cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Book Review: 'The Case for Books, Past, Present and Future'

From the introduction: Most people probably don't think of a book as "technology" but that's what it is — a once state-of-the-art solution for how best to transmit text. In terms of design, the book almost defies improvement by perfectly melding form and function. Attesting to its stature as a model of great technology design, consider that the book has remained essentially unchanged for more than 500 years going back to Gutenberg, 1,000 years going back to the Chinese invention of movable type, and several thousand years before that if you include the early books of ancient Greece and Rome. Think about that for a moment — a technology thousands of years old so well designed that it is still being used today. Now consider what a historic moment in time this is as we witness the first, fundamental change in book design as it moves from a tangible, paper-based medium to an intangible, digital one. What does this suggest about the future of traditional books, or "p-books" as they are now known? Does it mean they will become a quaint relic of the past like LPs, valued only by collectors and a few decorators? Do books have any relevance in our digital future? Related to that, what will happen to the traditional brick-and-mortar library now that its contents can be stored on a laptop's hard drive? In an era when the Internet has become...
Financial and Health Impacts of Multidisciplinary Aerodigestive Care

Objectives(1) Analyze upstream and downstream activity before and after enrollment with the Multidisciplinary Pediatric Aerodigestive Care Team (MPACT). (2) Identify potential demand for MPACT services with ICD-9 data.Study DesignRetrospective review of financial claims data.SettingTertiary care children’s center.SubjectsPediatric patients (0-18 years old) enrolled with MPACT (pediatric otolaryngology, gastroenterology, pulmonary, speech-language pathology).MethodsCase mix data from fiscal years (FYs) 2010-2013 were analyzed for primary, secondary, and tertiary ICD-9 codes in 4 aerodigestive diagnostic categories (ADCs): dysphagia, chronic cough, gastroesophageal disease, and chronic pulmonary disease/asthma. Inclusion criteria included patients <18 years old, seen by MPACT, with FY2010-FY2013 case mix data and ≥2 ADCs. Unique outpatient and inpatient encounters and associated charges were evaluated to determine upstream and downstream activity trends.ResultsOf the 126 patients meeting inclusion criteria,...
Supermax prisons: the policy and the evidence

Research Summary Supermaximum-security prisons--or "supermaxes"--symbolize the "get tough" criminal justice policies that have developed over the past three decades in the United States and in other countries. Proponents believe that they effectively address critical prison system problems; opponents believe that they do not and that they create substantial harm. This essay examines the available evidence about supermaxes. Policy Implications A range of considerations are relevant to determining whether supermaxes constitute effective policy. These include (a) definitional problems in discussing supermax incarceration; (b) five critical dimensions along which evidence for policies is desirable and along which supermaxes fall short, including demonstration of policy need, credible policy theory, high-quality implementation, impact, and benefits that exceed costs and do so more than other policies; (c) the challenge of assessing causal claims related to supermaxes; (d) legal and ethical issues; (e) policy and political challenges confronting states; (f) policy options other than supermaxes; and (g) research gaps that remain to be addressed. The essay argues that causal uncertainty about supermax incarceration makes it difficult at present to claim credibly that it achieves intended goals. Policy implications and recommendations are discussed. Language: en
Abstract A108: Phosphoprotein network activation during breast cancer initiation

Background: Currently we lack the ability to rapidly test new agents to prevent breast cancer. Targeted agents are in clinical testing for treatment of breast cancer but are not being adequately explored for prevention. This is because, without biomarkers to select women that are most likely to respond and rapidly evaluate response, Phase I/II testing of targeted agents for prevention will be too risky and expensive. Single biomarkers have been traditionally used to evaluate response to chemotherapeutic agents. However, single biomarkers may not be adequate to evaluate the complex phosphorylation network signaling events that occur during breast cancer initiation. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that resistance to targeted agents may occur through paradoxical activation of quiescent signaling pathway. As a result, it has become increasingly important to monitoring network signaling in women receiving targeted agents. Targeted agents that have low-toxicity profiles and have inhibitory activity against breast cancer cell proliferation and/or invasion may show promise as a prevention agent. However, before any given targeted agent could be tested for pilot prevention trials, we first need to identify 1) signaling pathway(s) that are affected by the drug in preclinical models of breast cancer, 2) short-term and long-term consequences of treatment, 3) potential biomarker(s) to closely track response. Methods and Results: We tested for protein network signaling in cytological specimens in women at high-risk for breast cancer. Our group used reverse-phase protein microarray (RPPM) platform to test for proteomic signatures of short-term risk to breast cancer. RPPM was developed to provide reproducible assessment of 50 phospho-proteins in 5,000 epithelial cells. Initial signature testing was performed in mammary cytology obtained from two groups of 50 high-risk women undergoing Random Periareolar Fine Needle Aspiration (RPFNA). Unsupervised heirachal clustering of RPPM proteomic analysis RPFNA aspirates from high-risk women identified three activated signaling pathways 1) Akt/mTOR/PI3K/cSrc, 2) EGRF/MEK/ERK, and 3) HER2/bcl-2. Conclusion: Here we demonstrate our ability to identify activated phospho-protein signaling pathways in limited RPFNA cytology. The power of this approach is that we can use a combination of RPPM and RPFNA to track response to any new targeted prevention agents. Importantly, we are able to validate our proteomic signatures in parallel nanobiosensor testing of live atypical RPFNA cytology from women in our high-risk cohort. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):A108.
Current Challenges in the Genetics of Psoriatic Arthritis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2009 Annual Meeting

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are heterogeneous diseases. While both have a strong genetic basis, it is strongest for PsA, where fewer investigators are studying its genetics. Over the last year the number of independent genetic loci associated with psoriasis has substantially increased, mostly due to completion of multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in psoriasis. At least 2 GWAS efforts are now under way in PsA to identify novel genes in this disease; a metaanalysis of genome-wide scans and further studies must follow to examine the genetics of disease expression, epistatic interaction, and gene-environment interaction. In the long term, it is anticipated that genome-wide sequencing is likely to generate another wave of novel genes in PsA. At the annual meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2009, members discussed issues and challenges regarding the advancement of the genetics of PsA; results of those discussions are summarized here.
Intelligent and adaptive temperature control for large-scale buildings and homes

Temperature control in smart buildings and homes can be automated by having computer controlled air-conditioning systems along with temperature sensors that are distributed in the controlled area. However, programming actuators in large-scale buildings and homes can be time consuming and expensive. We present an approach that algorithmically sets up the control system that can generate optimal actuator settings for large-scale environments. This paper clearly describes how the temperature control problem is modeled using convex quadratic programming. The impact of every air conditioner(AC) on each sensor at a particular time is learnt using linear regression model. The resulting system controls air-conditioning equipments to ensure the maintenance of user comforts and low cost of energy consumptions. Our method works as generic control algorithms and are not preprogrammed for a particular place. The system can be deployed in large scale environments. It can accept multiple target setpoints at a time, which improves the flexibility and efficiency for temperature control. The feasibility, adaptivity and scalability features of the system have been validated through various actual and simulated experiments.
Acyclovir in the Treatment of Herpesvirus Infections

The development of the synthetic acyclic purine nucleoside analog acyclovir was a milestone in the field of antiviral chemotherapy. Acyclovir possesses unique biologic properties that make it especially useful for the treatment of herpesvirus infections. This article presents guidelines for the use of acyclovir in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. The problem of acyclovir resistance is also discussed.
Beyond depression: Predictors of self-reported cognitive function in adults living with MS.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between self-reported cognition and demographic/psychosocial variables in individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). DESIGN Secondary longitudinal analysis of mailed self-report surveys over a period of 2 years. SETTING Community. PARTICIPANTS 407 community-dwelling individuals from the Pacific Northwest with a self-reported diagnosis of MS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Subjective general cognitive concerns and subjective executive difficulties as measured by the Neuro-QOL Applied Cognition-Executive Function-Short Form (SF) and the Applied Cognition-General Concerns-SF. RESULTS Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify statistically significant longitudinal predictors of perceived cognitive difficulties 2 years later. Fatigue and anxiety were statistically significant predictors of general cognitive concerns. Fatigue and perceived stress were statistically significant predictors of perceived executive difficulties. Fatigue was the strongest predictor in both models. CONCLUSIONS In MS, perceived cognitive impairment is frequently linked to depression without consideration of other possible contributors. This study suggests that in people with MS, fatigue is a stronger predictor of self-reported cognitive function 2 years later than depression.
Myxoid hepatocellular neoplasms: imaging appearance of a unique mucinous tumor variant.

To describe the imaging appearance of myxoid hepatocellular neoplasms (MHNs), including adenomas and carcinomas, a recently described pathologically unique tumor variant. Single-institution review of pathologically proven MHNs revealed 4 patients with imaging prior to resection. All available cross-sectional imaging was then retrospectively reviewed in consensus using specified descriptive characteristics previously published for hepatocellular adenoma subtypes. Imaging characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) were reviewed. MHNs were predominantly markedly T2 hyperintense with thin internal septations, circumscribed with lobulated margins, and demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement on arterial phase that became more homogenous on delayed phases. The lesions were hypodense on CT with similar enhancement characteristics as on MRI. On US, they were mildly hyperechoic and heterogeneous with posterior acoustic enhancement. MHNs show distinct imaging features that may allow accurate noninvasive diagnosis and differentiation from other hepatic lesions, including cavernous hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, and other variants of hepatocellular adenoma or carcinoma. Differentiation between benign and malignant MHN may not be possible by imaging, possibly necessitating earlier definitive therapy or surgical management
Keeping the HF/UX Curriculum Current with the Critical Decision Method

Vicious problems are problems that reinvent themselves. One vicious problem is how to educate the next generation of usability (UX) professionals. I borrowed a method from naturalistic decision-making research: the critical decision method (CDM). A CDM is an ethnographic approach that elicits the implicit knowledge of experts in their area of expertise. The methodology reveals the decision points, options, and outcomes with which a decision maker struggles. The decision points derive key attributes, meanings, and goals for the area of concern. UX businesses have a vicious problem similar to education: whom to hire for a UX position, who is qualified and who is not? I used the critical decision method to elicit required skills within the local UX market. These contributed to a reworking of the UX curriculum. The methodology and the results are discussed.
Jazz Tales from Jazz Legends: Oral Histories from the Fillius Jazz Archive at Hamilton College. By Monk Rowe with Romy Britell

In jazz, instrumental soloists are expected to “say something,” that is, to make musical remarks in a personal style that, in the absence of words, convey emotional feeling to the listener. Whether...
Measurement of blood pressure.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality (1-4). Hypertension occurs in 69% of individuals with first myocardial infarction (5), 77% of individuals with first stroke (5), 74% of individuals with heart failure (5), and 60% of individuals with peripheral arterial disease (6). Hypertension has been diagnosed if the systolic blood pressure is 140 mmHg or higher or if the diastolic blood pressure is 90 mmHg or higher (1-4). However, on the basis of data from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) (7,8) and a meta-analysis of prospective studies showing the impact of baseline prehypertension on cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in the general population (9), this author considers hypertension to be either a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or higher.
Early childhood education teachers’ constructs of teacher quality in Belize

ABSTRACTThis article is centred on the constructs of teacher quality as defined by early childhood (EC) teachers in Belize. Using the concept of teacher beliefs as a framework, the researchers analyse teachers’ perceptions of quality teaching, which should guide policy and practice decisions. For this pilot study, data were collected from 22 teachers using open-ended and Likert-scale questions from a questionnaire (n = 13) or focus groups (n = 9). Guiding research questions first sought to identify behaviours teachers believed were important or need to be stopped or improved, and second, to determine teacher agreement with guiding standards for excellence in EC teacher preparation as identified by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Open-coding and descriptives were used to interpret qualitative and quantitative findings. Themes identified by teachers as important EC teacher behaviours and behaviours that needed to be stopped or improved are presented, as well as teachers’ ag...
Graph-based hierarchical control of thermal-fluid power flow systems

To meet the rising performance and efficiency demands on high performance thermal management systems, this paper proposes a hierarchical model-based control framework for thermal-fluid power flow systems. This hierarchy uses scalable graph-based dynamic models of the hydrodynamics and thermodynamics of these systems, derived from conservation of mass and conservation of thermal energy, respectively. Leveraging the inherent timescale separation between thermal and hydraulic dynamics, a three-layer control hierarchy is constructed. The use of Model Predictive Control (MPC) at each layer allows actuator and state constraints to be explicitly considered and allows preview of upcoming thermal disturbances to be used for optimization. In addition, the hierarchy has functionality to account for actuator dynamics, including rate limits and time delays. The proposed control approach is demonstrated in simulation on a system configuration that is notionally representative of a simplified aircraft fuel thermal management system.
Chemistry of Sputter-Deposited Lithium Sulfide Films.

Lithium sulfide (Li2S) is under intense study because it is the insulating discharge product of ultrahigh energy density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries and a candidate cathode material for lithium-metal-free Li–S cells. In this work, we report the fabrication of an apparatus for sputter deposition of Li2S films ranging in thickness from a few nanometers to several micrometers at rates over 2 nm min–1. High-temperature annealing of the films is shown to produce crystalline films of high chemical purity Li2S for the first time. We provide evidence via complementary X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy that sputter deposition produces a unique sulfide structure composed of polymer-like chains of Li2S units. The electrochemistry of these films is markedly different from annealed crystalline Li2S, which is shown to be electrochemically inactive. The full theoretical capacity of the as-deposited sulfide structure could be realized during galvanostatic charge, suggesting a facile, solid-state charge proce...
Cyber–Physical Digital-Microfluidic Biochips: Bridging the Gap Between Microfluidics and Microbiology

Digital microfluidics is transforming microbiology research by providing new opportunities for high-throughput sample preparation and point-of-care diagnostics. Over the past decade, several design-automation (synthesis) techniques have been developed for on-chip droplet manipulation. However, these methods oversimplify the dynamics of biomolecular protocols and they have yet to make a significant impact in biochemistry/microbiology research, leading to a large gap between advances in biochip design and the adoption of biochips for running biomolecular protocols. In this paper, we bridge this gap by introducing a new paradigm for biochip design automation. By exploiting advances in the integration of sensing systems into a digital-microfluidic biochip, we present a number of synthesis solutions that use realistic models of biomolecular protocols to address real-world microbiology applications through cyber–physical adaptation. This paper also details a vision for continued research on design-automation and optimization methodologies for the realization of biomolecular protocols using microfluidic biochips.
Transit-oriented development and ports: A national analysis in the United States

This study quantified the number of fixed-transit station areas, by transit-oriented development (TOD) typology, close to major sea and river port facilities across the United States. Moreover, the study analyzed population, job, transportation, and built environment characteristics near ports. The National TOD Database was combined with the National Transportation Atlas Database, and geographic information systems analysis was utilized to isolate all stations located within a half-mile, one mile, and three miles of major ports. Findings showed that TODs are located as close as a half-mile to some of the largest ports in the United States, including Boston, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco/Oakland. Twenty-one percent of all stations were located within three miles of major ports across the nation; thus, TODs and major ports can successfully coincide despite tensions that may arise over congestion. Few studies have examined integrated land use and transportation planning for TODs near major ports. This study recommends ideas for future quantitative and qualitative research.
Commentary: Pivoting to the “how”: Moving preschool policy, practice, and research forward

Abstract The results of the Tennessee study and the recent Brookings consensus statement present a moment for the field to reflect collectively on the preschool evidence base writ large and on what should come next. In this brief commentary, I review the broader preschool literature and offer seven specific takeaways regarding what we know about public preschool programs and about how to improve them. I argue that making progress requires a pivot in the field to specifically how to create new high-quality programs and improve existing ones. I offer specific directions for policy, practice, and research aimed at guiding this pivot.
Regulation of interleukin-12 signalling during T helper phenotype development.

During antigen activation, helper T cells differentiate to stable phenotypes characterized by production of specific cytokines (1,2). The T helper type 1 (Thl) phenotype is characterized by high levels of interferon-γ (IFNγ) and lymphotoxin production. Thl development stimulates cell-mediated immune responses, including macrophage activation, and the production of restricted immunoglobulin isotypes such as IgG2a (3). The Th2 phenotype correlates with roduction of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-10, which stimulate humoral responses, including B cell and eosinophil activation, as well as the production of other immunoglobulin isotypes such as IgE (4,5).
The Influence of Amphoteric Surface Active Agents on the Diffusion and Carrier Transport of Salts and Ions Through Liquid Non-Aqueous Membranes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the influence of amphoteric surface active agents on the diffusion and carrier transport of salts and ions. In the salt diffusion systems, water is essential as the transport is ionic, while with the carrier mechanism, a double oil soluble cephalin or lecithin salt is being transported, and this requires no water. This mechanism is different from solvent extraction processes, where covalent oil-soluble metal organo-complexes are produced and extracted. In a study described in the chapter, the rates of diffusion of salts through alkyl alcohol liquid membranes were found to be dependent not only on the partition coefficients between the aqueous and nonaqueous phases but also on the hydration of the ions and on the stereochemistry of the alkyl alcohols. In the diffusion transport cases, the partition coefficient and the hydration of the ions are the governing factors in the ionic permeability of the oil layer. In the carrier transport process, the partition coefficient of the salts in the oil and the aqueous phases is not important, as the ions are available to the oil phase whether they are together or counter flowing from one aqueous phase to another.
Cardinality. Finite and Countable Sets

In the preceding sections, we have been making informal use of the idea of a finite set. This idea is worth re-examining, and also we need to know about various types of infinite sets.
On Corporate Insurance

Although insurance contracts are regularly purchased by corporations and play an important role in the management of corporate risk, only recently has this role received much attention in the finance literature. This paper provides a formal analytic survey of recent theoretical developments in the corporate demand for insurance. Insurance contracts are characterized as simply another type of financial contract in the nexus of contracts that comprise the corporation. The model developed here focuses specifically on the efficiency gains that can be derived from using corporate insurance contracts to reduce bankruptcy costs, agency costs, and tax costs.
Using Twitter to Support Reflective Learning in an Asynchronous Online Course

The purpose of this study was to further our understanding of the use of Twitter for promoting reflective learning. Specifically, this study investigated how students participate in Twitter-supported activities, what type of knowledge are manifested when Twitter is used to reflect on the course readings, and how students perceive the Twitter-supported activities. The data showed that Twitter was successful in keeping the learners engaged in the reflective discussion activities for a prolonged period compared to Blackboard. Students overall had a positive perception towards the integration of Twitter to support reflection and discussion along with active participation. Twitter was effective in increasing perceived learner-content and learner-learner interactivity along with engagement. We also provide recommendations for educational practitioners and direction for future research.
Doing Treatment Ethnography in Justice Settings: Reflections from Two Decades in the Field

Drawing on over two decades of conducting site-based program evaluation in criminal justice settings (mostly jails and prisons), I reflect on how applied fieldwork on offender programming has grown and evolved alongside national criminal justice system reform movements. The rise of the evidence-based movement has fostered a regular role for qualitative research in treatment program evaluations. This site-based dependent work is oriented toward program fidelity assessment through participant data that can only be collected through qualitative techniques. After noting basic differences between ethnography and applied fieldwork, I emphasize the growing importance of treatment ethnography for substance abuse and criminal justice policy that hopefully signals opportunity to emerging drug ethnographers.
Post-revisionism: Conflict (Ir)resolution and the Limits of Ambivalence in Kevin McCarthy’s Peeler

This essay considers a historical novel of recent times in revisionist terms, Kevin McCarthy’s debut novel of 2010, Peeler . In doing so, I also address the limitations that the novel exposes within Irish revisionism. I propose that McCarthy’s novel should be regarded more properly as a post-revisionist work of literature. A piece of detective fiction that is set during the Irish War of Independence from 1919 to 1921, Peeler challenges the romantic nationalist understanding of the War as one of heroic struggle by focusing its attention on a Catholic member of the Royal Irish Constabulary. In considering the circumstances in which Sergeant Sean O’Keefe finds himself as a policeman serving a community within which support for the IRA campaign against British rule is strong, the novel sheds sympathetic light on the experience of Catholic men who were members of the Royal Irish Constabulary until the force was eventually disbanded in 1922. At the same time, it demonstrates that the ambivalence in Sergeant O’Keefe’s attitudes ultimately proves unsustainable, thereby challenging the value that Irish revisionism has laid upon the ambivalent nature of political and cultural circumstances in Ireland with regard to Irish-British relations. In the process, I draw attention to important connections that McCarthy’s Peeler carries to Elizabeth Bowen’s celebrated novel of life in Anglo-Irish society in County Cork during the period of the Irish War of Independence: The Last September of 1929.
Classification of Choroidal Neovascularization Using Projection-Resolved Optical Coherence Tomographic Angiography.

Purpose To evaluate if projection-resolved optical coherence tomographic angiography (PR-OCTA) reduces projection artifact with less attenuation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) flow signal compared to conventional OCTA with slab subtraction. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, participants with subfoveal treatment-naive CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration underwent OCTA. Scans were exported for custom processing including manual segmentation as necessary, application of slab subtraction and PR-OCTA algorithm, and calculation of CNV vascular area and connectivity. CNV was classified as type 1, minimally type 2, or predominantly type 2 based on fluorescein angiography (FA) and OCT. Two masked retina specialists independently classified CNV using cross-sectional conventional OCTA and PR-OCTA. Results A total of 17 eyes were enrolled in this study. Mean CNV vessel area (mm2) was 0.67 ± 0.51 for PR-OCTA and 0.53 ± 0.41 for slab subtraction (P = 0.018). Mean vascular connectivity was 96.80 ± 1.28 for PR-OCTA and 90.90 ± 4.42 (P = 0.018) for slab subtraction. Within-visit repeatability (coefficient of variation) of PR-OCTA was 0.044 for CNV vessel area and 0.012 for vascular connectivity, compared to 0.093 and 0.028 by slab subtraction. PR-OCTA classification agreement with FA/OCT was 88.2% and 76.5% for the two graders, while conventional OCTA agreement was 58.8% and 70.6% (grader 1, P = 0.025; grader 2, P = 0.56). Moreover, PR-OCTA enabled the individual quantification of type 1 and type 2 components of a CNV. Conclusions PR-OCTA had greater CNV vessel area and vascular connectivity, as well as better repeatability, compared to slab subtraction, suggesting PR-OCTA is a superior technique for imaging CNV. Furthermore, PR-OCTA removes projection artifact on cross-sectional OCTA, improving the ability to classify and quantify CNV components.
Thirty-Day Postdischarge Mortality Among Black and White Patients 65 Years and Older in the Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.

Importance The Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) has disproportionately penalized hospitals that treat many black patients, which could worsen health outcomes in this population. Objective To determine whether short-term mortality rates increased among black and white adults 65 years and older after initiation of the HRRP and whether trends differed by race. Design, Setting, and Participants In a cohort study using an interrupted time-series analysis conducted from March 15, 2018, to January 23, 2019, in 3263 eligible acute care hospitals nationally, risk-adjusted mortality rates observed after Medicare started to impose penalties (October 1, 2012, to November 30, 2014) were compared with projections based on pre-HRRP trends (January 1, 2007, to March 31, 2010) among adults 65 years and older with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), or pneumonia. Observed-to-projected differences were then compared between racial groups. Exposures Hospital discharge during pre-HRRP and HRRP penalty periods. Main Outcomes and Measures Thirty-day postdischarge all-cause mortality. Results In the 3263 acute care hospitals included in the analysis, black patients (627 373 index discharges) were more likely than white patients (5 845 130 index discharges) to be younger (mean [SD] age, 77.8 [8.3] vs 80.5 [8.2] years;P Conclusions and Relevance In this study of patients 65 years and older, short-term postdischarge mortality did not appear to increase for black patients under the HRRP, suggesting that certain value-based payment policies can be implemented without harming black populations. However, mortality seemed to increase for white patients with HF and this situation warrants investigation.
High Calculated Panel Reactive Antigen (cPRA) is Associated with Decreased Rates of Transplantation and Increased Waitlist Mortality in Lung Transplantation: A UNOS/OPTN Registry Analysis

Purpose Sensitized candidates with unacceptable antigens are a group that demands special attention in lung transplantation . While calculated panel reactive antigen (cPRA) is used to assign allocation priorities in some solid organ transplants, this is not the case in lung transplantation. The association between cPRA and lung transplant outcomes is unknown, as well as the impact of cPRA on waiting list time and mortality. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort review from May, 2005 to 2018 of the SRTR registry with additional unacceptable antigen (UA) data provided by UNOS, that was used to calculate the pre-transplant cPRA (for candidates that provided UA data), for candidates ≥ 12 years of age waitlisted for first-time isolated lung transplantation. Candidates were stratified based upon lack of unacceptable antigen or cPRA for patients with any unacceptable antigens reported. Unadjusted competing risks and adjusted sub-distribution hazard models were fit. Results 29,008 candidates met inclusion criteria including 23,490 with no cPRA, 3,470 with cPRA Conclusion Sensitized lung transplant candidates experience longer waitlist times, lower rates of transplantation, and higher rates of waitlist mortality. Further evaluation of allocating organs with consideration of candidate cPRA may be warranted in order to optimize equity in access to transplants.
Motor-Operated Valve Performance

Motor-operated valves (MOVs) play an important role in the safe and reliable operation of today’s nuclear power plants. The purpose and scope of this paper is to review recent MOV operational experience events. The paper will discuss current findings and trends that relate to operation, maintenance, and surveillance testing of MOVs.Paper published with permission.Compilation Copyright © 2019 ASME
Evaluation of a novel endophytic Pseudomonas lactis strain for control of boxwood blight1

Abstract Boxwood blight, caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Cps) (Synonyms: Cylindrocladium buxicola, Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum), is a devastating disease which affects boxwood (Buxus)...
The geographic concentration of use of force incidents at subway stations mimics the law of crime concentration bandwidths: A research note:

The Law of Crime Concentration states that a small percent of microplaces will account for large portions of crime. In this research, we demonstrate that police use of force incidents likewise occu...
COVID-19 Infection Complicated by a Complete Occlusion of the Left Circumflex Artery With Acute Restenosis After Drug-Eluting Stent Placement

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause a hypercoagulable state that can complicate the management of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI). We present the case of a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with ST elevation MI who was treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting to the left circumflex artery. He was treated appropriately with anticoagulation with appropriate activated clotting time. However, the coronary angiogram course was complicated with heavy thrombosis that involved the left circumflex artery and the left anterior descending artery. Physicians are urged to suspect heparin resistance in COVID-19 patients, particularly if those patients have venous thromboembolism or acute coronary syndrome while taking heparin.
Classification of broadband target spectra in the mesopelagic using physics-informed machine learning.

Broadband echosounders measure the scattering response of an organism over a range of frequencies. When compared with acoustic scattering models, this response can provide insight into the type of organism measured. Here, we train the k-Nearest Neighbors algorithm using scattering models and use it to group target spectra (25–40 kHz) measured in the mesopelagic near the New England continental shelf break. Compared to an unsupervised approach, this creates groupings defined by their scattering physics and does not require significant tuning. The model classifies human-annotated target spectra as gas-bearing organisms (at, below, or above resonance) or fluid-like organisms with a weighted F1-score of 0.90. Class-specific F1-scores varied—the F1-score exceeded 0.89 for all gas-bearing organisms, while fluid-like organisms were classified with an F1-score of 0.73. Analysis of classified target spectra provides insight into the size and distribution of organisms in the mesopelagic and allows for the assessment of assumptions used to calculate organism abundance. Organisms with resonance peaks between 25 and 40 kHz account for 43% of detections, but a disproportionately high fraction of volume backscatter. Results suggest gas bearing organisms account for 98.9% of volume backscattering concurrently measured using a 38 kHz shipboard echosounder between 200 and 800 m depth.
P2X4 Purinergic Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in Aggressive Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American men and treatment options for metastatic PCa are limited. There is a critical need to identify new mechanisms that contribute to PCa progression, that distinguish benign from lethal disease, and that have potential for therapeutic targeting. P2X4 belongs to the P2 purinergic receptor family that is commonly upregulated in cancer and is associated with poorer outcomes. Herein, we report that the P2X4 purinergic receptor is overexpressed in PCa, associated with PCa metastasis, and a driver of tumor development in vivo. We observed P2X4 protein expression primarily in epithelial cells of the prostate, a subset of CD66+ neutrophils, and most CD68+ macrophages. Our analysis of tissue microarrays representing 491 PCa cases demonstrated significantly elevated P2X4 expression in cancer compared to benign tissue spots, in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, in cancer from White compared to Black men, and in PCa with ERG positivity or with PTEN loss. High P2X4 expression in benign tissues was likewise associated with the development of metastasis after radical prostatectomy. Treatment with P2X4-specific agonist CTP increased transwell migration and invasion of PC3, DU145, and CWR22Rv1 PCa cells. P2X4 antagonist 5-BDBD treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in viability of PC3, DU145, LNCaP, CWR22Rv1, TRAMP-C2, Myc-CaP, BMPC1, and BMPC2 cells and decreased DU145 cell migration and invasion. Knockdown of P2X4 attenuated growth, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. Finally, knockdown of P2X4 in Myc-CaP cells resulted in significantly attenuated subcutaneous allograft growth in FVB/NJ mice. Collectively, these data strongly support a role for the P2X4 purinergic receptor in PCa aggressiveness and identifies P2X4 as a candidate for therapeutic targeting.
Evidence concerning the accusation that melanoma is overdiagnosed

Background Melanoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in the United States and is responsible for the majority of deaths from skin cancer. Objective Since the 1970s, the incidence of melanoma has risen appreciably while melanoma-specific mortality has remained stable. This has raised a debate about potential overdiagnosis of melanoma. Herein, we review temporal trends in melanoma incidence and mortality and explore factors that may contribute to observed trends, including an aging population in the United States, ultraviolet exposure, increased numbers of biopsies by dermatologists and physician extenders, skin cancer screenings, histopathology criteria, and historic underdiagnosis. Additionally, we discuss melanoma overdiagnosis and the extent to which it may contribute to current trends. Methods The literature was reviewed. Results Several factors may contribute to an increased incidence of melanoma, including an aging population, ultraviolet exposure, increased skin biopsies, skin cancer screenings, histopathologic criteria, historic underdiagnosis, and current overdiagnosis. Limitations Further studies are required to determine exactly which tumors are being overdiagnosed, and how to improve patient outcomes with adjustment to physician's practice. Conclusion The rise in the incidence of melanoma observed since the 1970s is likely multifactorial.
The Interplay of Workplace Redesign and Public Policy in the 21st Century

The increase in artificial intelligence and robotics, albeit an important tool for reducing occupational injuries, can contribute to workers' psychological stress and job insecurity.2Job insecurity leads to economic insecurity, food insecurity, and negative psychological and physical outcomes. [...]we need national policies to provide basic health care, family care, shelter, and food assistance to mitigate the impact of these stressors on workers and their families. [...]targeting working conditions and identifying redesign strategies for reducing workplace stress are suggested and effective approaches for addressing social determinants of health. Total Worker Health goes beyond traditional occupational safety and health by addressing the interaction of personal, work-related, and broader societal and economic risk factors in understanding the key issues that affect worker safety, health, and well-being. [...]it expands beyond physical safety hazards to incorporate psychosocial hazards, such as work-life stress,8 that directly affect worker well-being.
A Comparison of Immunodiffusion and Latex Agglutination Tests for the Identification of White-Tailed Deer Tissues

Latex agglutination and agar gel immunodiffusion were used to identify muscle tissue extracts. Both tests reacted with white-tailed deer extracts at a higher dilution than extracts from other cervids and both detected cervid antigens in sausage extracts. Latex agglutination was consistently more sensitive than agar gel diffusion. Sausage spices at five times normal concentrations and ascorbic acid did not produce false positive reactions.
On automating Markov chain Monte Carlo for a class of spatial models

Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms provide a very general recipe for estimating properties of complicated distributions. While their use has become commonplace and there is a large literature on MCMC theory and practice, MCMC users still have to contend with several challenges with each implementation of the algorithm. These challenges include determining how to construct an efficient algorithm, finding reasonable starting values, deciding whether the sample-based estimates are accurate, and determining an appropriate length (stopping rule) for the Markov chain. We describe an approach for resolving these issues in a theoretically sound fashion in the context of spatial generalized linear models, an important class of models that result in challenging posterior distributions. Our approach combines analytical approximations for constructing provably fast mixing MCMC algorithms, and takes advantage of recent developments in MCMC theory. We apply our methods to real data examples, and find that our MCMC algorithm is automated and efficient. Furthermore, since starting values, rigorous error estimates and theoretically justified stopping rules for the sampling algorithm are all easily obtained for our examples, our MCMC-based estimation is practically as easy to perform as Monte Carlo estimation based on independent and identically distributed draws.
The solution conformation of the ferrichromes. II. Proton magnetic resonance of metal-free ferricrocin and ferrichrysin, conformational implications.

Ferrichrome, ferricrocin and ferrichrysin are ferric cyclohexapeptides whose general primary composition is represented by Res3-Res2-Gly1-Orn3-Orn2-Orn1, where the Res2,3sites are occupied by glycyl orl-seryl residues and Orn1,2,3stands for δ-N-acetyl-δ-N-hydroxy-l-ornithyl. The 220 MHz proton magnetic resonance spectra of deferriferricrocin and deferriferrichrysin in aqueous and in deuterodimethyl sulfoxide solutions are reported and discussed in terms of the molecular conformations. In (CD3)2SO the chemical shift temperature dependences of the amide proton resonances suggest two-fold symmetric structures containing two intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Such hydrogen-bonding, and other features of the data, are consistent with antiparallel β-pleated sheet structures, as in the Schwyzer model for cyclohexapeptides. In terms of sites paired by the hydrogen bonds, however, the β-fold differs. In water a random conformation is suggested for these peptides.
Bargaining and Market Behavior: Essays in Experimental Economics

Part I: 1. Rational choice: the contrast between economics and psychology 2. Experimental tests of the endowment effect 3. Monetary rewards and decision costs in experimental economics 4. Fairness, effect on temporary and equilibrium prices in posted-offer markets Part II. Bargaining theory, Behavior and Evolutionary Psychology: 5. Preferences, property rights and anonymity in bargaining games 6. Social distance and other regarding behavior in dictator games 7. On expectations and monetary stakes in ultimatum games 8. Game theory and reciprocity in some extensive form experimental games 9. Behavioral foundations of reciprocity: experimental economics and psychology Part III. Institutions and Markets: 10. Reflections on some experimental market mechanisms for classical environments 11. Experimental methods in the political economy of exchange 12. Individual rationality, market rationality, and value estimation 13. Market contestability in the presence of sunk costs 14. The boundaries of competitive price theory: expectations, convergence and transaction cost 15. Off-floor trading, disintegration and the Bid-Ask spread in experimental markets 16. Bertrand-Edgeworth competition in experimental markets 17. An experimental examination of the Walrasian Tatonnement mechanism Part IV. Stock Markets and Bubbles: 18. Stock markets bubbles in the laboratory.
Transfection of Escherichia coli Spheroplasts III. Facilitation of Transfection and Stabilization of Spheroplasts by Different Basic Polymers

Abstract The only compound which fully replaced protamine sulfate in facilitating transfection of Escherichia coli spheroplasts by phage DNAs was spermine; poly-l-lysine, poly-l-arginine, DEAE-dextran, histones, and many other polyamines were only slightly effective. Higher-molecular-weight compounds were effective at lower concentrations, and each compound had a sharp concentration optimum. The specificity of the facilitation of transfection is discussed in light of Leonard and Cole's (1972) isolation of a polyamine- or protamine-like, natural competence factor from Streptococci. By standardizing growth conditions for spheroplast cultures, storing spheroplasts in minimal medium, and adding both protamine sulfate and polyamines to spheroplasts, reproducible competence levels were obtained. Thus, 95% of all spheroplast preparations gave efficiencies of transfection between 10−3 and 3 × 10−4 for lambda DNA; between 10−6 and 3 × 10−8 for T7 DNA; and between 3 × 10−6 and 10−7 for T5 phage DNA. The stability of the spheroplasts was extended from 10 h to between 2 and 5 days, depending on the DNA used for transfection.
Battery-aware energy-optimal Electric Vehicle driving management

Recently, Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been considered as new paradigm of transportation in order to solve environmental concerns, e.g. air pollution. However, EVs pose new challenges regarding their Battery LifeTime (BLT), energy consumption, and energy costs related to battery charging. The EV power consumption may be estimated by having the route information and the EV specifications. Also, by having the battery characteristics, the battery capacity consumption and the BLT may be estimated for each route. In this paper, we propose a driving management which uses the above-mentioned information in order to optimize the driving route by being aware of the EV energy consumption, energy cost, and BLT. Our proposed driving management extends the BLT by 16.8% and reduces the energy consumption by 11.9% and energy cost by 12.6% on average, by selecting the optimized route instead of the fastest route.
Reducing Aggressive Behavior and Improving Self-Control: A Cognitive-Behavioral Training Program for Behaviorally Disordered Adolescents:

This study examined the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral training program in reducing aggressive behavior and increasing self-control in 30 behaviorally disordered adolescents. Measures were...