cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of the disc-fovea angle on limits of RNFL variability and glaucoma discrimination.

PURPOSE To determine factors affecting the disc-fovea angle (DFA), and to test the hypotheses that adjusting for DFA improves limits of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) variability in normal subjects or enhances performance of RNFL measures for glaucoma detection. METHODS Disc-fovea angle was measured on scanning laser ophthalmoscope fundus images from 170 eyes (110 normal and glaucoma subjects). The DFA measurements were repeated in 24 eyes. The relationship between DFA and various anatomic variables was explored. Main outcome measures were changes in 95% RNFL prediction limits or glaucoma discrimination after adjusting for DFA. We also explored the angle between temporal raphe and horizontal meridian in 19 eyes with nasal field defects limited to one hemifield. RESULTS Average mean deviation and DFA were -0.1 (±1.2) dB and -6.6° (±3.4°) and -4.1 (±3.3) dB and -7.9° (±3.9°) in the control and glaucoma groups, respectively (P < 0.001 and = 0.029). The average difference between DFA repeat measurements was 2.0° (±1.8°). Predictors for DFA were female sex (P = 0.004), smaller disc area (P = 0.006), and glaucoma diagnosis (P = 0.019). The absolute change in sectoral RNFL thickness was 6.1 (±3.9) and 4.6 (±3.1) μm in control and glaucoma subjects, respectively. Retinal nerve fiber layer prediction limits improved in 5, 9, and 10 o'clock sectors (P < 0.02). Discrimination ability for the best-performing RNFL sector did not improve (P = 0.936). The average angle between temporal raphe and horizontal meridian was 0.8° (±0.8°). CONCLUSIONS Disc-fovea angle measurements demonstrated fair intersession repeatability. While adjusting for DFA improved RNFL prediction limits in some sectors, it did not enhance glaucoma detection.
Chemotherapy for leukemia and lymphoma.

By treating acute leukemia and lymphoma in the conventional way, a physician can inadvertently deny patients the full benefit of potentially curative therapy. During the last 10 years, intensive combination therapy with agents belonging to five new classes has produced long-term remissions. However, patients who have been treated conventionally do not respond as well as previously untreated patients and may become resistant to one or more of these agents.
Discovery and Experiment of Clonorchis sinensis Encysted Metacercariae in Second Intermediate Host

Objective To verify that there exist more than 2 Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae (encysted metacercariae) with different maturity degree in one cyst. Method Four electronic databases (CNKI, CBM, VIP and Chinese Excellent Doctoral Thesis), the literature summary of Chinese parasitic diseases, along with the reference list cited by included articles were searched. The affinity and adaptation of the infection of Pseudorasbora parva for Clonorchis sinensis were analysed by comparing the data of metacercariae infection status between Pseudorasbora parva and other fishes. The encysted metacercariae infective situation was observed by field investigation and isolatedly feeding P. parva collected from the epidemic areas.The photographs of encysted metacercariae were taken through direct compression under microscopes.The fish meat containing encysted metacercariae was used to infect healthy cats, and 30 days later, the cats were dissected and the adult worms collected. Result Totally 54 articles were included, and of which, 92.59%(50 articles) reported that the infection rate of P. parva was higher than that of other fishes. In the same water area, the average metacercariae infection rates of P. parva and other fishes were respectively 48.15% and 13.52% (P0.001). Prevalence OR (95%C.I.) was 5.94 (5.66-6.23). The estimated maximum amount of metacercariae was 166-17 042 per fish. The encysted metacercariae infection rates of P. parva from field investigation and isolated feeding were 43.70% (274/627) and 28.03% (44/157), respectively. The rate of gaining worms from cats infected by the fish meat including encysted metacercariae was 27.16% (110/405). Conclusion It is evident that there exist more than 2 Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae with different maturity degree in one cyst of Pseudorasbora parva.
Louisiana Llc Law on the Death or Incapacity of a Member Creates a Trap for the Unwary

The author looks at the legal problems posed by the death or incapacity of limited liability company members in Louisiana. The member's legal representative or successor has no right to participate in the management of the LLC or to inspect its records. The Louisiana LLC law should be amended to provide greater rights to involuntary assignees of a member's interest in an LLC, the author suggests.
GABAA receptor β1, β2, and β3 subunits: comparisons in DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice☆

Abstract GABAA receptors link binding of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) to inhibitory chloride flux in the brain. They are the site of action of several important classes of drugs, and have been implicated in animal models of epilepsy and in the actions of alcohol. We compare the sequence and expression of the β1, β2 and β3 subunits of GABAA receptors in two inbred strains of mice, DBA/2J and C57BL/6J, which differ markedly in seizure susceptibility and in a variety of behaviors related to alcohol. Only the β3 3 subunit had strain differences in cDNA nucleotide sequence, which did not affect amino acid sequence but which did create restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) potentially useful in gene mapping. We have also tested mouse β1 and β2 subunits for internal alternative splicing, detecting none.
Abnormal T cell development in CD3-zeta-/- mutant mice and identification of a novel T cell population in the intestine.

Abstract The T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-associated invariable membrane proteins (CD3-gamma, -delta, -epsilon and -zeta) are critical to the assembly and cell surface expression of the TCR/CD3 complex and to signal transduction upon engagement of TCR with antigen. Disruption of the CD3-zeta gene by homologous recombination resulted in a structurally abnormal thymus which primarily contained CD4- CD8- and TCR/CD3very lowCD4+CD8+ cells. Spleen and lymph nodes of CD3-zeta-/- mutant mice contained a normal number and ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ single positive cells that were TCR/CD3very low. These splenocytes did not respond to antibody cross-linking or mitogenic triggering. The V beta genes of CD4-CD8- and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes and splenic T cells were productively rearranged. These data demonstrated that (i) in the absence of the CD3-zeta chain, the CD4- CD8- thymocytes could differentiate to CD4+CD8+ TCR/CD3very low thymocytes, (ii) that thymic selection might have occurred, (iii) but that the transition to CD4+CD8- and CD4-CD8+ cells took place at a very low rate. Most strikingly, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) isolated from the small intestine or the colon expressed normal levels of TCR/CD3 complexes on their surface which contained Fc epsilon RI gamma homodimers. In contrast to CD3-zeta containing IELs, these cells failed to proliferate after triggering with antibody cross-linking or mitogen. In comparison to thymus-derived peripheral T cells in the spleen and lymph nodes, the preferential expression of normal levels of TCR/CD3 in intestinal IELs suggested they mature via an independent extrathymic pathway.
Abdominal surgical emergencies of the newborn.

The most common of the urgent abdominal surgical emergencies which occur in the first 2 months of life are presented. Most of these are congenital malformations, but some are acquired problems, such as enterocolitis. Salvage of these babies depends upon prompt recognition and acquaintance with diagnostic possibilities and the preferred treatment for each.
Corporate Tax Reform Part 2: A Middle-Ground Proposal for Taxing Foreign Earnings

As discussed in Part 1 of this paper, the current U.S. tax rules strongly discourage U.S. corporations from repatriating almost $2 trillion in foreign profits. Such profits cannot be used to build U.S. facilities, pay dividends to U.S. shareholders or acquire U.S. firms—unless the U.S. corporation pays a 35% U.S. tax on such profits (minus applicable foreign tax credits). Congress should be able to change the current tax system for foreign corporate profits since it benefits almost no Americans (other than tax lawyers). The U.S. Treasury receives little tax revenues from these foreign profits and corporate executives are prevented from making sensible decisions about how to deploy those foreign profits.
SU‐F‐T‐227: A Comprehensive Patient Specific, Structure Specific, Pre‐Treatment 3D QA Protocol for IMRT, SBRT and VMAT ‐ Clinical Experience

Purpose: To present a 3D QA method and clinical results for 550 patients. Methods: Five hundred and fifty patient treatment deliveries (400 IMRT, 75 SBRT and 75 VMAT) from various treatment sites, planned on Raystation treatment planning system (TPS), were measured on three beam-matched Elekta linear accelerators using IBA's COMPASS system. The difference between TPS computed and delivered dose was evaluated in 3D by applying three statistical parameters to each structure of interest: absolute average dose difference (AADD, 6% allowed difference), absolute dose difference greater than 6% (ADD6, 4% structure volume allowed to fail) and 3D gamma test (3%/3mm DTA, 4% structure volume allowed to fail). If the allowed value was not met for a given structure, manual review was performed. The review consisted of overlaying dose difference or gamma results with the patient CT, scrolling through the slices. For QA to pass, areas of high dose difference or gamma must be small and not on consecutive slices. For AADD to manually pass QA, the average dose difference in cGy must be less than 50cGy. The QA protocol also includes DVH analysis based on QUANTEC and TG-101 recommended dose constraints. Results: Figures 1–3 show the results for the three parameters per treatment modality. Manual review was performed on 67 deliveries (27 IMRT, 22 SBRT and 18 VMAT), for which all passed QA. Results show that statistical parameter AADD may be overly sensitive for structures receiving low dose, especially for the SBRT deliveries (Fig.1). The TPS computed and measured DVH values were in excellent agreement and with minimum difference. Conclusion: Applying DVH analysis and different statistical parameters to any structure of interest, as part of the 3D QA protocol, provides a comprehensive treatment plan evaluation. Author G. Gueorguiev discloses receiving travel and research funding from IBA for unrelated to this project work. Author B. Crawford discloses receiving travel funding from IBA for unrelated to this project work.
Allostery Wiring Map for Kinesin Energy Transduction and Its Evolution

How signals between the kinesin active and cytoskeletal binding sites are transmitted is an open question and an allosteric question. By extracting correlated evolutionary changes within 700+ sequences, we built a model of residues that are energetically coupled and that define molecular routes for signal transmission. Typically, these coupled residues are located at multiple distal sites and thus are predicted to form a complex, non-linear network that wires together different functional sites in the protein. Of note, our model connected the site for ATP hydrolysis with sites that ultimately utilize its free energy, such as the microtubule-binding site, drug-binding loop 5, and necklinker. To confirm the calculated energetic connectivity between non-adjacent residues, double-mutant cycle analysis was conducted with 22 kinesin mutants. There was a direct correlation between thermodynamic coupling in experiment and evolutionarily derived energetic coupling. We conclude that energy transduction is coordinated by multiple distal sites in the protein rather than only being relayed through adjacent residues. Moreover, this allosteric map forecasts how energetic orchestration gives rise to different nanomotor behaviors within the superfamily.
India: Unique Identification Authority

This case study analyzes the reasons for success and challenges faced by the unique identity program in India (Aadhaar). As part of the country’s digital strategy, the unique id’s role is an integration of services and platforms. Within 6 years of being founded, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has succeeded in enrolling more than 800 million Indians. The project can be noted for the speed of execution, the effective involvement of private sector organizations and technology, the support of the government as well as its ability to successfully face legal challenges. The project has faced criticism over the use of biometrics, concerns over privacy and opposition from other ministries within the government. However with the new government, elected in May 2014 and headed by Narendra Modi, giving the project full support and making it a focal point of its governance strategy, the project has gained even more prominence.
Venture Capital Syndication Withdrawal and Collective Sanctions

The literature on strategic alliances has put significant attention on the formation, duration and stability of the alliances. We add to the alliance discourse by studying post-termination outcomes. To our knowledge, there is no research on the consequences of alliance break-ups. Building on arguments from the social capital theory, we posit that unexpected termination of alliance ties triggers collective punishment by community actors. We explore the effect of firm reputation on the severity of such collective sanctions. We test our hypotheses by investigating the impact of VC firms’ withdrawal from syndications and their inclusion in future deals. Our findings indicate that withdrawal from VC syndications reduces the chance of inclusion in future deals and this effect is stronger for reputable firm, which are more visible in the network.
“I cannot act!”: Fanny’s “Inaction” in the Economic Ideology Driving Mansfield Park

In early 19 th century British culture, an ideology founded on economics permeates one of society’s most private affairs marriage between two individuals. In Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, the characters become a type of currency to be exchanged through marriage in order for others to gain power and wealth. Fanny Price, subjected to this objectification, comes to realize the inherent value that she possesses as a woman. Once she is given agency in the novel, she is able to live beyond the ideology of the novel. Her marriage allows her to recognize herself as being equal to her husband, Edmund Bertram, and join him in ownership of their property. Fanny and Edmund represent a new ideology that is founded on love and equality, rather than profit value.
Structural transitions in torsionally constrained DNA and their dependence on solution electrostatics

Abstract Experimental studies on single molecules of DNA have reported a rich variety of structural transitions, including coexistence of three phases, in a torsionally constrained molecule. A comprehensive knowledge of these structural transitions is useful for unraveling the in vivo and in vitro behavior of DNA. Our objective is to understand the structural transitions in a torsionally constrained DNA molecule when it is pulled using optical or magnetic tweezers. We use foundational concepts from the Zimm-Bragg helix-coil transition theory and merge them with ideas from the theory of fluctuating elastic rods to model the mechanics of DNA. We also account for the electrostatic interactions between the ions and the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA. Using our model, we calculate the force and torque corresponding to the overstretching transition characterized by a 70% jump in the contour length of the molecule and examine the effect of salt concentration on this transition. We also deduce conditions under which the co-existence of B-, S- and P-DNA is possible. We examine how the cooperativity parameter for each transition affects the force-extension curve or torque-rotation curve. We attempt to rationalize the non-monotonic dependence of external work done on the ion concentration by connecting it to the electrostatic dependence of the interfacial energy between two phases of DNA. Our theoretical results are in agreement with multiple experiments documented in the literature and they generate falsifiable predictions that can be tested in new experiments. Statement of significance The overarching objective of this paper is to explore the implications of variation in ion concentration on the structural transitions driven by external forces in a torsionally constrained DNA molecule. A comprehensive understanding of the phase behavior of torsionally constrained DNA is useful because DNA in cells is tightly packaged and is acted upon by molecular machines in different ionic environments. We examine the mechanics of the overstretching transition, characterized by a 70% jump in contour length, wherein a mixture of B- and S-DNA converts into a mixture of S- and P-DNA through a triple point in the phase diagram. Our results are corroborated by experimental data at every step and we make predictions that are experimentally verifiable.
Obstacles to Shop-Floor CNC Programming in the United States

Abstract The implementation of skill-based approaches to technological development face several obstacles in the United States. This paper explores three of these obstacles in the context of attempts to implement shop-floor programming of CNC machine tools: 1) Software design, 2) Orientation of training programs, and 3) Social issues of control. Discussion of these obstacles are presented in relation to the authors experiences in conducting the Shop-Floor Programming Project at the University of Lowell. Skill-based approaches which allow the voice of skilled production workers to influence the development of new technologies can lead to improved over-all working life. Solutions to over-come the obstacles associated with skill-based automation requires further investigation into the social issues underlying both the design and implementation of process technologies.
The Asian Century

How might an Asian Century to come differ from the American Century just past? Will an Asian Century, should it come to pass, mark a retreat for human rights, including women’s rights and gay rights? In this introduction to a UC Davis Law Review symposium, I contrast Henry Luce’s vision for an American Century with the internationalism of his near contemporary, the Indian Poet Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. As the United States entered World War II, Luce, publisher of Time, Life, and Fortune, asked, “What are we fighting for?” Luce’s manifesto declaring an “American Century” answered that it was the internationalization of American ideas - promulgated from Hollywood to Washington. Luce’s vision presaged American support for human rights after the war and its forceful, if inconsistent, critique of despots during the latter half of the Twentieth Century. In the Post-War era, China and India embraced the sovereign nation-state, often proving reluctant to support intervention in the affairs of other countries, even when human rights were at stake. Tagore offered an alternative vision. Hailing from a land that long suffered at the hands of British traders and imperialists, Tagore proposed an internationalism led by neither the merchant nor the soldier. Instead, Tagore offered a world order founded on a kind of critical friendship, unflinchingly focused on human dignity for all.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia produces an EntC-dependent catecholate siderophore that is distinct from enterobactin

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a Gram-negative, multi-drug-resistant bacterium, is increasingly recognized as a key opportunistic pathogen. Thus, we embarked upon an investigation of S. maltophilia iron acquisition. To begin, we determined that the genome of strain K279a is predicted to encode a complete siderophore system, including a biosynthesis pathway, an outer-membrane receptor for ferrisiderophore, and other import and export machinery. Compatible with these data, K279a and other clinical isolates of S. maltophilia secreted a siderophore-like activity when grown at 25–37 °C in low-iron media, as demonstrated by a chrome azurol S assay, which detects iron chelation, and Arnow and Rioux assays, which detect catecholate structures. Importantly, these supernatants rescued the growth of iron-starved S. maltophilia, documenting the presence of a biologically active siderophore. A mutation in one of the predicted biosynthesis genes (entC) abolished production of the siderophore and impaired bacterial growth in low-iron conditions. Inactivation of the putative receptor gene (fepA) prevented the utilization of siderophore-containing supernatants for growth in low-iron conditions. Although the biosynthesis and import loci showed some similarity to those of enterobactin, a well-known catecholate made by enteric bacteria, the siderophore of K279a was unable to rescue the growth of an enterobactin-utilizing indicator strain, and conversely iron-starved S. maltophilia could not use purified enterobactin. Furthermore, the S. maltophilia siderophore displayed patterns of solubility in organic compounds and mobility upon thin-layer chromatography that were distinct from those of enterobactin and its derivative, salmochelin. Together, these data demonstrate that S. maltophilia secretes a novel catecholate siderophore.
A Healthy Eating Identity is Associated with Healthier Food Choice Behaviors Among U.S. Army Soldiers.

Introduction Promoting healthy eating among Soldiers is a priority to the Army due to the link between nutrition and performance. The Army typically uses nutrition education to encourage Soldiers to make healthier food choices with low emphasis on other psychosocial determinants of food choice behaviors. Materials and Methods Drill Sergeant Candidates (n = 575) completed surveys assessing nutrition knowledge, eating identity type, and food choice behaviors including fruit and vegetable intake, skipping meals, and eating out frequency. In multiple linear regression models using full-information maximum likelihood estimation while controlling for race/ethnicity, education, and marital status, we examined relationships between nutrition knowledge, a healthy eating identity, and Soldiers' food choice behaviors. The study was approved by the Department of Defense and University of South Carolina's Institutional Review Boards. Results A healthy eating identity was positively associated with greater fruit and vegetable consumption (p < 0.05), and negatively associated with skipping meals and eating out frequency (p < 0.05). Nutrition knowledge was negatively associated with skipping meals (p < 0.05). Conclusions Findings suggest that fostering a healthy eating identity may be more effective for promoting healthy food choice behaviors than nutrition education alone. Determining if various points in a Soldier's career could be leveraged to influence a healthy eating identity and behaviors could be an important strategy to improve compliance with health promotion programs.
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement: beware of the bends

The peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is used as a long-term vascular access to deliver medications and venous nutrition. The PICC tip terminates close to the heart or in one of the great vessels—the superior vena cava or the inferior vena cava. Catheter tip confirmation is usually achieved by plain radiography. We describe a case of a 9-month-old boy with complex congenital heart disease (heterotaxy syndrome, polysplenia type) who underwent pulmonary artery banding to reduce pulmonary blood flow to control heart failure symptoms. PICC was placed in the left femoral vein during …
Sholar, Megan A. (ed). 2016. Getting Paid While Taking Time: The Women’s Movement and the Development of Paid Family Leave Policies in the United States. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press, 252 pp., $29.95 (paperback). ISBN: 9781439912959. Hampson, Sarah Cote (ed). 2017. The Balance Gap: Working Mothers and the Limits of the Law. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 184 pp., $22.95 (paperback). ISBN: 9781503602151.

To the frustration of feminists and other advocates (some progressive, some not), the United States refuses to enact national legislation requiring employers to offer paid leave to their workers. T...
'Let's just wait one more day': impact of timing on surgical outcome in the treatment of adhesion-related small bowel obstruction.

Controversy exists but most surgeons agree that surgical treatment for failed conservative management of adhesion-related small bowel obstruction (SBO) should be within 48 hours. However, many find...
Diagnostic dilemmas in patients with cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas (CNP) are rare lesions that can be difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Twenty patients with cystic neoplasms of the pancreas including five microcystic adenomas, six benign mucinous cystic neoplasms, three malignant mucinous cystic neoplasms, two solid and papillary epithelial neoplasms, and four cystic neuroendocrine tumors were treated at a single institution between 1962 and 1987. The average duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 10 months. Five patients were asymptomatic. Forty percent of patients presented with an abdominal mass. Plain abdominal x-rays and UGI barium contrast studies were never diagnostic. Ultrasonography, computerized tomography (CT) and visceral angiography aided in the correct diagnosis in 28%, 36%, and 75% of patients studied, respectively. Overall a correct diagnosis was made preoperatively in only 35% of patients. Twelve of 13 patients were correctly diagnosed at laparotomy with intraoperative biopsy. Without biopsy the mass was misdiagnosed at laparotomy in five of six cases. CNP must be suspected inany patients who present with an upper abdominal mass with or without abdominal pain and no history of pancreatitis. CT may be diagnostic in up to one third of cases and should be obtained routinely to demonstrate the proximity of the lesion to other structures. Visceral angiography should also be obtained prior to operation. A generous incisional biopsy should be obtained of all pancreatic cysts that are not to be resected.
The Global Vitamins Industry

Basel, Switzerland is an historic city of about a half million population located at the intersection of the French, German, and Swiss borders. Home to Switzerland’s first university established in 1460, the city played a pivotal part in the Protestant Reformation. Although the city houses many architecturally important medieval buildings, manuscript and art collections, and a pretty late-Gothic Rathaus fronting the central market place, Basel does not receive nearly as many tourists as it does business visitors. Aided by its fortuitous location on the Rhine River, Basel was the Swiss city most affected by the 19th century forces of industrialization. By the turn of the century, it had become the center of Switzerland’s, indeed Europe’s, chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Basel pharmacist Felix Hoffmann-La Roche was the founder of a pharmaceutical manufacturing partnership that would become a global leader in medicinal products. Its corporate successor, Roche Holdings, remains headquartered in the city of its birth and is still controlled by the founding families.
2-Methoxyestradiol induziert p53 unabhängige Apoptosis beim Pankreaskarzinom und reduziert das Wachstum von Lungenmetastasen

Das Pankreaskarzinom ist die funft haufigste Todesursache durch maligne Tumoren. Die 5-Jahres Uberlebensrate uberschreitet kaum 20% [1]. Neue Therapieansatze scheinen daher von grosem Interesse zu sein. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) ist ein naturlicher Ostrogenmetabolit, der endotheliales Zellwachstum und Angiogenese hemmen kann [2]. Wir fragten in unserer Studie, ob 2-ME das Wachstum des Pankreaskarzinoms hemmen kann und untersuchten den Effekt und Mechanismus. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das 2-ME sowohl in vitro, als auch in vivo das Wachstum des Pankreaskarzinoms hemmt.
Exploratory Eddy Covariance Measurements of Surface Heat and CO2 Fluxes in the Roughness Sublayer of an Urban Environment

_______________________________________________________________ i Acknowledgements _______________________________________________________ii List of Tables ___________________________________________________________ iv List of Figures ___________________________________________________________ v
Computer Graphics and Animation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses computer graphics and animation. Video graphics creation, in the context of this chapter, is made possible by use of computer-based tools that assist an artist in the creative process. The use of computer-based drawing and design tools has revolutionized the preparation of graphics presentations for broadcasting and for training and other informational video uses. The roots of these applications lie in the discovery that equipment originally developed for computer aided design in manufacturing industries could be adapted to the preparation of audiovisual materials like projector slides and overhead transparencies and, most relevant here, to television production use. The usual industrial CAD facility is designed to replace as much as possible of the human labor involved in draughting with the more rapid and accurate work of a computer system. Most television graphics systems will be under the control of a skilled graphics artist and that person will make basic project design decisions. Even a highly skilled video design artist can usually be helped in achieving desired visual effects by use of a suitable computer-based graphics system. Perspectives, texture renditions, and lighting angles can be calculated and displayed at any time by the computer.
Tracking narcotics consumption at a Southwestern U.S. university campus by wastewater-based epidemiology.

Abstract Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) was applied to estimate the consumption of twelve narcotics within a Southwestern U.S. university campus. Seven consecutive 24-hour composite raw wastewater samples (n = 80) were obtained once per month from sampling locations capturing >95% of campus-generated wastewater. Samples were analyzed for indicators of consumption of morphine, codeine, oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, methadone, buprenorphine, amphetamine, methylphenidate, alprazolam, cocaine, and MDMA using LC–MS/MS. Eleven indicator compounds (oxycodone, codeine, norcodeine, 6-acetylmorphine, EDDP, amphetamine, alprazolam, alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, cocaine, benzoylecgonine, and MDMA) occurred at 100% detection frequency across the study, followed by morphine-3-glucuronide (98%), noroxycodone (95%), methylphenidate (90%), heroin (7%), norfentanyl (7%), and fentanyl (5%). Estimates of average narcotics consumption ranked as follows in units of mg/day/1000 persons: heroin (474 ± 32), cocaine (551 ± 49), amphetamine (256 ± 12), methylphenidate (236 ± 28), methadone (72 ± 8), oxycodone (80 ± 6), alprazolam (60 ± 2), MDMA (88 ± 35), codeine (50 ± 4), and morphine (18 ± 3). This campus-based WBE study yielded baseline data on 12 narcotics for a U.S. campus and demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of detecting the fentanyl metabolite norfentanyl in this setting.
Automatic Monitor-Based Tuning of RF Silicon Photonic True-Time-Delay Beamforming Networks

Automatic group delay tuning of a lX4 RF Si-photonic asymmetric binary tree beamforming network structure is achieved with ring resonator drop port photodetectors providing electrical monitor information. The proposed tuning approach calibrates the group delay of an entire optical beamforming network (OBFN) that operates at 30GHz with 2GHz bandwidth. Compensation of process variations and thermal crosstalk is achieved with the 4 calibrated optical outputs displaying equal 41ps delay intervals.
Embedded Word Representations for Rich Indexing: A Case Study for Medical Records

Case indexing decisions must often confront the tradeoff between rich semantic indexing schemes, which provide effective retrieval at large indexing cost, and shallower indexing schemes, which enable low-cost indexing but may be less reliable. Indexing for textual case-based reasoning is often based on information retrieval approaches that minimize index acquisition cost but sacrifice semantic information. This paper presents JointEmbed, a method for automatically generating rich indices. JointEmbed automatically generates continuous vector space embeddings that implicitly capture semantic information, leveraging multiple knowledge sources such as free text cases and pre-existing knowledge graphs. JointEmbed generates effective indices by applying pTransR, a novel approach for modelling knowledge graphs, to encode and summarize contents of domain knowledge resources. JointEmbed is applied to the medical CBR task of retrieving relevant patient electronic health records, for which potential health consequences make retrieval quality paramount. An evaluation supports that JointEmbed outperforms previous methods.
Durability of wet lay-up FRP bonded to concrete with nanomodified epoxy adhesives

Externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites represent a simple and economical solution for repairing and strengthening concrete structures. However, the potential for debonding fail...
Too Scared to Teach? The Unintended Impact of 360-Degree Feedback on Resident Education.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives In 2000, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education created a 360-degree feedback toolkit intended to provide residents with frequent feedback from both their peers and attending supervisors to address any deficiencies prior to graduation. At our institution, resident evaluations of faculty directly impact faculty pay and promotion. We aimed to evaluate attending physician's attitudes toward 360-degree feedback systems, specifically related to resident performance. Materials and Methods Attending radiologists in a single-institution radiology residency program answered a 10-question survey regarding their views on 360-degree feedback systems. Fisher's exact tests were used to compare proportions. Results Seventeen of 24 (71%) attending physicians completed the survey. Of the respondents, 71% indicated that resident evaluations of attendings had an impact on job promotion and/or salaries; 65% indicated an impact on teaching quality; and 41% indicated an impact on their job security. All (100%) attendings indicated they felt comfortable giving positive written resident feedback, while 65% felt comfortable giving negative written feedback (P = 0.018). All (100%) attendings indicated they were comfortable giving positive verbal resident feedback, while 71% were comfortable giving negative verbal feedback (P = 0.044). Conclusions Attendings were less comfortable giving negative written and verbal resident feedback than positive feedback. Most attendings believed that negative resident evaluations of attendings had an impact on their pay and promotion. Attendings may be more willing to provide honest feedback to residents in a 360-degree system that does not link resident evaluations to faculty pay and promotion.
Considering the Context: Differences between the Environments of Beginning Special Educators who Stay and those who Leave:

Rural schools and other traditionally hard-to-staff schools continue to struggle with the recruitment and retention of qualified special education teachers. Beginning special educators are two and ...
Information, Memory and Capacity in Dynamic Resource Allocation

We propose a general framework, dubbed Stochastic Processing under Imperfect Information (SPII), to study the impact of information constraints and memories on dynamic re- source allocation. The framework involves a Stochastic Processing Network (SPN) scheduling problem in which the decision maker may access the system state only through a noisy channel, and resource allocation decisions must be carried out through the interaction between an encoding policy (who observes the state) and allocation policy (who chooses the allocation). Applications in the management of large-scale data centers and human-in-the-loop service systems are among our chief motivations.We quantify the degree to which information constraints reduce the size of the capacity region in general SPNs, and how such reduction depends on the amount of memories available to the encoding and allocation policies. Using a novel metric, capacity factor, our main theorem characterizes the reduction in capacity region (under "optimal" policies) for all non-degenerate channels, and across almost all combinations of memory sizes. Notably, the theorem demonstrates, in substantial generality, that (1) the presence of a noisy channel always reduces capacity, (2) more memories for the allocation policy always improve capacity, and (3) more memories for the encoding policy have little to no effect on capacity. Finally, all of our positive (achievability) results are established through constructive, implementable policies.Our proof program involves the development of a host of new techniques by combining ideas from information theory, learning and queueing theory. We create a simple yet powerful generalization of the Max-Weight policy, in which individual Markov chains are selected dynamically, in a manner analogous to how schedules are used in a conventional Max-Weight policy.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a safe and effective option that improves major Co-Morbidities associated with obesity in an older, veteran population.

Abstract Background Though over one-third of veterans suffer from obesity and its associated comorbidities, bariatric surgery (deleted: is seldom offered) is less commonly offered than in other populations. Methods We reviewed surgical outcomes using CPRS/Vista data of (“deleted 308) 315 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) cases performed at a major VA Medical Center (1995–2017). Results Patients were 69% male, with an average age 52 (65% over 50), and were followed for an average of 8 years; 158 (51%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, and the remaining open. Outcomes were: 30-day mortality- Open: 1.3%, Lap: 0%; anatomic leak-open: 0.3%, Lap: 0%. A total of 32 (10%) Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 complications occurred. At 5 and 15 years, average BMI decreased from 47 preoperatively to 33.3 and 31 respectively, while excess body weight loss was 68%, and 80%, respectively. Co-morbidity resolution rates were between 70 and 80% diabetes, sleep apnea, hyperlipidemia, GERD, (delete – hypertension), and NASH. Conclusions RYGB offers sustained, long-term weight loss with significant resolution of major comorbidities in older veterans, with acceptably low morbidity and mortality.
Isolated Intestinal Ganglioneuroma Mimicking Small Bowel Crohn's Disease

Ganglioneuromas (GNs) are hamartomatous tumors derived from the autonomic nervous system. GNs are frequently associated with neurofibromatosis-1 and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2b and commonly present with constipation, abdominal pain, weight loss, obstruction, and gastrointestinal bleeding. We report a 40-year-old man with symptoms of chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea for 1 year. Imaging was suggestive of thickening of ileal wall with a stricture, and subsequent biopsy revealed intestinal GN. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an isolated intestinal GN masquerading as Crohn's disease.
An Investigation into the Association Between Socioeconomic Factors with Growth and Developmental Outcomes in Premature Low Birth Weight Infants

An investigation into the association between socioeconomic factors with growth and developmental outcomes in premature low birth weight infants Jamie Chu, MD1, Joseph Hagan ScD1, Amy Hair MD1 1Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX Background Extrauterine growth restriction remains an important problem for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, who continue to present weight gain difficulties despite the comprehensive care available in modern neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Poor growth velocity (weight, length, and head …
Improving Documentation for Data Abstraction By Integrating Key Stakeholders Involved

Accurate documentation of critical fields is essential for ensuring that data abstracted includes all key risk factors that impact outcome data. Through review of our data, we identified inaccuracies with documentation of key elements necessary for data abstraction. Discrepancies in data reporting may lead to underestimation of risk factors such as comorbidities, performance status, and disease status. To address this, we formulated an improvement initiative that integrated key stakeholders to perform timely review of documentation and reconciliation of data capture prior to final submission to all reporting bodies. As part of our improvement plan, we implemented a monthly meeting with relevant staff which included physicians, data specialists, and quality assurance. In this meeting, the team reviewed source documentation to ensure that it contained necessary components for accurate reporting focusing on pre-transplant assessments. Ongoing education was provided to team members on areas of improvement. The team made corrections to the data when inaccuracies or key elements were missing. To assess the effectiveness of our data capture, we tracked discrepancies between key elements and source documentation. In 2018, we reviewed 58 cases and found that 36% of the cases had discrepancies with documentation of key elements. Through ongoing education and awareness at our monthly meetings we were able to improve our frequency with documentation discrepancies to 19% in 2019 (77 cases) Reviewing data with key stakeholders on a monthly basis allows for ongoing education and timely reconciliation of documentation of key elements necessary to identify appropriate risk factors. Accurate data abstraction affects overall outcome data reports.
Pressure-dependent kinetics of peroxy radicals formed in isobutanol combustion.

Bio-derived isobutanol has been approved as a gasoline additive in the US, but our understanding of its combustion chemistry still has significant uncertainties. Detailed quantum calculations could improve model accuracy leading to better estimation of isobutanol's combustion properties and its environmental impacts. This work examines 47 molecules and 38 reactions involved in the first oxygen addition to isobutanol's three alkyl radicals located α, β, and γ to the hydroxide. Quantum calculations are mostly done at CCSD(T)-F12/cc-pVTZ-F12//B3LYP/CBSB7, with 1-D hindered rotor corrections obtained at B3LYP/6-31G(d). The resulting potential energy surfaces are the most comprehensive isobutanol peroxy networks published to date. Canonical transition state theory and a 1-D microcanonical master equation are used to derive high-pressure-limit and pressure-dependent rate coefficients, respectively. At all conditions studied, the recombination of γ-isobutanol radical with O2 forms HO2 + isobutanal. The recombination of β-isobutanol radical with O2 forms a stabilized hydroperoxy alkyl radical below 400 K, water + an alkoxy radical at higher temperatures, and HO2 + an alkene above 1200 K. The recombination of β-isobutanol radical with O2 results in a mixture of products between 700–1100 K, forming acetone + formaldehyde + OH at lower temperatures and forming HO2 + alkenes at higher temperatures. The barrier heights, high-pressure-limit rates, and pressure-dependent kinetics generally agree with the results from previous quantum chemistry calculations. Six reaction rates in this work deviate by over three orders of magnitude from kinetics in detailed models of isobutanol combustion, suggesting the rates calculated here can help improve modeling of isobutanol combustion and its environmental fate.
Socioeconomic differences persist in use of permanent vs long-acting reversible contraception: An analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth, 2006 to 2010 vs 2015 to 2017.

Abstract Objective Permanent contraception has historically been more prevalent among non-White women with lower education and income. Given increasing popularity of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), we examine changing sociodemographic patterns of permanent contraception and LARC. Study design We performed a descriptive analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) from 2006 to 2017, with multivariable analyses of the 2006 to 2010 and 2015 to 2017 cohorts. Using multinomial logistic regression, we investigate predictors of contraceptive category (permanent contraception vs LARC, lower-efficacy contraception vs LARC) in reproductive-aged women. Results Total 8161 respondents were included in 2 distinct but analogous regression analyses: (1) the most recent survey cohort, 2015 to 2017 and (2) the cohort a decade prior, 2006 to 2010. Over this period, the prevalence of LARC increased nearly 3-fold (6.2%–16.7%), while permanent contraception use trended downwards (22%–18.6%). Yet, in adjusted models, we observed little change in the sociodemographic predictors of permanent contraception: from the early to recent cohort, use of permanent contraception (vs LARC) remained less likely among college graduates (multinomial odds ratio (OR) 0.45 [95% confidence interval 0.21, 0.97]) and Hispanic women (OR 0.41 [0.21, 0.82]). In addition, high income (>$74,999) and metropolitan residence came to predict less use (OR 0.33 [0.13, 0.84] and 0.47 [0.23, 0.97]). Multiparity, advanced age (over ≥35), and marital status remained strong predictors of permanent contraception. Conclusion Although use of LARC nearly equals that of permanent contraception in the most recent NSFG survey, socioeconomic differences persist. Continued effort is needed to detect and address structural barriers to accessing the most effective forms of contraception for women. Implications Comparing 2006–2010 to 2015–2017, reliance on female permanent contraception decreased while LARC use increased, making prevalence more similar. However, significant socioeconomic differences persist in who chooses permanent contraception, with urban, educated, higher income women more likely to use LARC. Ongoing efforts are needed to understand and reduce economic barriers to LARC.
Synchronous Message-Passing with Priority

In this paper we introduce a tiered-priority mechanism for a synchronous message-passing language with support for selective communication and first-class communication protocols. Crucially our mechanism allows higher priority threads to communicate with lower priority threads, providing the ability to express programs that would be rejected by classic priority mechanisms that disallow any (potentially) blocking interactions between threads of differing priorities. We provide a prototype implementation of our tiered-priority mechanism capable of expressing Concurrent ML and built in the MLton SML compiler and runtime. We evaluate the viability of our implementation by implementing a safe and predictable shutdown mechanisms in the Swerve webserver and eXene windowing toolkit. Our experiments show that priority can be easily added to existing CML programs without degrading performance. Our system exhibits negligible overheads on more modest workloads.