cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paging Dr. Colombo: when physicians become instruments of the law.

We physicians must be constantly vigilant for insidious threats to the sanctity of our relationships with our patients. To be sure, there are instances in which natural law and common sense require that we intervene in legal realms, but it is time for us all to become a little more introspective about the various roles our government, the insurance companies and the media would like physicians to fill.
Accuracy, risk and the intrinsic value of diagnostic imaging: a review of the cost-utility literature.

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to systematically review the reporting of the value of imaging unrelated to treatment consequences and test characteristics in all imaging-related published cost-utility analyses (CUAs) in the medical literature. Materials and Methods All CUAs published between 1976 and 2008 evaluating diagnostic imaging technologies contained in the CEA Registry, a publicly available comprehensive database of health related CUAs, were screened. Publication characteristics, imaging modality, and the inclusion of test characteristics including accuracy, costs, risks, and the potential value unrelated to treatment consequences (eg, reassurance or anxiety) were assessed. Results Ninety-six published CUAs evaluating 155 different imaging technologies were included in the final sample; 27 studies were published in imaging-specialized journals. Fifty-two studies (54%) evaluated the performance of a single imaging modality, while 44 studies (46%) compared two or more different imaging modalities. The most common areas of interest were cardiovascular (45%) and neuroradiology (17%). Forty-two technologies (27%) concerned ultrasound, while 34 (22%) concerned magnetic resonance. Seventy-nine (51%) technologies used ionizing radiation. Test accuracy was reported or calculated for 90% (n = 133 and n = 5, respectively) and assumed perfect (reference test or gold-standard test without alternative testing strategy to capture false-negatives and false-positives) for 8% (n = 12) of technologies. Only 22 studies (23%) assessing 40 imaging technologies (26%) considered inconclusive or indeterminate results. The risk of testing was reported for 32 imaging technologies (21%). Fifteen studies (16%) considered the value of diagnostic imaging unrelated to treatment. Four studies incorporated it as quality-of-life adjustments, while 10 studies mentioned it only in their discussions or as a limitation. Conclusions The intrinsic value of imaging (the value of imaging unrelated to treatment) has not been appropriately defined or incorporated in the existing cost-utility literature, which could be due to a lack of evidence on the issue. Thus, more research is needed on metrics for a more comprehensive evaluation of diagnostic imaging. Similarly, the incorporation of variations in imaging tests accuracy, inconclusive results and associated risks has lacked uniformity in the cost-utility literature. Acknowledgment of these characteristics in future cost-utility publications will enhance their value and provide results that more closely resemble routine clinical practice.
Trampoline Park and Home Trampoline Injuries.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Trampoline parks, indoor recreational facilities with wall-to-wall trampolines, are increasing in number and popularity. The objective was to identify trends in emergency department visits for trampoline park injuries (TPIs) and compare TPI characteristics with home trampoline injuries (HTIs). METHODS: Data on trampoline injuries from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System from 2010 to 2014 were analyzed. Sample weights were applied to estimate yearly national injury trends; unweighted cases were used for comparison of injury patterns. RESULTS: Estimated US emergency department visits for TPI increased significantly, from 581 in 2010 to 6932 in 2014 ( P = .045), whereas HTIs did not increase ( P = .13). Patients with TPI ( n = 330) were older than patients with HTI ( n = 7933) (mean 13.3 vs 9.5 years, respectively, P CONCLUSIONS: TPI patterns differed significantly from HTIs. TPIs are an emerging concern; additional investigation and strategies are needed to prevent injury at trampoline parks.
Pyruvate Reversal of S-Ethyl Dipropylcarbamothioate (EPTC) Inhibition of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex

EPTC decreased fatty acid synthesis and desaturation (1-3), entkaurene synthesis and oxidation (4, 5) and total isoprenoid pigment quinone, chlorophyll, and contents (6, 7). Commonality of substrates and cofactors in these diversified biosynthetic processes includes Ac-, O2, NADPH and/or NADH, and ATP. EPTC did not inhibit photosynthesis (8); thus, it is presumed that O2, NADPH and/or NADH, and ATP are probably not limiting for these biosynthetic processes.
In vivo healing after capsular plication in an ovine shoulder model.

Traditionally, arthroscopic management of shoulder instability has been reserved for patients with isolated Bankart lesions without any capsular laxity or injury. To date, there are no animal studies evaluating the healing potential of capsular plication and/or capsulo-labral repair. The purpose of this in vivo animal study was to determine if the histological capsular healing of an open capsular plication simulating an arthroscopic plication is equivalent to the more traditional open capsular shift involving cutting and advancing the capsule. Twenty-six skeletally mature sheep were randomized to either an open capsular plication simulating arthroscopic plication (n=13), or an open traditional capsular shift (n=13). A sham operation (n=4) was also performed involving exposure to visualize the capsule. Normal non-operated control shoulders were also analyzed. A pathologist blinded to the treatment evaluated both hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections and polarized light microscopy. Qualitative scoring evaluated fibrosis, mucinous degeneration, fat necrosis, granuloma formation, vascularity, inflammatory infiltrate and hemosiderin (0 to 3 points). Both the capsular plication and open shift groups demonstrated healing by fibrosis at the site of surgical manipulation. There were no statistical differences in the capsular healing responses between the two groups with regard to fibrosis, granuloma formation and vascularity. The open shift group demonstrated significantly more mucinous degeneration (p=0.038). Fat necrosis was present in 4/13 specimens in the open shift group and none in the capsular plication specimens. Both groups demonstrated disorganized collagen formation under polarized light microscopy. There were no differences between non-operated control specimens and sham surgery specimens. Our findings support the hypothesis that histologic capsular healing is equivalent between the plication group and the open shift group. In addition, the open shift group demonstrated significantly more changes indicative of tissue injury. This basic science model confirms capsular healing after simulated arthroscopic plication, providing support for arthroscopic capsular plication in practice.
Force and Fanaticism: Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia and Beyond, by Simon Ross Valentine

We live in troubled times. The Middle East, in particular, is in the midst of tumult and strife as wars and rumors of wars abound. Civil wars have wreaked havoc around the Arab world from Iraq to S...
Pneumomediastinum and ST-Segment Elevation

Although acute myocardial infarction is the most clinically significant cause of ST-segment elevation, other serious clinical conditions have been reported with this electrocardiographic abnormality. We report a patient with pneumomediastinum who presented with dyspnea and electrocardiographic changes mimicking ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography demonstrated no evidence of myocardial injury and the electrocardiographic abnormality promptly resolved with the resolution of the pneumomediastinum.
Cladding-dependent nature of electro-optic effects in silicon waveguides

We experimentally demonstrate how dielectric claddings can alter the nature of capacitively-induced electro-optic effects in silicon waveguides. The free-carrier effects reported here can be extended to the study of any dielectric-clad semiconductor waveguide.
Empirical investigation of a model of sexual minority specific and general risk factors for intimate partner violence among lesbian women.

OBJECTIVE: This study proposed and tested the first conceptual model of sexual minority specific (discrimination, internalized homophobia) and more general risk factors (perpetrator and partner alcohol use, anger, relationship satisfaction) for intimate partner violence among partnered lesbian women. METHOD: Self-identified lesbian women (N=1048) were recruited from online market research panels. Participants completed an online survey that included measures of minority stress, anger, alcohol use and alcohol-related problems, relationship satisfaction, psychological aggression, and physical violence. RESULTS: The model demonstrated good fit and significant links from sexual minority discrimination to internalized homophobia and anger, from internalized homophobia to anger and alcohol problems, and from alcohol problems to intimate partner violence. Partner alcohol use predicted partner physical violence. Relationship dissatisfaction was associated with physical violence via psychological aggression. Physical violence was bidirectional. CONCLUSIONS: Minority stress, anger, alcohol use and alcohol-related problems play an important role in perpetration of psychological aggression and physical violence in lesbian women's intimate partner relationships. The results of this study provide evidence of potentially modifiable sexual minority specific and more general risk factors for lesbian women's partner violence. Language: en
Anisotropic Diffusion of Proteins in the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum of Skeletal Muscle

The way proteins move inside crowded organelles is determined by both the connectivity of the organellar lumen and the mutual interactions between molecules. To probe diffusional movement inside the SR we used FRAP of three proteins expressed in mouse paw muscles: the biosensor D1ER and two fluorescently tagged forms of calsequestrin (Casq1). Longitudinal diffusion (parallel to the fiber axis) was evaluated by the rate of fluorescence recovery in a rectangular bleached region, 10 μm wide and long enough to span the fiber width (∼40 μm). Diffusion in the transversal direction was evaluated with a bleached region of the same dimensions, placed longitudinally, right at the myofiber axis. The FRAP rates measured thus for D4cpV-Casq1 in resting myofibers corresponded (by theory and simulations) to an effective longitudinal diffusion coefficient DL of 0,012 μm2/s, while the transversal coefficient DT was 0,026 μm2/s. The difference was statistically significant. Faster transversal diffusion was also found for EYFP-Casq1. Additionally, the measurements evinced the presence of a large fraction of immobile Casq1, presumably polymerized within terminal cisternae. As reported elsewhere, the immobile fraction of Casq1 decreased, while the diffusional mobility of Casq1 and D1ER increased upon Ca2+ depletion in the SR. Electron microscopic images of resting myofibers demonstrate a greater connectivity of SR cavities in the transversal direction (i.e. along terminal cisternae) than longitudinally, to an extent consistent with and probably explaining in full the observed diffusional anisotropy. Regardless of the SR Ca2+ content, the diffusion coefficient values found for these proteins are much lower than the lowest values reported for proteins inside the ER, which probably reflects the intricacy of the SR structure and the polymeric state of calsequestrin in resting skeletal muscle. Supported by NIH grants AR049184 and GM111254.
Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes previously related to genetic variation in fertility with phenotypic measurements of reproductive function in Holstein cows

Many genetic markers related to health or production traits are not evaluated in populations independent of the discovery population or related to phenotype. Here we evaluated 68 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in candidate genes previously associated with genetic merit for fertility and production traits for association with phenotypic measurements of fertility in a population of Holstein cows that was selected based on predicted transmitting ability (PTA) for daughter pregnancy rate (DPR; high, ≥1, n = 989; low, ≤ -1.0, n = 1,285). Cows with a high PTA for DPR had higher pregnancy rate at first service, fewer services per conception, and fewer days open than cows with a low PTA for DPR. Of the 68 SNP, 11 were associated with pregnancy rate at first service, 16 with services per conception, and 19 with days open. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in 12 genes (BDH2, BSP3, CAST, CD2, CD14, FUT1, FYB, GCNT3, HSD17B7, IBSP, OCLN, and PCCB) had significant associations with 2 fertility traits, and SNP in 4 genes (CSPP1, FCER1G, PMM2, and TBC1D24) had significant associations with each of the 3 traits. Results from this experiment were compared with results from 2 earlier studies in which the SNP were associated with genetic estimates of fertility. One study involved the same animals as used here, and the other study was of an independent population of bulls. A total of 13 SNP associated with 1 or more phenotypic estimates of fertility were directionally associated with genetic estimates of fertility in the same cow population. Moreover, 14 SNP associated with reproductive phenotype were directionally associated with genetic estimates of fertility in the bull population. Nine SNP (located in BCAS, BSP3, CAST, FUT1, HSD17B7, OCLN, PCCB, PMM2, and TBC1D24) had a directional association with fertility in all 3 studies. Examination of the function of the genes with SNP associated with reproduction in more than one study indicates the importance of steroid hormones and immune function as determinants of reproductive function. All but 1 of the 68 evaluated SNP were variable in 11 breeds besides Holstein, indicating the potential effects of these SNP on reproductive function across breeds of cattle.
Collaboration as a key feature of equine evidence-based research: a laminitis case study.

Abstract It is widely believed that laminitis poses a threat to the health and welfare of all Equidae; however, there is a paucity of evidence-based research on fundamental aspects of the disease, including how commonly it occurs, its clinical presentation and those animals at greatest risk. Following generous funding from World Horse Welfare, we have produced a programme of work over the last eight years to improve the evidence base regarding the epidemiology of laminitis. This began with systematic reviews regarding the frequency of [1], and risk factors for [2], naturally-occurring laminitis which informed the planning and conduct of prospective veterinary practice-level cohort and nested case-control studies of veterinary-diag­nosed laminitis in British horses. Laminitis research tools, disease frequency estimates [3], potential novel modifiable risk factors [4] and guidelines for the differential diagnosis of laminitis [5] have all resulted from these now published, peer-reviewed studies. Ongoing work gathers further information on owner-report­ed laminitis cases by means of a prospective individual animal-level cohort study design, implemented through the use of web-based data collection (www.careaboutlaminitis.org.uk). Each step of the generation of this evidence-based data has demanded high levels of collaborative effort between charitable bodies, epidemiologists, information technology consultants, public relation officers, laminitis researchers, veterinary practitioners and horse owners. This talk will outline the methods we used to gather evidence-based data in the equine field, highlight the challenges and lessons we have learnt, and emphasise the crucial role the veterinary practitioner can play in both providing and using such evidence-based data.
Gastrointestinal Brachytherapy: Anal and Rectal Cancer

High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy can play an important role in the management of patients with gastrointestinal tumors, in particular those with rectal and anal cancers. Endorectal/endoanal brachytherapy is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated option for treatment of patients with medically inoperable primary and recurrent rectal and anal tumors. It also may be a nonoperative alternative for patients with low-lying rectal cancer who refuse surgery that will leave them with a colostomy (abdominoperineal resection). There are also ongoing studies evaluating the use of preoperative endorectal brachytherapy as an alternative to standard pelvic radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. An overview of the technical aspects of the procedure as well as issues regarding treatment planning, delivery, and follow-up after endorectal/endoanal brachytherapy are discussed in this chapter.
LAS POLÍTICAS DE LA DIFERENCIA EN EL ESTADO DEMOCRÁTICO DE DERECHO

Este articulo examina si las tesis liberales igualitarias y los postulados multiculturalistas son compatibles. En primer lugar, se precisan algunos de los terminos centrales que del debate. Luego, indaga si la dicotomia entre liberalismo y multiculturalismo admite alguna conciliacion en orden a defender la idea de que una concepcion del liberalismo igualitario que malinterprete la diversidad cultural puede constituirse en una forma de opresion que, mas que fortalecer el Estado democratico de Derecho, lo debilite significativamente. Y, para terminar, se senalan algunas conclusiones encaminadas a mostrar la compatibilidad entre el multiculturalismo y el Estado de Bienestar.
A 32Gb/s, 4.7pJ/bit optical link with −11.7dBm sensitivity in 14nm FinFET CMOS

This work presents an 850nm VCSEL-based multi-mode 32Gb/s NRZ optical link with circuits in 14nm bulk FinFET CMOS. The TX uses a 3-tap, 1\2-Ul-spaced FFE to improve eye opening. The RX uses a low-BW, low-noise TIA and a speculative 1-tap DFE for high sensitivity. The TX and RX power efficiencies are 3.3 and 1.4pJ/bit, respectively. The link sensitivity is −11.7dBm OMA at BER=10"12 with PRBS31 data.
Complex, Adaptive Systems, Through Time and Across Space

Complexity does not mean complicated (Nijkamp 2007; Waldrop 1992, pp. 11–12). Confusion arises since complexity is a word in common use but in science it has a special meaning (O’Sullivan 2004). The first part of this chapter will consider the various definitions of complexity that have appeared in the literature. The second part will discuss a case study of the deregulation of the Alberta, Canada, electrical power generation industry, illustrating the dynamics of a complex system.
Insights on ligand interactions with titanium dioxide nanoparticles via dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic light scattering

Abstract Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) have become widely used and studied in industry, cosmetics, and water treatment; however, due to their surface charge and composition, uncoated nanoparticles often aggregate and settle in a solution. This leads to loss of function and suspension, abandoning the NPs' properties that make them ideal for many applications. Loss of NP suspension can also complicate analysis of solutions containing nanoparticles. Therefore, titanium dioxide nanoparticles are good candidates for surface coatings that enable hydrophilic interactions and improved suspension. Many coating processes require complex synthesis methods and begin with titanium dioxide precursors rather than with already synthesized nanoparticles. The method presented herein examines additive processes that may increase suspension capabilities and inhibit loss of function through aggregation of large nanoparticles (50 ± 25 nm). Nineteen chelating organic compounds were tested via a 1, 2, or 3 equivalent additions to pristine, unmodified TiO2 nanoparticles in solution. Furthermore, ligands that showed the best chelating behavior were diluted and the pH was modified to understand pH dependent behavior. Dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic light scattering were used in the study of the chemical behavior of the modified TiO2 nanoparticles. Results show that nanoparticles interacting with dimethylethanolamine, dimercaptosuccinic acid, sodium citrate, dimethylglyoxime, and oxalic acid showed improved ζ-potential at a pH of 5. Physico-chemical processes are discussed in the understanding of these results.
In response to: fewer adverse effects with a modified two-bag acetylcysteine protocol in paracetamol overdose.

To the Editor,We read with interest the recent paper by McNulty et al. [1] and commend the authors on recognizing the adverse reactions associated with the administration of NAC. However, we cannot...
EXOSOMAL MIR-106A-363 CLUSTER FROM THE HYPOXIC HUMAN IPSC-DERIVED CARDIOMYOCYTES RESTORE THE ISCHEMIC MYOCARDIUM

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) are promising therapeutic approach to salvage the injured myocardium; however, suboptimal in vivo stem cell engraftment and tumorigenicity impede clinical translation. Recent evidence indicates that the stem cells exert
Utilizing Religious Schemas to Cope with Mental Illness

Recent Gallup Polls suggest that 96% of Americans polled believe in God or a universal supreme being (Gallup, 1995). In addition, large percentages of Americans polled report that they pray or believe in miracles. It appears then that religious belief might be a useful coping strategy for those experiencing significant distress or illness. Although much of the research regarding religious coping and illness has focused on physical illness, it seems likely that religious coping would also be useful to those who are experiencing a mental illness. Existing data regarding the use of religious coping and mental illness is discussed, and Daniel McIntosh's theory of religion as a cognitive schema is applied to those suffering severe mental illness.
On the Finite Element Modeling of the Scalar Transport Equation

ABSTRACT This material was presented (by RL.S.) as part of a three hour lecture on finite element modeling of incompressible and Boussinesq flows at the summer school organized by IUSTI, Universite de provence.
Adsorption and fusion of hybrid lipid/polymer vesicles onto 2D and 3D surfaces

We investigated the formation of hybrid lipid/polymer (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and poly(ethylene oxide-b-butadiene); DOPC/EO22Bd37) films onto planar silica surfaces. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and quartz crystal microbalance analysis, we monitored the adsorption and fusion of hybrid lipid/polymer vesicles onto planar borosilicate glass cleaned via chemical etching or RF/air plasma treatment. In addition we used cryo-electron microscopy to characterize film formation on mesoporous silica nanoparticles. As the polymer content in the vesicles increased, the resulting hybrid lipid/polymer films on borosilicate glass - cleaned by chemical etching or plasma treatment - were more heterogeneous, indicating a large number of adsorbed vesicles rather than continuous bilayer films at higher polymer loadings. The observed lateral fluidity of both DOPC and hybrid lipid/polymer films also decreased substantially with increasing polymer fraction and was found to be relatively insensitive to changes in pH. Films prepared from vesicles with higher polymer loadings were completely immobile. We also found that polymer vesicles did not interact with clean plasma-treated glass surfaces, which may be due to elevated OH and Si-OH on plasma-treated surfaces. Conformal hybrid lipid/polymer coatings consistent with bilayers could be formed on mesoporous silica nanoparticles and imaged via cryo-electron microscopy. These results expand the library of biocompatible materials that can be used for coating silica-based materials and nanoparticles.
The plot thickens: The aesthetic dimensions of a captivating mathematics lesson

Abstract We present an analysis of a sixth-grade mathematics lesson in which an aesthetically-rich moment of mathematical surprise, inspired by a decontextualized integer addition problem, spurred students to ask mathematical questions and actively sustain inquiry into the lesson’s central ideas. In order to understand how the unfolding mathematical content enabled this moment, we interpret the lesson as a mathematical story. Using this narrative framework, we describe the aesthetic dimensions of the story including its plot, density, coherence, and rhythm, and connect them to the unfolding mathematical content. This analysis demonstrates how these aesthetic elements of a lesson can be recognized and how they help explain the students’ productive engagement. This framework offers a potential tool for researchers and practitioners who seek to understand, design, and enact captivating mathematical experiences.
Statistical Methods for Profiling 3-Dimensional Chromatin Interactions from Repetitive Regions of Genomes

Abstract Current Hi-C analysis approaches are unable to account for reads that align to multiple locations, and hence underestimate biological signal from repetitive regions of genomes. We developed mHi-C, a multi-read mapping strategy to probabilistically allocate Hi-C multi-reads. mHi-C exhibited superior performance over utilizing only uni-reads and heuristic approaches aimed at rescuing multi-reads on benchmarks. Specifically, mHi-C increased the sequencing depth by an average of 20% leading to higher reproducibility of contact matrices and larger number of significant interactions across biological replicates. The impact of the multi-reads on the identification of novel significant interactions is influenced marginally by relative contribution of multi-reads to the sequencing depth compared to uni-reads, cis-to-trans ratio of contacts, and the broad data quality as reflected by the proportion of mappable reads of datasets. Computational experiments highlighted that in Hi-C studies with short read lengths, mHi-C rescued multi-reads can emulate the effect of longer reads. mHi-C also revealed biologically supported bona fide promoter-enhancer interactions and topologically associating domains involving repetitive genomic regions, thereby unlocking a previously masked portion of the genome for conformation capture studies.
GHz-Band RF Receiver and Spectrometer Based on Laser Speckle in Multimode Waveguides

We report the experimental demonstrations of compressive sensing RF receiver and spectrometer with photonic systems in which the measurement matrices are implemented using speckle in multimode waveguides. We calibrate by measuring a dictionary of single frequency RF sinusoids and recover multiple tones with both systems.
Nursery Container Design for Improved Root Environments

Of the $2 billion wholesale production of nursery plants grown in the U.S., about 50% are produced in containers. Freeze damage to the roots of container grown plants is the largest single cause of...
Effects of adaptive discretization on numerical computation using meshless method with live-object handling applications

Numerical methods that are more reliable, general and stable have become increasingly popular in industry. As the most widely applied engineering computational method, the Finite Element Method (FEM) has difficulty solving certain problems where its mesh has to be modified during the computation. In this research, we focus on a new computational method called the Meshless Method (MLM). This method is built upon the same theoretical framework as FEM but needs no mesh. Consequently, the computation becomes more stable and the adaptive computational scheme becomes easier to develop. The major issue associated with MLM is its lower computational efficiency compared with FEM. Adaptive computations can help reduce the number of nodes used in computation and improve the efficiency. For this reason, this research investigates practical issues related to the MLM and develops an adaptive algorithm to automatically insert additional nodes and improve computational accuracy. The study has been in the context of the two engineering problems: magnetic field computation and large deformation contact. First, we investigate the effect of two discretization methods (strong-form and weak-form) in MLM for solving linear magnetic field problems. Special techniques for handling the discontinuity boundary condition at material interfaces are proposed in both discretization methods to improve the computational accuracy. Next, we develop an adaptive computational scheme in MLM that is comprised of an error estimation algorithm, a nodal insertion scheme and a numerical integration scheme. As a more general approach, this method can automatically locate the large error region around the material interface and insert nodes accordingly to reduce the error. We further extend the adaptive method to solve nonlinear large deformation contact problems. Contact problems are time-consuming to solve since they are highly nonlinear problems and often need a lot of iterations to converge. With the ability to adaptively insert nodes during the computation, the developed method is capable of using fewer nodes for initial computation and thus, effectively improves the computational efficiency. Engineering applications of the developed methods have been demonstrated by two practical engineering problems encountered in the development of the live object transfer project at Georgia Tech. In the first problem, the MLM has been utilized to simulate the dynamic response of a non-contact mechanical-magnetic actuator for optimizing the design of the actuator. In the second problem, the contact between the flexible finger and the live poultry product has been analyzed by using MLM. These applications show the developed method can be applied to a broad spectrum of engineering applications where an adaptive mesh is needed.
Prediction of postoperative loss of lung function in patients with malignant lung mass. Quantitative regional ventilation-perfusion scanning

The quantitative measurement of regional ventilation and perfusion distribution is simply and reliably accomplished by using routinely available radioactive gas and perfusion lung scanning agents, and a large field-of-view gamma camera with an on-line computer. The preoperative prediction of postsurgical loss in lung function can be made accurately by using the quantitative ventilation-perfusion lung scan technique. Either a regional ventilation study or perfusion study may be used for the prediction, but analysis of regional ventilation distribution appears to be a better parameter than that of perfusion distribution for the prediction of postoperative loss of FEV1. In the rare case of a patient with a marked ventilation-perfusion deficit, quantitative distribution of both ventilation and perfusion may be needed for an accurate assessment of postsurgical lung function.
BSNLP2019 Shared Task Submission: Multisource Neural NER Transfer.

This paper describes the Cognitive Computation (CogComp) Group’s submissions to the multilingual named entity recognition shared task at the Balto-Slavic Natural Language Processing (BSNLP) Workshop. The final model submitted is a multi-source neural NER system with multilingual BERT embeddings, trained on the concatenation of training data in various Slavic languages (as well as English). The performance of our system on the official testing data suggests that multi-source approaches consistently outperform single-source approaches for this task, even with the noise of mismatching tagsets.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Assessment for Living and Learning Scale: A Cross-Validation Investigation

The Assessment for Living and Learning (ALL; G. M. Denzine, 1994, 1996) measures college students' perceptions of the academic climate in their residence hall. Confirmatory factor analyses results ...
The Role of Nutrition in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease

Malnutrition is increasingly being recognized as a poor prognostic factor in the realm of chronic liver disease, particularly among those individuals with end-stage liver disease undergoing transplant evaluation. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate how nutrition contributes to disease pathogenesis and whether improvements in nutrition can alter disease pathogenesis. Recent findings reveal that the role of nutrition is multifaceted, primarily due to alterations in gut microbiota and cytokine release. Additionally, there is increasing data demonstrating that those with gastric bypass are more susceptible to developing end-stage liver disease with lesser amounts of alcohol use. The role of nutrition as relates to liver disease is complex and involves not only global calorie replacement but also management of micronutrient deficiencies. Future research should focus on further tools to assess for malnutrition and prevention of sarcopenia.
Infections as oncologic emergencies

Background Patients with oncologic diseases, particularly those with hematologic malignancies, are at an increased risk of common infections and unique treatment-related complications with high mortality and morbidity. The annual incidence and prevalence of cancer in Germany is rising. Although modern treatments have generally led to improved survival, increasing age, comorbidities, and frailty of the patients require multidisciplinary strategies for handling complex therapeutic concepts and treatment of the associated complications. Methods A selective literature search and guidelines from the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Hamatologie und Medizinische Onkologie, DGHO), the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the DGHO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Infektionen in der Hamatologie und Onkologie, AGIHO), and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) formed the basis of this study. Conclusion Recognition of severe infections in cancer patients and their discrimination from treatment-associated complications is a challenge. Neutropenic fever is the most frequent infectious emergency in oncology. Early empiric treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and escalated diagnostic strategies are needed to successfully treat this vulnerable patient group. In this article, a range of potentially life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients are discussed.
Secondary Plasma Cell Leukemia: A Case Report.

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare and aggressive variant of myeloma and has a poor prognosis. It needs prompt recognition in order to institute timely treatment. Given its relatively low incidence, it is an evolving area of research as well. This case report describes a patient with PCL in the setting of a previously treated myeloma. The report also reviews the clinicopathologic, cytogenetic, and immunophenotypic characteristics of PCL and its management.
Acute bilirubin encephalopathy and its associated risk factors in a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the incidence of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) and its risk factors in neonates presenting with hyperbilirubinemia in a tertiary care children hospital. Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted from June 2018 to June 2019. A total of 300 infants who were admitted in neonatal ICU with diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia in The Children’s Hospital & The Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan were included in this period. Incidence of ABE was noted. ABE was divided into two categories on the basis of severity of symptoms; mild ABE and moderate to severe ABE. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) in all neonates was measured in all patients in hospital laboratory using colorimetric method. ABO incompatibility and Rh factor incompatibility was also noted for each neonate. Results: Out of 300 neonates who presented with hyperbilirubinemia, ABE was diagnosed in only 42 (14.0%) neonates (mild ABE in 17 (5.7%) and moderate in 25 (8.3%). Out of 42 neonates of ABE, total serum bilirubin levels were 20-29.9 mg/dL in 24 (40.5%) neonates, and >30 mg/dL in 18 (42.8%) neonates. Pre-term birth was a significant risk factor of ABE; 23.8% in ABE and 10.70% in non-ABE (p-value 0.01). During treatment, 02 (4.76%) neonates expired due to ABE. Conclusion: In present study, ABE was diagnosed in 14.0% neonates who presented with hyperbilirubinemia. We found pre-term delivery as a significant risk factor of ABE. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2222 How to cite this:Ahmad M, Rehman A, Adnan M, Surani MK. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy and its associated risk factors in a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1189-1192. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2222 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract 2236: Mechanism of androgen-mediated down-regulation of PD-L1 in thyroid cancer

The incidence of thyroid cancer (ThCa) has more than doubled in the last 20 years and the associated healthcare costs of treating ThCa nears $20 billion in the United States alone. An important disparity exists in the incidence of ThCa, with women developing the disease approximately three times more often than men. A potential explanation of this sex disparity is differences in immune elimination of nascent tumor cells between men and women. Previously, our lab investigated the role androgen receptor (AR) activity may play in thyroid cancer development using an androgen-responsive cell culture model. We further studied the effect of androgen on immune checkpoint molecule expression and identified a significant reduction in PD-L1 transcription and surface expression. In this project, we aim to identify the molecular mechanisms linking AR activity to PD-L1 downregulation. First, we generated two new AR-responsive culture models from a papillary thyroid cancer as well as an anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line for all downstream experiments. These cell lines recapitulated the effect of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on PD-L1 expression we previously observed, namely a 70% reduction in PD-L1 expression. We then identified AR binding sites from a collection of AR Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-Sequencing studies from the Cistrome Database. Interestingly, members of the interferon gamma (IFNγ) signaling pathway showed significant AR binding to the promoter or gene body, including negative regulators of IFNγ transcription such as PIAS1. Given the well-known role IFNγ signaling in the regulation of PD-L1, we then performed co-treatment with IFNγ and DHT. Surprisingly, DHT effectively eliminated IFNγ-mediated upregulation of PD-L1 in both cell culture models. We followed up the study by examining STAT1/STAT3 phosphorylation and IRF-1 expression using western blots to identify modulation of the JAK/STAT/IRF axis by AR. Next, we performed CRIPSR-Interference (CRISPRi) in cells co-treated with DHT and IFNγ to determine AR-responsive genes in the IFNγ signaling pathway identified by examination of Cistrome ChIP-Seq that mediated the attenuation of PD-L1 expression in response to DHT. Finally, since AR ChIP studies in the Cistrome database were predominately from prostate cancer cell lines and primary prostate cancer tissue, we performed Cleavage Under Targets and Release Using Nuclease (CUTR 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2236.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Quantification of Structure-Function Relationships in Heart Failure

Classification of heart failure is based on the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF): preserved EF, midrange EF, and reduced EF. There remains an unmet need for further heart failure phenotyping of ventricular structure-function relationships. Because of high spatiotemporal resolution, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) remains the reference modality for quantification of ventricular contractile function. The authors aim to highlight novel frameworks, including theranostic use of ferumoxytol, to enable more efficient evaluation of ventricular function in heart failure patients who are also frequently anemic, and to discuss emerging quantitative CMR approaches for evaluation of ventricular structure-function relationships in heart failure.
Consumer Welfare in the Digital Economy

Digital goods generate a large amount of consumer welfare but these welfare gains are not properly measured in existing macroeconomic measures. This chapter summarizes existing research on measuring consumer welfare from digital goods. Recent research suggests that massive online choice experiments could be used to measure welfare gains from digital goods in a scalable manner. These estimates can be used to construct macro-economic welfare measures such as GDP-B that better reflect the reality in the digital economy. However, digital goods need not contribute to improved subjective well-being.
Signatures of electronic and nuclear coherences in ultrafast molecular x-ray and electron diffraction

Femtosecond x-ray and electron diffraction hold promise to image the evolving structures of single molecules. We present a unified quantum-electrodynamical formulation of diffraction signals, based on the exact many-body nuclear + electronic wavefunction that can be extracted from quantum chemistry simulations. This gives a framework for analyzing various approximate molecular dynamics simulations. We show that the complete description of ultrafast diffraction signals contains interesting contributions involving mixed elastic and inelastic scattered photons that are usually masked by other larger contributions and are neglected. These terms include overlaps of nuclear wavepackets between different electronic states that provide an electronic decoherence mechanism and are important for the time-resolved imaging of conical intersections.
An Overview of Identity Relationship Management in the Internet of Things

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is essential and a core of any information system in enterprise networks. IAM systems manage users on premises, focus on the needs within enterprises, and utilize static intelligence for authentication and access control. Today’s IAM requirements are much more complex due to the Internet of Things (IoT). Boundaries between home and work, on-premises and cloud, personal devices and corporate owned devices are fading away. These changes have driven the shift of IAM to Identity Relationship Management (IRM). IRM aims to meet the demands not only within enterprises, but also from the Internet. It manages not only users, but also devices. It utilizes not only static intelligence but also dynamic intelligence for authentication and access control. This paper introduces and discusses the needs of IRM for the IoT. It addresses four fundamental issues related to relationships in the IRM, i.e., what relationships need to be supported in the IRM, how relationships can be used for authentication, how relationships can be utilized for access control, and what infrastructure is required to support the IRM. The paper also differentiates IAM and IRM and points out future research directions in the IRM.
Use of Rapid Assessment Procedures when analyzing qualitative data in pharmacy research.

Abstract Qualitative research analytics and methodology are a useful part of many research projects. However, qualitative data analysis may be time intensive causing delays in results. This is especially problematic in time-sensitive projects where there an urgent need for results and a rapidly evolving situation being studied, such as during health crisis or early stages of project implementation. An emerging body of literature around the use of Rapid Assessment Procedures (RAP) suggests that this method of qualitative assessment provides more efficient coding and categorizing of data without comprising rigor. The objectives of this manuscript are to: 1) describe how RAP can be used in pragmatic healthcare research studies and 2) provide an example of when RAP was applied to a qualitative research study in the healthcare setting. RAP includes 5 core features: 1) use in combination with quantitative outcomes or process data (mixed methods approach), 2) quick timeline from start to finish (weeks to months), 3) population of interest participation in planning and implementing the research, 4) team approach to research process, and 5) iterative cycle of data collection and analysis. Use of RAP provides key stakeholders and decision makers the ability to generate solutions to problems faster than ever before without compromising rigor, a method needed now more than ever. The progression of healthcare and clinical management is moving at an unprecedented rate, and RAP allows researchers to stay ahead by providing quicker results for better outcomes.
Drawing Parallels Among Past Public Health Crises and COVID-19.

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and healthcare personnel across severely affected regions. Along with a lack of testing, these shortages delayed surveillance, and possible containment of the virus. The pandemic also took unprecedented tolls on the mental health of many healthcare workers who treated and witnessed the deaths of critically ill patients. To address these effects and prepare for a potential second wave, a literature review was performed on the response of healthcare systems during the Influenza pandemics of 1918, 1957, 2009, and the epidemics of Ebola, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). We can use lessons identified to develop a competent and effective response to the current and future pandemics. The public must continue to engage in proper health mitigation strategies including utilization of face coverings, physical distancing, and hand washing. The impact the pandemic has had on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers cannot be disregarded as it is essential in ensuring effective patient care and mitigating psychological comorbidities. The lessons identified from past public health crises can help contain and limit morbidity and mortality with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Facet Violation With Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Placement: Impact of 3D Navigation and Facet Orientation:

Background: The gold standard for percutaneous pedicle screw placement is 2-dimensional (2D) fluoroscopy. Data are sparse on the accuracy of 3-dimensional (3D) navigation percutaneous screw placeme...
Data-Driven Complementary Power Measurement for Microwave Instantaneous Frequency Estimation

A high-precision photonic based instantaneous frequency measurement system driven by machine learning is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A three-layer deep neural network is used to tackle device nonlinearity and system noise, resulting in absolute error <50 MHz and 1.1 MHz root mean square error.
Commuting, Ricardian Rent and House Price Appreciation in Cities with Dispersed Employment and Mixed Land-Use

For centuries, cities have been modeled as geographically centered markets in which locational scarcity generates Ricardian Land Rent that in turn increases over time as cities grow. This paper first presents some empirical evidence that this is not the case: inflation-adjusted locational rent does not increase over time - despite enormous urban growth. Rather than trying to explain this tendency within a "monocentric" framework, this paper develops a model where jobs and commerce can be spatially interspersed with residences, under certain economic conditions. The paper presents new empirical evidence that such job dispersal does characterize at least US cities. The comparative statics of this model are much more consistent with the data - accommodating extensive urban growth with little or no increase in commuting and Ricardian Rent.