cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Walnuts Decrease Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Summary of Efficacy and Biologic Mechanisms

Given the pressing need to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality, there has been a focus on optimizing dietary patterns to reduce the many contributing risk factors. Over the past 2 decades, many studies have been conducted that have evaluated the effects of walnut consumption on CVD risk factors. Walnuts have been shown to decrease low density lipoprotein cholesterol (by ∼9-16%) and blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure by ∼2-3 mm Hg), 2 major risk factors for CVD. In addition, walnuts improve endothelial function, decrease both oxidative stress and some markers of inflammation, and increase cholesterol efflux. The effect of walnuts on multiple CVD targets over relatively short periods of time supports recommendations for their inclusion in a heart-healthy diet.
Exceptional contributions to US science by the foreign-born and foreign-educated

This paper contributes to the debate on high-skilled migration byexamining whether the foreign-born and foreign-educated are disproportionatelyrepresented among individuals making exceptional contributions to science and engineering (S & E) in the U.S. Six indicators of scientific achievement areused: individuals elected to the National Academy of Sciences and/or National Academy of Engineering, authors of citation classics, authors of hot papers, the 250 most-cited authors, authors of highly cited patents, and scientistswho have played a key role in launching biotechnology firms. We do not claim that this list is exhaustive, merely illustrative.
Physiological and biochemical variables in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) immobilised with dexmedetomidine and ketamine or dexmedetomidine, midazolam and ketamine

Physiological and biochemical variables in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) immobilised with dexmedetomidine and ketamine or dexmedetomidine, midazolam and ketamine were evaluated. Thirty tigers received either dexmedetomidine (0.025 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) (group DK) or dexmedetomidine (0.0125 mg/kg), midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg) (group DMK). Heart rate, SPO2 and blood pressure were measured at five-minute intervals. Arterial pH, PO2, PCO2, glucose, K+ and arterial and venous lactate were measured at 15 and 45 minutes after immobilisation. A generalised linear mixed model was used for statistical comparison. There was no difference within or between groups at any time point for any measured variable. Measured PO2 was 73.2±17.5 mm Hg and SPO2 was 88.9±10.8 per cent. Systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures were 170.5±48.4, 138.9±41.8 and 121.8±37.2 mm Hg, respectively. Venous lactate was higher than arterial lactate within groups at each time point. Seizure-like behaviour was observed in 25 per cent of tigers in group DK but not in group DMK. The addition of midazolam into a protocol for immobilisation of tigers did not result in a difference in any of the measured variables but may have prevented the development of seizure-like behaviour.
Primary central nervous system vasculitis preceded by granulomatous hypophysitis: Case report with a review of the literature.

Background: Primary central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis is an idiopathic inflammatory process that selectively affects CNS vasculature without a systemic inflammatory response, and causes luminal obstruction with resultant ischemia of recipient tissue. Its varying clinical symptoms and signs depend on the caliber of vessels involved and distribution and location of the affected structures. Granulomatous hypophysitis (GH) is an autoimmune inflammatory process typically affecting women, and usually presents with hypopituitarism, and at times, diabetes insipidus, and/or visual loss. Both entities are rare CNS diseases, which, to our knowledge, have never been previously reported in the same patient.
Automatic Quantitation of cell Growth and Determination of Mitotic Index using Dapi Nuclear Staining

The growth rate of primary tumors and derived cell lines is an important identifying trademark to researchers studying the growth and differentiation of pediatric neoplasms. For the in vivo tumor specimen, the mitotic index is utilized to assess growth potential while, in vitro, the determination of the growth curve and doubling time of the cells is employed. Because of the importance of these parameters this laboratory has developed a technique for the simultaneous determination of cell number and mitotic index for adherent cultured cells, as well as solid tumors, using the polycationic dye DAPI (4′, 6-diamino-2-phenylindole). DAPI, when bound to nuclear DNA, fluoresces, and this property has been utilized to develop an image analysis based technique to determine cell number automatically based on gray scale discrimination. In addition, DAPI staining clearly delineates mitotic figures and this has allowed the simultaneous manual determination of mitotic index for each automatic cell count. This technique...
Link Analysis and Optics Design

Before we can address such issues as electrical receiver design and modulation design, we need a solid understanding of the optical components that underlie a wireless infrared communication system. The purpose of this chapter is to present a link budget analysis for non-directed line-of-sight optical communications, and to present design strategies for optimizing the transmitter and receiver optical components. We examine the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement of a hemispherical concentrator as an optical antenna. We propose a hemispherical thin-film optical filter, and compare its performance to that of a traditional planar thin-film filter. For both filter types, we jointly optimize the transmitter radiation pattern, the filter orientation, and the filter bandwidth. The results of this chapter indicate that a 269-mW transmitter and a 1-cm2photodetector are sufficient to achieve a 100-Mb/s non-directed link over a range of 4 m, even in the presence of intense background light. These numerical results are based on a sphere radius of 2 cm; in principle, an arbitrary performance improvement can be achieved by an arbitrarily large sphere radius, implying a direct trade-off between performance and size.
Another meiosis in the specialty of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery: birth of the purebred "thoracic aortic surgeon"?

The carefully analyzed data and well-written paper by Andersen et al. [(1)][1] in this issue of the Journal carry an important message for clinicians as well as health-policy planners and payers with respect to acute type A aortic dissection. All facets of cardiovascular medicine and surgery over
Morphological characteristics and central projections of two types of interneurons in the visual pathway of Hermissenda.

The synaptic interactions between photoreceptors in the eye and second-order neurons in the optic ganglion of the nudibranch molluskHermissenda are well characterized. However, the higher-order neu...
Ambiguous statistics -- how a statistical encoding in the periphery affects perception

Recent understanding in human vision suggests that the periphery compresses visual information to a set of summary statistics. Some visual information is robust to this lossy compression, but others, like spatial location and phase are not perfectly represented, leading to ambiguous interpretations. Using the statistical encoding, we can visualize the information available in the periphery to gain intuitions about human performance in visual tasks, which have implications for user interface design, or more generally, whether the periphery encodes sufficient information to perform a task without additional eye movements. The periphery is most of the visual field. If it undergoes these losses of information, then our perception and ability to perform tasks efficiently are affected. We show that the statistical encoding explains human performance in classic visual search experiments. Based on the statistical understanding, we also propose a quantitative model that can estimate the average number of fixations humans would need to find a target in a search display. Further, we show that the ambiguities in the peripheral representation predict many aspects of some illusions. In particular, the model correctly predicts how polarity and width affects the Pinna-Gregory illusion. Visualizing the statistical representation of the illusion shows that many qualitative aspects of the illusion are captured by the statistical ambiguities. We also investigate a phenomena known as Object Substitution Masking (OSM), where the identity of an object is impaired when a sparse, non-overlapping, and temporally trailing mask surrounds that object. We find that different types of grouping of object and mask produce different levels of impairment. This contradicts a theory about OSM which predicts that grouping should always increase masking strength. We speculate some reasons for why the statistical model of the periphery may explain OSM. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, libraries.mit.edu/docs - docs@mit.edu)
Characterization Of Chromatin Dynamics In Mammalian Erythropoiesis

Mammalian erythropoiesis is a dynamic process in which erythroid progenitors proliferate and differentiate into mature enucleated red blood cells. In the late stage of erythropoiesis, erythroblasts undergo terminal cell-cycle exit, chromatin condensation and extrusion of the pycnotic nucleus via an asymmetric cell division. Recent genetic and biochemical studies illustrated that various signaling pathways, including histone deacetylations and other chromatin modifications, are involved in chromatin condensation and enucleation. However, it is unclear the global dynamic changes of the nucleosome and how different histones are regulated during chromatin condensation. We proposed to directly characterize the expression levels and localization of different histones and their variants during erythropoiesis. We found that histone H2A and its variants are differentially expressed during erythropoieisis, while the levels of other histones including H2B, histone H3 and histone H4 remained unchanged. To determine their localization, we performed immunofluorescence experiments of these histones together with nuclear lamins. Strikingly, lamin B staining revealed a gradually enlarged nuclear opening through which most histones, except histone H2AZ, were released out of the nucleus. This nuclear opening was confirmed by electron microscopy. The same phenotype was observed in vivo in freshly purified late stage erythroblasts. Western blot analysis confirmed this release, however, many well known nuclear proteins remained in the nucleus in this process. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that caspase 3 was involved in the regulation of nuclear openings during erythropoieiss. Inhibition or knockdown of caspase 3 completely blocked lamin B opening and histone release, which led to inhibition of chromatin condensation and cell differentiation, and ultimate cell death. In summary, our study demonstrated that the dynamic changes of various histones, with their selective and gradual release out of the nucleus, is required for chromatin condensation and differentiation during erythropoieisis. Studies of the detailed mechanisms are ongoing. Particularly, we are using micrococcal nuclease digestion of chromatin followed by next generation sequencing technology (MNase-seq) to determine genome-wide nucleosome location during the differention. Chromatin- immunoprecipitation (ChIP) will also be performed to determine H2A family protein locations during erythropoiesis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Abusive Subordination: A Multilevel Model of Abusive Subordination

My model of abusive subordination proposes that some subordinates with an abusive supervisor react by abusing their supervisor in return and forming a coalition to abuse as a group. Building on pow...
Overview: High Speed Dynamics and Modelling as It Applies to Energetic Solids

This paper discusses experimental techniques and modelling tools used to characterize energetic solids subjected to dynamic deformation and shock. Critical experiments have been designed to study shock response and impact sensitivity of energetic materials. For example, a simplified two dimensional experiment has been developed to study the critical phenomena involved in delayed detonation reactions (XDT). In addition, wedge tests are used to obtain equation-of-state data. Coupled with hydrocodes, these experiments give us an in-depth understanding of the response of energetic materials subjected to shock loading. A coupled methodology using both experimental and modelling tools is presented. Consisting of three parts, it addresses all possible responses to fragment impact. The three parts are: (1) Fragment impact modelling (hydrocodes and empirically based codes); (2) Experiments to obtain accurate data for predicting prompt detonation; and (3) Tests with planar rocket motor models to explore mechanisms related to bum reaction thresholds and degree of violence. This methodology is currently being used in weapon design and munitions hazard assessments.
The Concentration and Stability of Drug Activity in Seattle, Washington Using Police and Emergency Medical Services Data

Prior research demonstrates that crime is highly concentrated at place and that these concentrations are stable from year to year, highlighting the importance of place to crime control and prevention. A potential limitation is that most studies only use one data source to diagnose these patterns. The present study uses data from both police and emergency medical services (EMS) to explore the spatial concentration and stability of drug activity in Seattle, Washington from 2009 to 2014. We use concentration graphs and group-based trajectory analysis to examine concentration and stability of calls related to drug activity in both data sources separately and combined. Additionally, we employ Andresen’s S-Index to determine the similarity of concentration within the SPD data, the EMS data and the combined data year to year as well as the degree of co-location between the SPD and EMS data during the study period. We find a high degree of concentration and group-based stability for both SPD and EMS drug calls across all street segments in Seattle. Conversely, we find only moderate local geographic stability of drug use across street segments as indicated by each of the data sources over the study period. Last, we find the spatial patterns in drug use as indicated by each data source are significantly different each year. At the same time these findings provide support for the law of crime concentration, they also raise questions about local stability patterns. Additionally, they highlight the importance of expanding inquiries of crime and place research into new data sources. Our results serve to reinforce the importance of multiple data sets in quantifying, understanding, and responding to the drug problem in Seattle.
The effect of waviness of a helical inhomogeneity on its stiffness- and conductivity contribution tensors

Abstract The paper provides computational results for the stiffness- and conductivity contribution tensors of a helical carbon inhomogeneity embedded in an epoxy matrix. We analyze the effect of waviness of the fiber in a broad range of its variation. It is shown, in particular, that dependence of the components N 1111 and N 2222 of the stiffness contribution tensor on the waviness parameter is almost the same as the one for the components K 11 and K 22 of the conductivity contribution tensor, respectively, implying certain cross-property connection. In contrast, the waviness- dependence of the components N 1122 and N 1212 is entirely different and is non-monotonic.
Chicken noodle soup - comfort food?

This article describes a case of small bowel perforation following ingestion of homemade chicken noodle soup. The acute abdominal emergency was due to chicken bone perforating through the jejunal wall. Preoperative and intraoperative images are provided. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care. Republished with permission from: Seamon MJ. Chicken noodle soup – - Comfort food? OPUS 12 Scientist 2009;3(1):19.
Quality of Experience Augment Reality System (Q-CARS): Poster Abstract

Achieving high QoE for AR applications on a mobile device is challenging because the required advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms are computationally intensive by nature. Hence, some task for AR applications must be offloaded to more powerful remote servers. Offloading for mobile applications remains an active area of research. In the context of mobile AR applications which requires continuous processing, offloading algorithms must be applied with care due to the high wireless network latencies. In fact, there are only a few mobile AR QoE frameworks to take wireless network conditions into consideration, and none of them studied the relationship between mobile AR QoE and wireless channel status that impacts each other along the time scale. In this project, we propose Q-CARS system, which will provide real test results that facilitate the design of the wireless network that enhances the support of QoE in AR systems.
Family Influences on Childhood Behavior and Development : Evidence-Based Prevention and Treatment Approaches

About the Editors. About the Contributors. Introduction. Gullotta, The Family, Treatment, and Prevention: How Theory Influences Practice. Williams-Washington, Melon, Blau, Childhood Growth and Development Within a Family Context. Osher, Osher, Blau, Families Matter. Goode, Jones, Cultural Influences on Child Development: The Middle Years. Keys, Leaf, Public Health Principles and Approaches to Systems Interventions to Support Children's Emotional and Behavioral Health. Arcus, Chambers, Childhood Risks Associated with Adoption. Mensah, Fine, Divorce and Children. Hennon, Hildebrand, Schedle, Stepfamilies and Children. Fisher, Easterly, Lazear, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Families and their Children. Plant, Siegel, Children in Foster Care: Prevention and Treatment of Mental Health Problems. Nicholson, Cooper, Freed, Isaacs, Children of Parents with Mental Illnesses. Portwood, Physical Abuse in Childhood (Ages 5-13). Spitalnick, Younge, Sales, DiClemente, Sexual Abuse in Childhood (The Abused Child). Epilogue.
Human natural killer cell IFN-gamma production: Inhibition by TGF-beta involves SMAD-mediated downregulation of T-BET expression

2431 Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays an important role in the negative regulation of interferon (IFN)-γ production by natural killer (NK) cells and T cells, but the mechanism is unclear. Here we first show that retroviral expression of dominant negative T-BET in the human NK cell line NK-92 impairs IFN-γ production in response to monokine stimulation. In NK-92 and primary human NK cells, TGF-β1 inhibits T-BET expression, and this inhibition correlates with the suppression of monokine-activated IFN-γ production by TGF-β1. Moreover, transfection of SMAD2, SMAD3 and SMAD4, mediators of TGF-β signaling, into 293T cells represses T-BET promoter activity. We mapped the TBET promoter responsible for SMAD-mediated repression to the 100bp proximal region. We then performed chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and showed that SMAD2 is increased on the proximal T-BET promoter following TGF-β1 treatment. Although we did not find any SMAD binding sites in the100bp promoter of T-BET, we found at least six Sp1 binding sites within the 100bp region, and there is evidence that Sp1 physically associates with SMAD proteins (Feng et al., EMBO J 19, 5178-5193, 2000). We therefore hypothesized that following TGF-β signaling, Sp1 recruits SMAD proteins onto proximal promoter of T-BET to repress its transcription. To support our hypothesis, we performed an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and found Sp1 binds to the T-BET promoter. Collectively, our results suggest that T-BET is a positive regulator of IFN-γ production in human NK cells. Furthermore, T-BET expression is suppressed by TGF-β signaling, and this inhibition likely contributes to inhibition of NK cell IFN-γ production by TGF-β. Our preliminary evidence suggests that the SMAD transcription factors are recruited by Sp1 onto the T-BET promoter and act as negative regulators to suppress the transcription of IFN-γ in human NK cells.
Iron and a Man’s Reproductive Health: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

To discuss the physiologic and pathologic effects of iron on men’s reproductive health. Iron overload diseases are associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, infertility, and sexual dysfunction in men. Recent findings have elucidated the roles by which iron may affect the male reproductive axis. Iron is requisite for life. Iron can also catalyze the production of reactive oxygen species. To maintain balance, the human body tightly regulates dietary iron absorption. Severe iron overload disorders—e.g., hereditary hemochromatosis and β-thalassemia—occur when these regulatory mechanisms are deficient. While iron is necessary, the male reproductive system is particularly sensitive to iron overload. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, infertility, and sexual dysfunction commonly occur if excess iron from iron overload disorders is not removed. The average male in the USA consumes significantly more iron than needed to replace daily losses. How this degree of iron loading may affect one’s reproductive health remains less clear, but there is evidence it may have adverse effects.
Predictors of Varenicline Adherence Among Cancer Patients Treated for Tobacco Dependence and its Association With Smoking Cessation.

INTRODUCTION The degree to which smokers adhere to pharmacotherapy predicts treatment success. The development of interventions to increase adherence requires identification of predictors of treatment adherence, particularly among specific clinical populations. METHODS Using data from a 12-week open-label phase of a clinical trial of varenicline for tobacco dependence among cancer patients (N = 207), we examined: (1) the relationship between self-reported varenicline adherence and verified smoking cessation and (2) demographic and disease-related variables, and early changes in cognition, affect, withdrawal, the reinforcing effects of smoking, and medication side effects, as correlates of varenicline adherence. RESULTS At the end of 12 weeks, 35% of the sample had quit smoking and 52% reported taking ≥80% of varenicline. Varenicline adherence was associated with cessation (p < .001): 58% of participants who were adherent had quit smoking versus 11% of those who were not. Participants who experienced early reductions in depressed mood and satisfaction from smoking and experienced an increase in the toxic effects of smoking, showed greater varenicline adherence (p < .05); the relationship between greater adherence and improved cognition, reduced craving, and reduced sleep problems and vomiting approached significance (p < .10). CONCLUSIONS Among cancer patients treated for tobacco dependence with varenicline, adherence is associated with smoking cessation. Initial changes in depressed mood and the reinforcing effects of smoking are predictive of adherence. IMPLICATIONS The benefits of varenicline for treating tobacco dependence among cancer patients may depend upon boosting adherence by addressing early signs of depression and reducing the reinforcing dimensions of cigarettes.
Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors generate two types of intrinsic membrane oscillations in hippocampal oriens/alveus interneurons

Abstract GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus are critically involved in almost all hippocampal circuit functions including coordinated network activity. Somatostatin-expressing oriens-lacunosum moleculare (O-LM) interneurons are a major subtype of dendritically projecting interneurons in hippocampal subregions (e.g., CA1), and express group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), specifically mGluR1 and mGluR5. Group I mGluRs are thought to regulate hippocampal circuit functions partially through GABAergic interneurons. Previous studies suggest that a group I/II mGluR agonist produces slow supra-threshold membrane oscillations (
Antioxidants in Critical Illness

Oxygen free radicals (OFR) are unstable oxygen derivatives capable of causing oxidative damage. They are produced primarily in physiologic and pathophysiologic pathways and secondarily by a variety of insults. Their actions are tightly controlled and limited by antioxidant defense mechanisms. Disturbances in oxidative balance resulting from increased OFR production or deficiencies in antioxidant defenses produce a disease state of oxidative stress in which OFR damage cellular constituents. This initiates a cascade of events that stimulates an inflammatory response by direct and indirect means. Conversely, inflammation promotes oxidation. Each process amplifies the other resulting in progressive local and systemic injury. These pathways may playa causative role in critical illnesses in which a systemic inflammatory response is a central feature. Such conditions include sepsis, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), burns and trauma. Preventing the initiation or controlling the progression of the harmful oxidative state may ameliorate or reverse the progression of disease in critically ill patients. Therapeutic approaches include inhibition of OFR production and enhancement of antioxidant defenses. Numerous strategies have been described. These approaches are in their infancy and results to date are mixed due to numerous limitations. However, several approaches show promise.
Structure of F1 -ATPase and the Mechanism of ATP Synthesis— Hydrolysis

ATP synthesis—the phosphorylation of ADP by Pi in mitochondria, chloroplast, and bacteria—is a fundamental and complex biochemical pathway. The reaction involves the utilization of the proton electrochemical gradient produced by either the oxidation of substrates or the utilization of light quanta, for the generation of ATP levels up to 108 times the concentration expected from the hydrolytic equilibrium (ATP + H2O ↔ ADP + Pi). The reaction in which the utilization of a Ha+ gradient is coupled to the phosphorylation of ADP is carried out by a large, complex enzyme system: the ATP synthase.
Total Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of (+)-Hypercalin C and Congeners

The hypercalins are dearomatized acylphloroglucinols with a pendant complex cyclopentane ring that exhibit activity against several cancer cell lines. We report the first total synthesis of (+)-hypercalin C employing a convergent strategy that enabled the dissection of the essential structural features required for the observed anticancer activity. A strategic disconnection involving an unusual C sp 3 -C sp 2 Suzuki-Miyaura coupling with an α-bromo enolether also revealed an unexpected C-H activation. This strategy targeted designed analogues along the synthetic route to address particular biological questions. These results support the hypothesis that hypercalin C may act as a proton shuttle with the dearomatized acylphloroglucinol moiety being essential for this activity.
Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) in the Management of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction

Purpose We aimed to identify clinical predictors of a favorable response to treatment with extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in lung transplant (Tx) recipients with CLAD. Methods Lung Tx recipients followed at Barnes-Jewish Hospital treated with ECP for CLAD were retrospectively identified. Patient characteristics, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were recorded for the 6 month(mo)s prior to and 12 mos after initiation of ECP. FEV1 was plotted vs. time, and a linear regression line was drawn through the data points. The slope (ml/mo) of the linear regression line was compared pre- and post- ECP using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. FEV1 and FVC were recorded as 0 at the time of re-Tx or death. A favorable response was defined as post-ECP FEV1 slope (ml/mo) > 0. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify covariates associated with a favorable response. Results 208 lung Tx recipients treated with ECP for CLAD between 11/1991-4/2017 were identified. During the study period, 16 patients were treated with 2 separate courses of ECP, totaling 223 ECP treatment courses. Recipient, donor and transplant characteristics are listed in Table 1. The median time to initiation of ECP from date of Tx was 1286.0 days (IQR: 646.8-2839.5). The median rate of change in FEV1 was -94.78 ml/mo (-195.88 ∼ -48.24) pre-ECP, and -13.74 ml/mo (-43.04 ∼ 0.98) post-ECP (p 58/223 (26.0%) treatment courses met criteria for a favorable response. Complications developed in 15 (6.7%) patients and were mostly catheter related. In univariate and multivariable logistic regression, none of the covariates (age, gender, primary diagnosis, rate of FEV1 decline pre-ECP, time from Tx, time from BOS diagnosis, RAS, early BOS) were significantly associated with response. Conclusion Over 25% of patients with CLAD had a favorable response with an improvement in FEV1 in the 12 mos after ECP initiation. However, we could not identify clinical predictors of a favorable response.
Comments on “Volumetric and compressibility properties for aqueous solutions of choline chloride based deep eutectic solvents and Prigogine–Flory–Patterson theory to correlate of excess molar volumes at T = (293.15 to 308.15) K”

Abstract A polemic is given regarding the calculated apparent molar volumes reported in the published paper by Shekaari and coworkers. The equations used by the authors to calculate the apparent molar volumes of the individual mixture components are found to contain errors. The errors are identified and the equations are corrected.
Sitters as a Patient Safety Strategy to Reduce Hospital Falls: A Systematic Review

Background Bedside "sitters" are often used for patients at high risk for falls, but they are expensive and their effectiveness is unclear. Purpose To review evidence about the effect of sitters and alternatives to sitters on patient falls in acute care hospitals. Data sources PubMed searches to 8 October 2019, other databases from inception to December 2018, citation searches on key articles, and a Google search (22 October 2019). Study selection English-language studies of any design that assessed the effect of adding sitters to usual care or compared alternatives to sitters (for example, video monitors or "close observation units") for adult patients on general wards of acute care hospitals and reported falls as a primary outcome. Data extraction Dual-reviewer extraction of study data and risk of bias; single reviewer with group discussion for GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) certainty of evidence. Data synthesis Of 20 studies meeting inclusion criteria, 2 added sitters to usual care and 18 compared alternatives to sitters. There were no randomized trials, 11 time-series studies, 1 retrospective quasi-experimental study, and 8 pre-post studies. All studies had at least 1 methodological limitation. Two studies provided very-low-certainty evidence that adding sitters reduced falls. Eight studies provided moderate-certainty evidence that interventions that included video monitoring reduced sitter use and either did not affect or reduced the number of falls. Very-low-certainty evidence suggested that interventions that included nurse assessment tools (3 studies) or a close observation unit (2 studies) were effective alternatives to sitters. Limitation No studies had low risk of bias, publication bias is likely, and studies may have been missed. Conclusion Despite a compelling rationale, evidence is scant that adding sitters to usual care reduces falls. Primary funding source Veterans Affairs Quality Enhancement Research Initiative. (PROSPERO: CRD42019127424).
An analysis of voluntary recycled content claims under demand benefit and uncertain recycled input supply

Abstract We focus on the problem of choosing the optimal recycled content claim under stochastic local recycled content availability under two claim types — period specific (when claims have to hold each period) and average (when claims are evaluated across periods). We show conditions under which specific claims are higher than average claims, and explore cases where the optimal claims and profits are aligned to be in the same direction.
Forensic Engineering Investigation into Factors Contributing to Explosion of a Consumer-Grade Tabletop Torch

In early 2013, approximately 3,500 consumer-grade tabletop torches, designed for use with citronella oil to ward off insects, were sold by a retailer. Within six months of their debut, 22 of these products experi-enced sudden explosions, resulting in one fatality and 21 severe burn injuries to consumers. The author was retained as an expert in the fatal explosion case to determine the root cause(s) that led to these explosions. This paper will describe the detailed, experimental-based investigation that was carried out to reveal design, manufacturing, and marketing defects for which the designer of the torch, the manufacturer of the fuel, and the retailer of the final product were responsible. It was determined that the explosions occurred as a result of a “perfect storm” scenario that involved defective product design, defective marketing of the product through the sale of incompatible fuel by the retailer, and deficient warning instructions by the manufacturer.
Examining aspects of successful community-based programs promoting cancer screening uptake to reduce cancer health disparity: A systematic review.

Abstract Certain minorities in the US are disproportionately burdened with higher cancer incidence and mortality rates. Programs encouraging timely uptake of cancer screening measures serve to reduce cancer health disparities. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the effectiveness and the qualities of these programs, and to elucidate characteristics of success programs to aid in designing of future ones. We focused on community-based programs rather than clinic-based programs as the former are more likely to reach disadvantaged populations, and on prevention programs for breast, cervical, and/or colon cancers as longstanding screening recommendations for these cancers exist. PubMed, CINAHL and EBSCO databases were searched for articles that utilized community organizations and community health workers. Fourteen programs described in 34 manuscripts were identified. While 10 of 14 programs reported statistically significant increases in cancer prevention knowledge and/or increase in screening rates, only 7 of them enrolled large numbers of participants (defined as ≥1000). Only 7 programs had control groups, only 4 programs independently verified screening uptake, and 2 programs had long-term follow-up (defined as more than one screening cycle). Only one program demonstrated elimination of cancer health disparity at a population level. While most community-based cancer prevention programs have demonstrated efficacy in terms of increased knowledge and/or screening uptake, scalability and demonstration in reduction at a population level remain a challenge.
Identification and evaluation of volatile organic compounds evolved during solarization with almond hull and shell amendments.

Biosolarization is a fumigation alternative that combines solarization with organic amendments to suppress pests and pathogens in agricultural soils. The generation of volatile biopesticides in the...
Clinical Excellence in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery: Examples from the Published Literature

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS To apply the domains of clinical excellence, as published by the Miller-Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence, to the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) as a framework for evaluating and improving clinical excellence. METHODS A search of PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) databases was performed and 229 publications were reviewed. RESULTS Case reports and other articles were selected that exemplify each of the distinct domains of clinical excellence within our specialty. CONCLUSIONS The Miller-Coulson Academy's domains of clinical excellence are relevant to OHNS and can provide a framework for fostering clinical excellence in otolaryngologists. The many examples of excellent care by otolaryngologists found in the published literature can inspire otolaryngologists to provide outstanding care to all patients consistently and to advance our specialty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A Laryngoscope, 131:E2153-E2158, 2021.
Fracture Mechanics of Concrete

In many respects, concrete is a far more complex material to model in the inelastic range than steel. Only relatively recently has the research community embraced fracture mechanics as a model to capture its cracking. Given the importance of the topic, a separate chapter is hence devoted to this form of fracture. It is composed of two parts: macro and micro cracks.
Increased nuchal translucency: is advanced sequencing the answer?

Increased nuchal translucency (NT) on first trimester ultrasound poses a diagnostic and prognostic dilemma. Given association with chromosomal changes and other structural anomalies, an isolated increased NT is an indication to pursue genetic diagnosis. Early diagnosis may aid decisions for pregnancy management as a chromosomal abnormality is identified in 30% of cases.
Milk allergy. II. Observations on incidence and symptoms of allergy to milk in allergic infants.

In a series of 172 infants under 2 years of age who were referred for allergy studies during 1954-1956, 109 were found to be allergic. Thirty-three of the one hundred nine allergic infants were sensitive to cow9s milk, with an incidence of 30%. The diagnosis of cow9s milk allergy was based upon the same criteria applied to a series of well babies. Namely, repeated production of one or more allergic symptoms on exposure to cow9s milk, improvement on withdrawal, and with no other apparent cause for improvement, confirmed by positive skin test, and without other cause for symptoms. The allergic symptoms due to milk were eczema, gastrointestinal abnormalities and less frequently asthma or rhinitis. Scratch tests were frequently positive to foods. Thirty-seven infants reacted with positive skin tests to milk, of whom 33 had clinical allergy to milk. Infants from 9 to 12 months of age had the highest number of nonspecific skin reactions.
Of Coase and Cattle: Dispute Resolution Among Neighbors in Shasta County

Introduction .. 624 I. SHASTA COUNTY AND ITS CATrLE INDUSTRY 629 A. Physical Environment 629 B. Social Environment 632 C. Work Environment: Modes of Cattle Ranching ....... 636 1. The traditionalists 637 2. The modernists 638 D. The Benefits and Costs of Boundary Fences 640 II. THE POLITICS OF CATTLE TRESPASS IN THE NORTHEASTERN FOOTHILLS 643 A. Caton's Folly: The Closing of the Range at Round M ountain 644 B. Caton's Repentance: The Defeat of the Oak Run Closure Petition .. 647 1. Frank Ellis 647
Probabilistic analysis of divertor plate lifetime in tokamak reactors

Defining a methodology for a reliability estimate of the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor (ITER) divertor is the objective of the study summarized in this paper. If ITER could be designed such that no transients of any type occurred, the divertor reliability would be controlled by erosion of material during normal operation. The occurrence of several transient events results in important contribution to the expected divertor failure rate. Some transients cause the temperature in the divertor plate (DP) to rise; if these temperatures get too high, the structural elements in the DP will weaken and subsequently suffer structural failure and possibly reach the melting temperature. Using the limited data available leads to the result that there is a high probability that the DP will reliably withstand a peak heat flux of 11 MW/m{sup 2}. However, transient events will lead to a much shorter lifetime than desirable for DP`s, mainly due to the expected severe effects of plasma disruptions. If transients occurred, but the shutdown mechanism succeeded to perform without inducing a disruption, divertor reliability could be significantly improved. Improved characterization of the disruption conditions, and enlarged scope of failure modes should be pursued to gain confidence in the present conclusions.
A class of modular multilevel motor drives with design flexibility and reduced components number

This paper extends the work of multilevel converter motor drives with modular design and split windings machine. A class of multilevel motor drive topologies is introduced. The proposed topologies can reduce the component quantity by using the machine itself to synthesize converter outputs. Mature multilevel topologies can be also incorporated to achieve more voltage levels with great design flexibility. In this paper, two examples including neutral point clamped and flying capacitor topologies are discussed. Furthermore, the winding patterns and winding models of the proposed split windings machine are presented. Both simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the proposed concept.
Nature and Empire in Ottoman Egypt: An Environmental History

Introduction: an empire by nature 1. Watering the Earth 2. The food chain 3. The framework of empire 4. In working order 5. From nature to disease 6. Another Nile Conclusion: the imagination and reality of public works Appendix: citations for cases enumerated in Tables 1 through 4.
Network Flow Approaches for Analyzing and Managing Disruptions to Interdependent Infrastructure Systems

Modern society relies upon the complex interactions of the civil infrastructure systems, such as transportation, electric power, telecommunications, and water. These systems are highly dependent on one another in order to provide service. Failures in one system can have far-reaching, potentially cascading impacts on the services provided by other infrastructures. This article will present an overview of research which explicitly models these systems and more importantly, their interconnectedness. The model and its associated decision support system, developed in this research, can be used by those responsible for responding to disruptions or for evaluating vulnerability with the capability to look outside the boundaries of a single system and evaluate the system of systems. Keywords: emergency management; modeling; networks; civil infrastructure systems; mathematical modeling; interdependencies
Entrainment of coarse grains in turbulent flows: An extreme value theory approach

[1] The occurrence of sufficiently energetic flow events characterized by impulses of varying magnitude is treated as a point process. It is hypothesized that the rare but extreme magnitude impulses are responsible for the removal of coarse grains from the bed matrix. This conjecture is investigated utilizing distributions from extreme value theory and a series of incipient motion experiments. The application of extreme value distributions is demonstrated for both the entire sets of impulses and the maxima above a sufficiently high impulse quantile. In particular, the Frechet distribution is associated with a power law relationship between the frequency of occurrence and magnitude of impulses. It provides a good fit to the flow impulses, having comparable performance to other distributions. Next, a more accurate modeling of the tail of the distribution of impulses is pursued, consistent with the observation that the majority of impulses above a critical value are directly linked to grain entrainments. The peaks over threshold method is implemented to extract conditional impulses in excess of a sufficiently high impulse level. The generalized Pareto distribution is fitted to the excess impulses, and parameters are estimated for various impulse thresholds and methods of estimation for all the experimental runs. Finally, the episodic character of individual grain mobilization is viewed as a survival process, interlinked to the extremal character of occurrence of impulses. The interarrival time of particle entrainment events is successfully modeled by the Weibull and exponential distributions, which belong to the family of extreme value distributions.
The Clean Water Act and Estuarian Habitat Restoration

This paper will examine how habitat restoration, such as revitalizing shellfish beds and restoring wetlands, can be used as a way to clean estuarine waters from the effects of nitrogen pollution, and, in doing so, satisfy the statutory requirements and policy intent of the Clean Water Act.The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires each state to produce a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) report for bodies of water that are impacted by pollutants, as well as a remediation plan. This report begins by identifying a specific variety of pollution, the scale of the problem, and the extent to which the pollutants must be reduced. In addition, strategies are identified to accomplish the goal of pollutant reduction.Since the 1990s, research has demonstrated the ability of oysters and other shellfish to filter the water column and therefore remove the effects of over-nitrification in coastal and estuarine waters. Other research has shown that wetlands restoration can be used as a denitrification tool as well. Both of these strategies use natural processes and have the benefits of not only removing nitrogen and its effects but also can provide benefits such as stimulating the regrowth of valuable eelgrass beds and revitalizing finfish populations and crustacean nurseries. Both have the ultimate effect of providing not only clearer estuarine waters but a potential source of sustainable food stocks.This paper discusses the feasibility of using shellfish and wetlands restoration as an integral part of an overall strategy for the removal of the effects of over-nitrification of estuarine waters in the Total Management Daily Load process and argues that these tools meet both the statutory requirements CWA and its policy objectives of restoring water quality.
Transoral laser microsurgery followed by radiation therapy for oropharyngeal tumors: The mayo clinic arizona experience

Background The purpose of this study was to report the treatment outcomes of patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer treated with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) followed by radiation therapy (RT) at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Methods A retrospective study of 80 patients treated from January 1, 2000 to November 7, 2011 was performed. All patients had stage III/IV oropharyngeal tumors and underwent TLM with neck dissection. Adjuvant RT was then given. Thirty-seven patients received concurrent adjuvant chemotherapy. The primary outcome was locoregional control. Results Median follow-up was 47.3 months (range, 9.7–139.2 months). The 3-year locoregional control, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival rates were 98.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91% to 100%), 91.1% (95% CI, 81% to 96%), and 93.7% (95% CI, 84% to 98%), respectively. There were a total of 5 treatment failures, 1 regional and 4 distant. Twenty-six patients underwent neck only RT with exclusion of the primary site. Conclusion TLM followed by RT for advanced oropharyngeal cancer results in excellent locoregional control rates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 220–225, 2014