cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract WP89: Hemodynamic Differences Found in Ruptured and Unruptured Aneurysms - Quantitative Comparison of 41 Cases from a Single Location

Introduction: Brain aneurysm growth and rupture has been reported to relate to hemodynamic properties. To understand the characteristics of high rupture risk blood flow, research has studied flow differences between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Although it is known that flow characteristics also vary between different aneurysm locations, due to the rarity of data for ruptured cases, previous reports which showed differences between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms have relied on the inclusion of cases from multiple locations for the comparison. Hypothesis: Our aim is to test the hypothesis that hemodynamic differences between ruptured and unruptured cases can be found in aneurysms at the same location. Methods: To include sufficient ruptured and unruptured cases, aneurysms located at the internal carotid artery-ophthalmic artery, the most common aneurysms in our center, were analyzed. A total of 41 (12 ruptured and 29 unruptured) cases treated from January 2004 to August 2011 were included. Aneurysms were studied using patient-specific hemodynamic analysis. Flow changes in different aneurysm regions and their association with rupture were analyzed quantitatively. Statistical methods including multivariate test and paired t-tests were used to investigate the flow differences between ruptured and unruptured groups. Results: Concentrated high blood flow pulsatility was discovered in ruptured aneurysms. In contrast, the blood flow pulsatility was found to be lower and increased gradually from the neck to dome in unruptured aneurysms. Pulsatility index at regions of neck, body, and dome averaged 1.5, 1.7, and 1.5 for ruptured cases, and 1.0, 1.2, and 1.3 for unruptured cases. Quantitative comparisons of inflow and outflow that analyzed the temporal characteristics of the flow showed that significant changes within the aneurysm sac may be a key indicator related to aneurysm rupture risk (P Conclusions: The different hemodynamic characteristics between ruptured and unruptured cases found in our study suggest that the high pulsatility and the relationship between inflow and outflow may be useful to characterize rupture risk for aneurysms at the same location.
Finding trails

We present a statistical learning approach for finding recreational trails in aerial images. While the problem of recognizing relatively straight and well defined roadways in digital images has been well studied in the literature, the more difficult problem of extracting trails has received no attention. However, trails and rough roads are less likely to be adequately mapped, and change more rapidly over time. Automated tools for finding trails will be useful to cartographers, recreational users and governments. In addition, the methods developed here are applicable to the more general problem of finding linear structure. Our approach combines local estimates for image pixel trail probabilities with the global constraint that such pixels must link together to form a path. For the local part, we present results using three classification techniques. To construct a global solution (a trail) from these probabilities, we propose a global cost function that includes both global probability and path length. We show that the addition of a length term significantly improves trail finding ability. However, computing the optimal trail becomes intractable as known dynamic programming methods do not apply. Thus we describe a new splitting heuristic based on Dijkstra's algorithm. We then further improve upon the results with a trail sampling scheme. We test our approach on 500 challenging images along the 2500 mile continental divide mountain bike trail, where assumptions prevalent in the road literature are violated.
Adaptive Behaviors in Children with Tourette Syndrome

Objective: To compare the adaptive behavior between child re n with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and normal children Method: 33 c h ildren with TS and 33 normal control were evaluated with Scale of Child Adaptive Behavior Result: The adaptive quotation and scores of most su bscales in children with TS were lower than those in normal control Severity o f TS had greater contribution to the low scores Conclusion: Ad apt ive behavior of children with TS is poorer than that of normal children, more se vere the disease, more poor the adaptive behavior
Based on greedy strategy overall distribution optimization algorithm solving 0-1 knapsack problem

Overall distribution optimization algorithm based on greedy strategy with simple idea,which can be used to solve large-scale 0-1knapsack problem is presented in the paper.Firstly,an initial population is brought out randomly in the method,and according to greedy strategy,it is developed into higher valuable feasible solution and the optimum solution is reserved.Then,a new population is produced around optimum solution according to Cauchy distribution,and again it's developed into higher valuable feasible solution after greedy strategy and it's reserved.Repeat the whole solution procedure above,reach the most iteration,and seek out the globally optimal solution to the problem.Lastly,different scale problems are tested.The result shows that the method is efficient in solving 0-1knapsack problem,and compared to genetic algorithm and greedy strategy,it's more powerful to seeking for optimum.
A Model of Conflict Comparison Between International and Domestic Channels: The Manufacturer’s Perspective

The social systems paradigm of channels explains the effects of behaviors and attitudes on channel outcomes. Enhancing this paradigm with exchange and social exchange theories permits evaluation of perceived differences in domestic and export channels. A testable model is proposed to explain unfavorable attitudes toward exporting.
Metaphors as Equipment for Living

The cultural anthropologist Mary Douglas once said that a good way to begin an inquiry into a particular social practice is to ask, “What do the people get out of doing this?” Answering this kind o...
Evaluating the Effects of Multiple Opinion Rationales on Supreme Court Legitimacy

The literature on the U.S. Supreme Court has paid substantial attention to the perceived legitimacy of the Court’s decisions. However, much less attention has been paid to the perceived legitimacy of the reasons the Court provides for its opinions. We design two experiments to understand how the public perceives opinion content. Unlike prior studies, we take it as a given that the Court uses legal reasons in its decisions. This offers us a baseline by which to compare departures from these legal reasons. We find that extralegal reasons, when paired with legal reasons, do nothing to harm the legitimacy of the Court. Furthermore, we find that even with a lack of legal reasons, the use of extralegal reasons does not harm the legitimacy of the Court, even among those who find that these reasons are inappropriate for the Court to use.
Towards a New Therapy for Hemophilia A: Evaluation of Multiple Approaches To Prolong the In Vivo Efficacy of Recombinant Factor VIII.

Prophylactic therapy with rFVIII has been shown to have a significant positive impact on the treatment of Hemophilia A. One of the impediments to effective prophylaxis is the requirement for frequent injections necessitated by the 12–14 hour circulating half-life of FVIII. We have evaluated a number of approaches to modify FVIII to reduce the need for frequent injections. In one approach, the active form of FVIII was stabilized by addition of a disulfide linkage between the A2 and A3 domains. As previously reported1, these molecules exhibited prolonged FVIII activity in a number of in vitro assays following activation. In vivo characterization of these molecules is in progress. Other approaches focused on increasing the circulating half-life of FVIII. In an attempt to reduce FVIII clearance by the liver receptor LRP, site-directed mutations in the reported LRP binding region of the FVIII A2 domain were generated. Twenty mutants, with single amino acid changes, were analyzed in mouse and rabbit recovery studies and no significant increase in recovery was observed. Since the point mutants may not have covered a large enough surface of the LRP binding domains, polyethlylene glygol (PEG) modification was used to disrupt a larger surface area. Previously, attachment of PEG moieties to FVIII had been shown to lead to an increase in plasma half-life in animal models; however, standard pegylation chemistries result in significant product heterogeneity and thus may not be suitable for commercial production. We have developed a novel method, based on protein engineering, to introduce PEG to specific cysteine residues on the surface of FVIII. Using this method, different molecular weight PEGs have been conjugated to sites in the A1, A2 or A3 domains of FVIII. Analysis of the pegylated proteins confirms that the attachment of PEG is highly specific to the engineered site. The pegylated products retain activity based on the two stage chromogenic assay, but exhibit reduced activity when analyzed by the one stage coagulation assay. Pharmacokinetic studies, performed in mouse and rabbit, show that pegylation increases half-life in a manner that is proportional to PEG molecular weight. Using a number of injury models in hemophilic mice, the pegylated molecules have been shown to be efficacious in stopping bleeds. The prospects for using site-specific pegylation of FVIII to produce a therapeutic for treatment of hemophilia A will be discussed.
Reflections on Neuroprotection Research and the Path Toward Clinical Success

Translational neuroprotection research is currently undergoing a rebirth, a much needed revival, in part due to the efficacy of both thrombolytic and endovascular procedures in subpopulations of ischemic stroke patients. Stroke is currently treated with the Food and Drug administration (FDA)-approved thrombolytic, tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), and can be treated with endovascular approaches using the MERCI stent retriever or the Solitaire FR stent retriever, with the application of thrombolytic (i.e., rt-PA or urokinase) prior to embolectomy for rt-PA eligible patients. Moreover, from retrospective analysis in rt-PA ineligible stroke patients, embolectomy alone has proven safe and beneficial if completed within 6 h.
Justifying Communal Violence, Recuperating Militancy: Sunil Ariyaratne's Sarungale and Gamini Fonseka's Nomiyena Minisun

This paper examines two Sinhala films, Sunil Ariyaratne's Sarungale (1979) and Gamini Fonseka's Nomyena Minisun (1994), that demonstrate the ambivalence of the Sinhala socio-political establishment towards the Tamil other. However, while Ariyaratne's ambivalence is discriminatory and victimizes the Tamil minority, Fonseka's recuperation of Tamil militancy provides the potential for change in a post-conflict society. InSarungale, Ariyaratneemploys a perspective in which intra-ethnic violence (caste-based violence amongst Hindu Tamils) is juxtaposed with inter-ethnic, communal violence between Sinhalese and Tamils. In so doing, the film justifies anti-Tamil violence experienced by Nadaraja, the Tamil protagonist. However, by casting GaminiFonseka, an icon in Sinhala cinema in the role of Nadaraja, and by using the popular genre of melodrama, Ariyaratne elicits the viewer's sympathy towards the victimization of Tamils. Indeed, it is this type of vacillation towards Tamils, and by extension the Tamil national question, since the 1950s that gives rise to Tamil militancy and the armed conflict of the 1980s. Regarding Sri Lanka's armed conflict, much critical attention has been paid to the state's violent suppression of resistance, and considerably less scholarship is devoted to the state's complex relationship to Tamil militancy. Indeed, the reincarnation of former combatants as new stakeholders in the government has challenged static definitions of militants, an identity often conflated with "terrorists". At the same time, however, the state has made arbitrary distinctions between militants by requiring rehabilitation of some cadres and not others. My argument, then, consists of ·two claims: on the one hand, the ambivalence of Sarungale illustrates the discriminatory power of majoritarian politics evident even in its progressive aesthetic expressions. Indeed, it is this form of discriminatory power disguised as humanism that leads to total war. On the other hand, NomiyenaMinisun represents a productive form of ambivalence as the film captures the state's mutable position vis-a-vis· the Tamil militant movement, an inconsistent logic that gives a faint ray of hope for post-war reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
Uterine Fibroids in the Setting of Infertility: When to Treat, How to Treat?

We aim to provide insight on the treatment of fibroids in the infertile patient. Specifically, we discuss which fibroids, based on size and location within the uterine wall, have the most impact on fertility outcomes. In addition, we demonstrate which methods are best for treatment of fibroids in the infertile patient, focusing on minimally invasive techniques. Current research demonstrates that, in addition to submucosal fibroids, also intramural fibroids can have a negative impact on fertility via molecular and mechanical disruption of the endometrium and of normal uterine peristalsis. Certain intramural fibroids should be considered for removal or treatment in the infertile patient, depending on size and patient history. We also provide a large body of evidence demonstrating the safety and clinical advantages of minimally invasive techniques, such as hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and robot-assisted laparoscopy in the treatment of uterine fibroids. All submucosal and many intramural fibroids interfere with uterine function. In the evaluation of the infertile patient, accurate fibroid mapping within the uterus is essential to identify those submucosal and intramural fibroids that are likely to have the most impact of fertility outcomes. The mainstay of treatment is surgery for those fibroids with the most detrimental impact. Nonsurgical alternatives such as magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) and radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation (RFVTA) need further validation before their widespread adoption in infertile patients.
Evaluation of developmental prognosis for esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula

This study investigated risk factors for developmental disorders after the repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF). The clinical charts of all infants with EA/TEF (gross type C) treated at our institution between 1993 and 2013 were analyzed. Patients with chromosomal aberrations were excluded. Forty-seven patients were divided into groups according to the presence (D) or absence (N) of developmental disorders. Patients were assessed with appropriate developmental examinations at age >3 years. Group D comprised 13 patients. The 34 patients in the group N had received a standard education. In groups D and N, gestational age was 36.5 versus 38.5 weeks, birth weight was 1808 versus 2662 g, and congenital cardiac anomalies occurred in 76.9 versus 23.5%. These differences reached significance. Operative data did not differ significantly. Overall complications occurred in 69.2 versus 29.4%, gastroesophageal reflux (GER) requiring fundoplication in 46.1 versus 8.8%, and oral ingestion difficulty in 61.5 versus 14.7%, which were significantly different. The frequencies of anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, and recurrent fistula did not differ significantly. Gestation, birth weight, and cardiac anomalies could be risk factors for developmental disorders. Moreover, overall complications, GER, and oral ingestion may affect development.
Structural and Optical Properties of Sb-Substituted BiSI Grown from Sulfur/Iodine Flux

Bismuth and antimony were reacted in sulfur/iodine flux mixtures at various temperatures and iodine concentrations to explore the effects of these variables on the synthesis and properties of Bi1–xSbxSI products. The products grow as crystals; microprobe elemental analysis and UV/vis/NIR spectroscopy of the Bi1–xSbxSI solid solutions indicate that substitution is homogeneous within individual crystals but varies up to 15% between crystals within each synthesis batch. Raman spectra show a two-mode behavior upon substitution, indicating covalent bonding within the structure, and TEM/SEM data confirm no presence of nanoclustering or segregation within the crystals.
Transgenic expression of HuR increases vasogenic edema and impedes functional recovery in rodent ischemic stroke.

Abstract Background and purpose Ischemic stroke produces significant morbidity and mortality, and acute interventions are limited by short therapeutic windows. Novel approaches to neuroprotection and neurorepair are necessary. HuR is an RNA-binding protein (RBP) which modulates RNA stability and translational efficiency of genes linked to ischemic stroke injury. Methods Using a transgenic (Tg) mouse model, we examined the impact of ectopic HuR expression in astrocytes on acute injury evolution after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Results HuR transgene expression was detected in astrocytes in perilesional regions and contralaterally. HuR Tg mice did not improve neurologically 72 h after injury, whereas littermate controls did. In Tg mice, increased cerebral vascular permeability and edema were observed. Infarct volume was not affected by the presence of the transgene. Conclusions Ectopic expression of HuR in astrocytes worsens outcome after transient ischemic stroke in mice in part by increasing vasogenic cerebral edema. These findings suggest that HuR could be a therapeutic target in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.
Future of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

The nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors (NNRTIs) are small molecules that bind to HIV-1 RT at a site distinct from the DNA polymerase active site of the enzyme and block retroviral reverse transcription via an allosteric mechanism of action (1). Nevirapine (NVP) was the first NNRTI approved in 1996 by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV-1 infection, followed by delavirdine in 1997, efavirenz (EFV) in 1998, etravirine (ETV) in 2008, and rilpivirine (RPV) in 2011. For almost 20 y NNRTIs served as the cornerstone of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Indeed, most first-line cART included one NNRTI (typically NVP, EFV, or RPV) in combination with two nucleoside/nucleotide RT inhibitors. Just last month, RPV and the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir were approved as the first once-daily, single-pill, two-drug regimen for the maintenance treatment of virologically suppressed HIV-1 infection. ETV can be included in salvage cART for the treatment of HIV-1–infected ART-experienced individuals, including those with prior NNRTI exposure. NNRTIs have also been used to prevent HIV-1 infection. NVP has been used to prevent mother-to-child transmission (2), the … [↵][1]1Email: nps2{at}pitt.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
A Conceptual Platform for Understanding and Managing Complex Service Enterprises: Case Studies in the Transformation of Healthcare Delivery

The nature of service delivery enterprises is explored in the context of transforming such enterprises to achieve substantially improved effectiveness and efficiency in delivering service outcomes. The impacts of the architectures of service enterprises are considered in terms of multilevel enterprise models. A methodology for developing such models is presented. Computational versions of such models are discussed. Five case studies are summarized that illustrate the application of this conceptual platform to several aspects of health and healthcare.
Rational Functions and Flows with Periodic Solutions

The geometry of the space of real, proper, rational functions of a fixed degree and without common factors has been of interest in system theory for some time because of the central role transfer functions play in modeling linear time invariant systems. The 2n-dimensional manifold of real proper rational functions of degree n can also be identified with the product of the set of (2n − 1)-dimensional manifold of n-by-n real nonsingular Hankel matrices and the real line. The distinct possibilities for the signature of a nonsingular n-by-n Hankel matrix serves to characterize the distinct connected components of the correspond set of rational functions and, at the same time, serve to decompose the space into connected components. In this paper we consider the construction of the de Rham cohomology of the n-by-n real nonsingular Hankel matrices of signature n − 2 as a further step in the quest for more useful parameterizations of various families of rational functions.
Solid organ transplantation overview and delection criteria

The field of solid organ transplantation has seen significant advances in surgical techniques, medical diagnosis, selection process, and pharmacotherapy over the past 6 decades. Despite these advances, however, there remains a significant imbalance between the supply of organs available for transplant and the number of patients registered on transplant waiting lists. Notably, the past decade has shown gradual increases in the number of candidates waiting for a kidney, while the number of transplants performed in the United States has declined every year for the past 3 years. The waiting list for heart transplants has been the most rapidly growing list. Fortunately, policies designed to improve procurement, screening, and distribution are helping to make transplantation more efficient and organs more accessible, allowing sicker patients to undergo transplants more quickly. This article presents an overview of the most common solid organ transplantations performed (kidney, liver, heart, and lung), along with the requirements, risks, and complications associated with them.
Lasiurus intermedius (Yellow bat)

Baker and Patton described that the X chromosomes of L. intermedius is a submetacentric. Dr. Robert J. Baker, who kindly supplied the karyotypes of this species presented here, informed us that the original determination of the X in their paper was erroneous. Upon critical reexamination, the X chromosomes are found to be the largest acrocentrics of the complement.
Dispatches from the field: sociality and reproductive success in prairie voles

One way to characterize sociality is by the type and variability of social organization exhibited by individuals within populations. Social unit size and composition can result in costs and benefits to female group members, which may affect their reproductive success. We tested this hypothesis using data from two natural populations of prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster , that live in habitats differing in the distribution of vegetation and in population density. During short-term investigations of populations in Indiana and Kansas (4–8 weeks), we detected significant differences between populations in the type of social units in which adult females resided, with most adult females in Kansas living as single females, whereas in Indiana most females resided in groups. However, neither social unit size nor composition was related to female reproductive success in either population. When we studied the same Indiana population for 15 weeks, the length of time that females were detected on the study grid or were residents at a nest predicted the number of offspring they produced. In addition, the number of offspring produced by females tended to decrease with group size, although this relationship was not statistically significant. Finally, social unit size was not significantly related to the amount of time females were detected in the population. Our results suggest that females do not obtain increased direct or indirect fitness by living in larger groups. Rather, persistence and residency status of females in the population are the best predictors of female reproductive success.
Complications of Poor Cervical Alignment in Patients Undergoing Posterior Cervicothoracic Laminectomy and Fusion.

Objective This study sought to determine whether a relationship exists between caudal instrumented level and revision rates, neck disability index scores, and cervical alignment in patients undergoing multilevel posterior cervical fusion. Methods This study examined a dataset of all patients undergoing posterior cervical decompression and fusion at ≥3 levels, terminating between C4 and T4, between January 2010 and December 2015, with at least 12 months of clinical follow-up. Patients were separated into cohorts based on caudal level of the fusion: C6 (or more cranial), C7, T1, or T2 (or more caudal). Revision rate, neck disability index score, sagittal vertical axis, T1 slope, and cervical lordosis were recorded. Linear regression and multivariate analysis were performed to identify independent predictors of patient outcomes and disparities between ending constructs in the cervical and the thoracic spine. Results The overall revision rate was 10.8% (n = 24). No statistically significant difference in the revision rate was identified between fusions terminating at C6 or cranial, C7, T1, or T2 and caudal (P = 0.74). Revision correlated strongly with increased sagittal vertical axis (P = 0.002) and T1 slope (P = 0.04). Increased neck disability index score correlated with revision rate (P = 0.01), cervical kyphosis (P Conclusions This study suggests that constructs terminating in the proximal thoracic spine have similar revision rates, postoperative neck disability index scores, and radiographic measurements as those terminating in the cervical spine. Poor cervical alignment, as evidenced by increased sagittal vertical axis, cervical kyphosis and T1 slope, predicts need for revision and of poorer clinical outcomes.
Combined Left Ventricular Assist Device and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: Should We Bypass the Bypass?

Between March 21 and May 18 2020 we admitted 98 patients with COVID-19 to our ICU of whom 72 required invasive mechanical ventilation Of these, 3 patients required extracorporeal support: One V-V ECMO for respiratory failure, one V-V ECMO for tracheoesophageal fistula, and one V-AV ECMO for cardiogenic shock due to pulmonary thromboembolism, to which we had to add an extra return cannula to improve oxygenation Coagulation abnormalities have been described in COVID-19 with an increase in D-dimer, a modest decrease in platelet count, and delay in the prothrombin time (1) Pro-coagulant states however, may not be highlighted by a standard coagulation essay that's why we decided to assess them by ROTEM Even with an ACT level kept between 180-200s, we found a normal value of aPTT and a ROTEM profile consistent with hypercoagulability: An acceleration of blood clot formation (CFT below the lower limit in INTEM and EXTEM) and a significantly higher clot strength (MCF above the upper limit in INTEM and EXTEM in two patients and in FIBTEM in all patients) For this reason, we titrate heparin infusion to maintain INTEM CT in a range between normal and 100 sec longer for all the ECMO run, without thrombotic complications Despite the superiority of ROTEM to monitor anticoagulation in ECMO is not yet proven in literature, this test could help us to understand the coagulation profile of each patient and to titrate heparin where the coagulation function is greatly altered by the virus and by the circuit
The Role of Patient-Physician Communication on the Use of Hydroxyurea in Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

This qualitative study analyzed the perspective of patients living with sickle cell disease (SCD) on their process of deciding whether to take hydroxyurea (HU), and the role of physician communication in patients’ decision-making process. From October 2015 to July 2016, we conducted semi-structured interviews among patients with SCD (N = 20) that were audio-recorded and transcribed. Participants were ≥ 18 years old, a patient of an urban adult sickle cell center, able to provide informed consent, and English-speaking. We iteratively developed codes and used thematic analysis to organize the key themes. Most participants were female (65%), middle aged (M = 44, SD = 12.2), and 55% were prescribed HU for an average of 10.4 (SD = 4.7) years. Participants described 3 key factors that influenced their decision regarding HU treatment: (1) lifestyle, (2) health status, and (3) HU characteristics. Four themes emerged about provider communication and HU treatment decisions: (1) provider’s advisement, (2) shared decision-making, (3) “wrestled,” and (4) not feeling heard. Providers who engaged in shared decision–making empowered participants to decide whether to start HU treatment. Participants who felt their providers were not listening to their concerns expressed disengaging from HU treatment. During discussions about HU with patients living with SCD, providers must understand the multi-faceted aspects that impact patients’ decision and empower patients to engage in such discussions. Further research is needed to understand the role of shared decision-making among patients with SCD to improve management of SCD.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Mapleson Circuit with Nasal Trumpet to Standard Oxygen Supplementation during EBUS Bronchoscopy under Monitored Anesthesia Care.

Background Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) procedures tend to be longer than routine bronchoscopies. Increased duration and sedative dosing put patients at increased risk for -hypoxic events. Objective To determine whether oxygen supplementation via a nasal trumpet connected to a Mapleson B circuit (NTM) was effective in decreasing hypoxic events when compared with the standard of care, oxygen supplementation with a nasal cannula (NC). Methods Patients referred for EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration with monitored anesthesia care (MAC) were randomized 1:1 to NTM or to NC. Hypoxia-related procedural interruptions, the primary endpoint of the study, were documented for all patients. Patients in the NC group who had refractory desaturations were allowed to cross over to the NTM group. Secondary endpoints included: number of crossovers from NC to NTM, sedative dosing, total procedure times, whether procedure goals were achieved, complications apart from hypoxia, patient discharge status. Results Fifty-two patients were randomized to NC and 48 to NTM. Baseline characteristics were comparable. The NC group had significantly more interruptions than did the NTM group (p < 0.001). Procedure duration was also significantly (p < 0.03) shorter for the NTM group. Fourteen patients were crossed over from NC to NTM because of hypoxia. Thirteen out of the 14 completed the procedure with no interruptions. All procedures were successfully completed, and all goals were achieved. All patients returned to baseline status prior to discharge. Three minor complications of epistaxis occurred. Conclusion For patients undergoing EBUS with MAC, oxygen supplementation with NTM significantly decreased the incidence of hypoxic events when compared with NC. NTM may also be of value for other subsets of patients who are at increased risk for desaturation when undergoing bronchoscopy.
AuraRing: Precise Electromagnetic Finger Tracking

Wearable computing platforms, such as smartwatches and head-mounted mixed reality displays, demand new input devices for high-fidelity interaction. We present AuraRing, a wearable magnetic tracking system designed for tracking fine-grained finger movement. The hardware consists of a ring with an embedded electromagnetic transmitter coil and a wristband with multiple sensor coils. By measuring the magnetic fields at different points around the wrist, AuraRing estimates the five degree-of-freedom pose of the ring. We develop two different approaches to pose reconstruction---a first-principles iterative approach and a closed-form neural network approach. Notably, AuraRing requires no runtime supervised training, ensuring user and session independence. AuraRing has a resolution of 0.1 mm and a dynamic accuracy of 4.4 mm, as measured through a user evaluation with optical ground truth. The ring is completely self-contained and consumes just 2.3 mW of power.
Associations of Early Sport Specialization and High Training Volume With Injury Rates in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletes.

Background:There are 60 million US youth who participate in organized athletics, with large increases in both sport participation and specialization during the past 2 decades. There is some evidenc...
Damping and phase shift of magnetohydrodynamic waves in a plasma having finite electrical and thermal conductivity

The formulae describing the propagation of small amplitude magnetohydrodynamic waves in any direction relative to the external magnetic field in a plasma of infinite extension and of finite electrical and thermal conductivity have been derived from the fundamental equations of magnetohydrodynamics. The waves generated in the medium which is non-ideal in this sense are damped and phase differences appear between the perturbances of the magnetohydrodynamic quantities. These properties of the waves can be described by a complex refractive index.
Cardiac differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells

Background & Aim Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are commonly studied for clinical use due to its flexibility in differentiating into any desirable cellular products. iPSCs are commonly derived from fibroblasts or cells from peripheral blood due to its accessibility. Although not common, we have derived iPSCs from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for several purposes. We are developing an allogenic combinatory cellular therapy for heart disease using both MSCs with iPSC derived cardiomyocyte (CM) or cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs). We theorize, by utilizing iPSC derived from MSCs, it provides more compatibility when transplanting the two final cellular products from one donor into patients, thus yielding better therapeutic effects. Also, recent changes in donor qualification increase the financial burden when launching new cellular therapeutics due to the increase of required testing on donor and final cellular product. In this scenario, by reprogramming the MSCs into iPSCs then differentiate into CM, we eliminated the additional cost of qualifying the parent cells of iPSCs. Methods, Results & Conclusion Although cardiac differentiation of iPSC is well studied, the optimal differentiation condition needed to be tested for each cell line used. The initial evaluation must be performed to determine the optimal cell density, the concentration of CHIR99021, and the time point of switching to IWP2. After determining these factors, the cardiac differentiation was performed on both IMR90 (lung fibroblast) and MSC derived iPSCs in order to evaluate the efficiency of differentiation of the latter iPSC. The iPSCs were plated onto Vitronectin coated plates until the desired confluence reached using iPSC culture medium. At day 0 of the cardiac differentiation process, the iPSC culture medium was replaced with CHIR99021in differentiation medium (RPMI-1640 with B-27 without insulin). Two or three days later, IWP2 replaced CHIR99021 in the differentiation medium for another two days. After day 7 of the cardiac differentiation process, cells were maintained with CM culture medium (RPMI-1640 with B-27 with insulin) for another seven days. The medium was changed every three to four days. In summary, only the optimized combination of conditions yield beating CM culture at day 14 from both MSC and IMP90 derived iPSCs. CM derived from both iPSCs stained positive for Troponin T. At day 7 of the cardiac differentiation, the cultures were stained positive for GHRHR, which will be used as a marker for CPC selection.
Nonlinear control of passive vibratory systems with finite actuation stroke

Abstract Many vibration response control technologies employ actuators that exhibit finite stroke limits. In this paper, we consider the scenario in which a linear, time-invariant feedback law has been designed to control vibrations in a linear, time-invariant vibratory system, without accounting for the actuation stroke limits. In this scenario, the saturation of the actuator stroke may be viewed as introducing unmodeled dynamics into the closed-loop system response, which can be undesirable for a few reasons. Most importantly, it may destabilize the closed-loop system. Additionally, it introduces impulsive disturbances into the response, and may result in hardware damage. We illustrate a technique whereby the linear feedback law, designed a priori, may be augmented with a nonlinear feedback loop which protects against stroke saturation while simultaneously maintaining closed-loop stability. The nonlinear feedback law is developed around the concept of output-strict passivity, and exploits the known output-strict passivity of the vibratory system. Importantly, the nonlinear feedback law leaves the performance of the linear feedback law unaffected for small-signal responses.
SNAP office accessibility and its association with rurality

Abstract While several studies have explored geographic relationships within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), results have been mixed. Findings have revealed an imbalanced SNAP participation rate among eligible populations in both suburban and rural areas. Studies on SNAP accessibility have often focused on store locations, but few have examined issues of traveling to SNAP offices. In this study, we focused on SNAP office accessibility and its association with rurality. Using Google Map API, we calculated road travel time and distance to the most conveniently located SNAP office for each block group in the conterminous United States. We investigated the degree to which the SNAP office accessibility is linked to rurality, participant demographics, socioeconomic characteristics, and the program's overall participation rate. Results showed that at the block-group level, the SNAP-eligible average driving time to the most convenient SNAP office is 15.28 min, while the SNAP-eligible average distance is 8.57 miles. More than 75% of the SNAP-income eligible population lives within a 20-min drive to a SNAP office, and 91.8% lives within 30 min. Every ten percentage points of increase in rurality decreases SNAP office accessibility by one additional minute of car travel time. We designed a Rurality-Travel Clock (RTC) visualization tool to provide a graphic description of the urban-rural setting and SNAP office accessibility. Other observations include a noticeable cross-relationship between population concentration (e.g., white or black) and SNAP office accessibility. The findings help us to understand the dynamic relationships between SNAP participation rate and SNAP accessibility factors, including eligibility, employment status, population, and rurality at the county and state levels.
Elastic scattering of positive pions on C 12 at 49.9 MeV

Differential cross sections for the elastic scattering of positive pions on $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ at 49.9 MeV were measured. The results differ from those deteermined by other investigators. The data are analyzed in terms of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ nucleus partial waves and are compared to various model calculations.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{12}\mathrm{C}({\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}, {\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})^{12}\mathrm{C}$. $E=49.9$ MeV, $\ensuremath{\theta}=25\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ensuremath{-}160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ measured $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{d\ensuremath{\Omega}}(\ensuremath{\theta})$. Partial wave and optical model analyses.
Comparison of refractive prediction for intraoperative aberrometry and Barrett True K no history formula in cataract surgery patients with prior radial keratotomy

PURPOSE To compare prediction errors of the Barrett True K No History (Barrett TKNH) formula and intraoperative aberrometry (IA) in eyes with prior radial keratotomy (RK). METHODS A retrospective, non-randomized study of all patients with RK who underwent cataract surgery using IA at the UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center from 2014 to 2019 was conducted. Refraction prediction error (RPE) for IA and Barrett TKNH was compared. General linear modelling accounting for the correlation between eyes was used to determine whether absolute RPE differed significantly between Barrett TKNH and IA. Outcome by number of RK cuts was also compared between the two methods. RESULTS Forty-seven eyes (31 patients) were included. The mean RPEs for Barrett TKNH and IA were 0.04 ± 0.92D and 0.01 ± 0.92D, respectively, neither was significantly different than zero (p = 0.77, p = 0.91). The median absolute RPEs were 0.50D and 0.48D, respectively (p = 0.70). The refractive outcome fell within ± 0.50D of prediction for 51.1% of eyes with Barrett TKNH and 55.3% with IA, and 80.8% were within ± 1.00D for both techniques. Mean absolute RPE increased with a higher number of RK cuts (grouped into < 8 cuts and ≥ 8 cuts) for both Barrett TKNH (0.35D and 0.74D, p = 0.008) and IA (0.30D and 0.80D, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS There is no statistically significant difference between Barrett TKNH and IA in predicting postoperative refractive error in eyes with prior RK. Both are reasonable methods for choosing intraocular lens power. Eyes with more RK cuts have higher prediction errors.
Mental Health, Social Support, and Active Coping in Nepali Earthquake Survivors:

Research has shown a positive relationship between exposure to natural disasters and common disaster-related mental health disorders. However, much more can be done to fully examine how protective ...
Internal Magnetic Lengthening and Reconstruction with Free TRAM Flap After Traumatic Transfemoral Amputation: A Case Report.

Case This is a case of a 41-year-old man who sustained a traumatic proximal transfemoral amputation with loss of adductor function and inadequate soft tissue. Wound closure was achieved with split-thickness skin grafting. Subsequently, femoral lengthening was achieved with an internal magnetic lengthening nail. He underwent a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap to resurface the limb and provide more stable soft tissue, adductor repair, and further lengthening because of his prominent abduction contracture and inadequate soft tissue. This allowed independent ambulation with a prosthetic. Conclusion Femoral lengthening with soft-tissue reconstruction improved prosthetic function and ambulation in a patient with a short transfemoral amputation.
O16 Preliminary Efficacy of a Virtual Nutrition Intervention for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at an increased risk of obesity and unhealthy eating behaviors, yet there is a lack of interventions to improve healthy eating and reduce the risk of obesity in this population. Objective This study examined the preliminary efficacy of a virtual implementation of a nutrition intervention for adolescents with ASD aged 12-20 years, measured by differences in pre-/post-intervention means for BMI z-score, fruit and vegetable intake, added sugar intake, and psychosocial determinants of dietary intake. Study Design, Setting, Participants One-group pretest-posttest design was used. Bringing Adolescent Learners with Autism Nutrition and Culinary Education (BALANCE) is an 8-week virtual nutrition intervention for adolescents with ASD based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Six groups of adolescents with ASD aged 12-20 years (n = 27; group size ranged 2-7) in Tampa, Florida participated. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Height and weight were measured via ruler and scale as instructed virtually by the research staff. Food intake was assessed with the Block Kids Food Frequency Questionnaire. SCT psychosocial determinants were examined with a validated instrument. Wilcoxon signed ranked tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention means for BMI z-score, fruit and vegetable intake, added sugar intake, and SCT determinants. Results Mean BMI z-score (P = 0.01) and mean added sugar intake (P = 0.026) significantly decreased. There was no significant difference for fruit or vegetable intake. Three of 7 psychosocial determinants of dietary intake significantly improved after the intervention: behavioral strategies (P = 0.010), self-efficacy (P Conclusion The findings suggest that BALANCE may improve some psychosocial determinants of dietary intake immediately after the 8-week intervention. The results are also promising regarding dietary intake and BMI z-score. Future research should examine efficacy of the intervention compared to a control group and include follow-up measures to detect long-term outcomes of the intervention.
Prosthetic Control Systems

Motions of the human limbs are controlled by a neuromotor system (NMS), which operates similarly to that of a thermostat. Setting the thermostat to a specific temperature activates the HVAC system to add or subtract heat from the room to reach the desired temperature. The accuracy and efficiency of the thermostat determines how closely the temperature follows the command. In the case of limb positioning, as the human selects an object or target position, her NMS registers its coordinates in space and executes a sequence of muscular activations to position the hand at or near the exact location, depending on the integrity of the control. This chapter describes the details and implementation of motor control systems.
An eigenvalue technique for analysis of traveling-wave microstrip antennas

A novel theoretical analysis of the traveling-wave microstrip antenna is developed. In this new formulation the eigenvalue obtained from the solution of the transverse field problem with admittance boundaries is used to find the complex longitudinal propagation constant. Radiation patterns can be obtained using equivalent sources consisting of magnetic current filaments having the computed complex longitudinal propagation constant. The direction and beamwidth of the main lobe of the radiation patterns computed agree very well with measured results. This excellent agreement verifies the accuracy of the formulation. Good agreement between computed and measured results was found for the sidelobe structure resulting from reflection of the traveling wave at the end truncation of the microstrip line. >
Diet, Physical Activity, and Cancer Prevention

Maintain a healthy weight throughout life; this is one of the most important ways to reduce cancer risk. A healthy weight can be promoted by limiting consumption of high-calorie foods and sugary drinks and by being physically active throughout life. Eat mostly foods of plant origin. This includes at least five portions/servings (at least 400 g or 14 oz) of a variety of vegetables and fruits everyday; eating whole grains and/or pulses (legumes) with every meal; and limiting refined starchy foods. Limit red meat intake to 60 g per week and limit processed meat consumption. Limit daily alcoholic drink consumption. Although there is no consumption that is not associated with an increased cancer risk, modest amounts of alcohol (two drinks a day for men or one drink a day for women) can protect against coronary heart disease. Limit consumption of salt-preserved or salty foods. Cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention regarding diet, healthy weight, and physical activity.
Mast‐Step Coins among the Romans

The archaeological evidence of more than a dozen ancient shipwrecks indicates that the tradition of placing a coin inside the mast-step of a ship's hold probably originated with the Romans. The mast-step coin phenomenon, which persisted through the Middle Ages and continues in various forms today, has often been characterized according to the modern concept of ‘luck’. The custom was, however, not one of an exclusively maritime nature; rather, it was ultimately derived from a long-standing religious tradition that can be traced back to the consecration of the earliest Greek temples. © 2007 The Author