in hopes of effecting statewide reform quickly and efficiently. Although I acknowledge that the plan to identify the best practices across several school districts represents a legitimate approach given the objective of bringing about statewide educational reform, I feel it is also imperative not to lose sight of the richness that the study of the singularity (Bassey, 1999) can provide. Hence, in this article I adopt a case study approach to explore, in depth, the details of how Aldine ISD has managed to move from being a district in which token representations of minority achievement were conceptualized as evidence of districtwide success with children of color to becoming a district in which success for all children is the operating paradigm.
Multifrequency detection of a slowly fluctuating target

We obtain the probability of target detection using a multifrequency, noncoherently integrated pulse burst under the following conditions. (1) Each N pulse burst contains M groups of K pulses with each group at a different frequency. (2) At each frequency the target radar cross section is a constant during the burst but fluctuates from burst-to burst (i.e. scan-to-scan). (3) The difference between frequencies is sufficiently large that the target radar cross section at each different frequency is independent.
Bronchoesophageal fistula with an esophageal web

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistulas in the adult age group are rare, with only approximately 20 cases having been recognized. All of these cases have been an isolated esophageal anomaly without other associated esophageal pathology. We present an interesting case of an adult with both symptomatic congenital bronchoesophageal fistula and proximal esophageal web.
Promotion as Prevention: Positive Youth Development as Protective against Tobacco, Alcohol, Illicit Drug, and Sex Initiation

The present study was designed to examine the association of positive youth development with the likelihood of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, hard drug, and sex initiation between 5th and 10th grades. A national, largely middle-class sample of 5,305 adolescents, participating in a longitudinal study funded by the National 4-H Council (although not all participants were enrolled in 4-H or other after-school programs), completed measures of positive youth development (PYD) constructs and of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and hard drug use once per year between 5th and 10th grades. At the 9th and 10th grade assessments, adolescents were asked whether they had initiated sexual intercourse and, if so, at what age they had first engaged in intercourse. Although the present sample was somewhat lower risk compared to national averages, survival analysis models indicated that PYD was significantly and negatively associated with the initiation hazards for tobacco use, marijuana use, and sex initiation for girls only, a...
On the Design of the In-Plane Bending Fatigue Test

The fatigue design of the steel armour layers is an important factor in flexible riser design. Typically, the riser must be able to endure the loads of a field condition for a period of 20 years. In flexible pipe design, this is analyzed in global and local flexible pipe fatigue modeling, which needs to be supported by proper testing. One of the widespread test methods is the so-called in-plane bending fatigue test, which is one of the important qualification tests for flexible pipes.API 17B references two purposes for performing in-plane bending fatigue tests. One is to demonstrate that the pipe can endure the loads which it is exposed to during its lifetime (service simulation). The other is to validate the design methodologies (service-life model validation).The first purpose calls for test conditions being as close to reality as possible. However, testing in conditions close to reality does not necessarily call for field environment conditions being present during the in-plane testing itself. This is because field conditions are covered with a combination of small-, mid- and full-scale tests according to the recommendations given in API 17B.The second purpose can be, or is even best fulfilled with simplifications compared to field conditions.This study will go through the options and discuss the pros and cons of simplifications versus a more complicated test. The discussions in the paper are based on the author’s experience and can be supported with examples from actual testing.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Survey of Education and License Requirements for Structural Engineers

In order to determine the industry perception of educational and licensing requirements for entry-level structural engineers, the Structural Engineers Association of Hawaii, in conjunction with the...
Testosterone patches in the management of patients with mild/moderate systemic lupus erythematosus

Objectives. Androgen deficiency has been associated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of testosterone patches vs placebo in female SLE patients with baseline mild-to- moderate disease activity in a randomized, double-blind, single-centre placebo-controlled trial. Methods. Patients received testerosterone (150 � g) or placebo transdermal patches for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed at 4-weekly intervals for disease activity using the Safety of Oestrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI), Systemic Lupus Activity Measure-Revised (SLAM-R) and The British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) indices, physican global assessment (PGA), quality of life using the SF-36 survey and sexual functioning using the Derogatis score. Data were analysed using two sample t-tests to compare the mean difference from baseline to week 12 in the testosterone patch and placebo groups. Results. Thirty-four patients were recruited in to each group. There was no significant baseline difference between the groups in age, race or marital status. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in the mean change in SELENA-SLEDAI (0.547 � 3.72, P >0.60), nor in PGA or BILAG system scores. The mean change in SLAM-R score was statistically different (2.06, S.D. 3.3, P ¼0.01) but was not considered clinically meaningful. Health transition also showed a small change (P <0.03). There was no significant difference in the Derogatis scores or toxicity. Conclusion. Testosterone patches were safe but did not significantly affect disease activity, quality of life or sexual functioning. Increased use of steroids in the placebo group may have confounded the study results.
A Data-Mining-Based Prefetching Approach to Caching for Network Storage Systems

The need for network storage has been increasing rapidly owing to the widespread use of the Internet in organizations and the shortage of local storage space due to the increasing size of applications and databases. Proliferation of network storage systems entails a significant increase in the number of storage objects (e.g., files) stored, the number of concurrent clients, and the size and number of storage objects transferred between the systems and their clients. Performance (e.g., client-perceived latency) of these systems becomes a major concern. Previous research has explored techniques for scaling up the number of storage servers involved to enhance the performance of network storage systems. However, adding servers to improve system performance is an expensive solution. Moreover, for a WAN-based network storage system, the bottleneck for its performance improvement typically is not caused by the load of storage servers, but by the network traffic between clients and storage servers. This paper introduces an Internet-based network storage system named NetShark and proposes a caching-based performance-enhancement solution for such a system. The proposed performance-enhancement solution is validated using a simulation.
Time-Dependent Model of RF Energy Propagation in Coupled Reverberant Cavities

A simple time-dependent model for the analysis of RF energy propagation in coupled reverberant cavities is presented. The cumulative buildup and full exchange of radiated electromagnetic energy between coupled spaces are important issues for electronic systems compatibility in reverberant environments such as below-deck compartments in ships and aircraft cabins and bays. Based on conservation of average energy, the general model formulation is valid for both weak and strong couplings between the cavities caused by window materials, open apertures, closed and open hatches, seams, and cable/pipe penetrations through bulkheads. Application of the model is demonstrated using time-resolved received power measurements conducted in nested reverberation chambers.
Continuous Arterial Spin Labeled Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients before and after Carotid Endarterectomy

Continuous arterial spin labeling perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (CASL-pMRI) uses magnetically labeled arterial blood water as a tracer to obtain quantifiable measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF) (mL/100 g-1/min-1). CASL-pMRI was used to assess CBF changes in major vascular distributions in patients (n = 10) prior to and 3 months after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). No significant change in the global baseline CBF before and after CEA was observed in the group as a whole (P = .81). In patients with reduced CBF prior to CEA (< 50 ml/100 g/min), a significant increase in global CBF following CEA was observed. An inverse relationship existed between percent change in CBF after CEA versus baseline CBF within the anterior circulation (r = -.78, P < .05) but not in the posterior distribution (r = .25, P = .63). CASL-pMRI may provide a convenient, inexpensive, noninvasive method for identifying CEA patients at risk for hyperperfusion following carotid revascularization.
A Comprehensive Noninvasive Hemodynamic Assessment of Systolic Heart Failure

Article see p 387 The prevalence of systolic and diastolic heart failure increases with advancing age between 5% and 10% of all subjects beyond the age of 60 years. The cause of heart failure in the majority of patients is occlusive coronary artery disease, hypertension, and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The current estimated costs for the treatment of heart failure in the United States alone are approaching $40 billion per year, and for this reason, heart failure has been identified as a major health care initiative. Some of these costs could be defrayed if recurrent hospital admissions for serial hemodynamic assessments could be replaced by noninvasive hemodynamic measurements with the use of Doppler echocardiography in a more cost-effective outpatient setting. Although right heart catheterization remains the gold standard for measurement of intracardiac pressures,1,2 enthusiasm for placement of Swan–Ganz catheters has dwindled over the past decade on account of complications that include infection, cardiac perforation, and tamponade. Doppler echocardiography is generally acknowledged to be a noninvasive alternative to Swan–Ganz catheterization for hemodynamic assessment at the bedside.3–8 Hitherto, a number of isolated noninvasive Doppler echo measurements of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure, right atrial pressure, and cardiac output and the changes following load interventions have correlated closely with measurements made by Swan–Ganz catheterization.3,8,9 What has been notable by its absence is a consensus regarding a portfolio of measurements that can be used in all patients with heart failure to provide a comprehensive hemodynamic assessment at the bedside that will determine the subsequent treatment strategy. An important prerequisite of such a panel of hemodynamic tests is that they are quick to perform, easy to interpret, previously validated, and reproducible. Doppler echocardiography in addition to enabling numerous hemodynamic measurements to be made also provides …
Optimal Delivery of Perioperative Chemotherapy: Preliminary Results of a Randomized, Prospective, Comparative Trial of Preoperative and Postoperative Chemotherapy for Invasive Bladder Carcinoma

AbstractPurpose: We performed a planned interim analysis of a randomized trial comparing initial to postoperative chemotherapy for bladder cancer. The purpose of our analysis was to detect early evidence of survival differences, tolerance to therapy influenced by the sequence of treatment, predictive value of clinical stage and influence of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (M-VAC) on bladder resectability.Materials and Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients was randomized to receive 2 M-VAC courses before and 3 courses after surgery (group 1) or 5 adjuvant M-VAC courses following cystectomy (group 2). Survival, clinical response, clinical and pathological stage, and toxicity were evaluated in this second timed interim analysis.Results: Of all patients 70 percent received at least 4 M-VAC courses. Overall survival at 31.7 months (range 1.8 to 87.7) was similar in groups 1 (60 percent) and 2 (63 percent), and independent of clinical stage. Preoperative clinical staging accurately i...
Solubilities of Ar, N2, CO2, and He in Glasses at Pressures to 10 Kbars

Glasses containing up to several percent of Ar, N2, and CO2 were prepared at 2000 to 150,000 psi and up to 950°C and retained under ambient conditions. The solubilities are presented as a function of pressure, temperature, and composition of glass. Solubilities of O, He, and H2O were also investigated in various glass compositions, especially K2O–4SiO2 and B2O3. The evolution of the gases at atmospheric pressure was followed by electron microscopy and density measurements.
A future for models and data in environmental science

Together, graphical models and the Bayesian paradigm provide powerful new tools that promise to change the way that environmental science is done. The capacity to merge theory with mechanistic understanding and empirical evidence, to assimilate diverse sources of information and to accommodate complexity will transform the collection and interpretation of data. As we discuss here, we specifically expect a shift from a focus on simple experiments with inflexible design and selection among models that embrace parts of processes to a synthesis of integrated process models. With this potential come new challenges, including some that are specific and technical and others that are general and will involve reexamination of the role of inference and prediction.
Adequacy of Advance Tree-Seedling Regeneration in Pennsylvania's Forests

Measurement of tree seedlings and herbaceous vegetation from 499 sample locations across Pennsylvania revealed that advance tree-seedling regeneration is inadequate for new stand establishment across most of the State. The samples were located in stands from 40% to 75% stocked to focus on stands with ample light and growing space for establishment of abundant advance regeneration. A range of regeneration adequacy criteria was applied to the measurements. Using the least stringent criterion, a low density of stems of any tree species, resulted in 40% of the sample locations being adequately stocked. Applying the most stringent criterion, a high density of stems of desirable species, resulted in only 4% of the sample locations being adequately stocked. With the exception of forest-type group, no significant relationship was found between the adequacy of regeneration and other variables tested at the broad level of geographic scale of this study. Levels of fern and grass sufficient to hamper tree-seedling development were found at 54% of the sample locations. Fern species thatpropagate primarily by spreading rhizomes accounted for 70% of the total fern sample. North. J. Appl. For. 12(4):187-191.
Atmospheric Wind Energy Extraction by a Micro Autonomous Glider

Extracting energy from thermal wind conditions with a small autonomous air vehicle is considered. A non-linear model predictive controller is developed that embeds a standard glider model and tracks roll, pitch, and yaw angles. Given knowledge of the local wind structure, the flight control system increases the potential energy of the aircraft through autonomous soaring. A typical energy extracting trajectory is investigated through simulation.
The pathological activity of metabolic products of Candida albicans on newborn Mice; (occurrence of progeria and glycogenosis).

Concentrated filtrates ofCandida albicans have an inhibiting effect on the growth of newborn mice. Occasionally, this inhibition of growth is very distinct and the clinical picture corresponds to human progeria. Increased dosages of subcutaneous injections of filtrates did not increase the frequency of appearance of distinctly retarded growth in mice, but the mice showed a great area of baldness. In the number of mice, which did not show progeria, there were degenerative changes in liver and kidneys morphologically suggesting glycogenosis. The same type of changes were also observed when contents of disruptedC. albicans cells were injected into newborn mice. In the later case there was positive histochemical staining for the deposits of glycogen. The induction of pathological changes through fungus filtrates is a newly described biological phenomenon, which may play a greater role in pathology.
Reply: Levodopa increases functional connectivity in the cerebellum and brainstem in Parkinson's disease.

ARTICLE Sir, Jech et al. (2013) report that l-DOPA increased functional connectivity in the cerebellum and brainstem of patients with moderately severe Parkinson’s disease. This result is broadly complementary to our recent demonstration that functional connectivity between the striatum and a large region encompassing brainstem and cerebellum is abnormally decreased in advanced Parkinson’s disease compared with age-matched control subjects, despite continued treatment with l-DOPA (Hacker et al. , 2012). Whereas Jech et al. (2013) did not compare patients with Parkinson’s disease to control subjects, we did not study the effects of …
Rail-to-rail amplifier input stage with constant g/sub m/ and commonmode elimination

A new scheme for achieving rail-to-rail input to an amplifier is introduced. Constant gm and commonmode removal is obtained by using a single input differential pair and tunable DC level shifters via multiple input floating gate transistors. The feedback circuitry basically fixes the commonmode of the amplifier, resulting in consistent and stable operation for rail-to-rail inputs and a high commonmode rejection ratio.
Efficient photovoltaic charging of electric vehicles

The University of South Florida in Tampa, USA, has initiated operation of a photovoltaic (PV) system capable of a 6 kW (peak) output that can be used for simultaneous computer controlled direct DC-DC charging and utility interconnection. The PV DC-DC system is part of the 20 kW (peak), 12 bay Electric Vehicle/Photovoltaic Demonstration and Evaluation Program being conducted at the University and consists of a four bay portion of the parking facility equipped with roof mounted PV panels. These panels not only provide power for charging, but also help protect vehicles from damage caused by solar radiation. The program has been created to evaluate the potential contribution of photovoltaics as a method for offsetting the fuel cost of electric vehicles while reducing air pollution generated by power plants that are fueled by nonrenewable sources. The DC-DC charger controls the charging current of a battery pack with minimal parasitic power waste, by computer on/off control of each of four source circuits. It provides superior efficiency over DC-AC-DC charging and its cost and maintenance requirements are lower.
Development of functional lab-on-a-chip on polymer for point-of-care testing of metabolic parameters

This paper presents the development of an easy-to-handle and disposable clinical diagnostic lab-on-a-chip using fully integrated plastic microfluidic components, which has the sampling/identifying capability to make fast and reliable measurements of metabolic parameters from human whole blood. A smart and functional lab-on-a-chip cartridge, which incorporates a full on-chip auto-calibration function for in the field applications, has been developed, and then fully characterized using a portable analyzer (3 ¼″ × 5″ × 1″) with multi-analyte detection capability. In addition, several new approaches in realizing smart and functional lab-on-a-chips on polymer have been adopted, which include the pinch valve for automatic fluidic sealing, a by-pass channel as the sampling indicator, and a robust connector design for long analyzer lifetimes. Metabolic parameters such as glucose, lactate, and partial oxygen from human whole blood have been successfully measured using the functional polymer lab-on-a-chips and the portable analyzer developed in this work.
On the origin of synkinesis in hemifacial spasm: results of intracranial recordings

Recordings were made from facial muscles and the facial nerve near its entrance into the brain stem in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS). The purpose of this study was to determine if the synkinesis commonly seen in patients with HFS could be linked to ephaptic transmission at the presumed site of the lesion (at the root entry zone (REZ) of the facial nerve). When the mandibular branch of the facial nerve was electrically stimulated, a response could be recorded from the orbicularis oculi muscles during the operation. The latency of the earliest response was 11.03 +/- 0.66 msec (mean response of seven patients +/- standard deviation (SD]. With equivalent stimulation a response could also be recorded from the facial nerve near the REZ; the latency of this response was 3.87 +/- 0.36 msec. Stimulation of the facial nerve at the same location yielded a response from the orbicularis oculi muscle, with a latency of 4.65 +/- 0.25 msec. The latency of the earliest response from the orbicularis oculi muscle to stimulation of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (11.3 msec) is thus larger than the sum of the conduction times from the points of stimulation of the marginal mandibular branch to the REZ of the facial nerve and from the REZ of the facial nerve to the orbicularis oculi muscle (8.52 +/- 0.38 msec). It is therefore regarded as unlikely that the earliest response of the orbicularis oculi muscle to stimulation of the mandibular branch of the facial nerve is a result of "crosstalk" in the facial nerve at a location near the REZ, and it seems more likely that HFS caused by injury of the facial nerve is a result of reverberant activity in the facial motonucleus, possibly caused by mechanisms that are similar to kindling.
Multi-Sensor Fusion of Infrared and Electro-Optic Signals for High Resolution Night Images

Electro-optic (EO) image sensors exhibit the properties of high resolution and low noise level at daytime, but they do not work in dark environments. Infrared (IR) image sensors exhibit poor resolution and cannot separate objects with similar temperature. Therefore, we propose a novel framework of IR image enhancement based on the information (e.g., edge) from EO images, which improves the resolution of IR images and helps us distinguish objects at night. Our framework superimposing/blending the edges of the EO image onto the corresponding transformed IR image improves their resolution. In this framework, we adopt the theoretical point spread function (PSF) proposed by Hardie et al. for the IR image, which has the modulation transfer function (MTF) of a uniform detector array and the incoherent optical transfer function (OTF) of diffraction-limited optics. In addition, we design an inverse filter for the proposed PSF and use it for the IR image transformation. The framework requires four main steps: (1) inverse filter-based IR image transformation; (2) EO image edge detection; (3) registration; and (4) blending/superimposing of the obtained image pair. Simulation results show both blended and superimposed IR images, and demonstrate that blended IR images have better quality over the superimposed images. Additionally, based on the same steps, simulation result shows a blended IR image of better quality when only the original IR image is available.
Rates of Hospitalization for Dehydration Following Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey.

Objective Hurricane Sandy, one of the most destructive natural disasters in New Jersey history, made landfall on October 29, 2012. Prolonged loss of electrical power and extensive infrastructure damage restricted access for many to food and water. We examined the rate of dehydration in New Jersey residents after Hurricane Sandy. Methods We obtained data from 2008 to 2012 from the Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (MIDAS), a repository of in-patient records from nonfederal New Jersey hospitals (N=517,355). Patients with dehydration had ICD-9-CM discharge diagnosis codes for dehydration, volume depletion, and/or hypovolemia. We used log-linear modeling to estimate the change in in-patient hospitalizations for dehydration comparing 2 weeks after Sandy with the same period in the previous 4 years (2008–2011). Results In-patient hospitalizations for dehydration were 66% higher after Sandy than in 2008–2011 (rate ratio [RR]: 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.50, 1.84). Hospitalizations for dehydration in patients over 65 years of age increased by nearly 80% after Sandy compared with 2008–2011 (RR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.58, 2.02). Conclusion Sandy was associated with a marked increase in hospitalizations for dehydration. Reducing the rate of dehydration following extreme weather events is an important public health concern that needs to be addressed, especially in those over 65 years of age. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:188–192)
Stab characterization of STF and thermoplastic-impregnated ballistic fabric composites

Abstract This chapter discusses the fabrication and stab characterization of several ballistic fabrics. Conventional Kevlar® and correctional Kevlar® fabrics were used in the study. These fabrics were coated with shear thickening fluid (STF) and thermoplastic films. Two sets of test configurations were used. In the first, stab response of Kevlar® and correctional Kevlar® fabrics with and without STF, termed nonhybrid, was characterized. In the second, a hybrid system was used. Hybridization was achieved by stacking layers of fabrics infused with thermoplastic films and those wetted with STF.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Unmasking the Diffuse Spectral Signatures of the Protonated N-Terminus in Isolated Dipeptides Cooled in a Cryogenic Ion Trap

Survey vibrational predissociation spectra of several representative protonated peptides and model compounds reveal very diffuse absorptions near 2500 cm–1 that are traced to pentagonal cyclic ionic hydrogen bonds (C5 interactions) involving the excess charge centers. This broadening occurs despite the fact that the ions are cooled close to their vibrational zero-point levels and their spectra are obtained by predissociation of weakly bound adducts (H2, N2, CO2) prepared in a cryogenic ion trap. The C5 band assignments are based on H/D isotopic substitution, chemical derivatization, solvation behavior, and calculated spectra. We evaluate the extent to which this broadening is caused by anharmonic coupling in the isolated molecules by including cubic coupling terms in the normal mode expansion of the potential energy surface. This analysis indicates that the harmonic H-bonded stretching vibration is mixed with dark background states over much of the energy range covered by the observed features. The diffic...
COMPARISON OF POPULATION STRUCTURE IN CHROMOSOMALLY POLYTYPIC AND MONOTYPIC SPECIES OF SCELOPORUS (SAURIA: IGUANIDAE) IN RELATION TO CHROMOSOMALLY-MEDIATED SPECIATION.

Sceloporus grammicus has been used as an example of stasipatric speciation, and some models of chromosomal speciation have assumed that the fission rearrangements which distinguish the chromosome races within this complex are negatively heterotic in the heterozygous state. Consequently, such rearrangements are assumed to be fixed by drift in small, inbred populations. Allelic variation at 19 presumptive gene loci was examined in 13 samples of a chromosomally conservative congener, Sceloporus graciosus, and was compared to an equivalent data set for the chromosomally polytypic S. grammicus. Several estimates of population variability and structure were calculated, and results were inconsistent with models of extreme population subdivision and/ or frequent bottlenecks and extinction-colonization events in S. grammicus. For example, mean level of heterozygosity and mean number of alleles per locus were significantly higher in S. gram- micus than in S. graciosus, while the average genetic distance (D) was significantly higher in S. graciosus. These results are considered in light of expected "Wrightian" population genetic param- eters, and we conclude that S. grammicus does not seem to have the population structure necessary for the fixation of strongly negatively heterotic rearrangements.
Targeted imaging of NK1 receptor-expressing cancer with 64Cu-labeled new NK1 ligand

7 Objectives Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) is expressed in gliomas and other malignancies and represents a promising target for molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate a novel 64Cu-labeled ligand (NK1R-NOTA) for targeting NK1R expressing cells and xenografts. Methods The new NK1R ligand was synthesized using a 6-step procedure and linked to NOTA for 64Cu chelation. 64Cu-NK1R-NOTA was prepared by incubation of NK1R-NOTA with 64CuCl2 in the presence of CH3COONH4. The radioligand uptake was evaluated for NK1R-transduced HEK293 cells (HEK293-NK1R) and for NK1R negative HEK293 wild type cells. Biodistribution and tumor uptake was assessed by small animal PET imaging of mice bearing HEK293-NK1R and HEK293-WT xenografts. Results NK1R-NOTA was synthesized in an overall yield of ~55 %. NK1R-NOTA-64Cu was obtained with a radiochemical purity of > 95%, and the specific activity was >3.7 MBq/nmol. HEK293-NK1R cells demonstrated a high uptake of NK1R-NOTA-64Cu (15.9±0.6% after 2 h incubation at 37 °C); co-incubation with an excess of unlabeled NK1R-NOTA reduced uptake by 90%. PET imaging showed that NK1R-NOTA-64Cu had a rapid high accumulation in HEK293-NK1R xenografts and low uptake in HEK293-WT xenografts (7.1±1.3 vs 0.7±0.2%ID/mL at 1h). A significant fraction of radioactivity was retained in HEK293-NK1R xenografts at 4 and 20 h pi (6.2±1.4 and 3.8±0.8%ID/mL, respectively). Radioactivity was rapidly cleared by the liver, which resulted in high contrast images. Biodistribution studies confirmed that the tumor-to-organ ratios were ≥ 5 for all studied organs at 1 h p.i, except liver and intestine; and the tumor-to-intestine ratio was also improved to 5 at 20 h. Conclusions NK1R-NOTA-64Cu is a promising ligand for PET imaging of NK1R-expressing cancer cells. Rapid tumor uptake and high tumor-to-organ ratios at 1 h are encouraging for imaging tumors outside the abdomen with Al18F or 68Ga-labeled NK1R-NOTA. Research Support Supported by NIH grant P50-CA84638, NIH Small-Animal Imaging Research Program grant R24 CA83084 and NIH Center grant P30 CA08748.
Simulation improves stretch-wrap packaging logistics in warehouse

As supply chains become longer (both conceptually and geographically), more complex, and more important to the financial health of companies participating in them, the efficiency of operations in warehouses correspondingly increases in importance. Historically, it did not take long for simulation technology, originally heavily used in the analysis of manufacturing operations, to earn high regard as a powerful analytical tool for the improvement of warehouse operations. In the study examined in this paper, a warehouse accepts a variety of product shipments which must travel along conveyors to be protectively stretch-wrapped before they are stored for later picking. Simulation and its accompanying statistical techniques were used to assess and optimize the configuration of machines, material-handling equipment, and labor.
Reactions of protective service workers towards people who stutter.

Abstract Purpose This study sought to assess whether protective service workers differ from people in non-protective services occupations in their intended reactions towards people who stutter (PWS). Methods Analyses were based on questionnaire responses regarding intended reactions toward PWS from 171 protective services workers and 2595 non-protective services workers in the United States. A propensity score matching procedure was used to identify a comparison group of non-protective services workers for the protective services workers. The matching covariate variables included age, gender, years of education, familiarity with PWS, and beliefs about PWS. Results Findings indicated that protective services workers had less helpful intended behavioral reactions and more negative affective reactions towards PWS than the matched non-protective services workers. Examination of the matching covariate variables in the larger sample also indicated that protective services workers had less accurate beliefs about PWS compared to respondents not in protective services professions. Conclusion Less favorable intended reactions of protective services workers toward PWS indicate a need for protective services workers to receive training in best practices when interacting with PWS.
Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy of Ohtahara

A case of infantile epileptic encephalopathy (Ohtahara syndrome) with EEG suppression-bursts at 2 days and associated with diffuse cerebral migrational and maturation disorder, diagnosed at autopsy at 19 months, is reported from Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Ionic borohydride clusters for the next generation of boron thin-films: Nano-building blocks for electrochemical and refractory materials

Boron cluster chemistry roared to life in the 20th century with seminal discoveries outlining the incredibly versatile chemistry of boron, producing a range of neutral and ionic boron compounds that paved the way for a robust suite of hybrid materials that incorporate these electronically delocalized inorganic clusters with the additional organic flexibility. Looking toward further materials research in the 21st century, these stable, inorganic polyhedral borane clusters discovered during previous century will provide a particularly fertile ground for exploration. These stable clusters have already seen significant exploration, but their utility has been obscured by classical synthetic routes using highly toxic neutral borane compounds. This incongruity is quite ironic given the current variety of medical explorations conducted with the essentially nontoxic dodecahedral borane dianion. This article will lay out some essential context and outline key synthetic studies that may dramatically simplify access to these unique compounds to a broader community of materials scientists and engineers.
The Consumer Response to a Year of Low Gas Prices: Evidence from 1 Million People

In this report the JPMorgan Chase Institute examines administrative data on the everyday spending behavior of a random, de-identified sample of one million core Chase customers across 23 states to quantify the impact of an entire year of lower gas prices in 2015. First, we show that middle-income households spent about $480 less on gas in 2015 than in 2014, the equivalent of more than a one percent increase in annual income for 60 percent of households. Second, seventy-two percent of households spent less on gas in 2015 than in 2014. The drop in gas spending between 2014 and 2015 varied across the country, with lower impacts felt in the West and urban areas of the Northeast. Households had the potential to save $630 at the pump, of which they spent the majority — 58 percent. Third, this spending provided more than a $200 boost to spending on non-gas goods and services, primarily restaurants and retailers. Finally, the lower gas prices also caused significant changes in household transportation choices, leading people to spend $150 more at gas stations and spend less on transit. These findings can help policymakers and other decision-makers at all levels better understand the effects of gas price declines across regions, income levels, and sectors of the economy.
EZSetup: A Novel Tool for Cybersecurity Practices Utilizing Cloud Resources

Recent years have witnessed fast growth of interests and efforts in developing systems and tools for cybersecurity practices, especially with the rapid advancement of cloud computing. However, those systems either suffer from issues in scalability, customization and setup complexity or are constrained by a specific cloud technology and limited customization support. In this paper, we present a novel Web based tool called EZSetup that can create and manage user-defined virtual environments for various types of cybersecurity practices on demand and at scale. Distinct from previous cloud-based systems, EZSetup does not rely on a particular type of cloud platform or technology. It is able to interact with multiple clouds and instantiate virtual environments in multiple clouds simultaneously. EZSetup allows for easy customization and significantly reduces the overhead in creating and using practice environments through carefully designed Web interfaces. The experimental results are quite positive in general and indicate that EZSetup can also be applicable to other computer science and engineering subjects.
Sepsis compromises primary B cell-mediated responses

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in non-coronary ICU’s, and one hallmark of sepsis patients is sustained immune suppression. Septic patients exhibit compromised innate and adaptive immunity, making them highly susceptible to secondary infections. Using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis, we recently showed the recovery of CD4 T cells from CLP-induced lymphopenia is accompanied by alterations in the composition and function of the Ag-specific CD4 T cell repertoire. These data led us to hypothesize that CD4 T cell-dependent B cell responses would also be impaired after CLP. Using the same CLP model, we immunized sham (control) and CLP mice with PE-conjugated 2W1S 56 peptide 30 d after surgery, and then we quantitated the number of 2W1S-specific CD4 T cells and PE-specific B cells 7 d later. Compared to sham mice, CLP-treated mice immunized with PE-2W1S 56 had a sustained reduction in number of 2W1S-specific Tfh CD4 T cells and naive/memory PE-specific B cells after CLP. Next, we immunized sham and CLP mice with TNP-KLH plus either CpG or alum early (2 d) or late (30 d) after surgery to induce Th1 or Th2 Ab responses, respectively. We observed compromised production of anti-TNP Ab in mice immunized with either TNP-KLH/CpG or alum early (2 d) after CLP. Importantly, Ab production remained reduced in mice immunized with TNP-KLH/alum late (30 d) after CLP. Together, our data show CLP-induced sepsis impacts humoral immunity by affecting the number and function of Ag-specific B cells and CD4 Tfh cells. Moreover, these data suggest potential for defects in humoral immunity to newly introduced Ag (e.g., vaccines) in sepsis survivors long after the septic event has resolved.
Bone Resection for Isolated Ulnar Head Fracture

Distal ulnar fractures often occur with distal radius fractures (DRFs), and ulnar styloid fractures commonly occur in the setting of DRF. However, isolated ulnar head fractures are rare. We report a case of isolated ulnar head fracture in which we performed bone resection because the ulnar head bone fragment fractured when internal screw fixation was attempted. His outcome at 18 months postoperatively was considered excellent. However, we do not advocate bone resection other than failure of fixation and the difficult case to perform internal fixation. Longer follow-up would be needed because bone resection might lead to osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint in the future.
Over-Constrained Problems

Over-constrained problems are ubiquitous in real-world applications. In constraint programming, over-constrained problems can be modeled and solved using soft constraints. Soft constraints, as opposed to hard constraints, are allowed to be violated, and the goal is to find a solution that minimizes the total amount of violation. In this chapter, an overview of recent developments in solution methods for over-constrained problems using constraint programming is presented, with an emphasis on soft global constraints.
Reproductive endocrinology: Postmenopausal hormone therapy to prevent chronic conditions.

The US Preventive Services Task Force recently produced their recommendation statement on hormone therapy for primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women. Here, I outline the changes from the 2013 recommendations and discuss clinical questions providers continue to ponder daily as they care for women during the menopausal period.
Evolutionary selection growth of two-dimensional materials on polycrystalline substrates

There is a demand for the manufacture of two-dimensional (2D) materials with high-quality single crystals of large size. Usually, epitaxial growth is considered the method of choice 1 in preparing single-crystalline thin films, but it requires single-crystal substrates for deposition. Here we present a different approach and report the synthesis of single-crystal-like monolayer graphene films on polycrystalline substrates. The technological realization of the proposed method resembles the Czochralski process and is based on the evolutionary selection 2 approach, which is now realized in 2D geometry. The method relies on ‘self-selection’ of the fastest-growing domain orientation, which eventually overwhelms the slower-growing domains and yields a single-crystal continuous 2D film. Here we have used it to synthesize foot-long graphene films at rates up to 2.5 cm h−1 that possess the quality of a single crystal. We anticipate that the proposed approach could be readily adopted for the synthesis of other 2D materials and heterostructures.