cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Educational Cartoon on Pediatric Bowel Preparation Quality at Time of Colonoscopy

Objective: To evaluate if addition of educational cartoon to pediatric bowel preparation instructions improves the quality of bowel preparation and patient experience. Methods: Patients were randomized to control group receiving standard bowel preparation instructions or intervention group receiving additional educational cartoon. To objectively rate bowel preparation, a blinded endoscopist completed numeric Ottawa score (0-14, with 0 being best). The family also completed a questionnaire rating the bowel preparation process. Results: Data from 23 patients were analyzed. Mean Ottawa score in the intervention group compared with controls was not significantly different (mean scores 3.73 and 3.33, respectively; P = .384). Level of education was significantly correlated with better Ottawa score in the overall population (ρ = −.462, P = .026) and within the control group (ρ = −.658, P = .02). Both groups of patients reported positive experience with bowel preparation. Conclusion: There may be benefit to furth...
Electrogastrography: current issues in validation and methodology

In this review we present some current applications of electrogastrography, relationships between the electrogastrogram (EGG) and electrical and contractile activity of the stomach, EGG recording technique, and the current status of electrogastrography. The authors conclude the following: (1) The 3 cpm frequency of the EGG reflects the frequency of pacesetter potentials occurring at the serosal and mucosal surfaces of the stomach. (2) An increase in the contractile activity of the corpnsantrum is associated with an increase in the amplitude of the 3 cpm EGG signal. (3) Tachygastria (5–9 cpm waves) recorded with the EGG reflects identical frequencies recorded with mucosal electrodes from the gastric antrum. (4) Low frequency components (approximately 1 cpm) appear in the EGG signal but their physiological significance is unknown at this time.
Latinas/os in Community College Developmental Education: Increasing Moments of Academic and Interpersonal Validation.

This qualitative study examines the experiences of Latinas/os in community college English and math developmental education courses. Critical race theory in education and the theory of validation s...
Causal criteria and the problem of complex causation.

Nancy Cartwright begins her recent book, Hunting Causes and Using Them, by noting that while a few years ago real causal claims were in dispute, nowadays “causality is back, and with a vengeance.” In the case of the social sciences, Keith Morrison writes that “Social science asks ‘why?’. Detecting causality or its corollary—prediction—is the jewel in the crown of social science research.” With respect to the health sciences, Judea Pearl writes that the “research questions that motivate most studies in the health sciences are causal in nature.” However, not all data used by people interested in making causal claims come from experiments that use random assignment to control and treatment groups. Indeed, much research in the social and health science depends on non-experimental, observational data. Thus, one of the most important problems in the social and health sciences concerns making warranted causal claims using non-experimental, observational data; viz., “Can observational data be used to make etiological inferences leading to warranted causal claims?” This paper examines one method of warranting causal claims that is especially widespread in epidemiology and the health sciences generally—the use of causal criteria. It is argued that cases of complex causation generally, and redundant causation—both causal overdetermination and causal preemption—specifically, undermine the use of such criteria to warrant causal claims.
Ground-state density of the pauli operator in the large field limit

The ground-state density of the Pauli operator in the case of a nonconstant magnetic field with constant direction is studied. It is shown that in the large field limit, the naturally rescaled ground-state density function is bounded from above by the megnetic field, and under some additional conditions, the limit density function is equal to the magnetic field. A restatement of this result yields an estimate on the density of complex orthogonal polynomials with respect to a fairly general weight function. We also prove a special case of the paramagnetic inequality.
Enhancement of coherent charge oscillations in coupled quantum wells by femtosecond pulse shaping: errata

The effect of femtosecond pulse shaping on the amplitude of optically excited coherent charge oscillations in degenerate coupled quantum wells is analyzed. In the absence of dephasing, the final oscillating polarization after the end of the shaped pulse depends only on the optical power spectrum; pulse shaping cannot enhance the final coherent polarization. However, appropriately shaped ultrashort pulses can lead to strong peaks in the oscillating dipole during the laser pulse. I present a method for designing waveforms capable of producing strong peaks in the coherent polarization and illustrate this approach by giving several examples. The computed results indicate the possibility of enhancing the peak oscillating dipole (and hence the resulting terahertz emission) by at least a factor of 4.
Reduced NO-dependent arteriolar dilation during the development of cardiomyopathy

Our previous studies have suggested that there is reduced nitric oxide (NO) production in canine coronary blood vessels after the development of pacing-induced heart failure. The goal of these studies was to determine whether flow-induced NO-mediated dilation is altered in coronary arterioles during the development of heart failure. Subepicardial coronary arterioles (basal diameter 80 μm) were isolated from normal canine hearts, from hearts with dysfunction but no heart failure, and from hearts with severe cardiac decompensation. Arterioles were perfused at increasing flow or administered agonists with no flow in vitro. In arterioles from normal hearts, flow increased arteriolar diameter, with one-half of the response being NO dependent and one-half prostaglandin dependent. Shear stress-induced dilation was eliminated by removing the endothelium. Arterioles from normal hearts and hearts with dysfunction but no failure responded to increasing shear stress with dilation that reached a maximum at a shear stress of 20 dyn/cm 2 . In contrast, arterioles from failing hearts showed a reduced dilation, reaching only 55% of the dilation seen in vessels of normal hearts at a shear stress of 100 dyn/cm 2 . This remaining dilation was eliminated by indomethacin, suggesting that the NO-dependent component was absent in coronary microvessels after the development of heart failure. Similarly, agonist-induced NO-dependent coronary arteriolar dilation was markedly attenuated after the development of heart failure. After the development of severe dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure, the NO-dependent component of both shear stress- and agonist-induced arteriolar dilation is reduced or entirely absent.
Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling by Resident Lung Stem and Progenitor Cells

Tissue-resident stem and progenitor cells are important regulators of tissue homeostasis, repair or regeneration as well as remodeling. While resident vascular stem and progenitor cells have been less well-defined than their epithelial counterparts, these cells may be categorized by their anatomic localization within the pulmonary vascular tree. However, the exact niche of such cells is unclear in the lung and these cells are further obscured by a lack of specific markers that can be used in lineage tracing analyses. The lack of a clear definition of vascular stem and progenitor cells has impeded the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at stimulating these cell populations to promote repair and reversing their contribution to remodeling during disease. Here we focus on describing the sources of stem and precursor cells within the pulmonary vascular tree in the context of their potential roles in vascular remodeling and pathogenic processes.
Projection Television

Projection color television has gained the attention of the consumer market during this past year due to the introduction of several low-cost systems into the market place. This paper covers the basic performance factors of these systems: the three-tube Schmidt projector and the color CRT with refractive optics. Future systems which include the light valves and laser TV will be discussed. Typical examples are given.
Water clustering in glassy polymers.

In this study, water solubility and water clustering in several glassy polymers, including poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(styrene) (PS), and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), were measured using both quartz spring microbalance (QSM) and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy. Specifically, QSM was used to determine water solubility, while FTIR-ATR spectroscopy provided a direct, molecular-level measurement of water clustering. The Flory–Huggins theory was employed to obtain a measure of water-polymer interaction and water solubility, through both prediction and regression, where the theory failed to predict water solubility in both PMMA and PVP. Furthermore, a comparison of water clustering between direct FTIR-ATR spectroscopy measurements and predictions from the Zimm–Lundberg clustering analysis produced contradictory results. The failure of the Flory–Huggins theory and Zimm–Lundberg clustering analysis to describe water solubility and water clustering, respe...
Thermal conduction phenomena in carbon nanotubes and related nanostructured materials

The extremely high thermal conductivities of carbon nanotubes have motivated a wealth of research. Progress includes innovative conduction metrology based on microfabricated platforms and scanning thermal probes as well as simulations exploring phonon dispersion and scattering using both transport theory and molecular dynamics. This article highlights these advancements as part of a detailed review of heat conduction research on both individual carbon nanotubes and nanostructured films consisting of arrays of nanotubes or disordered nanotube mats. Nanotube length, diameter, and chirality strongly influence the thermal conductivities of individual nanotubes and the transition from primarily diffusive to ballistic heat transport with decreasing temperature. A key experimental challenge, for both individual nanotubes and aligned films, is the separation of intrinsic and contact resistances. Molecular dynamics simulations have studied the impacts of specific types of imperfections on the nanotube conductance and its variation with length and chirality. While the properties of aligned films fall short of predictions based on individual nanotube data, improvements in surface engagement and postfabrication nanotube quality are promising for a variety of applications including mechanically compliant thermal contacts.
Open lung biopsy. Processing, evaluation, and diagnosis.

The methods of processing and evaluating open lung biopsies are described. The diagnostic importance of frozen sections, light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy is discussed.
Galactose metabolism in the sea lion.

SummaryStudies on the enzymes, galao tokinase and galactose-1 -phosphate uridyl transferase have shown that these enzymes are present in the blood and liver of sea lions. A galactose tolerance test on a sea lion has revealed that these animals are able to metabolize galactose.
CYTOGENETICS OF RUBUS. V. NATURAL HYBRIDIZATION BETWEEN R. PROCERUS P. J. MUELL. AND R. LACINIATUS WILLD.

The native trailing blackberries of the Pacific Northwest (Rubus, sec. Ursinus) form the predominant and most widely distributed ground cover of the coastal summer fog belt, both on exposed marine bluffs and in forest floors. The usual habitat is one of low light intensity, high humidity, and soil high in humus that remains saturated with moisture. Inland the species are restricted to shady areas bordering live streams. The group is highly polymorphic and variable. The many formerly recognized species have been reduced by Brown (1943) to varietal status in the species R. ursinus. Into this ursinus assemblage has been introduced at many points two aggressive European species that have become naturalized after escaping from garden plantings. The most widespread is Rubus procerus P. J. Muell., commonly known as the Himalaya berry. According to Darrow (1931) it was introduced in the Pacific Northwest in the late eighties of the last century. Another native central European species, R. laciniatus Willd., also occurs as a naturalized plant and is established across the United States. According to Waldo (1959) it was introduced in Oregon as a cultivated variety, under the name of evergreen blackberry, in 1850 and is still cultivated as such. In a previous study, Mallah (1954) demonstrated that, in several widely separated areas in California, R. procerus (4x) has hybridized with the native R. ursinus (8x
Supracondylar femur fractures after total knee arthroplasty

Periprosthetic supracondylar femur fracture after total knee arthroplasty is a potentially devastating complication with an incidence of 0.3% to 2.5%. As the population ages and the indications for knee arthroplasty expand, the incidence of these fractures is expected to rise. Significant risk facto
Short time-scale LV systolic dynamics: pressure vs. volume clamps and effect of activation.

We recently proposed a new model-based approach to quantifying short time-scale left ventricular (LV) systolic dynamics. In this study we examine the hypothesis that the quantitation of LV dynamics using the proposed approach is independent of external mechanical perturbations and the level of activation. Mechanical perturbation independence was assessed in seven isolated ferret hearts in which controlled changes in pressure (pressure clamp) or volume (volume clamp) were introduced at the time of peak isovolumetric pressure (protocol 1), and responses to these clamps were analyzed over the first 16 ms. The model described both pressure- and volume-clamps responses equally well. Model parameters were not different among various pressure clamps, and parameters estimated from volume clamps could accurately predict responses to pressure clamps [r2 range: 0.993–0.999; normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) range: 2.35–5.86%]. To examine activation independence, volume- (4 hearts) and pressure-clamp (4 hearts) responses were obtained and analyzed for baseline and postextrasystolic potentiated beats in a manner similar to protocol 1. The model parameter values estimated from the baseline state accurately predicted responses for the postextrasystolic potentiated state (r2 and NRMSE range for volume-clamp data: 0.989–0.998 and 3.35–6.88%, respectively; r2 and NRMSE range for pressure-clamp data: 0.992–0.996 and 4.26–5.23%, respectively). Thus the proposed approach can dissect the contributions of changes in activation from those due to changes in contractile unit properties on the function of the intact LV.
Birth defect Syn-position analysis of Xicheng district of Beijing from 2006 to 2012

Objective To understand the types of birth defects and its sequence distribution and variation in Xicheng district,analysis the possible influencing factors,in order to provide scientific basis for the intervention measures and reduce the incidence of birth defects,improve the quality of life of people born. Methods Using qualitative research method to analysis the birth defects data of Xicheng district in Beijing during 2006-2012. Results The top ten of birth defects Syn-position is congenital heart disease,cleft lip and cleft palate,polydactyly,21- trisomy syndrome,clubfoot,hypospadias,and syndactylia.The sequence of birth defect is decreasing year by year,including spina bifida,no brain malformation gastroschisis,etc. Conclusions Strengthen the self-health care consciousness,strengthen marriage,pregnancy,prenatal care,attention to prenatal screening,improve the doctor's comprehensive service ability for maternal and child health,expand the coverage of health education,improve the maternal and child health consciousness of the whole society,All above is the key to reduce the birth rate of birth defects.
Chondrodystrophy (Achondroplasia) and Humoral Agents

IN Nature1 and elsewhere2,3, A. N. Studitsky has recently made statements to the effect that “studies of the interrelationship of the endocrine glands in the causation of experimental chondrodystrophy, taking into account the influence of the vitamin D balance, prove almost certainly the hypothesis of the humoral nature of this disease”. More specifically it may, according to Studitsky, be concluded “that the achondroplasia of the chick embryo is a hyper-parathyroid dystrophy of the skeleton, developing against the background of avitaminosis D”, and the author continues that “it does not seem improbable that our hypothesis as to the nature of faetal achondroplasia can also be extended to the analogous affection in man”. It is the purpose of this note to point out very briefly that one of the few conclusions which available evidence permits one to draw concerning the causation of chondrodystrophy is that humoral agencies play no part in the origin of this skeletal abnormality.
Telemedicine coverage for post-operative ICU patients.

Introduction There is an increased demand for intensive care unit (ICU) beds. We sought to determine if we could create a safe surge capacity model to increase ICU capacity by treating ICU patients in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) utilizing a collaborative model between an ICU service and a telemedicine service during peak ICU bed demand. Methods We evaluated patients managed by the surgical critical care service in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) compared to patients managed in the virtual intensive care unit (VICU) located within the PACU. A retrospective review of all patients seen by the surgical critical care service from January 1st 2008 to July 31st 2011 was conducted at an urban, academic, tertiary centre and level 1 trauma centre. Results Compared to the SICU group ( n = 6652), patients in the VICU group ( n = 1037) were slightly older (median age 60 (IQR 47-69) versus 58 (IQR 44-70) years, p = 0.002) and had lower acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores (median 10 (IQR 7-14) versus 15 (IQR 11-21), p < 0.001). The average amount of time patients spent in the VICU was 13.7 + /-9.6 hours. In the VICU group, 750 (72%) of patients were able to be transferred directly to the floor; 287 (28%) required subsequent admission to the surgical intensive care unit. All patients in the VICU group were alive upon transfer out of the PACU while mortality in the surgical intensive unit cohort was 5.5%. Discussion A collaborative care model between a surgical critical care service and a telemedicine ICU service may safely provide surge capacity during peak periods of ICU bed demand. The specific patient populations for which this approach is most appropriate merits further investigation.
Techniques to refine the upper outer breast aesthetic subunit in alloplastic breast reconstruction: The lateral capsular flap.

BackgroundLateral displacement of breast implants and axillary fullness are common causes of patient dissatisfaction and reoperation following prosthetic breast reconstruction. Suture plication of ...
Sparse genomic structural variant detection: Exploiting parent-child relatedness for signal recovery

Structural variants (SVs) — rearrangements of an individuals' genome — are an important source of heterogeneity in human and other mammalian species. Typically, SVs are identified by comparing fragments of DNA from a test genome to a known reference genome, but errors in both the sequencing and the noisy mapping process contribute to high false positive rates. When multiple related individuals are studied, their relatedness offers a constraint to improve the signal of true SVs. We develop a computational method to predict SVs given genomic DNA from a child and both parents. We demonstrate that enforcing relatedness between individuals and constraining our solution with a sparsity-promoting l 1 penalty (since SV instances should be rare) results in improved performance. We present results on both simulated genomes as well as two-sequenced parent-child trios from the 1000 Genomes Project.
The Sio Story of Male

THE TWO versions of the Sio story of the mythic hero Male discussed in this article (see Appendix below) were produced as texts as part of a literacy program. Our concern, however, is not with how this story looks on paper, but rather, in line with Malinowski’s analytic goal, with what it does in life or what it did in traditional Sio life (Malinowski 1955:110-111). The function of myth, said Malinowski, “is the statement of an extraordinary event, the occurrence of which once [and] for all had established the social order of a tribe or some of its economic pursuits, its arts and crafts or its religious or magical beliefs and ceremonies” (1931:640). The extraordinary events of moment in the Male story are a culture hero’s bestowal of the arts of fine bow and arrow and barkcloth manufacture on the Rai Coast peoples known collectively by the Sio as Labuna, 2 while the peoples to the east, including the Sio, were left either with inferior versions of the artifacts or utterly without knowledge of their manufacture. The myth explains and justifies the regional distribution of craft skills and Sio’s dependence on trade relations with the west for certain imports. Male is thus a mythic charter for a fundamental aspect of the Melanesian cultural order: local specialization and intergroup trade. The issue, more precisely, is the “ownership” of specific craft knowledge. In the Sio view, technologies are not the inventions of human beings; they are the creations of culture heroes or deities, such as
Watershed Planning and Management in Colorado

This paper discusses the manner in which Colorado organizes its water management according to hydrographic boundaries and offers suggestions for ways the state can strengthen its existing approaches. In particular it notes that water courts are organized by basin, that the basins are now represented by roundtables, and that many water organizations are organized hydrologically. It discusses ways this basin approach could be strengthened within state government.
An assessment of Florida's ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) resource

Abstract Technological advances in marine renewable energy allow for various methods of extracting energy in the form of electrical power from the ocean. One method is through the process of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). This study assesses the distributions of electrical power that can be extracted from the ocean around the state of Florida. The OTEC resource is analyzed with the combination of a state-of-the-art ocean circulation model, the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model, along with a state-of-the-industry OTEC plant model in order to predict the attainable power values offshore Florida. The power predictions are then constrained by local cold deep sea water replenishment to provide an upper limit to the sustainable OTEC resource. The thermal resource is used as input to the plant model to predict the potential power production. The resource data is then validated through the comparison against in situ oceanic measurements to safeguard the quality of the predicted power values.
Thermal conductivity of single-layer WSe2 by a Stillinger-Weber potential.

In this study, we present the parameters of the Stillinger–Weber (SW) potential for single-layer WSe2 and calculate its in-plane thermal conductivity using a reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. The parameters are fitted to the phonon dispersion curves from literature density functional perturbation theory and experimental structural properties. The set reproduces the phonon dispersion well. The in-plane thermal conductivity of single-layer WSe2 and its dependency on sample length and temperature are calculated and the results are in good agreement with experimental values. Our developed SW-type potential facilitates further investigations on thermal, mechanical and other properties of WSe2.
Nanodiamond-based Injectable Hydrogel for Sustained Growth Factor Release: Preparation, Characterization and in Vitro Analysis

Abstract Nanodiamonds (NDs) represent an emerging class of carbon nanomaterials that possess favorable physical and chemical properties to be used as multifunctional carriers for a variety of bioactive molecules. Here we report the synthesis and characterization of a new injectable ND-based nanocomposite hydrogel which facilitates a controlled release of therapeutic molecules for regenerative applications. In particular, we have formulated a thermosensitive hydrogel using gelatin, chitosan and NDs that provides a sustained release of exogenous human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for wound healing applications. Addition of NDs improved the mechanical properties of the injectable hydrogels without affecting its thermosensitive gelation properties. Biocompatibility of the generated hydrogel was verified by in vitro assessment of apoptotic gene expressions and anti-inflammatory interleukin productions. NDs were complexed with VEGF and the inclusion of this complex in the hydrogel network enabled the sustained release of the angiogenic growth factor. These results suggest for the first time that NDs can be used to formulate a biocompatible, thermosensitive and multifunctional hydrogel platform that can function both as a filling agent to modulate hydrogel properties, as well as a delivery platform for the controlled release of bioactive molecules and growth factors. Statement of Significance One of the major drawbacks associated with the use of conventional hydrogels as carriers of growth factors is their inability to control the release kinetics of the loaded molecules. In fact, in most cases, a burst release is inevitable leading to diminished therapeutic effects and unsuccessful therapies. As a potential solution to this issue, we hereby propose a strategy of incorporating ND complexes within an injectable hydrogel matrix. The functional groups on the surface of the NDs can establish interactions with the model growth factor VEGF and promote a prolonged release from the polymer network, therefore, providing a longer therapeutic effect. Our strategy demonstrates the efficacy of using NDs as an essential component for the design of a novel injectable nanocomposite system with improved release capabilities.
A Comparison of Insulin Doses for the Treatment of Hyperkalemia in Patients with Renal Insufficiency

To compare the safety and efficacy of 5 units versus 10 units of insulin for the treatment of hyperkalemia in patients with renal insufficiency.Retrospective cohort study.Large academic medical center emergency department.Between March 1, 2008, and February 29, 2016, 675 patients met the inclusion criteria of age 18 years and older, serum potassium greater than 5 mEq/L, renal insufficiency, 5 units or 10 units of intravenous regular insulin administered in the emergency department, and blood glucose documented within 5 hours after insulin administration. Of these patients, 133 (19.7%) received 5 units of insulin and 542 (80.3%) received 10 units of insulin.The primary outcome was incidence of hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 70 mg/dl). Secondary outcomes were incidence of severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 40 mg/dl) and change in serum potassium after insulin therapy. Hypoglycemia occurred in 26 of 133 patients receiving 5 units of insulin (19.5%) and in 155 of 542 patients receiving 10 units (28.6%) (difference = -9.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -16.8% to -1.3%). Severe hypoglycemia occurred in 4 of 133 patients (3.0%) and 37 of 542 patients (6.8%) receiving insulin 5 units and 10 units, respectively (difference = -3.8%, 95% CI -7.4% to 0%). Change in serum potassium was similar between groups (-1.0 ± 0.8 vs -1.0 ± 0.7 mEq/L, difference = 0, 95% CI -0.1 to 0.1).In patients with renal insufficiency and hyperkalemia, 5 units of insulin reduced serum potassium to the same extent as 10 units of insulin but with a lower rate of hypoglycemia. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Crystalline Monomeric Allenyl/Propargyl Radical

Reduction of alkynyl iminium salts derived from cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) affords propargyl/allenyl radicals. Depending on the nature of the CAAC and alkyne substituents, these radicals can irreversibly dimerize, exist as monomers in solution but dimerize in the solid state, or can even remain monomeric as solids. The first characterization of an allenyl radical by single crystal X-ray crystallography is reported.
Using machine learning to predict obesity in high school students

Four enhanced machine learning models were used to predict obesity in high school students by focusing on both risk and protective factors: binary logistic regression; improved decision tree (IDT); weighted k-nearest neighbor (KNN); and artificial neural network (ANN). Nine health-related behaviors from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) for the state of Tennessee were used as model inputs. Results show that, compared to the logistic regression model that achieved 56.02% accuracy and 54.77% specificity, IDT, weighted KNN, and ANN each performed significantly better. The IDT model achieved 80.23% accuracy and 90.74% specificity, while the weighted KNN model achieved 88.82% accuracy and 93.44% specificity. The ANN model achieved 84.22% accuracy and 99.46% specificity. Implications and suggestions for slowing the increase in adolescent obesity are discussed.
Mental Health and the ADA: A Focus Group Discussion with Human Resource Practitioners

In 1997, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued new guidelines to clarify implementation of the mental health regulations under the ADA. This paper explores the impact of those guidelines on human resource practices in the workplace. Focus group discussions were conducted with human resource practitioners from over a dozen medium-sized, mid-western corporations. Analysis of the focus group discussions identified four primary issues: underreporting of mental health disabilities; the impact of demographic differences on mental health; misreporting of mental health disabilities; and the impact of the environment on mental health.
The Stanford Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool: A Computerized Tool to Assess Active Living Environments

Background The built environment can influence physical activity, particularly among older populations with impaired mobility. Existing tools to assess environmental features associated with walkability are often cumbersome, require extensive training, and are not readily available for use by community residents. Purpose This project aimed to develop and evaluate the utility of a computerized, tablet-based participatory tool designed to engage older residents in identifying neighborhood elements that affect active living opportunities. Methods Following formative testing, the tool was used by older adults (aged ≥65 years, in 2011) to record common walking routes (tracked using built-in GPS) and geocoded audio narratives and photographs of the local neighborhood environment. Residents (N=27; 73% women; 77% with some college education; 42% used assistive devices) from three low-income communal senior housing sites used the tool while navigating their usual walking route in their neighborhood. Data were analyzed in 2012. Results Elements (from 464 audio narratives and photographs) identified as affecting active living were commensurate with the existing literature (e.g., sidewalk features, aesthetics, parks/playgrounds, crosswalks). However, within each housing site, the profile of environmental elements identified was distinct, reflecting the importance of granular-level information collected by the tool. Additionally, consensus among residents was reached regarding which elements affected active living opportunities. Conclusions This tool serves to complement other assessments and assist decision makers in consensus-building processes for environmental change.
Cardiac Function in GHR–/– Mice

The studies discussed in this chapter highlighted the role of GH signaling in heart function, cardiovascular disease, and glucose homeostasis. Interestingly, GHR−/− mice do not present major cardiovascular abnormalities, and their overall cardiovascular risk seems to be diminished, independently of their age and/or gender. Thus, the extended longevity of GHR−/− mice may be due in part to their improved cardiovascular health and increased insulin sensitivity. Although important aspects of GH signaling and the cardiovascular system have been revealed, the underlying mechanisms linking GH insensitivity and cardiovascular health/disease need to be investigated further. In a recent study, the effects of GH in coagulation or thrombosis were evaluated in a model of pulmonary embolism. Expression of coagulation inhibitors was strongly modulated by sex-specific GH secretion patterns (Wong et al. 2008).This study highlights the significance of GH on thrombosis in vivo and raises interesting questions. What are the specific effects of reduced IGF-1 vs. increased GH on thrombotic events? Thus, the thrombotic evaluation of GHR−/− mice will aid in redefining the role of GH/IGF-1 in thrombosis-related diseases.
Liquid Ventilation: It’s Not Science Fiction Anymore

Liquid ventilation is, by all initial considerations, an unconventional concept. Decades of research, however, have found that by using perfluorocarbons, which are capable of holding high concentrations of critical gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, gas exchange optimal enough to support life is possible with no known toxic effects. The earliest method of liquid ventilation, tidal liquid breathing, involved infusion and active removal of tidal volumes of perfluorocarbons by a liquid ventilator for gas exchange. Recently, a new method of partial liquid breathing, called perfluorocarbon-associated gas exchange, makes the process of liquid ventilation simpler by using conventional gas ventilators. Current research is showing great promise in the use of liquid ventilation for patients with pulmonary pathology. Critical care nurses should become knowledgeable of this new mode of ventilation and be prepared to meet the special needs of this unique population.
KIAA1549-BRAF Expression Establishes a Permissive Tumor Microenvironment Through NFκB-Mediated CCL2 Production.

KIAA1549-BRAF is the most frequently identified genetic mutation in sporadic pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), creating a fusion BRAF (f-BRAF) protein with increased BRAF activity. Fusion-BRAF-expressing neural stem cells (NSCs) exhibit increased cell growth and can generate glioma-like lesions following injection into the cerebella of naive mice. Increased Iba1+ monocyte (microglia) infiltration is associated with murine f-BRAF-expressing NSC-induced glioma-like lesion formation, suggesting that f-BRAF-expressing NSCs attract microglia to establish a microenvironment supportive of tumorigenesis. Herein, we identify Ccl2 as the chemokine produced by f-BRAF-expressing NSCs, which is critical for creating a permissive stroma for gliomagenesis. In addition, f-BRAF regulation of Ccl2 production operates in an ERK- and NFκB-dependent manner in cerebellar NSCs. Finally, Ccr2-mediated microglia recruitment is required for glioma-like lesion formation in vivo, as tumor do not form in Ccr2-deficient mice following f-BRAF-expressing NSC injection. Collectively, these results demonstrate that f-BRAF expression creates a supportive tumor microenvironment through NFκB-mediated Ccl2 production and microglia recruitment.
A systematic review of herpes zoster incidence and consensus recommendations on vaccination in adult patients on systemic therapy for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis: From the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Background Herpes zoster (HZ) incidence is linked to immunosuppression. Patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on systemic therapy might be at an increased risk for HZ. Objective To assess HZ risk in patients with psoriasis and PsA by systemic treatment and provide recommendations regarding HZ vaccination. Methods A systematic literature search was performed for HZ in patients with psoriasis and PsA. HZ vaccination guidelines were reviewed, and the medical board of the National Psoriasis Foundation made consensus recommendations in psoriasis and PsA patients using graded evidence. Results In total, 41 studies met inclusion criteria. Systemic corticosteroids (strong, 1), tofacitinib (strong, 1), and combination therapy with biologic and conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (weak, 2a) carry increased HZ risk while monotherapy does not. There is insufficient evidence to determine risk with interleukin 12/23, 17, and 23 inhibitors or apremilast (weak, 2a). Recombinant zoster vaccine is recommended for all psoriasis and PsA patients >50 years old and patients Limitations There was significant heterogeneity between studies. Conclusion HZ risk depends on disease severity and treatment class. Recombinant zoster vaccine should be given to all psoriasis and PsA patients >50 years old and younger patients at increased risk.
Epidemiology and treatment trends for primary tracheal squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective Management of tracheal squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) has been complicated by the lack of prognostic data and staging. We describe the epidemiology of TSCC and current treatment approaches. Methods Five hundred thirty-two adult patients with primary TSCC from 2004 to 2012 in the National Cancer Database were identified. Demographic, clinical factors, and 5-year overall survival were analyzed. Staging was classified as localized, regional extension, and distant spread. Treatment modality was defined as "no treatment (NT)," "limited surgery (LS)," "curative surgery (CS)," "LS with any adjuvant therapy (AT) (LS+AT)," "CS with AT (CS+AT)," "radiation therapy (RT)," or "chemoradiation (CRT)." Results Overall survival was 25%. Majority of cases were males, white, and occurred in sixth/seventh decades. Twenty-six percent of cases received CRT, 20% underwent LS+AT or CS+AT, 20% underwent LS or CS only, and 17% underwent RT alone. On multivariate analysis, CS (HR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26-0.69), CS+AT (HR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.36-0.77), CRT (HR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35-0.67), and RT (HR, 0.66 95% CI: 0.46-0.94) were associated with decreased likelihood of death compared to NT. Elderly patients and those with poor performance status had worse outcomes even on multivariate analysis. Conclusions TSCC is increasingly treated with surgery and systemic therapy in addition to RT, with improved survival outcomes. CS, CS+AT, CRT, or RT provided improved survival advantage in patients with variable levels of improvement based on the extent of the disease. Prospective trials would help differentiate survival advantages between treatment modalities. Patients' goals of care, comorbidities, and age should be considered when deciding appropriate treatment recommendations. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 130:405-412, 2020.
A Fully Distributed Event-Triggered Method for Sample Time Synchronization over Database Business

This paper focuses on the time synchronization problem in large database business network. In order to reduce the communication times, one event-triggered control protocol is provided based on the second-order multi-agent systems. For each agent, one distributed triggering condition is developed to determine the communication time instant. Finally, some simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed distributed algorithms.
Structures and characteristics of carbohydrates in diets fed to pigs: a review

The current paper reviews the content and variation of fiber fractions in feed ingredients commonly used in swine diets. Carbohydrates serve as the main source of energy in diets fed to pigs. Carbohydrates may be classified according to their degree of polymerization: monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Digestible carbohydrates include sugars, digestible starch, and glycogen that may be digested by enzymes secreted in the gastrointestinal tract of the pig. Non-digestible carbohydrates, also known as fiber, may be fermented by microbial populations along the gastrointestinal tract to synthesize short-chain fatty acids that may be absorbed and metabolized by the pig. These non-digestible carbohydrates include two disaccharides, oligosaccharides, resistant starch, and non-starch polysaccharides. The concentration and structure of non-digestible carbohydrates in diets fed to pigs depend on the type of feed ingredients that are included in the mixed diet. Cellulose, arabinoxylans, and mixed linked β-(1,3) (1,4)-d-glucans are the main cell wall polysaccharides in cereal grains, but vary in proportion and structure depending on the grain and tissue within the grain. Cell walls of oilseeds, oilseed meals, and pulse crops contain cellulose, pectic polysaccharides, lignin, and xyloglucans. Pulse crops and legumes also contain significant quantities of galacto-oligosaccharides including raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose. Overall, understanding the structure, characteristics and measurable chemical properties of fiber in feed ingredients may result in more accurate diet formulations, resulting in an improvement in the utilization of energy from less expensive high-fiber ingredients and a reduction in reliance on energy from more costly cereal grains.
Hernia Repair in Patients with Cirrhosis

Hernia repair in patients with cirrhosis has historically been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, with careful consideration and in well-selected patients, the morbidity and mortality can be acceptable. Some studies have shown worse outcomes for patients undergoing emergent repairs when compared to elective repair. This has prompted some authors to recommend elective repair broadly. However, the differences in outcome between elective repair and emergent repair appear to be more related to the underlying degree of liver dysfunction than acuteness of the indication. Therefore, degree of liver dysfunction, physiologic status, and comorbidities should be weighed carefully. Referral to specialized centers (transplant centers) with a multidisciplinary team who can assist in perioperative care of the patient undergoing hernia repair should also be considered. In patients undergoing surgery, the risk of recurrence and complications can be reduced by maximizing medical treatment of ascites, assessing nutrition, and careful surveillance for infection prior to operation.
Nonjudicial Solutions to Partisan Gerrymandering

This Essay offers some hesitation over judicial solutions to the partisan gerrymandering, hesitation consistent with Justice Frankfurter’s dissenting opinion in Baker v. Carr. It argues that partisan gerrymandering reform is best suited for the political process and not the judiciary. First, it traces the longstanding roots of the problem and the longstanding trouble the federal judiciary has had engaging in the process, which cautions against judicial intervention. Second, it highlights the weaknesses in the constitutional legal theories that purport to offer readily-available judicially manageable standards to handle partisan gerrymandering claims. Third, it identifies nonjudicial solutions at the state legislative level, solutions that offer more promise than any judicial solution and that offer the flexibility to change through subsequent legislation if these solutions prove worse than the original problem. Fourth, it notes weaknesses in judicial engagement in partisan gerrymandering, from opaque judicial decisionmaking to collusive consent decrees, that independently counsel against judicial involvement.
Risk assessment of significant upper extremity arteriovenous graft infection in the Vascular Quality Initiative.

Abstract Objective Infectious complications of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are a major source of morbidity. Our aim was to characterize contemporary risk factors for upper extremity AVG infection. Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative (2011-2018) was queried for all patients undergoing upper extremity AVG creation. AVG infection was classified as an infection treated with antibiotics, incision and drainage, or graft removal. Multivariable analyses were used to evaluate risk factors for short- and long-term AVG infection. Results Of 1758 upper extremity AVGs, 49 (2.8%) developed significant infection within 3 months, resulting in incision and drainage in 24% and graft removal in 76% of cases. None were managed with antibiotics alone in the study sample. Patients with significant AVG infection were more likely to be white, to be insured, to have a history of coronary artery bypass graft and intravenous (IV) drug use, to be undergoing a concomitant vascular procedure, and to be discharged on an anticoagulant. In multivariable analysis, significant AVG infection within 3 months was associated with IV drug use history (odds ratio [OR], 5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-14.3; P = .003), discharge to a health care facility (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.07-6.63; P = .035), discharge on an anticoagulant (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.13-4.72; P = .021), white race (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.21-4.34; P = .011), and female sex (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.06-3.85; P = .033). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that freedom from graft site infection at 1 year was 96.4%. Longer term graft infection at 1 year was independently associated with IV drug use history (hazard ratio [HR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.06-3.68; P = .032), initial discharge to a health care facility (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.19-2.97; P = .007), and white race (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.23-2.19; P = .001). Conclusions Although significant AVG infection was uncommon in the Vascular Quality Initiative, the majority were treated with graft removal. In select high-risk patients, extra care should be taken and alternative forms of arteriovenous access may be considered.
CollabDrone: A Collaborative Spatiotemporal-Aware Drone Sensing System Driven by Social Sensing Signals

While autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have attained a reputable stance in modern disaster response applications, their practical adoptions are impeded due to various constraints (e.g., requiring manual input, battery life). In this paper, we develop a novel spatiotemporal aware drone sensing system that is driven by harnessing social media signals, a process known as social sensing. Social sensing has emerged as a new sensing paradigm where humans act as "sensors" to report their observations about the physical world. However, maneuvering drones with "social signals" introduces a new realm of challenges. The first challenge is to drive the drones by leveraging noisy and unreliable social media signals. The second challenge is to optimize the drone deployment by exploring the highly dynamic and latent correlations among event locations. In this paper, we present CollabDrone that devises a new spatiotemporal correlation inference model and game-theoretic drone dispatching mechanism to address the above challenges. The evaluation results on a real-world case study show that CollabDrone significantly outperforms current drone and social sensing baselines in terms of accuracy and deadline hit rate.
Analysis and Design of Axial Corrugated Ka-band Feed Horn

This paper presents the analysis and design of axial corrugations based feed horn covering the full Ka-band of 26.5 GHz to 40 GHz (fractional bandwidth = 42.5%). The design is based on modal analysis of axial corrugations using Ansys HFSS full wave analysis tool. The objective is to achieve symmetrical beams with low cross-polarization and near constant edge taper. This feed horn would be used to illuminate reflector antenna in a minicompact antenna test range at the Antenna and Microwave Lab (AML) at San Diego State University.