cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Multi-level Modeling with Eye-Tracking Data to Predict Metacognitive Monitoring and Self-regulated Learning with Crystal Island

Studies investigating the effectiveness of game-based learning environments GBLEs have reported the effectiveness of these environments on learning and retention. However, there is limited research on using eye-tracking data to investigate metacognitive monitoring with GBLEs. We report on a study that investigated how college students' eye tracking behavior ni?ź=i?ź25 predicted performance on embedded assessments within the Crystal Island GBLE. Results revealed that the number of books, proportion of fixations on book and article content, and proportion of fixations on concept matrices--embedded assessments associated with each in-game book and article--significantly predicted the number of concept matrix attempts. These findings suggest that participants strategized when reading book and article content and completing assessments, which led to better performance. Implications for designing adaptive GBLEs include adapting to individual student needs based on eye-tracking behavior in order to foster efficient completion of in-game embedded assessments.
Masked software occlusion culling

Efficient occlusion culling in dynamic scenes is a very important topic to the game and real-time graphics community in order to accelerate rendering. We present a novel algorithm inspired by recent advances in depth culling for graphics hardware, but adapted and optimized for SIMD-capable CPUs. Our algorithm has very low memory overhead and is 3x faster than previous work, while culling 98% of all triangles culled by a full resolution depth buffer approach. It supports interleaving occluder rasterization and occlusion queries without penalty, making it easy to use in scene graph traversal or rendering code.
Herpes zoster infection after autologous bone marrow transplantation

One hundred fifty-three patients who underwent autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT) were studied retrospectively to determine the frequency, outcome, and risk-factors associated with varicella-zoster infections (VZV). Forty-three patients (28%) developed VZV infection after transplant. The median onset of infection was the fifth month, with 91% of cases occurring within the first year. Thirty-three patients (77%) had localized herpes zoster, and ten patients (23%) had varicella. Cutaneous dissemination developed in 15% of patients and probable visceral dissemination developed in 5%. Overall morbidity was 25% and included scarring, alopecia, postherpetic neuralgia, and neurologic dysfunction. There were no deaths from VZV infection. The majority of patients (79%) were treated with intravenous (IV) acyclovir. The only significant risk factor associated with VZV infection was the underlying disease. VZV infection occurred most frequently in patients with Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (46%) as compared with patients with leukemia (23%) or solid tumors (9%) (P less than .002). The frequency of VZV infection in ABMT patients appears to be comparable to that reported for allogeneic BMT patients and other immunocompromised patients.
Alcohol, Coronary Heart Disease, and Total Mortality

The dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption, coronary heart disease, and total mortality was examined. The results indicated that moderate consumers (1 to 2 drinks/day) were at a lower risk of coronary heart disease than nonconsumers or heavy consumers. Evaluation of total mortality in relationship to alcohol consumption reveals that a similar U-shaped relationship to longevity exists.
Pediatric asthma hospitalizations among urban minority children and the continuity of primary care

Objective: To examine the effect of ambulatory health care processes on asthma hospitalizations. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using electronic health records was completed. Patients aged 2...
The adhesive effect on ultrasonic Lamb wave detection sensitivity of remotely bonded fiber Bragg grating sensors

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are excellent transducers for ultrasonic signal detection in structural health monitoring (SHM) application. While the FBG sensors are typically bonded directly on the surface of a structure to collect signals, one of the major challenges arises from demodulating relevant information from the low amplitude signal. The authors have experimentally demonstrated that the ultrasonic wave detection sensitivity of FBG sensors can be increased by bonding optical fiber away from the FBG location. This configuration is referred to here as remote bonding. However the mechanism causing this phenomenon has not been explored. In this work, we simulate the previous experimental work through a transient analysis based on the finite element method, and the output FBG response is calculated through the transfer matrix method. We first model an optical fiber bonded on the surface of an aluminum plate with an adhesive. The consistent input signal is excited to the plate, which is detected by the directly and remotely-bonded FBGs. The effect of the presence of the adhesive around the FBG is investigated by analyzing strain and displacement along the length of the FBGs at the locations of direct and remote bonding cases, and the consequent output FBG responses. The result demonstrates that the sensitivity difference between the direct and remote bonding cases is originated from shear lag effect due to adhesive.
Protectors of the Neonatal Gut: Clostridia Send Pathogens Packing

Commensal bacteria are known to provide colonization resistance in the gut. But exactly which ones provide this function? In a recent paper in Science, Kim et al. (2017) revealed that Clostridia added to mouse infant gut microbiota are sufficient to limit colonization of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae.
Abstract 21366: Atrial Fibrillation Adversely Affects Readmission Outcomes for Heart Failure: Observations From the Nationwide Readmissions Database

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation(AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. Readmissions in HF is a rising concern. Hypothesis: AF affects 90-day readmissions following admission for HF. Methods: T...
The Criminal Victimization of Immigrants: A Meta Survey

Data from international and historical sources show that immigrants: are at greater risk of criminal and civil victimization than native-born people; are usually victimized by fellow immigrants; are often the victims of hate crime; and are vulnerable to victimization by virtue of lacking knowledge of the culture and resources needed to cope.
Assessment and Management of Acute Respiratory Distress in the ICU

Acute respiratory distress is a common reason for ICU admission and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Delayed treatment can be catastrophic, whereas prompt and appropriate intervention can positively impact outcome. In this chapter we discuss the pathophysiology of respiratory distress clinicians may encounter in the ICU and management strategies for acute respiratory distress. Even with optimal management, many patients will experience profound morbidity and require prolonged intensive medical support. Long-term considerations must be consistent with the patient’s goals of care.
Intraoperative Ultrasound During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Alternative to Cholangiography

Laparoscopic ultrasound is an effective diagnostic tool that can be utilized in a wide range of operations. A common use in general surgery is during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in order to identify stones in the common bile duct (choledocholithiasis) and examine the anatomy of the biliary tree. Although intraoperative cholangiography has become the more pervasively utilized imaging modality for these purposes, ultrasound offers several advantages, including the absence of radiation and contrast dye exposure, faster scanning times, and superior cost-effectiveness, all while achieving an equivalent level of diagnostic accuracy. This chapter details the techniques necessary for performing ultrasound during laparoscopic cholecystectomy and describes the relevant literature pertaining to clinical outcomes and comparisons with intraoperative cholangiography.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation and Osteochondral Autograft Transfer

Cartilage defects commonly occur in young, active patients and can be debilitating injuries with patients experiencing significant pain and swelling. Clinical diagnosis is made using a combination of patient history, physical exam, imaging, and diagnostic arthroscopy. In patients who have failed conservative measures such as physical therapy, tolerable lifestyle modification, and injection treatments, surgical options exist including microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft transfer, or osteochondral allograft transplantation. In this article, we present the diagnosis, indications, surgical technique, and reported outcomes for the treatment of cartilage defects with both osteochondral autograft transfer and osteochondral allograft transplantation.
Effects of abnormal light-rearing conditions on retinal physiology in larvae zebrafish.

PURPOSE. Anatomic studies have found that zebrafish retinal neurons develop in a sequential fashion. In addition, exposure to abnormal light-rearing conditions produces deficits in visual behavior of larvae zebrafish, even though there appears to be little effect of the light-rearing conditions on the gross morphology of the retina. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of abnormal light-rearing conditions on larvae zebrafish retinal physiology. METHODS. Larvae zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to constant light (LL), constant dark (DD), or normal cyclic light (LD) from fertilization to 6 days postfertilization (dpf). After 6 days, the animals were placed into normal cyclic light and tested at 6 to 8, 13 to 15, and 21 to 24 dpf. Electroretinogram (ERG) responses to visual stimuli, consisting of various wavelengths and irradiances, were recorded. Comparisons were made across the three age groups and the three light-rearing conditions. RESULTS. Deficits from the light-rearing conditions were seen immediately after exposure (6-8 dpf). The LL-condition subjects showed the greatest deficit in the UV and short-wavelength areas and the DD-condition subjects showed a slight deficit across the entire spectrum. At 13 to 15 dpf, the LL and DD groups showed an increase in sensitivity and by 21 to 24 dpf, the groups no longer differed from controls. CONCLUSIONS. Abnormal lighting environments can adversely influence the physiological development of the larvae zebrafish retina. The pattern of damage that was seen in zebrafish is similar to that found in other vertebrates, including higher vertebrates. However, unlike higher vertebrates, the zebrafish appears to be capable of regeneration. This suggests that the zebrafish would be a viable model for light environment effects and neural regeneration.
Use of FK 506 in pancreas transplantation.

Until recently, FK 506 was used only for rescue therapy after pancreas transplantation. We report our initial experience with FK 506 for 67 pancreas recipients (treated between 1 May 1993 and 30 April 1995). Of these recipients, 49 (73%) received FK506 for induction and maintenance therapy, 12 (18%) for rescue or antirejection therapy, and 6 (9%) for reasons other than rescue or antirejection therapy. In our induction and maintenance therapy group, 32 recipients (65%) underwent a simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant (SPK), 8 (16%) a pancreas transplant alone (PTA), and 9 (19%) a pancreas after previous kidney transplant (PAK). Quadruple immunosuppression was used for induction; the median FK506 starting dose was 4 mg/day p. o. and target levels were 10–20 ng/ ml. The most common side effects were nephrotoxicity (16%) and neurotoxicity (14%); transient episodes of hyperglycemia were also noted (12%), in particular in the presence of concurrent rejection and infection episodes. A matched-pair analysis was done to compare graft outcome with FK 506 versus cyclosporin A (CsA). For SPK recipients, pancreas graft survival at 6 months was 79% with FK 506 versus 65% with CsA (P = 0.04), for PTA, 100% versus 63% (P > 0.35), and for PAK, 88% versus 33% (P > 0.01). Pancreas graft loss due to rejection at 6 months posttransplant was lower with FK506 versus CsA. Two FK 506 recipients died from B-cell lymphomas (Epstein-Barr virus positive) at 6 and 7 months post-transplant. In our rescue or anti-rejection group, 5 recipients underwent SPK, 3 PTA, and 4 PAK. The mean average FK 506 dose was 10 mg/day p. o. and the mean average FK506 blood level was 11 ng/ml. The most common side effects were nephrotoxicity (33%) and neurotoxicity (16%). Two recipients developed hyperglycemic episodes, of whom 1 has remained on insulin with good exocrine pancreas graft function. Graft survival at 6 months after conversion was 75% for SPK, 67% for PTA, and 50% for PAK. Only one graft was lost due to chronic rejection. Our single-center experience shows that FK 506 after pancreas transplantation is associated with: (1) a low rate of graft loss due to rejection when used for induction, in particular for solitary pancreas transplants, (2) a high rate of graft salvage when used for rescue, (3) a 1% rate of new-onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and (4) a 3% rate of posttransplant lymphoma. Further studies are necessary to analyze the long-term impact of FK506 on pancreas transplant outcome.
Information Interpretation in a Real-Time Knowledge-Based Respiratory Monitoring System

This presentation is on the design and implementation of a real-time knowledge-based respiratory monitoring system (REKREM). The objective of the REKREM system is to carry out safety monitoring in the operating room by comprehensive monitoring and intelligent interpretation of the respiratory and ventilatory status of the patient.
The Trial of Jefferson Davis and the Treason Controversy

The purpose of this article is to suggest that the Supreme Court, in failing to deliver a holding on the possibility of allegiance abrogation during the Jefferson Davis trial for treason, failed to provide a necessary legal precedent for treason charges and also failed to provide a means of understanding the purpose of the Treason Clause’s inclusion in the Constitution. A holding on this question could have provided much needed guidance for the justice department to prosecute subsequent types of conduct that properly fell under the definition of treason. The absence of this precedent left treason prosecutions susceptible to circumvention, as evidence by the Cramer trial, which all but advocated such a tactic. Ambiguities and inconsistencies in treason law persisted as evidenced by the cases of Ex Parte Quirin, United States v. Rosenberg, and Hamdi v. Rumsfeld. Including Cramer, the Supreme Court has only reviewed the substantive law of treason in three cases to date, and therefore a well-developed, common-law understanding of what constitutes treason has been missing. Currently, an American citizen named Adam Gadahn is indicted in California for aiding Al-Qaeda in propaganda and dissemination of information, both of which provided comfort to enemies of the United States. It is unclear how courts will consider his case based on their recent reluctance to invoke the treason charge. The courts’ movement away from treason prosecutions has resulted in a general disorientation or lack of consensus as to how the historic concept of allegiance fits into our national identity.
Accelerated Autogenous Healing of Concrete Pipe Sections with Crack and Decalcification Damage

AbstractMany concrete water-distribution systems are past their service life and need repair due to leaks associated with cracks. Autogenous healing of concrete cracks and leaks can sometimes occur...
Selective laser melting for the preparation of an ultra-high temperature ceramic coating

Abstract Selective laser melting of a ZrB2, ZrC, and B4C powder blend was chosen to explore the use of the additive manufacturing technology to prepare dense ceramic coatings on a metallic tungsten substrate. Laser powers between 200 and 400 W were used for the application of the ceramic coatings. Adherent coatings were fabricated; however, a thermal expansion mismatch between the coating and substrate proved to be detrimental to coating integrity after cross-sectioning. Analysis of the microstructure and composition of the resulting coatings was used to elucidate the effects of thermal gradients and the effects of tungsten and SiC impurities on the solidification of the ceramic coatings. To the authors’ knowledge, these are the first ultra-high temperature ceramic coatings fabricated with a selective laser melting process.
Collagen proton fraction from ultrashort echo time magnetization transfer (UTE-MT) MRI modelling correlates significantly with cortical bone porosity measured with micro-computed tomography (μCT).

Intracortical bone porosity is a key microstructural parameter that determines bone mechanical properties. While clinical MRI visualizes the cortical bone with a signal void, ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI can acquire high signal from cortical bone, thus enabling quantitative assessments. Magnetization transfer (MT) imaging combined with UTE-MRI can indirectly assess protons in the bone collagenous matrix, which are inversely related to porosity. This study aimed to examine UTE-MT MRI techniques to evaluate intracortical bone porosity. Eighteen human cortical bone specimens from the tibial and fibular midshafts were scanned using UTE-MT sequences on a clinical 3 T MRI scanner and on a high-resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) scanner. A series of MT pulse saturation powers (500°, 1000°, 1500°) and frequency offsets (2, 5, 10, 20, 50 kHz) were used to measure the macromolecular fraction (MMF) and macromolecular T2 (T2MM ) using a two-pool MT model. The measurements were made on 136 different regions of interest (ROIs). ROIs were selected at three cortical bone layers (from endosteum to periosteum) and four anatomical sites (anterior, mid-medial, mid-lateral, and posterior) to provide a wide range of porosity. MMF showed moderate to strong correlations with intracortical bone porosity (R = -0.67 to -0.73, p < 0.01) and bone mineral density (BMD) (R = +0.46 to +0.70, p < 0.01). Comparing the average MMF between cortical bone layers revealed a significant increase from the endosteum towards the periosteum. Such a pattern was in agreement with porosity reduction and BMD increase towards the periosteum. These results suggest that the two-pool UTE-MT technique can potentially serve as a novel and accurate tool to assess intracortical bone porosity.
HPV Testing With 16, 18, and 45 Genotyping Stratifies Cancer Risk for Women With Normal Cytology.

Objectives To determine the BD Onclarity human papillomavirus (HPV) assay performance and risk values for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or higher and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) or higher during Papanicolaou/HPV cotesting in a negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancies (NILM) population.
A phase I/II study of nivolumab plus or minus ipilimumab in combination with multifraction stereotactic radiosurgery for recurrent high-grade radiation-relapsed meningioma.

TPS2073Background: There is currently lack of effective therapy for meningiomas that have relapsed despite surgery and radiation therapy (RT). Reirradiation have been used in selected cases, but th...
Electron-Transfer Reactions with Significant Inner Reorganization Energies. Two-Electron Oxidation of Derivatives of 1,4-Bis(dialkylamino)-1,3-butadiene

Oxidation of compounds 1a−1c was studied in acetonitrile by cyclic voltammetry and homogeneous redox catalysis. Each compound undergoes a two-electron oxidation with removal of the second electron occurring more easily than the first. Thus, the one-electron product, radial cation 1+, is unstable with respect to disproportionation. Results of UV−vis absorption, ESR, and potentiometric titration experiments were consistent with this conclusion. The rate constant for removal of the first electron at glassy carbon, gold, or platinum electrodes is unusually small, consistent with a substantial structural change accompanying this step. At a glassy carbon electrode, the rate constant for the first electron transfer is only 2% that of the second, and by homogeneous redox catalysis it was found that the rate constant for electron transfer between 1a+ and ferrocene was sufficiently small to cause this reaction to be rate-limiting compared to reaction of ferrocene with the dication. AM1 calculations indicate that th...
Controls of Microstructure and Chemical Reactivity on the Replacement of Limestone by Fluorite Studied Using Spatially Resolved Small Angle X-ray and Neutron Scattering

Fluid–mineral interactions can alter the pore structure and mineral composition of earth materials, sometimes leading to complete replacement of one mineral phase by another. A quantitative underst...
Baryogenesis from flavon decays

Many popular attempts to explain the observed patterns of fermion masses involve a flavon field. Such weakly coupled scalar fields tend to dominate the energy density of the Universe before they decay. If the flavon decay happens close to the electroweak transition, the right-handed electrons stay out of equilibrium until the sphalerons shut off. We show that an asymmetry in the right-handed charged leptons produced in the decay of a flavon can explain the baryon asymmetry of the Universe.
Auger Electron Spectroscopy

Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) is one of the more useful, most utilized, and generally recognized surface-sensitive analytical techniques for the investigation of the chemical and compositional properties of materials. Major literature covering this surface analysis method is included in the Bibliography. Several reasons account for the familiarity with and widespread application of this technique. (1) All elements, except hydrogen and helium, can be detected; with relatively rapid acquisition time and reliable quantification of results. (2) The interpretation of data is not difficult because of the uniqueness of the spectral features and the large base of scientific literature available. Handbooks are available that facilitate the identification of elemental species. In most applications, the spectra from individual elemental components do not interfere with one another, providing for unambiguous identification of the composition. (3) One-, two-, and three-dimensional depth analysis (with approximately 5–50 A depth resolution) can be performed using simultaneous sputter (ion) etching and other methods. These depth analysis modes provide for the identification of impurities at intramaterial or device regions and interfaces. (4) The modularity and expandability of the technique enable its combination with other analytical methods (e.g., x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry) for complementary analyses of the same areas; to use it within materials growth systems (such as molecular beam epitaxy) for in situ determination of surface properties without exposure to external environments; and to expand the inherent AES capabilities, providing other analyses (including electron energy-loss spectroscopy, electron beam induced current analysis, Auger voltage contrast) that extend the microanalytical features to include electrical, metallurgical, and electronic determinations. (5) Commercial instrumentation has evolved extremely rapidly, and can now provide computer-controlled data acquisition with a minimum expectation of operator-induced analysis error. The evolution of the instrumentation has been a major factor in establishing AES as a routine and user-friendly analytical tool.
Nuclear Diplomacy with Iran

Chapter 11 focuses on diplomatic negotiations between Iran and Six world powers which paved the way for the sealing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in July 2015. It describes how the face-to-face negotiations between the U.S. and Iran were initiated and how Hassan Rouhani became Iran’s President in 2013 so that he could finalize the nuclear agreement. The chapter then discusses the oppositions that flared up in Iran by some political factions against the agreement, which mandated the Iranian parliament to enact a law for preserving Iran’s nuclear rights and achievements. The chapter further explains complications that the agreement faced when it was reviewed in the U.S. Congress and also in the Iranian parliament.
Receptivity of Hospitalized Older Adults and Family Caregivers to Prognostic Information about Aging, Injury, and Frailty: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract Background Frailty is the leading prognosticator for poor outcomes and palliative care among older adults. Delivery of negative prognostic information entails potentially difficult conversations about decline and death. Objective The study aims were to: 1) examine hospitalized older adults' and family caregivers' receptivity to general (vs. individualized) prognostic information about frailty, injury, and one-year outcomes; and 2) determine information needs based on prognostic information. Design Provision of general prognostic information followed by semi-structured interview questions. We deductively analyzed qualitative data within the context of problematic integration theory. Setting An academic medical center in the Southeast region of the U.S. Participants Purposive sampling was utilized to obtain a distribution of patients across the frailty continuum (non-frail [N=10], pre-frail [N=9], frail [9=6]). Twenty-five older adults (≥ age 65) hospitalized for a primary injury (e.g. fall) and 15 family caregivers of hospitalized patients were enrolled. Methods Hospitalized older patients and family caregivers were shown prognostic information about one-year outcomes of injured older adults in the form of simple pictographs. Semi-structured interview questions were administered immediately afterwards. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Demographic and medical information data were used to contextualize the responses during analysis. Results Overall, participants (patients [56%], caregivers [73%]) were open to receiving prognostic information. A small number of family caregivers (N=3) expressed reservations about the frankness of the information and suggested delivery through a softer approach or not at all. Qualitative data was coded using categories and constructs of problematic integration theory. Four codes (personalizing the evidence, vivid understanding, downhill spiral, realities of aging) reflected probabilistic and evaluative orientation categories of problematic integration theory. One code (fatalism vs. hope) represented manifestations of ambivalence and ambiguity in the theory; and another code (exceptionalism) represented divergence and impossibility. Two codes (role of thought processes, importance of faith) reflected forms of resolutions as described in problematic integration theory. Information needs based on prognostic information revealed four additional codes: give it to me straight, what can I do? what can I expect? and how can I prevent decline? A consistently reported desire of both patients and caregivers was for honesty and hope from providers. Conclusion This study supports the use of general prognostic information in conversations about aging, injury, frailty and patient outcomes. Incorporating prognostic information into communication aids can facilitate shared decision making before end-of-life is imminent.
Investigating the Health Consequences for White Americans Who Believe White Americans Are Wealthy

Poor White Americans report feeling “worse off” than poor Black Americans despite the persistent negative effects of racism on Black Americans. Additionally, some health issues are rising among Whi...
Rethinking Transitional Public Security in Humanitarian Recovery

In this chapter, the author argues that rebuilding the army through military integration and structuration is a critical step to long-term security recovery and nation-building. Military integration has the potential to overcome the effects of political and ideological manipulations that have fueled rebellions and revolts, leading to humanitarian chaos and insecurity in the region. However, military behavior post-integration is equally important. Individual and group behavior toward the newly established military hierarchy/structure, the psychological and mental well-being of fighters, and their perceived identity toward local communities must all be taken into consideration, since they help rebuild trust in the ability of the government to protect its citizens and work for their good. Since the practice of transitional public security and military integration generally occurs after a conflict, Ilunga contends that inclusivity and integration should not come at the expense of justice. Civilian–military interaction must be supported by fair mechanisms of transitional justice.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided, Percutaneous, and Transjugular Liver Biopsy: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS Percutaneous liver biopsy (PCLB) or transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) have traditionally been performed to obtain a sample of hepatic tissue; however, endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUSLB) has become an attractive alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of EUSLB, PCLB, and TJLB. METHODS Search strategies were developed in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Major outcomes included the following: adequacy of biopsy specimens (i.e., complete portal triads [CPT], total specimen length [TSL] in mm, and length of longest piece [LLP]) in mm), and rate of adverse events. Only studies comparing all biopsy approaches (i.e., EUSLB, PCLB, and TJLB) were included. RESULTS Five studies (EUSLB [n=301]; PCLB [n=176]; and TJLB [n=179]) were included. Biopsy cumulative adequacy rates for EUSLB, PCLB, and TJLB were 93.51%, 98.27%, and 97.61%, respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis limited to EUS biopsy needles in current clinical practice, there was no difference in biopsy adequacy or adverse events for EUSLB compared to PCLB and TJLB (all p>0.050). A comparison of EUSLB and PCLB revealed no difference between specimens regarding both CPT (p=0.079) and LLP (p=0.085); however, a longer TSL (p<0.001) was observed. Compared to TJLB, EUSLB showed no difference in LLP (p=0.351), fewer CPT (p=0.042), and longer TSL (p=0.005). CONCLUSION EUSLB appears to be a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is comparable to PCLB and TJLB regarding biopsy specimens obtained and rate of adverse events associated with each method.
Comparing the Rate-All-That-Apply and Rate-All-Statements Question Formats across Five Countries

Rate All That Apply (RATA) is a derivative of the popularly used Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) question format. For RATA, consumers select all terms or statements that apply from a given list and then continue to rate those selected based on how much they apply. With Rate All Statements (RATING), a widely used standard format for testing, consumers are asked to rate all terms or statements according to how much they apply. Little is known of how the RATA and RATING question formats compare in terms of aspects such as attribute discrimination and sample differentiation. An online survey using either a RATA or RATING question format was conducted in five countries (Brazil, China, India, Spain, and the USA). Each respondent was randomly assigned one of the two question formats (n = 200 per country per format). Motivations for eating items that belong to five food groups (starch-rich, protein-rich, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and desserts) were assessed. More “apply” responses were found for all eating motivation constructs within RATING data than RATA data. Additionally, the standard indices showed that RATING discriminated more among motivations than RATA. Further, the RATING question format showed better discrimination ability among samples for all motivation constructs than RATA within all five countries. Generally, mean scores for motivations were higher when RATA was used, suggesting that consumers who might choose low numbers in the RATING method decide not to check the term in RATA. More investigation into the validity of RATA and RATING data is needed before use of either question format over the other can be recommended.
The EAR Motif in the Arabidopsis MADS Transcription Factor AGAMOUS-Like 15 Is Not Necessary to Promote Somatic Embryogenesis.

AGAMOUS-like 15 (AGL15) is a member of the MADS domain family of transcription factors (TFs) that can directly induce and repress target gene expression, and for which promotion of somatic embryogenesis (SE) is positively correlated with accumulation. An ethylene-responsive element binding factor-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif of form LxLxL within the carboxyl-terminal domain of AGL15 was shown to be involved in repression of gene expression. Here, we examine whether AGL15′s ability to repress gene expression is needed to promote SE. While a form of AGL15 where the LxLxL is changed to AxAxA can still promote SE, another form with a strong transcriptional activator at the carboxy-terminal end, does not promote SE and, in fact, is detrimental to SE development. Select target genes were examined for response to the different forms of AGL15.
Global Well-Posedness for the Fifth-Order KdV Equation in $$H^{-1}(\pmb {\mathbb {R}})$$ H - 1 ( R )

We prove global well-posedness of the fifth-order Korteweg-de Vries equation on the real line for initial data in $$H^{-1}(\mathbb {R})$$ . Global well-posedness in $$L^2({\mathbb {R}})$$ was shown previously in [8] using the method of commuting flows. Since this method is insensitive to the ambient geometry, it cannot go beyond the sharp $$ L^2$$ threshold for the torus demonstrated in [3]. To prove our result, we introduce a new strategy that integrates dispersive effects into the method of commuting flows.
Eviction Moratorium Litigation: What Courts Said, and What Courts Missed

In 2020, federal, state, and local governments imposed eviction moratoriums to prevent mass homelessness and limit the spread of COVID-19. Landlords responded to this unprecedented action by filing lawsuits around the country. This Article analyzes the litigation. It examines the claims of landlords, defenses raised by the government, and how courts dealt with each of them. It also highlights the ways that courts misunderstand the rental market and devalue tenants. The Article shows that, before the Supreme Court intervened in mid-2021, most landlord suits failed, either because courts rejected their claims or governments ran out the clock, demonstrating that mass eviction moratoriums can protect the most vulnerable in times of crisis.
Long-Term Medication Adherence Trajectories to Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Background Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely used in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation for stroke prevention. However, long‐term adherence to DOACs and clinical outcomes in ...
Sympathectomy of the upper extremity

Sympathetic denervation of the upper extremity and most of the axilla can be achieved by removal of the lower portion of the stellate or inferior cervical ganglion and the second and third thoracic ganglia. This portion of the sympathetic chain may be approached by one of seven routes: cervical1; transaxillary through the bed of the resected first rib2; transaxillary via the third interspace3; anterior thoracic4; posterior5; and recently the thoracoscopic6 and percutaneous approaches7. The cervical approach is the one most commonly used today. It is well tolerated and safe when performed by a surgeon familiar with the complex anatomical relationships in this area. The transaxillary and axillary approach via the third interspace may be preferred when the ganglionectomy should be taken below the level of the third thoracic ganglion, as in hyperhidrosis. The anterior thoracic approach provides excellent exposure but means a thoracotomy. The posterior approach has been largely abandoned. The thoracoscopic approach has recently reappeared and, with recent improvements in video technology and instrumentation, has many advantages.
Benefit Transfers with the Contingent Valuation Method

The results of contingent valuation analyses are often used for benefit transfer. The contingent valuation method is a stated preference approach to the valuation of non-market goods in which survey respondents are asked hypothetical questions directly about their total economic values. The advantages of the method include flexibility , ability to estimate nonuse values and an ability to incorporate ex-ante uncertainty . Previous benefit transfer research with contingent valuation is difficult to assess since each study uses different forms of the valuation question and benefit transfer tests are not uniform. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that dichotomous choice valuation questions may produce lower transfer errors relative to other question formats. We present a case study using the dichotomous choice referendum question format with key tests for theoretical validity and find evidence that these study features may improve benefit transfer reliability.
Supplementary Services as a Differentiation Strategy: An Empirical Investigation of Lovelock's Model in Tourism

Abstract Although some studies have been done on supplementary services in the service industry, very little has been explicitly done in the travel and tourism industry. This paper focuses on adding value to core services in the travel and tourism industry, which Lovelock (1996) referred to as “supplementary services.” Supplementary services can be used as differentiation points in a highly competitive industry such as tourism. Some researchers have developed models in an effort to demonstrate how supplementary services can enhance the core services. Shostack (1977) and Lovelock (1996) have developed models specifically designed for the service industry. This research is based on Lovelock's (1996) “Flower of Service” model, focussing on the “Hospitality: Taking Care of the Customer” cluster. This paper contends that supplementary services add value to core services, which gives firms competitive advantage over their competition. In the dynamic and challenging environment of the travel and tourism industry...
Feasibility of OTR imaging of non-relativistic ions at GSI

The feasibility of using the optical transition radiation (OTR) generated as a 11.4- to 300-MeV/u ion beam passes through a single metal conducting plane for a minimally intercepting beam profile monitor for GSI/Darmstadt has been evaluated for the first time. Although these are non-relativistic beams, their beta and gamma values are similar to the 80-keV electron-beam imaging studies previously done on the CTF3 injector. With anticipated beam intensities of 10{sup 9} to 10{sup 11} particles per pulse and the predicted charge-squared dependence of OTR, the ion charge state becomes a critical factor for photon production. The OTR signal from the ion charge integrated over the video field time should be comparable to or larger than the CTF3 electron case. These signal strengths will allow a series of experiments to be done that should further elucidate the working regime of this technique.
Diffuse Interstellar Clouds

Diffuse clouds are interstellar objects through which starlight is not greatly extinguished. As a result, many studies rely on ultraviolet and visible measurements. The focus of this review is on spectroscopic work involving atomic and molecular lines. From these measurements, the physical and chemical makeup of the clouds is derived. Here we stress that technological advances have influenced our perception of diffuse clouds.
Tsunami Source Parameters of Submarine Earthquakes and Slides

The nature of the tsunami sources (displacement, duration, area and volume) is reviewed for selected past earthquakes, slumps and slides, from the point of view of tsunami generation. It is concluded that slides and slumps differ significantly form earthquakes in: (1) the velocity of spreading, (2) the balance of the uplifted material, and (3) the vertical displacements per unit horizontal area.
The Possibility of Moral Paradox

In the article, “Ethical Consistency,” Bernard Williams suggests that there are not true moral dilemmas and that studying the problem of moral dilemmas proves that cognitivism is false. As the story of Agamemnon shows, Williams is not correct in either of his claims. In this essay, I argue that Williams’s viewpoint does not mean that cognitivism is false and that it is indeed possible to experience moral dilemmas in some cases.
Stagnating Life Expectancies and Future Prospects in an Age of Uncertainty

Objective This article provides a timely assessment of U.S. life expectancy given recent stalls in the growth of length of life, the continuing drop in international rankings of life expectancy for the United States, and a period of growing social and economic insecurity. Methods Time-series analysis is used on over 70 years of data from the Human Mortality Database to forecast future life expectancy to the year 2055. Results The results show limited improvements in U.S. life expectancy at birth, less than three years on average, for both men and women. Conclusions Even in uncertain times, it is important to look forward in preparing for the needs of future populations. The results presented here underscore the relevance of policy and health initiatives aimed at improving the nation's health and reveal important insight into possible limits to mortality improvement over the next five decades.
Chemical equilibrium studies on the iron(III)-sulfuric acid/β-alkenyl 8 hydroxy-quinoline-xylene system

A thermodynamic equilibrium model is developed for the distribution of iron(III) between phases of the system ferric sulfate-sulfuric acid/β-alkenyl-8-hydroxyquinoline in xylene. Equilibrium data are obtained in the range [Fe]T (0.01 to 0.20 mol/dm3), pH (0.2 to 2.0), [HR] (0.02 to 0.06 mol/dm3) and temperatureT(298 to 323 K). The best fit of the data from a linear regression results in the following equation: % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXafv3ySLgzGmvETj2BSbqefm0B1jxALjhiov2D% aebbfv3ySLgzGueE0jxyaibaieYlf9irVeeu0dXdh9vqqj-hEeeu0x% Xdbba9frFj0-OqFfea0dXdd9vqaq-JfrVkFHe9pgea0dXdar-Jb9hs% 0dXdbPYxe9vr0-vr0-vqpWqaaeaabaGaciaacaqabeaadaqaaqaaaO% qaaiGacYgacaGGUbWaaSaaaeaadaWadaqaamaanaaabaGaamOraiaa\(\ln \frac{{\left[ {\overline {FeR{}_3} } \right]\left[ {H^ + } \right]^3 }}{{\left[ {Fe^{ + 3} } \right]\left[ {HR} \right]^3 }} = 8.79 + 2623\left( {\frac{1}{T} - \frac{1}{{298}}} \right) + 0.79 I^{0 5} \) The regression analysis employs the aqueous phase ionic concentration of [Fe+3] and [H+], which are obtained by consideration of pertinent aqueous phase species equilibria. This model includes the effects of ionic strength on the aqueous phase equilibrium concentration. The stoichiometry of the given reaction is established using the method of continuous variation. Presence of only one species in the organic phase is also determined by the method of continuous variation. The results indicate that the enthalpy of the reaction and the entropy change are −21.8 kJ/mole and −0.05 J/mole K, respectively.
Tissue distribution of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and desethylchloroquine in the rat

Abstract Chloroquine was administered to albino rats in the diet for 32 weeks at levels estimated to provide daily intakes of 1.9, 5.6, or 16.8 mg/kg. At the conclusion of the experiment the amount of drug retained in the tissues analyzed ranged from 28 to 37% of the intake for 1 day, and the order of increasing tissue concentrations was: muscle, eye, heart, liver = lung, kidney, and spleen. Hydroxychloroquine was similarly administered to albino rats for 30 weeks at levels estimated to provide daily intakes of 7.8, 19.4, or 48.4 mg/kg. At the conclusion of the experiment the amount of HCQ retained in the tissues ranged from 22 to 31% of the intake for 1 day and the order of increasing concentrations was generally: muscle, eye, heart, kidney, liver, lung, spleen. Chloroquine and desethylchloroquine were administered to albino and pigmented rats (by stomach tube) at a dosage of 40 mg/kg/day of base, 6 days per week for one month. Twenty-four hours after the last dose these animals also retained in the tissues analyzed amounts of these drugs equivalent to about 33% of one daily dose. The order of increasing tissue concentration of CQ in both strains at this time was essentially the same as previously reported (McChesney et al., 1965) except for a reversal of the positions of liver and lung. The order of increasing tissue concentration of desethylchloroquine in both strains was much the same as for chloroquine; i.e., in the albinos it was muscle, eye, heart, kidney, lung, liver = spleen; while in the pigmented rats it was muscle, heart, kidney, lung = liver, spleen, eye. The decrease in tissue concentrations of chloroquine following discontinuance of medication indicated a half-life of 1.5 days, while the corresponding data for desethylchloroquine indicated a half-life of 2.3 days. Tissue concentrations of both of these drugs were generally higher in the females than in the males, but in the case of chloroquine the difference was much more marked.
Unimodality and Young's lattice

Abstract Young's lattice of a partition λ consists of all partitions whose Ferrers diagrams fit inside λ. Several infinite families of partitions are given whose Young's lattice is not rank unimodal. Some related problems are discussed.
Passive mechanical properties of the lumbar multifidus muscle support its role as a stabilizer.

The purpose of this study was to compare the passive mechanical properties and titin isoform sizes of the multifidus, longissimus, and iliocostalis muscles. Given our knowledge of each muscle’s architecture and the multifidus’ operating range, we hypothesized that multifidus would have higher elastic modulus with corresponding smaller titin isoforms compared to longissimus or iliocostalis muscles. Single fiber and fiber bundle material properties were derived from passive stress-strain tests of excised biopsies (n = 47). Titin isoform sizes were quantified via SDS-VAGE analysis. We found that, at the single fiber level, all muscles had similar material properties and titin isoform sizes. At the fiber bundle level however, we observed significantly increased stiffness (~45%) in multifidus compared to longissimus and iliocostalis muscles. These data demonstrate that each muscle may have a different scaling relationship between single fiber and fiber bundle levels, suggesting that the structures responsible for higher order passive mechanical properties may be muscle specific. Our results suggest that divergent passive material properties are observed at size scales larger than the single cell level, highlighting the importance of the extracellular matrix in these muscles. In addition to architectural data previously reported, these data further support the unique stabilizing function of the multifidus muscle. These data will provide key input variables for biomechanical modeling of normal and pathologic lumbar spine function and direct future work in biomechanical testing in these important muscles.
From the finite-length line-spread function to the point-spread function

The point-spread function (PSF) of a circularly symmetric imaging system is commonly inferred from the line-spread function (LSF), which is the image of a line source whose length must be larger than the spatial extent of the PSF. This constraint on the minimum length of the line source makes it impossible to measure the LSF of a system whose PSF is large in extent relative to the size of the system's isoplanatic patch. This impasse motivates one to consider the problem of inferring the PSF from the finite-length line spread function (FLSF), which is the image of a finite-length line source of arbitrary, but fixed, length. Formulas for calculating the PSF from the FLSF have been developed, but the numerical implementation of these formulas are either time consuming or unstable. In this presentation, we derive a formula for performing the FLSF-PSF conversion which is better suited for numerical purposes.