cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Narrative structure in comics, by Barbara Postema

If Barbara Postema’s Narrative Structure in Comics is any indication, RIT Press’s new Comics Monograph Series promises to offer first-rate scholarly work for both newcomers and veterans in the fiel...
Consideration of coastal carbonate chemistry in understanding biological calcification

Correlations between aragonite saturation state (ΩAr) and calcification have been identified in many laboratory manipulation experiments aiming to assess biological responses to ocean acidification (OA). These relationships have been used with projections of ΩAr under continued OA to evaluate potential impacts on marine calcifiers. Recent work suggests, however, that calcification in some species may be controlled by the ratio of bicarbonate to hydrogen ion, or the substrate-to-inhibitor ratio (SIR), rather than ΩAr. SIR and ΩAr are not always positively correlated in the natural environment, which means that ΩAr can be a poor indicator of the calcifying environment when ΩAr->1. Highly variable carbonate chemistry in the coastal zone challenges our ability to monitor fluctuations in ΩAr, SIR, and the ΩAr-SIR relationship making it difficult to assess biological OA exposures and vulnerability. Careful consideration of natural variability throughout ocean environments is required to accurately determine the influence of OA on biological calcification.
Who actually receives cell phone use while driving citations and how much are these laws enforced among states? A descriptive, cross-sectional study

Objectives While numerous cell phone use while driving laws have been passed among states, little information exists regarding who gets cited for these traffic infractions and how much these laws are enforced at the state-level within the USA. Design Cross-sectional, descriptive study. Setting 14 states and the District of Columbia. Participants Those receiving cell phone use while driving citations within included states from 2007 to 2013. Primary outcome Demographic characteristics of cited drivers were assessed. Rates of infractions per 100 000 licensed in-state drivers per year for various cell phone use while driving violations were calculated. Results Drivers were cited for hand-held use violations (n=2.5 million) more than texting (n=14 682) or young driver all cell phone bans (n=342). Among states that provided data for all traffic violations, cell phone use while driving citations comprised 1% of all written citations. Regardless of ban type, males (68.2%) were cited more frequently than females. Drivers 25–64 years of age (90.8%) were more likely to be cited for hand-held phone use. The average yearly rate of infractions per 100 000 licensed in-state drivers from 2010–2013 was 5.8 for texting bans, 2607 for hand-held bans, and 9954 for any traffic violation. Conclusions Among cited drivers, age and sex differences existed by the type of ban violated. State-level enforcement appeared sparse. Due to the potential serious consequences of cell phone use while driving in the USA, more enforcement and targeted public safety campaigns are likely needed.
Constrained robust submodular sensor selection with applications to multistatic sonar arrays

We develop a framework to select a subset of sensors from a field in which the sensors have an ingrained independence structure. Given an arbitrary independence pattern, we construct a graph that denotes pairwise independence between sensors, which means those sensors may operate simultaneously. The set of all fully-connected subgraphs (cliques) of this independence graph forms the independent sets of a matroid over which we maximize the minimum of a set of submodular objective functions. We propose a novel algorithm called MatSat that exploits submodularity and, as a result, returns a near-optimal solution with approximation guarantees that are within a small factor of the average-case scenario. We apply this framework to ping sequence optimization for active multistatic sonar arrays by maximizing sensor coverage and derive lower bounds for minimum probability of detection for a fractional number of targets. In these ping sequence optimization simulations, MatSat exceeds the fractional lower bounds and reaches near-optimal performance.
Cu(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative Formation of 5,5′-Bistriazoles

Copper(II) acetate under aerobic conditions catalyzes the formation of 5,5′-bis(1,2,3-triazole)s (5,5′-bistriazoles) from organic azides and terminal alkynes. This reaction is an oxidative extension of the widely used copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne “click” cycloaddition. The inclusion of potassium carbonate as an additive and methanol or ethanol as the solvent, and in many instances an atmosphere of dioxygen, promote the oxidative reaction to afford 5,5′-bistriazole at the expense of 5-protio-1,2,3-triazole (5-protiotriazole). If needed, tris[(1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]amine (TBTA) as a ligand additive further accelerates the formation of 5,5′-bistriazoles. A convenient procedure to prepare TBTA is also reported to facilitate the adoption of this method for preparation of 5,5′-bistriazoles. Aromatic azide-derived 5,5′-bistriazoles possess rigid axially chiral structures with a broad distribution of dihedral angles, which may be explored as chiral ligands in enantioselective catalysis if decorat...
Experience with Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Over recent years, nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has grown in popularity, as an oncologically safe procedure with improved aesthetic outcomes for patients. Breast reconstruction following NSM carries distinct challenges, especially with the addition of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). Following aggressive removal of nipple parenchyma, the thinned out nipple-areola complex (NAC) is especially susceptible to the effects of PMRT.
Medical Strategies for Weight Loss

Most patients who turn to weight-loss surgery have struggled with their weight throughout their adolescent and adult lives. Initial attempts at weight loss include dietary modifications and exercise. While these may lead to some success in the short term, long-term success is despairingly rare. The bariatric nurse must be familiar with these concepts and their outcomes to adequately council the bariatric patient as well as understand what they have been through.
A Review of Microwave Wireless Techniques for Human Presence Detection and Classification

Developments in microwave and millimeter-wave systems have enabled remote sensing techniques traditionally used in long-range applications to be employed in the relatively closer range applications of detection and classification of human presence and measurement of human properties. This paper reviews the techniques used in microwave remote sensing of humans and discusses prominent examples of experimental systems from the literature. Radar techniques have been developed for measuring the time-varying scattering returns from the various parts of the human body during motion, which are used for human presence detection and the classification of human activities. The effects of breathing and heartbeat are also detectable using Doppler radar techniques, which is applicable to medical applications as well as search-and-rescue and security. Recent developments in distributed radars have enabled the direct measurement of the angular velocity of moving people, and passive systems have also been developed which provide a complementary detection mode that can aid in detection and classification of humans.
Pharmacotherapy considerations in elderly adults.

Life expectancy for Americans has increased dramatically since 1900, as have the available pharmacotherapeutic options. Un- fortunately, pharmacotherapy mishaps occur commonly in the older adult population. This problem greatly affects the morbidity and mortality of elderly patients and greatly increases healthcare costs. To improve patient care among elderly adults, healthcare practitioners must consider several issues when developing a pharmacotherapy plan. A thorough understanding of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and several other factors is necessary for practitioners to develop a safe and effective drug therapy plan for older adults. This review provides a general but comprehensive review of the issues pertaining to pharmacotherapy in elderly people and offers several suggestions for improving their pharmaceutical care.
The forward and inverse problems for a fractional boundary value problem

In this paper, the authors study the forward and inverse problems for a fractional boundary value problem with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The existence and uniqueness of solutions for the forward problem is first proved. Then an inverse source problem is considered.
Slow Passage Through a Hopf Bifurcation in Excitable Nerve Cables: Spatial Delays and Spatial Memory Effects

It is well established that in problems featuring slow passage through a Hopf bifurcation (dynamic Hopf bifurcation) the transition to large-amplitude oscillations may not occur until the slowly changing parameter considerably exceeds the value predicted from the static Hopf bifurcation analysis (temporal delay effect), with the length of the delay depending upon the initial value of the slowly changing parameter (temporal memory effect). In this paper we introduce new delay and memory effect phenomena using both analytic (WKB method) and numerical methods. We present a reaction–diffusion system for which slowly ramping a stimulus parameter (injected current) through a Hopf bifurcation elicits large-amplitude oscillations confined to a location a significant distance from the injection site (spatial delay effect). Furthermore, if the initial current value changes, this location may change (spatial memory effect). Our reaction–diffusion system is Baer and Rinzel’s continuum model of a spiny dendritic cable; this system consists of a passive dendritic cable weakly coupled to excitable dendritic spines. We compare results for this system with those for nerve cable models in which there is stronger coupling between the reactive and diffusive portions of the system. Finally, we show mathematically that Hodgkin and Huxley were correct in their assertion that for a sufficiently slow current ramp and a sufficiently large cable length, no value of injected current would cause their model of an excitable cable to fire; we call this phenomenon “complete accommodation.”
Improving Follow-up and Reducing Barriers for Eye Screenings in Communities: The SToP Glaucoma Study.

Purpose To evaluate factors associated with attendance to follow-up ophthalmic care, and to assess the impact of strategies to improve follow-up. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods This is an ongoing study to develop an eye screening paradigm, focusing on African Americans ≥50 years of age at multiple urban community sites in Baltimore, Maryland. Several strategies were employed aiming to increase follow-up attendance rates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between demographic, medical, and ocular factors with follow-up rate. Results The total number of referred patients presenting for a free eye examination (attendance rate) during the first phase, during the second phase, and overall was 686 (55.0%), 199 (63.8%), and 885 (57.0%), respectively. In fully adjusted models, the odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for attending the follow-up visit was 1.82 (1.19, 2.79) for screening in second phase vs first phase, 0.62 (0.39, 0.99) for screening sites that were 3 to 2 , 2.03 (1.28, 3.21) in patients with presenting visual acuity Conclusions Obesity, short distance between screening sites and hospital, poor presenting visual acuity in the better eye, and an abnormal macula on fundus photography were associated with increased follow-up rate. Implementation of a combination of strategies effectively increased the follow-up rate. Wider adoption of these strategies in other screening programs has the potential to reduce the burden of visual impairment.
Biodegradable Aromatic–Aliphatic Poly(ester–amides) from Monolignol-Based Ester Dimers

Biobased polymers with tunable properties have received increased attention in the literature due to a decline in petroleum reserves. Owing to its low cost, abundance, and aromatic structure, lignin has great potential as a feedstock for value-added polymeric products. In this work, we condensed carboxylic acid precursors with monolignols to generate reactive dimers for polymer synthesis. Three different aromatic ester dimers, each corresponding to a different monolignol, were synthesized and characterized. The dicarboxylic acid dimers were converted to the corresponding diacid chloride in situ with thionyl chloride, and a series of poly(ester–amides) were synthesized via interfacial polymerization of these diacid chlorides with seven different aliphatic or aromatic diamines. The thermal properties (decomposition, glass transition temperature, and melting temperature) and hydrolytic stability in acidic and neutral aqueous conditions of the resulting polymers were studied.
The Style of Anglo-Saxon Poetry

The theory of Heinzel. Style and Metre: connected. The Metre. Four accents versus Eight accents. The Alliteration.
Changes in apparent body orientation and sensory localization induced by vibration of postural muscles - Vibratory myesthetic illusions

Human experiments are carried out which support the observation of Goodwin (1973) and Goodwin et al. (1972) that vibration of skeletal muscles can elicit illusory limb motion. These experiments extend the class of possible myesthetic illusions by showing that vibration of the appropriate muscles can produce illusory body motion in nearly any desired direction. Such illusory changes in posture occur only when visual information about body orientation is absent; these changes in apparent posture are sometimes accompanied by a slow-phase nystagmus that compensates for the direction of apparent body motion. During illusory body motion a stationary target light that is fixated will appear to move with the body at the same apparent velocity. However, this pattern of apparent body motion and conjoint visual - defined as propriogyral illusion - is suppressed if the subject is in a fully illuminated environment providing cues about true body orientation. Persuasive evidence is thus provided for the contribution of both muscle afferent and touch-pressure information to the supraspinal mechanisms that determine apparent orientation on the basis of ongoing patterns of interoceptive and exteroceptive activity.
Qatar: An Overview

The abundant oil reserves allow Qatar to enjoy booming economic prosperity, while the political system is a monarchy dominated by the Al Thani family. One feature of the modern Qatari state highlighted is that Qatar plays a role as a mediator in several regional and international issues. The understanding of the geopolitical challenges in the Gulf region and its openness increased Qatar’s impact gradually, from soft power to a combination of soft and hard power. Research and study centers are involved directly in policy formulation and providing guidelines. Al Jazeera Centre for Studies (AJSC) highly emphasizes its scientific research methodology on issues and phenomena addressed by other media. The main challenges that research centers in Qatar are currently facing include funding, methodology problems, and political bias.
Optimum Design of Air-Cooled Fin-and-Tube Heat Exchangers: Accounting for the Effect of Complex Circuiting

This lecture presents a rationally based methodology to model air-cooled condenser and water heating coils. The effect of complex circuiting can be taken into account by the proposed indexing technique. The calculated results agree well with experimental data. It is found that the mal-distribution of refrigerant flow is strongly related to thermal-hydraulic interactions between air and refrigerant. In addition to the model, preliminary test results of a 1-circuit wavy finned condenser having different arrangements are also reported.
The Globalization of Agricultural Biotechnology: Implications for Regulatory Compliance, Stewardship and Stakeholder Engagement

In 1993, a Swedish researcher determined the contents of a typical Swedish breakfast traveled a distance equal to the circumference of the Earth before reaching the breakfast table. Twelve years later, a researcher in Iowa found that the ingredients of a carton of strawberry yogurt collectively traveled 2,211 miles, or 3,558 km, just to reach the processing plant. While the local-food movement has gained traction in some countries, the reality is that we (humanity) have a globalized food system.
Factors Associated With Return-to-Work Following Cervical Spine Surgery in Non-Worker's Compensation Setting.

Study Design.This study retrospectively analyzes prospectively collected data.Objective.Here in this study we aim to determine the factors which impact a patient's ability to return to work (RTW) in the setting of cervical spine surgery in patients without worker's compensation status.Summary of Bac
Incorporation of Clinical Pharmacy Into a Geriatric Transitional Care Management Program

Transitional care management (TCM) programs have been shown to decrease hospital readmission rates, health-care costs, and medication-related errors and adverse drug events. Pharmacists have been utilized during the medication reconciliation process, during admission, and after hospital discharge to prevent readmission and identify medication discrepancies. There is a lack of data utilizing clinical pharmacists in the geriatric patient population transitional care process after hospital discharge. Less is known about the depth of professional services a pharmacist can perform in the geriatric setting. We analyzed the scope of pharmacist-assisted implementation of transitional care. A total of 365 patients received the clinical pharmacist comprehensive medication review during a 14-month time period. During these reviews, clinical pharmacists identified more than 600 medication discrepancies and offered more than 1000 recommendations to the primary care physician. Additionally, specific medication classes that have been identified to increase the risk of adverse drug events, specifically in older adults, were identified and used to screen for adverse drug events. Using this list, clinical pharmacists were able to identify 39 adverse drug events. The implementation of clinical pharmacists into the TCM program was successful; however, full salary compensation is unlikely with TCM reimbursement alone.
Association of Demographic and Hearing-Related Factors With Cochlear Implant-Related Quality of Life.

Importance Only limited evidence is available describing the contribution of patient-related factors to quality of life in adults with cochlear implants. Objective Assess the association between demographic, hearing-related, and cochlear implant–related factors and quality of life by using a new Cochlear Implant Quality of Life (CIQOL) item bank, which was developed to meet rigorous psychometric standards. Design, Setting, and Participants Multicenter cross-sectional study of adults 18 to 89 years of age who had at least 1 year of cochlear implant use and who were recruited through a consortium of 20 cochlear implant centers in the United States. Using an online format, questionnaires were sent to the first 500 participants who contacted the research team. Of these participants, 371 (74.2%) completed the questionnaire. Demographic, hearing-related, and cochlear implant–related data were obtained along with responses to each of the 81 items in the CIQOL item bank. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine demographic, hearing-related, and cochlear implant–related factors associated with scores in each of the 6 CIQOL domains (communication, emotional, entertainment, environment, listening effort, and social). Main Outcomes and Measures Association among demographic, hearing-related, and cochlear implant–related factors and CIQOL scores for each of 6 domains. Results Of the 371 participants who completed the questionnaire, 222 (59.8%) were women, and the mean (SD) age was 59.5 (14.9) years. The CIQOL scores were normally distributed across the 6 domains. Being employed, having higher household income, longer duration of hearing loss prior to cochlear implantation, and having bilateral rather than unilateral cochlear implantation were associated with higher CIQOL scores in 1 or more domains, but the effect size varied widely (β, 0.1-6.9). Better sentence recognition ability (using AzBio to measure speech recognition) was associated with only a small positive effect size for the communication (β, 0.0 [95% CI, 0.0-0.1]), entertainment (β, 0.0 [95% CI, 0.0-0.1]), and environmental (β, 0.0 [95% CI, 0.0-0.0]) domains. Increased age was associated with lower CIQOL in the entertainment domain (β, −0.3 [95% CI, −1.5 to −0.4]). The demographic, hearing-related, and cochlear implant–related factors included in the multivariable regression models accounted for only a small percentage of the variance in CIQOL domain scores (R2, 0.08-0.17). Conclusions and Relevance Several factors were found to predict higher or lower CIQOL scores in specific domains, with speech-recognition ability having only a minimal association. Despite evaluating a large number of demographic, hearing-related, and cochlear implant–related factors, the multivariable models accounted for only a small amount of CIQOL variance. This suggests that patient or other characteristics that contribute to cochlear implant–related quality of life remain largely unknown.
Consumption of Low-calorie Sweetened Beverages Is Associated with Higher Total Energy and Sugar Intake and Poorer Diet Quality Among US Children and Adolescents (P18-109-19)

Low-calorie sweetened beverages (LCSBs) are an increasingly consumed alternative to sugary beverages (SBs), yet their impact on children's overall diet is unclear. We aimed to compare total energy, macronutrient intake, and diet quality assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015), among consumers of LCSBs (alone or concurrently with SB use) with those reporting SB (sugar-sweetened beverages plus fruit juices) or water consumption, using national-level data collected during the five most recent 2-year cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We used 24-hour dietary recalls from 10,257 children enrolled in NHANES 2007–2016 to assess energy and macronutrient intake and calculate adjusted mean HEI-2015 scores among children and adolescents categorized by their beverage intake over the previous 24 hours as follows: LCSB consumers (≥4oz. LCSB, <4oz SB), SB consumers (≥4oz SB, <4oz LCSB), and LCSB + SB consumers (≥4oz each) compared to water consumers (≥4oz water, <4oz LCSB and <4 oz SBs). Sample weights and complex survey procedures were used for all analyses. Adjusting for socio-demographic factors and BMI percentile, LCSB, SB, and LCSB + SB total energy intake was 184, 348, and 413 kcal higher and added sugar intake was 40, 164, and 180 kcal higher, respectively, compared to among water consumers (P < 0.05 for all pairwise comparisons). Overall diet quality was also significantly lower for LCSB, SB, and LCSB + SB consumers compared to water consumers (HEI-2015 scores of 49.0 ± 0.9, 49.1 ± 0.3, 48.9 ± 0.6, and 51.7 ± 0.6 for LCSB, SB, LCSB + SB, and water, respectively, P < 0.05 for all pairwise comparisons). While cross-sectional analyses cannot establish causation, these findings challenge the utility of LCSB for weight management in children and adolescents. Our results align with current recommendations that water is the best alternative to SBs in children. This work was funded by the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness Pilot Studies Program.
Novel anti-angiogenic PEDF-derived small peptides mitigate choroidal neovascularization.

Abstract Abnormal migration and proliferation of endothelial cells (EC) drive neovascular retinopathies. While anti-VEGF treatment slows progression, pathology is often supported by decrease in intraocular pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis. A surface helical 34-mer peptide of PEDF, comprising this activity, is efficacious in animal models of neovascular retina disease but remains impractically large for therapeutic use. We sought smaller fragments within this sequence that mitigate choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Expecting rapid intravitreal (IVT) clearance, we also developed a method to reversibly attach peptides to nano-carriers for extended delivery. Synthetic fragments of 34-mer yielded smaller anti-angiogenic peptides, and N-terminal capping with dicarboxylic acids did not diminish activity. Charge restoration via substitution of an internal aspartate by asparagine improved potency, achieving low nM apoptotic response in VEGF-activated EC. Two optimized peptides (PEDF 335, 8-mer and PEDF 336, 9-mer) were tested in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV. IVT injection of either peptide, 2–5 days before laser treatment, gave significant CNV decrease at day +14 post laser treatment. The 8-mer also decreased CNV, when administered as eye drops. Also examined was a nanoparticle-conjugate (NPC) prodrug of the 9-mer, having positive zeta potential, expected to display longer intraocular residence. This NPC showed extended efficacy, even when injected 14 days before laser treatment. Neither inflammatory cells nor other histopathologic abnormalities were seen in rabbit eyes harvested 14 days following IVT injection of PEDF 336 (>200 μg). No rabbit or mouse eye irritation was observed over 12–17 days of PEDF 335 eye drops (10 mM). Viability was unaffected in 3 retinal and 2 choroidal cell types by PEDF 335 up to 100 μM, PEDF 336 (100 μM) gave slight growth inhibition only in choroidal EC. A small anti-angiogenic PEDF epitope (G- Y - D - L-Y-R-V ) was identified, variants (adipic-Sar- Y - N - L-Y-R-V ) mitigate CNV, with clinical potential in treating neovascular retinopathy. Their shared active motif, Y - - - R, is found in laminin (Ln) peptide YIGSR, which binds Ln receptor 67LR, a known high-affinity ligand of PEDF 34-mer.
Analyzing the Impact of Computer Science Workshops on Middle School Teachers

Computational thinking and computer science are instrumental in learning how to creatively solve problems and develop thought out solutions. Over the years, workshops have been held to provide high school teachers the ability to teach high school students computer science, however not much has been done for middle school teachers. Funded by Google, the three day CS Educator Professional Development Workshop for Middle School Teachers at Kean University brought together teachers to learn about key computer science concepts and work with tools that were previously not known to them, such as Scratch, the Makey Makey tool kit, and the Cue robot. The results of this research find that middle school teachers need access to curriculum materials and digital tools in order to successfully teach computer science to their students. Furthermore, more work should be done to get middle school teachers access to materials and lesson plans aimed at teaching middle school students.
Evaluation of a comprehensive diabetic foot ulcer care quality model.

Abstract Aims Diabetes-related amputations are typically preceded by a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) but models to assess the quality of care are lacking. We investigated a model to measure inpatient and outpatient quality. Methods Cohort study among adults hospitalized with a DFU to a safety-net hospital during 2016. We measured adherence to DFU-related quality metrics based on guidelines during and 12 months following hospitalization. Inpatient metrics included ankle-brachial index measurement during or 6 months prior to hospitalization, receiving diabetes education and a wound offloading device prior to discharge. Outpatient metrics included wound care ≤30 days of discharge, in addition to hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≤8%, tobacco cessation, and retention in care (≥2 clinic visits ≥90 days apart) 12 months following discharge. Results 323 patients were included. Regarding inpatient metrics, 8% had an ankle brachial index measurement, 37% received diabetes education, and 20% received offloading prior to discharge. Regarding outpatient metrics, 33% received wound care ≤30 days of discharge. Twelve months following discharge, 34% achieved a HbA1c ≤8%, 13% quit tobacco, and 52% were retained in care. Twelve-month amputation-free survival was 71%. Conclusions Our model demonstrated large gaps in DFU guideline-adherent care. Implementing measures to close these gaps could prevent amputations.
Impact of lossy compression of nanopore raw signal data on basecall and consensus accuracy

Abstract Motivation Nanopore sequencing provides a real-time and portable solution to genomic sequencing, with long reads enabling better assembly and structural variant discovery than second generation technologies. The nanopore sequencing process generates huge amounts of data in the form of raw current data, which must be compressed to enable efficient storage and transfer. Since the raw current data is inherently noisy, lossy compression has potential to significantly reduce space requirements without adversely impacting performance of downstream applications. Results We study the impact of two state-of-the-art lossy time-series compressors applied to nanopore raw current data, evaluating the tradeoff between compressed size and basecalling/consensus accuracy. We test several basecallers and consensus tools on a variety of datasets at varying depths of coverage, and conclude that lossy compression can provide as much as 40-50% reduction in compressed size of raw signal data with negligible impact on basecalling and consensus accuracy. Availability The code, data and supplementary results are available at https://github.com/shubhamchandak94/lossy_compression_evaluation. Contact schandak@stanford.edu
Pericardial effusion following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes.

PCE is a complication of HSCT that has previously been described in small single-center studies. This study aimed to assess the frequency of, risk factors for, and outcomes of children with a PCE following HSCT across a large multi-center cohort. All patients ≤21 years undergoing first HSCT (1/2005-9/2015) were identified from the Pediatric Health Information System. ICD-9 codes were used to identify patients with a PCE during or following the transplant encounter. Multivariable modeling assessed risk factors for developing a PCE and assessed the impact of PCE on patient outcome. Of 10 455 included patients, 739 (7.1%) developed a PCE (median 69 days post-HSCT, interquartile range 33-165 days). PCE developed more commonly in allogeneic vs autologous HSCT recipients (9.1% vs 2.9%, P < .001). Among allogeneic HSCT recipients, independent risk factors for PCE included thrombotic microangiopathy (AHR 2.94, 95% CI 2.16-4.00), heart failure (AHR 2.07, 95% CI 1.61-2.66), PCE pre-HSCT (AHR 1.92, 95% CI 1.19-3.09), arrhythmia (AHR 1.76, 95% CI 1.44-2.16), graft-versus-host disease (AHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.05-1.62), female sex (AHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.52), and malignancy (AHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.02-1.60). Allogeneic HSCT patients with PCE demonstrated worse survival than those without PCE (5-year survival 50.8% vs 76.9%, P < .001). PCE was independently associated with mortality (AHR 1.96, 95% CI 1.62-2.37) following allogeneic HSCT and was not impacted by pericardial intervention. PCE occurs more commonly in patients following allogeneic (vs autologous) HSCT and is associated with inferior outcomes.
Pregnant patients requiring appendectomy: comparison between open and laparoscopic approaches in NY State.

Even though acute appendicitis is the most common general surgical condition encountered during pregnancy, the preferred approach to appendectomy in pregnant patients remains controversial. Current guidelines support laparoscopic appendectomy as the treatment of choice for pregnant women with appendicitis, regardless of trimester. However, recent published data suggests that the laparoscopic approach contributes to higher rates of fetal demise. Our study aims to compare laparoscopic and open appendectomy in pregnancy at a statewide population level. ICD-9 codes were used to extract 1006 pregnant patients undergoing appendectomy between 2005 and 2014 from the NY Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database. Surgical outcomes (any complications, 30-day readmission rate, length of stay (LOS)) and obstetrical outcomes (antepartum hemorrhage, preterm delivery, cesarean section, sepsis, chorioamnionitis) were compared between open and laparoscopic appendectomy. Multivariable generalized linear regression models were used to compare different outcomes between two surgical approaches after adjusting for possible confounders. The laparoscopic cohort (n = 547, 54.4%) had significantly shorter LOS than the open group (median ± IQR: 2.00 ± 2.00 days versus 3.00 ± 2.00 days, p value < 0.0001, ratio = 0.789, 95% CI 0.727–0.856). Patients with complicated appendicitis had longer LOS than those with simple appendicitis (p value < 0.0001, ratio = 1.660, 95% CI 1.501–1.835). Obstetrical outcomes (p value = 0.097, OR 1.254, 95% CI 0.961–1.638), 30-day non-delivery readmission (p value = 0.762, OR 1.117, 95% CI 0.538–2.319), and any complications (p value = 0.753, OR 0.924, 95% CI 0.564–1.517) were not statistically significant between the laparoscopic versus open appendectomy groups. Three cases of fetal demise occurred, all within the laparoscopic appendectomy group. The laparoscopic approach resulted in a shorter LOS. Although fetal demise only occurred in the laparoscopic group, these results were not significant (p value = 0.255). Our large population-based study further supports current guidelines that laparoscopic appendectomy may offer benefits over open surgery for pregnant patients in any trimester due to reduced time in the hospital and fetal and maternal outcomes comparable to open appendectomy.
Healthcare utilization among patients with psychiatric hospitalization admitted through the emergency department (ED): A claims-based study.

Abstract Objective To characterize the US national level healthcare utilization patterns of patients with commercial insurance plans before and after a psychiatric hospitalization admitted through the emergency department (ED) using insurance claims data. Method We identified 34,250 patients from multiple commercial health insurance providers across the US who meet our eligibility criteria. We summarized their healthcare encounters and used logistic regression models to study the patterns of healthcare utilization including prior visits, outpatient follow-ups, and hospital- or ED-readmissions. Results Suicidal ideation was highly prevalent at the time of the index event (29.88%). Almost half of the patients (48.28%) had healthcare encounters with the same primary diagnosis one year before admission, about 5% had outpatient follow-ups or were readmitted to the hospital or ED 7 days post discharge. The post 30-day follow-ups and readmission rates were slightly higher. In general, older patients were less likely to have prior visits, follow-ups, or readmissions, and patients with SUDs, specifically alcohol dependence, opioid dependence/abuse, and stimulant dependence, were more likely to have outpatient follow-ups. Conclusion Patterns of patients' prior visits, follow-ups, and readmissions varied by demographics and psychiatric comorbidity. Additional studies are needed to further explain the spatial variations of utilization patterns.
Learning Sparse Array Capon Beamformer Design Using Deep Learning Approach

The paper considers receive beamforming for designing sparse array configurations. We consider to maximize signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (MaxSINR) for a desired point source in a narrowband interferening environment. The sparse array design methods can either be data driven or rely entirely on the prior knowledge of the interference DOAs and respective powers. In this paper, we propose a design which is essentially data-driven and conceived by training the Deep Neural Network (DNN). Towards this goal, the training scenarios are generated through enumeration to learn an effective representation that can perform well in a downstream task. The input to the DNN is the received correlation matrix and output is the corresponding sparse configuration with superior interference mitigation capability. The performance of the DNN is evaluated by the ability to learn the implementation of enumerated design. It is shown through design examples that DNN effectively learns the enumerated algorithm and, as such, paves the way for efficient real-time implementation.
Factor analysis of the adolescent version of the behavioural assessment screening tool (BAST-A) in adolescents with concussion

Objective: Develop and validate the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool for Adolescents with brain injury.Setting: Concussion clinicsParticipants: Adolescents with mild traumatic brain injury 3 mo...
Dairy product fraud

Abstract Globally, fraud of dairy products is widespread and reported cases of fraud have increased substantially in recent years. This chapter presents an overview of the incidence and implications of fraud in dairy products. To begin, features of dairy products and industry characteristics that incentivize and provide an opportunity for dairy fraud are described. The types, causes, and consequences of dairy product fraud are then presented. In considering incidents reported between 2000 and 2018, fraudulent documentation (51% of cases), adulteration (32%), and processing in unapproved premises (11%) are the most common causes of dairy fraud. A summary is provided of the variety of chromatographic, DNA-based, immunological, spectroscopic, and other analytical approaches that are commonly used to identify adulterated dairy products. Following this, strategies that can be undertaken by national governments, the dairy industry, and individual firms operating in this industry to reduce the risk of fraud are presented. Taken together, these analytical techniques and operational strategies can help one to mitigate the public and private economic and human health consequences of dairy fraud.
Picture perfect: ELT textbook images and communicative competence development

Images are an important resource in English language teaching (ELT) textbooks. Still, knowledge of how textbook images may support the development of the learner’s communicative competence is still scarce. This paper provides examples of how textbook images can support such a development. The theoretical framework consists of models of communicative competence, the notions of input and output, principles for communicative approaches, as well as key tools for image analysis. As examples relating to the phenomenon under study, Nicaraguan textbooks for the teaching of English in secondary school have been used.
Effects of acoustic nonlinearity on through-tissue communication performance

Wide signal bandwidth and high signal amplitude, which are desirable properties to achieve high data rates with linear communication systems, may cause performance degradation in through-tissue communication applications because of acoustic nonlinearity. In this talk, I will quantify the effects of acoustic nonlinearity on data rates and achievable bit error rates in a simulated through-tissue communication system.
Belief that Matters: Religion, Anti-Black Racism and the Future of the Philosophy of Religion

The category of “belief” has been at the forefront of the philosophy of religion. Nonetheless, a number of scholars of religion have recently repudiated the category of “belief” as exclusively cognitive, and as such, yielding a reductionist and distorted view of religions. The problem with this conclusion is that it takes for granted that belief is nonmaterial. I argue that this presumption contributes to the disaggregation of “religion” and “race,” the obfuscation of Christianity’s relationship to racism and the perpetuation of American anti-black racism. In what follows, I make a case for the materiality of belief, outline the interests that drove its dematerialization, and articulate the stakes of continuing to presume that belief consists in a mental state of affirmation. To make this case, I draw from recent works which both portray American anti-black racism as a religion and offer a materialist interpretation of belief that resonate with and substantiate lesser known theories of belief from a range of disciplines. I conclude by reflecting on the implications of this argument for a revised “ethics of belief” for the philosophy of religion.
XFEM modeling of short microfiber reinforced composites with cohesive interfaces

This manuscript presents the formulation and implementation of a failure model for random short microfiber reinforced composite materials based on the Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM). Elastic and deformable microfiber inclusions modeled as objects with zero measure are incorporated into the XFEM framework. A new debonding enrichment function is proposed to idealize the progressive debonding between the fiber-matrix interfaces. The proposed manuscript provides a modeling strategy particularly suitable for very high aspect ratio inclusions. The fiber deformation is approximated as axial and directly incorporated into the Lagrangian. The progressive failure within the matrix material is idealized using an integral-type nonlocal damage model. The performance of the proposed XFEM model is assessed by comparing model predictions to the direct finite element method for various fiber configurations. The numerical verification studies point to high accuracy characteristics of the proposed approach. The computational efficiency of the approach provides the capability to evaluate the failure response of microstructures that include a large number of short fiber inclusions. HighlightsA new extended finite element formulation and implementation is presented for progressive failure in random short microfiber reinforced composites.A new debonding enrichment function is proposed to incorporate cohesive traction-separation behavior between the fiber inclusions and the matrix.Fiber inclusions are modeled as elastic objects of zero measure using the XFEM approach.
Damping in Structural Dynamics

Damping is an important aspect of aerospace structural dynamics. Passive damping is caused by numerous physical mechanisms, only some of which can be exploited by design. The most effective methods of designing materials-based passive damping into structures involve the use of: high damping viscoelastic polymers in layered damping treatments; elastomers; shunted piezoelectrics; and damped composites. To consider damping during the design process, accurate models are needed—these must capture the general effects of damping, while also enabling the detailed design of damping treatments. Strain-based viscous damping models yield modal damping that increases monotonically with frequency, a result inconsistent with observations. More general proportional damping is best regarded as a mathematical curiosity. Complex stiffness models, although capable of accommodating frequency-dependent damping and stiffness in frequency response analysis, cannot directly predict structural response to arbitrary loading. The combination of either the complex stiffness or the modal strain energy method with a modal damping model, however, often yields acceptable results. The need for better accuracy in some applications has motivated the development of improved time-domain models that capture the frequency-, temperature-, and amplitude dependence of damping and stiffness exhibited by the high-loss materials that are frequently used to effect significant damping. Keywords: damping; structural dynamics; vibration; dissipation; viscous; viscoelasticity; hysteretic; complex modulus; piezoelectric shunting
Mechanism of TNFerade™ suppression of lymphatic melanoma metastases

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4026 TNFerade™ is a second generation, replication incompetent adenovector that expresses human TNFα under the control of the chemo-radiation enhanced EGR-1 promoter. Local administration of TNFerade in conjunction with standard fractionated radiation therapy (RT) is currently in clinical development for the treatment of locally advanced solid tumors. TNFerade has been shown in both syngenic and xenograft murine tumor models to have significant local effects in conjunction with fractionated RT. In continuing preclinical studies, we have shown local treatment with TNFerade ± RT suppresses the formation of both regional and distal lymph node metastases in the syngenic B16F10 murine melanoma model. Furthermore, these distal effects were independent of both time, and primary tumor growth. The current studies were undertaken to differentiate between potential effects on the host versus potential effects on the tumor, and to determine the potential roles of both adaptive and innate immune effector cells. To differentiate whether the mechanism by which TNFerade suppresses B16F10 lymph node metastases is primarily due to effects on the host (immune stimulation, vascular effects, decreased host receptivity to metastases), or due to effects on the tumor (decreased metastatic ability), comparative local and distal efficacy studies were performed in normal and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) knockout mice. Of the two TNFα receptors, human TNFα only signals the TNFR1 murine receptor. The results of these studies indicated an almost exclusive role for TNFerade induced host effects in both local and metastatic efficacy. TNFerade enhanced efficacy at the locally treated primary tumor was lost in the TNFR1 knockout mice versus the RT controls. Additionally, the suppression of both regional and distal lymph node metastases was also completely lost in the TNFR1 knockout mice versus RT controls. Further comparative efficacy studies between normal and T-cell deficient nude mice suggest both the local efficacy and the impact on spontaneous metastases from TNFerade ± RT is independent of an adaptive T-cell response. This observation was further confirmed in radiation killed B16F10 cells ± TNFerade whole-cell vaccination studies which suggest TNFerade does not function through an adaptive immune response in this poorly immunogenic tumor model. Current studies are underway using various immunocompromised mouse strains to determine if innate immunity has a role in TNFerade suppression of B16F10 lymph node metastases.
Yeast Chitin Synthetase SEPARATION OF THE ZYMOGEN FROM ITS ACTIVATING FACTOR AND RECOVERY OF THE LATTER IN THE VACUOLE FRACTION

Abstract Yeast vacuoles were obtained in good yield and practically free from other organelles by submitting Saccharomyces cerevisiae protoplasts to metabolic lysis, followed by fractionation in a discontinuous Ficoll gradient. The vacuole preparation was greatly enriched in the chitin synthetase activating factor and essentially devoid of chitin synthetase zymogen. The latter was found in another membrane-rich fraction which was further purified by gradient centrifugation but was still heterogeneous. The hypothesis formulated previously, that activating factor and zymogen reside in different organelles, has thus been substantiated.
Transportability of causal effects: completeness results

The study of transportability aims to identify conditions under which causal information learned from experiments can be reused in a different environment where only passive observations can be collected. The theory introduced in [Pearl and Bareinboim, 2011] (henceforth [PB, 2011]) defines formal conditions for such transfer but falls short of providing an effective procedure for deciding, given assumptions about differences between the source and target domains, whether transportability is feasible. This paper provides such procedure. It establishes a necessary and sufficient condition for deciding when causal effects in the target domain are estimable from both the statistical information available and the causal information transferred from the experiments. The paper further provides a complete algorithm for computing the transport formula, that is, a way of fusing experimental and observational information to synthesize an estimate of the desired causal relation.