cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do emotion and information processing deficiencies found in Caucasian psychopaths generalize to African-American psychopaths?

Research on psychopathy has yet to establish whether the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised [PCL-R; Hare, R. D. (1991). Manual for the revised psychology checklist. Vancouver, Canada: University of British Columbia] predicts the same etiologically relevant correlates in African-American offenders as it does in Caucasians. Toward this end, we examined affective and information-processing deficits which have been theorized to contribute to psychopaths’ behavior problems. We classified 94 African-American offenders as psychopathic or nonpsychopathic using the PCL-R and the Welsh Anxiety Scale [Welsh, G. S. (1956). In Welsh G. S. & Dalhstrom W. G. (Eds.), Basic readings in the MMPI in psychology and medicine (pp. 264–281). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press] and assessed their performance on a lexical decision task that had differentiated the performance of Caucasian psychopathic and nonpsychopathic groups. Consistent with past research, the results provided little support for the hypothesis that African-American psychopaths display the same performance deficits as Caucasian psychopaths.
BREEDING BIOLOGY OF BROOD PARASITIC BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS (MOLOTHRUS ATER) CHARACTERIZED BY PARENT-OFFSPRING AND SIBLING-GROUP RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract We characterized several equivocal aspects of the breeding biology of the brood parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) at a study site in northeastern Illinois. A total of 175 offspring and a partial sample of parents were sampled and genotyped at six microsatellite loci. A combination of sibling-group and parentage assignment enabled us to characterize mating behavior and area used for reproduction by breeding adults, even for those not sampled. We assigned a mean of 4.7 (range 1–13) and 4.4 (range 1–16) offspring to 33 female and 32 male parents, respectively. Adults typically reproduced with a “primary partner” but up to three partners were common. Offspring females and males were spread over 9 and 12 ha, respectively. Half of the polygynous males produced offspring with an additional mate that parasitized nests near to or within areas overlapping those of their primary partner. That suggests that mate choice takes place at females' egg-laying areas as opposed to more remote social ar...
Regulators of Escherichia coli K99 Region 1 Genes

Expression of K99 is highly regulated being dependent on 8 K99-specific genes and several host-specific genes including cyclic AMP receptor protein (Crp) and leucine responsive protein (Lrp). The 8 K99-specific genes are organized into 3 separately regulated clusters (regions I-III) with region I and II genes being dependent on Crp. Using TnphoA tagged K99 genes, Lrp was shown to be required for expression of region I genes. Differential methylation of GATC boxes is a common method by which Lrp functions as a regulator. Two GATC boxes are present adjacent to the 5´ end of fanA, the first gene. Using the restriction enzymes Dpn I and Mbo I which recognize methylated and non-methylated GATC boxes, respectively, it was shown that differential methylation was not a mechanism regulating K99 expression. Using a gel mobility shift assay and protein extracts from various strains, it was shown that a 625 bp DNA fragment adjacent to the 5´ end of, fanA bound protein prepared from Lrp+ strains but not from Lrp- strains. While region I genes also require CRP for expression, the same degree of gel shift was observed when the extract was prepared from a Crp- strain. The products of fanA and fanB are believed to be positive regulators. However, protein extracts from strains with or without fanA and fanB caused the same degree of gel shift. Thus, while there are a variety of regulators necessary for region I gene expression, only Lrp or Lrp regulated proteins bind to the promoter region 5´ to fanA.
Extra-large negative pressure wound therapy dressings for burns – Initial experience with technique, fluid management, and outcomes

Objective The use of negative-pressure-wound-therapy (NPWT) is associated with improved outcomes in smaller burns. We report our experience using extra-large (XL) NPWT dressings to treat ≥15% total body surface area (TBSA) burned and describe our technique and early outcomes. We also provide NPWT exudate volume for predictive fluid resuscitation in these critically ill patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients treated with XL-NPWT from 2012 to 2014. Following excision/grafting, graft and donor sites were sealed with a layered NPWT dressing. We documented wound size, dressing size, NPWT outputs, graft take, wound infections, and length of stay (LOS). Mean NPWT exudate volume per %TBSA per day was calculated. Results Twelve burn patients (mean TBSA burned 30%, range 15-60%) were treated with XL-NPWT (dressing TBSA burned and skin graft donor sites range 17-44%). Average graft take was 97%. No wound infections occurred. Two patients had burns ≥50% TBSA and their LOS was reduced compared to ABA averages. XL-NPWT outputs peaked at day 1 after grafting followed by a steady decline until dressings were removed. Average XL-NPWT dressing output during the first 5 days was 101±66mL/%BSA covered per day. 2 patients developed acute kidney injury. Conclusion The use of XL-NPWT to treat extensive burns is feasible with attention to application technique. NPWT dressings appear to improve graft take, and to decrease risk of infection, LOS, and pain and anxiety associated with wound care. Measured fluid losses can improve patient care in future applications of NPWT to large burn wounds.
Establishing a PKI in an Open Adversarial Environment

In an open network, we need a trust infrastructure to support secure communication. For example, we need authentication channels to authenticate messages and private channels to protect the confidentiality of messages. These channels may not correspond to communication channels, but to trust associations. In this paper, we address the problem of establishing a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in an open network in the presence of adversarial nodes. We discuss possible threats in this scenario and describe algorithms that a node can use to find a good approximation of a PKI provided the trust associations are sufficiently strong. In an open network where the number of faulty nodes is bounded by u, our algorithm reduces the connectivity bound for such constructions in the literature from 2u+1 [2] to 3u/2 + 1.
Replies to my Commentators

I want to start by thanking my commentators for all the time they have spent reading my book and crafting their comments. One oddity of our profession is that, even though we inhabit the same world and are equally committed to rationality, we too often end up disagreeing with each other as though these were the end times, the path to salvation was marked out in great detail, and any deviation from it spelled disaster. I hope that this conversation will show the reader – and us – that there is more than one path to salvation, even if none of us has more than a glimpse of any.
Antibody production in mice fractionally shielded during exposure to x rays.

pendence is presented in the results of experiments described in this paper. Various fractions of the body were heavily shielded from direct radiation by means of lead grids, thus leaving irradiated tissue masses surrounded by nonirradiated tissue. The purpose of these experiments was to determine the effect of the injured tissue upon the individual hemolysin titers and to see whether hemolysin titers could be correlated with the percent of the body exposed to radiation.
Microbiological Production of Carotenoids. VI. Some Factors Affecting Sporulation and Growth in the Choanephoraceae

During the course of studies made in our laboratory on the submerged-fermentation production of carotenoids, reported by Hesseltine and Anderson (1957, 1958), Anderson et al. (1957, 1958), and Ciegler et al. (1959a, 1959b), the problem of maintaining consistent, high yields was encountered. This problem stimulated the initiation of a series of experiments on the sporulation and growth of the fungi of the family Choanephoraceae, toward the end of producing inocula of ( +) and (-) strains which would contain equivalent numbers of spores and equal amounts of mycelia. This series of experiments is the subject of the present report. As early as 1879, Cunningham noted that strains of Choanephora inffndibulifera (Currey) Sacc. lost their ability to form conidia after three successive transfers on culture media. On the other hand, Wolf (1917) reported that C. cucurbitarum (Berk. & Rav.) Thaxter could be grown for 15 generations with no resultant decrease in asexual reproduction. Cunningham also reported that sporangia were not seen on the host but that they were produced on colonies growing on exhausted media. The same investigator (1895) reported that the main factors influencing fruiting of C. simsoni Cunn. were nutritional ones. Thus, when nutrients were present in large amounts, no fruiting occurred; with lesser amounts, conidia were produced; and if the nutrients were very poor, only sporangia were formed. Cunningham (1879), as well as Moller (1901), Thaxter (1903), Palm and Jochems (1924) and others, reported that conidia in the Choanephoraceae were formed at night and matured early in the morning. Thaxter (1903) found that C. cucurbitarum produced few fructifications when grown in a saturated atmosphere and that it seldom fruited in test-tube cultures. Saito and Naganishi (1915), studying Cunninghamella mandshurica (Choanephora
Oxygen Transport by the Circulatory System of the Green Iguana (Iguana Iguana) at Different Body Temperatures

1. Oxygen consumption, stroke volume, heart rate and the difference in oxygen contents of arterial and venous blood ( AV difference) were measured in the resting iguana at body temperatures of 20, 30 and 38° C. Oxygen consumption increased by a factor of 4.4 as temperature changed from 20 to 38° C. This increase was accomplished by a decrease in stroke volume by a factor of 0.5, and increases in heart rate and AV difference by factors of 4.1 and 2.2, respectively. 2. During activity increases in oxygen consumption at a given temperature were accompanied by increases in heart rate and AV difference, but stroke volume did not change consistently. 3. The percentage saturation of arterial blood with oxygen in the iguana may differ in the right and left systemic arches. In some lizards, both arches carried equally saturated blood, but in others the left arch carried blood containing less oxygen than the right arch. 4. An hypothesis is presented concerning the function of the double systemic arches and incompletely divided ventricles of lizards. These structures may be a device for permitting increased cardiac output associated with thermoregulation to bypass the lungs while maintaining a supply of well-oxygenated blood to the head. 5. Data on oxygen capacity, percentage saturation of blood with oxygen, haematocrit and pH of iguana blood are included in this study.
An Interactive Textbook for Introductory Engineering Design

Tablet computers hold great promise as educational tools. Many universities, high schools and elementary schools are working to create curricula that exploit these devices. An important part of this work is the development of textbooks that move away from the static display of words and figures to include interactive components such as videos and interactive simulations. We present such an interactive textbook, developed for an undergraduate course in mechanical engineering. We describe the course for which it was developed and the interactive components of the book. Student evaluations of the textbook are presented and discussed. Finally, we offer suggestions for additional steps that can improve interactive textbooks for use on tablet computers.
Design engineering of a bioartificial renal tubule cell therapy device.

The use of a bioartificial renal tubule device composed of renal proximal tubule cells grown within a hollow fiber cartridge is a first step in engineering a bioartificial kidney to provide more co...
Being a Student of Teaching: Practitioner Research and Study Groups

Although Dewey specifically refers to learning to teach in his cautionary statement, the words remain true for practicing teachers, the focus of this chapter. Students of teaching are, “those who are prepared to learn from teaching over the course of a lifetime … having opportunities for collaboration and reflection, questioning (and questioning [their] own questions), observation and inquiry” (Cochran-Smith, Foreword. In Bullough RV Jr, Gitlin AD Becoming a student of teaching: linking knowledge of production and practice, 2nd edn. RoutledgeFalmer, New York, pp viii–ix, 2001). Here we are concerned not with becoming a student of teaching, but with being a student of teaching.
Non-invasive quantification of tumour heterogeneity in water diffusivity to differentiate malignant from benign tissues of urinary bladder: a phase I study.

To quantify the heterogeneity of the tumour apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) using voxel-based analysis to differentiate malignancy from benign wall thickening of the urinary bladder. Nineteen patients with histopathological findings of their cystectomy specimen were included. A data set of voxel-based ADC values was acquired for each patient’s lesion. Histogram analysis was performed on each data set to calculate uniformity (U) and entropy (E). The k-means clustering of the voxel-wised ADC data set was implemented to measure mean intra-cluster distance (MICD) and largest inter-cluster distance (LICD). Subsequently, U, E, MICD, and LICD for malignant tumours were compared with those for benign lesions using a two-sample t-test. Eleven patients had pathological confirmation of malignancy and eight with benign wall thickening. Histogram analysis showed that malignant tumours had a significantly higher degree of ADC heterogeneity with lower U (P = 0.016) and higher E (P = 0.005) than benign lesions. In agreement with these findings, k-means clustering of voxel-wise ADC indicated that bladder malignancy presented with significantly higher MICD (P < 0.001) and higher LICD (P = 0.002) than benign wall thickening. The quantitative assessment of tumour diffusion heterogeneity using voxel-based ADC analysis has the potential to become a non-invasive tool to distinguish malignant from benign tissues of urinary bladder cancer. • Heterogeneity is an intrinsic characteristic of tumoral tissue. • Non-invasive quantification of tumour heterogeneity can provide adjunctive information to improve cancer diagnosis accuracy. • Histogram analysis and k-means clustering can quantify tumour diffusion heterogeneity. • The quantification helps differentiate malignant from benign urinary bladder tissue.
Adaptive learning of immunosignaturing peptide array features for biothreat detection and classification

As recently discovered, a comprehensive profiling of antibodies in a patient's blood can be obtained using random-sequence peptides on microarrays and analyzed for medical diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a novel adaptive learning methodology for biothreat detection and classification, which extracts and models appropriate stochastic features from such immunosignatures. The technique is based on the use of Dirichlet process mixture models to adaptively cluster the microarray measurements in feature space. This learning-while-classifying strategy provides the capability of adaptively detecting new biothreat agents on the fly. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed method by classifying diseases using real experimental peptide microarray data.
Abstract 11178: Right Atrial Rotors and Focal Impulses in Human Atrial Fibrillation May Explain Success Rates of Conventional Ablation

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) may recurs post ablation even after extensive left atrial procedures. Accordingly, we hypothesized that localized electrical rotors and focal beats, that have recently been shown to cause human AF, may also lie in right atrium (RA) where targeted ablation (Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation, FIRM) should eliminate AF. Methods: In 54 consecutive AF patients (62±9 years; 39 persistent), we recorded AF with 64 pole basket catheters in both atria (Constellation. Novel physiological imaging, using the Hilbert transform, was used to identify rotors/focal beats during AF. In n=26 patients of the series, sources were identified in real-time then prospectively ablated (FIRM), followed by conventional ablation. Results: Rotors and focal beats were revealed during AF in 52/54 patients (96%). Patients showed 2.0±0.8 sources, that controlled AF propagation (p Conclusions: Physiological mapping reveals rotors and/or focal impulses that sustain human AF in RA in a third of patients. Direct FIRM ablation at right atrial sources was able to terminate AF and enable long-term AF elimination. These results demonstrate the importance of patient-tailored mechanistic ablation.
Medical Mimics of Child Abuse

OBJECTIVE. Physicians have an ethical and legal mandate to identify abused children so that they may be protected from further harm and are simultaneously required to think broadly and objectively about differential diagnoses. The medical literature is replete with examples of medical diseases that mimic abuse, potentially leading to misdiagnoses and subsequent harm to children and families. CONCLUSION. This review highlights some of the common and uncommon diseases that mimic physical and sexual abuse of children.
Integrating Veterinary Subject Expertise With Information Literacy Expertise to Teach and Assess the Student Skills in Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine

A 2015 survey of veterinary educators at AVMA accredited veterinary colleges indicated use of a wide variety of teaching modalities and a broad disparity among colleges about the amount of EBVM skills taught and their place in the curriculum. Evidence in learning theory suggests that teaching the skills of EBVM requires consideration of ways to optimise the transfer of skills from the didactic or pre-clinical to the clinical setting. We partnered to successfully integrate asking a clinical question, searching the literature, appraising the literature, and applying evidence to the clinical question to make a clinical recommendation in a pre-clinical, 2nd year, course (pharmacology) and two 4th year clinical rotations (Small Animal Dermatology and Food Animal). We use lecture and paired work to introduce identifying knowledge gaps and writing background and PICO questions. Searching the biomedical literature is taught in hands-on labs with lecture followed up with open tutorial hands-on lab opportunities. Students initially work in small groups to learn critical appraisal using a literature evaluation form we created, and then learn to apply the evidence in order to make a clinical recommendation. We will report on the learning activities, assignments, rubrics, and student outcomes. Teaching materials are Creative Commons licensed and will be distributed. We will also describe challenges and recommendations for integrating EBVM skills into other disciplines.
Hesiod and Classical Greek Poetry: Reception and Transformation in the Fifth Century BCE

Hesiod was regarded by the Greeks as a foundational figure of their culture, alongside Homer. This book examines the rich and varied engagement of fifth-century lyric and drama with the poetic corpus attributed to Hesiod as well as with the poetic figure of Hesiod. The first half of the book is dedicated to Hesiodic reception in Pindaric and Bacchylidean poetry, with a particular focus on poetics, genealogies and mythological narratives, and didactic voices. The second half examines how Hesiodic narratives are approached and appropriated in tragedy and satyr drama, especially in the Prometheus plays and in Euripides' Ion. It also explores the multifaceted engagement of Old Comedy with the poetry and authority associated with Hesiod. Through close readings of numerous case studies, the book surveys the complex landscape of Hesiodic reception in the fifth century BCE, focusing primarily on lyric and dramatic responses to the Hesiodic tradition.
MicroRNA as Novel Exercise Mimetic for Muscle Wasting in CKD.

Cachexia with muscle wasting is prevalent and closely associated with mortality and morbidity in patients with CKD.[1][1] The pathophysiology of muscle wasting in CKD is complex. Inadequate nutritional intake, physical inactivity from muscle weakness, systemic inflammation and aberrant signaling of
Generalization Gradients and Combined-Stimulus Control after Equal Training Wit! Two Related Stimuli: II. Effects of “Errorless” Training. III. Effects of Chlorpromazine

For 2 groups of pigeons, each of two differentially positioned stimulus lamps were correlated with identical reinforcement schedules, and the absence of both lamps signalled extinction. Key-pecking responses of one group were brought under stimulus control by a procedure which initially resulted in many “errors.” The second group’s responses were brought under control by a “fading” procedure, and few errors occurred. In Exp. I both the intermediate stimulus and the combined stimuli controlled higher response rates than the single training stimuli, and other stimuli controlled lower rates. In Exp. II, chlorpromazine reduced responding during the stimuli correlated with reinforcement but had no effect on responding during the stimulus signalling extinction. The occurrence of errors in the acquisition of stimulus control was not a necessary condition for the observation of enhanced control by intermediate and combined stimuli nor a sufficient condition for the disruption of control by chlorpromazine.
Death narratives and cervical cancer: Impact of character death on narrative processing and HPV vaccination.

Objectives Narratives hold promise as an effective public health message strategy for health behavior change, yet research on what types of narratives are most persuasive is still in the formative stage. Narrative persuasion research has identified 2 promising features of such messages that could influence behavior: whether characters live or die, and whether characters encounter key barriers. This study investigated the effects of these 2 narrative message features on young women's HPV vaccination intentions and examined mediating psychological processes of narrative persuasion in the context of cervical cancer messages. Method We manipulated these 2 features in a narrative HPV vaccine intervention targeted to a national sample of U.S. women 18-26 who had not initiated the vaccine (N = 247). Participants were randomized in a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment. Results Compared to death narratives, survival narratives increased narrative believability and self-efficacy while lowering perceived barriers to vaccination. As features interacted, survival narratives featuring social barriers led to greater narrative transportation (absorption into the story) than other combinations. Moderated mediation analysis tested 10 theoretically derived mediators; transportation and risk severity mediated the narrative-intention relationship. Conclusions Findings provide evidence for key psychological postulates of narrative persuasion theory. Results inform practical application for the construction of effective narrative message content in cervical cancer prevention campaigns for young women. (PsycINFO Database Record
Oxidation Tmax: A new thermal maturity indicator for hydrocarbon source rocks

Abstract We report a new thermal maturity indicator for hydrocarbon source rocks based on non-isothermal programmed temperature oxidation of organic matter. Open system pyrolysis (e.g., Rock-Eval) is a fast and inexpensive analysis method and thus it is widely used in geochemical screening of source rocks. Pyrolysis Tmax based maturity assessment is known to be adversely affected by the presence of oil-based mud and organic contaminants. Moreover, pyrolysis does not yield reliable Tmax for overmature or organic-lean samples. With these limitations in mind, we aimed at utilizing thermal oxidation behavior of organic matter that could be used as an indicator for its maturity. A suite of organic-rich shale samples was analyzed using routine pyrolysis, and pyrolysis Tmax values were obtained. Then the same suite of samples were subjected to thermal oxidation using a LECO analyzer, and the maximum temperature of oxidation was measured. A strong correlation ( R 2 ≥ 0.88) was found between pyrolysis Tmax and oxidation Tmax values. Furthermore, oxidation analyses of pre-pyrolyzed (charred) samples also produced a strong relationship between oxidation Tmax of the pre-pyrolyzed (charred) samples and the pyrolysis Tmax of the original sample. A final trial was conducted using routine pyrolysis instrumentation, namely Rock-Eval 6 (RE6) to measure the maximum temperature of oxidation (S4 peak) and compare it to pyrolysis Tmax. A cross plot of pyrolysis Tmax and oxidation Tmax values both acquired from RE6 analyses led to the following relationship: Pyrolysis Tmax ( ° C ) = ( oxidation Tmax ( S 4 ) + 272.82 ) / 1.71 ( R 2 = 0.89 ) We note that oxidation Tmax is a reliable new thermal maturity indicator, especially for contaminated and/or overmature samples.
Iterative Tomographic Deconvolution Phase Microscopy

The existing refractive index imaging method, tomographic deconvolution phase microscopy, is improved by applying an iterative optimization algorithm. The required number of illumination angles is greatly reduced, while the accuracy remains high.
Reliable Rapid Assay for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are common sexually transmitted infections seen in the emergency department (ED). Due to an inability to reliably make accurate diagnosis by physical examination, concern for unreliable follow-up, and current delays in diagnostic nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), presumptive treatment active against CT and NG, as described by Centers for Disease Control clinical practice guidelines, is often performed. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether a rapid, urine NAAT performed in the ED is noninferior in its diagnostic sensitivity compared with a traditional, swab NAAT assay. Methods We performed a prospective, noninferiority study comparing two U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved NAAT assays for CT and NG: a 90-min rapid assay, the Xpert CT/NG Assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) using a urine sample vs. a traditional assay, the Aptima Combo 2 Assay (Gen-Probe Incorporated, San Diego, CA) using a swab sample. This study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02386514 ). Results A total of 1162 patient samples were included in the primary analysis. We observed excellent kappa agreement between assays: NG for men, 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.00); NG for women, 0.87 (95% CI 0.79–0.94); CT for men, 0.81 (95% CI 0.59–1.00); and CT for women: 0.85 (95% CI 0.80–0.90), as well as excellent negative and positive predictive values for the rapid assay. Conclusion Although the rapid Xpert CT/NG assay's diagnostic sensitivity did not meet our prespecified threshold for noninferiority, the diagnostic characteristics are robust enough to fit into a management pathway that may reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. There may be an opportunity to utilize the rapid Xpert CT/NG assay to improve accuracy of treatment in the ED.
Medicare Spending on Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Medications.

Purpose To analyze Medicare Part B spending on anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications. Design Observational cohort study using Medicare Part B claims data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Participants Medicare Part B beneficiaries and their providers. Methods Data from 2011 through 2015 were used to analyze intravitreal injection claims for ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) and aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY). Main Outcomes Measures Number of intravitreal injections performed annually, Medicare Part B expenditures on anti-VEGF medications, and beneficiary cost share. Results The number of Medicare Part B claims for ranibizumab decreased from 671 869 in 2011 to 573 796 in 2015. During this 5-year period, associated Medicare drug costs averaged $1.3 billion annually. The number of Medicare Part B claims for aflibercept increased from 518 836 in 2013 to 866 749 in 2015. Annual Medicare drug expenditure for aflibercept was $1.4 billion on average. On average, Medicare spent $9719 and $9934 annually on each beneficiary receiving ranibizumab and aflibercept injections, respectively. Conclusions The number of anti-VEGF injections performed annually, and their associated costs, continue to rise. Ranibizumab and aflibercept costs account for 12% of the Medicare Part B budget annually. Bevacizumab represents a substantially more cost-effective alternative, but its use can present many obstacles, including efficacy concerns, dependence on compounding pharmacies, and off-label usage.
When the Reading Room Meets the Team Room: Resident Perspectives From Radiology and Internal Medicine on the Effect of Personal Communication After Implementing a Resident-Led Radiology Rounds.

Objective Current radiology and internal medicine (IM) residents have trained to varying degrees depending on program in the post picture archiving and communication systems implementation era and thus have largely missed out on the benefits of in-person, 2-way communication between radiologists and consulting clinicians. The purpose of this study is to broadly explore resident perspectives from these groups on the desire for personal contact between radiologists and referring physicians and the effect of improved contact on clinical practice. Materials and Methods A radiology rounds was implemented in which radiology residents travel to the IM teaching service teams to discuss their inpatients and review ordered imaging biweekly. Surveys were given to both cohorts following 9 months of implementation. Results A total of 23/49 diagnostic radiology (DR) and 72/197 IM residents responded. In all, 83% of DR and 96% of IM residents desired more personal contact between radiologists and clinicians. Of all, 92% of DR residents agree that contact with referring clinicians changes their approach to a study, 96% of IM residents agree that personal contact with a radiologist has changed patient management in a way that they otherwise would not have done having simply read a report, 85% of DR residents report that more clinician contact will improve resource use, and 96% report that it will improve care quality. Furthermore, 99% of IM residents report that increased access to a radiologist would make selecting the most appropriate imaging study easier in various clinical scenarios. A majority of IM residents prefer radiology reports that provide specific next-step recommendations and that include arrows/key-image series. Conclusion We conclude that the newest generation of physicians is already attuned to the value of a radiologist who plays an active, in-person role in the clinical decision-making process.
Systems analysis of high somatic cell counts on dairy farms

Many milk quality programs are focusing on somatic cell counts or other milk quality parameters in their communication strategies with dairy farmers. However, it is critical to acknowledge that farms are complex systems, regardless of their size. Biological, economic, and social/behavioral aspects jointly impact the ultimate efficiency of the farm. To successfully address such a complex system a comprehensive, coordinated and fully integrated systems approach is essential.
Discrimination of Visceral Stimuli, Biofeedback and Self-Regulation: A Methodological Proposal

This paper has two purposes. The first is to persuade an audience, composed primarily of clinicians, of the relevance of a seemingly academic problem, discrimination of visceral stimuli, to their clinical work. The second is to persuade both clinicians and academicians that changes in their research methods are necessary if the problems of visceral perception are to be solved.
Thermoelastic Coating Characterization using a Superelastic NiTi Alloy

Temperature changes occurring in solids as a result of external stressing (thermoelasticity) can be used as the heat source in thermographic infrared inspections [1]. Some materials, for example most metals, are highly reflective in the infrared and consequently require an emissivity enhancing coating to facilitate an infrared inspection. Understanding the effect such a coating has on the thermoelastic response from the material is a fundamental part of interpreting the results, and has spawned an effort to characterize the effect of the coating on a thermoelastic response [2,3]. A theoretical examination of the thermoelastic response from a substrate/coating configuration based upon [4] has led to the identification of three distinct response regimes. The coating thickness and the stressing frequency determine the response regime for a given coating. For high frequencies and thick coatings the response generated from the substrate material is damped out within the coating, and a small coating thermoelastic response is revealed. This response is excited by strain continuity across the substrate/coating bondline, earning the label “strain witness response.” Operating within the strain witness regime had been a problem until the recent introduction of a superelastic NiTi alloy as the substrate material. An introduction to this NiTi alloy and its application to coating characterization precedes a description of the experiment and presentation of theoretical and experimental results.
Severity Classification of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma with Heart Rate and SpO2 Sensors

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are chronic and long-term lung diseases. Disease monitoring with minimal sensors with high efficacy can make the disease control simple and practical for patients. We propose a model for the severity assessment of the diseases through wearables and compatible with mobile health applications, using only heart rate and SpO 2 (from pulse oximeter sensor). Patient data were obtained from the MIMIC- III Waveform Database Matched Subset. The dataset consists of 158 subjects. Both heart rate and SpO 2 signal of patients are analyzed via the proposed algorithm to classify the severity of the diseases. Strategically, a rule-based threshold approach in real time evaluation is considered for the categorization scheme. Furthermore, a method is proposed to assess severity as an Event of Interest (EOI) from the computed metrics in retrospective. This type of autonomous system for real-time evaluation of patient’s condition has the potential to improve individual health through continual monitoring and self- management, as well as improve the health status of the overall Smart and Connected Community (SCC).
Managing Reactions to Performance Appraisal: The Influence of Multiple Justice Mechanisms

Despite the potential for conflict in performance appraisal, researchers have devoted little time and attention to justice concerns when studying this process. The present study used scenarios to investigate the effect of distributive, procedural, and interactional justice mechanisms on responses to performance appraisal reviews. Results suggest that multiple justice mechanisms in the same context may interact to influence perceptions of fairness, satisfaction, and commitment. Practical implications for conducting performance reviews in organizations are discussed.
Fewer Women Doing More Crime: How Has the One-Child Policy Affected Female Crime in China?

China has a massive scarcity of marriageable women; but simultaneously, its rate of female crime has dramatically increased in recent decades, even outpacing the male counterpart. These two seeming...
A Comparison of Nonobese Versus Obese Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction Scores Utilizing Standard U.S. Hospital Survey Query Methodology.

Background: Prior research reveals that overweight patients have higher emergency department (ED) utilization rates, longer length of stay, and face increased misdiagnosis risk. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and ED patient satisfaction. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of inner-city ED patients completed a written survey, then rated overall satisfaction with ED care (10-point scale), and rated components of satisfaction (4-point scale; never to always). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using triage records (obesity = BMI >30). Results: Five hundred and sixty-four patients were included in the study group (50.5%: obese, 55.4%: female, mean age: 43.2 ± 25.4 years). With respect to overall visit satisfaction (rating 8 or greater on 10-point scale), bivariate analysis revealed no differences between nonobese versus obese patients (74.6% vs. 73.9%; P = 0.85). There were no significant differences for score of 4 (always) for components of ED satisfaction: physician courtesy (87.9% vs. 90.4%; P = 0.34), nurse courtesy/respect (89.2% vs. 88.7%; P = 0.87), doctor listened (85.4% vs. 87.1%; P = 0.5), doctor explained (80.2% vs. 85.0%; P = 0.14), and recommend to friend (72.5% vs. 81.1%; P = 0.02). Within our multivariate model, obesity was not associated with overall satisfaction (scores of 8 or greater) (P = 0.97; odds ratio = 0.99 [95% confidence interval = 0.65–1.5]). Conclusions: Despite research that suggests that overweight patients have characteristics of their ED visit that might increase dissatisfaction risk, we found no difference in satisfaction scores between nonobese and obese patients.
Using Category Theory in Modeling Generics in OOP (Outline).

Modeling generics in object-oriented programming languages such as Java and C# is a challenge. Recently we proposed a new order-theoretic approach to modeling generics. Given the strong relation between order theory and category theory, in this extended abstract we present how also some tools from category theory, such as adjunctions, monads and operads, are used in our approach to modeling generics.
Interactive Effects of Food Supplementation and Snake Fungal Disease on Pregnant Pygmy Rattlesnakes and Their Offspring

In viviparous organisms, the ability to feed while pregnant may mitigate energetic trade-offs experienced during the reproductive process and enhance fecundity. However, anorexia during pregnancy has been reported in many crotaline snakes. The potential costs and benefits of feeding while pregnant are not completely described in the literature, and experimental studies have been conducted in a limited number of taxa, rendering our understanding of the forces that may underlie the evolution of anorexia in pregnant snakes incomplete. Here, we examine the impact of food supplementation during mid to late pregnancy on mothers and offspring in a viviparous crotaline snake species, the Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius). Specifically, we offered multiple large meals to mothers held in outdoor enclosures and measured a suite of maternal and offspring traits including maternal body condition, offspring length and mass, maternal disease state, and offspring foraging behaviors. We focused on interactions between feeding, clinical signs of snake fungal disease (SFD), and the presence of its causative agent, Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, in mothers. Pregnant females fed readily when offered food, but feeding did not impact offspring traits. Food supplementation significantly increased maternal postparturient body condition, but also increased clinical signs of disease in mothers and led to a significantly higher reproductive failure rate in the treatment group, particularly in mothers afflicted with SFD. Our results suggest that food supplementation during pregnancy may disrupt the reproductive process in pregnant rattlesnakes, and that such disruption is particularly pronounced in mothers suffering from SFD.
Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Future Maternal Health: How Can the Evidence Guide Postpartum Management?

To review the postpartum management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders are associated with an increased risk of future cardiovascular disease; however, there is a poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms and few recommendations to guide care in the postpartum period. Recent studies have shown high rates of masked hypertension and home blood pressure monitoring in the first year postpartum may be a promising opportunity to monitor health given evidence of high maternal adherence to this approach. In longer term, women with a history of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy have higher blood pressures, increased risk of metabolic syndrome, and perhaps excess diastolic dysfunction. Triaging risk and improving handoff from the obstetrician to the primary care provider or subspecialist should be a priority in this population. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy remain an untapped opportunity to identify excess cardiovascular risk in affected women at a time when mitigating that risk during the reproductive years has the potential to improve future pregnancy health as well as improve women’s long-term cardiometabolic health.
The effect of entrustable professional activities on pathology resident confidence in blood banking/transfusion medicine

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires milestone reporting of the Six General Core Competencies. Additionally, Graduate Medical Education (GME) is transitioning to adopt competency-based education methodologies including entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for objective, observable, and measurable milestone progression. The College of American Pathologists published 19 EPAs, including one for transfusion-related adverse events. This survey study includes developing EPAs for transfusion reaction evaluation and assessing residents before and after implementing these EPAs. Study design and methods Three transfusion reaction EPAs were developed and implemented in July 2018 for the Postgraduate Year (PGY) 2 pathology residents. An online, anonymous survey was sent to all 21 pathology trainees before and one year after EPA implementation. In July 2018 and August 2019, each survey included the same six multiple-choice, single-response, confidence questions, with a rating scale of extremely, very, slightly, or not at all confident. This study was approved by the hospital's Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences Research and GME Committee. Results Analysis was performed on PGY2-4 residents. In 2018, 13 of 20 participants were analyzed. In 2019, 15 of 19 participants were analyzed. Number and percentage of responses were reported. The results showed an increase in trainee confidence, with the greatest improvement among the first class to use the EPAs. Conclusion EPAs provide an effective framework for objective and measurable progression of trainees. One year after the implementation of transfusion reaction EPAs at our site, the trainees showed enhanced confidence levels in handling Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine Services coverage.
Poster: Design of an Educational Program for Freshmen Before Practicing Project Based Learning: Utilization of Digital Storytelling

Our practical experience of education has shown that the group activity-based PBL process requires the ability to express one’s own ideas to others (communication skill), the ability to abstract problems and develop one’s thoughts (computational thinking skill), and the ability to move ahead with tasks in a planned manner (skill to see the big picture of matters). Therefore, we gave our attention to digital storytelling as an activity that will sharpen these three skills and that lets a student complete assignments by himself or herself. In this paper we reports on classroom exercise into which digital storytelling activities were incorporated. According to a questionnaire survey conducted after the class, our education program received positive feedback from about 80% or more of the students who took the course.
Drugs and memory: Evidence that drug effects can become associated with contextual cues by being paired post-trial with consolidation/re-consolidation. Mini review

Abstract An extensive literature has validated the critical importance of a brief post–trial consolidation period for the incorporation of an experience into memory. Importantly, during this active consolidation state the memory formation is vulnerable to modification. While the subsequent stabilization of the memory makes it relatively resistant to modification, conditioned drug cues that re-activate the cue drug state association can initiate a re-consolidation process and during this re-consolidation the drug-cue association again becomes briefly unstable and sensitive to modification by post-trial treatments. Although most post-trial treatments shown to interact with memory consolidation processes have been used with instrumental learning protocols, this review is focused on recent findings that indicate that psycho-stimulant drug responses induced by apomorphine and morphine during the post-trial consolidation/re-consolidation state can become incorporated into the memory process. As a consequence, these post-trial drug treatment effects can be expressed in a subsequent non-drug test as behavioral responses comparable to the drug induced responses. In fact, apomorphine and morphine when administered post-trial can induce sensitization/conditioned effects that mirror the effects generated when these same drugs are administered in the presence of contextual cues. In addition, it has been shown that apomorphine given at stimulant/inhibitory dopaminergic dose levels post-trial during re-consolidation of a conditioned drug behavior can intensify/reverse the drug conditioning previously induced by apomorphine, morphine or haloperidol. The apparent efficacy of a post-trial drug state induced by a psycho-stimulant drug during consolidation/re-consolidation to become incorporated into contextual memory points up an alternative way, in addition to Pavlovian conditioning, by which psycho-stimulant drug effects can become embedded into an engram activated by contextual cues. These findings further suggest that drug treatments can be used to counter-condition the re-consolidated conditioned addictive drug response to substantially reduce the salience and motivational significance the conditioned association induced by the addictive drug.
Evelina Fue Tu Nombre / Evelina Was Your Name

On Thursday, April 18 my students and I coordinated an activity in which we celebrated the National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month. In this activity, one of our adjuncts professors presented information about the struggle that a Puerto Rican woman, Evelina Lopez Antonetty had in providing access to bilingual education to a monolingual-Spanish community in the South Bronx . The South Bronx is still considered one of the most impoverished boroughs in NYC and it is also where the college I am working at (Eugenio Maria de Hostos CC) is located. As part of the activity, I wrote a poem about Evelina Lopez Antonetty and the poem was translated by my students into three (3) different languages.
Algorithmic quoting, trading, and market quality in agricultural commodity futures markets

This paper investigates the effect of algorithmic trading activity, as measured by quoting, on the corn, soybean, and live cattle commodity futures market quality. Using the CME’s limit-order-book ...