cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patients’ Medical Judgments

Weighing risks and benefits to form a decision about the desirability of a therapy is inherent in the physician’s role as prescriber. However, as discussed previously, the patient’s desire to know risk information may reflect a need for anticipatory coping as well as meaningful participation in the therapeutic selection process. It is no wonder that many health professionals view the conveyance of risk information as an undesirable legal intrusion that interferes with the practice of medicine (Taylor and Kelner, 1987). When the patient is faced with the possibility of severe consequences from a disease or a therapy, it is natural for health professionals to assume that reassurance is necessary rather than the accurate transmission of risk information.
Structural damage aspects of the April 22, 1991 Costa Rica earthquake

The magnitude M = 7.4 earthquake of April 22, 1991 occurred in a comparatively lightly inhabited region of Costa Rica. Despite dramatic geomorphological effects, including extensive landslides in the mountainous epicentral region, and uplift of the East Coastline by up to 1.5m, structural damage was comparatively light. A number of warehouses, and reinforced concrete buildings in or near the Port of Limon collapsed or were badly damaged, and a considerable number of houses supported on tall wooden piles failed. Of greatest interest was the failure of a number of modern highway bridges, due primarily to liquefaction of foundations, or excessive movement of soft soil layers in embankments.
Abstract A29: Effects of obesity on regulation of macrophage population in the prostate tumor microenvironment

Background: Obesity is associated with a greater risk of prostate cancer mortality, but the mechanisms driving this progression are still unclear. A high concentration of macrophages within the tumor microenvironment, especially tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), has been linked to progression and metastasis in numerous cancer types, including prostate. Obesity increases circulating levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), a chemokine involved in monocyte migration. In addition, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a molecule closely associated with obesity, appears to be involved in macrophage polarization. Our preliminary in vitro data suggest that obese conditions promote both macrophage recruitment and TAM polarization. Hypothesis: Based upon these preliminary results, we hypothesize that obesity-induced prostate cancer progression is due, in part, to increased TAM concentrations in the prostate tumor micro-environment, promoting pro-metastatic signaling. Methods: In order to mimic the prostate tumor microenvironment, an in vitro model composed of adipose stromal cells, macrophages, prostate cancer epithelial cells and sera from obese and non-obese men was used to assess the impact of obesity on the paracrine signaling network. Matrigel invasion chambers were used to assess macrophage recruitment. qPCR was used to measure mRNA levels of proteins associated with a TAM phenotype as well as mRNA levels of MCP-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme involved in PGE2 production. Results: Obese conditions resulted in increased macrophage recruitment and increased mRNA levels of TAM markers in macrophages. Furthermore, MCP-1 mRNA levels in adipose stromal cells and prostate cancer cells were higher under obese conditions compared to non-obese conditions. Similarly, obese conditions increased COX-2 mRNA levels in prostate cancer cells. Conclusions: Data from our in vitro study suggest that obesity may promote macrophage infiltration into the prostate tumor microenvironment and play a role in macrophage polarization towards a tumor-associated phenotype. This study will potentially serve to determine the value of macrophage and TAM concentration as biomarkers in this patient population, and lay the foundation for future studies investigating whether this phenomenon might be an effective therapeutic target. Citation Format: Gloria C. Galvan, Shruti Apte, Linda A. deGraffenried. Effects of obesity on regulation of macrophage population in the prostate tumor microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression; 2016 Jan 7–10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(15 Suppl):Abstract nr A29.
Redox control of senescence and age-related disease

The signaling networks that drive the aging process, associated functional deterioration, and pathologies has captured the scientific community's attention for decades. While many theories exist to explain the aging process, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) provides a signaling link between engagement of cellular senescence and several age-associated pathologies. Cellular senescence has evolved to restrict tumor progression but the accompanying senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) promotes pathogenic pathways. Here, we review known biological theories of aging and how ROS mechanistically control senescence and the aging process. We also describe the redox-regulated signaling networks controlling the SASP and its important role in driving age-related diseases. Finally, we discuss progress in designing therapeutic strategies that manipulate the cellular redox environment to restrict age-associated pathology.
Corporate Sponsorships in Schools: Altruism and Ethical Judgments

AbstractOver the last several years corporate sponsorships have become prevalent within the U.S. K–12 school system. For corporations, sponsorships can be an effective method for targeting young consumers. For schools, corporate sponsorships are an opportunity to replace state funding that has been lost since the 2007 financial crisis. However, many people have voiced concerns about the ethicality of corporate involvement in schools. Accordingly, the purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to examine parents’ views of corporate-school sponsorships. Results indicate that altruism is a key factor; that is, sponsorships that provide direct benefits to students are viewed more favorably, and that parents who are critical of children's advertising tend to view corporate-school sponsorships less favorably.
Dietary Modification as a Weight Management Strategy

The ideal dietary prescription for obesity treatment produces clinically significant weight loss, improves the cardiometabolic profile above that which can be achieved by weight loss alone, enriches diet quality, and enhances appetite regulation. This chapter provides an overview of dietary prescriptions that have been investigated within randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for obesity treatment in adults. Research on three types of dietary prescriptions, energy-focused prescriptions, macronutrient-focused prescriptions, and dietary pattern-focused prescriptions, is reviewed. Amount of energy reduction that is incurred appears to be the predominant dietary factor that influences weight loss. While weight loss improves cardiometabolic parameters, differing dietary prescriptions may be able to enhance these improvements, with low-carbohydrate diets enhancing high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol outcomes and high-carbohydrate and low-fat diets improving total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol outcomes. Dietary pattern-focused prescriptions for weight loss show the most promise for increasing dietary quality. For appetite regulation, a diet that is lower in energy density (ED) may assist with reducing hunger and improving satiation.
A detailed seismicity study of the Middle Mountain zone at Parkfield, California

In order to better understand the preparation zone of the predicted Parkfield earthquake, a detailed study of the seismicity at middle Mountain in the Parkfield, California, area was made using 71 digitally recorded earthquakes that located within, or close to, the Middle Mountain alert box. These earthquakes were retimed on an interactive graphics system. Based on these new arrival times, new station corrections were developed; however the data did not support changing the velocity model developed from refraction and 1966 aftershock data. The process of retiming the earthquakes and using the new station corrections reduced the rms travel-time residuals by 70 per cent to 0.025 sec, halved the location errors, and clustered the earthquakes closer to the surface trace of the San Andreas fault. The seismicity can be approximated by a plane on the scale of several kilometers, but at finer scales two clusters were discovered that show demonstrable width to the seismogenic zone. Previous workers had proposed a 5° bend in the fault at the hypocenter of the 1966 main shock on the basis of patterns in the first motion data in the 1966 aftershocks. We find that this pattern also exists in the first-motion data from 1969 to 1987, but the 5° bend was not evident in the hypocentral distribution. This suggests that a more complicated explanation is needed to explain the first-motion data. Fault plane solutions were determined for the 71 events and 69 of these were compatible with strike-slip motion on a vertical San Andreas fault. An event located in the north end of the study area co-locates with the strike-slip solutions and may be a thrust or oblique solution. The other earthquake, located 2½ kilometers northeast of the fault, has a thrust or NNE-SSW striking right lateral solution but can not be explained by a San Andreas style mechanism. Both possible solutions can be explained by structures observed in the geology.
Small cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB): Clinical, histopathologic, and genomic predictors of clinical outcomes.

294Background: SCCB is a rare, aggressive subtype of bladder cancer. We reviewed our center’s experience in SCCB management and investigated potential markers of clinical outcomes. Methods: SCCB cases were identified and re-reviewed for confirmation by detailed histologic evaluation. A subset of SCCB was sequenced with MSK-IMPACT ( > 279 genes) (Cheng et al J Mol Diagn 2015). Clinical stage, treatment response and proportion of neuroendocrine component (%NE) were correlated with progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), calculated from the time of cystectomy. Distribution of somatic alterations (alts) was compared between responders ( ≤ ypT1pN0) and nonresponders. Results: Between 1985 and 2015, 214 SCCB patients (pts) were identified. Median age was 68 years (range: 38 – 94) and 78% were male. Of 199 pts with sufficient data, 147 (74%) were nonmetastatic (M0) and 52 pts (26%) had metastatic disease (M1). 14 pts did not receive SCCB-directed therapies. Of M0 pts, 108 underwent cystectomy: 71 recei...
Empathy's Relation to Appraisal of the Emotional Child Witness

Summary When observing others, we often try to determine how they ‘really feel’ deep down inside (emotional feeling) regardless of their outward expression (emotional appearance). We examined whether child victim empathy predicts appraisal of a child sexual assault victim's emotional feelings and, in turn, child and defendant believability and verdict decisions. Undergraduates (N = 50) rated photographs of 5- and 13-year-olds' degree of sadness. Then, a new group of undergraduates (N = 354), randomly assigned within a 2 (victim age) × 2 (victim gender) × 3 (victim sadness: low, medium, and high/teary) factorial design, read trial scenarios accompanied by one of the photographs. Participants rated the victim's emotional feeling and emotional appearance, victim and defendant believability, defendant guilt, and confidence in their verdict. A structural equation model that included a relation between empathy and emotion appraisal fit the data well: Empathy predicted appraisal of the victim's feelings, which, in turn, predicted perceived believability. Implications are discussed.Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experiencias de estudiantes de primera generación en universidades chilenas: Realidades y desafíos

Resumen Este estudio fenomenologico explora las experiencias de estudiantes universitarios chilenos de primera generacion ( epg ) y como esas experiencias influyen en su adaptacion y su retencion dentro de la educacion superior. Los epg son definidos como aquellos estudiantes de estatus socioeconomico bajo cuyos padres o tutores no han asistido o no se graduaron de alguna universidad. Las entrevistas semiestructuradas aqui publicadas se utilizaron para describir las experiencias de once participantes de diferentes caracteristicas y diversos origenes sociales y culturales. Los principales resultados muestran las limitaciones de la universidad en su disposicion a ayudarlos y facilitar su persistencia.
Multiclonal emergence of levofloxacin-resistant group B Streptococcus, Taiwan.

Objectives This study investigated the trend in antimicrobial resistance among group B Streptococcus (GBS) from a national surveillance programme in Taiwan and delineated characteristics of and factors associated with levofloxacin-resistant isolates. Methods Clinical isolates of all sample types and patient groups were collected from multiple hospitals biennially between 2002 and 2012. Susceptibilities to different antibiotics were determined by broth microdilution. Molecular studies of levofloxacin-resistant isolates included serotyping, PFGE, mutations in the QRDRs and MLST. Results A total of 1559 isolates were tested and all remained susceptible to penicillin, cephalosporins, meropenem and vancomycin. However, levofloxacin resistance increased from 2.2% (range 0%-3.3%) in 2002-06 to 6.2% (5.9%-7.5%) in 2008-12 (P = 0.016). Among the 88 levofloxacin-resistant isolates, the majority (79.5%) had the GyrA(S81L)+ParC(S79F/Y) double mutations and most (54.5%) were also resistant to clindamycin, erythromycin and tetracycline. The predominant genotype of the levofloxacin-resistant isolates was ST19/serotype III (43.2%). Four previously unreported genotypes, ST1 and its single-locus variants (ST920 and ST922)/serotype VI (28.4%) and ST1/serotype II (18.2%), were found to have circulated locally. Serotype III isolates were predominately from urine and female genital tract specimens and 65-year-old inpatients. Multivariate analysis revealed that elderly age and respiratory samples were independent factors associated with levofloxacin resistance. Conclusions Multiclonal emergence and dissemination of levofloxacin-resistant GBS isolates occurred in healthcare and community settings in Taiwan. Continuous molecular-level surveillance is important to detect new epidemic trends.
The Financial Effects of Strategic Divestment – An Analysis of GE Capital

Strategic thinking and initiatives are traditionally focused on expanding business operations, developing new product lines, or entering new markets. Disruptive innovation, blue ocean strategy, and fast follower innovation differ in application, methodology, and specifics that vary from industry to industry, but commonalities remain. Building out new platforms, products, services, and customer engagement initiatives are virtually ubiquitous with different strategic techniques. That said, and the focus of this analysis, is the interpretation of strategy within an alternative framework. Focusing on the transition of General Electric from a multinational conglomerate heavily dependent on General Electric Capital Corporation to a conglomerate focusing on industrial technology and sustainability this research analysis the effect of strategic divestment on organizational performance. Analysing this transition both in terms of financial ramifications and a strategic headset, a review of the financial performance of GE provides a quantitative platform to conduct a strategic analysis. Strategy, and strategic divestment and decision making involve divestment, a multifaceted approach, and realignment of organizational resources. What this research does, in this context, is examine the strategic framework and direction of GE as this reposition occurs, alongside the financial performance generated during this transition.
Analyzing and Exploiting the Effects of Protease Sharing in Genetic Circuits

Abstract Degradation of proteins in cells plays a large role in the dynamics of gene networks. This degradation is enabled by proteases, which are found in limited quantities in the cell. Proteins that compete for protease may therefore become coupled by non-explicit interactions, which are often neglected in mathematical models. In this work, we develop a model for these non-explicit interactions in gene networks. We examine the effects of protease sharing on the number of equilibria of a system and on the steady state protein concentrations. As a consequence of this analysis, we find that protease sharing effects may be used to cancel undesirable effects due to ribosome sharing.
The influence of professional development in gifted education on the frequency of instructional practices

Gifted education teacher training, licensure, certification, and degrees are ubiquitous in the Australia and abroad, and yet whether or not such training results in changes to classroom instructional practices remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationship between professional development in gifted education and the practices used by educators in the classroom. Two hundred and seventy-nine respondents who had completed one of three levels of teacher professional development completed the Classroom Practice Survey (Revised). The preregistered prediction for this study, that higher levels of professional development would result in higher levels of self-reported teacher practices, was not supported by the data, thereby drawing attention to the need for more research in this area and potential revisions to gifted education teacher professional development opportunities.
Fine-Grained Arabic Dialect Identification

Previous work on the problem of Arabic Dialect Identification typically targeted coarse-grained five dialect classes plus Standard Arabic (6-way classification). This paper presents the first results on a fine-grained dialect classification task covering 25 specific cities from across the Arab World, in addition to Standard Arabic – a very challenging task. We build several classification systems and explore a large space of features. Our results show that we can identify the exact city of a speaker at an accuracy of 67.9% for sentences with an average length of 7 words (a 9% relative error reduction over the state-of-the-art technique for Arabic dialect identification) and reach more than 90% when we consider 16 words. We also report on additional insights from a data analysis of similarity and difference across Arabic dialects.
Markets, Networks, and Risk: An Analysis of Labor Remuneration in the Lake Victoria Fishing Industry

This study applies concepts from Habermas' Theory of Communicative Action to the problem of identifying the circumstances under which networks replace markets as the primary governance mechanism for economic activities. The suggestion derived from this theory is that markets govern economic activities tied to material phenomena; whereas networks control such activities when they are tied to social relationships. This suggestion is subjected to an empirical test. Labor transactions in the Lake Victoria fishing industry are used to test the hypothesis that risk factors arising from natural contingencies will distribute according to a risk market model, whereas those arising from social relationships will be distributed through a logic of social power tied to networks and identities. The hypothesis is generally supported by data on the effects of kinship and, more strongly, ethnicity.
Testing Psychiatric Diagnostic Recognition Skills with Video Vignettes

While the use of video-tape in evaluating student performance in the history and physical examination process has proven to be an extremely effective tool, there has been little use of video-tape to test student diagnostic recognition skills. We developed an assessment approach to measure second year medical students’ abilities to recognize common psychiatric diagnoses. We selected 12 cases from preexisting video vignettes that had been developed by the American Psychiatric Association to specifically illustrate common psychiatric problems or diagnoses. The 12 vignettes ranged from 20–30 seconds in length. Students were asked three questions for each vignette for a total of 36 items using the large menu or R type format. The test was administered in a large auditorium with 202 students. Total testing time was 30 minutes. The overall test was reliable with case variability, not unanticipated, being the greatest source of error. Although this was the first time that this form of testing was used, 75.1% of the students agreed that they would like to see more tests given in this format. Testing over 200 students’ diagnostic recognition skills simultaneously with 12 short video vignettes proved to be an efficient and reliable testing approach and is recommended for expanded application.
Free Subjects: Black Civic Identity and the Invention of the Asiatic

The paper interrogates the black-white racial binary used to construct the concepts of freedom and citizenship within the U.S. In its overall argument, it models ways in which a reading of Asian labor migration to the U.S. can broaden an understanding of blackness, whiteness, and civic identity, from a postcolonial critical perspective. I introduce the paper with a discussion of indenture as a labor form, "in-between" chattel slavery and free labor. Through tracing the status of indenture in the language of the Constitution, I demonstrate how this in-between labor category of indenture enables new understandings of the role of "race" in the inscription of citizenship. Second, I read the persistence of this legal classification of race and labor in the post-Civil War afterlife of "free labor ideology"; and its implications in the famous separate-but-equal ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson. I account for the interesting uses, in Plessy v. Ferguson, of the arguments and precedents of the Slaughterhouse Cases. Third, I discuss the unexpected and complex uses, by both the majority and dissenting opinions of the Plessy ruling, of the figure of the "Asiatic" indentured laborer. Through readings of the status of the Chinese migrant laborer, in the Slaughterhouse Cases, Plessy v. Ferguson, Yick Wo v. Hopkins, and the Chinese Exclusion Case, I show how the legal construction of a civic identity between black and white after the Civil War (and the end of Reconstruction) depends upon the invention of a radical racial alterity, in the form of the Asiatic. Fourth, in my concluding discussion of the court's rhetoric of the "public good," I highlight the ways in which citizenship, as legal form and cultural concept, relies on a demand for assimilation, whose logic codes "race" as "culture." My broader conclusion is that such cultural demands for assimilation are also, and necessarily, demands for the maintenance of the racialized labor hierarchies established and reproduced by U.S. slavery and free labor ideology. I reveal the national "public good" to be the reproduction of the race-labor hierarchies of this U.S. division of labor, and this system's demand for the reproduction of an exclusive subject of "freedom": the citizen as free laborer.
What Went Wrong with the Bush Tax Cuts

Critics of the Bush tax cuts often dismiss the tax changes as a failed experiment in free-market economics. Noting that economic growth was slower in the years following the cuts than in the years preceding them, some critics see the experience as evidence that tax cuts simply do not work. But the claim that these tax cuts exemplified free-market economic thinking is baseless. In this paper we show that the Bush tax cuts had a number of problems from a market-oriented perspective: they were phased in slowly, they were set to expire within a decade, they entailed a Keynesian emphasis on stimulating aggregate demand, and — above all — they were undertaken without any effort to reduce spending. In light of these problems, there is no reason to overturn decades of theoretical and empirical research supporting the link between low taxation and growth. The episode offers a cautionary lesson in how not to cut taxes.
First and Second Division Segregation

The two alleles of a particular genetic locus can segregate away from one another at either the first or the second division of meiosis. If there is no crossing-over between the centromere and the locus in question, the alleles always exhibit first division segregation, moving away from one another in the first meiotic division. If there is a single crossover between the locus and the centromere, the alleles exhibit second division segregation, migrating away from each other in the second meiotic division. Thus, there is a correlation between the frequency of second division segregation and the genetic distance between the centromere and the locus in question. These relationships between crossing-over and the segregation behavior of alleles in meiosis have allowed for the development of functions that can be used to determine the genetic maps of chromosomes.
Insulation of thin-film parylene-C/platinum probes in saline solution through encapsulation in multilayer ALD ceramic films

The long-term electrical leakage performance of parylene-C/platinum/parylene-C (Px/Pt/Px) interconnect in saline is evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Three kinds of additional ceramic encapsulation layers between the metal and Px are characterized: 50 nm-thick alumina (Al2O3), 50 nm-thick titania (TiO2), and 80 nm-thick Al2O3-TiO2 nanolaminate (NL). The Al2O3 and TiO2 encapsulation layers worsen the overall insulation properties. The NL encapsulation layer improves the insulation when combined with a TiO2 outer layer to promote adhesion to the Px. Experiments are performed with various insulation promotion treatments: A-174 silane (A174) treatment before Px deposition (to promote adhesion); SF6 plasma treatment (F) after Px deposition (to increase hydrophobicity); and ion-milling descum (IM) after Px deposition (to prevent parylene oxidation). A174 and F treatments do not have a significant impact, while IM leads to worse insulation performance. A circuit model elucidates the insulation characteristics of Px-ceramic-Pt-ceramic-Px interconnect. These studies provide a foundation for processing ultra-compliant neural probes with long-term chronic utility.
Data mining for vortices on the Earth's magnetosphere – algorithm application for detection and analysis

Abstract. Unsteady processes in the solar wind–magnetosphere interaction, such as vortices developed at the magnetopause boundary by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, may contribute to the process of mass, momentum and energy transfer into the Earth's magnetosphere. The research described in this paper validates an algorithm to automatically detect and characterize vortices based on velocity data from simulations. The vortex identification algorithm (VIA) systematically searches the 3-D velocity fields to identify critical points where the magnitude of the velocity vector vanishes. The velocity gradient tensor is computed and its invariants are used to assess vortex structure in the flow field. We use the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) Runs on Request capability to create a series of model runs initialized from the conditions observed by the Cluster mission in the Hwang et al. ( 2011 ) analysis of Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices observed during southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions. We analyze further the properties of the vortices found in the runs, including the velocity changes within their motion across the magnetosheath. We also demonstrate the potential of our tool to identify and characterize other transient features (e.g., flux transfer events, FTEs) with vortical internal structures. We find that the vortices are associated with flows on the magnetosheath side of the magnetopause that reach speeds greater than the solar wind speed at the bow shock. Keywords. Magnetospheric physics (MHD waves and instabilities; solar wind–magnetosphere interactions) – space plasma physics (numerical simulation studies)
Pediatric Residents' Reports of Quality Improvement Training and Experiences: Time for an Improvement Cycle?

Abstract Objective Explore pediatric residents’ experiences and confidence with quality improvement (QI). Methods Pediatric residents were surveyed nationally in July 2017 about their demographic characteristics, experiences with QI projects over the previous year, and confidence with QI skills. Descriptive statistics and distributions of each individual demographic and QI variable, as well as training program size, were calculated for each variable. QI question responses were compared to demographic characteristics of the respondents, and chi-square statistics were calculated. Results In total, 11,137 out of 11,304 (98.5%) residents completed the survey. Half of residents had participated in a QI project over the previous academic year, and 78% of third-year residents reported having done so. However, few of these residents self-reported moderate or high confidence in their ability to design a QI project (28.9%), use QI tools (23.1%), use QI methodologies (24.0%), or use data to track changes in their personal practice over time (28.9%). Residents in small or medium programs were statistically more likely to rate their confidence in certain QI abilities higher than those in large programs. Conclusions Although recent pediatric residents appear to be participating in QI activities during training, their self-perception of their QI skills development remains low. Residents in small and medium programs provide more favorable reports.
Efficacy of Non-Beta-lactam Antibiotics for Prevention of Cesarean Delivery Surgical Site Infections.

Objective To examine the association between perioperative Beta (β))-lactam versus non-β-lactam antibiotics and cesarean delivery surgical site infection (SSI). Study Design Retrospective cohort of women undergoing cesarean delivery from January 1 to December 31, 2014. All women undergoing cesarean after 34 weeks with a postpartum visit were included. Prevalence of SSI was compared between women receiving β-lactam versus non-β-lactam antibiotics. Bivariate analyses were performed using Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Wilcoxon's rank-sum tests. Logistic regression models were fit controlling for possible confounders. Results Of the 929 women included, 826 (89%) received β-lactam prophylaxis and 103 (11%) received a non-β-lactam. Among the 893 women who reported a non-type I (low risk) allergy, 819 (92%) received β-lactam prophylaxis. SSI occurred in 7% of women who received β-lactam antibiotics versus 15% of women who received a non-β-lactam (p = 0.004). β-Lactam prophylaxis was associated with lower odds of SSI compared with non-β-lactam antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] = 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.22–0.83; p = 0.01) after controlling for chorioamnionitis in labor, postlabor cesarean, endometritis, tobacco use, and body mass index (BMI). Conclusion β-Lactam perioperative prophylaxis is associated with lower odds of a cesarean delivery surgical site infection compared with non-β-lactam antibiotics.
Time-series analysis of satellite-derived fine particulate matter pollution and asthma morbidity in Jackson, MS.

In order to examine associations between asthma morbidity and local ambient air pollution in an area with relatively low levels of pollution, we conducted a time-series analysis of asthma hospital admissions and fine particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) in and around Jackson, MS, for the period 2003 to 2011. Daily patient-level records were obtained from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Asthma Surveillance System. Patient geolocations were aggregated into a grid with 0.1° × 0.1° resolution within the Jackson Metropolitan Statistical Area. Daily PM2.5 concentrations were estimated via machine-learning algorithms with remotely sensed aerosol optical depth and other associated parameters as inputs. Controlling for long-term temporal trends and meteorology, we estimated a 7.2% (95% confidence interval 1.7–13.1%) increase in daily all-age asthma emergency room admissions per 10 μg/m3 increase in the 3-day average of PM2.5 levels (current day and two prior days). Stratified analyses reveal significant associations between asthma and 3-day average PM2.5 for males and blacks. Our results contribute to the current epidemiologic evidence on the association between acute ambient air pollution exposure and asthma morbidity, even in an area characterized by relatively good air quality.
Photoperiodic Control of Flowering in Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)

Photoperiodism1 may be defined simply as a response to the relative lengths of day and night, or more specifically, as a response to the duration and timing of light and dark periods. This phenomenon is an integral part of the over-all adaptation of many kinds of organisms — plant and animal — to their natural environments. Among the kinds of organisms which exhibit photoperiodism are at least some species among non-vascular and vascular cryptogams, gymnosperms, angiosperms, insects, fishes, reptiles, birds and mammals.
A Holocene history of the Indian monsoon from Qilu Lake, southwestern China

Abstract Understanding the magnitude, nature, and forcing mechanisms of past abrupt changes in Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) strength is central to characterizing future manifestations in the face of global climate change, particularly at centennial time scales. Here we summarize a 6200 year record of oxygen isotopes from Lake Qilu in Yunnan Province, China. The lake is sensitive to changes in precipitation-evaporation balance and precipitates calcite, potentially providing insight into past hydroclimate through oxygen isotope analysis. Beginning at 5200 cal years BP, oxygen isotopes shift to higher values, indicative of a period of aridity and lower lake levels which persist until 3600 cal years BP. Thereafter, lake levels are extraordinarily stable until 1500 cal years BP. At 1500 cal years BP, measurable anthropogenic impacts occur, resulting in the delivery of red, iron-rich catchment soil to the lake and higher oxygen isotope values. These changes are likely the result of land clearance for the expansion of agricultural activities. The Qilu record is remarkably consistent with the record from Xingyun Lake, 10 km to the north, strongly suggesting that regional climate drivers are responsible for the changes after 5200 cal years BP and then the stability from 3600 to 1500 cal years BP. Comparison of both these records with Dongge Cave illustrate the importance of evaporative enrichment in driving higher oxygen isotope values from 5200 to 3600 cal years BP.
Electromyography of the masticatory muscles during chewing in different head and neck postures - A pilot study.

Abstract Objectives The objectives of this pilot study were to analyze the electromyography (EMG) activity of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles during chewing in 2 different posture conditions: natural head posture (NHP) and maximum yet comfortable forward head posture (FHP) in healthy individuals; and to compare EMG activity between subjects based on their NHP during chewing. Methods Fifteen subjects participated. Sagittal head posture in sitting position was clinically assessed using a plumb line. Participants were classified as having FHP or upright head posture (UP). Surface EMG was used to evaluate superficial masseter and anterior temporalis bilaterally during chewing in NHP and FHP. Three trials with five chewing cycles were recorded. EMG data were normalized using a maximum voluntary contraction. An independent t-test was used to calculate differences between sides. If no differences were found, both sides were analyzed together. To analyze differences between the 2 conditions, a paired t-test was used. Independent t-test was used to calculate difference between subjects with UP and FHP. Results A significant increase in muscle activity was found for masseter muscle in the FHP condition. No differences were found in muscle activity in natural head position by posture classification. A trend of increased activity was observed for masseter and temporalis muscles during chewing in FHP. Conclusion Head and neck posture was found to influence masticatory muscle activity during the function of chewing. The results of this study may help clinicians to better understand the association between head and neck posture alterations with masticatory muscles related disorders.
Toughening mechanisms in polypropylene fiber-reinforced asphalt mastic at low temperature

Abstract Low temperature cracking is a prevalent mechanism of failure in hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. Prolonged cold temperatures can lead to premature cracking and subsequent failure of pavements. It has been previously shown that fibers as additives can improve the mechanical properties of asphalt mastic (asphalt binder and filler material passing the 75 μm sieve). However, the success of any effort to evaluate the low-temperature behavior of the fiber-reinforced asphalt mastic is based on the understanding of the fracture and toughening mechanisms. The objective of this study was to develop an asphalt mastic with enhanced resistance against cracking with the use of small amounts of fiber. Here, the effects of fiber length and content in the asphalt mastic were studied to create an asphalt mastic with enhanced fracture toughness. The Single Edge Notched Three-point Bending (SENB) test was performed at low temperatures to measure the strength and fracture toughness for polypropylene fiber-reinforced asphalt mastic. The major conclusions were that both fiber length and content improved the fracture properties of mastics significantly, and crack bridging and fiber pull-out were the two main toughening mechanisms in these materials.
Therapeutic challenges and clinical characteristics of single-sided deafness in children.

Abstract Introduction The clinical implications of single-sided deafness (SSD) in children has historically been underappreciated by patients and providers alike, despite a large body of literature on the wide-ranging neurocognitive, language, scholastic, and functional impairments that occur. Conventional amplification options are marked by variable results and frequent loss of follow-up. Methods Retrospective case series for pediatric SSD from 2008 to 2018. Results 88 children with congenital SSD were identified. Seventeen (N = 17/88, 23.9%) passed their newborn hearing screen. Median age at first otolaryngology evaluation was 0.65 years (range 0.1–16.9 years). Most common etiologies included cochlear nerve deficiency (N = 39, CND, 44.3%), unknown (N = 30, 35.2%), inner ear malformation (N = 7, 8.0%), and congenital cytomegalovirus (N = 6, 6.8%). 32.5% of patients elected for continued observation only, followed by bone conduction hearing aid (27.7%), contralateral routing of sound aid (20.5%), conventional hearing aid (13.3%), or cochlear implant (6%). Lack of follow-up at ≥1 year was common (39.8%). Of those with device use data (N = 39), 84.7% reported either discontinued or Conclusions Despite early diagnosis and evaluation, the pediatric SSD cohort is characterized by high rates of loss of follow-up and amplification discontinuation. Cochlear nerve deficiency is commonly seen in congenital SSD. Early specialist referral is critical for habilitation evaluation. Patients and caregivers should be educated on the significant implications of unilateral hearing loss.
Assessment of soil response to exchangeable sodium percentage by consistence and water retention properties

Abstract The use of low-quality water for irrigation is expected to keep increasing worldwide, which increases the risk of soil degradation. The response of soil to irrigation waters with excessive sodium depends on the soil clay behavior. Soil physical properties that can distinguish smectitic soils from non-smectitic soils could identify soils that are sensitive to exchangeable sodium. This study explores the use of Atterberg limits, coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) and soil water retention as possible properties to determine if a soil is sensitive to exchangeable sodium. Soils used were synthetic soils prepared from mixtures of silt and clay minerals, and six natural soils. Atterberg limits, COLE and soil water retention was measured at ESP values of 0, 50 and 100% on these soils. Multiple linear regression functions were developed to predict soil liquid limit, plasticity index, COLE, and soil water retention at −336 cm H2O. The liquid limit, and COLE increased as the amount of sodium-saturated smectite increased in the synthetic soils. The liquid limit, COLE and water retention at matric potentials greater than −336 cm of H2O increased on smectite clay dominant soils when elevated ESP was combined with low salinity. The liquid limit increased from 49 to 67 on average and −336 H2O water content increased from 38 to 70% on average between 0 and 100% ESP treatments on the four smectitic soils. On a kaolinitic soil liquid limit decreased from 56.1 to 51.8 and −336 H2O water content increased from 33.7 to 35.9% between the ESP 0 and 100% treatment. Liquid limit increased from 188 to 679 and COLE increased from 0.47 to 1.19 mm mm−1 between calcium smectite (fullers earth) and sodium smectite (Wyoming bentonite), whereas liquid limit decreased from 56 to 39 and COLE decreased from 0.195 to 0.104 mm mm−1 between calcium and sodium saturated kaolinite. Plasticity index increased by 75% between the ESP 0 and ESP 100 treatments on the smectitic soils, whereas there was a 260% increase in plasticity index between fullers earth and bentonite. The root mean squared error that liquid limit could be predicted with was 3.3 plastic limit was 2.4, COLE was 0.036 mm mm−1, and 1/3rd bar water content was 2.2 × 10−3 g g−1. Smectitic soils had increases in soil swelling related properties, whereas non-smectitic clay soils had no changes in swelling related properties from ESP. Liquid limit and water retention at water potentials of −1/10th and −1/3rd bar were the properties that best distinguished soils that respond to ESP from soils that do not respond to ESP. Soil consistence properties and water retention can determine soils that contain smectite clay which is the clay mineral that is most sensitive to soil ESP.
Environmental Risk Factors and Psychotic-like Experiences in Children Aged 9-10.

Objective Research implicates environmental risk factors, including correlates of urbanicity, deprivation, and environmental toxins, in psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). The current study examined associations between several types of environmental risk factors and PLEs in school-age children, whether these associations were specific to PLEs or generalized to other psychopathology, and examined possible neural mechanisms for significant associations. Method The current study used cross-sectional data from 10,328 children 9–10 years old from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Hierarchical linear models examined associations between PLEs and geocoded environmental risk factors and whether associations generalized to internalizing/externalizing symptoms. Mediation models examined evidence of structural magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities (eg, intracranial volume) potentially mediating associations between PLEs and environmental risk factors. Results Specific types of environmental risk factors, namely, measures of urbanicity (eg, drug offense exposure, less perception of neighborhood safety), deprivation (eg, overall deprivation, poverty rate), and lead exposure risk, were associated with PLEs. These associations showed evidence of stronger associations with PLEs than internalizing/externalizing symptoms (especially overall deprivation, poverty, drug offense exposure, and lead exposure risk). There was evidence that brain volume mediated between 11% and 25% of associations of poverty, perception of neighborhood safety, and lead exposure risk with PLEs. Conclusion Although in the context of cross-sectional analyses, this evidence is consistent with neural measures partially mediating the association between PLEs and environmental exposures. This study also replicated and extended recent findings of associations between PLEs and environmental exposures, finding evidence for specific associations with correlates of urbanicity, deprivation, and lead exposure risk.
A Novel Approach to Determine Variable Solute Partition Coefficients

Proper characterization of solute segregation during the solidification of alloys using partition coefficients (k) is essential to understand and model solidification paths and associated microstructural evolution. Traditional methods to determine k assume a constant value over the course of solidification, which leads to improper descriptions of segregation for elements with variable partitioning behavior. In this study, a novel method to determine partition coefficients as a function of fraction solid using electron probe microanalysis point grid measurements is described. The proposed method, termed the mass balance analysis (MBA), was applied to a cast 90 wt pct Co-10 wt pct Cu alloy with well-documented segregation behavior. The resultant partition coefficients indicated that kCu decreased as a function of fraction solid, while kCo significantly increased in the terminal stage of solidification. The measured k values showed excellent agreement with those taken from the solidus and liquidus lines of Co-Cu binary phase diagram generated using Thermo-Calc. The MBA was also applied to a multicomponent austenitic commercial alloy. It showed a decrease in the partition coefficients for both Cr and Nb as a function of fraction solid and demonstrated the applicability of the MBA method to highly alloyed multicomponent systems.
Indirect Standardization as a Case Mix Adjustment Method to Improve Comparison of Children's Hospitals' Antimicrobial Use.

Antimicrobial use (AU) in days of therapy per 1000 patient-days (DOT/1000 pd) varies widely among children's hospitals. We evaluated indirect standardization to adjust AU for case mix, a source of variation inadequately addressed by current measurements. Hospitalizations from the Pediatric Health Information System were grouped into 85 clinical strata. Observed to expected (O:E) ratios were calculated by indirect standardization and compared with DOT/1000 pd. Outliers were defined by O:E z-scores. Antibacterial DOT/1000 pd ranged from 345 to 776 (2.2-fold variation; interquartile range [IQR] 552-679), whereas O:E ratios ranged from 0.8 to 1.14 (1.4-fold variation; IQR 0.93-1.05). O:E ratios were moderately correlated with DOT/1000 pd (correlation estimate 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.64; P = .0009). Using indirect standardization to adjust for case mix reduces apparent AU variation and may enhance stewardship efforts by providing adjusted comparisons to inform interventions.
Concurrent germline BRCA1, BRCA2, and CHEK2 pathogenic variants in hereditary breast cancer: a case series.

Background Concurrent germline (g) pathogenic variants related to hereditary breast cancer represent a rare occurrence. While double heterozygosity in gBRCA1 and gBRCA2 has been reported in the past, herein we describe the first case of three known concurrent pathogenic variants identified in a family with a strong history of breast cancer. Case presentation The proband is a 55-year-old female diagnosed with synchronous bilateral breast cancers. She underwent a multi-gene panel testing indicating the presence of 3 concurrent heterozygous germline deleterious variants in BRCA1 (c.181T > G), BRCA2 (c.4398_4402delACATT), and CHEK2 (1100delC). The patient's two daughters (34 and 29 years-old) were found to be transheterozygous for inherited pathogenic variants in BRCA1 (c.181T > G) and CHEK2 (1100delC) genes. Conclusion The cancer risk and phenotypic manifestations associated with transheterozygous or multiple concurrent deleterious germline variants in hereditary breast cancer requires further investigation. A personalized approach to counseling, screening, and risk reduction should be undertaken for these individuals.