cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A qualitative exploration of care-seeking pathways for sick children in the rural Oromia region of Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has experienced rapid improvements in its healthcare infrastructure, such as through the recent scale up of integrated community case management (iCCM) delivered by community-based health extension workers (HEWs) targeting children under the age of five. Despite notable improvements in child outcomes, the use of HEWs delivering iCCM remains very low. The aim of our study was to explain this phenomenon by examining care-seeking practices and treatment for sick children in two rural districts in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Using qualitative methods, we explored perceptions of child illness, influences on decision-making processes occurring over the course of a child’s illness and caregiver perceptions of available community-based sources of child illness care. Sixteen focus group discussions (FGDs) and 40 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with mothers of children under age five. For additional perspective, 16 IDIs were conducted fathers and 22 IDIs with health extension workers and community health volunteers. Caregivers often described the act of care-seeking for a sick child as a time of considerable uncertainty. In particular, mothers of sick children described the cultural, social and community-based resources available to minimize this uncertainty as well as constraints and strategies for accessing these resources in order to receive treatment for a sick child. The level of trust and familiarity were the most common dynamics noted as influencing care-seeking strategies; trust in biomedical and government providers was often low. Overall, our research highlights the multiple and dynamic influences on care-seeking for sick children in rural Ethiopia. An understanding of these influences is critical for the success of existing and future health interventions and continued improvement of child health in Ethiopia.
Lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer: Location of positive station to predict survival after preoperative therapy.

166Background: We sought to determine the association between the identification of positive lymph nodes on D2 lymph node dissection (LND) with stage and outcomes, in the era of preoperative treatment for gastric cancer. Methods: We reviewed data from a prospectively maintained database of gastric cancer patients who underwent resection of gastric or gastroesophageal cancer at our institution from 2005-2016. Central lymph nodes (CnLN) were defined as common hepatic, celiac, and proximal splenic artery lymph nodes (stations #8, 9, and 11p). Risk factors for CnLN metastases, and overall survival (OS) were examined. Results: We identified 356 patients, median age was 64 years (IQR 54-71) and 59% were male. Preoperative therapy was given in 66% of patients. D2 LND was performed in 80% of patients, and the median number of LN examined was 25 (IQR 18-34). Most patients (N = 244, 68%) had separately-examined CnLN in pathology and the median number of examined LNs was higher in this group (27 vs 19; p < 0.001). T...
Assessment of coronary artery calcium by chest CT compared with EKG-gated cardiac CT in the multicenter AIDS cohort study.

Individuals with HIV are at increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Early detection of subclinical CAD by assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) may help risk stratify and prevent CAD events in these individuals. However, the current standard to quantify CAC i.e. Agatston scoring requires EKG-gated cardiac CT imaging.To determine if the assessment of CAC using non-EKG-gated chest CT and the Weston scoring system is a useful surrogate for Agatston scores in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals.CAC was assessed by both the Weston and Agatston score in 108 men enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.Participants were 55.2 (IQR 50.4; 59.9) years old and 62 (57.4%) were seropositive for HIV. Inter-observer agreement (rs = 0.94, κ = 90.0%, p<0.001, n = 21) and intra-observer agreement (rs = 0.95, κ = 95.2%, p<0.001, n = 97) for category of Weston score were excellent. Weston scores were associated with similar CAD risk factors as Agatston scores (age, race, HDL cholesterol level, all p<0.05) in our cohort. There was excellent correlation (rs = 0.92, p<0.001) and agreement (κw = 0.77, p<0.001) between Weston and Agatston scores.This study is the first to examine calcium scoring using chest CT in HIV-infected individuals and to independently validate the Weston score as a surrogate for the Agatston score. In clinical or research settings where EKG-gated cardiac CT is not feasible for the assessment of coronary calcium, Weston scoring by using chest CT should be considered.
Hoisted by your own petard: The opportunity cost of inventor persistence in patent litigation

We study the impact of patent litigation on the patenting propensity of individual inventor-owners, i.e. inventors that also own their patents. We firt develop a theoretical framework in which inve...
Performance and Perceptions of Student Teams Created and Stratified Based on Academic Abilities.

Objective. To compare student performance, elements of peer evaluation and satisfaction of teams created according to students’ course entrance grade point average (GPA). Methods. Two course sections were divided into teams of four to five students utilizing Comprehensive Assessment of Team Member Effectiveness (CATME) software. Results. Of 336 students enrolled, 324 consented to participation. Weekly team quiz averages were 99.1% (higher GPA), 97.2% (lower GPA), 97.7% (mixed GPA). Weekly individual quiz averages were 87.2% (higher GPA), 83.3% (lower GPA), 85.2% (mixed GPA). Students with same GPA performed similarly individually independent of team assignment. Satisfaction ranged from 4.52 (higher GPA), 4.73 (lower GPA), 4.53 (mixed GPA). Conclusion. Academically stronger students in mixed GPA teams appeared to be at a slight disadvantage compared to similar students in higher GPA teams. There was no difference in team performance for academically weaker students in lower GPA versus mixed GPA teams. Team satisfaction was higher in lower GPA teams.
Sub-Doppler infrared spectroscopy of CH2OH radical in a slit supersonic jet: Vibration-rotation-tunneling dynamics in the symmetric CH stretch manifold

The sub-Doppler CH-symmetric stretch (ν3) infrared absorption spectrum of a hydroxymethyl (CH2OH) radical is observed and analyzed with the radical formed in a slit-jet supersonic discharge expansion (Trot = 18 K) via Cl atom mediated H atom abstraction from methanol. The high sensitivity of the spectrometer and reduced spectral congestion associated with the cooled expansion enable first infrared spectroscopic observation of hydroxymethyl transitions from both ± symmetry tunneling states resulting from large amplitude COH torsional motion. Nuclear spin statistics due to exchange of the two methyl H-atoms aid in unambiguous rovibrational assignment of two A-type Ka = 0 ← 0 and Ka = 1 ← 1 bands out of each ± tunneling state, with additional spectral information obtained from spin-rotation splittings in P, Q, and R branch Ka = 1 ← 1 transitions that become resolved at low N. A high level ab initio potential surface (CCSD(T)-f12b/cc-pvnzf12 (n = 2,3)/CBS) is calculated in the large amplitude COH torsional and CH2 wag coordinates, which in the adiabatic approximation and with zero point correction predicts ground state tunneling splittings in good qualitative agreement with experiment. Of particular astrochemical interest, a combined fit of the present infrared ground state combination differences with recently reported millimeter-wave frequencies permits the determination of improved accuracy rotational constants for the ground vibrational state, which will facilitate ongoing millimeter/microwave searches for a hydroxymethyl radical in the interstellar medium.
A Proactive Risk Assessment Framework to Enhance Patient Safety in Operating Rooms

Patient safety, as a main aspect of quality of care, has been a major issue over the last decades in the healthcare industry. The number of preventable medical errors in hospitals has been noticeably high. These errors are more likely to occur in intensive care units including Operating Rooms (ORs). Moreover, preventable errors such as operating on a wrong body part have serious consequences. This paper fills an important gap by proposing a framework for proactive risk assessment of operations in ORs through the identification and monitoring of appropriate Leading Safety Indicators (LSIs) to evaluate the safety of operations and generate warning/predicting signals for potential failures. These LSIs are identified across the six layers of the Rasmussen’s Risk Management Framework, which each represents a main group of involved decision-makers. These layers in our context, from top to bottom, are: government; regulators; hospital; surgery division management; surgery personnel; and work processes.
Intragastric Balloons: Indications, Options, Outcomes

Intragastric balloons (IGBs) have increased in popularity within the continuum of care for obesity. The FDA has approved 3 different devices with similar mechanisms of action and approved treatment durations. IGBs can offer help with weight loss to individuals with BMI 30–40 kg/m2 who do not qualify for bariatric surgery or who do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure for weight loss. This is a review of available current literature regarding the efficacy and outcomes of IGBs for treatment of obesity and morbid obesity including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses published from 2005 to 2017. Five RCTs reported weight-loss results of IGB treatment in terms of percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL). Devices were placed for 3–12 months duration and %EWL ranged from 25.1 to 50.3% at device removal and 18.8–57% 6 months later. Three RCTs reported percentage of total weight-loss (%TWL) results with IGB durations from 6 to 12 months ranging from 10.2 to 17.1% at the time of device removal. Three meta-analyses reported %EWL of 27.4–36.2% within 6 months of IGB treatment. IGBs have favorable safety profiles and have shown significant short-term weight-loss improvement over lifestyle modification or pharmacotherapy. Further investigation is required to determine the long-term benefit of these devices for patients with obesity and morbid obesity as well as to monitor the devices’ long-term safety profiles.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and young children with Problematic Sexual Behavior: A conceptual overview and treatment considerations

Abstract Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) can be conceptualized as a distinct subset of externalizing behavior problems. Preschool children with PSB commonly have co-occurring nonsexual behavior problems, including disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). Behavioral parent training is the core component of effective treatments for DBD (Kaminski, Valle, Filene, & Boyle, 2008) and for PSB (St. Amand, Bard, & Silovsky, 2008). Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically supported evidence-based behavioral parent treatment program for young children ages 2 to 7 with disruptive behavior problems (California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse, 2017; Eyberg & Funderburk, 2011; Funderburk & Eyberg, 2011). However, due to the taboo nature of the topic and the potential impact and harm to other children, unique clinical issues can arise when behaviors are classified as “sexual.” Adaptations to PCIT are recommended to address safety, physical boundaries, commonly held myths about the population, and other related issues. Conceptual background of PSB and the fit of behavioral parent training as a core intervention is provided, followed by details regarding augmentations to embed approaches to address PSB within PCIT.
Call to Action: Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B in Africa

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant public health issue that has not been adequately addressed, especially in the high-prevalence region of Africa. Despite the incorporation of HBV vaccines into the Expanded Program on Immunization, children continue to be infected with HBV through maternal-to-child transmission (MTCT). The addition of a birth dose of HBV vaccine would be a cost-effective method to reduce MTCT. Birth-dose HBV vaccine policies have been adopted in the Western Pacific region but not yet in Africa. Even better protection against HBV MTCT can be achieved by treatment of pregnant women with high HBV viral loads with tenofovir. Tenofovir is already widely used in prevention of HIV MTCT (PMTCT) programs. We suggest that existing HIV PMTCT programs could be expanded to deliver care for HBV-infected pregnant women. With appropriate adoption of birth-dose vaccination policies and expansion of PMTCT programs, elimination of HBV MTCT in Africa is achievable.
Toward Professional Practice: Student Learning Opportunities through Participation in Engineering Clubs.

Clubs constitute a prominant co-curricular activity to prepare students for effective professional careers, yet the role of engineering clubs in students' professional formation is poorly understoo...
Adjoint Data Assimilation Methods

The use of adjoint methods in data assimilation is reviewed, and illustrative examples are presented.
Body Type Preferences in Asian and Caucasian College Students

While there is an extensive literature on gender differences in body image, little has focused on ethnic group differences in men's body image. College students ( N = 466) from a prestigious New England university indicated their current and ideal figures. Compared to Caucasians (N = 289), Asians (N = 92) reported smaller current figures. Both Caucasian and Asian women rated their current figure as larger than their ideal. Caucasian males reported no discrepancy between their current and ideal figures. However, Asian males rated their current figures as smaller than ideal. The effect of ethnicity on body satisfaction depended upon gender. For women, the ideal was thinner than current figure regardless of actual size, producing a discrepancy between current and ideal figures for both Caucasian and Asian women. Conversely, Asian and Caucasian men identified a similar ideal, producing a discrepancy between current and ideal figures only for Asian men.
TCT-125 Evaluation of EKG-gated and Dual Source Accelerated Computed Tomography Imaging Protocols for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Sizing

Procedure success for Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) relies heavily on volumetric reconstruction imaging, particularly of EKG-gated multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). With emerging data supporting TAVR in younger and lower-risk patients, radiation exposure becomes a valid
Analysis of Facial Reanimation Procedures Performed Concurrently With Total Parotidectomy and Facial Nerve Sacrifice.

ImportanceFacial reanimation procedures share the same surgical field as a parotidectomy and are most easily accomplished at the time of facial nerve sacrifice. Early reanimation would also reduce ...
Both loved and despised: Uncovering a process of collective contestation in leadership identification:

Our critical examination of James Meredith’s leadership during the racial integration of higher education in the early 1960s reveals an important, missing companion to social endorsement in the lea...
GDNF enhances human blood-nerve barrier function in vitro via MAPK signaling pathways

The human blood-nerve barrier (BNB) formed by endoneurial microvascular endothelial cells, serves to maintain the internal microenvironment in peripheral nerves required for normal axonal signal transduction to and from the central nervous system. The mechanisms of human BNB formation in health and disease are not fully elucidated. Prior work established a sufficient role for glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in enhancing human BNB biophysical properties following serum withdrawal in vitro via RET-tyrosine kinase-dependent cytoskeletal remodeling. The objective of the study was to ascertain the downstream signaling pathway involved in this process and more comprehensively determine the molecular changes that may occur at human BNB intercellular junctions under the influence of GDNF. Proteomic studies suggested expression of several mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in confluent GDNF-treated endoneurial endothelial cells following serum withdrawal. Using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing to continuously measure transendothelial electrical resistance and static transwell solute permeability assays with fluoresceinated small and large molecules to evaluate BNB biophysical function, we determined MAPK signaling was essential for GDNF-mediated BNB TEER increase following serum withdrawal downstream of RET-tyrosine kinase signaling that persisted for up to 48 hours in vitro. This increase was associated with reduced solute permeability to fluoresceinated sodium and high molecular weight dextran. Specific GDNF-mediated alterations were detected in cytoskeletal and intercellular junctional complex molecular transcripts and proteins relative to basal conditions without exogenous GDNF. This work provides novel insights into the molecular determinants and mechanisms responsible for specialized restrictive human BNB formation in health and disease.
Comparison of Long-Term Clinical Outcomes After Drug-Eluting Stenting in Blacks-vs-Whites

Patients of different racial backgrounds may have socioeconomic, cultural, or genetic differences that impact outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There are limited data beyond 2 to 3 years for Blacks to inform discussions and perhaps improve outcomes. We studied consecutive limus-stent treated patients, having their first PCI at our institution January 2003 to March 2010 in 2 cohorts; Cohort 1: standard 3-year follow-up (n = 3,782, 12.4% Blacks) and Cohort 2: from nearby zip codes with intended detailed follow-up through 8 to 13 years (n = 616, 31.8% Blacks). The primary outcomes of interest were mortality and death/MI/revascularization (DMIR) (Cohort 1) or major adverse cardiac events (cardiac DMIR) (Cohort 2). In all cohorts, Blacks had a higher prevalence of many risk factors. In Cohort 1, 3-year mortalities were 14.6% and 9.6% (p = 0.001) and DMIR were 32.1% and 25.0% (p = 0.001), for Blacks and Whites, respectively. In Cohort 2, over 9.5 ± 2.0 years, treatment intensity was as high or higher for Blacks, but they continued to have higher low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and blood pressure values. Major adverse cardiac events and mortality at 10 years were higher for Blacks (59.0% vs 48.1%, p = 0.024 and 44.3% vs 23.0%, p
A qualitative exploration of the experiences of undocumented African immigrant women in the health care delivery system

Abstract Background: It is widely acknowledged that experiences of poor treatment during health care encounters can adversely impact how individuals and communities engage with the health care system. Hence, understanding the health care seeking experiences of diverse patient populations is central to identifying ways to effectively engage with marginalized patients and provide optimal care for all patients, particularly those with marginalized identities. Purpose: Drawing on the narratives of 24 undocumented African immigrant women, this qualitative study aimed to understand their experiences seeking health care. Methods: Our study was undergirded by a postcolonial feminist perspective which aims to situate participants’ experiences within their given, broader societal context. Data were analyzed using the principles of thematic analysis. Findings: Our findings indicate that women experienced insensitivity during health care encounters and harbored a mistrust of health care staff. Discussion: Findings uncover the need for health care providers to provide culturally safe care and to identify ways to create safe spaces for undocumented patients within the health care setting.
Sufi Remembrance Practices in the Meditation Marketplace of a Mobile App

This chapter explores religion on mobile meditation apps through a focus on Sufi guided ‘meditation’ practices found on the mobile app Insight Timer. Sijapati offers an account of digital presentations of religious practices and considers how representations of religious practices as ‘meditation’ may expand app users’ encounters with religion into a marketplace model. Both the presence and the content of Sufi meditation practices on the app raise fruitful points for consideration of how religious identity, practice, religiosity/spiritualism, and community are intertwined in the digital age and through mobile apps in particular. Examining Sufi practices on this app within the context of a particular Sufi order, and in the context of competing ‘meditation’ practices on the app, she discusses how these app ‘meditations’ facilitate outsider engagement with Sufism, in part through the elision of Sufi and Islamic identity markers.
Genome-wide association and genotype by environment interactions for growth traits in U.S. Gelbvieh cattle.

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays have facilitated discovery of genetic markers associated with complex traits in domestic cattle; thereby enabling modern breeding and selection programs. Genome-wide association analyses (GWAA) for growth traits were conducted on 10,837 geographically diverse U.S. Gelbvieh cattle using a union set of 856,527 imputed SNPs. Birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and yearling weight (YW) were analyzed using GEMMA and EMMAX (via imputed genotypes). Genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions were also investigated. GEMMA and EMMAX produced moderate marker-based heritability estimates that were similar for BW (0.36–0.37, SE = 0.02–0.06), WW (0.27–0.29, SE = 0.01), and YW (0.39–0.41, SE = 0.01–0.02). GWAA using 856K imputed SNPs (GEMMA; EMMAX) revealed common positional candidate genes underlying pleiotropic QTL for Gelbvieh growth traits on BTA6, BTA7, BTA14, and BTA20. The estimated proportion of phenotypic variance explained (PVE) by the lead SNP defining these QTL (EMMAX) was larger and most similar for BW and YW, and smaller for WW. Collectively, GWAAs (GEMMA; EMMAX) produced a highly concordant set of BW, WW, and YW QTL that met a nominal significance level (P ≤ 1e-05), with prioritization of common positional candidate genes; including genes previously associated with stature, feed efficiency, and growth traits (i.e., PLAG1, NCAPG, LCORL, ARRDC3, STC2). Genotype-by-environment QTL were not consistent among traits at the nominal significance threshold (P ≤ 1e-05); although some shared QTL were apparent at less stringent significance thresholds (i.e., P ≤ 2e-05). Pleiotropic QTL for growth traits were detected on BTA6, BTA7, BTA14, and BTA20 for U.S. Gelbvieh beef cattle. Seven QTL detected for Gelbvieh growth traits were also recently detected for feed efficiency and growth traits in U.S. Angus, SimAngus, and Hereford cattle. Marker-based heritability estimates and the detection of pleiotropic QTL segregating in multiple breeds support the implementation of multiple-breed genomic selection.
Association of State Laws Regarding Snacks in US Schools With Students' Consumption of Solid Fats and Added Sugars.

Importance The Smart Snacks in School standards (hereafter,Smart Snacks) were issued in 2013 with the aim of improving students’ dietary intake behaviors. Goals of Smart Snacks included reducing total energy intake, consumption of solid fats and added sugars, and sodium intake. Smart Snacks standards were required to be implemented by the start of the 2014 to 2015 school year at all US schools participating in federal child nutrition programs. Objective To examine the association of state laws that specifically direct schools to implement Smart Snacks with student dietary consumption outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study used nationally representative data collected in the 2014 to 2015 school year as part of the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study. Students in grades 1 through 12 (ages approximately 6-18 years) were randomly selected from 310 public schools in 30 US states and the District of Columbia. Analytic weights were applied and all percentages reported are weighted. Analyses were conducted from March 1, 2018, to December 12, 2019. Exposures State laws requiring schools to implement Smart Snacks. Main Outcomes and Measures A 24-hour recall was used to assess student dietary intake as daily kilocalories consumed as (a) total energy, (b) solid fats and added sugars combined, (c) solid fats, or (d) added sugars. Milligrams of daily sodium consumption were also computed. Results Among 1959 students (mean [SD] age, 11.9 [3.5] years; 1014 [50.9%] boys), 420 students (22.5%) attended school in a state with Smart Snacks laws, and 528 students (26.1%) consumed snacks obtained at school. In covariate-adjusted models, total energy intake did not vary based on state law. Adjusted mean daily kilocalories from solid fats and added sugars was significantly lower among students in states with laws (508.7 [95% CI, 463.0 to 554.4] kcal) than among students in states without laws (562.5 [95% CI, 534.3 to 590.8] kcal; difference, −53.9 [95% CI, −104.5 to −3.2] kcal;P = .04). Consumption of sodium did not differ by state law. Kilocalories from solid fats contributed more to the difference than kilocalories from added sugars (−37.7 [95% CI −62.8 to −12.6] kcal vs −16.2 [95% CI, −51.3 to 19.0] kcal). Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that students in states with laws requiring schools to implement Smart Snacks had better dietary intake than students in states without laws, consuming a mean of 53.9 fewer kilocalories from solid fats and added sugars per day, after adjusting for covariates. State-level policy mechanisms may support schools’ implementation of federal standards in ways that are associated with healthier diets among children and adolescents.
Electroanalysis of Infection with Methyl Pyruvate.

The discovery of infection enzyme leukocyte esterase (LE) hydrolyzing a mitochondrial substrate methyl pyruvate (MP) was explored in the development of electroanalytical methods for LE in human biofluids. The LE + MP reaction was coupled with alcohol oxidase to produce hydrogen peroxide, which was then reduced at a nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube electrode at -0.20 V yielding a current proportional to LE content in a sample. The kinetic assays revealed a fast turnover (kcat=15 s-1) and high specificity constant (kcatKm-1=2.3 x 106 M-1 s-1) for the LE-triggered hydrolysis of MP. The analytical assays were short (5 min) and quantified LE in the clinically-relevant range of 22-300 g L-1 (R2, 0.985). The immuno-electroanalysis could detect picomole quantity of LE and yielded linear calibration plots up to 150 g L-1 LE with the same slope regardless of sample matrix (urine, saliva, phosphate buffer). The spike-and-recovery experiments displayed the LE recovery of 99-104 %. The amperometric immunoassay of LE w...
Frailty as Tested by Gait Speed Is a Risk Factor for Liver Transplant Respiratory Complications.

Objectives Frailty and sarcopenia are known risk factors for adverse liver transplant outcomes and mortality. We hypothesized that frailty or sarcopenia could identify the risk for common serious transplant-related adverse respiratory events. Methods For 107 patients (74 men, 33 women) transplanted over 1 year, we measured frailty with gait speed, chair stands, and Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and sarcopenia with Skeletal Muscle Index on computed tomography at L3. We recorded the stress-tested cardiac double product as an index of cardiac work capacity. Outcomes included days of intubation, aspiration, clinical pneumonia, reintubation/tracheostomy, days to discharge, and survival. We modeled the outcomes using unadjusted regression and multivariable analyses controlled for (i) age, sex, and either Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Na (MELDNa) or Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores, (ii) hepatocellular carcinoma status, and (iii) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and smoking history. Subgroup analysis was performed for living donor liver transplant and deceased donor liver transplant recipients. Results Gait speed was negatively associated with aspiration and pulmonary infection, both in unadjusted and MELDNa-adjusted models (adjusted odds ratio for aspiration 0.10 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.67] and adjusted odds ratio for pulmonary infection 0.12 [95% CI 0.02-0.75]). Unadjusted and MELDNa-adjusted models for gait speed (coefficient -1.47, 95% CI -2.39 to -0.56) and KPS (coefficient -3.17, 95% CI -5.02 to -1.32) were significantly associated with shorter intubation times. No test was associated with length of stay or need for either reintubation or tracheostomy. Discussion Slow gait speed, an index of general frailty, indicates significant risk for post-transplant respiratory complications. Intervention to arrest or reverse frailty merits exploration as a potentially modifiable risk factor for improving transplant respiratory outcomes.
Research on Displacement Monitoring Technique for Goaf along Power Transmission Line Based on GF-3 Satellite Data

In this paper, two typical demonstration areas were selected in Shanxi Province for deformation monitoring of geological disasters likely to happen to the characteristic power passageways in Shanxi demonstration area with domestic GF-3 SAR satellite data and interferometric SAR technique. A total of fifty-three goafs were found, among which seventeen were in a large size and a few just lie in the zone of the power transmission line. One of the goafs was detailed herein. Ultimately, the feasibility and the application value of GF-3 satellite and microwave remote sensing technique in the field of deformation monitoring of geological disasters in power passageways were verified with the aim of promoting technological advancement in power monitoring, providing new technical means for the safe operation of power infrastructures, improving monitoring efficiency, and lowering monitoring costs.
Study of Wave Motion and Teaching Methods in Engineering Problem Solving Course

The importance of First Year Engineering Student (FYES) retention and overall success is predicated on their recent academic success in high school to an often struggling first semester student. Many FYES have limited knowledge of how a mathematical equation relates to a physical concept, for example the sine wave function meaning as a sound wave or harmonic oscillator. A FYES typically takes Pre-Calculus or Calculus where functions are presented including the sine wave function. Through practical lecture material of wave motion and hands-on problem solving using Matlab the FYES student learning is enhanced. The purpose of this paper is to describe the teaching method used for explaining wave motion using Matlab and everyday-life analogies along with lessons learned.
Electrical and Optoelectronic Properties Analysis in Two-dimensional Multilayer WSe 2 Phototransistor for High Speed Device Applications

In this work, we fabricated back gated multilayer WSe 2 phototransistor with Au/Ti as electrodes whose electrical properties were investigated over a wide range of temperature T from T = 5.4 to T = 350 K from which several electrical parameters including mobility μ and barrier height ϕ ms were extracted to analyze their T-dependencies. For example, the T-dependent mobility μ was characterized by a peak at ~ 250 K after which point μ decreased according to μ ~ T-0.71, attributed to phonon scattering. Additionally, ϕ ms was found to be 29 meV at V G = 0 V which decreased as V G increased in alignment with barrier modulation theory. Finally, optoelectronic properties of our Au/Ti/WSe 2 field effect transistors (FETs) were investigated by exposing the device to a tunable laser, where the photoresponsivity R was calculated to be ~ 43 A/W at an optical power of 0.786 nW. The phototransistor also showed very short response time with τ rise = 10 ms, and T fall = 3 ms. Our work demonstrates excellent potential of WSe 2 as a promising 2D semiconductor for high speed electronics and opto-electronics.
Judicial independence, judicial accountability & interbranch relations

In this Essay, I argue that the main cause of the poisonous state of interbranch relations involving the federal judiciary, as of the frequent and strident attacks on courts—federal and state—are strategies calculated to persuade the public that courts are part of ordinary politics and thus that judges are policy agents to be held accountable as such. Although unremarkable in the sense that a breakdown in norms of interdependence is a defining characteristic of contemporary politics, I regard the current situation involving the federal judiciary as remarkably dangerous because of the possibility that a tipping point of no return to the traditional equilibrium in interbranch relations may be reached. That prospect is suggested by the insight that our “tradition of judicial independence” has depended critically on the public’s support of the courts irrespective of the decisions they make (“diffuse support”), and by research that provides reason to fear that the distinction between diffuse support and support depending on those decisions (“specific support”) will disappear, leading people to ask of the judiciary not, “What does the law require?,” but rather, “What have you done for me lately?” I then turn to how, in the conduct of interbranch relations, the judiciary should respond to the impulses and incentives, both legitimate and illegitimate, that have brought us to this unhappy point. I conclude that successful interbranch relations require the institutional judiciary to avoid the attitudes and techniques of contemporary politics, but not to avoid politics, and that the main challenge in that regard is to avoid the perception that the federal judiciary is just another interest group. Finally, using the writings and career of the late Richard Arnold to exemplify what is needed in the politics of judging as well as the politics of the judiciary, I argue for judges to provide leadership in a return to norms of custom, dialogue, and statesmanship in interbranch relations. In order to do so, more federal judges will need to follow Arnold’s example in recognizing that a presidential commission does not confer moral superiority; that judicial accountability, properly conceived, is essential for judicial independence; and that both “posterity worship” (the attempt to control the future) and institutional aggrandizement are inimical to the long-term interests of the federal courts and the federal judiciary.
Pulse width dependence of magnetic field generation using laser-powered capacitor coils

Megagauss magnetic fields were generated by a current flowing through a U-shaped coil connecting two parallel copper foils. Two kJ-class lasers at various pulse widths from 2 ns to 9.9 ns passed through holes in the front foil and were focused on the back foil with an intensity of ∼ 1.7 × 10 16 W/cm2. The coil current and resulting magnetic fields were characterized using ultrafast proton radiography, timed at the end of the laser pulses. The measurements show that magnetic field strength decays with increasing laser pulse width. A lumped-circuit model was developed and showed consistency with the experimental measurements, demonstrating an ion shorting effect: as the ion current neutralizes the electron current contribution to interplate voltage, the coil current peaks on a timescale close to the ion transit time t i = d / v ion. FLASH simulations of the coil current are performed, and the calculated resistance values are used to constrain ion speed as a function of hot electron temperature.
Fabrication and Use of a Pumpless Microfluidic Lymphatic Vessel Chip.

Pumpless microfluidic systems are easy-to-use devices that can be used to culture cells that are sensitive to mechanical shear, such as lymphatic endothelial cells. However, previously developed pumpless systems either provide unidirectional shear where the cell culture medium is discarded, or bidirectional shear that produces endothelial cell cultures with disease characteristics. Here, we describe a PDMS-based system that produces cyclically rising and falling shear that is unidirectional, similar to what has been reported in lymphatic vessels. The system can recirculate cell culture medium, making it possible for proteins and growth factors produced by the cell culture to remain in circulation. In addition, we describe the custom-made rotating platform that we used to create this unique flow pattern. Using this rotating platform, the microfluidic device can be used to grow confluent layers of lymphatic endothelial cells under physiologically relevant growth conditions.
Bringing Genomes to Life: The Use of Genome-Scale In Silico Models

Metabolic network reconstruction has become an established procedure that allows the integration of different data types and provides a framework to analyze and map high-throughput data, such as gene expression, metabolomics,and fluxomics data. In this chapter, we discuss how to reconstruct a metabolic network starting from a genome annotation. Further experimental data, such as biochemical and physiological data, are incorporated into the reconstruction, leading to a comprehensive, accurate representation of the reconstructed organism, cell, or organelle. Furthermore, we introduce the philosophy of constraint-based modeling, which can be used to investigate network properties and metabolic capabilities of the reconstructed system. Finally, we present two recent studies that combine in silico analysis of an Eschirichia coli metabolic reconstruction with experimental data. While the first study leads to novel insight into E. coli’s metabolic and regulatory networks, the second presents a computational approach to metabolic engineering.
Nitric oxide and cGMP analogs activate transcription from AP-1-responsive promoters in mammalian cells.

Nitric oxide (NO) increases cytosolic guanylate cyclase activity and thereby activates the cGMP signal transduction pathway. The cAMP and Ca2+/phospholipid signal transduction pathways activate transcription factors that bind to the cAMP response element (CRE) and phorbol ester response element (TRE), respectively. Little is known about transcriptional regulation of gene expression by NO/cGMP. In transient and stable transfection experiments and in microinjection studies we found that three different NO-releasing agents and two membrane-permeable cGMP analogs activated TRE-regulated but not CRE-regulated reporter genes in rodent fibroblast and epithelial cell lines. Activation of TRE-regulated genes by NO-releasing agents and cGMP analogs appeared to be mediated by the AP-1 (Jun/Fos) transcription factor complex because we observed increased DNA binding of AP-1 and increased junB and c-fos mRNA in cells treated with these agents. The mechanism of gene activation by NO/cGMP was distinct from that used by p...
Teachers’ Nature of Science Implementation Practices 2–5 Years After Having Completed an Intensive Science Education Program

Few, if any, studies have examined the impact of nature of science (NOS) instruction on science teachers’ practices 2 or more years after completing a science teacher education program. Extant studies on preservice and first-year teachers’ NOS teaching practices have had disappointing results, with few teachers valuing NOS as a cognitive objective or teaching it in ways consistent with literature regarding effective NOS instruction. In addition, little is known about teachers’ specific NOS practices due to a lack of observation protocols to assess teachers’ NOS instruction. This study examined teachers’ NOS instructional practices 2–5 years after completing an intensive secondary science education program that included a NOS course and attention to NOS instruction throughout all other science education coursework. Twelve of the 13 study participants explicitly taught NOS, and 9 of the 13 did so at moderate to high levels. This paper also presents a NOS Classroom Observation Protocol (NOS-COP) designed to make evident many facets of teachers’ NOS implementation practices that have not always been clear in prior research. This study raises important issues about achieving the goal of NOS instruction. Accurate and effective NOS instruction appears achievable, but may require far more effort than found in typical science teacher education programs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 97:271–309, 2013
Up from the Depths: Return of the 16 mm Film, or How to Weed Your Film Collection

Moving images are essential resources for teaching and research in higher education. Libraries provide access to these resources in many formats such as U-matic tapes, 16 mm film, VHS, DVD, and streaming video. Changing moving image technologies and preferences of faculty and students present challenges for librarians in managing media collections, as libraries must make difficult decisions about weeding legacy moving image collections. The authors present a case study and practical advice on developing guidelines for collaborative, thoughtful withdrawal of 16 mm films, lessons learned, and scalable recommendations for how libraries and archives can best maintain media collections unique to their campus.
A Krylov Subspace Method for Covariance Approximation and Simulation of Random Processes and Fields

This paper proposes a new iterative algorithm for simultaneously computing an approximation to the covariance matrix of a random vector and drawing a sample from that approximation. The algorithm is especially suited to cases for which the elements of the random vector are samples of a stochastic process or random field. The proposed algorithm has close connections to the conjugate gradient method for solving linear systems of equations. A comparison is made between our algorithm's structure and complexity and other methods for simulation and covariance matrix approximation, including those based on FFTs and Lanczos methods. The convergence of our iterative algorithm is analyzed both analytically and empirically, and a preconditioning technique for accelerating convergence is explored. The numerical examples include a fractional Brownian motion and a random field with the spherical covariance used in geostatistics.
PLASMA-WALL INTERACTIONS

Experimental and theoretical studies have been carried out to provide information on important phenomena occurring when a hot, dense plasma containing a transverse magnetic field is brought into sudden contact with a cold metal wall. Computational simulation has been used to study the physics of the fusion plasma boundary layer which forms at the plasma-wall interface. Thermal, magnetic, and neutral gas boundary layers rapidly develop. The rate of energy transfer to the metal wall is computed and compared with experimental data. The agreement is rather good. Candidate fusion-reactor first wall materials have been exposed repeatedly to a warm (T/sub i/ approximately 600 eV) deuterium plasma containing a transverse 1.0 W/m/sup 2/ magnetic field. Polished samples were subjected to 6 x 10/sup 21/ eV cm/sup -2/, the energy flux expected at the first wall in about one year operation of a tokamak fusion power reactor. Stainless steels show significant erosion at grain boundaries, formation of deuterium blisters on the surface, evidence of surface melting to a depth of 25 ..mu..m, and rapid resolidification. Some cracking is observed, which extends for about a grain size length along grain boundaries into the bulk material. Decrease in tensile ductility is also measured, indicative ofmore » possible hydrogen embrittlement.« less
Relativistic Aberration Effect in Astrophysics and Cosmology

Relativistic aberration influences apparent luminosities of objects moving with relativistic relative velocities. The superluminosity or dimming of incoming or receding jets ejected from Active Galactic Nuclei is believed to be the manifestation of the effect. Redshifted cosmological objects, such as high-z galaxies and supernovae in high-z galaxies, are also subjected to luminosity dimming due to relativistic aberration, although the correcting terms encompassing spectral redshift and time dilation are used to scale the observed magnitudes in the restframe template. The Universe's expansion results in elongation of distances to the objects from the moment of emission to the present time related to the z = 0 local space; this elongation is equal to the apparent increase of the distance from the apparent size to the restframe distance in the theory of special relativity due to the effect of relativistic aberration. Contrary to the standard Big Bang model with stationary space, the effect of relativistic aberration zeroes in the expending space model; if local spaces and local objects expand together with the Universe, the luminosity distances to high-redshifted objects appear to be smaller then in the Big Bang model.
Single cell detection with driven magnetic beads

Shifts in the nonlinear rotational frequency of magnetic beads (microspheres) offer a new and dynamic approach for the detection of single cells. We present the first demonstration of this capability by measuring the changes in the nonlinear rotational frequency of magnetic beads driven by an external magnetic field. The presence of an Escherichia coli bacterium on the surface of a 2.0 μm magnetic bead affects the drag of the system, thus changing the nonlinear rotation rate. Measurement of this rotational frequency is straight-forward utilizing standard microscopy techniques.
Mechanism of Prevention of Aspirin-Induced Gastric Lesions by Bile Duct Ligation in the Rat

Abstract Gastric reflux of bile has been reported to be essential for the production of acute gastric mucosal lesions by intragastric aspirin in the rat. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether bile duct ligation or pylorus ligation in the rat inhibits aspirin-induced gastric lesions, and, if so, what the protective mechanisms are. Operations were performed under ether anesthesia. Aspirin, 200 mg per kg, was instilled into the stomach 1/2 hr postsurgery (bile duct ligation or pylorus ligation). Four hours later the rats were killed, the stomachs were examined, and mucosal lesions were scored. Bile duct ligation, but not pylorus ligation, significantly protected against aspirin-induced gastric lesions. Bile duct ligation, in pylorus-ligated rats, inhibited gastric acid output by 78%. Instilling HCI + aspirin in bile duct-ligated rats restored lesion formation. Shunting bile to the colon (to prevent bile reflux) did not prevent aspirin lesions. Salicylate determination, to ascertain whether bile duct ligation altered aspirin absorption, revealed no significant differences between bile duct ligation and aspirin, shunt + aspirin, and sham shunt + aspirin in plasma and gastric tissue salicylate concentrations. Conclusions: (1) Bile duct ligation protects against aspirin-induced gastric mucosal lesions by inhibiting gastric HCl secretion. As a corollary, a certain amount of acid in the stomach is necessary for aspirin-induced gastric lesions to form. (2) Bile reflux is not necessary for aspirin-induced gastric lesions in the rat
Changes in sensory function and force production in adults with type II diabetes.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship among sensory function, disease severity, and upper extremity force production in adults with type II diabetes (T2D) as compared with healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Methods: Ten adults with T2D and 10 healthy age- and gender-matched control subjects underwent a battery of sensory and motor function evaluations. Data on disease severity and duration were also collected. Results: The T2D group exhibited sensory deficits and altered force production as compared with healthy controls. Sensory function correlated with disease severity, as did signal predictability of kinetic output during submaximal force production tasks. Maximal force production tasks were associated with altered output in T2D, but these data did not correlate with disease severity or sensory dysfunction. Conclusions: Some, not all, motor performance deficits in T2D are associated with sensory dysfunction. Mechanisms responsible for these changes in adult-onset T2D are described. Muscle Nerve 50: 984–990, 2014