cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter device closure of congenital ventricular septal defects

Abstract Ventricular septal defects (VSD) are among the most commonly occurring congenital heart lesions. While successful surgical repair of VSDs has been possible for over 60 years, peri-operative and late complications still occur and there are inherent risks associated with sternotomy and exposure to cardiopulmonary bypass. A desire to avoid these risks, as well as the successful application of catheter-based device closure for other intracardiac and vascular shunting lesions, has lead to an interest in developing a less invasive means by which to close VSDs. The aim of this article is (a) to understand the important differences in approach to catheter-based closure of congenitally occurring VSDs, based on their location, (b) to discuss the technical aspects of device closure of VSDs, from both a percutaneous and perventricular (hybrid) approach, and (c) to review the outcomes of the experience with these devices. Acquired (post-infarction, post-trauma) VSDs will not be addressed.
The Impact of Quantitative Easing on the U.S. Term Structure of Interest Rates

This paper estimates the impact of the Federal Reserve's 2008 - 2011 quantitative easing (QE) program on the U.S. term structure of interest rates. We estimate an arbitrage-free term structure model that explicitly includes the quantity impact of the Fed's trades on Treasury market prices. As such, we are able to estimate both the magnitude and duration of the QE price eects. We show that the Fed's QE program aected forward rates without introducing arbitrage opportunities into the Treasury security markets. Short- to medium- term forward rates were reduced (less than twelve years), but the QE had little if any impact on long-term forward rates. This is in contrast to the Fed's stated intentions for the QE program. The persistence of the rate impacts increased with maturity up to 6 years then declined, with half-lives lasting approximately 4, 6, 12, 8 and 4 months for the 1, 2, 5, 10 and 12 year forwards, respectively. Since bond yields are averages of forward rates over a bond's maturity, QE aected long-term bond yields. The average impacts on bond yields were 327, 26, 50, 70, and 76 basis points for 1, 2, 5, 10 and 30 years, respectively.
Efficient learning of pseudo-boolean functions from limited training data

Pseudo-Boolean functions are generalizations of Boolean functions. We present a new method for learning pseudo-Boolean functions from limited training data. The objective of learning is to obtain a function f which is a good approximation of the target function f*. We define suitable criteria for the “goodness” of an approximating function. One criterion is to choose a function f that minimizes the “expected distance” with respect to a distance function d (over pairs of pseudo-Boolean functions) and the uniform distribution over all feasible pseudo-Boolean functions. We define two alternative “distance measures” over pairs of pseudo-Boolean functions, and show that they are are actually equivalent with respect to the criterion of minimal expected distance. We outline efficient algorithms for learning pseudo-Boolean functions according to these criteria. Other reasonable distance measures and “goodness” criteria are also discussed.
Grazing History Affects Willow Communities in a Montane Riparian Ecosystem

This study was conducted to compare data from 12 grazed and ungrazed areas and to examine the impacts of grazing treatments on a montane willow community during an 11-year period. Data were collected on willow canopy cover, species diversity, height, and stem density in a montane riparian ecosystem between 1988 and 1999 from 4 grazing treatments: long-term grazing (since the early 1900s), long-term grazing exclusion (exclosures built in the 1950s), recent grazing (sections of exclosures opened in 1988), and recent grazing exclusion (exclosures built in 1988). Willow canopy cover increased significantly for all treatments through time, with the recent grazing exclusion treatment becoming similar to that of the long-term exclusion treatment within 5 years. Species diversity was greatest in the long-term grazed treatment. Willow height averaged over treatments increased from 1988 to 1997 (P = 0.0001), but did not increase significantly after that. Height in the long-term exclosure averaged over time from 1988 to 1997 was 1.5 times greater than in the long-term grazing treatment. Stem density of willows was significantly greater in the recent exclosure than in the long-term exclosure (P = 0.008, 180%) and recent grazing treatments (P = 0.02, 120%). Recent grazing exclusion resulted in the greatest increase in canopy cover, height growth, and stem density during the 11 years of study, indicating that these variables respond positively to removal of livestock grazing. Results suggest that continued long-term grazing exclusion may lead to a closed canopy, lower willow species diversity, reduction in new stem height growth, and reduced stem recruitment. Information on the dynamics of willow growth under different grazing treatments should help resource managers determine appropriate livestock utilization levels in similar riparian areas, and develop management plans for these important ecosystems.
Navigation Locks: Navigation Lock Gates and Valves

Gates and valves for navigation locks are classified according to function as culvert valves, lock gates, or emergency closure gates. Model studies for McNary, Ice Harbor, Walter F. George, New Poe, and Hold locks have helped develop details of tainter valve design that show promise of satisfactory performance. Operational experience at several new locks reveals weaknesses of seal and trunnion anchorage design, and emphasizes the need for valve synchronization at moderate to high head locks. Miter lock gates have given good service over the years, but several new high lift locks are using vertical lift gates. The need for emergency closure gates must be determined for each lock individually and is best satisfied by vertical lift or submerged tainter gates.
Development and Initial Validation of the Sexual Minority Women Rejection Sensitivity Scale

The goals of the current studies were to develop a measure of sexual orientation rejection sensitivity (RS) for sexual minority women (SMW) and to examine its preliminary reliability and validity. ...
Dam-spillway breeding of Simulium damnosum Theobald in northern Ghana.

(1965). Dam-spillway breeding of Simulium damnosum Theobald in northern Ghana. Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology: Vol. 59, No. 4, pp. 405-412.
Neurotransmitter Interactions in the Stomatogastric System of the Spiny Lobster: One Peptide Alters the Response of a Central Pattern Generator to a Second Peptide

Dickinson, Patsy S., Wesley P. Fairfield, John R. Hetling, and Jane Hauptman. Neurotransmitter interactions in the stomatogastric system of the spiny lobster: one peptide alters the response of a c...
National Population Changes

Although none of the samples dates from the time of earliest settling in Norway,1 each is representative of at least one major national change in numbers or location since about 1800. After that the first significant variation was loss of people by emigration. This was of slight importance until 1865 but from then until 1930 emigration was a major element in Norway’s population development.2 In these 65 years 85% of the total emigration of about 900,000 people took place; the years of greatest emigration being 1880 through 1883, 1887, and 1888 and 1902 through 1907, when the annual loss was 20,000 to 29,000 persons. The greater losses were from the rural districts, predominantly males ho were in farming, fishing, and forestry. The main reason for going was lack of opportunity for profitable employment in Norway, especially in comparison with the United States where most of them went. After 1911 the yearly departures averaged about 8000 to 1930, then declined to a few hundred per year until 1948, and since then have increased to about 2000 persons per annum. The effect on the rural districts was to slow their growth considerably until 1930.
Oral contraceptives and epithelial ovarian cancer. Does dose matter

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of ovarian cancer among women who use low-estrogen-dose oral contraceptives. STUDY DESIGN: The study used data on white women under 70 years of age who had been enrolled in a population-based case-control study conducted between 1986 and 1988 in three western Washington counties. Women with ovarian cancer (n = 276) were ascertained through a population-based cancer registry, and controls (n = 391) were selected by random digit dialing. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate the risk of ovarian cancer associated with oral contraceptive use. RESULTS: After adjustment for age and parity, women who took oral contraceptives for at least three months were at decreased risk of ovarian cancer (odds ratio [OR] 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5-1.1) relative to women who never used this form of contraception. The reduced risk of ovarian cancer was present among women whose only preparation contained a low (< 50 μg ethinyl estradiol or < 80 μg mestranol) (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.1) and high (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5-1.2) estrogen dose. CONCLUSION: While our results are limited in their statistical precision and by the inability of many subjects to recall the brands of oral contraceptives that they took, they suggest that the newer, low-estrogen-dose oral contraceptives confer a benefit regarding ovarian cancer risk similar to that conferred by earlier, high-estrogen-dose formulations.
Effects of chemical aging on the ice nucleation activity of soot and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon aerosols.

The role of soot particles as ice nuclei (IN) in heterogeneous freezing processes in the atmosphere remains uncertain. Determination of the freezing efficiency of soot is complicated by the changing properties of soot particles undergoing atmospheric aging processes. In this study, the heterogeneous freezing temperatures of droplets in contact with fresh and oxidized soot particles were determined using an optical microscope apparatus equipped with a sealed cooling stage and a CCD video camera. Experiments were also conducted using fresh and oxidized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including anthracene, pyrene, and phenanthrene, as potential ice nuclei. Chemical changes at the surface of the aerosols caused by exposure to ozone were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with horizontal attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-HATR). In addition, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurements were used to determine the specific surface areas of the soot particles. Mean freezing temperat...
X-ray-induced specific-locus mutations in the ad-3 region of two-component heterokaryons of Neurospora crassa. VI. Induction kinetics of gene/point mutations, multilocus deletions and multiple-locus mutations.

Abstract Genetic fine-structure analysis of X-ray-induced specific-locus mutants in the ad-3 region of two-component heterokaryons of Neurospora crassa has shown that gene/point mutations, multilocus deletions and multiple-locus mutations are induced. When the dose-response curves for these classes of ad-3 mutants were plotted, it was demonstrated that X-ray-induced gene/point mutations (ad-3R) increased linearly with X-ray dose and X-ray-induced multilocus deletions increased as the square of the X-ray dose. However, all classes of multiple-locus mutations, which would be expected to result from 3 to 8 hits on the basis of target theory (Lea, 1955), were found to increase as the square of the dose. Target theory assumes that the DNA of individual chromosomes is distributed randomly throughout the interphase nucleus. A model of eukaryotic interphase chromosome structure in which the DNA of individual chromosomes presents a nonrandom target to X-rays [Pinkel et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.A.) 83 (1986), 2934–2938] provides a possible explanation for the high frequency and dose-squared induction kinetics of the multiple-locus mutants induced by X-rays in the ad-3 region.
Food Acquisition in Poughkeepsie, NY: : Exploring the Stratification of “Healthy Food” Consciousness in a Food-Insecure City

AbstractThis article provides and examines empirical evidence in order to evaluate scholarly, professional and activist perspectives that view food insecurity as a function of the stratification of food consciousness. This concept highlights causal models of food insecurity that emphasize micro-level and idealist factors to explain why stratified groups hold distinct attitudes and preferences regarding food provisioning and consumption. An empirical model is developed for the household activity of food acquisition, and the hypothesized preferences of food-insecure and other at-risk urban households are investigated for foods and stores that promote unhealthy eating. The data come from a community food assessment survey in the city of Poughkeepsie, New York, administered to a probabilistic sample of 355 city households. Evidence is found that disproves the stratification of food consciousness model for food acquisition, and debates and research are directed toward more significant factors and contexts of f...
Biology of Surgical Infection

Infection is the result of a major disturbance in the balance between host defense and bacteria—a balance which can be quantitatively identified and pharmacologically and surgically manipulated.
The Complaining Door

The value of dialogic discourse in Bakhtiri’s concept of polyphony is not related to the theme each voice proffers, but to the socially significant fact that each voice is free to speak its mind. Because Bakhtin is not attempting to measure the proximity of any voice to reality, the validity of each consciousness is in his estimation equal to another. This is not the case, however, in Hardy’s use of polyphonic impressions since all voices are not equal, the content of one or another appearing more privileged than others. The theme of this inaugural voice is that God does not exist, and the problem with it is that such a declaration is too simplistic to stand alone. It carries the ring of a half-truth or a poorly-reasoned theorem which may leave the reader wondering at the pointlessness of so dead-end an observation. For this reason, Hardy was right to object to the anatomising of one of his impressions apart from the rest, for they more properly belong in concordance; but we will do it anyway. At this point I feel Hardy glowering at me.
The Middle Phase

The beginning phase of group development finds fulfillment in the middle one. The beginning phase aims at 1) meaningful communication, 2) formation of a group that has therapeutic potential, and 3) progressive modification of the relationship between therapist and members in the direction of reducing the therapist’s emotional significance to the members. The dominant focus of the beginning phase is the relationship between therapist and member. The shift of emphasis to the relationship between member and member in the middle phase is a major reorientation.
Electronic Communication in Supervisory Relationships: A Mixed Data Survey

Much has been written about online communication between therapists and clients, particularly regarding the feasibility, ethics, and frequency of such practices. Little, however, has been published with regard to electronic communication patterns between therapists and their supervisors. The purpose of this study was to understand if and how electronic communication is used between marriage and family therapy (MFT) supervisees and supervisors. To accomplish this, we administered a mixed data survey to MFT supervisors and supervisees across the United States regarding frequency of interaction via electronic methods. We also assessed comfort level with online supervision, how supervisory participants make determinations when to use online supervision, and when online communication is believed to be most appropriate within MFT supervision. We report both qualitative and quantitative findings regarding the use of online technologies in supervision. Implications for research, training, and supervision are discussed.
Ignatzschineria indica Isolated From a Human Breast Abscess: A Rare Case

Ignatzschineria indica is a gram-negative aerobic bacillus, usually isolated from the gut content of adult flesh flies or larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica . Ignatzschineria spp. associated with human infection is hypothesized to be related to maggot therapy. We are reporting the first case of Ignatzschineria indica isolated from a breast abscess, along with Proteus penneri and Providencia stuartii in a 76-year-old female. The patient presented with a left breast mass, weight loss, and normal vital signs; physical examination of the left breast showed a fungating mass with foul smelling draining necrotic tissue and a left axillary abscess. A biopsy was performed that revealed an invasive mammary carcinoma (mucinous type) with the tumor ulcerating the overlying skin. Additionally, a culture of the abscess yielded growth of gram-negative rods. The organism was identified as I. indica by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Although the pathogenic capacity of the organism cannot be determined at this point, we are establishing the need for further study of patients with cultures positive for I. indica in order to understand the pathologic implications, and therapy to control this organism in human host. J Med Cases. 2016;7(11):502-505 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jmc2666w
Potential of Advanced Corona Ignition System (ACIS) for Future Engine Applications

In this study, the advanced corona ignition system (ACIS) was evaluated. First, the system was evaluated in a direct-injected, single cylinder optical engine and high-speed imaging of enhanced combustion luminosity was used to visualize the ignition, flame kernel formation and flame propagation. The imaging results show that the ACIS promotes simultaneous ignition of the mixture at multiple locations in the combustion chamber as opposed to ignition being limited to the spark gap channel. Therefore, ignition delay is always shorter with the ACIS than with a traditional spark plug, inductive discharge system. The ACIS is able to support stable combustion (COV of IMEP < 3 %) in a leaner homogeneous mixture than the spark plug based system. Similarly, the ACIS has shorter ignition delay and faster burn rate for stoichiometric, rich and simulated EGR diluted mixtures. Second, the ACIS system was evaluated in a 2.0L, direct-injected, turbocharged, engine. Comparison of combustion results showed that significant reduction in 0–10 burn durations can be achieved over the production ignition system, enabling higher internal dilution limits. The ACIS was able to match the performance of the production ignition system for the idle spark sweep test. The test results showed that the close proximity of the piston to the ACIS electrode can transition the streamer discharge to arcing mode, which hampers optimal performance. Overall, ACIS has the potential to perform as well or better than the production ignition system and for best combustion performance the piston design must be optimized.
Comparison of Sweeping Jet Actuators with Different Flow-Control Techniques for Flow-Separation Control

Flow-separation control on an adverse-pressure-gradient ramp model was investigated using various flow-control methods in the NASA Langley Research Center’s 15 in. wind tunnel. Sweeping jet actuato...
Building User Engagement for Successful Software Projects: Meaningfulness, Safety, and Availability

User participation in Information Systems Development improves project outcomes. However, past research fails to provide a basis for determination of the preparation required to participate. Job Engagement Theory provides such a theoretical basis and describes three psychological conditions – meaningfulness, safety and availability – which influence an individual’s engagement and suggests practices engendering engagement to enhance job performance. A matched pair survey of developers and users indicates an engagement approach to development improves project success and that users should be provided clearly defined roles and training, have adequate incentives, and be chosen on a variety of abilities to realize desired benefits.
Nonstationary noise analysis of M currents simulated and recorded in PC12 cells.

Villarroel, Alvaro. Nonstationary noise analysis of M currents simulated and recorded in PC12 cells. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 2131–2138, 1997. M current relaxations recorded in PC12 cells were subjected to nonstationary noise analysis (NSNA) to obtain estimates of single-channel current ( i ), channel number ( N ), and open probability ( P o) for the channels responsible for M current. The analysis was constrained such that N and single-channel conductance were the same at two potentials. The relation between variance and current indicated that the fraction of channels open was 0.58 ± 0.06 (mean ± SD) and 0.05 ± 0.04 (mean ± SD; n = 9) at −33 and −63 mV, respectively. The single M channel conductance was 4.0 pS, and a density of 1 functional M channel per 4 μm2 was estimated. Monte Carlo simulations of a two-state model of M channels were used to obtain sets of simulated macroscopic M currents that were subjected to the same NSNA procedure so as to evaluate the accuracy of M channel parameters obtained with this method. The influence of current rundown and filter frequency on estimates of i, N, and P o were evaluated. The single-channel parameters estimated from the simulations differed by <10% from actual values at any level of current rundown, N, or P o. The dispersion in the estimation of N and P o increased as P o decreased. Decreasing filter frequency caused an underestimation of i, paralleled by an overestimation of N. The estimation of P o was relatively immune to the filter frequency, especially for data simulated with P o = 0.77.
LED lights with hidden intensity-modulated blue channels for enhanced subconscious visual responses

An LED light suitable for general illumination is proposed to enhance subconscious visual responses, which are essential to our well-being. Using the silent substitution technique, a melanopsin-selective flicker was added into white light. A linear optimization algorithm suppresses perceivable fluctuations of colors of illuminated objects.
Innovating patient care delivery: DSRIP's interrupted time series analysis paradigm.

Abstract Introduction Adoption of Medicaid Section 1115 waiver is one of the many ways of innovating healthcare delivery system. The Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) pool, one of the two funding pools of the waiver has four categories viz. infrastructure development, program innovation and redesign, quality improvement reporting and lastly, bringing about population health improvement. Background A metric of the fourth category, preventable hospitalization (PH) rate was analyzed in the context of eight conditions for two time periods, pre-reporting years (2010–2012) and post-reporting years (2013–2015) for two hospital cohorts, DSRIP participating and non-participating hospitals. The study explains how DSRIP impacted Preventable Hospitalization (PH) rates of eight conditions for both hospital cohorts within two time periods. Methods Eight PH rates were regressed as the dependent variable with time, intervention and post-DSRIP Intervention as independent variables. PH rates of eight conditions were then consolidated into one rate for regressing with the above independent variables to evaluate overall impact of DSRIP. An interrupted time series regression was performed after accounting for auto-correlation, stationarity and seasonality in the dataset. Results In the individual regression model, PH rates showed statistically significant coefficients for seven out of eight conditions in DSRIP participating hospitals. In the combined regression model, the coefficient of the PH rate showed a statistically significant decrease with negative p-values for regression coefficients in DSRIP participating hospitals compared to positive/increased p-values for regression coefficients in DSRIP non-participating hospitals. Conclusion and implications Several macro- and micro-level factors may have likely contributed DSRIP hospitals outperforming DSRIP non-participating hospitals. Healthcare organization/provider collaboration, support from healthcare professionals, DSRIP's design, state reimbursement and coordination in care delivery methods may have led to likely success of DSRIP. Level of evidence IV, a retrospective cohort study based on longitudinal data.
Empiricist Remarks on Harsanyi’s Model of “Games with Incomplete Information”

Harsanyi’s model of game theory presented in his 1994 Nobel Prize lecture (published 1995 in this volume) has the advantage of dealing with all contemporary problems of game theory and basic social research employing a statistical-stochastic model. To the internalists’ (the majority of game theorists) like Harsanyi, game-theoretical methods and models are cognitive probabilistic and/or stochastic representations of the methods of thinking we employ ‘in mente’ to solve societal conflicts, using psychological and social experience as well as rules and considerations of chance. Contrarily, externalists like Munier care less about subjective, internal causes of our solutions to problems but rather focus on game-theoretical methods and external causes, for instance on our dependence on others, on the market and the environment. To the externalist, however, it must seem a sheer miracle to see that optimal mental solutions of conflicts turn out to be in accordance with those provided by the models.
Discrete spacetime, quantum walks, and relativistic wave equations

It has been observed that quantum walks on regular lattices can give rise to wave equations for relativistic particles in the continuum limit. In this paper, we define the three-dimensional discrete-time walk as a product of three coined one-dimensional walks. The factor corresponding to each one-dimensional walk involves two projection operators that act on an internal coin space; each projector is associated with either the ``forward'' or ``backward'' direction in that physical dimension. We show that the simple requirement that there is no preferred axis or direction along an axis---that is, that the walk be symmetric under parity transformations and steps along different axes of the cubic lattice be uncorrelated---leads, in the case of the simplest solution, to the requirement that the continuum limit of the walk is fully Lorentz-invariant. We show further that, in the case of a massive particle, this symmetry requirement necessitates the use of a four-dimensional internal space (as in the Dirac equation). The ``coin flip'' operation is generated by the parity transformation on the internal coin space, while the differences of the projection operators associated with each dimension must all anticommute. Finally, we discuss the leading correction to the continuum limit, and the possibility of distinguishing through experiment between the discrete random walk and the continuum-based Dirac equation as a description of fermion dynamics.
The Moon and Tides in World War II

Astronomical factors played significant roles in many of the important battles of World War II. Our Texas State group used calculations of tide levels, lunar phase, and the direction of moonlight to derive new results for the four events described in this chapter.
Monte Carlo Based Method for Parallelizing Quasi-Static Time-Series Power System Simulations

Both commercial and open source power system simulators run quasi-static time-series (QSTS) simulations sequentially. For yearlong high-resolution load profiles this sequential execution of load flows incurs long computation times. Parallelizing QSTS simulations on multiple processors is one possible way to reduce the computation time. Parallelization however introduces errors in the simulation results as the initial state of the system at the beginning of each parallelized time period is not known. In this work a Monte Carlo-based approach has been proposed to estimate the initial state of the system for each parallel simulation run to mitigate the errors in the final results. Classical sequential QSTS simulation is the chosen base case against which all other methods have been compared. Results presented in this paper show that the proposed method improves the simulation results considerably. This paper also discusses possible sensitivities of the proposed method to a number of tunable parameters. Additionally, sensitivity analysis results for a number of parameters have also been presented in the results section.
Five-year rehospitalization experience of a state-wide cohort of persons with schizophrenia

This study has the objective of assessing the psychiatric rehospitalization experience of a large cohort of persons with schizophrenia and modeling the effects of personal and systemic conditions on rehospitalization risk. The study employs a secondary analysis of US data from Massachusetts’ casemix database of all patients discharged from acute general hospital units. It focuses on 11,291 patients during 1994–2000 who were discharged from acute adult psychiatric units. Predictors used include basic demographics, length of stay, continuity of care with doctors and facilities, diagnoses, discharge referral, type of insurance, and distance to and selected socioeconomic characteristics of the patient’s home zip code. Data are analyzed with descriptive statistics and modeled with the Cox proportional hazard model. The model was assessed through split-half reliability testing, the generalized R2, and Harrell’s Concordance Index. Overall, 13.4% of patients were rehospitalized within 1 month; 38.9% within 1 year; and 64.1% within 5 years. Predictors that are most strongly associated with lower rehospitalization rates include continuity of care, discharge to a chronic hospital, and density of home zipcode, whereas discharge to another acute psychiatric unit had the greatest effect on increasing risk of rehospitalization. Overall the Cox model has generalized R2 of 0.343 and a Concordance Index of 0.734. The results highlight the need to enhance the continuity of the relationships with providers, whether these are with the assigned psychiatrists or other therapists and case managers, as well as workplace issues involving staff turnover and hospital assignment and admitting policies.
Characterization of applicants for residency training in pathology: Does diversity exist?

Abstract Context A diverse workforce has been shown to improve productivity and innovation. The level of diversity among pathology residency applicants has not previously been reported. Objective This study aims to characterize the applicants at an academic pathology department to gain a better understanding of diversity among them. Design Between 2015 and 2017, data from a tertiary care center were analyzed for gender, US and international medical school, USMLE scores, and self-identified racial or ethnic group. For 2017, data was compared to that published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Results There were 1293 pathology applicants with 48–49% being female. The overall underrepresented minority (URM) applicant pool in pathology represented 12.6%, 9.5%, and 11.1% of our applicants for 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. URMs from US medical schools alone represented 4.7%, 3.7%, and 4.5% of our applicants for 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. The percentage of 2017 US medical school graduates applying to any US pathology training program was 22.2% versus 38.7% applying to pathology at our center (p ≤0.001). URM applicants for pathology from US medical schools were significantly lower than URM applicants to all AAMC medical specialties (p = 0.035). Among our pathology applicants in 2017, USMLE I scores and number of applicants with any publications were higher for non-URMs compared to URMs (p = 0.048 and p = 0.046, respectively). Conclusion No significant difference related to gender was identified among our applicants while racial/ethnic groups remain underrepresented with significantly fewer URM applicants from US medical schools compared to published AAMC data for all medical specialties.
PERIPARTUM DISCOVERED CONGENITAL COMPLETE HEART BLOCK IN HONDURAS

Congenital Complete Atrioventricular Block (CHB) is often diagnosed during childhood. However, in developing countries where pediatric screenings are limited, congenital arrhythmias should be included in a differential for new arrhythmia because they often go undiagnosed into adulthood. A 20 year
The Perceived Family and Parental Influence on African American Men Who Enroll in Community Colleges

Higher education institutions have generally been successful in increasing the number of diverse populations who attend college, especially recruiting and enrolling record numbers of Hispanic and Asian students. African American enrollments continue to lag behind these other diverse groups, with African American men being among the lowest of the multicultural groups to be enrolled in higher education today. Community colleges have been perhaps the most successful in recruiting and enrolling African American men, and the current study sought to describe how the families of these men interact and encourage or discourage enrollment. Using a series of semi-structured interviews, families were found to play a perceived important role in the decision to enroll in a community college. These families mentored the African American men in the study, created expectations for them to have successful life beyond high school, and pushed them to have positive ideas about their future and to plan for that future. These findings were consistent with modeling about college going decision-making, and also reinforced the emerging theory of community expectancy.
Innovative Professional Development and Community Building Activity Program Improves STEM URM Graduate Student Experiences

Strong consensus exists on the need to expand participation of URM doctoral students in STEM fields, to increase their retention, reduce their average time to degree, and provide these students with the preparation necessary to compete for faculty positions. This paper provides a model for implementing effective strategies to support the success of URM STEM graduate students across a system with various types of institutions. An innovative professional development, participation incentive, and community building program for underrepresented minority (URM) Graduate students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields was instrumental in preparing them to secure academic positions, navigating graduate school successfully, and form a support network that helped them excel at the next level. The program provided sustained support and several activities in a collaborative environment for 84 Ph.D. and 84 Master’s students, in over 43 graduate programs. Data were collected using evaluation questionnaires containing open-ended responses and responses to specific items sent to the students after each activity, and a survey seeking their feedback on the program. In only 4 years, the program helped 13 students to secure faculty or post-doctoral positions, and improved the opinion of the professoriate career as thirteen students transitioned to the Ph.D. program and are now more interested in applying for faculty positions. The program was successful in developing and sustaining large-scale, distributed, yet interconnected STEM communities among the diverse Alliance system institutions and increased participation (from 58 in 2013 to 98 in 2017), reduced barriers, and promoted the success of URM doctoral students preparing for careers in the professoriate. We have developed activities that connected students and faculty across institutions, providing multiple paths to the professoriate that align with students’ diverse academic career aspirations. This article illustrates that professional development, incentives, and community building interventions are essential in generating URM STEM education transformation.
Low-cycle fatigue-crack indications by strain gages operating in elastic strain fields

This paper describes the response of bonded electrical-resistance strain gages to low-cycle fatigue cracking of four, cyclically pressurized, boxlike structures. The strain-pressure “signatures” of gages installed on flexural parts of the structures were recorded semicontinuously. By observing the changes in signatures of certain gages, it was possible to follow indirectly the initiation and propagation of internal low-cycle fatigue cracks. The described technique appears feasible as a crack-detection system, or as an adjunct to some other type of damage-warning system. It is suggested that the sensitivity and accuracy of this technique make it possible to substitute “crack initiation” for “through cracking” as a criterion for fatigue failure in design.
Closed rupture of flexor digitorum profundus in zone III

Closed ruptures of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon cause a loss of active flexion at the distal interphalangeal joint. Commonly referred to as a 'jersey finger' because of its association with tackling sports, the distal aspect of FDP is avulsed from its insertion on the distal phalanx in zone I, with or without a fragment of bone. Because of this classic injury mechanism and pattern, providers may not seek advanced imaging beyond plain radiographs. Although rare, injury to FDP more proximally may occur. More often this injury is associated with a weak underlying tendon because of repetitive microtrauma or anomalous anatomy, for example. We present a case of a closed rupture of the FDP in zone III, and stress the importance of maintaining a high clinical suspicion and the potential use of adjunct ultrasound imaging to localise the site of injury.
Alternate day supplementation of corn stalk diets with soybean meal or corn gluten meal fed to ruminants.

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of adding corn gluten mean (CGM) or soybean meal (SBM) at 24- or 48-h intervals to diets based on corn stalks. In each experiment corn stalks was the primary diet ingredient fed to wethers or steers. Monensin was also fed to determine whether its effects on ruminal fermentation would improve the efficiency of N utilization under these conditions. Evaluation criteria included ruminal fermentation characteristics, DM intake and utilization, N balance in sheep, and steer feedlot performance. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3 N) concentrations measured over time were higher (P .10) total VFA concentrations in ruminal fluid. Differences in diurnal shifts in ruminal NH3 N and total VFA due to protein source resulted in diet x hour interactions (P .10) by protein source or feeding interval. The 48-h interval feeding of CGM was favorable compared with 24-h interval feeding (P < .05). The opposite response occurred with SBM, resulting in a diet x feeding interval interaction (P < .05). Nitrogen retention was greater (P < .05) when CGM was fed and with alternate day feeding. Diets that contained CGM supported higher (P < .05) ADG and gain/feed than diets that contained SBM when fed to steer calves. Alternate day feeding of supplements that contained monensin was detrimental to steer performance under the conditions of these experiments. Corn gluten meal is an effective substitute for SBM when alternate day protein supplementation is practiced.
Artificial Intelligence in Cardiology: Present and Future.

Abstract Artificial intelligence (AI) is a nontechnical, popular term that refers to machine learning of various types but most often to deep neural networks. Cardiology is at the forefront of AI in medicine. For this review, we searched PubMed and MEDLINE databases with no date restriction using search terms related to AI and cardiology. Articles were selected for inclusion on the basis of relevance. We highlight the major achievements in recent years in nearly all areas of cardiology and underscore the mounting evidence suggesting how AI will take center stage in the field. Artificial intelligence requires a close collaboration among computer scientists, clinical investigators, clinicians, and other users in order to identify the most relevant problems to be solved. Best practices in the generation and implementation of AI include the selection of ideal data sources, taking into account common challenges during the interpretation, validation, and generalizability of findings, and addressing safety and ethical concerns before final implementation. The future of AI in cardiology and in medicine in general is bright as the collaboration between investigators and clinicians continues to excel.
HPP as an innovation tool for healthy foods

Abstract High-pressure processing (HPP) is a nonthermal processing technology, which can reduce a food product’s microbial load, while maintaining its organoleptic and nutritional qualities. While the use of HPP was first driven by its benefits in providing microbial safety and extended shelf life for some products, in the past few years, in addition to providing these advantages, a growing number of functional, health-focused pressurized products have become available on the market. This book chapter discusses some of the newest food applications of HPP.
Prospective in vivo evaluation of three different hyaluronic acid gels to varying doses of hyaluronidase with long-term follow-up

Summary Purpose Several injectable hyaluronic acid dermal fillers exist in the market, each with different rheologic and cross-linking properties. Their reversibility is useful for managing complications. We sought to determine the response of three different hyaluronic acid gels to varying doses of hyaluronidase. Methods Each of 18 arms of nine subjects were prospectively randomized to receive intradermal injections of hyaluronic acid gel (Restylane-L, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Voluma). Seven sites on each arm were randomized to receive 0.2 mL of hyaluronic acid gel in anticipation of dissolution 1 week later with varying doses of hyaluronidase (Hylenex), 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 units or to be a control site. The outcome measures of diameter, elevation, and firmness were measured pre-injection and at varying time points to beyond 4 years. Subjects, graders, and injectors were masked. Results The most dramatic changes for all fillers occurred starting at the 30-min time point through 3 h time point, with continued gradual degradation through week 2. A mild dose response was found for Juvederm and Restylane; however, a clear dose response was seen from 2.5 to 10 units for Voluma, with 2.5 units showing features more like those of saline only or no hyaluronidase control. One Restylane arm had controls lasting four years. Conclusions All fillers had a dose response, with Voluma exhibiting it most clearly. Voluma required higher doses of hyaluronidase for dissolution, i.e., more than 20 units per 0.2 mL of filler. Restylane appeared to respond most readily to hyaluronidase, at the dose of even 2.5 units, but it also was fastest to dissolve on its own.
Midterm results of two-stage revision surgery for periprosthetic shoulder infection

Abstract Background To our knowledge, no studies have reported clinical results at a midterm follow-up after two-stage revision for periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI). Our purpose was to determine the recurrent infection rate and clinical outcomes of two-stage revision for PSI at a minimum follow-up of 5 years. The secondary aim was to evaluate the application of the new guidelines from the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) in 2018 for diagnosis of PSI in this cohort. Methods We identified 17 patients with infection after shoulder arthroplasty between 2005 and 2014 who were treated with a two-stage revision and had a minimum follow-up of 5 years (range, 5-9 years). The mean time from the involved arthroplasty to first-stage revision was 40 months. All patients were revised to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty at second-stage revision. Complications, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), visual analogue scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) score, and range of motion (ROM) were noted. Patients were retrospectively scored and categorized using the ICM 2018 diagnostic criteria. Mean patient age was 64 ± 7 years, and 65% of patients were male. Results A recurrent infection developed in 3 (18%) of the 17 patients. The cumulative incidence of recurrence of infection was 0% at 1 year, 6% at 2 years, and 18% at 5 years. There were 6 (36%) other complications, including 4 periprosthetic fractures, 1 spacer fracture, and 1 dislocation. Two (12%) patients had scapular notching. At latest follow-up, patients who did not have recurrent infection had a statistically and clinically meaningful improvement from preoperative to postoperative PROs, including VAS for pain, ASES score, SST score, and WOOS score, and active ROM, including abduction and forward flexion. Using the ICM 2018 criteria at first-stage revision surgery, the category of PSI for 10 (59%) patients was “definite PSI,” 4 (23%) patients was “probable PSI”, and 3 (18%) patients was “possible PSI.” Conclusion The rate of reinfection after a two-stage revision surgery for PSI at midterm follow-up was 18%. Clinical outcomes were favorable in the patients who remained free of infection. Further prospective study of the ICM criteria as they apply to making the diagnosis of infection in these patients would be beneficial. Level of evidence Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study
Co-existence of multiple sclerosis and germinoma in an adult male: Case report.

Background Concurrent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the central nervous system (CNS) germinoma is rare. The diagnostic criteria for MS rely primarily on clinical presentation, and CNS germinoma can present as an MS mimic. These factors contribute to the rarity of dual diagnosis. Case Description A 28-year-old man presented initially with bilateral optic neuritis, manifesting as persistently worsening vision for 2 years, and demyelinating plaques identified within the corpus callosum on magnetic resonance imaging. Initial work-up, in addition to clinical presentation, led to diagnosis of MS. Three months following the diagnosis of MS, the patient then presented with obstructive hydrocephalus due to a newly diagnosed intraventricular mass. The patient underwent an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy which confirmed diagnosis of CNS germinoma. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, dual presentation of both MS and CNS germinoma has never been reported in the literature. The clinical presentation of bilateral optic neuritis (persisting for roughly 2 years before initial MS diagnosis), demyelinating plaques, and intrathecal oligoclonal bands before the development of an intraventricular mass indicates that both MS and CNS germinoma presented simultaneously in this patient. The treatment plan for this patient included carboplatin + etoposide, followed by adjuvant radiation and subsequent IVIG therapy.