cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Addressing Environmental Racism Through Storytelling: Toward an Environmental Justice Narrative Framework

This study uses communication, critical race theory (CRT), and storytelling to examine environmental racism and environmental justice efforts. In New Mexico’s Petroglyph National Monument, a conflict emerged when officials moved protected rock carvings to build a road through the park. When creating the monument, stakeholders evoked cultural and environmental protectionism. Yet, proroad campaigners then used colorblind racist development arguments, while environmental justice activists argued that the road violated Indigenous peoples’ wishes and environmental integrity. After analyzing the case, in the tradition of CRT scholarship, I present my own fictional narrative as an environmental justice tool. I advance an environmental justice narrative framework to address environmental racism by exploring through storytelling how racial and environmental inequalities materialize and to what effect.
The Relationships Between Perceived Levels of Control, Psychological Distress, and Legal System Variables in a Sample of Sexual Assault Survivors

Information regarding psychological distress, perceived levels of temporal control, and legal system success and satisfaction ratings were collected from 41 survivors of sexual assault. Results suggest that self-blame and offender blame may differentially impact posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptom severity. In addition, participants who perceived a greater risk of future assault reported higher levels of depressive and PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, perceptions of present control over the recovery process were related to lower levels of psychological distress. For those who reported the assault to police, lower levels of legal system success and satisfaction were linked to higher levels of perceived control over present recovery.
Hemodynamic and functional consequences of radial artery removal for coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Five years after surgery the echo-Doppler characteristics of the forearm circulation and the transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures of the operated and control arm were determined at rest and under conditions of hand exercise in 34 patients who received a radial artery graft for myocardial revascularization. Doppler measurements showed the ulnar compensation to radial artery removal, and transcutaneous measurements demonstrated a moderate degree of exercise-induced hand ischemia on the operated site.
Nonlinear properties of gallium arsenide and silicon FET-based RF and microwave switches

An important parameter for RF and microwave system design is the prediction of distortion produced by system components. This paper presents the results of a study on modeling the distortion produced by silicon and gallium arsenide RF and microwave switches. Exact relationships for the second and third order intercept point as a function of FET parameters are presented. The results indicate that both types of FET-based switches have higher levels of distortion at low frequencies. The distortion improves at frequencies above the gate bias circuit cutoff frequency, although the distortion improvement is lower for the MOSFET-based switch.
'Blind' data calibration of intravascular ultrasound data for automated tissue characterization

Spectral analysis of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) backscatter has been shown to provide accurate tissue characterization in combination with statistical classification schemes. Such schemes employ multiple spectral parameters at the same time for tissue characterization. Before calculating the parameters, the tissue spectra is normalized with a spectra calculated with data from an ultrasound reflector. While this practice is feasible and convenient ex vivo, it is not optimal for the in vivo catheterization laboratory environment. Also, the additional procedure of gathering ultrasound reflector data for each IVUS catheter enforces a post-processing approach to IVUS tissue characterization instead of the desired real-time results. Blind deconvolution (BD) is an iterative algorithm that deconvolves the catheter transfer function (CTF) from the backscatter, thus enabling automated data normalization. BD is implemented with a recursive algorithm via an iterated window maximization method. In brief, if the common convolution product was to be modified as time variant, it could be written such that the pulse shape depends on 'n' and a fixed 'K' where the CTF or h(k,n) := 0 for k K and n=1,2,...N, where h(.,n) is the pulse shape due to a reflector at position n. Here, noise is assumed to be zero mean Gaussian white noise, denoted as measurement noise, that is not accounted for in this model. Finally, in order to obtain a computationally efficient solution, the pulse is assumed to be invariant on small intervals. Data were collected ex-vivo from 61 coronary arteries, with 30 MHz IVUS in saline at physiologic pressure. Regions of interest (ROI), selected from histology, comprised 115 fibrous tissue (FT), 63 fibro-fatty (FF), 88 necrotic-core (NC) and 56 dense calcium (DC) regions. ROI spectra were normalized after BD and compared to those previously reported with inverse filtering. Statistical classification schemes were computed with spectral parameters and were used to assess the accuracy of BD. Predictive accuracies of these classification schemes were comparable to the previously reported ultrasound reflector technique and can be further optimized, improving data normalization and decreasing computation time.
Pattern Estimation of a Microstrip Antenna Integrated With a Quantum-Dot Mode-Locked Laser

The characterization of a quantum-dot mode-locked laser (QDMLL) integrated patch antenna pattern is discussed. The repetition rate of a 4.1-mm-long QDMLL is 10 GHz. Improvement of the radiation pattern results from using a matching network between the laser diode and the proposed antenna. When an antenna is matched to a quantum-dot mode-locked laser, the radiation intensity at φ = 0° and θ = 0° is increased by 8.84 dB over that of the unmatched case.
Influence of internal curing and viscosity modifiers on resistance to sulfate attack

Sulfate attack is one of the common degradation mechanisms for concrete in severe environments. While various strategies for minimizing sulfate attack are well recognized, including using an ASTM C150 Type V cement, employing supplementary cementitious materials, and/or reducing water-to-cementitious materials ratio, this paper explores two new approaches for increasing a mortar’s resistance to sulfate attack. In internal curing, fine lightweight aggregates (LWAs) are pre-wetted to provide additional curing water to maximize cement hydration and enhance the microstructure of the interfacial transition zone. The concurrent reductions in connected porosity should contribute to a reduction in the transport rates of sulfate from the environment into the concrete, while the isolated pores present in the LWA may help to accommodate the formation of expansive degradation products, such as ettringite, without creating substantial stresses and subsequent cracking. In the second approach, previously verified for its efficacy to reduce chloride ingress, a viscosity modifier is added to the concrete mixture to increase the viscosity of the pore solution and thus slow down the ingress of sulfates from the environment. While each approach is observed to significantly reduce the measured expansion of mortar bars in standard ASTM C1012 testing, the best performance is observed when the two are combined together by pre-wetting the LWA with a 50:50 solution of the viscosity modifier in water. With the combined approach, the time for the mortar bars to reach a critical expansion level of 0.05 % was over 80 % longer than that measured for the control mortar specimens. The expansion measurements are supported by accompanying measurements of mortar bar mass and surface resistivity throughout their exposure to the sulfate solution, along with micro X-ray fluorescence imaging and X-ray microtomography analysis of specimens extracted from the mortar bars after 9 months of exposure to the sulfate solution.
Si Particle Size-Controlled Al-17 Mass% Si Alloy and Tool Wear in Cutting Al-17 Mass% Si Alloy by Polycrystalline Diamond Compact Cutting Tool

As high silicon aluminum alloys have both a high strength-to-weight ratio and good wear-resistance, they are used for many automobile and motorbike parts. High silicon aluminum alloys are generally machined to improve dimensional accuracy. In cutting high silicon aluminum alloys such as Al-17mass%Si alloy, the primary Si particles have a negative influence on tool wear. Therefore, polycrystalline diamond compact cutting tools are widely used. In this study, in order to improve the tool wear resistance of polycrystalline diamond compact cutting tools, the Si particle size of Al-17 mass% Si alloy was changed by adjusting the water-cooling speed. Two different kinds of Si particle size, which were changed by adjusting the water-cooling speed, were used. The Al-17mass%Si alloy was turned with the polycrystalline diamond compact cutting tool and the tool wear was experimentally investigated. The main results were as follows: (1) The formed Si particle size was from 30 to 70 μm or from 40 to 170 μm. (2) The mechanical properties of the Al-17 mass% Si alloy did not depend on the Si particle size. (3) The Si particle size included in the Al-17 mass% Si alloy had a major influence of the tool wear, and it was possible to reduce the tool wear by increasing the Si particle size including that in the Al-17 mass% Si alloy.
Whale Printing Company

Whale Printing Company's president has the opportunity to accept a print job at $700, but the full production cost is $750. The case discusses when and whether contribution analysis should be a guide for decisions, the relevance and measurement of available capacity, and the process and relevance of overhead allocation.
Platelet retention in glass bead columns: adhesion to glass and subsequent platelet-platelet interactions

In normal heparinized blood, the retention of platelets in glass bead columns was low in the first 1 or 2 ml, increasing to more than 80% by the 4th or 5th ml. Prior flushing of the columns with platelet-poor plasma or saline lowered retention in all 5 ml. Additional studies were carried out with a two-stage procedure in which a sample of blood (A) was pumped through a column, immediately flushed out with saline or plasma, and followed by a second blood sample (B). When as little as 1 ml of blood A preceded the flushing solution, retention was very high in all 5 ml of the subsequent blood B. This enhancement of retention in B occurred, providing blood A contained platelets (other than thrombasthenic), fibrinogen, and adequate divalent cations. Enhancement did not require von Willebrand factor (vWF) in A, nor was ADP necessary, since enhancement occurred even when heparinized blood as A contained prostaglendin E1 (PGE1) or creatine phosphokinase with creatine phosphate (CPK-CP). However, the presence of PGE1 or CPK-CP in the plasma used to flush the columns prevented the enhancement of retention in the first milliliter of B. Retention in the first milliliter of B (following normal blood as A and saline or normal plasma for flushing) was high when B was afibrinogenemic, moderately high when B contained PGE1 or CPK-CP, and low in thrombasthenic, EDTA, or vWF-deficient blood. Retention declined in subsequent milliliters of PGE1 or CPK-CP blood and remained low in thrombasthenic, vWF-deficient, or EDTA blood. Our findings suggest that (1) the platelets in A adhere to glass; this adhesion requires fibrinogen but not vWF or ADP; (2) the adherent platelets release ADP and become sticky; (3) adhesion of platelets in the first milliliter of B to the sticky platelets from A requires vWF and divalent cations but not ADP; (4) retention is maintained thereafter by repetitive platelet-platelet interactions involving ADP release, alteration of adherent platelets by released ADP, and adhesion of further platelets to these ADP-altered platelets which requires vWF.
Sex history, menstrual cycle, and psychophysical ratings of alpha androstenone, a possible human sex pheromone

(1986). Sex history, menstrual cycle, and psychophysical ratings of alpha androstenone, a possible human sex pheromone. The Journal of Sex Research: Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 243-248.
Abstract 727: NF-κB Mediates Resistance to Rapamycin in Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial pediatric solid tumor and is the most prevalent malignancy of infancy. We were interested in the potential use of rapamycin for the treatment of neuroblastoma. However, 7/8 of neuroblastoma cell lines were found to be rapamycin resistant in vitro, independently of MYCN status. The sensitive cell line (CHLA90) and 2 of the most resistant cell lines (SKNAS [non-MYCN amplified] and NB1691 [MYCN amplified]) were further analyzed to characterize their response to rapamycin. Electromobility shift assay analysis showed that treatment of resistant cells with rapamycin activated NF-κB, while NF-κB activation was reduced in sensitive cells. Immunoblotting with specific NF-κB antibodies showed that rapamycin induced p50 but not p65 nuclear translocation in resistant cells, suggesting that the NF-κB complex activated by rapamycin represents p50 homodimers. Furthermore, immunocytochemical analysis showed nuclear translocation the p50 protein following treatment with rapamycin. To attempt to overcome rapamycin resistance, we tested the combination of two different NF-κB inhibitors (Velcade, a proteasome inhibitor and BMS-345541, a highly selective IκB kinase inhibitor) with rapamycin. Sub-lethal concentrations that resulted in NF-κB inhibition of both agents were identified and these doses were used in combination with rapamycin treatment. A synergy index (SI) was calculated and in both cell lines significant synergy (SI Orthotopic neuroblastoma mouse models were established in the retroperitoneal space of SCID mice. Tumors were sized matched into cohorts of 5-10 mice each. Treatment groups included vehicle only, single agent (Velcade: 0.5mg/kg, 3x/w; rapamycin: 5mg/kg, 3x/w) and combination groups. Mice were sacrificed after 2 weeks of treatment and final tumor volumes calculated. In SKNAS, while Velcade and rapamycin individually had only modest effects on tumor volume (Control 6.6±3.2cm3; Velcade 4.5±1.8cm3; Rapamycin 2.6±0.95cm3), combination treatment was significantly more efficacious than either monotherapy (0.99±0.24cm3) (p In conclusion, the efficacy of rapamycin treatment of neuroblastoma may be limited by cellular resistance to the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of rapamycin. However resistance can be overcome by NF-κB inhibitors, which results in significantly synergistic inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 727. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-727
Environmental monitoring of total carbon and nitrogen in soils using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

We have successfully demonstrated the technique of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in the determination of the total concentration of carbon and nitrogen in soils. We have obtained a linear calibration curve for carbon in 15 soil samples directly correlated to the soil combustion technique.
Aspect ratio dependence of auger recombination and carrier multiplication in PbSe nanorods.

Nanomaterials with efficient carrier multiplication (CM), that is, generation of multiple electron–hole pairs by single photons, have been the object of intense scientific interest as potential enablers of high efficiency generation-III photovoltaics. In this work, we explore nanocrystal shape control as a means for enhancing CM. Specifically, we investigate the influence of aspect ratio (ρ) of PbSe nanorods (NRs) on both CM and the inverse of this process, Auger recombination. We observe that Auger lifetimes in NRs increase with increasing particle volume and for a fixed cross-sectional size follow a linear dependence on the NR length. For a given band gap energy, the CM efficiency in NRs shows a significant dependence on aspect ratio and exhibits a maximum at ρ ∼ 6–7 for which the multiexciton yields are a factor of ca. 2 higher than those in quantum dots with a similar bandgap energy. To rationalize our experimental observations, we analyze the influence of dimensionality on both CM and non-CM energy-l...
Clinical Decision Support Tool for Parental Tobacco Treatment in Primary Care

OBJECTIVES: We created a clinical decision support (CDS) tool and evaluated its feasibility, acceptability, usability, and clinical impact within the electronic health record to help primary care pediatricians provide smoking cessation treatment to parents/caregivers who smoke. METHODS: This prospective study of pediatric clinicians and parents was conducted at 1 urban primary care site. Clinicians received training in smoking cessation counseling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) prescribing, referral to an adult treatment program, and use of the CDS tool. The tool prompted clinicians to ask about secondhand smoke exposure, provide an electronic NRT prescription, and refer. Feasibility was measured by using electronic health record utilization data, and acceptability and usability were assessed with the use of clinician surveys. Parents reported clinical impact, including NRT accepted and used. RESULTS: From June to August 2015, clinicians used the tool to screen for secondhand smoke exposure at 2286 (76%) of 3023 visits. Parent smokers were identified at 308 visits, and 165 parents (55% of smokers) were interested in and offered treatment. Twenty-four (80%) of 30 eligible pediatric clinicians used the tool. Ninety-four percent of clinicians surveyed ( n = 17) were satisfied with the tool, and the average system usability scale score was 83 of 100 (good to excellent range). We reached 69 of 100 parents sampled who received treatment; 44 (64%) received NRT, and 17 (25%) were currently using NRT. CONCLUSIONS: A CDS tool to help urban primary care pediatric clinicians provide smoking cessation treatment was feasible, acceptable, usable, and influenced clinical care. A larger scale investigation in varied practice settings is warranted.
435 ANALYSIS OF ANTIBODY RESPONSES IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE RHEUMATIC FEVER EMPLOYING A MULTI-PLEXED FLUORESCENT IMMUNOASSAY

Purpose Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) remains a major problem worldwide. We have seen over 600 cases of ARF in the past 15 years (NEJM 316:421-427, 1987, J. Peds. 124:9-15 1994, Ped. 113:168-172, 2004). The specific pathogenesis of ARF and especially rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains unknown. Previous studies have suggested molecular mimicry between components of strains of the group A streptococcus (GAS) and human tissue resulting in an immune response directed at these tissues. Methods We employed a multiplexed fluorescent microsphere system to develop an assay requiring only 5 μl of serum to simultaneously assess the serum concentration of two non-specific streptococcal antibodies (anti-streptolysin O (ASO), anti-DNase B) and four antibodies specific to human tissues (myosin, collagen I, collagen IV, and fibronectin). Results We found significantly higher antibody activity in the ARF patients (n=20) to nonspecific streptococcal enzymes ASO and DNase B compared to pharyngitis patients (n=10) (ASO: 2519 mean fluorescent intensity vs. 1412 MFI p=0.005, anti-DNase B: 4795 MFI vs. 2268 MFI p=0.0006). We also found significant increases in antibody to collagen I, a component of heart valves, collagen IV, a component of basement membrane in several tissues, and fibronectin (anti-collagen I: 277 MFI vs. 136 MFI p=0.029, anti-collagen IV: 200 MFI vs. 50 MFI p=0.005, anti-fibronectin 1279 MFI vs. 1169 MFI p=0.007). In contrast, we did not see significantly elevated antibody to myosin which is associated with myocarditis (anti-myosin 649 MFI vs. 310 MFI p=0.069). In 10 patients with ARF with carditis vs. 10 patients with ARF without carditis, we found significantly higher levels of ASO, anti-DNase B, and anti-myosin (ASO: 2968 MFI vs. 2071 MFI p=0.035, anti-DNase B: 6037 MFI vs. 3554 MFI p=0.015, anti-myosin: 1037 MFI vs. 262 MFI p=0.019). Conclusion Employing this system, we have shown that ARF patients are hyper-responsive to all of these antigens, and carditis patients have a higher response to specific antigens than non-carditis patients. Such data derived from this multi-analyte system, may allow us to dissect the critical role of this molecular mimicry in the pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Risk Factors for Papaverine-Induced Priapism

AbstractIntracorporeal administration of papaverine hydrochloride is frequently used in the diagnosis and treatment of impotence. Priapism is the most serious potential complication of its use. The historical characteristics of 400 consecutive men receiving a standardized dose of papaverine were reviewed in an effort to determine the risk factors for prolonged erections. Younger men (p <0.0001) with better baseline erectile function (p <0.023) were more likely to have priapism. Despite use of a significantly lower dose, patients with overt neurological disease also had an increased rate of priapism. Patients with a history of coronary artery disease had a significantly lower risk of priapism (p <0.05). Patients with a final diagnosis of either psychogenic or neurogenic impotence had a much greater risk of priapism than those with vasculogenic impotence (p <0.001). The initial dosage in pharmacological erection therapy may be adjusted according to these risk factors. However, not all patients, with psychog...
Impact of unstable angina on operative mortality with coronary revascularization at varying time intervals after myocardial infarction.

We have performed a retrospective study of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting for postinfarction angina in an effort to determine the influence of recency of myocardial infarction and unstable angina on operative mortality. Time from myocardial infarction to bypass was arbitrarily divided into five intervals. Nine hundred ninety-three patients having isolated coronary bypass for postinfarction angina were analyzed, and a significant trend of increased operative mortality with recency of myocardial infarction was found (p<0.001)
Longitudinal estimation of gait time series density in multiple sclerosis subjects using inertial data

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that disrupts the communication within the brain, and between the brain and body. MS symptoms may vary over time. So we propose to do longitudinal assessments of a patient's gait characteristics using inertial data, in order to evaluate his/her gait for an extended period of time.
Liver Specific Delivery of siRNA Targeting EGLN Prolyl Hydroxylases Activates Hepatic Erythropoietin Production and Stimulates Erythropoiesis

Abstract Abstract 3161 Anemia in chronic kidney disease patients due to impaired renal production of erythropoietin (EPO) and insufficient erythropoiesis is a significant public health problem. One approach to compensate for the low EPO levels in patients with impaired kidney function would be to stimulate the levels of EPO production from non-renal sources. It is well known that during fetal development the liver serves as the primary producer of EPO until the kidney becomes the dominant source after birth. Negative regulation of EPO production is mediated by the EGLN family of prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs1-3) that play an important role in oxygen sensing by targeting the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) for degradation via the proteasome. HIF stabilization and activity is required to mediate EPO gene transcription. Previously it has been shown that liver specific conditional knockout of all three PHDs is required to activate HIF and induce EPO production in liver (Minamishima et al. Science 2010). Here we show that simultaneous siRNA mediated knockdown of all 3 PHD genes in mouse liver using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can induce hepatic EPO mRNA activation, elevation of serum EPO levels and stimulation of erythropoiesis. We extend these data by examining siRNA knockdown of different combinations of the 3 PHD genes and demonstrate that PHD2 is the dominant PHD gene regulating hepatic EPO production. In addition, due to the specificity of the LNP delivery system we show that the HIF activation and increase in EPO mRNA occurs specifically in liver. Increases in serum EPO and hematocrit were durable for two weeks and one month after a single intravenous dose of LNP siRNA. Furthermore, PHD siRNA silencing in a 5/6 nephrectomy model successfully elevates hemoglobin levels and corrects anemia. In conclusion, targeting of EGLN prolyl hydroxylase genes with siRNA therapeutics has potential in the treatment of anemia associated with chronic kidney disease and provides liver-specific target gene regulation. Disclosures: Querbes: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Bogorad: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Moslehi: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria. Akinc: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Wong: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Zurenko: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Qin: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Hettinger: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Kuchimanchi: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Charisse: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Sah: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Employment. Fitzgerald: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Kotelianski: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Kaelin: Fibrogen: Consultancy, Equity Ownership.
Ionospheric effect correction of ice motion mapping using interferometric synthetic aperture radar

Monitoring ice motion is of great importance for determining ice mass balance and its contribution to sea level rise [1, 2]. InSAR has become a reliable and important tool for monitoring the ice dynamic due to its known all-weather and all-day capabilities. Since 1990s, with the emergence of various sensors of different wavelengths, such as the C-band ERS-1/2, Envisat ASAR, Radarsat-1/2, X band TerraSAR-X, Sentinel-1 and the recent L-band ALOS 1&2 PALSAR SAR data, InSAR has become a major technique for monitoring large scale ice motion with unprecedented resolution. Recently the first comprehensive ice motion of the Greenland and the Antarctica have been generated with this technique [3, 4]. Using InSAR to detect the ice motion, the ionospheric phase delay has always been a problem and this is still not properly resolved [3, 5, 6, 7, 8]. This is especially true for low-frequency SAR data. Recent publications of comprehensive ice motion mapping with L-band data shows ionospheric errors are about 17 m/yr near magnetic pole, which can be larger than the actual signal in some areas [6]. Filter-based methods and empirical methods have typically been used to mitigate ionospheric effects, however, without a proper consideration of the physical origin of the ionospheric phase, these methods are prone to error and may introduce spurious biases [7, 9].
Risk Factors for Non-Therapeutic Initial Steady-State Vancomycin Trough Concentrations in Children and Adolescents Receiving High Empiric Doses of Intravenous Vancomycin.

Achieving vancomycin troughs of 15–20 μg/mL remains challenging in children. Our objective was to identify risk factors associated with non-therapeutic initial vancomycin troughs in children. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children who received intravenous vancomycin with at least one initial steady-state trough obtained. Patients who achieved therapeutic troughs (15–20 μg/mL in the 20-mg/kg/dose sub-cohort and 10–15 μg/mL in the 15-mg/kg/dose sub-cohort) were compared with those with subtherapeutic troughs ( 20 and >15 μg/mL, respectively) separately to determine risk factors associated with non-therapeutic troughs. A total of 153 vancomycin courses in 140 patients met study eligibility criteria. Of 45 patients who received 20 mg/kg/dose of empiric vancomycin, 60, 16, and 24% were subtherapeutic, therapeutic, and supratherapeutic, respectively. Each 10-mL/min/1.73 m2 increase in initial creatinine clearance (CrCl) was associated with a 47% increase in the odds of an initial subtherapeutic trough (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.47; 95% CI 0.98–2.22). Of 108 patients who received 15 mg/kg/dose of empiric vancomycin, 62, 19, and 19% were subtherapeutic, therapeutic, and supratherapeutic, respectively. Each 10-mL/min/1.73 m2 increase in initial CrCl was associated with an 18% increase in the odds of an initial subtherapeutic trough (aOR 1.18; 95% CI 1.02–1.37). Achieving vancomycin troughs of 15–20 μg/mL for severe Gram-positive infections continues to be challenging in children, even at higher empiric doses of 20 mg/kg/dose IV every 6–8 h. Children with higher initial CrCls are particularly susceptible to subtherapeutic initial steady-state vancomycin troughs.
Control adaptation approach for fault detection and isolation in SIDI high pressure fuel pump

Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) technology enables better fuel economy and tail pipe emissions in vehicles equipped with gasoline engines. The SIDI technology relies on the system's ability to deliver fuel at high pressures and reliable performance of the high pressure fuel pump is vital as it directly relates to the operability of the vehicle. It, therefore, becomes very important to devise a scheme that can effectively diagnose and prognose faults of such a component. In this article, algorithm development for incipient fault detection, and isolation of high pressure fuel pump faults is presented. In particular, the control adaptation of the high pressure fuel pump is employed to generate schemes for fault detection, and fault isolation. Results from simulations as well as real vehicle test data are presented to depict various fault behaviors and their manifestations. The learnings thus obtained enabled the design of fault detection, and isolation scheme for high pressure fuel pump and allows monitoring of health as the faults grow.
The Wit and Sarcasm of the Talmudic Sage Ulla

Talmudic stories are a method used by the ancient sages to teach us about ethics and morality. It has been observed that several of the sages used insults, rebukes and even curses when arguing Jewish law. This paper examines stories about Ulla, a sage who lived approximately 1,700 years ago and frequently traveled between the academies in Israel and Babylon. Ulla was a great sage but appears to have been quite sarcastic as well as witty.
Health lifestyles and the search for a concept of a gender-specific habitus

The purpose of this paper is to clarify what is meant by a gender-specific habitus which is a useful theoretical concept for analyzing health-related dispositions on the part of women and men. However, there is very little information on the notion of a generic female or male habitus. Bourdieu, who advanced the concept of habitus more than any other theorist in sociology, mentions a female and male habitus, but provides no definition, details, or descriptions. Consequently, in studies of health dispositions primarily applicable to women or men, there is no clear concept of a habitus specific to either gender available to researchers. In this paper, an ideal-type approach was used to construct male and female models of a gender-specific habitus for comparative purposes. While pure forms of either may not exist in reality nor apply to all men or women, they nevertheless serve as an ideal type to judge variance in the health-related dispositions generated by a gender-specific habitus. They provide a baseline reference for a gendered habitus in the absence to date of any other existing models.
Examining the Environmental Effects of Athletic Training: Perceptions of Waste and the Use of Green Techniques

Context: Environmental sustainability is a critical concern in health care. Similar to other professions, the practice of athletic training necessitates the use of a large quantity of natural and ...
Simulation Modeling and Arena

Emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning statistical analysis and model building through the use of comprehensive examples, problems sets, and software applications With a unique blend of theory and applications, Simulation Modeling and Arena(R), Second Edition integrates coverage of statistical analysis and model building to emphasize the importance of both topics in simulation. Featuring introductory coverage on how simulation works and why it matters, the Second Edition expands coverage on static simulation and the applications of spreadsheets to perform simulation. The new edition also introduces the use of the open source statistical package, R, for both performing statistical testing and fitting distributions. In addition, the models are presented in a clear and precise pseudo-code form, which aids in understanding and model communication. Simulation Modeling and Arena, Second Edition also features: * Updated coverage of necessary statistical modeling concepts such as confidence interval construction, hypothesis testing, and parameter estimation * Additional examples of the simulation clock within discrete event simulation modeling involving the mechanics of time advancement by hand simulation * A guide to the Arena Run Controller, which features a debugging scenario * New homework problems that cover a wider range of engineering applications in transportation, logistics, healthcare, and computer science * A related website with an Instructor's Solutions Manual, PowerPoint(R) slides, test bank questions, and data sets for each chapter Simulation Modeling and Arena, Second Edition is an ideal textbook for upper-undergraduate and graduate courses in modeling and simulation within statistics, mathematics, industrial and civil engineering, construction management, business, computer science, and other departments where simulation is practiced. The book is also an excellent reference for professionals interested in mathematical modeling, simulation, and Arena.
Model-Theoretic Games

We will begin to answer the question: What languages can be defined with first-order sentences? The answer, of course, depends on what numerical predicates we are allowed to use. Throughout this section we will assume that we are working with first-order formulas with some fixed finite set of numerical predicates and a fixed interpretation I. In the subsequent sections of this chapter we will make specific choices for these numerical predicates and prove some limitations on the power of first-order sentences. For example, we will show that the numerical predicate x < y cannot be defined by a first-order formula in which the only numerical predicates are of the form x = y and y = x + 1, and that there are regular languages that cannot be defined by first-order sentences in which x < y is the only numerical predicate allowed.
Overweight and Obesity Differences Across Ethnically Diverse Subgroups of Asian American Men

Asian Americans develop health complications at lower BMIs than other racial/ethnic groups. Given increasing overweight and obesity rates nationwide, growing numbers of Asian American men, and limited research on overweight and obesity in this population, understanding overweight and obesity differences across Asian subgroups of men is crucial to advancing health equity. This study examined overweight and obesity prevalence both among ethnic subgroups of Asian American men and compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) men. Prevalence ratios were derived from 2002 to 2015 National Health Interview Survey data to determine associations between race/ethnicity and (a) overweight, and (b) obesity, across ( n = 221,376) racial/ethnic groups of men (Chinese; Filipino; Asian Indian; Other Asian; NHW). Overweight and obesity for all Asian subgroups were defined using Asian-specific BMI cut points. Adjusted overweight prevalence was higher across all Asian subgroups compared to NHW men, except Filipinos. No significant pairwise relationships were observed for overweight prevalence among Asian subgroups. Filipinos had higher adjusted obesity prevalence compared to NHW men. Comparing among Asian American men, Asian Indians and Other Asians had higher adjusted obesity prevalence relative to Chinese. Filipinos had higher adjusted obesity prevalence compared to all other Asian subgroups (Chinese; Asian Indian; Other Asian). The current findings highlight the need for use of (a) WHO-recommended Asian-specific BMI cut points and (b) data disaggregated by Asian American subgroup, to provide more accurate depictions of overweight and obesity rates and associated health risks. Accounting for subgroup differences is necessary to ensure Asian American men receive equitable, appropriate care.
Retrospective assessment of toxicity following exposure to Orexin pathway modulators modafinil and suvorexant

AbstractOrexin A and B and their receptors OX1R and OX2R modulate human sleep/wakefulness cycles, energy homeostasis, and behavior. Modafinil and suvorexant either directly or indirectly manipulate the orexin neuro-excitatory system. As such they are prototypes for modulation of this pathway and can be used to anticipate the clinical effects of exposure to the emerging drug class. We queried the National Poison Data System for exposures to both between 2005 and 2017. Single-substance exposures followed to a known outcome were included. Severity of outcome, clinical effects, healthcare facility utilization, and reason for exposure were assessed. 1616 modafinil and 83 suvorexant exposures were included. No deaths occurred. No major effects were noted in suvorexant exposures while 0.9% of exposures to modafinil resulted in major effects. Exposure to modafinil commonly resulted in stimulant-type effects: agitation (2.8%), tachycardia (1%), and hypertension (1%). Suvorexant resulted in sedation in 26.1% of exp...
Disagreeable Rhetoric, Shaming, and the Strategy of Dissenting on the U.S. Supreme Court

Why do U.S. Supreme Court justices direct caustic rhetoric against each other in their opinions? In this article, I test two alternative theories for the use of this rhetoric. The coalition mainten...
Socially Inspired Communication in Swarm Robotics

Localized communication in swarms has been shown to increase swarm effectiveness in some situations by allowing for additional opportunities for cooperation. However, communication and utilization of potentially outdated information is also a concern. We present an explicit non-directional goal-based communication model and message accept/reject scheme, and test our model in a set of object gathering experiments with a swarm of robots. The results of the experiments indicate that even low levels of communication regarding the swarm's goal outperform high levels of random information communication.
Characterization of Malignant Head and Neck Paragangliomas at a Single Institution Across Multiple Decades.

Importance Malignant head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare entities, and there are limited data regarding optimal treatment recommendations to improve clinical outcomes. Objective To classify succinate dehydrogenase ( SDH ) germline mutations associated with malignant HNPGLs, evaluate time from diagnosis to identification of malignant tumor, describe locations of metastases and the functional status of malignant HNPGLs, and determine the role of selective neck dissection at the time of initial surgical resection. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study was completed of patients diagnosed with paragangliomas on various sites on the body at an academic tertiary cancer hospital between the years 1963 and 2018. A subanalysis of HNPGLs was also completed. Data regarding diagnosis, gene and mutation, tumor characteristics and location, and treatments used were reviewed between February 2017 and March 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures Mutations of SDH genes associated with benign and malignant HNPGLs, treatments used, time to the discovery of malignancy, and location of metastasis. Results Of the 70 patients included in the study, 40 (57%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 47 (21.1) years. Of patients with tumors isolated to the head and neck, 38 (54%) had benign HNPGLs, which were associated with mutations in the genes SDH subunit B ( SDHB ) (n = 18; 47%), SDH subunit C (n = 2; 5%), and SDH subunit D (n = 18; 47%). Among those with malignant HNPGLs, all but 1 patient had mutations in SDHB (n = 5; 83%); 1 patient had no mutation associated with their disease. The average age at diagnosis for malignant HNPGLs was 35 years, while benign tumors were diagnosed at an average age at 36 years. All patients with malignant disease underwent surgery. Four patients were found to have metastasis at the time of selective neck dissection. Among patients with malignant HNPGLs, 5 (83%) were treated with adjuvant radiation, and 1 (17%) was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions and Relevance Malignant HNPGLs are rare entities that are difficult to diagnose and are typically identified by the presence of regional or distant metastasis. The results of this study found the prevalence of malignant HNPGLs to be 9%. These data suggest that it is beneficial to perform a selective neck dissection at the time of tumor excision. All patients with malignant HNPGLs but 1 had SDHB mutations.
Reaction Dynamics in Extreme Environments and Astrochemistry.

Ralf I. Kaiser is Professor of Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry and Director of the W.M. Keck Laboratory in Astrochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii at Manoa (USA). He is a current member of the ChemPhysChem Editorial Board.
Creation of the maximum coherence via adiabatic passage in the four-wave mixing process of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering

Abstract Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering has been broadly used as an efficient method for molecular identification and specification, utilizing nonlinear optics response of a medium based on inherent and unique properties of its compounds. CARS implies the four-wave mixing process with three beams incident on the molecules and the fourth generated in the medium as a nonlinear response. Here we present a novel method for optimizing this response by maximizing the vibrational coherence in the target molecules. We demonstrate that all three incident fields must be chirped subject to quantum control conditions in order to achieve adiabatic passage between four states in the CARS scheme leading to a maximum vibrational coherence.
Buying search, buying students: how elite U.S. institutions employ paid search to practice academic capitalism online

While academic capitalism pervades many facets of US higher education, this study analyzes paid adwords as a method of academic capitalism in the online marketplace. This article presents findings ...
Tobacco Cessation in VAD Patients: The Power of Incentive

Purpose It is well-documented that tobacco smoking has significant cardiovascular ramifications. However, the effects of tobacco smoking upon Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) implant outcomes are understudied. We aimed to ascertain the effort that institutions devote to smoking cessation programs for VAD patients and the success of these programs. Methods Using Survey Monkey®, a 13-question survey was created and distributed to 26 VAD institutions. Examples of multiple-choice questions included: 1) the volume of VAD patients at the respondent's center, 2) the patient population with active or past use of tobacco, 3) the presence and breadth of smoking cessation programs, and 4) the respondents’ views on program success. Results Respondents (n=15, 58%) stated that more male patients (n=12,75%) were smokers at the time of implantation. The most prevalent ages of tobacco smoking among patients were nearly evenly distributed between the ages of 35-70, but one institution reported the most common age as below 35 years. While pre-implant smoking cessation was not required at most programs (n=13, 87%), nearly all (n=14, 93%) offered cessation therapy after implant, with half of the respondents viewing the programs as effective. There was no apparent correlation between feelings of effectiveness and the category of tobacco smoking cessation therapy (Figure 1). Several respondents indicated that tobacco smoking cessation programs are not effective in Destination Therapy patients, while Bridge-to-Candidacy offers an incentive for compliance. Conclusion Although tobacco smoking is not a contraindication for device implantation, our data suggests programs are dedicated to utilizing smoking cessation strategies for patients. However, no definitive strategy was identified in successful tobacco smoking cessation programs in our study, pointing to the need for research. Additionally, studies of standards, protocols, and team involvement are areas that could provide data to improve the outcomes of tobacco smoking cessation among VAD patients.
Lead Addition in a Patient with Bilateral Subclavian Vein Occlusion

The need to add a new lead to a CIED system is not uncommon, either due to lead malfunction or system “upgrade”. Occlusion of the subclavian and/or superior vena cava may cause significant difficulty for the implanter by blocking access to the heart. Lead extraction provides the ability to create a new conduit, and thereby prevent the need for performing an epicardial lead placement or risking bilateral venous occlusions. This case discusses a patient with bilateral subclavian vein occlusions and need for a new dual chamber pacing system.
Information Seeking Behavior of Distance Learners: What has Changed in Twenty Years?

Studies from many parts of the world report the success and concerns librarians face when connecting online with the universities’ off-campus students. This 20-year review attempts to determine the...
A new approach for detecting gradual changes in non-stationary time series with seasonal effects

This paper proposes a new method of detecting the gradual changes of time series when the changes in time series are mixed with seasonality. The key of the proposed method is to express the desired time-varying feature while removing the unwanted time-varying feature of seasonal effects through two-stage procedures. Asymptotic properties of the proposed methods are studied, and simulation results are presented. In addition, models with multiple changes have been studied. Furthermore, to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method, real data analysis with the number of Korean traveling to Japan is presented.
A Hybrid World: Diaspora, Hybridity, and Missio Dei

A Hybrid World addresses the growing reality of hybridity among people on the move in the twenty-first century, a reality that brings opportunities and also challenges for the mission of God. The book is mainly a compendium of papers from a hybridity in diaspora mission consultation held in 2018, sponsored by the Lausanne Movement and the Global Diaspora Network. Edited by Sadiri Joy Tira and Juliet Lee Uytanlet, the papers in the book are integrative, multi-disciplinary, and practical with implications, written by forward-thinking theological educators and hybrid ministry leaders. The editors and the majority of authors have doctoral degrees and are also hybrid people themselves. They utilize their expertise and experiences to engage in diaspora research and/or ministry in various fields around the world.