cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is the American health care delivery system ready for change

In October 1992, the American College of Physician Executives sponsored a study tour to Berlin, Germany, and Amsterdam, Holland. Meetings were held with government officials, third-party payers, and providers, and on-site visits were made at hospitals, clinics, and academic centers. The purpose was to study the health care delivery system in those countries and to share some insights with the countries' hosts on the U.S. system. In a series of reports that began in the July issue of the journal, 5 of the 10 study tour participants describe their impressions of the tour and of the health care systems in the countries that were visited. In this final report, the implications of the German and Dutch systems for reform of the U.S. health care system are discussed.
Immune System Disorders and Epigenetics

Our understanding of epigenetics in complex diseases is rapidly advancing and increasingly influencing the practice of medicine. Much is known about disruption of chromatin-modifying enzymes in malignant disease, but knowledge of irregular epigenetics in immune-driven disorders is just emerging. Epigenetic factors, such as DNA or histone modifications, are indispensable for precise gene expression in diverse immune cell types. Thus a disruption of epigenetic landscapes likely has a large impact on immune homeostasis. Moreover, the low concordance rates for most autoimmune diseases suggest that epigenetics contribute to immune tolerance disturbance. Here we review the important role of epigenetics for initiation, maintenance, tolerance, and training of immune responses. We discuss evolving evidence that DNA/histone modifications and chromatin-modifying enzymes are altered in immune-based diseases. Furthermore, we explore the potential of small molecules targeting epigenetic machinery, some of which are already used in oncology, as a way to reset the immune response in disease.
Paul’s Euripides, Greek tragedy and Hebrew antiquity in Paradise Regain’d

ABSTRACTThe exchange between Satan and Jesus in Book IV of Paradise Regained is the first substantial account of tragedy in John Milton’s 1671 volume. In his response to Satan’s Athenian temptation, Jesus offers an alternative to the more familiar defence of tragedy in the preface to Samson Agonistes. Here, Jesus invokes the Hebrew prehistory of Attic tragedy, expanding Milton’s tragic archive beyond the antique Athenians themselves, drawing instead upon Clement of Alexandria and Socrates of Constantinople – both of whom support Milton’s idiosyncratic belief that Paul quoted Euripides at I Corinthians 15:33. And where Clement and Socrates support this tragic provenance, they also address the vexed relationship between Christian faith and heathen learning. Far from showing contempt for Athenian art or erudition, Milton invokes these Patristic sources to enable readers to locate Jesus’ critical response in a dynamic relationship to the relevant preface to Samson Agonistes.
Minimizing Salmonella Contamination on Broiler Carcasses with Poly (Hexamethylenebiguanide Hydrochloride).

Broiler carcasses, each inoculated with 30 cells of marker Salmonella heidelberg , were prechilled and chilled together with uninoculated carcasses in a simulated commercial chilling system. When either 10 or 25 ppm of PHMB [poly(hexamethylenebiguanide hydrochloride)] was added to the prechill water, cross-contamination (uninoculated carcasses showing contamination with marker Salmonella after chilling) was prevented, and no viable Salmonella were found on the inoculated carcasses. When carcasses, each inoculated with 60,000 cells of marker Salmonella , were similarly chilled, and 10 ppm of PHMB was added to the prechill water, cross-contamination was not prevented, and viable Salmonella were found on the inoculated carcasses. With 60,000 cells, and 25 ppm PHMB, cross-contamination was prevented, but viable Salmonella remained on the inoculated carcasses.
Remarkable, But Not Special: What Human Brains Are Made of

Most textbooks at this point still consider that the human brain is “larger than expected,” has “the most developed cerebral cortex,” and “costs an extraordinary amount of energy,” encouraging the view that the human brain has escaped the evolutionary rules that apply to all other animals. This chapter reviews new evidence on the numbers of neurons that compose the human brain and how they compare to numbers in other primates. A new understanding of our place in nature is proposed as a species whose brain is not extraordinary in evolutionary terms—but is indeed capable of remarkable feats, thanks to its unique biological capabilities and the development and cultural transmission of technology that those capabilities make possible, leading to human brains of amazing cognitive abilities.
Primary Nonadherence to Overactive Bladder Medications in an Integrated Managed Care Health Care System

BACKGROUND: Treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) remains suboptimal, in part because of patient nonadherence to medications. Primary nonadherence is when patients fail to pick up their initial prescriptions. OBJECTIVE: To measure primary nonadherence to OAB medications within 30 days of a first OAB prescription order using electronic medical records from a U.S. managed care health care system METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using electronic medical records from the Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) database to identify patients with new OAB prescriptions between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013. The index date was defined as the first order of an OAB prescription. Patients had to be aged ≥ 18 years on the index date and were required to have 12 months of continuous membership with drug benefit eligibility before, during, and after the index date. Patients were defined as primary nonadherent if they did not pick up their new OAB prescriptions within 30 days of the ord...
“Of Here and Everywhere”: Dynamic Spatial Perspectives in Twelfth Night

This essay examines the ways that Twelfth Night’s spatial dynamics provide a lens by which to observe the intricate connections between diegetic and mimetic spaces, as well as between the perceptio...
Additions to a catalogue of the described Recent and Tertiary species of Acesta and Plicacesta

In an earlier number of the Tulane Studies in Geology (vol. 1, no. 2, 1963), the writer presented a catalogue of the described Recent and Tertiary species of Acesta, based upon references collected while preparing the description of Lima (Acesta) bullisi H. E. Vokes. At that time it was noted that since the catalogue was the result of a canvass of the literature it was "quite possible" that some species had been overlooked. This latter statement subsequently has proved to be correct and it is now possible to supplement the previous listing and thus to make it more complete. The writer is greatly indebted to Professor R. L. Merklin of the Paleontological Institute, Akademy Nauk, U.S.S.R., for calling his attention to the eastern Siberian occurrences of Acesta and furnishing a photocopy of an important reference.
A percolation defect nucleation and growth model for assessment of the impact of low-k dielectric breakdown on circuit reliability

We postulate that BEOL dielectric breakdown can be described by the nucleation and subsequent growth of percolation defects. We develop a semi-empirical model to describe the statistics of post-breakdown current growth and eventual hard breakdown. The model predicts experimentally accessible interconnect lengths will exhibit a Poisson length dependence of the time to hard breakdown, and a percentile-dependent length dependence of the growth time. At the low percentiles of failure time distributions relevant to circuit reliability, the growth time is independent of the interconnect length, and as a result the reliability of circuits is dominated entirely by growth times. These findings provide the basis of new methodology for prediction of dielectric reliability that exhibits substantial increases compared to current industry standard methods.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifies Two Discrete Druggable Signaling Pathways in Follicular Thyroid Cancer

Background Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with continuously increasing incidence. Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of these cases and is known to be associated with several gene mutations. The purpose of this study was to identify novel therapeutic targets in FTC using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analysis. Study design Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 6 established FTC cell lines. Stringent false-proof filtering and exclusion of synonymous and known polymorphisms yielded novel missense, nonsense, and splice-site single nucleotide variants (SNV). Gene variants were analyzed for structural, functional, and evolutionary properties using GO (Gene Ontology), Pfam (Protein Families), and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) searches by STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins) and GORILLA (Gene Ontology enRIchment anaLysis and visuaLizAtion tool) analyses. A false discovery rate of Results An average of 657 (range 366 to 1,158) SNVs including 31 (range 12 to 53) known cancer driver genes were identified in FTC cell line exomes. The SNV burden, distribution, frequency, and signature followed the known thyroid mutation profiles, without chromosomal bias. Recurrently mutated cancer driver genes included FRG1 (6/6), CDC27, NCOR1, PRSS1 (5/6), AHCTF1, MUC20, PABPC1, and PABPC3 (4/6). Pathway analysis using bioinformatics tools STRING and GORILLA segregated FTC cell lines into 2 druggable signaling groups showing dominant RAS/ERK1-2/AKT and CDK1/CyclinB signaling pathway targets. Conclusions Next-generation sequencing tools can be used to identify druggable signaling targets for precision treatment of FTCs.
Translation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program to Engage Men in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods in New York City: A Description of Power Up for Health

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) landmark randomized trial demonstrated that participants with prediabetes could reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes by 58% if they achieved 5%-7% weight loss through healthy eating and increasing physical activity. The National DPP (NDPP) is a group intervention based on the DPP and has been widely disseminated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and many healthcare institutions. While data show that the program is effective in diverse populations, enrollment among men from low-income and minority communities is low. Thus, the study piloted a novel adaptation focused on men living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The study approach to adaptation and implementation used characteristics of participatory research, including input from an expert panel of African American and Latino leaders, ongoing consultation with an Advisory Panel, and focus groups with members of the target population. Discussions with these groups focused on male perspectives regarding health promotion and barriers and facilitators to participation in health programming for men. There was general agreement when reviewing ongoing pilot program implementation that the adapted program should have male-only groups with male coaches, as the Advisory Panel had originally suggested. The pilot programs were implemented at five New York City Department of Parks and Recreation sites in Harlem, the Bronx, and Brooklyn in 2015-2016.
Computer Program for Krishnaiah’s Finite Intersection Tests for Multiple Comparisons of Mean Vectors

The program FIT performs Krishnaiah’s finite intersection test procedure on the mean vectors from k multivariate populations. The test procedure is valid under the following assumptions: a) the k populations are distributed as multivariate normal, b) the covariance matrices of the k populations are equal. We can perform twosided or one-sided tests. The common covariance matrix, ∑ = (σij) may be unknown or known. When ∑ is unknown, the test statistics are distributed as multivariate F or multivariate t for the two-sided test or the one-sided test respectively. In the case when ∑ is known, then the test statistics are distributed as multivariate chi-square or multivariate normal for the two-sided test or the one-sided test respectively. The program FIT computes suitable bounds on the required percentage points of these distributions.
Calcium-Lipid Complexes in Human Platelets

Carefully washed human platelets contain calcium in an unusual state of chemical combination. Platelet calcium is non-ionic and is not exchangeable with ionic Ca 45 . On extraction of platelets with lipid solvents, the calcium separates with the phospholipids. The calcium-lipid complex thus obtained does not undergo any exchange with radioactive calcium. Study of other properties of platelets reveals that the clot-promoting activity of platelets (activated by antihemophilic factor and plasma thromboplastin component) also separates into the lipid fraction. Preliminary observations are reported on the nature of platelet lipids as revealed by paper chromatography and paper electrophoresis in solvents of low dielectric constant. Small amounts of proteolipid have been isolated from the lipid extracts. The unique calciumlipid complex is thought to originate in the cell membrane of the platelet.
Postscript (1964) on Cognitive Significance

The preceding essay is a conflation of two articles: ‘Problems and Changes in the Empiricist Criterion of Meaning’, Revue Internationale de Philosophie, No. 11 (1950), and ‘The Concept of Cognitive Significance: A Reconsideration’, Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences 80 (1951). In combining the two, I omitted particularly some parts of the first particle, which had been largely superseded by the second one;1 I also made a few minor changes in the remaining text. Some of the general problems raised in the combined essay are pursued further in Aspects of Scientific Explanation, especially in ‘The Theoretician’s Dilemma’. In this Postscript, I propose simply to note some second thoughts concerning particular poits in the preceding essay.
Advanced instrumentation for reprocessing.

Recent interest in reprocessing nuclear fuel in the U.S. has led to advanced separations processes that employ continuous processing and multiple extraction steps. These advanced plants will need to be designed with state-of-the-art instrumentation for materials accountancy and control. This research examines the current and upcoming instrumentation for nuclear materials accountancy for those most suited to the reprocessing environment. Though this topic has received attention time and again in the past, new technologies and changing world conditions require a renewed look and this subject. The needs for the advanced UREX+ separations concept are first identified, and then a literature review of current and upcoming measuring techniques is presented. The report concludes with a preliminary list of recommended instruments and measurement locations.
Constitutive Dicer1 phosphorylation accelerates metabolism and aging in vivo

DICER1 gene alterations and decreased expression are associated with developmental disorders and diseases in humans. Oscillation of Dicer1 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation regulates its function during the oocyte-to-embryo transition in Caenorhabditis elegans . Dicer1 is also phosphorylated upon FGF stimulation at conserved serines in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and HEK293 cells. However, whether phosphorylation of Dicer1 has a role in mammalian development remains unknown. To investigate the consequence of constitutive phosphorylation, we generated phosphomimetic knock-in mouse models by replacing conserved serines 1712 and 1836 with aspartic acids individually or together. Dicer1 S1836D/S1836D mice display highly penetrant postnatal lethality, and the few survivors display accelerated aging and infertility. Homozygous dual-phosphomimetic Dicer1 augments these defects, alters metabolism-associated miRNAs, and causes a hypermetabolic phenotype. Thus, constitutive phosphorylation of Dicer1 results in multiple pathologic processes in mice, indicating that phosphorylation tightly regulates Dicer1 function and activity in mammals.
Ray Curvature on a Flat Earth for Computing Virtual WSR-88D Signatures of Simulated Supercell Storms

AbstractTwo accepted postulates for applications of ground-based weather radars are that Earth’s surface is a perfect sphere and that all the rays launched at low-elevation angles have the same con...
Ranking Importance of Exoskeleton Design Aspects

The objective of this research project was to determine what a conglomerate of professionals consider as the most important metrics to consider when designing an exoskeleton for training. Over 400 ...
Design and Analysis of an Ultra-Dense, Low-Leakage, and Fast FeFET-Based Random Access Memory Array

High static power associated with static random access memory (SRAM) represents a bottleneck in increasing the amount of on-chip memory. Novel, emerging nonvolatile memories such as spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-RAM), resistive random access memory (RRAM), and ferroelectric field effect transistor-based random access memory (FeFET-RAM) are alternatives for replacing hardware kernels such as SRAM-based last level caches (LLC) due to their fast access times and lower leakage. In this paper, we study an ultra-dense FeFET-RAM based on 1-FeFET memory cells, and address potential disturbance issues at the array level. Disturbances are studied experimentally and via simulation. Experimental measurements are well correlated with modeling results suggesting that we have a good understanding of how disturbance issues will manifest themselves. That said, previous WRITE schemes for 1-FeFET arrays may: 1) exacerbate disturbances and 2) significantly degrade figures of merit (FoM) such as WRITE power. To address these issues, we propose the use of columnwise body connections to simultaneously overcome disturbances and reduce leakage currents during WRITES. We present detailed studies on how 1-FeFET memory cells and arrays (with columnwise body bias) fare when compared to traditional SRAM approaches and other emerging technologies. Notably, we benchmark the 1-FeFET memory against 1T * 1FeFET and 2T * 1FeFET designs proposed in early works, as well as SRAM, STT-RAM, and RRAM. Our evaluation of a $64\times 64$ FeFET-RAM array shows that the area, READ delay, and static power are reduced by $\sim 5.3\times $ , $\sim 1.5\times $ , and $\sim 74\times $ , respectively, when compared to an SRAM equivalent. Also, the 1-FeFET memory cell design shows $\sim 50\times $ improvements in terms of WRITE energy with respect to STT-RAM and RRAM counterparts.
A Focused Chiral Mutant Library of the Amyloid β 42 Central Electrostatic Cluster as a Tool To Stabilize Aggregation Intermediates.

Amyloidogenic peptides and proteins aggregate into fibrillary structures that are usually deposited in tissues and organs and are often involved in the development of diseases. In contrast to nativ...
Predicting Inpatient Medication Orders From Electronic Health Record Data

In a general inpatient population, we predicted patient-specific medication orders based on structured information in the electronic health record (EHR). Data on over three million medication orders from an academic medical center were used to train two machine-learning models: A deep learning sequence model and a logistic regression model. Both were compared with a baseline that ranked the most frequently ordered medications based on a patient's discharge hospital service and amount of time since admission. Models were trained to predict from 990 possible medications at the time of order entry. Fifty-five percent of medications ordered by physicians were ranked in the sequence model's top-10 predictions (logistic model: 49%) and 75% ranked in the top-25 (logistic model: 69%). Ninety-three percent of the sequence model's top-10 prediction sets contained at least one medication that physicians ordered within the next day. These findings demonstrate that medication orders can be predicted from information present in the EHR.
A randomized controlled noninferiority trial of reduced vs routine opioid prescription after prolapse repair.

Background Given the accelerating opioid crisis in the United States and evidence that patients use fewer opioid tablets than prescribed, surgeons may choose to decrease prescribed quantities. The effect this may have on patient satisfaction with pain control after hospital discharge is unknown. Objective The primary objective of this study was to compare patient satisfaction with postoperative pain control between patients receiving a routine or reduced quantity opioid prescription after prolapse repair. Secondary objectives included a comparison of opioid-related side-effects, the number of opioid tablets used, and the number of excess tablets prescribed between these groups. Study Design This was a single-center, unmasked, 2-arm, randomized controlled noninferiority trial of women who underwent a prolapse repair with a planned overnight hospitalization. Patients were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 study arms: routine (28 tablets of oxycodone 5 mg) or reduced (5 tablets) prescription of opioid tablets. Patients were eligible if they were at least 18 years of age and undergoing a prolapse repair with an anticipated overnight hospital stay. Exclusion criteria included a history of chronic pain, preoperative opioid use, intolerance to study medication, or a score of ≥30 on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. In addition to their opioid prescription, all patients received multimodal pain medications at discharge. Patients were asked to complete 6 weeks of diaries to record pain and medication use. The primary outcome (patient satisfaction) was collected as part of a postoperative survey completed at patients’ routine postoperative visit 6 weeks after surgery. The sample size for noninferiority was calculated at 59 patients per group for a total of 118 patients. Results One hundred eighteen patients were assigned randomly; the primary outcome was available for 116. The majority of patients were white, postmenopausal, and nonsmokers; the mean age was 62±10.4 years. The most common surgery was a hysterectomy with native tissue repair (n=71; 60%). One hundred ten patients (93%) were satisfied with postoperative pain control. Statistical analysis constructed for noninferiority showed that the difference between the groups was Conclusion Patient satisfaction with pain control was noninferior in patients who received a reduced quantity of opioid tablets after prolapse repair compared with those who received a routine prescription. A large quantity of excess opioid tablets was seen in both groups. Surgeons should consider prescribing 5–10 opioid tablets after prolapse repair surgery and consider applying these findings to postoperative prescribing after other gynecologic procedures.
Efavirenz nanomicelles loaded vaginal film (EZ film) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV.

Abstract Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using oral or vaginal microbicide is an emerging and effective strategy to prevent HIV transmission. Vaginal film is becoming more acceptable and a convenient dosage form compared to cream, gel and suppository. Extremely poor aqueous solubility of efavirenz (EFV) limits its use as vaginal microbicide. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a monomeric surfactant free, rapidly soluble vaginal film of EFV (EZ film). EZ film was prepared using a tetrafunctional block polymer (Tetronic 1107), carrageenan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by solvent evaporation method. First, different solubilizers were screened for EFV solubility, in vitro cytotoxicity and cell membrane integrity assay on HeLa cells. Optimized film was characterized for solid state, mechanical strength, epithelial integrity, in vitro drug release in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF), simulated seminal fluid (SSF) and in vitro anti-HIV activity. Optimized EZ film showed a particle size of 48 ± 3.8 nm with PDI of 0.299. Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) thermogram suggested the complete amorphization of EFV within the film. EZ film rapidly disintegrated (30 s) with complete release of EFV in SVF and SSF. The film was found to be non-toxic to HeLa cells and showed similar anti-HIV-1 activity as that of EFV in DMSO. EZ film did not show any significant change in the TEER value in HEC 1A cell line. Hence, the findings from the current study strongly suggest that the EZ film could be a cost-effective and convenient dosage form for PrEP of HIV.
Utilizing black-box visualization tools to interpret non-parametric real-time risk assessment models

This study bridges the gap between Real-Time Risk Assessment (RTRA) and its practical implications by following the post-hoc interpretability approach and utilizing black-box graphical tools for sa...
Contribution of sarcopenia and physical inactivity to mortality in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background & Aims Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle have contributed to the epidemic of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We assessed the association between physical activity, NAFLD, and sarcopenia, and their contributions to mortality. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004 with Linked Mortality file (through 2015) was utilised. NAFLD was determined by the US Fatty Liver Index in the absence of secondary causes of liver disease. Sarcopenia was defined using appendicular lean mass divided by body mass index by the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health criteria. Activity level was determined using standard self-reports. Publicly available imputed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry data sets were used. Results Of 4,611 NHANES participants (48.2% males; 72.5% White; mean age 45.9 years), NAFLD was present in 1,351 (29.3%), of whom 17.7% had sarcopenia. Of the NAFLD group, 46.3% was inactive, whilst intermediate and ideal physical activity rates were observed in 14.2% and 39.5%, respectively. Sarcopenia was significantly and inversely related to higher physical activity level, both amongst NAFLD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45 [95% CI 0.30–0.69]) and non-NAFLD (OR = 0.51 [0.35–0.75]) groups. During a median follow-up of 13.5 years, a total of 586 subjects died, of whom 251 had NAFLD. Amongst those who died with NAFLD, 33.0% had sarcopenia and 54.3% were inactive. Compared with NAFLD without sarcopenia, NAFLD with sarcopenia was associated with a higher risk of all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.78 [1.16–2.73]), cardiac-specific (HR = 3.19 [1.17–8.74]), and cancer-specific mortality (HR = 2.12 [1.08–4.15]). Conclusions Inactivity is associated with presence of sarcopenia, whilst sarcopenia is associated with increased mortality amongst NAFLD patients. Sarcopenia should be a part of clinical assessment of patients with NAFLD. Treatment of NAFLD should include optimal management of sarcopenia. Lay summary Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sarcopenia have similar pathophysiological profiles. Our data show that sarcopenia is associated with inactivity in subjects with NAFLD. The presence of sarcopenia in patients with NAFLD poses increased risk for all-cause and cardiac-specific mortality.
1S1R-Based Stable Learning through Single-Spike-Encoded Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity

Spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is emerging as a simple and biologically-plausible approach to learning, and specialized digital implementations are readily available. Memristor technology has been embraced as a much denser solution than digital static random-access memory (SRAM) implementations of STDP synapses, with plasticity capabilities built into the physics of these devices. One-selector-one-memristor (1S1R) arrays using volatile memristor devices as selectors are capable of the desired synaptic behavior using efficient spike-events, but previous literature has only explored the dynamics of single 1S1R synapses, or groups of synapses for single neurons. When placed in the context of an SNN, unintentional synapse disturbances are revealed that must be addressed. We present1 a technique for STDP-based learning, enabled for dense 1S1R technology and utilizing efficient single-spike encoding. This technique leverages the array's dynamics to produce models that are stable, resilient to noise, and power-efficient.
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) Following Campylobacter jejuni Infection in a 12-Year-Old Girl

We reported a case of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a 12-year-old girl shortly after developing fever and vomiting, and ultimately found to have Campylobacter jejuni by antigen detection and conventional stool culture. Campylobacter jejuni has been associated with peripheral demyelinating diseases including Guillain–Barre's syndrome, but it has not been previously implicated in central demyelination in children. The clinical description and review of the literature are included here.
The Prenatal Hormone Milieu in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Though the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains largely unknown, recent findings suggest that hormone dysregulation within the prenatal environment, in conjunction with genetic factors, may alter fetal neurodevelopment. Early emphasis has been placed on the potential role of in utero exposure to androgens, particularly testosterone, to theorize ASD as the manifestation of an “extreme male brain.” The relationship between autism risk and obstetric conditions associated with inflammation and steroid dysregulation merits a much broader understanding of the in utero steroid environment and its potential influence on fetal neuroendocrine development. The exploration of hormone dysregulation in the prenatal environment and ASD development builds upon prior research publishing associations with obstetric conditions and ASD risk. The insight gained may be applied to the development of chronic adult metabolic diseases that share prenatal risk factors with ASD. Future research directions will also be discussed.
Lateral orbital wall anomaly in a patient with thyroid eye disease

An isolated defect in the lateral orbital wall is an uncommon occurrence, although cases of orbital floor, roof, and medial wall spontaneous dehiscence have been described in the literature. Here, we describe a lateral orbital wall defect in a patient with thyroid eye disease - which may be related to bony remodeling or may represent a rare congenital anomaly. Computed tomography (CT) prior to decompression surgery revealed a defect in the left lateral orbital wall. At the time of orbital decompression, prolapse of buccal fat into the orbit was noted once the subperiosteal plane was entered along the lateral orbital wall in the area of this bony defect. Literature review revealed only a few previous reports of lateral wall abnormalities, including two involving the inferior orbital fissure; one other case was associated with Down syndrome, and other reports consist of sphenoid hypoplasia associated with neurofibromatosis.
Community Perspectives on the Creation of a Hospital-Based Doula Program

Objective: Racial and ethnic inequities in perinatal health outcomes are pervasive. Doula support is an evidence-based practice for improving maternal outcomes. However, women in lower-income popul...
MRE for Prediction of Long-Term Progression and Outcome in Chronic Liver Disease: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION While magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been well-established for detecting and staging liver fibrosis, its prognostic role in determining outcomes of chronic liver disease (CLD) is mostly unknown. METHODS This retrospective study comprised of 1269 subjects who underwent MRE between 2007 and 2009 and followed-up until death or last known clinical encounter or end of study period. Charts were reviewed for cirrhosis development, decompensation, and transplant or death. The cohort was split into: baseline non-cirrhosis (group 1), compensated cirrhosis (group 2), and decompensated cirrhosis (group 3). Cox-regression analysis with age, sex, splenomegaly, CLD etiology, Child-Pugh Score (CPS), Fib-4 score, and MELD-adjusted Hazard ratios (HR) for every 1kPa increase in liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were used to assess the predictive performance of MRE on outcomes. RESULTS Group 1 (n=821) had baseline median LSM of 2.8kPa and cirrhosis developed in 72 (8.8%) subjects with an overall rate of ~1% cirrhosis/year. Baseline LSM predicted the future cirrhosis with multivariable adjusted HR of 2.38 (p< 0.0001) (concordance, 0.84). In group 2 (n=277) with baseline median LSM of 5.7kPa, 83 (30%) subjects developed decompensation. Baseline LSM predicted the future decompensation in cirrhosis with Fib-4 and MELD-adjusted HR of 1.22 (p<0.0001) (concordance, 0.75). In group 3 (n=171) with median baseline LSM of 6.8kPa (5.2, 8.4), 113 (66%) subjects had either death or transplant. Baseline LSM predicted the future transplant or death with HR of 1.11 (p=0.013) (concordance 0.53) but not in CPS and MELD-adjusted models (p=0.08). CONCLUSION MRE-based LSM is independently predictive of development of future cirrhosis and decompensation, and has predictive value in future transplant/death in CLD patients.
Lignin, sugar, and furan production of industrial hemp biomass via an integrated process

Abstract Traditional pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass is often accompanied by washing and disposal of wastewater, which leads to overuse of water and loss of by-products. The objectives of this study were to validate the potential of an acid-base integrated process for simultaneous sugars, furans, and lignin production without washing and wastewater discarding. The difference in conversion performance among different biomass resources was also demonstrated. Parallel acetic acid (HOAc, pH = 2.25) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH, pH = 13.46) pretreatments followed by solid and liquid integration were applied to four genotypes of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) biomass that were harvested from two planting locations (Haysville and Manhattan, KS). Results showed that genotype, planting location, and their interaction had notable influences on biomass composition and its conversion to bioproducts but exhibited different trends. Glucan content of biomass from Haysville, ranging from 47.29 to 50.05%, were higher than those of 42.49–48.38 % from Manhattan with the lowest being Vega (Manhattan) and the highest being Hlukouskii (Haysville). Xylan and lignin contents in all the hemp genotypes were 11.70–13.88 % and 10.45–15.14 %, respectively. The integration process effectively rendered the pH of the integrated filtrate and slurry to approximately 4.80. The highest lignin recovery of 73.13 g/kg biomass was achieved by Rigel from Manhattan. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization showed that only lignin derived from Vega (Haysville) and Anka (Manhattan) was comparable to the commercial alkali lignin. Retaining monosaccharides (2.24–3.81 g/L) enhanced sugar concentrations (glucose: 40.40–45.71 g/L; xylose: 7.09–8.88 g/L) and conversion efficiencies (glucose: 71.19–77.71 %; xylose: 45.42–52.03 %). Besides, furans including 0.79–1.25 g/L of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 0.99–1.59 g/L of furfural coupling with 1.96–2.95 % and 10.00–14.65 % conversion efficiencies, respectively, were obtained in the final hydrolysate. Biomass from Haysville produced relatively higher glucose concentrations than those from Manhattan. Based on mass balance, the most productive genotype was Rigel. This study offers essential information to reduce water and chemical overconsumption and to understand the effects of genotype and planting location on biomass valorization.
Investigating the Impact of Various Partial Diacritization Schemes on Arabic-English Statistical Machine Translation.

Most diacritics in Arabic represent short vowels. In Arabic orthography, such diacritics are considered optional. The absence of these diacritics naturally leads to significant word ambiguity to top the inherent ambiguity present in fully diacritized words. Word ambiguity is a significant impediment for machine translation. Despite the ambiguity presented by lack of diacritization, context helps ameliorate the situation. Identifying the appropriate amount of diacritic restoration to reduce word sense ambiguity in the context of machine translation is the object of this paper. Diacritic marks help reduce the number of possible lexical word choices assigned to a source word which leads to better quality translated sentences. We investigate a variety of (linguistically motivated) partial diacritization schemes that preserve some of the semantics that in essence complement the implicit contextual information present in the sentences. We also study the effect of training data size and report results on three standard test sets that represent a combination of different genres. The results show statistically significant improvements for some schemes compared to two baselines: text with no diacritics (the typical writing system adopted for Arabic) and text that is fully diacritized.
Purchase Intentions and Brand Possession as Predictors of Brand Choice for Major Appliances

This paper examines the impact of Purchase Intentions and Brand Possession as predictors of actual Brand Choice in the context of major appliances. Individual as well as joint effects of the two indicators on Brand Choice is examined through a set of conceptual propositions. Predictive power of the two indicators are compared through a classificatory analysis scheme. An approach to developing composite indices to better predict brand choice is suggested.
Application of a robustness measure for parameter estimation

The application of a novel approach to robust parameter estimation is investigated. As opposed to schemes based on classical saddlepoint techniques, this new approach is based on geometric concepts. An advantage to this method is that quantitative measures of robustness, which can be applied to finite sample and/or asymptotic studies, for a particular estimator can be obtained. These robustness measures are used to compare the robustness and performance characteristics of three location estimation schemes for the case where the data are modeled by independent and nominally identically distributed Laplace random variables. The three estimators studied are the sample mean, the sample median, and a censored sample mean estimate. >
Quasi-optical discrete beam steering grids

Quasi-optical discrete beam-steering grids were presented using PIN-diode switch arrays to change reactances across the transmission aperture. E-plane and H-plane beam-steering angles of (+10/spl deg/, -12.5/spl deg/) and /spl plusmn/20/spl deg/ were demonstrated at 3 GHz, respectively, with transmission losses less than 6 dB. The insertion loss is due to the series resistance of the PIN-diodes and can be reduced by reducing the series resistance of the switches. The theory was verified with a 5-GHz passive grid, which had E-plane and H-plane beam-steering angles of (+12.5/spl deg/, -15/spl deg/) and /spl plusmn/12.5/spl deg/, respectively, compared with the theoretical angles of +12/spl deg/. The total transmission losses were less than 2 dB. Millimeterwave discrete beam-steering grids are proposed using new MEMS see-saw-bar switches to reduce losses.
Building Layered Models to Support Engineering Decision Making: A Machine Learning Approach

This paper presents a new model building methodology which, given a detailed mechanistic model of a task, can optimally produce a set of models with layered abstraction according to the user’s specified modeling objectives. These layered models can be used to evaluate decisions made at different levels of abstraction during a typical problem-solving process such as engineering design and planning. In our research, the model building process is viewed as a learning activity and inductive machine learning techniques from AI are combined with traditional optimization methods to form our prototype model building system called AIMS (Adaptive and Interactive Modeling System). The layered analysis models built by AIMS offer several distinctive advantages over those traditional analysis models which can only provide evaluations at very detailed stages of decision making. These advantages include: early evaluation to avoid costly iterations, fast execution for interactive applications, more comprehensibility for human inspection, and deep roots in domain physics for higher accuracy. Case study results of building layered models for a process design task of an intermittent cutting process are presented as a demonstration of the potential use of our system. We also explain this model building research in the context of the knowledge processing technology as a new foundation for advanced engineering automation.
Dimeric Structure and Zinc Content of Bovine Liver Rhodanese

Evidence from gel filtration and sedimentation studies of crystalline bovine liver rhodanese indicated that the enzyme molecule of 37,000 molecular weight is a dimer. In the native state, this form is in rapid, pH-dependent equilibrium with the monomeric species. A stable dimer is formed under mild oxidizing conditions. Analysis of the protein by peptide mapping indicated that the monomers are identical. Polarographic analysis for metal ions showed that the enzyme contains 1 zinc ion per monomer.
IRB REVIEW AND CONSENT IN HUMAN TISSUE RESEARCH

The use of human tissues in research is the focus of intense scrutiny and debate by researchers, ethicists, and policy-makers. Authors of published studies were surveyed to better understand the role of consent and institutional review board (IRB) oversight in contemporary human tissue research. Funded projects were more likely to be IRB-approved, nonapproved studies were more likely to use archived clinical samples, and nonapproved studies were more likely to use samples in identifiable form. It is concluded that education of the research community is necessary, that institutions should require review of research protocols, and that journals should adopt and enforce editorial policies requiring IRB approval.
Comparison of 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography–Based Measurement of Glenoid Bone Loss With Arthroscopic Defect Size Estimation in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare four 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) methods of measuring glenoid bone loss with the arthroscopic estimation of glenoid bone loss. Methods Twenty patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability underwent bilateral shoulder CT scans and were found to have glenoid bone loss. Arthroscopic estimation of glenoid bone loss was performed in all patients. Three-dimensional CT reconstruction was performed on the CT scans of each patient. The glenoid bone loss of each patient was measured using the surface area, Pico, ratio, and anteroposterior distance–from–bare area methods. The mean percent loss calculated with each method was compared with arthroscopy to determine the reliability of arthroscopy in the measurement of glenoid bone loss. Results The mean percent bone loss calculated with arthroscopic estimation, surface area, Pico, ratio, and anteroposterior distance–from–bare area methods was 18.13% ± 11.81%, 12.15% ± 8.50% ( P = .005), 12.77% ± 8.17% ( P = .002), 9.50% ± 8.74% ( P P = .001), respectively. Repeated-measures analysis of variance showed that the 3D CT methods and arthroscopy were significantly different ( F 4,76 = 13.168, P = .02). The estimate using arthroscopy is 55% greater than the average of the 3D CT methods. Conclusions Our findings suggest that arthroscopy significantly overestimates glenoid bone loss compared with CT and call into question its validity as a method of measurement. A more internally consistent and accurate method for the measurement of glenoid bone loss is necessary to appropriately diagnose and treat shoulder instability. Level of Evidence Level IV, case series.
TRANSIENT MACROAMYLASEMIA DURING AN EXACERBATION OF ACUTE INTERMITTENT PORPHYRIA

The clinical course and laboratory data of a patient with acute intermittent porphyria and transient macroamylasemia are presented. Electrophoresis and gel filtration of the serum revealed the presence of normal amylase plus a large molecular complex (molecular weight greater than 100,000) with amylase activity. The macroamylase disappeared from the serum following remission of symptoms of acute intermittent porphyria. This is the 1st reported case of transient macroamylasemia. A method which might serve as a useful screening test for the presence of macroamylase is described.
Unknown time-varying input delay compensation for neuromuscular electrical stimulation

In the present work, a control method is developed to yield lower limb tracking with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), despite an unknown time-varying input delay intrinsic to NMES, uncertain nonlinear dynamics, and additive bounded disturbances. A novel filtered tracking error signal is designed to obtain a delay-free control expression in the closed-loop error system. Furthermore, the filtered tracking error signal removes the requirement of exact knowledge of the input delay in the control design. The control development is based on an approach that uses Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals in a Lyapunov-based stability analysis to prove ultimately bounded tracking error signals. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the developed controller.
Effects of two levels of gastational-lactational undernutrition on the postweaning growth of the rat cerebellum

Abstract Rats subjected to 75% (mild) or 50% (severe) undernutrition during the embryonic and suckling periods were rehabilitated after weaning at 21 days. There were slight effects on the postweaning growth of body and brain in the 75% group and no demonstrable retardation of the cerebellum at the histological level. The 50% undernourished animals showed a drastic reduction in brain and cerebellar weights and permanent losses in the number of stellate, basket, granule, and Purkinje cells. There was evidence of some compensatory increase in the number of granule cells between 20 and 30 days which is not seen in normal animals. There was continuing growth of the brain and areal recovery of the molecular and internal granular layers in the severely undernourished animals up to 120 days but no total compensation at that age.
Is the IS Crisis Real?: Business School Deans and IS Academics Respond

This article surveys business school deans and IS academics regarding their level of agreement with concerns attributed to the Information Systems discipline as summarized in Ives and Adams (2012). The responses of the two constituent groups are evaluated independently, then the responses are juxtaposed for between-group analysis. Additional concerns are elicited from the respective groups, and the social representations generated are reported per stakeholder group. Analysis is illustrated through network topic maps and discussed based on the authors' interpretations of the findings. The findings show some marked differences between the groups suggesting that IS academics are more critical of the IS discipline than business school deans.