cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Video-Based Patient Education Improves Patient Attitudes Toward Resident Participation in Outpatient Surgical Care.

Objective Decipher if patient attitudes toward resident participation in surgical care can be improved with patient education using a video-based modality. Design A survey using a 5-pt Likert scale was created, piloted, and distributed in general and colorectal surgery outpatient clinics that had residents involved with patient care at 2 facilities, both with control and intervention groups. The intervention group viewed a short video (∼4 min) explaining the role, education, and responsibilities of medical students, residents, and attending surgeons prior to answering the survey. Setting General and colorectal surgery outpatient clinics at the University of Texas Health San Antonio, Texas. Participants A total of 383 responses were collected, all clinic patients were eligible. Results The majority of patients (82%) welcomed resident participation in their health care. Eighteen percent of patients did not expect residents to be involved in their care. Patients had favorable views of residents participating during their surgical procedures with 77% responding “agree” or “strongly agree” to a senior resident assisting with a complicated procedure. Patients who viewed the video versus control were less concerned with how much of the procedure the resident would perform (76% vs 86%, p = 0.010). Patients who viewed the video felt less inconvenienced (p = 0.004). Conclusions The majority of patients are welcoming to resident participation in their surgical care but only 54% were expecting resident involvement at their clinic visit. Early explanation with an educational video of resident roles, education, and responsibilities may help bridge the gap and improve patient experience.
Cytology and Pathology of the Vulva

The pathologist is an integral part of the patient’s team, and a pathology report is a consultation, not an automated test like a blood count. As such, clinicians can maximize the utility of the report for themselves by keeping a few things in mind. First, a thorough relevant clinical history should always be provided, including the appearance of a lesion, symptoms, and any prior treatment, which may be significant in that it changes the histology of the lesion, or allows the pathologist to compare the tissue to prior biopsies or excisions on the patient. There is often not a single answer in pathology, as in clinical medicine, and the information the clinician provides is used in developing a differential diagnosis.
Rethinking Opioid Dose Tapering, Prescription Opioid Dependence, and Indications for Buprenorphine

The expanded use of opioids for chronic pain has created a population of patients prescribed long-term opioid therapy at doses that are often above those recommended by the Centers for Disease Cont...
Flocking and Target Interception Control for Formations of Nonholonomic Kinematic Agents

In this brief, we present solutions to the flocking and target interception problems of multiple nonholonomic unicycle-type robots using the distance-based framework. The control laws are designed at the kinematic level and are based on the rigidity properties of the graph modeling the sensing/communication interactions among the robots. An input transformation is used to facilitate the control design by converting the nonholonomic model into the single-integrator-like equation. We assume only a subset of the robots knows the desired, time-varying flocking velocity, or the target’s motion. The resulting control schemes include distributed, variable structure observers to estimate the unknown signals. Our stability analyses prove convergence to the desired formation while tracking the flocking velocity or the target motion. The results are supported by experiments.
Confidence and proficiency levels of medical dosimetry graduates

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the confidence and proficiency levels of medical dosimetry graduates as they transition from student to professional during their first employment as medical dosimetrists. In addition, this study explored the support provided by employers to assist those medical dosimetry graduates during this transitional period. With assistance from the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB), individuals who graduated from a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredited medical dosimetry program between 2011 and 2018 and earned MDCB certification between 2012 and 2018 were invited to complete an original survey detailing their experiences during their first employment as medical dosimetrists. Data were collected using Qualtrics and analyzed with IBM's SPSS. Most (93, 56.7%) participants indicated a moderate confidence level in their abilities to function as medical dosimetrists and suggested it took approximately 6 months (56, 34.1%) to feel confident in their role as medical dosimetrists in the professional clinical setting. Regarding treatment planning techniques, participants indicated low proficiency levels in proton beam and brachytherapy plans and high proficiency levels in 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and electron beam plans. These findings suggest that educators should consider strengthening curricula and offering additional clinical rotations specific to those areas that lacked proficiency. Most (128, 78.0%) did not complete a dosimetry-specific new employee training program, but believed such support would have been somewhat helpful (44, 34.4%) during their transition from student to professional. Hiring managers and dosimetry supervisors may find it beneficial to implement support measures to assist medical dosimetry graduates as they transition from student to professional.
Homophone auditory processing in cross-linguistic perspective

Previous studies reported conflicting results for the effects of homophony on visual word processing across languages. On finding significant differences in homophone density in Japanese, Mandarin Chinese and English, we conducted two experiments to compare native speakersâ€™ competence in homophone auditory processing across these three languages. A lexical decision task showed that the effect of homophony on word processing in Japanese was significantly less detrimental than in Mandarin and English. A word-learning task showed that native Japanese speakers were the fastest in learning novel homophones. These results suggest that language-intrinsic properties influence corresponding language processing abilities of native speakers.
Consultation as a Powerful Tool in Community–University Partnerships: Introduction to the Special Issue

This article introduces the special topic issue “Educational and Psychological Consultation within Community–University Partnerships.” The special issue provides a forum for scholars and readers to...
Ion-beam-driven warm dense matter experiments

As a technique for heating matter to high energy density, intense beams of heavy ions are capable of delivering precise and uniform beam energy deposition to a relatively large sample. The US heavy ion fusion science program has developed techniques for heating and diagnosing warm dense matter (WDM) targets. We have developed a WDM target chamber and a suite of target diagnostics including a fast multi-channel optical pyrometer, optical streak camera, VISAR, and high-speed gated cameras. Initial WDM experiments heat targets by both the compressed and uncompressed parts of the NDCX-I beam, and explore measurement of temperature, droplet formation and other target parameters. Continued improvements in beam tuning, bunch compression, and other upgrades are expected to yield higher temperature and pressure in the WDM targets. Future experiments are planned in areas such as dense electronegative targets, porous target homogenization and two-phase equation of state.
HEALTH DISPARITIES IN ADHERENCE WITH PRESCRIBED REHABILITATION FOLLOWING SURGICAL TREATMENT OF KNEE INJURIES IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Background:Rehabilitation is paramount to recovery following surgery for ligamentous and meniscal knee injuries, but there exists little research regarding adherence with rehabilitation in pediatri...
Vocal tract shaping of emotional speech

Emotional speech production has been previously studied using fleshpoint tracking data in speaker-specific experiment setups. The present study introduces a real-time magnetic resonance imaging database of emotional speech production from 10 speakers and presents articulatory analysis results of speech emotional expression using the database. Midsagittal vocal tract parameters (midsagittal distances and the vocal tract length) were parameterized based on a two-dimensional grid-line system, using image segmentation software. The principal feature analysis technique was applied to the grid-line system in order to find the major movement locations. Results reveal both speaker-dependent and speaker-independent variation patterns. For example, sad speech, a low arousal emotion, tends to show smaller opening for low vowels in the front cavity than the high arousal emotions more consistently than the other regions of the vocal tract. Happiness shows significantly shorter vocal tract length than anger and sadness in most speakers. Further details of speaker-dependent and speaker-independent speech articulation variation in emotional expression and their implications are described.
End-stage renal disease increases risk of postoperative complications after lower extremity fracture.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) leads to multiple systemic effects and patients suffer from multiple comorbidities including fractures. While previous studies have examined complications following hip fracture surgery in ESRD patients, there are no studies evaluating other lower extremity fractures. This study aimed to identify postoperative complication risk in patients with ESRD who had lower extremity fractures. Using our database from 2000 to 2015 at two level-one trauma centres, we collected data on patients over age 40, who had lower extremity fractures and surgical fixation. Diagnosis of ESRD was made before the injury. Each ESRD patient was matched by two non-ESRD patients regarding age, gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, and AO/OTA fracture classification. Postoperative outcomes were non-union, mechanical failure, and infection. The number of outcome events was compared between the ESRD and non-ESRD cohorts. A total of 195 patients (65 ESRD patients matched to 130 non-ESRD patients) were identified. Median follow-up was 31 months (12–141 months). Patients with ESRD were 3.6 time more likely to have at least one postoperative complication (mechanical failure, non-union, or infection) compared to non-ESRD patients (9/65 vs. 5/130, p = 0.02). In particular, mechanical failure was eight times higher among ESRD patients compared to non-ESRD patients (8/65 vs. 2/130, p < 0.01). ESRD was associated with higher rates of complications, especially mechanical failure, after lower extremity fracture surgeries.
Bayesian variable selection for high dimensional predictors and self-reported outcomes

The onset of silent diseases such as type 2 diabetes is often registered through self-report in large prospective cohorts. Self-reported outcomes are cost-effective; however, they are subject to error. Diagnosis of silent events may also occur through the use of imperfect laboratory-based diagnostic tests. In this paper, we describe an approach for variable selection in high dimensional datasets for settings in which the outcome is observed with error. We adapt the spike and slab Bayesian Variable Selection approach in the context of error-prone, self-reported outcomes. The performance of the proposed approach is studied through simulation studies. An illustrative application is included using data from the Women’s Health Initiative SNP Health Association Resource, which includes extensive genotypic (>900,000 SNPs) and phenotypic data on 9,873 African American and Hispanic American women. Simulation studies show improved sensitivity of our proposed method when compared to a naive approach that ignores error in the self-reported outcomes. Application of the proposed method resulted in discovery of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with risk of type 2 diabetes in a dataset of 9,873 African American and Hispanic participants in the Women’s Health Initiative. There was little overlap among the top ranking SNPs associated with type 2 diabetes risk between the racial groups, adding support to previous observations in the literature of disease associated genetic loci that are often not generalizable across race/ethnicity populations. The adapted Bayesian variable selection algorithm is implemented in R. The source code for the simulations are available in the Supplement. Variable selection accuracy is reduced when the outcome is ascertained by error-prone self-reports. For this setting, our proposed algorithm has improved variable selection performance when compared to approaches that neglect to account for the error-prone nature of self-reports.
Telemedicine in cardiac procedures: considerations for a remote future.

Purpose of review Present a review of relevant literature and suggest a framework for discussion of the considerations affecting the evolution and adoption of Telerobotic Support and Telerobotic Collaboration in the practice of cardiac procedural medicine. Recent findings Recent medical practice has undergone remarkable transformation in the adoption of telemedicine. This evolution has been accelerated by the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and has largely been focused on outpatient medicine. Clinical studies and opinion articles have highlighted benefits including reduced costs, increased patient engagement, and saved time, while also raising concerns regarding privacy, care quality and data security. Early and current efforts implementing remote procedural medicine have not only demonstrated technical success but also highlighted the many issues that must be resolved before acceptance as a major aspect of everyday patient care. Summary It is inevitable that remote technologies will play an increasing role in procedural medicine as they have in outpatient clinical medicine. Thoughtful participation by physicians in the evolution of these technologies and their modes of use will be necessary to maximize the benefits to our patients and healthcare systems.
Strategies for Successful Research to Application Projects: A Case Study of the National Sea Grant College Program

As coastal landscapes change, management professionals are working hard to transition research results into actions that support scientifically informed decisions impacting coastal communities. This type of research faces many challenges due to competing priorities, but boundary spanning organizations can help mediate these conflicts by forming transdisciplinary collaborations. The National Sea Grant College Program, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration based agency, is a networked organization of 34 university-based state programs that uses a three pronged approach of research, extension, and education to move academic research into the hands of stakeholders and decision makers. The objective of this study is to better understand strategies for successful research to application (R2A) projects that address complex environmental problems occurring in a socio-economic context. Specifically, this work examines R2A projects from the Sea Grant network to better understand the drivers for project development and common deliverables produced through the R2A process. We also identify five common facilitating factors that enabled ‘successful’ R2A across all projects: platforms for partnerships, iterative communication, transparent planning, clear examples of R2A, and graduate student involvement. By providing examples of successful frameworks, we hope to encourage more organizations to engage in the research to application process.
Senescence of Alveolar Stem Cells Drives Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis

SummaryTissue fibrosis is a common pathological outcome of chronic disease that markedly impairs organ function leading to morbidity and mortality. In the lung, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an insidious and fatal interstitial lung disease associated with declining pulmonary function. Here, we show that alveolar type 2 (AT2) stem cells isolated from IPF lung tissue exhibit characteristic transcriptomic features of cellular senescence with associated loss of SIN3A, a critical determinant of endodermal progenitor cell function in the developing lung. Conditional loss of Sin3a in adult mouse AT2 cells initiated a program of p53-dependent cellular senescence, AT2 cell depletion, and spontaneous, progressive pulmonary fibrosis. We establish that senescence rather than loss of epithelial stem cells serves as a proximal driver of Tgfβ activation and progressive fibrosis and show that either genetic or pharmacologic interventions targeting p53 activation, senescence, or downstream Tgfβ activation, block fibrogenesis.
Under-Display Ultrasonic Fingerprint Recognition With Finger Vessel Imaging

While fingerprint technology has been widely used in mobile devices for user identification, the existing fingerprint sensors can only capture 2D images of the fingerprint and are thus vulnerable to spoofing attacks using 2D replicas of fingerprint. Ultrasonic fingerprint recognition via imaging the structures beneath the human skin can be a promising approach for preventing spoofing attacks on fingerprint-based identification devices. In this study, under-display ultrasonic fingerprint recognition (UDUFR) was investigated for the first time via imaging a finger vessel underneath the fingerprint. A 40 MHz ultrasonic fingerprint sensor composed of PZT-5H piezoelectric active material was firstly developed, which demonstrated broad bandwidth (73.9%) and high loop sensitivity (−27.5 dB) for UDUFR applications. UDUFR experiments were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique using a two-layer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) phantom which consists of a dummy fingerprint in the surface layer and a finger vessel mimicker in the inner layer. Electronic images of the fingerprint and finger vessel with a resolution of $500\times500$ DPI were successfully obtained. The results reported in this study open up new avenues for the next generation of robust and secure UDUFR technology.
Very Long-Term Outcomes in Children Admitted in a Disorder of Consciousness After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract Objectives To investigate functional outcomes and state of consciousness at 1 year and ≥2 years postinjury in children who sustained a traumatic brain injury and were in a disorder of consciousness (DOC), either vegetative state (VS) or minimally conscious state (MCS), upon admission to inpatient rehabilitation. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Pediatric inpatient rehabilitation unit. Participants Children aged 2-18 years (N=37) who were admitted to inpatient rehabilitation with admission scores Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Glasgow Outcome Scale- Extended, Pediatric Revision (GOS-E Peds), and state of consciousness based on previously established guidelines. Results At admission, 16 children were in VS (43.2%) and 21 (56.8%) were in MCS. Children admitted in VS had a significantly longer time from injury to inpatient rehabilitation admission, lower CALS admission scores, were more likely to be in a DOC ≥28 days, and had greater disability at both follow-up time points. At the 1-year follow-up, 3 patients were in VS, 7 were in MCS, and 27 had emerged from MCS. By the time of the most recent follow-up (≥2y), 2 more patients had emerged from MCS. Across the cohort, GOS-E Peds scores at 1 year ranged from VS (GOS-E Peds, 7) to upper moderate disability (GOS-E Peds, 3). Most patients were functioning in the lower severe disability category (GOS-E Peds, 6) at 1 year (43.2%) and at the time of the most recent follow-up (43.2%). Twenty-seven patients (73.0%) showed stable GOS-E Peds scores between the 2 time points, 6 (16.2%) improved, and 4 (10.8%) were deceased. Conclusions Although a majority of patients emerged from a DOC by 1 year postinjury, most continued to demonstrate notable functional impairment at the 1-year follow-up that persisted to the most recent follow-up. A small subset demonstrated important improvements between 1 year and the most recent follow-up (2 patients emerged, 6 patients showed improvement in GOS-E Peds scores).
Water structure around a left-handed Z-DNA fragment analyzed by cryo neutron crystallography

Even in high-quality X-ray crystal structures of oligonucleotides determined at a resolution of 1 A or higher, the orientations of first-shell water molecules remain unclear. We used cryo neutron crystallography to gain insight into the H-bonding patterns of water molecules around the left-handed Z-DNA duplex [d(CGCGCG)]2. The neutron density visualized at 1.5 A resolution for the first time allows us to pinpoint the orientations of most of the water molecules directly contacting the DNA and of many second-shell waters. In particular, H-bond acceptor and donor patterns for water participating in prominent hydration motifs inside the minor groove, on the convex surface or bridging nucleobase and phosphate oxygen atoms are finally revealed. Several water molecules display entirely unexpected orientations. For example, a water molecule located at H-bonding distance from O6 keto oxygen atoms of two adjacent guanines directs both its deuterium atoms away from the keto groups. Exocyclic amino groups of guanine (N2) and cytosine (N4) unexpectedly stabilize waters H-bonded to O2 keto oxygens from adjacent cytosines and O6 keto oxygens from adjacent guanines, respectively. Our structure offers the most detailed view to date of DNA solvation in the solid-state undistorted by metal ions or polyamines.
Proceedings of the 2020 Epilepsy Foundation Pipeline Conference: Emerging Drugs and Devices.

Abstract From August 27–28, 2020 the Epilepsy Foundation hosted the Pipeline Conference, exploring emerging issues related to antiepileptic drug and device development. The conference featured epilepsy therapeutic companies and academic laboratories developing drugs for focal epilepsies, innovations for rare and ultra-rare diseases, and devices both in clinical trials and approved for use. In this paper, we outline the virtual presentations by the authors, including novel data from their development pipeline.
Theoretical evidence that root penetration ability interacts with soil compaction regimes to affect nitrate capture.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although root penetration of strong soils has been intensively studied at the scale of individual root axes, interactions between soil physical properties and soil foraging by whole plants are less clear. Here we investigate how variation in the penetration ability of distinct root classes and bulk density profiles common to real-world soils interact to affect soil foraging strategies. METHODS We utilize the functional-structural plant model OpenSimRoot to simulate the growth of maize (Zea mays) root systems with variable penetration ability of axial and lateral roots in soils with 1) uniform bulk density, 2) plow pans, and 3) increasing bulk density with depth. We also modify the availability and leaching of nitrate to uncover reciprocal interactions between these factors and the capture of mobile resources. KEY RESULTS Soils with plow pans and bulk density gradients affected overall size, distribution, and carbon costs of the root system. Soils with high bulk density at depth impeded rooting depth and reduced leaching of nitrate, thereby improving the coincidence of N and root length. While increasing penetration ability of either axial or lateral root classes produced root systems of comparable net length, improved penetration of axial roots increased allocation of root length in deeper soil, thereby amplifying N acquisition and shoot biomass. Although enhanced penetration ability of both root classes was associated with greater root system carbon costs, the benefit to plant fitness from improved soil exploration and resource capture offset these. CONCLUSIONS While lateral roots comprise the bulk of root length, axial roots function as a scaffold determining the distribution of these laterals. In soils with high soil strength and leaching, root systems with enhanced penetration ability of axial roots have greater distribution of root length at depth, thereby improving capture of mobile resources.
Nature of Science in the Science Curriculum and in Teacher Education Programs in the United States

This chapter considers the complex educational landscape in the United States and presents the results of an examination of the rationale for and history of the inclusion of nature of science (NOS) in the science curriculum, standards, and teacher education programs in the United States. The analysis begins with a definition of NOS and recommendations for its inclusion in school science and moves into a discussion of the context for the control of education in US K-12 schools (K-12 refers to public compulsory education in the United States which generally begins in kindergarten (K) at about age 5 and ends in grade 12 generally at age 17–18). A subsequent section of this chapter provides a detailed view of the nature of science in the most recent state standards resulting in a consensus recommendation for key NOS elements. A similar analysis tactic is applied to the new science education Framework for K-12 Science Education and the resulting Next Generation Science Standards. The chapter concludes with an examination of NOS in several key curriculum projects designed to incorporate this important topic.
A Parallel Algorithm for the Technology Mapping of LUT-Based FPGAs

Flowmap ([1]) was the first delay-optimal algorithm for the technology mapping of LUT-based FPGAs. However, even though this algorithm is polynomial, rapid prototyping using FPGAs requires faster solutions. This paper provides an efficient parallelization of flowmap that minimizes locking on shared memory architectures. The influence of scheduling strategies and technology-specific parameters on speedups is studied. The expected running time is also analyzed. The parallel algorithms yield speedups of around 4 to 5 on 8 processors.
Chapter 5 Photolysis of Long-Lived Predissociative Molecules as a Source of Mass-Independent Isotope Fractionation: The Example of SO2

Abstract Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that a mass-independent fractionation (MIF) signature is present in elemental sulfur produced during SO 2 photolysis, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. I report here the results of chemical kinetics modeling of self-shielding during photodissociation of SO 2 in the C ˜ 1 B 2 − X ˜ 1 A 1 bands from 190 to 220 nm. This band system is dominated by a bending mode progression that produces shifts in the absorption spectrum upon sulfur isotope substitution. Self-shielding in the rotationally-resolved lines of 32 SO 2 produces MIF signatures in SO and residual SO 2 . Using approximate synthetic spectra for the sulfur isotopologues of SO 2 , I show that SO 2 photolysis yields a sulfur MIF signature that can account for much of the laboratory MIF measured, and is in qualitative agreement with Δ 33 S and Δ 36 S values observed in Archean rocks.
A note on the uniqueness of the representation of commodity-augmenting technical change

Publisher Summary Under the assumption of almost homogeneity, which includes homogeneity, it is not possible to assign augmentation factors uniquely and unambiguously to the various commodities. An infinite number of possibilities exist. Thus, under almost homogeneity, one must be cautious in interpreting such statements as the improvement in technology comes primarily from labor augmentation or the rate of augmentation of labor is so many percentage points higher than that of capital. Such statements may be useful in providing a summary description of the technology given the choice of a particular representation. They do not have any intrinsic technological significance in themselves. In particular, they do not necessarily reflect improvements in the quality of specific outputs and inputs. Under the assumption of almost homogeneity but not constant returns, it is not possible to identify even the relative biases of the augmentation factors uniquely and unambiguously. Under the assumption of constant returns, however, it is possible to identify the relative biases of the augmentation factors uniquely and unambiguously if and only if the production function does not satisfy any other generalized Euler equation for an almost homogeneous function. In the three-commodity case, this implies that the production function must be homogeneous of degree one but not Cobb–Douglas. The nonuniqueness in the Cobb–Douglas case is well known.
Mass Loss Mechanisms for Cool Stars

The discussion of mass loss mechanisms for cool stars is based upon our understanding of thermally driven stellar winds. First we discuss Parker’s thermally driven solar wind model, and consider the effects of energy addition to the flow in the form of heat and momentum. On the basis of this general discussion we examine a few particular mechanisms to see if they can play a role in driving massive winds from cool giants and supergiants.
What Happens to Problem Banks? Evidence from the 1980s and Guidance for the 2010s

In this study, we analyze factors determining the ultimate outcomes of banks classified as “problems” by the FDIC: failure or recovery. Using data for banks that were first classified as problems during 1984-1989 as inputs into a competing hazards model, we find that traditional proxies for the CAMELS components do an excellent job in explaining which problem banks failed and which problem banks recovered. We then use the model based upon 1984-1989 data to classify banks that first became problems during 2007-2009 period. We find that the model is reasonably accurate in classifying the failures and recoveries that took place during this period, in spite of the fact that it was estimated using data from the 1980s. We interpret these results as evidence that the CAMELS model continues to explain the financial outcomes of banks, even during the ongoing financial crisis, when most attribute the crisis to investments in residential mortgages and residential-mortgage-backed securities.
Endogenous Platelet-Activating Factor Is Critically Involved in Effector Functions of Eosinophils Stimulated with IL-5 or IgG

Eosinophil activation and subsequent release of inflammatory mediators are implicated in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases. Eosinophils are activated by various classes of secretagogues, such as cytokines (e.g., IL-5), lipid mediators (e.g., platelet-activating factor (PAF)), and Ig (e.g., immobilized IgG). However, do these agonists act directly on eosinophils or indirectly through the generation of intermediate active metabolites? We now report that endogenous PAF produced by activated eosinophils plays a critical role in eosinophil functions. Human eosinophils produced superoxide when stimulated with immobilized IgG, soluble IL-5, or PAF. Pretreating eosinophils with pertussis toxin abolished their responses to these stimuli, suggesting involvement of a metabolite(s) that acts on G proteins. Indeed, PAF was detected in supernatants from eosinophils stimulated with IgG or IL-5. Furthermore, structurally distinct PAF antagonists, including CV6209, hexanolamine PAF, and Y-24180 (israpafant), inhibited IgG- or IL-5-induced superoxide production and degranulation. Previous reports indicated that exogenous PAF stimulates eosinophil eicosanoid production through formation of lipid bodies. We found in this study that IgG or IL-5 also induces lipid body formation and subsequent leukotriene C4 production mediated by endogenous PAF. Finally, inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2, one of the key enzymes involved in PAF synthesis, attenuated both PAF production and effector functions of eosinophils. These findings suggest that endogenous PAF plays important roles in eosinophil functional responses to various exogenous stimuli, such as cytokines and Igs. Therefore, inhibition of PAF synthesis or action may be beneficial for the treatment of eosinophilic inflammation.
Profile driven scheduling for a heterogeneous server cluster

Clusters of commodity servers are increasingly the platform of choice for running compute-intensive jobs in a variety of industries. Computations such as wind-tunnel simulations, gene and protein analysis, drug discovery, and CGA rendering are run on commodity computers with very successful results. At the same time most cluster environments employ a highly heterogeneous set of machines due to the natural cycle of upgrades and purchases followed by most organizations. In such environments it is likely that some applications may be better suited for one type of machine over another and that the placement of jobs on machines can have a large impact on throughput and job completion time. This paper argues that using profile information to guide scheduling decisions can yield substantial performance improvements over a simple FCFS scheduling policy. In particular we look at a real-world job mix of genomic analysis applications and examine a number of scheduling algorithms that take profile information into account. Our results indicate that the benefits of profile-driven scheduling vary significantly based on the degree of heterogeneity available in the cluster and the variance in execution times of different job types across cluster machines. Additionally, we have discovered that affinity effects can also play an important role in improving performance, but plain affinity scheduling is not sufficient in achieving those benefits.
Physician beliefs about the impact of meaningful use of the EHR: a cross-sectional study.

Background: As adoption and use of electronic health records (EHRs) grows in the United States, there is a growing need in the field of applied clinical informatics to evaluate physician perceptions and beliefs about the impact of EHRs. The meaningful use of EHR incentive program provides a suitable context to examine physician beliefs about the impact of EHRs. Objective: Contribute to the sparse literature on physician beliefs about the impact of EHRs in areas such as quality of care, effectiveness of care, and delivery of care. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey of physicians at two academic medical centers (AMCs) in the northeast who were preparing to qualify for the meaningful use of EHR incentive program. Results: Of the 1,797 physicians at both AMCs who were preparing to qualify for the incentive program, 967 completed the survey for an overall response rate of 54%. Only 23% and 27% of physicians agreed or strongly agreed that meaningful use of the EHR will help them improve the care they personally deliver and improve quality of care respectively. Physician specialty was significantly associated with beliefs; e.g., 35% of primary care physicians agreed or strongly agreed that meaningful use will improve quality of care compared to 26% of medical specialists and 21% of surgical specialists (p=0.009). Satisfaction with outpatient EHR was also significantly related to all belief items. Conclusions: Only about a quarter of physicians in our study responded positively that meaningful use of the EHR will improve quality of care and the care they personally provide. These findings are similar to and extend findings from qualitative studies about negative perceptions that physicians hold about the impact of EHRs. Factors outside of the regulatory context, such as physician beliefs, need to be considered in the implementation of the meaningful use of the EHR incentive program. Citation: Emani S, Ting DY, Healey M, Lipsitz SR, Karson AS, Einbinder JS, Leinen L, Suric V, Bates DW. Physician beliefs about the impact of meaningful use of the EHR: A cross-sectional study. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 789–801 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-05-RA-0050
A stochastic complex network model

Author(s): Aldous, DJ | Abstract: We introduce a stochastic model for complex networks possessing three qualitative features: power-law degree distributions, local clustering, and slowly growing diameter. The model is mathematically natural, permits a wide variety of explicit calculations, has the desired three qualitative features, and fits the complete range of degree scaling exponents and clustering parameters. © 2003 American Mathematical Society.
Regulation of α1-antitrypsin gene expression in human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2 by HNF-1α and HNF-4

There is still relatively limited information about mechanisms of gene expression in enterocytes and mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated during enterocyte differentiation. Using the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2, which spontaneously differentiates from a cryptlike to a villouslike enterocyte, we have previously shown that there is a marked increase in transcription of the well-characterized alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) gene during enterocyte differentiation. In this study we examined the possibility of identifying the cis-acting elements and trans-acting DNA-binding proteins responsible for expression of the alpha1-AT gene in Caco-2 cells during differentiation. Footprint analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha (HNF-1alpha), HNF-1beta, and HNF-4 from nuclear extracts of Caco-2 cells specifically bound to two regions in the proximal promoter of the alpha1-AT gene. Cotransfection studies showed that HNF-1alpha and HNF-4 had a synergistic effect on alpha1-AT gene expression. RNA blot analysis showed that HNF-1alpha and HNF-4 mRNA levels and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that HNF-1alpha binding activity increase coordinately with alpha1-AT mRNA levels during differentiation of Caco-2 cells. Finally, overexpression of antisense ribozymes for HNF-1alpha in Caco-2 cells resulted in a selective decrease in endogenous alpha1-AT gene expression. Together, these results provide evidence that HNF-1alpha and HNF-4 play a role in the mechanism by which the alpha1-AT gene is upregulated during enterocyte differentiation in the model Caco-2 cell system.
Early enteral nutrition does not decrease hypermetabolism associated with burn injury.

Background: A prospective, randomized study was performed to compare the effects of early versus late enteral feeding on postburn metabolism. Methods: Burn patients were randomized to receive enteral feedings either within 24 hours (early) or 7 days (late) of injury. Basal energy expenditure (BEE) was calculated from Harris-Benedict equations and resting energy expenditure (REE) was obtained from indirect calorimetry. The average daily energy expenditure (DEE) was expressed as REE/BEE. Results: Average age, burn size, infections, and length of stay were similar between groups. Mortality between groups was similar (early, 28%; late, 38%) and not significantly influenced by inhalation injury. When controlled for percentage of total body surface area burn, inhalation injury, and age, the early group had an increased rather than decreased DEE, with a mean DEE calorie 0.17 more than the late group (p = 0.07). Conclusion: Early enteral feeding does not decrease the average energy expenditure associated with burn injury.
Studies on the solvent extraction of yttrium thenoyltrifluoroacetonate

Abstract Studies of extractions of yttrium from aqueous solution into chloroform, benzene, methyl isobutyl ketone, and mixtures of these solvents, containing thenoyltrifluoroacetone are described. The effects of reagent concentration, added n-butylamine, and added fluoride were investigated. Values of pH 1 2 and Pe were determined, and identifications of the involved species are suggested.
Preoperative versus postoperative neuropsychological sequelae of arteriovenous malformations.

ABSTRACTIN A COHORT of 14 patients suffering from cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM), neuropsychological functioning was examined before and after AVM resection. Improvements after surgery were assumed to be due to enhanced neurocognitive functions associated with the hemisphere ipsilateral
Kids today! Engineers tomorrow?

Often, it takes tough times to bring about change. We are facing a unique and daunting set of challenges, both as an industry and as a species. As a profession, we are in danger of becoming less relevant to the next generation who would carry on for us. If we are going to turn this situation around, we need to work quickly to change the conversation from one that focuses on what makes our profession difficult, to one that stresses passion, creativity, and social impact. This change could hardly be occurring at a more important time. Our planet is now facing an unprecedented global crises with many implications to the health and well-being of all people. Our skills and technology are going to be the single most important tools we have to minimize suffering and strife in light of the environmental changes that may occur. We have a wonderful opportunity right now to use our new messages to ignite the passions of the next generation of engineers across the world. It is a tough job, but it is also an immensely rewarding and fun job. So get right to it! We need to leave this world in good hands … and you are the only ones who can make that happen!
The Validity of Attitude Change by Classical Conditioning

Summary The effectiveness of classical conditioning of attitude change was studied with a procedure designed to mitigate the effects of demand characteristics on 39 male and 25 female undergraduates who had previously reported neutral positions on four attitude topics. Half of the Ss were exposed to 20 pairings of each attitude topic (presented tachistoscopically) with 20 positive adjectives (presented aurally), and the other half with negative adjectives. In a dissassociated task, they examined the responses to a 20-item attitude questionnaire of a hypothetical stranger. On the assumption that conditioning had been effective, the four conditioned attitudes were manipulated to make the stranger either 33% or 67% similar. Ss estimated their attitudinal similarity to and rated their liking for the stranger. Proportion of similarity had significant effects on the estimates of similarity (p < .01) and on rated liking (p < .03). These results indicate that classical conditioning is an effective procedure for c...
Inhaled fluticasone propionate delivered by means of two different multidose powder inhalers is effective and safe in a large pediatric population with persistent asthma

Abstract Background: Inhaled corticosteroids are increasingly being used to treat mild-to-moderate asthma in children. However, data regarding therapy with this class of compounds, especially in children under age 6 years, is limited. Fluticasone propionate is a third generation inhaled corticosteroid with an optimal therapeutic index. Few large prospective clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate powder in children. Objective: We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate powder administered by means of the Diskus and Diskhaler multidose powder inhalers in pediatric patients with persistent asthma. Methods: Fluticasone propionate powder (50 μg or 100 μg twice daily) or placebo was administered by means of the Diskus or Diskhaler inhalers to 437 children (4 to 11 years old) with persistent asthma for 12 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multi-center trial. Patients were stratified according to whether they were receiving prior treatment with inhaled corticosteroids or cromolyn or β 2 -agonists alone. Results: Fluticasone propionate powder administered by means of Diskus or Diskhaler significantly improved FEV 1 (mean increase from baseline of 0.22 to 0.24 L; p ≤ 0.023), clinic morning peak expiratory flow (mean increase from baseline of 48 to 55 L/min; p ≤ 0.006), patient-measured morning ( p ≤ 0.001) and evening ( p ≤ 0.003) peak expiratory flow, and asthma symptom scores (in all but the 50 μg Diskus group; p ≤ 0.036), as well as reduced albuterol use ( p ≤ 0.002) and nighttime awakenings ( p ≤ 0.019) at endpoint. Efficacy parameters were not significantly different between the two doses with either device. More placebo-treated patients discontinued the study because of lack of efficacy than patients in any fluticasone propionate group ( p 80%) rating them favorably. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that fluticasone propionate powder, at the conventional recommended doses of up to 200 μg/day administered by means of Diskus or Diskhaler, was well tolerated and improved lung function in children even as young as 4 and 5 years old regardless of whether they were previously treated with inhaled corticosteroids or cromolyn or β 2 -agonists alone. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998;102:32-8.)
More Than a Maxwellian: Fitzgerald and Technology

While George Francis Fitzgerald is celebrated today primarily for his contributions to theoretical physics, especially Maxwell's theory of electromagnetism, his correspondence demonstrates that he was driven as much by a passion for new technologies and their potential to change the world as by the mathematical explanations that made him famous. He experimented with a wide range of technologies, educated a generation of engineers at Trinity College Dublin and advocated the importance of technical education for Ireland's future prosperity. But during his own lifetime, he struggled to convince the public of what many today believe to be self-evident – namely, that progress in industry depends on university-educated scientists and engineers and that every good university requires a well-equipped research laboratory. His dream for Ireland of prosperity through education, science and industry would not be realized until almost 90 years after his death.
The effect of neutron irradiation on vanadium alloys

Abstract Neutron-irradiated vanadium alloys were evaluated for their susceptibility to irradiation hardening, helium embrittlement, swelling, and residual radioactivity, and the results were compared with those for the austenitic and ferritic stainless steels. The VANSTAR-7 and V-15Cr-5Ti alloys showed the greatest hardening between 400 and 600°C while V-3Ti-Si and V-20Ti had lower values that were comparable to those of ferritic steels. The V-15Cr-5Ti and VANSTAR-7 alloys were susceptible to helium embrittlement caused by the combination of weakened grain boundaries and irradiation-hardened grain matrices. Specimen fractures were entirely intergranular in the more severe instances of embrittlement. The V-3Ti-1Si and V-20Ti alloys were most resistant to helium embrittlement. Except for VANSTAR-7 irradiated to 40 dpa at 520°C, all of the vanadium alloys exhibited low swelling that was similar to the ferritic steels. Swelling was greater in specimens that were pre-implanted with helium using the tritium trick. The radioactive decay characteristics of vanadium alloys will simplify waste disposal for spent reactor components, compared to the requirements for conventional ferrous alloys.
Estimation of soil microbial biomass: An analysis of the respiratory response of soils

Abstract The respiratory response method to determine microbial biomass during soil incubation was investigated. A maximum respiratory response at early stages of incubation can be determined without addition of extra substrates. The amount of substrate required to produce a maximum respiratory response after 2–3 days of incubation was found to be similar to that required after prolonged incubation. Soils with similar levels of soluble-carbon have similar substrate-saturation values. As the nutritional status of the soil would decline during incubation, the use of a more complete substrate than glucose is proposed to keep the soil nutrient composition consistent during respiratory response analysis. With the use of 14 C it is possible to estimate the active fraction of the total biomass. The modifications and suggestions described herein for the respiratory response method, for biomass estimation, can enhance and be readily applied to long-term soil incubation studies.