cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Titania–Carbon Nanocomposite Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries— Effects of Confined Growth and Phase Synergism

As lithium-ion batteries (LIB) see increasing use in areas beyond consumer electronics, such as the transportation sector, research has been directed at improving LIBs to better suit these applications. Of particular interest are materials and methods to increase Li+ capacity at various charge/discharge rates, to improve retention of Li+ capacity from cycle-to-cycle, and to enhance various safety aspects of electrode synthesis, cell construction, and end use. This work focuses on the synthesis and testing of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) TiO2/C LIB anode materials prepared using low toxicity precursors, including ammonium citratoperoxotitanate(IV) and sucrose, which provide high capacities for reversible Li+ insertion/extraction. When the composites are pyrolyzed at 700 °C, the carbon phase restricts sintering of TiO2 crystallites and keeps the size of these crystallites below 5 nm. Slightly larger crystallites are produced at higher temperatures, alongside a titanium oxycarbide phase. Th...
Impulsive Personality and Alcohol Use: Bidirectional Relations Over One Year

Objective:Impulsive personality traits have been found to be robust predictors of substance use and problems in both cross-sectional and longitudinal research. Studies examining the relations of substance use and impulsive personality over time indicate a bidirectional relation, where substance use is also predictive of increases in later impulsive personality. The present study sought to build on these findings by examining the bidirectional relations among the different impulsive personality traits assessed by the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale, with an interest in urgency (the tendency to act rashly when experiencing strong affect).Method:Participants were 525 first-year college students (48.0% male, 81.1% White), who completed self-report measures assessing personality traits and a structured interview assessing past and current substance use. Data collection took place at two different time points: the first occurred during the participants’ first year of college, and the second occurred approximate...
BRAID: A Unifying Paradigm for the Analysis of Combined Drug Action

With combination therapies becoming increasingly vital to understanding and combatting disease, a reliable method for analyzing combined dose response is essential. The importance of combination studies both in basic and translational research necessitates a method that can be applied to a wide range of experimental and analytical conditions. However, despite increasing demand, no such unified method has materialized. Here we introduce the Bivariate Response to Additive Interacting Doses (BRAID) model, a response surface model that combines the simplicity and intuitiveness needed for basic interaction classifications with the versatility and depth needed to analyze a combined response in the context of pharmacological and toxicological constraints. We evaluate the model in a series of simulated combination experiments, a public combination dataset, and several experiments on Ewing's Sarcoma. The resulting interaction classifications are more consistent than those produced by traditional index methods, and show a strong relationship between compound mechanisms and nature of interaction. Furthermore, analysis of fitted response surfaces in the context of pharmacological constraints yields a more concrete prediction of combination efficacy that better agrees with in vivo evaluations.
Abstract P319: Which Types of Hospitals Have Higher Readmission Rates for Heart Failure

Reducing readmissions is an important policy goal, and heart failure (HF) is the most common cause of both hospitalizations and readmissions in the Medicare program. Most proposed policy changes involve penalizing poorly-performing hospitals, yet we know little about what kinds of U.S. hospitals have high readmission rates, and therefore might be at particularly high risk of facing financial penalties. We created multivariable regression models using Medicare inpatient data from 2006-2007 to examine the relationship between hospital characteristics and 30-day all-cause readmission rates for patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of HF. Given that many pay-for-performance programs penalize poor performers based on categorical cutpoints, we also examined the likelihood that a hospital would be in the worst quartile or decile of readmission rates nationally. Among the 4,010 hospitals in our sample, critical access hospitals and small hospitals had significantly higher 30-day readmission rates than medium or large hospitals ([Table][1]). Hospitals not part of a system had higher readmission rates than hospitals that were members of systems, and both public hospitals and for-profit hospitals had higher readmission rates than private non-profit hospitals. These same hospitals were far more likely to perform in the bottom quartile or decile nationally (Table). Consequently, these hospitals will be at significantly higher risk of payment reductions if cut-points are used to target institutions for penalties. Given that some of the most resource-poor hospitals in the country are among the worst performers for HF readmissions, quality improvement efforts that rely on penalties and rewards may further widen the quality gap. Concerted efforts are needed to understand why these hospitals perform poorly, why the top hospitals perform well, and how best to design interventions to improve the quality of care for all HF patients, regardless of where they seek medical care. | Hospital Characteristics | 30-day readmission rate | P value | OR (95% CI) for worst quartile | P value | OR (95% CI) for worst decile | P value | |:------------------------:| ----------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------------ | ---------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------- | ------ | | Hospital Type | Critical Access | 28.2% | <0.001 | 12.4 (7.2, 21.4) | | 12.5 (4.3, 36.6) | <0.001 | | Small | 27.1% | 8.1 (4.9, 13.6) | <0.001 | 8.9 (3.1, 25.4) | <0.001 | | Medium | 25.4% | 3.0 (1.8, 4.8) | <0.001 | 2.4 (0.9, 6.6) | 0.10 | | Large | 24.2% | 1.0 | Ref | 1.0 | Ref | | Hospital System | Non-member | 26.5% | 0.048 | 1.2 (1.0, 1.4) | 0.02 | 1.5 (1.2, 1.9) | 0.002 | | Member | 26.0% | 1.0 | Ref | 1.0 | Ref | | Ownership | For-profit | 27.0% | <0.001 | 1.7 (1.3, 2.1) | <0.001 | 1.6 (1.1, 2.3) | 0.007 | | Public | 26.7% | 1.3 (1.0. 1.5) | 0.02 | 1.3 (1.0, 1.7) | 0.03 | | Non-profit | 25.7% | 1.0 | Ref | 1.0 | Ref | [1]: #T1
SY14-3ALD VERSUS NALD: DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS ON ENDOCYTOSIS AND VESICLE TRAFFICKING PROTEIN CONTENT

We have used the hepatocyte specific asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) to examine receptor-mediated endocytosis (RME) in a rat model of alcohol administration, and identified multiple alcohol-induced impairments. In the present study we wanted to investigate these findings in both a model of NALD (non-alcoholic liver disease) as well as ALD (alcoholic …
Lightening Up: Reappearing Hearts of Darkness

The chapters in this book represent conversations of a sort among texts related to one another. Clear sources, pointed or loose adaptations, indistinct influences, “quiet adaptations” (see Chapter 5), or intertextual resonances—the subjects, topics, and texts I address in this book generate meaning through their relationships. Such meaning is not limited to the varied perspectives on human experience and culture these works establish, but extends to the idea and issue of perspective itself: its importance as the critical and creative linchpin of humanities-based teaching, writing, and cultural conversation. Indeed, in their recent book Adaptation Studies and Learning, Laurence Raw and Tony Gurr argue that “adaptation studies has the potential to open up new paths for collaborative work in the humanities, film, and media studies, thereby strengthening their position in the higher education institution” (5).1
Skeletal Muscle Culture Under Spaceflight Conditions

The response of intact skeletal muscle to spaceflight involves a complex interplay between muscle function, myofiber type, neuronal innervation, and various circulating factors that modulate muscle behavior and function. It is important to note that alterations in extrinsic (e.g., mechanical loading of the musculoskeletal system), systemic (e.g., neuromuscular activity, circulating factors), and intrinsic (e.g., myofiber tension, myofiber protein balance) factors all interact to drive the specific responses observed in intact skeletal muscle exposed to microgravity during spaceflight. As such, while tissue culture analogs are used to study the effects of microgravity exposure on skeletal muscle cells, any conclusions drawn from these studies must be interpreted with the understanding that such analogs only partially represent the conditions experienced by intact skeletal muscle in vivo during spaceflight.
Left atrial volume assessment by area-length method compared to multislice volumetric method using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Background Left atrial (LA) size is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and a variety of other cardiovascular diseases. Left atrial volume (LAV) measurement is the preferred method for assessment of LA size. The most widely used technique for LAV assessment is the area-length (AL) method using 2D echocardiography. Studies have shown that AL method by echocardiography significantly underestimates LAV when compared with CMR using multislice volumetric (MSV) method. However, MSV method is time consuming due to increased acquisition and analysis time. We sought to compare LAV assessment by CMR using the more rapid AL method with MSV method. Methods We prospectively studied 273 patients with AF who underwent CMR on a 3T scanner (Siemens Trio). Image acquisition included SSFP cine of LA in short axis-stack, horizontal long-axis (4 chamber) and vertical long-axis (2 chamber) views. LAV by AL method was measured on CMR long axis views in end-systole as recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. LAV by MSV method was performed by tracing the LA endocardial border on LA short axis stack in a phase with largest LA dimension. LA appendage and pulmonary veins were excluded by both methods. LAV and LAV index measurements by AL and MSV methods were compared using Pearson’s correlation, Regression analysis and Bland-Altman plots. Results CMR was successfully completed and analyzed in 252 patients; mean age 60.5 ± 10.7 years, 185 males (73.4%). Paroxysmal AF was the most common arrhythmia (57.5%). Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.7 ± 1.3. Coronary artery disease was present in 31 (12.3%), hypertension 154 (61.1%), heart failure 7 (2.8%), diabetes mellitus 34 (13.5%), TIA/CVA 18 (7.1%) and peripheral vascular disease in 7 (2.8%) patients. Mean heart rate during CMR was 68.7 ± 15.6 beats/ min, 82% were in sinus rhythm. Mean left ventricular EF was 58.6 ± 8.1% and right ventricular EF was 47 ± 7.2%. Table 1 shows the mean LAV and LAV index by AL and MSV methods and their correlation. LAV and LAV index by the AL method was significantly higher compared to MSV method (p <0.001 for both). AL method showed good correlation with MSV method. Bland-Altman plot showed mean measurement difference of 5.5 ± 10.5 ml/m 2 for LAV index between two methods. AL method tend to overestimate LAV index compared to MSV method by 26 ml/m 2 or underestimate by 14.9 ml/m 2 (Figure 1). Conclusions LA volume measurements by CMR AL method correlate well with the MSV method but limits of agreement are wide. These differences should be taken into account when using AL method for clinical or research purposes.
The Duplicated Thumb: A Review

Preaxial polydactyly is a common, often sporadic, congenital anomaly that must be addressed surgically early in life. Ideally, the surgeon seeks to accomplish three goals: construction of a thumb that is adequate in size, preservation of pinch function, and reconstruction of all components in one procedure. Although each case is unique, several classification systems attempt to describe the various types. In this article, the authors discuss the various classification systems, procedures, and outcomes after surgery for pediatric thumb duplication.
Acoustic monitoring indicates a correlation between calling and spawning in captive spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus).

BACKGROUND Fish sound production is widespread throughout many families. Territorial displays and courtship are the most common reasons for fish sound production. Yet, there is still some questions on how acoustic signaling and reproduction are correlated in many sound-producing species. In the present study, our aim was to determine if a quantitative relationship exists between calling and egg deposition in captive spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus). This type of data is essential if passive acoustics is to be used to identify spawning aggregations over large spatial scales and monitor reproductive activity over annual and decadal timeframes. METHODS Acoustic recorders (i.e., DSG-Oceans) were placed in three laboratory tanks to record underwater sound over an entire, simulated reproductive season. We enumerated the number of calls, calculated the received sound pressure level, and counted the number of eggs every morning in each tank. RESULTS Spotted seatrout produced three distinct call types characterized as "drums," "grunts," and "staccatos." Spotted seatrout calling increased as the light cycle shifted from 13.5 to 14.5 h of light, and the temperature increased to 27.7 °C. Calling decreased once the temperature fell below 27.7 °C, and the light cycle shifted to 12 h of light. These temperature and light patterns followed the natural reproductive season observed in wild spotted seatrout in the Southeast United States. Spotted seatrout exhibited daily rhythms in calling. Acoustic signaling began once the lights turned off, and calling reached maximum activity approximately 3 h later. Eggs were released only on evenings in which spotted seatrout were calling. In all tanks, spotted seatrout were more likely to spawn when male fish called more frequently. A positive relationship between SPL and the number of eggs collected was found in Tanks 1 and 3. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate that acoustic metrics can predict spawning potential. These findings are important because plankton tows may not accurately reflect spawning locations since egg capture is likely affected by predator activity and water currents. Instead, passive acoustics could be used to monitor spotted seatrout reproduction. Future studies can use this captive study as a model to record the estuarine soundscape precisely over long time periods to better understand how human-made stressors (e.g., climate change, noise pollution, and chemical pollutants) may affect spawning patterns.
Less Is More: Efficacy of Rapid 3D-T2 SPACE in ED Patients with Acute Atypical Low Back Pain.

Rationale and Objectives Emergency department (ED) patients with acute low back pain (LBP) may present with ambiguous clinical findings that pose diagnostic challenges to exclude cauda equina syndrome (CES). As a proof of concept, we aimed to determine the efficacy of a rapid lumbar spine (LS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening protocol consisting of a single 3D-T2 SPACE FS (3D-T2 Sampling Perfection with Application optimized Contrasts using different flip angle Evolution fat saturated) sequence relative to conventional LS MRI to exclude emergently treatable pathologies in this complex patient population. Materials and Methods LS MRI protocol including a sagittal 3D-T2 SPACE FS pulse sequence was added to the routine for ED patients presenting with acute atypical LBP over a 12-month period. Imaging findings were categorically scored on the 3D-T2 SPACE FS sequence and separately on the reference standard conventional LS MRI sequences. Patients' symptoms were obtained from review of the electronic medical record. Descriptive test statistics were performed. Results Of the 206 ED patients who obtained MRI for acute atypical LBP, 118 (43.3 ± 13.5 years of age; 61 female) were included. Specific pathologies detected on reference standard conventional MRI included disc herniation ( n = 30), acute fracture ( n = 3), synovial cyst ( n = 3), epidural hematoma ( n = 2), cerebrospinal fluid leak ( n = 1), and leptomeningeal metastases ( n = 1), and on multiple occasions these pathologies resulted in nerve root impingement ( n = 36), severe spinal canal stenosis ( n = 13), cord/conus compression ( n = 2), and cord signal abnormality ( n = 2). The 3D-T2 SPACE FS sequence was an effective screen for fracture (sensitivity [sens] = 100%, specificity [spec] = 100%), cord signal abnormality (sens = 100%, spec = 99%), and severe spinal canal stenosis (sens = 100%, spec = 96%), and identified cord compression not seen on reference standard. Motion artifact was not seen on the 3D-T2 SPACE FS but noted on 8.5% of conventional LS MRI. Conclusions The 3D-T2 SPACE FS sequence MRI is a rapid, effective screen for emergently actionable pathologies that might be a cause of CES in ED patients presenting with acute atypical LBP. As this abbreviated, highly sensitive sequence requires a fraction of the acquisition time of conventional LS MRI, it has the potential of contributing to increased efficiencies in the radiology department and improved ED throughput.
Stimulatory role of exosomes in the context of therapeutic anti-cancer vaccines

Exosomes, the smallest of extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by all cells and circulating freely in all body fluids, have been of interest as communication vehicles between cells (1). Much attention has been given to exosome origin and biogenesis as well as to the molecular/genetic cargo exosomes carry and deliver to recipient cells. Exosomes originate in the endosomal compartment of a parent cell.
Advance Concepts in RST

In the last chapter, we discussed some basic concepts of rough set theory. In this chapter we will present advance concepts in RST including some improved definitions, their examples and hybridization with fuzzy set theory.
Between Solidarity and Pleasure

Elias Khoury, a leading voice within contemporary Arabic literature and criticism, talks about the worldliness of Arabic literature, both as a writer and as a critical voice whose longstanding political engagement offers much-needed perspective on the possibilities and limitations of world literary debates today.
The Syntactic and Semantic Status of the by-Phrase and the of-Phrase

I am interested in exploring how various properties of the of-phrase and the by-phrase may follow from, or be consistent with, view A, and in comparing an account of these properties based on A with other accounts that do not share this view.
Structural Analysis of the Haystack Antenna

The Haystack Antenna is a fully steerable parabolic antenna 120 ft in diameter. The surface of this antenna must remain within ± 0.075 in. of a true paraboloid. A summary is presented of the analysis and design effort of the antenna, and its design verification by actual tests. An attempt is made to show the current (1965) capability of computer programs in the field of structural analysis. The antenna is a space frame and thin shell structure, which was analyzed as a framed structure of 840 joints and 2,700 members.
Utility of gabapentin in meeting physical therapy goals following posterior spinal fusion in adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Of background data Posterior spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis requires extensive postoperative analgesic care. In 2014, we initiated the use of gabapentin as an adjunct for multimodal pain management in spine fusion patients. The effect of gabapentin on postoperative recovery in scoliosis patients was evaluated using the time to meet postoperative physical therapy goals. This measure was chosen because the actions required to achieve the goals are specific and reproducible. Secondary outcomes included morphine equivalents and maximum pain scores. Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of gabapentin on time to achieve physical therapy goals following posterior spinal fusion in adolescents with scoliosis. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed and patients treated perioperatively with gabapentin were compared with those who did not receive gabapentin. Outcome measures included the postoperative day that physical therapy goals were met, days to discharge, morphine equivalents, and maximum pain scores. The 4 physical therapy goals included logroll, transition from lying to sitting, ambulate 250 feet, and ascend/descend at least 3 stairs. Results There were 50 patients in the gabapentin group and 51 patients in the control group. In the gabapentin group, there was a statistically significant decrease in the time required to meet physical therapy goals. Notably, gabapentin was independently associated with a 5.34 times higher odds of completion of the most challenging physical therapy goal (stairs) within 1 day (P = .04; 95% CI=1.24-37.44). There was not a statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay between the groups (P = .116; 95% CI=0-1). Conclusion In this retrospective analysis, the use of perioperative gabapentin is associated with a statistically significant decrease in time to completing physical therapy goals after spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Signal Detection Theory and Foraging for Cryptic or Mimetic Prey

In this chapter, we will discuss the application of the theory of signal detection (TSD) to the problems of foraging for cryptic or mimetic prey. These prey are difficult to discriminate from less profitable items like patches of their resting background, twigs, or conspicuous models of low or negative nutritional value. Some investment in time and energy is required to determine whether an item with a prey-like appearance is, in fact, a profitable prey rather than the unprofitable thing it resembles. Foraging for such prey involves several components, including travel and search, detection, and the decision to pursue or reject prey-like items once they have been detected.
Acquisition, Response, and Error Rates With Three Suites of Collision Warning Sounds

Auditory warnings are a particularly useful means to signal an imminent collision. There are few other ways to inform a driver quickly -- and without involving a redirection of gaze -- that an immediate response is urgently needed. The acquisition, response speed, and error rates of three suites of collision warning sounds were investigated to evaluate the effect of sound alteration on responding. In each suite, four sounds were pictorially associated with four collision scenarios. Suite A included two natural sounds, and two artificial sounds semantically associated with one of four crash scenarios; Suite B was a variant of A, altered to reduce perceived urgency; Suite C was a set of abstract sounds constructed to vary in urgency and matched to the subjective urgency of each scenario. For each suite, subjects first learned to associate the suite’s warning sounds with an assigned crash scenario to an established criterion. This was followed by reaction time trials in which a sound was played and subjects quickly identified the scenario associated with the sound. For both young and old subjects, Suite A produced the shortest reaction times and fewest trials to criterion, suggestive of the response efficiencies reported for auditory icons. In contrast, the sounds used in Suite B, while variants of Suite A, were most difficult to learn and were not different from Suite C with respect to error rates and reaction time. It is suggested that even relatively minor alterations of a warning sound can result in marked differences in acquisition and performance.
Managing the "geriatric syndrome" in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objectives To address specific issues related to the "geriatric syndrome" that may impact diabetes disease management. Data sources Live symposium presentation based on clinical practice and research, literature, and published studies on the treatment and management of diabetes, and treatment center recommendations. Conclusions Diabetes management in the elderly presents unique challenges. Clinical and functional diversity as well as multiple coexisting medical conditions in this population need special attention. Treatment goals should be formulated with an awareness of the medical, functional, social, and financial environment of the older adult. Aspects of the geriatric syndrome that can adversely affect the successful management of diabetes include cognitive dysfunction, depression, physical disabilities, and polypharmacy. Pharmacists can assist health care providers in identifying polypharmacy, overmedication, undermedication, and drug interactions, and in providing recommendations for simplified medication regimens and administration options to enhance the outcome of diabetes care in this population.
Unintended Consequences: Scottish Political Economy as a Reaction to Mercantilism

This chapter asserts that the vacuum left by the departure of the Scottish Parliament allowed Scotland’s other institutions to continue to develop, which helped to lay the groundwork for the emergence of the Scottish Enlightenment. Scotland’s changed economic circumstances and governance post-Union necessitated the emergence of Scottish political economy. The work of Sir James Steuart and Adam Smith is explored as a reaction against the worldview of mercantilism on growth, trade, poverty, and independence. Each author’s growth theory demonstrates a growth theory based on interdependence among individuals in society rather than the competition and dependence of nation-states. Rather than interference, the role of government is reassigned as one that supports commerce in the case of Smith and prevents crises in Steuart.
Septal fractures predict poor outcomes after closed nasal reduction: Retrospective review and survey.

Objectives/hypothesis To determine outcomes of patients with displaced nasal bone fractures after closed nasal reduction (CNR). Study design Retrospective patient review. Methods Review of all patients presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary-care, level 1 trauma hospital with a nasal bone fracture over a 2-year period, followed by telephone survey after CNR. Results Six hundred seven patients presented to the emergency department in 2015 and 2016 with a diagnosis of nasal bone fracture. Of these, 134 patients met inclusion criteria and underwent CNR without septal reduction. Those with sports-related injuries and those with a septal fracture identified on computed tomography imaging were significantly more likely to undergo CNR. Ninety-one patients completed the post-CNR telephone survey. Over 90% of patients were satisfied with the procedure. However, patients with septal fractures reported worse outcomes, as 53.6% versus 24.1% (P = .0025) disagreed that CNR improved nasal breathing. Of all patients, 11 (2%) eventually underwent septorhinoplasty, with the presence of septal fracture on imaging a significant risk factor. Conclusions Nasal bone fractures are a common injury, often managed initially with CNR. Patients with septal fractures should be counseled on the high risk of posttraumatic nasal deformity and obstruction despite CNR. In addition, addressing a septal fracture found on imaging may be warranted with either closed septal reduction or early aggressive management given the poorer outcomes seen in the present study. Although these patients are more likely to have definitive treatment, many forego later intervention despite persistent symptoms, emphasizing the need for early intervention or close follow-up. Level of evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 129:1784-1790, 2019.
Luteal-phase progesterone supplementation in non-IVF treatment: a survey of physicians providing infertility treatment

We sought to examine current use of, and indications for, progesterone supplementation in the luteal phase of non-in vitro fertilization (non-IVF) infertility treatments among Obstetrician Gynaecologists (OB/GYN) compared to Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Subspecialists. Using a web-based survey, the practices of U.S. REI and OB/GYN physicians practicing infertility from 2014-2016 were assessed. The main outcome measures were frequency of use and indications for progesterone supplementation for luteal-phase support in non-IVF infertility treatments. Comparisons between physicians groups by indication and treatment type were performed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Sixty-four REIs and 49 OB/GYNs completed the survey. One hundred per cent of REI and 73.5% of OB/GYN respondents prescribed progesterone for luteal-phase support as part of non-IVF infertility treatment. The majority of all respondents utilized progesterone supplementation for one or more indications in clomiphene citrate and letrozole treatment cycles. Treatment type was the primary decisional factor reported by REIs (56%) for prescription of luteal-phase progesterone support. Serum progesterone level was reported as the leading decisional factor for luteal-phase supplementation (66.7%) by OB/GYNs. Luteal-phase progesterone supplementation in non-IVF treatments appears common for both physician groups in the United States in spite of lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness.
AlGaN polarization-doped field effect transistor with compositionally graded channel from Al0.6Ga0.4N to AlN

Polarization-doped field effect transistors (PolFETs) were realized with an unintentionally doped AlxGa1-xN channel layer graded over Al compositions 0.60 ≤ x ≤ 1.0 with a maximum current density of 188 mA/mm (+10 V gate-to-source bias) and an on-resistance of 85 mΩ mm. The average mobility in the PolFET channel was estimated to be 320 cm2/V s, which exceeds that of previous AlGaN metal-semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFETs) and heterojunction field effect transistors (HFETs) of similar Al composition. The breakdown voltage was greater than 620 V, indicating an average critical electric field of >210 V/μm, which is substantially better than ∼100 V/μm that is typically achieved in GaN HFETs. These findings demonstrate that Al-rich PolFETs are attractive alternatives to MESFETs and HFETs for achieving simultaneously high channel electron density and mobility in high voltage switches.
Private Insurance Coverage for Diabetes Before and After Enactment of the Preexisting Condition Mandate of the Affordable Care Act, 2005–2016

Objectives. To examine private insurance coverage for persons with diabetes before and after enactment of the preexisting condition mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States.Met...
An Automated Detection Methodology for Dry Well-Mixed Layers

AbstractThe intense surface heating over arid land surfaces produces dry well-mixed layers (WML) via dry convection. These layers are characterized by nearly constant potential temperature and low,...
Failure of Surgical Treatment in Children with Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the pediatric population is a prevalent and taxing problem. Otolaryngologists surgically manage medically refractory cases, aiming to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent complications. In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), and reactive airway disease, an additional goal of surgery is improving pulmonary function. Surgery often positively impacts sinus symptoms and quality of life, though surgical failures do occur.
Revisiting the late-time growth of single-mode Rayleigh–Taylor instability and the role of vorticity

Abstract Growth of the single-fluid single-mode Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) is revisited in 2D and 3D using fully compressible high-resolution simulations. We conduct a systematic analysis of the effects of perturbation Reynolds number ( R e p ) and Atwood number ( A ) on RTI’s late-time growth. Contrary to the common belief that single-mode RTI reaches a terminal bubble velocity, we show that the bubble re-accelerates when R e p is sufficiently large, consistent with Ramaparabhu et al. (2006) and Wei and Livescu (2012). However, unlike in Ramaparabhu et al. (2006), we find that for a sufficiently high R e p , the bubble’s late-time acceleration is persistent and does not vanish. Analysis of vorticity dynamics shows a clear correlation between vortices inside the bubble and re-acceleration. Due to symmetry around the bubble and spike (vertical) axes, the self-propagation velocity of vortices points in the vertical direction. If viscosity is sufficiently small, the vortices persist long enough to enter the bubble tip and accelerate the bubble (Wei and Livescu, 2012). A similar effect has also been observed in ablative RTI (Betti and Sanz, 2006). As the spike growth increases relative to that of the bubble at higher A , vorticity production shifts downward, away from the centerline and towards the spike tip. We modify the Betti–Sanz model for bubble velocity by introducing a vorticity efficiency factor η = 0 . 45 to accurately account for re-acceleration caused by vorticity in the bubble tip. It had been previously suggested that vorticity generation and the associated bubble re-acceleration are suppressed at high A . However, we present evidence that if the large R e p limit is taken first, bubble re-acceleration is still possible. Our results also show that re-acceleration is much easier to occur in 3D than 2D, requiring smaller R e p thresholds.
Ultrasound Fatty Liver Indicator: A Simple Tool for Differentiating Steatosis From Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Validity in the Average Obese Population.

Objectives Steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and fibrosis/cirrhosis represent a spectrum of fatty liver disease. The ultrasound fatty liver indicator (US-FLI) evaluates ultrasound (US) features to identify stages of fatty liver disease. We hypothesized that US features could be independent predictors of NASH and that the US-FLI differentiates steatosis from NASH in the average obese population. Methods A retrospective analysis of 208 patients with normal (n = 14), steatotic (n = 89), and NASH (n = 105) livers was performed. Liver/biliary disease and a history of alcohol intake were excluded. Ultrasound metrics included liver-kidney contrast, posterior attenuation, vessel blurring, difficulty visualizing the gallbladder wall, difficulty visualizing the diaphragm, and areas of focal fatty sparing. A statistical comparison of the 3 groups as well as fibrosis stage I and II/III NASH groups was performed. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of NASH. Results Gallbladder wall visualization and vessel blurring were different between the steatosis and NASH groups (P ≤ .01). Gallbladder wall visualization was specific for NASH (89%), and vessel blurring was sensitive for NASH (93%). A US-FLI score of 4 or lower suggested the absence of NASH (negative predictive value, 88%; sensitivity, 91%). Logistic regression revealed vessel blurring as the only US predictor of NASH (P ≤ .01). However, the area under the curve (0.649) showed poor performance in differentiating steatosis from NASH when the US-FLI score was 5 or higher. Conclusions Our data suggest that the US-FLI may differentiate steatosis from NASH in the average obese population. Vessel blurring and poor gallbladder wall visualization were the most important metrics. Identification of NASH was enhanced by including the US-FLI score with vessel blurring.
Smart suit reduces energy of both walking and running

![Graphic][1] Humans walk when going slowly and run to go fast, and switch between the gaits to use the one that is most efficient for the speed at which they are moving. In a bid to improve our efficiency even further, engineers have designed a range of different assistive devices worn
Regional variation in the management of nontraumatic subdural hematomas across the United States.

Backgound Nontraumatic subdural hematomas are a common indication for inpatient hospitalization in the United States, yet there is little high-quality evidence regarding which patients should receive surgical or medical treatment. We sought to assess variation in surgical management and medical treatment with steroids for nontraumatic subdural hematomas across the United States. Methods Using the Premier database, we analyzed patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of nontraumatic subdural hematoma in 2014. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, procedure codes were used to identify patients who underwent surgical management, and pharmacy data were used to identify patients treated with dexamethasone. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to examine the association of age, race, sex, academic versus nonacademic center, and regions of the United States with conservative or surgical management. Results There were 3915 inpatient hospitalizations for nontraumatic subdural hematomas in 2014 in the Premier database, of whom 1860 (47.5%) underwent surgery, and 360 (9.2%) underwent treatment with dexamethasone, either as a primary treatment or as an adjuvant to surgery. Older age, female sex, and being managed outside of the Western U.S. region were associated with a lower likelihood of undergoing surgical management on multivariable analysis; only younger age was associated with a greater likelihood of being treated with dexamethasone. Conclusions There is considerable variability in surgical management of nontraumatic subdural hematomas across the United States based on age, sex, and region. Future studies should explore the reasons for the variability and attempt to better clarify indications for surgical management of subdural hematomas.
Mitochondria-Associated Proteostasis.

Mitochondria are essential organelles in eukaryotes. Most mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nuclear genome and translated in the cytosol. Nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins need to be i...
Unexpected results of a randomized quality improvement program for children with severe asthma.

Objective: To assess whether an asthma intervention program reduces treatment days outside the home among children with severe asthma receiving comprehensive care (CC) in our center.Methods: Betwee...
Language and cognition

What is the role of language in cognition? Do we think with words, or do we use words to communicate made-up decisions? The paper briefly reviews ideas in this area since 1950s. Then we discuss mechanisms of cognition, recent neuroscience experiments, and corresponding mathematical models. These models are interpreted in terms of a biological drive for cognition. Based on the Grossberg-Levine theory of drives and emotions, we identify specific emotions associated with the need for cognition. We demonstrate an engineering application of the developed technique, which significantly improves detection of patterns in noise over the previous state-of-the-art. The developed mathematical models are extended toward language. Then we consider possible brain-mind mechanisms of interaction between language and cognition. A mathematical analysis imposes restrictions on possible mechanisms. The proposed model resolves some long-standing language-cognition issues: how the mind learns correct associations between words and objects among an astronomical number of possible associations; why kids can talk about almost everything, but cannot act like adults, what exactly are the brain-mind differences; why animals do not talk and think like people. Recent brain imaging experiments indicate support for the proposed model. We discuss future theoretical and experimental research.
Correlations between fission fragment and neutron anisotropies in neutron-induced fission

Several sources of angular anisotropy for fission fragments and prompt neutrons have been studied in neutron-induced fission reactions. These include kinematic recoils of the target from the incident neutron beam and the fragments from the emission of the prompt neutrons, preferential directions of the emission of the fission fragments with respect to the beam axis due to the population of particular transition states at the fission barrier, and forward-peaked angular distributions of pre-equilibrium neutrons which are emitted before the formation of a compound nucleus. In addition, there are several potential sources of angular anisotropies that are more difficult to disentangle: the angular distributions of prompt neutrons from fully accelerated fragments or from scission neutrons, and the emission of neutrons from fission fragments that are not fully accelerated. In this work, we study the effects of the first group of anisotropy sources, particularly exploring the correlations between the fission-fragment anisotropy and the resulting neutron anisotropy. While kinematic effects were already accounted for in our Hauser-Feshbach Monte Carlo code cgmf, anisotropic angular distributions for the fission fragments and pre-equilibrium neutrons resulting from neutron-induced fission on $^{233,234,235,238}\mathrm{U}, ^{239,241}\mathrm{Pu}$, and $^{237}\mathrm{Np}$ have been introduced for the first time. The effects of these sources of anisotropy are examined over a range of incident neutron energies, from thermal to 20 MeV, and compared with experimental data from the Chi-Nu liquid scintillator array. The anisotropy of the fission fragments is reflected in the anisotropy of the prompt neutrons, especially as the outgoing energy of the prompt neutrons increases, allowing for an extraction of the fission-fragment anisotropy to be made from a measurement of the neutrons.
Predation of a Brazilian porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) by an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) at a mineral lick in the Peruvian Amazon

Abstract Many herbivorous and frugivorous Amazonian species, including several arboreal animals, feed on earth and water at mineral licks in the Amazon region to supplement their diet with micronutrients and clays. These species are vulnerable to predation during this activity. We recorded an adult Brazilian porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) being predated by an adult male ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) while drinking water at a mineral lick in the Maijuna-Kichwa Regional Conservation Area (MKRCA) in northeastern Loreto, Peru. This observation provides direct evidence arboreal species like the porcupine, which move slowly on the ground, are particularly vulnerable to terrestrial predators while visiting mineral licks. Mineral licks are important in the diets and ecology of Amazonian mammals, but arboreal prey must balance the trade-off between using the resource and being hunted. We suggest that mineral licks may be hotspots of risk in Amazonian prey species' landscape of fear.
Untangling the complexity of medication adherence in SLE.

Suboptimal medication adherence, a major problem among individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus, is often more pronounced among minority racial groups. As the roots of racial disparities in treatment adherence are beginning to be untangled, the need for multidisciplinary, multilevel approaches to tackle this complex problem is emerging.
Gastrointestinal Tract Lymphomas: A Review of the Most Commonly Encountered Lymphomas

Context.— The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common site of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for 20% to 40% of all extranodal lymphomas. The majority of these are systemic processes secondarily involving the GI tract. Primary GI lymphomas are less common, accounting for approximately 10% to 15% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Most non-Hodgkin lymphoma involving the GI tract are of B-cell lineage, of which diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype, irrespective of location. Objective.— To review the lymphoproliferative neoplasms of B-cell and T-cell lineage involving the luminal GI tract according to the most prevalent subtypes at each anatomic site. Data source.— Systematic search of the PubMed database for updated literature on GI lymphomas epidemiology, subtypes, clinical, endoscopic, and genetic findings. Histologic images are derived from our collection of clinical cases. Conclusions.— The GI tract is the most common site of extranodal lymphoproliferative neoplasms. Recognition of the most frequently encountered GI lymphomas is imperative for patient management and treatment.
Corundum: statically-enforced persistent memory safety

Fast, byte-addressable, persistent main memories (PM) make it possible to build complex data structures that can survive system failures. Programming for PM is challenging, not least because it combines well-known programming challenges like locking, memory management, and pointer safety with novel PM-specific bug types. It also requires logging updates to PM to facilitate recovery after a crash. A misstep in any of these areas can corrupt data, leak resources, or prevent successful recovery after a crash. Existing PM libraries in a variety of languages -- C, C++, Java, Go -- simplify some of these problems, but they still require the programmer to learn (and flawlessly apply) complex rules to ensure correctness. Opportunities for data-destroying bugs abound. This paper presents Corundum, a Rust-based library with an idiomatic PM programming interface and leverages Rust’s type system to statically avoid most common PM programming bugs. Corundum lets programmers develop persistent data structures using familiar Rust constructs and have confidence that they will be free of those bugs. We have implemented Corundum and found its performance to be as good as or better than Intel's widely-used PMDK library, HP's Atlas, Mnemosyne, and go-pmem.
Towards a Theory for Semantics and Expressiveness Analysis of Rule-Based Access Control Models

Recent access control models such as attribute-based access control and relationship-based access control allow flexible expression of authorization policies using the concepts of rules and conditional expressions. The independent nature of policy rules from each other and the amount of flexibility that they enjoy (e.g., the type of conditional expressions they support and whether they can permit or deny matching requests) make those policies quite expressive. But how expressive are they? Do we need to enable all possible flexibilities in a rule-based model to achieve the maximum possible expressiveness? Answering such questions is essential in making informed decisions when designing new models or choosing existing models for implementation. In this paper, we propose an approach towards answering those questions by developing a novel theory for capturing the semantics of rule-based policies depending on their support of different constructs such as flexibility of conditional expressions, rule modalities, and conflict resolution. Our formal policy semantics model enjoys an intuitive design that can capture the semantics of various rule-based policies. We show the well-formedness properties of such semantics and how they can be used to analyze the expressive power of a number of rule-based models.
Versatile, do-it-yourself, low-cost spinning disk confocal microscope

Confocal microscopy is an invaluable tool for 3D imaging of biological specimens, however, accessibility is often limited to core facilities due to the high cost of the hardware. We describe an inexpensive do-it-yourself (DIY) spinning disk confocal microscope (SDCM) module based on a commercially fabricated chromium photomask that can be added on to a laser-illuminated epifluorescence microscope. The SDCM achieves strong performance across a wide wavelength range (~400-800 nm) as demonstrated through a series of biological imaging applications that include conventional microscopy (immunofluorescence, small-molecule stains, and fluorescence in situ hybridization) and super-resolution microscopy (single-molecule localization microscopy and expansion microscopy). This low-cost and simple DIY SDCM is well-documented and should help increase accessibility to confocal microscopy for researchers.