cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs correlates with the risk of venous thromboembolism in knee osteoarthritis patients: a UK population-based case-control study

Objective. We aimed to examine whether the current users of specific NSAIDs have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among knee OA patients. Methods. We conducted a population-based case-control study using The Health Improvement Network, a database of patient records from general practices in the UK. For every VTE case, we identified five controls matched on age, sex and calendar year of study enrolment. We used conditional logistic regression to assess the association between current use of specific NSAIDs and risk of VTE relative to remote NSAID users. Results. Among knee OA patients with at least one NSAID prescription, we identified 4020 incident cases of VTE and 20 059 matched controls. Adjusted odd ratios (ORs) relative to the remote users were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.32, 1.44) for recent users and 1.43 (95% CI: 1.36, 1.49) for current users. Among the current NSAID users, the risk of VTE was increased with diclofenac [OR 1.63 (95% CI: 1.53, 1.74)], ibuprofen [OR = 1.49 (95% CI: 1.38, 1.62)], meloxicam [OR = 1.29 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.50)] and coxibs [celecoxib, OR = 1.30 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.51); rofecoxib, OR = 1.44 (95% CI: 1.18, 1.76)]; naproxen did not increase VTE risk [OR = 1.00 (95% CI: 0.89, 1.12)]. Conclusion. Compared with the remote users of NSAIDs, the risk of VTE increased for current users of diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam, and coxibs, but not for naproxen, in the knee OA population. Clinicians should consider the risk profile for specific NSAIDs when recommending their use.
CD8+ T Cells Play a Bystander Role in Mice Latently Infected with Herpes Simplex Virus 1.

UNLABELLED Based on an explant reactivation model, it has been proposed that CD8(+) T cells maintain latency in trigeminal ganglia (TG) of mice latently infected with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) [T. Liu, K. M. Khanna, X. Chen, D. J. Fink, and R. L. Hendricks, J Exp Med 191:1459-1466, 2000, doi:10.1084/jem.191.9.1459; K. M. Khanna, R. H. Bonneau, P. R. Kinchington, and R. L. Hendricks, Immunity 18:593-603, 2003, doi:10.1016/S1074-7613(03)00112-2]. In those studies, BALB/c mice were ocularly infected with an avirulent HSV-1 strain (RE) after corneal scarification. However, in our studies, we typically infect mice with a virulent HSV-1 strain (McKrae) that does not require corneal scarification. Using a combination of knockout mice, adoptive transfers, and depletion studies, we recently found that CD8α(+) dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to HSV-1 latency and reactivation in TG of ocularly infected mice (K. R. Mott, S. J. Allen, M. Zandian, B. Konda, B. G. Sharifi, C. Jones, S. L. Wechsler, T. Town, and H. Ghiasi, PLoS One 9:e93444, 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0093444). This suggested that CD8(+) T cells might not be the major regulators of HSV-1 latency in the mouse TG. To investigate this iconoclastic possibility, we used a blocking CD8 antibody and CD8(+) T cells in reactivated TG explants from mice latently infected with (i) the avirulent HSV-1 strain RE following corneal scarification or (ii) the virulent HSV-1 strain McKrae without corneal scarification. Independently of the strain or approach, our results show that CD8α(+) DCs, not CD8(+) T cells, drive latency and reactivation. In addition, adoptive transfer of CD8(+) T cells from wild-type (wt) mice to CD8α(-/-) mice did not restore latency to the level for wt mice or wt virus. In the presence of latency-associated transcript (LAT((+)); wt virus), CD8(+) T cells seem to play a bystander role in the TG. These bystander T cells highly express PD-1, most likely due to the presence of CD8α(+) DCs. Collectively, these results support the notion that CD8(+) T cells do not play a major role in maintaining HSV-1 latency and reactivation. SIGNIFICANCE This study addresses a fundamentally important and widely debated issue in the field of HSV latency-reactivation. In this article, we directly compare the effects of anti-CD8 antibody, CD8(+) T cells, LAT, and CD8α(+) DCs in blocking explant reactivation in TG of mice latently infected with avirulent or virulent HSV-1. Our data suggest that CD8(+) T cells are not responsible for an increase or maintenance of latency in ocularly infected mice. However, they seem to play a bystander role that correlates with the presence of LAT, higher subclinical reactivation levels, and higher PD-1 expression levels.
Phenformin-induced alterations of small intestinal function and mitochondrial structure in man.

Abstract The mechanism by which phenformin diminishes blood glucose concentrations in man is not clear. We studied the effect of the drug on intestinal absorption because of several recent reports which have suggested that at least part of the drug's action may be the impairment of glucose absorption. Jejunal absorption rates of glucose, water, and sodium were measured in human volunteers with a segmental perfusion technique before and 75 minutes after administration of 100 mg. of phenformin. The drug reduced mean glucose absorption from 4,532 μmoles per hour per segment to 2,341, water absorption from 228 ml. per hour per segment to −25, and sodium absorption from 1,700 μEq per hour per segment to 400. Although mucosal biopsies appeared normal by light microscopy, electron microscopy revealed disappearance of mitochondrial matrix granules in villus absorptive cells after the drug. We suggest that the diminished rates of active intestinal transport is the consequence of mitochondrial injury with phenformin and an important mechanism of action of the drug in man.
Educational seminars focusing on use of information technology to enhance learning of curricular topics

This paper presents a concept of educational development based on a series of seminars used by the Norwegian Educational Computer Society, to support educational use of IT. The seminars focus upon the uses of TT when teaching curricular subjects and topics, and aims to produce practical and useful lessons where IT is an integral part of the lesson or a learning-tool.
CVD Diamond for Surface Acoustic Wave Filters

Amongst the varieties of applications of CVD diamond, the Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) device, using its high SAW velocity, is supposed to be one of the practical applications, because polycrystalline film can be utilized. This is also followed by some other advantages: impurity control is not required; and thicknesses of only several microns are sufficient because the energy concentration is on the surface, which enables low-cost manufacturing.
Hybrid Modelling as Applied to Hydrodynamic Research and Testing

The solution of engineering or scientific problems by modelling has been practised since the early days of engineering. However, only since the turn of the century have large scale physical models been used routinely especially for applications in hydrology, tidal estuarine dynamics and harbour designs. In the last 25 years, attempts using analog techniques have been made to simulate various hydrodynamic processes. For example, an acoustic sound chamber with absorptive and reflective surfaces was used to model a harbour basin. A loudspeaker was used as the “wave” generator and microphones measured the sound intensity, expected to be analogous to wave activity in the harbour. This application was not completely successful.
A Synthesis of Interventions for Improving Oral Reading Fluency of Elementary Students with Learning Disabilities.

ABSTRACTA synthesis of the research literature was conducted from 2004 to 2014 on interventions designed to build oral reading fluency for elementary students with learning disabilities (LD). An extensive search yielded a total of 12 intervention studies. Among the 12 studies, the majority (n = 9) implemented repeated reading with or without a model. Findings from this synthesis indicate that there may be no differential effects between repeated reading with or without a model for improving oral reading fluency of elementary students with LD. In addition, findings suggest that elementary students with LD may benefit from video modeling or word/phrase-based practices that provide opportunities to repeat misread words or phrases with words incorrectly read during the initial reading.
Splenic Infarction Due to Concomitant Hereditary Spherocytosis and Sickle Cell Trait.

The occurrence of hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and sickle cell trait (HbAS) in the same patient is rare, with just 21 cases reported in the literature. Although six of these cases had splenic infarction or sequestration, none were reported as having a precipitating event. However, in persons with HbAS, splenic sequestration or infarction has been reported following exposure to high altitudes, including pressurized commercial aircraft. The interaction of these 2 (HS and HbAS) disorders can be explained by the hypoxic and acidic environment in the spleen. This environment causes spherocytes containing HbAS to be both less deformable and more prone to sickling, which promotes sluggish blood flow within the spleen and leads to sequestration and infarction. We have encountered a 10-year-old Caucasian girl with both HS and HbAS who experienced left upper quadrant pain during and following a flight on a commercial aircraft. Past medical history included episodes, although less severe, of left upper quadrant pain after traveling to high altitudes on automobile trips or on commercial aircraft. Family history included the dual diagnoses of HbAS and HS in the patient’s mother, for which she underwent splenectomy as a teenager, and a diagnosis of HS in her 9-year-old brother. At presentation, she had significant left upper quadrant tenderness upon palpation that was associated with voluntary guarding. There was no rebound or involuntary guarding. The spleen was noted to span 3–4cm below the left costal margin. Laboratory values included a hemoglobin of 10.8 (g/dl), reticulocyte count of 7.5%, total bilirubin of 3.0 (mg/dl), and lactate dehydrogenase of 1160 (U/L), all of which were similar to her baseline values. Abdominal ultrasound and cat scan demonstrated infarction in the inferior pole of her spleen. Despite supportive medical treatment, she required immediate splenectomy to relieve her symptoms and prevent recurrence. Her operative and post-operative courses were uneventful. This first report of a patient with both HS and HbAS who suffered splenic infarction after traveling on a commercial aircraft demonstrates how two different inherited red blood cell abnormalities can interact and lead to clinically significant complications.
Reply to Baron

We reply to Baron’s (2017) comments on our note (2016) on the relationship between Actively Open-minded Thinking and public polarization on climate change. Baron suggests a variety of “alternative explanations” for our results. We critically evaluate those explanations, but argue that knowledge would be more meaningfully advanced were Baron or others to identify and carry out empirical tests of his surmises rather than treat them as reasons to simply brush aside findings that defy expectations.
A global test of a time-frequency small-event discriminant

Abstract The Comprehensive nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which was recently adopted by the UN General Assembly and signed by President Clinton, has lowered the testing yield limit to zero and raised the profile of small earthquakes and mining blasts. Because relatively small events are very common, there is a strong need for automated algorithms that can be used to screen out the events that are obviously chemical or natural and identify those few curious enough to warrant closer scrutiny. The primary objective of this article is to assess the utility of high-frequency spectral modulations for the discrimination of mining blasts from earthquakes and single explosions at near-regional distances. Mining blasts commonly yield spectral modulations that are independent of time and the recording component. This article describes an automated discriminant that looks for these delay-fire diagnostics in data recorded on one or three components by single stations, arrays, or regional networks. Distinct deployments in central Asia, Europe, and North America are used to assess the transportability of the approach. The discriminant tests give misclassification probabilities, estimated with multivariate statistics, ranging from 0.5 to 3.5%. Discrimination using time-frequency expansions does not rely on expert interpretation but is quite routine. The article explores likely causes of the occasional discrimination outliers. Factors that can eliminate spectral modulations from a delay-fired event include attenuation, detonation anomalies (where deviations from the designed, regular, shot sequence occur), and waveform variability. Some natural events and single explosions will exhibit spectral modulations that most likely result from propagation resonance. Data from Kyrgyzstan and Nevada is used to illustrate these effects; however, inadequate ground truth information and lack of calibration explosions in most of these datasets keeps definitive conclusions, regarding why the method will sometimes fail, out of reach. These observations underscore the need to train this algorithm to most effectively deal with these processes and pair it with other, complementary, discriminants to allow accurate characterization of all small events.
Effect of meteorological factors and geographic location on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization in the US.

Background Little is known about the effect of meteorological conditions and geographical location on bacterial colonization rates particularly of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. We aimed to evaluate the effect of season, meteorological factors, and geographic location on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonization. Methods The prospective cohort included all adults admitted to 20 geographically-dispersed ICUs across the US from September 1, 2011 to October 4, 2012. Nasal and perianal swabs were collected at admission and tested for MRSA and VRE colonization respectively. Poisson regression models using monthly aggregated colonization counts as the outcome and mean temperature, relative humidity, total precipitation, season, and/or latitude as predictors were constructed for each pathogen. Results A total of 24,704 ICU-admitted patients were tested for MRSA and 24,468 for VRE. On admission, 10% of patients were colonized with MRSA and 12% with VRE. For MRSA and VRE, a 10% increase in relative humidity was associated with approximately a 9% increase in prevalence rate. Southerly latitudes in the US were associated with higher MRSA colonization, while northerly latitudes were associated with higher VRE colonization. In contrast to MRSA, the association between VRE colonization and latitude was observed only after adjusting for relative humidity, which demonstrates how this effect is highly driven by this meteorological factor. Conclusions To our knowledge, we are the first to study the effect of meteorological factors and geographical location/latitude on MRSA and VRE colonization in adults. Increasing humidity was associated with greater MRSA and VRE colonization. Southerly latitudes in the US were associated with greater MRSA and less VRE. The effect of these factors on MRSA and VRE rates has the potential not only to inform patient management and treatment, but also infection prevention interventions.
On the normal approximation for random fields via martingale methods

Abstract We prove a central limit theorem for strictly stationary random fields under a sharp projective condition. The assumption was introduced in the setting of random sequences by Maxwell and Woodroofe. Our approach is based on new results for triangular arrays of martingale differences, which have interest in themselves. We provide as applications new results for linear random fields and nonlinear random fields of Volterra-type.
Mean of Autocorrelated Air Quality Measurements

The high degree of autocorrelation present among the observations in a continuous record of air quality has significant implications with respect to the estimation of the mean value of air pollutant concentration and to the determination of data collection requirements for estimating air quality levels. Based on the characterization of the form of the autocorrelation function, equations are derived for the equivalent number of independent observations in a sample of given size. An expression for the variance of the sample mean of an autocorrelated series is derived; and equations to estimate data collection requirements for a sequence of air quality measurements are developed. These equations yield both the number of equivalent independent measurements and the number of measurements in a continuous record needed to estimate the mean value at given levels of precision and significance. The derived results are applied to observed ambient carbon monoxide measurements.
Diagnostic and Clinical Utility of the GAD-2 for Screening Anxiety Symptoms in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract Objective To assess the diagnostic and clinical utility of the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2) for screening anxiety symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design Cross-sectional. Setting University-affiliated MS neurology and rehabilitation center. Participants The sample comprised adults (N=99) (ages 19-72; mean ± SD=46.2±13.0; 75% women) with a physician-confirmed MS diagnosis who were receiving care in a university-affiliated MS center. Disease durations ranged from 1 to 37 years (mean ± SD=10.7±8.4). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Participants completed the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and GAD-2. Internal consistency was calculated for both measures. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), the 95% confidence interval for the AUC, and Youden’s J were calculated to determine the optimal GAD-2 cutoff score for identifying clinically significant anxiety symptoms, as defined by the previously validated GAD-7 cutoff score of ≥8. Results Internal consistency was excellent for the GAD-7 (Cronbach α=.91) and acceptable for the GAD-2 (α=.77), and the measures were highly correlated (r=.94). The GAD-2 had excellent overall accuracy for identifying clinically significant anxiety symptoms (AUC=0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.00). A GAD-2 cutoff score of ≥3 provided an optimal balance of good sensitivity (0.87) and excellent specificity (0.92) for detecting clinically significant anxiety symptoms. Alternatively, a cutoff score of ≥2 provided excellent sensitivity (1.00) and fair specificity (0.76). Conclusions The GAD-2 is a clinically useful and psychometrically valid tool for screening anxiety symptoms in MS rehabilitation and neurology care settings. Importantly, this tool has the potential to identify individuals with MS who are at risk for anxiety disorders and who may benefit from rehabilitation psychology interventions to ultimately improve functioning and quality of life.
Current Trends in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Study of 4 Major Orthopaedic Journals

Abstract Background More emphasis is being placed on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), but the myriad of PROMs makes standardization and cross-study comparison difficult. As the era of big data and massive total joint registries matures, it will be critical to identify and implement the best PROMs. Methods All abstracts published in the years 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2016 in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery—American volume, the Bone and Joint Journal, Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research, and the Journal of Arthroplasty were reviewed. A PubMed search was performed with filters limiting results only to total knee, total hip, and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty articles with available abstracts. Each abstract was reviewed to identify all PROMs. Trends over time were evaluated using the Cochran-Armitage test. In the non-trend analysis, Pearson chi-square tests and one-way analysis of variance were performed. Results A total of 42 unique PROMs were used 1073 times across 644 studies. The number of PROMs in these 4 journals increased from 97 in 2004 to 228 in 2016 (P Conclusion Providers and registries should consider the relative prevalence of published outcome measures when selecting which PROMs to use, to better facilitate future cross-study comparison.
Reforming the Federal Criminal Code and The Model Penal Code: A Top Ten List

This article suggests ten changes that ought to be included in a reform of federal criminal law. Five of those are what would be considered basic characteristics of any modern criminal code, and are in large part the earmarks of the Model Penal Code and its progeny: a comprehensive general part, an analytic structure, fully defined offenses using defined terms, a system for the interpretation of code provisions, and a system of offenses that avoids overlaps and gaps. While the Model Penal Code made many advances, the 35 years since its promulgation have revealed shortcomings, and suggest a number of other reforms that a new federal criminal code might profitably adopt. Least controversial is fixing the revealed drafting errors of the Model Penal Code. The article gives two examples of such errors, one technical, one conceptual: failure to define the distinction among conduct, circumstance, and result elements, and confusion in the definition of causation requirements. Other proposed reforms move beyond the perspective of the Model Penal Code drafters, and take account of the last decade's movement toward greater guidance of judges' sentencing discretion. Consistent with that trend, a new code should use more grading categories, in order to have the liability determination under the criminal code more narrowly constraint the range of possible sentences at the sentencing stage. Also consistent with the recent trend, in its ideal if not its practice, is the proposal that code drafters follow an articulated distributive principle to develop statutory formulations and to define the rules by which the code provisions are to be interpreted. Still more distant from the approach of the Model Penal Code are the final two proposals. First, it is suggested that a new code be drafted in a way that avoids conflicts with the community's perceptions of desert, for this is necessary to enhance the code's moral credibility with the community it governs, which in turn is necessary to increase the code's power to gain compliance by that community. Finally, in a proposal that would make criminal codes look very different than they currently do, the article suggests that a new criminal code be drafted as two codes: one addressed to the general public defining for them ex ante the rules of lawful conduct, the other written for criminal justice adjudicators -- judges, lawyers, police officials, and juries -- that sets principles for ex post adjudication of a violation of the rules of conduct. It is only through this separation, it is argued, that codes can effectively perform both of the two central functions of a criminal code: communicating to the public ex ante the rules of lawful conduct, and defining for adjudicators the principles governing ex post adjudication of a violation.
Technology - Generating or Deterring Conflict in Europe

Abstract In a world of hostile independent nations, the requirements for conflict resolution are linked to the need for non-provocative defense. Such a defense can be based upon the nation's civilian population with the aid of new, small-guided-missile technology. The same technology can also augment the provocative elements of a nation's defense forces. Thus, it is not sufficient to discuss the role of new technology in conflict resolution; new human organization is required as well. Together, new technology and new organization can provide effective, non-provocative defense, thus initiating an era of “common security.”
Prejudice and Discrimination as Social Stressors

Lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (LGBs) vary in sociodemographic characteristics such as cultural, ethnic or racial identity, age, education, income, and place of residence as well as in the degree to which their LGB identities are central to their self-definition, their level of affiliation with other LGB people, and their rejection or acceptance of societal stereotypes about and prejudice against homosexuality. In that diversity, it is difficult to describe many common themes. Despite the many differences that separate them, LGB people share remarkably similar experiences related to prejudice, stigma, discrimination, rejection, and violence directed toward them across cultures and locales (Espin, 1993; Fullilove & Fullilove, 1999; Herek, 2000; Diaz et al., 2001). Even after a historic U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the criminalization of homosexuality is unconstitutional, gay men and lesbians continue to be subjected to legal discrimination in housing, employment, and basic civil rights—most prominent in recent years are discrimination related to family law, including marriage and adoption.
Public Disclosure of the Filing of New Drug and Therapeutic Biologics Applications With the US Food and Drug Administration

This cross-sectional study reviews New Drug Applications for new molecular entities and Biologics License Applications for new and biosimilar biological products submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration to assess how frequently applicants disclose applications in the media.
In-situ optical emission spectroscopy of selective laser melting

Abstract The variances in local processing conditions during Selective Laser Melting (SLM), a powder bed Additive Manufacturing (AM) process, can cause defects that lead to part failure. The nature of SLM permits in-situ monitoring of radiometric signals emitted from the part surface during the process, including optical emission from excited alloying elements. Using Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) to measure the spectral content of light emitted gives insight into the chemistry and relative intensities of excited species vaporized during SLM processing. The contribution from investigating the use of in-situ OES to gain information about local processing conditions during SLM is reported in this paper. A spectrometer is split into the SLM system laser beam path to measure visible light emitted from the melt pool and plume during the processing of 304L stainless steel. The in-line configuration allows signal collection regardless of the laser scan location. The spectroscopic information is correlated to the melt pool size and features of SLM samples for various build conditions (i.e., process parameters, build chamber atmosphere type, and pressure).The limitations that exist in OES implementation for certain build chamber conditions are discussed. The results in this paper are initial progress towards the use of OES in SLM part qualification and controls applications.
Quantum phase transitions in d-wave superconductors

Motivated by the strong, low temperature damping of nodal quasiparticles observed in some cuprate superconductors, we study quantum phase transitions in ${d}_{{x}^{2}{\ensuremath{-}y}^{2}}$ superconductors with a spin-singlet, zero momentum, fermion bilinear order parameter. We present a complete, group-theoretic classification of such transitions into seven distinct cases (including cases with nematic order) and analyze fluctuations by the renormalization group. We find that only two, the transitions to ${d}_{{x}^{2}{\ensuremath{-}y}^{2}}+is$ and ${d}_{{x}^{2}{\ensuremath{-}y}^{2}}{+id}_{\mathrm{xy}}$ pairing, possess stable fixed points with universal damping of nodal quasiparticles; the latter leaves the gapped quasiparticles along $(1,0)$, $(0,1)$ essentially undamped.
Emotional Amplification During Live-Streaming: Evidence from Comments During and After News Events

Live streaming services allow people to concurrently consume and comment on media events with other people in real time. Durkheim's theory of "collective effervescence" suggests that face-to-face encounters in ritual events conjure emotional arousal, so people often feel happier and more excited while watching events like the Super Bowl with family and friends through the television than if they were alone. Does a stronger emotional intensity also occur in live streaming? Using a large-scale dataset of comments posted to news and media events on YouTube, we address this question by examining emotional intensity in live comments versus those produced retrospectively. Results reveal that live comments are overall more emotionally intense than retrospective comments across all temporal periods and all event types examined. Findings support the emotional amplification hypothesis and provide preliminary evidence for shared attention theory in explaining the amplification effect. These findings have important implications for live streaming platforms to optimize resources for content moderation and to improve psychological well-being for content moderators, and more broadly as society grapples with using technology to stay connected during social distancing required by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Low-frequency Vibrational Spectroscopy of $\gamma$ -Aminobutyric Acid Derivatives: GABA Hydrochloride and $\beta$ -Phenyl-GABA Hydrochloride

The anti-anxiety drug $\beta$ -phenyl- $\gamma$ -aminobutyric acid ( $\beta$ -phenyl-GABA) has poorly characterized solid-state properties, despite its close similarity to the well-known neurotransmitter $\gamma$ - aminobutyric acid (GABA). Here, the hydrochloride salts of both molecules are studied since drug formulations are often enhanced with crystallized salt variants to alter solubility. The packing arrangement of $\beta$ -phenyl-GABA·HCI yields low-frequency spectra indicative of the unique intermolecular potential energy surface created from the forces holding the crystalline solid together. Clear differences can be seen between the terahertz spectra of GABA·HCI and $\beta$ -phenyl-GABA·HCI with solid-state density functional theory simulations providing insight into the specific intermolecular forces that dominate this spectral region.
Keeping the Faith While Keeping It Real: Practical, Empirical Approaches to Evaluating Treatment Fidelity

Practical approaches towards fidelity measurement are critical for large-scale uptake of evidence-based practices (EBPs). This descriptive review summarizes approaches to evaluation of EBP fidelity that are empirically tested and implemented in “real-world” settings. The systematic literature search covered a 30-year period (1988–2018) and included published papers describing treatment fidelity strategies for psychosocial interventions. Characterization of articles included “scientific-empirical,” “practical-empirical,” or “practical non-empirical.” Articles characterized as “practical-empirical” were the focus of the review. Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria for “practical empirical.” These articles were coded for fidelity data collection methods, the source of fidelity information, who arbitrates or determines fidelity, if the approach is at the practice or program level, if the approach is for a specific EBP or is generic, and if fidelity is measured at the individual practitioner versus team level. The type of empirical evidence provided and the extensiveness of fidelity domains assessed was characterized for each study. Results indicated a wide variety of fidelity measurement approaches. Most commonly, outside experts assessed treatment fidelity. Half of the approaches examined fidelity at the practice level and half at the broader program level. A similar ratio examined fidelity at the individual practitioner level compared with the team level. Most approaches were specific to particular interventions. The vast majority focus on the adherence subdomain of fidelity. To date, there is no single predominant approach to fidelity assessment in real-world settings.
Longitudinal Changes in Liver Enzyme Levels Among Transgender People Receiving Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy.

Abstract Background The effect of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on clinical laboratory parameters, including levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), is an area of uncertainty in transgender health. Aim We sought to estimate the distribution parameters of liver enzyme levels among transmasculine (TM) and transfeminine (TF) persons receiving GAHT relative to the corresponding measures in cisgender reference groups, and to evaluate longitudinal changes in these laboratory measures following GAHT initiation. Methods The data for this longitudinal study included 624 TF and 438 transmasculine (TM) people as well as 4,090 cisgender males and 4,797 cisgender females enrolled in 3 integrated health systems. Time under observation was divided into 2 intervals: from the first blood test to the date of the first filled GAHT prescription and from GAHT initiation to the most recent ALT or AST measurement. Linear mixed models were used to compare changes in log-transformed ALT and AST values among transgender cohort members before and after GAHT initiation, and relative to the reference groups. The results were expressed as relative differences (in %) and the ratios of these differences (ratios-of-ratios) along with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Outcomes Changes in ALT and AST levels among transgender people over time and relative to the corresponding changes in cisgender referents. Results Among TM study participants, the post GAHT ratios-of-ratios for AST were 1.61 (95% CI: 1.13, 2.31) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.31) relative to cisgender males and females respectively. For ALT, the corresponding comparisons yielded the ratios-of-ratios (95% CIs) of 2.06 (1.67, 2.54) and 1.90 (1.50, 2.40). No statistically significant changes were observed among TF participants. Other factors associated with higher liver enzyme levels included alcohol use/abuse and obesity. Clinical Implications TM persons may experience modest increases in ALT and AST concentrations following testosterone initiation; however, clinical significance of the observed association remains unclear and requires further investigation. By contrast, feminizing GAHT is unlikely to induce appreciable changes in liver enzyme levels. Strength and Limitations The strengths of this study are the longitudinal design and the ability to assemble an unselected cohort nested within large health systems. The main limitations include the lack of information on hormone levels and the inability to take into account GAHT doses and routes of administration. Conclusion The influence of long-term GAHT on ALT and AST levels appears modest and not likely to reflect clinically meaningful changes in liver function. Hashemi L, Zhang Q, Getahun D, et al. Longitudinal Changes in Liver Enzyme Levels Among Transgender People Receiving Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy. J Sex Med 2021;18:1662–1675.
A hub-and-spoke design for ultra-cold COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

An orderly and effective vaccination campaign is essential in combating the global COVID-19 pandemic. As one of the pioneers, the U.S. Center for Disease Control proposes a phased plan to promote the vaccination process. This plan starts with vaccinating the high-priority population in Phase 1, then turns to the remainder of the public in Phase 2, and ends with a scale-back network in Phase 3. The phased plan not only provides a sense of hope to impacted communities that this global pandemic can be defeated, but can serve as a template for other countries. To enhance this plan, this paper develops a generalizable framework for designing a hub-and-spoke vaccination dispensing network to achieve the goals in the Phase 2, which aims to expand the vaccination coverage for the general public. We introduce a new coverage index to measure the priority of different potential dispensing sites based on geo-data and develop an optimization model for network design. The hub-and-spoke network enhances the accessibility of the vaccines to various communities and helps to overcome the challenges related to ultra-cold storage facility shortage. A case study of Middlesex County in New Jersey is presented to demonstrate the application of the framework and provide insights for the Phase 2. Results from the baseline scenario show that increasing the driving time limit from 10 min to 25 min can improve the total coverage index from 40.8 to 55.9. Additionally, we explore how the changes of parameters impact the network design and discuss potential solutions for some special cases. When we allow 4 outreach nodes per hub, all potential 45 outreach points can be covered in the vaccination network within a 20-minute drive, and the total coverage index reaches its maximum value of 58.3.
National Trends in Transfer of Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Analysis of 12-Year Nationwide Data.

Abstract Objectives The guidelines of the American Hospital Association encourage transferring intracerebral hemorrhage patients from community hospitals to centers with stroke expertise. However, research on the differences in outcomes between transferred intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalizations and directly admitted hospitalizations have been largely limited to small single-center studies. In this study, we explored the national trends in transferred intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalizations, as well as evaluated the differences, in terms of demographic characteristics, co-morbidity, resource utilization, and outcomes, between transferred intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalizations and directly admitted hospitalizations. Materials and methods From the National Inpatient Sample (2004 - 2016), we assessed the linear trends in the proportion of interhospital transfers for intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalizations. We constructed a series of multivariate logistic regression models to explore the association of transfer status with inpatient mortality and discharge disposition, controlling for demographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics. We used survey design variables to report nationally weighted estimates. Results Among 786,999 hospitalizations, 137,340 (17.5%, 95% CI: 16.4–18.6) were transferred. Overall, interhospital transfers for intracerebral hemorrhage has been increasing over the 12-year period of this study. Patients in transferred hospitalizations were younger, more likely to be white, and more likely to have private insurance. Transferred hospitalizations were associated with significantly lower adjusted odds of inpatient mortality, compared to directly admitted hospitalizations. Conclusions As the US healthcare system continues shifting towards value-based care, evidence on the short- and long-term outcomes of transfer of intracerebral hemorrhage patients will inform optimal management of intracerebral hemorrhage patients.
Report of two cases of twinning in ectopic pregnancy

Abstract Two cases of unilateral twin ectopic pregnancy are presented, bringing the total number of reported cases to 67. That both cases should have occurred in one hospital in a period of five weeks is a rare and interesting medical coincidence.
Violent Crime and Public Policy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1980-2010

This chapter traces the evolution of homicides in the Greater Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Area over the period 1980 – 2009. . It calls attention to the range of factors – historical, geographic, socio-economic, institutional and political – that combine to make the Greater Rio Metropolitan Area so prone to high levels of violence, and presents a number of possible explanations for the remarkable fall in rates of lethal violence observed since 2003.
Health Conditions in Younger, Middle, and Older Ages: Are There Differences by Sexual Orientation?

Abstract Purpose: Sexual minorities engage in more risk behaviors at a younger age than heterosexuals and many are subject to minority stress from a young age, which raises questions about the age at which sexual minorities' experience morbidities. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of health conditions among young, middle age, and older age groups to examine sexual orientation differences while stratifying by gender. Methods: We pooled 4 years of data from the California Health Interview Survey to obtain a representative sample of the male and female population in California, allowing us to examine health conditions by sexual orientation in three age strata, age 20–39, age 40–59, and age 60 and older. Results: Compared with same-gender heterosexuals, sexual minority women had a higher likelihood of physical morbidities (disability: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.66 for lesbians and AOR 2.21 for bisexuals; arthritis: AOR 2.12 for lesbians) at a young age, whereas gay men had a higher likelihood of ...
The folded inverted conformal antenna (FICA) for multi-band cellular phones

A multi-band internal antenna for mobile phones is realized by means of an elongated flat conductor featuring a closed slot, a ground leg, and a feed leg. A benchmark on a Motorola T192 handset is employed to illustrate the operation of this structure - called folded inverted conformal antenna (FICA) - showing that it provides significantly more radiating bandwidth that a conventional dual band PIFA under the same operating conditions. Because of its favorable performance, FICA is employed in several Motorola handsets in the consumer market.
Long-Term Management of Venous Thromboembolism: Strategies for Reducing the Risk of Recurrence

Long-term care of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes determining the optimal duration of anticoagulation after VTE. Selection of the optimal duration and drug regimen requires an individualized assessment of the patient’s long-term risk of recurrence as well as bleeding. Warfarin and non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been validated for extended duration anticoagulation to prevent recurrent unprovoked VTE. Aspirin also plays a role in the prevention of recurrence in patients with unprovoked VTE.
Common Elements Across Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment: Discovery and Implications

The social work profession is facing a critical gap in its provision of effective services to an increasingly large number of clients who are affected by trauma. To explore for the presence of common components in evidence-based trauma treatments, a qualitative content analysis of 8 trauma treatment manuals was undertaken. Analysis resulted in the identification of 35 Intervention Objectives and 59 Practice Element codes. These were further organized into nine domains: trauma assessment, safety, engagement, attachment, core treatment interventions, attention to the social context, trauma processing, post trauma growth, and therapist self-care. Future work for the profession may involve synthesizing and integrating what has already been learned, and translating that knowledge into the classroom. Significantly, three domains which stress activities with the client in their social context were found to be common to trauma treatments, including safety promoting activities. Implications for social work education, practice, policy, and research are discussed.
Does this Avatar Make Me Look Fat? Obesity and Interviewing in Second Life

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has observed consistently increasing obesity trends over the past 25 years. Recent research suggests that avatar behavior and appearance may result in positive changes to real life individual behavior. Specifically, users may adjust their identity to match that of their avatars. Preliminary results of survey interviews in Second Life support our hypotheses that individuals whose avatars engaged in healthy behaviors were more likely to engage in physical activities in the real world than individuals with less physically active avatars. Furthermore, thinner-looking avatars were associated with lower BMI in real life. One unique feature of interviewing with avatars in Second Life is that researchers have the ability to manipulate environmental factors and interviewer characteristics with a consistency that is absent in the real world. In our preliminary results, espondents were more likely to report higher BMI or weight to a heavier-looking avatar than to a thinner-looking avatar.
Hydrogen isotope effects on the proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of bovine ferricytochrome b5: Axial hydrogen bonding involving the axial His-39 imidazole ligand

Abstract The potential role of hydrogen bonding interactions in modulating the molecular and electronic structure of the active site of solubilized bovine ferricytochrome b 5 has been investigated by monitoring solvent isotope effects on proton-NMR spectral parameters. It is observed that the hyperffine shifts of both the heme prosthetic group and one coordinated His are sensitive, while those for the other axial His and non-coordinated residues are insensitive, to 2 H for 1 H exchange. Two types of isotope influences are characterized; one whose chemical shift influence is time-resolved on the NMR rime scale, and involves a single proton on one axial ligand, and a second effect which involves multiple protons, is not time resolved, and influences primarily the heme. A large isotope effect on the hyperfine shift is identified for the C β H signals of His-39 but not His-63. The exchangeable ring NH of His-39 is assigned, and the pH influence on the exchange properties of heme pocket labile protons, when compared to the rate of base catalyzed averaging of the His-39 C β H isotope effect, lead to the conclusion that the axial hydrogen bond which is responsible for this isotope effect is that between His-39 ring NH and Gly-42 carbonyl. The more rapid exchange of labile protons with solvent for His-63 than His-39 confirms a less solvent accessible and stronger hydrogen bonded His-39 than His-63. The stronger His-39-Gly-42 than His-63-Phe-58 hydrogen bond involving the ring NH leads to more extensive His-39 imidazolate character and hence a stronger iron-His-39 than iron-His-63 bond. The much larger hyperfine shifts for His-39 than His-63 imidazole ring non-labile protons support the stronger bonding of the former ligand, and account for the orientation of the rhombic magnetic axes by His-39 rather than His-63. The solvent isotope effect on the heme leads to rotation of the prosthetic group about the His-Fe-His bond by ≈ 0.5° so as to shorten the 7-propionate link to Ser-64. This suggests that the hydrogen bonds between the 7-propionate group and Ser-64 are responsible for the effect.
Experimental measurement of the effective dielectric in the hydrophobic core of a protein

The dielectric inside a protein is a key physical determinant of the magnitude of electrostatic interactions in proteins. We have measured this dielectric phenomenologically, in terms of the dielectric that needs to be used with the Born equation in order to reproduce the observed pKa shifts induced by burial of an ionizable group in the hydrophobic core of a protein. Mutants of staphylococcal nuclease with a buried lysine residue at position 66 were engineered for this purpose. The pKa values of buried lysines were measured by difference potentiometry. The extent of coupling between the pKa and the global stability of the protein was evaluated by measuring pKa values in hyperstable forms of nuclease engineered to be 3.3 or 6.5 kcal mol-1 more stable than the wild type. The crystallographic structure of one mutant was determined to describe the environment of the buried lysine. The dielectrics that were measured range from 10 to 12. Published pKa values of buried ionizable residues in other proteins were analyzed in a similar fashion and the dielectrics obtained from these values are consistent with the ones measured in nuclease. These results argue strongly against the prevalent use of dielectrics of 4 or lower to describe the dielectric effect inside a protein in structure-based calculations of electrostatic energies with continuum dielectric models.