cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Penetrating Nonmissile Traumatic Brain Injury. Case Series and Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating traumatic brain injuries, with the exception of gunshot wounds, are relatively rare occurrences and affect all ages. Clinical presentation varies depending on the mechanism of the injury. Prompt surgical treatment is often indicated and is influenced by patient clinical exam, anatomical trajectory, and the penetrating object's size, shape, and velocity. METHODS: We present three cases of penetrating traumatic brain injury. Their similarities and differences affecting operative and medical management are compared. We relate our experience with management of penetrating intracranial foreign bodies in general and discuss the relevant literature. RESULTS: Our first case was a 12 year old male who presented with a self-inflicted transfacial transcranial injury by a crossbow. The arrow passed through the left sphenoid and cavernous sinus and exited through the parietal calvarium. Our second case was a 37 year old man with a transoral intracranial stab wound by a knife. In our third case, we present a 46 year old male who accidentally fired a nail-gun into his right ear. The nail traversed the posterior wall of the external auditory canal into the posterior fossa, ending in the cerebellar vermis. Each case was treated with craniotomy and foreign body removal. All resulted in good outcomes after surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgery in penetrating traumatic brain injury is the treatment of choice. Our cases demonstrate how certain principles applied to individual patient scenarios may optimize clinical results. Severity of the injury and operative approach are among the most important considerations to achieve the best patient outcomes.Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Language: en
A Short Account of the History of Symmetric Functions of Roots of Equations

(1930). A Short Account of the History of Symmetric Functions of Roots of Equations. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 37, No. 7, pp. 357-365.
Seasonal Abundance and Spatial Distribution of Two Sympatric Leafhoppers (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) on Eastern Redbud Trees

Two sympatric leafhopper species, Erythroneura aclys (McAtee) and E. bistrata (McAtee), occur together in some Kentucky settings in high numbers on eastern redbud trees, Cercis canadensis L. Seasonal and spatial distributions were examined to determine whether the species segregate within their habitat. Both leafhopper species undergo two generations per year, and population densities peaked within a week of each other in both generations. E. aclys was the more abundant of the two species. Leafhoppers partially subdivided tree canopies: E. aclys occurred significantly more frequently in the lower than in the upper canopy. E. bistrata showed less preference for either canopy level, but on average was encountered in greater numbers in the upper canopy. Both species preferred newer leaves along branches, but E. aclys showed significantly greater preference than E. bistrata , especially in the lower canopy. E. bistrata changed its resting or feeding position on individual leaves when it was in the presence of E. aclys . In general, differential distribution among and within trees increased as density increased, but only a change in position by E. bistrata within leaves when E. aclys was present was clearly the result of interspecific interactions.
Interaction of Venoms with the Calyx Fluids of Three Parasitoids, Cardiochiles nigriceps, Microplitis croceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), and Campoletis sonorensis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in Effecting a Delay in the Pupation of Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Calyx fluid (polydnavirus) from Cardiochiles nigriceps Viereck requires fluid from the venom gland and reservoir to inhibit host pupation. The pupation of all hosts injected with C. nigriceps calyx fluid mixed with C. nigriceps venom were either inhibited or became larval-pupal intermediates. In contrast, the calyx fluid of C. nigriceps mixed with the venom of either Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) or Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron) was unable to inhibit host pupation, although all three species successfully parasitize the same host. Through high-performance liquid chromatography, the synergistic component of C. nigriceps venom was found to be a 66-kDa (kilodalton) protein. In our studies, the calyx fluid of M. croceipes mixed with M. croceipes venom prolonged the larval stage of the Heliothis virescens (F.) for a few days, but all injected host larvae pupated, which suggests that another factor is needed to inhibit pupation with the M. croceipes-H. virescens system. The venom of either C. nigriceps or C. sonorensis did not alter the effect of M. croceipes calyx fluid on H. virescens development.
The effect of obesity on central activation failure during ankle fatigue: a pilot investigation

ABSTRACTBackground: In a forward-directed oscillation, individuals who are obese may be at higher risk of falls due to weaker ankle dorsiflexor muscles as the prime controllers of the balance recovery. Muscle recovery may be negatively affected by fatigue at either the central (activation) and/or peripheral (contraction) levels. Additional body weight support, as required with obesity, may increase lower extremity muscle fatigue development. Purpose: The objective of this pilot study was to quantify the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and fatigue symptoms quantified as endurance time, torque loss, and central activation failure for the tibialis anterior. Methods: Twenty-two young males (mean BMI = 27.0 kg/m2; range: 20.5–36.7 kg/m2) completed maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the ankle dorsiflexors before (pre-MVIC) and after (post-MVIC) a sustained isometric fatiguing task at 60% of their strength. Electrical stimulation was superimposed during each MVIC to identify central a...
PCR Mutagenesis and Gap Repair in Yeast

Random mutagenesis of a gene and subsequent screening for phenotypic properties is a basic genetic procedure for studying gene function. When working with yeast, cloning mutated alleles into a yeast vector can be done directly due to the efficiency of homologous recombination. Here we give sample protocols for introducing random mutations to a gene using PCR and transformation of the resulting product into yeast. After screening resultant colonies for the desired phenotype, the plasmid containing the selected mutation is easily rescued to bacteria for sequencing. A reliable protocol for rescuing yeast plasmids to bacteria is given.
Leibniz and the Concept of a System

The aim of this essay is to examine the role of the systems concept in Leibniz’s thinking. It addresses the questions: whence did Leibniz obtain the idea of systems? How did he develop it? What sort of role did it play in his philosophy?
Role of per-oral pancreatoscopy in the evaluation of suspected pancreatic duct neoplasia: a 13-year U.S. single-center experience

Background and Aims The role of per-oral pancreatoscopy (POP) in the evaluation of occult pancreatic duct (PD) lesions remains limited to case series. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of POP to differentiate malignant from benign diseases of the PD. Methods Patients who underwent POP between 2000 and 2013 for the evaluation of indeterminate PD strictures, dilatations, or with suspected or known main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm were identified. Main outcome measurements were visual impression accuracy, POP tissue sampling, efficacy, and safety of POP. Results During the study period, 79 patients who underwent POP for the evaluation of pancreatic stricture or dilatation were identified. Technical success was achieved in 78 (97%). In the PD neoplasia group (n = 33), the final diagnosis was based on index confirmatory POP-guided tissue sampling in 29 (88%). For the detection of PD neoplasia, POP visual impression had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of 87%, 86%, 83%, 91%, and 87%, respectively. When combined with POP-guided tissue sampling, the values were 91%, 95%, 94%, 93%, and 94%, respectively. Of 102 POPs performed, adverse events were noted in 12 (12%) cases. Conclusions This study demonstrates a high technical success rate, visual impression accuracy, and tissue sampling capability of POP. Examinations were performed by endoscopists with expertise in pancreatoscopy interpretation, and the results may not be generalizable.
Role of Dynamically Frustrated Bond Disorder in a Li+ Superionic Solid Electrolyte

Inorganic lithium solid electrolytes are critical components in next-generation solid-state batteries, yet the fundamental nature of the cation–anion interactions and their relevance for ionic conductivity in these materials remain enigmatic. Here, we employ first-principles molecular dynamics simulations to explore the interplay among chemistry, structure, and functionality of a highly conductive Li+ solid electrolyte, Li3InBr6. Using local-orbital projections to dynamically track the evolution of the electronic charge density, the simulations reveal rapid, correlated fluctuations between cation–anion interactions with different degrees of directional covalent character. These chemical bond dynamics are shown to correlate with Li+ mobility and are enabled thermally by intrinsic frustration between the preferred geometries of chemical bonding and lattice symmetry. We suggest that the fluctuating chemical environment from the polarizable anions functions like a solvent, contributing to the superionic behav...
Distributed Target Tracking in a Wireless Sensor Network

We study the problem of accurately tracking a target moving through a wireless sensor network employing proximity sensors. We address the issues of estimating target location, having measurements irregularly spaced in time, and improving energy efficiency by applying a Kalman filter in a distributed architecture. The behavior of the tracker and its second order statistics are studied to provide insight into the operation of the tracking sensor network. Simulations illustrate the performance of the tracking system.
Comparison of new and existing algorithms for the analysis of 2D radioxenon beta gamma spectra

The aim of this paper is to compare radioxenon beta–gamma analysis algorithms using simulated spectra with experimentally measured background, where the ground truth of the signal is known. We believe that this is among the largest efforts to date in terms of the number of synthetic spectra generated and number of algorithms compared using identical spectra. We generate an estimate for the minimum detectable counts for each isotope using each algorithm. The paper also points out a conceptual model to put the various algorithms into a continuum. Our results show that existing algorithms can be improved and some newer algorithms can be better than the ones currently used.
Peer-Led, Postanatomy Reflection Exercise in Dissection Teams: Curriculum and Training Materials.

Introduction The importance of emphasizing empathy, reflection, and professionalism during anatomy dissection has been well established. This small-group curriculum was developed to fulfill a need for structured reflection at the end of anatomy. Methods In this 45-minute reflection session, each dissection team of first-year medical students in anatomy is led by one or two peer facilitators recruited from the second-year medical student class. The session is designed to include a time for sharing of personal reflections, a clinical observation activity about the cadaver's cause of death, and an appreciative inquiry approach to the dissection team experience. In addition to the reflection session curriculum, materials also include a 1-hour presession training module, containing a small-group facilitator skill-building and role-play and a 30-minute postsession debrief for peer facilitators. Results We found that the majority of anatomy students felt that the end-of-course reflection was a meaningful way to conclude the course and that the session had a positive impact on their relationship with their dissection team. Fifteen peer facilitators participated in focus groups, and common themes included the value of giving back, making meaning of past experiences, countering burnout by recognizing one's own growth, and continued learning through peer teaching. Discussion This anatomy reflection curriculum has been incorporated into our 7-week anatomy course and has been well received by both anatomy students and peer facilitators. We believe that peer-led small-group reflection sessions after intensive experiences in medical school can promote personal and professional growth among both junior and senior medical students.
Abstract 027: Intestinal Permeability and Dysbiosis are Linked to Hypertension

Introduction: Emerging evidence implicates the involvement of intestinal microbiota in overall physiological homeostasis. Altered microbial composition is associated with metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. However, the role of intestinal microbiota in blood pressure control and hypertension (HTN) remains unexplored. The present study was designed to evaluate the hypothesis that both intestinal dysbiosis and altered intestinal function are critical pathophysiological events in HTN. Methods: 16S ribosomal DNA from fecal samples from SHR and chronic angiotensin II (Ang II, 200ng/kg/min) rat models was utilized to compare gut microbial communities between normotensive and hypertensive animals. Gut permeability was assessed by accumulation of FITC-dextran (44mg/100g BW) in the plasma 4 hours following oral feeding. Ex vivo atomic force microscopy was used to determine small intestine and colon stiffness (a measure of permeability). Tight junction gene expression was quantified by qPCR. Results: We observed a significant decrease in microbial richness (20%), diversity (12%), and evenness (10%) in SHR vs WKY. This was associated with an increased Firmicutes (F)/Bacteroidetes (B) ratio (4±1 vs 24±5), a hallmark of gut dysbiosis. Additionally, we observed a 95% increase in plasma FITC-dextran in SHRs (1777±428 vs 3514±563 ng/ml, p Ocln , Tjp1 , and Cldn4 . In addition, we found increased stiffness of both small intestine and colonic tissue, as evidenced by increased elastic modulus in SHR (small intestine: 21.2±3 vs 53.7±8 kPa, colon: 15.7±2 vs 53.4±14 kPa, p Conclusions: These observations show that increased gut permeability/leakiness and dysbiosis is associated with HTN. They are the first to demonstrate a profound intestinal pathophysiology and microbial dysbiosis in HTN.
Equation of state of α-Si 3 N 4 s

X-ray diffraction at high pressures reveals that \ensuremath{\alpha}-${\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$ ${\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ is metastable to at least 48 GPa when compressed statically at 295 K, and yields a zero-pressure bulk modulus of ${\mathrm{K}}_{0}$=228.5 (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4) GPa, assuming a pressure derivative ${\mathrm{K}}_{0}^{|\mathrm{I}\mathrm{H}}$=4. The compression is nearly isotropic, but with the c direction being slightly more incompressible than the a direction, in good agreement with theory.
A fluorescence-electrochemical study of carbon nanodots (CNDs) in bio- and photoelectronic applications and energy gap investigation

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) have attracted great attention due to their superior solubility, biocompatibility, tunable photoluminescence, and opto-electronic properties. This work describes a new fluorescence-based spectroelectrochemistry approach to simultaneously study the photoluminescence and wavelength dependent photocurrent of microwave synthesized CNDs. The fluorescence of CNDs shows selective quenching upon a reversible redox couple, ferricyanide/ferrocyanide, reaction during cyclic voltammetry. The CND modified gold slide electrode demonstrates wavelength dependent photocurrent generation during the fluorescence-electrochemical study, suggesting the potential application of CNDs in photoelectronics. UV-Vis absorption and electrochemistry are used to quantify the energy gap of the CNDs, and then to calibrate a Huckel model for CNDs’ electronic energy levels. The Huckel (or tight binding) model treatment of an individual CND as a molecule combines the conjugated π states (CC) with the functional groups (CO, C–O, and COOH) associated with the surface electronic states. This experimental and theoretical investigation of CNDs provides a new perspective on the optoelectronic properties of CNDs and should aid in their development for practical use in biomedicine, chemical sensing, and photoelectric devices.
A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Versus Bupivacaine Liposome for Pain Management After Distal Radius Fracture Repair Surgery.

Purpose To compare pain experience and opioid use after distal radius fracture repair surgery performed with perioperative infiltration of the local anesthesia bupivacaine hydrochloride (Marcaine; Pfizer, New York, NY) or bupivacaine liposome (Exparel; Pacira, Parsippany, NJ). Methods We conducted a prospective comparison of consecutive patients scheduled to undergo distal radius fracture repair surgery. Patients were randomized to either Marcaine or Exparel. Patients in the Marcaine group received 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine without epinephrine into the incision and surgical site before incision. Patients in the Exparel group first received 10 mL 0.5% Marcaine with no epinephrine into the incision and surgical site before incision; then, upon completion of the surgery and wound closure, they also received 10 mL Exparel into the same site that had been preinjected with Marcaine. All operations were performed with the same surgical technique. Daily opioid pill consumption, pain levels, and any adverse reactions were recorded from postoperative days 0 to 5. Results On the day of surgery, patients in the Exparel group reported significantly lower pain levels (3.9 vs 5.8) and consumed significantly fewer prescribed opioid pills (1.2 vs 2.0) compared with patients in the Marcaine group. However, there were no other significant differences between the Exparel and Marcaine groups on any subsequent days or in the total number of pills consumed at the end of the study period (7.5 vs 8.9 pills, respectively). No major adverse reactions were noted in either group. Conclusions Exparel use was found to result in decreased pain and opioid consumption only on the day of surgery and not thereafter. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic II.
In vivo photoacoustic detection of lymph node metastasis using glycol-chitosan-coated gold nanoparticles

Metastasis rather than primary tumor determines prognosis and mortality in the majority of cancer patients. Detection of metastatic lesions is critical for diagnosis and staging, which helps establish the best course of treatment. We developed a method for identifying sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis, using combined ultrasound and photoacoustic (US/PA) imaging augmented with glycolchitosan-coated gold nanoparticles (GC-AuNPs). Upon peritumoral injection, GC-AuNPs are uptaken by immune cells and transported to the SLN, where they accumulate. We show that presence of metastasis affects distribution of GC-AuNP-loaded cells in the SLN, which can be monitored via US/PA imaging. A significant reduction in nanoparticle accumulation was seen in metastatic breast cancer mouse models compared to healthy controls. The results of our studies suggest that US/PA imaging of GC-AuNPs can identify sentinel lymph node metastasis with statistical significance. Our approach is cost-effective and does not require complex molecular targets. The developed US/PA imaging tool is expected to aid physicians in detection of micrometastasis thus potentially avoiding unnecessary SLN biopsy.
9 – Adjustment of Data

Publisher Summary Survey data can be used to estimate the joint distribution of several polytomous variables in a population. If the survey data are supplemented by some information from population censuses concerning the distribution of these variables, then the joint distribution can be estimated with increased precision. The method of adjustment developed by Deming and Stephan applies if a table providing the joint distribution of two or more polytomous variables has been obtained from a population sample and if some tables of marginal distributions of these variables have been obtained from a population census. The joint population distribution of the variables is obtained through an iterative proportional fitting algorithm. The Deming–Stephan algorithm produces consistent estimates of joint population probabilities if the sample is a simple random sample. In this case, relatively simple formulas are also available for estimation of asymptotic standard deviations of the probability estimates. The Census does provide a cross-classification of educations of husbands and wives. The adjustment methods described in the chapter have been used extensively to describe relationships between discrete variables. The Newton–Raphson algorithm or the Deming–Stephan algorithm can be used to test the hypothesis of the adjustment of data.
Starting a Clinical Research Team

It is possible to start a clinical research team with only one doctor and one nurse, but there are many tasks to be done. It is generally preferable to add individuals with a medical background, but clinical research is more detail-oriented and team members must be comfortable that a placebo, inactive device, or sham procedure is being used. Processes are lengthy, and the best staff are those who are good at different tasks. Start-up procedures include executing a clinical disclosure agreement (CDA), negotiating a contract, developing a budget, and writing a good consent.
Summary of the 2018 Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) for transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Medicare coverage for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the United States (US) is governed by the 2012 National Coverage Determination (NCD 20.32), which enshrined minimum numbers of TAVR, surgical aortic valve replacement, and percutaneous coronary intervention that centers must perform to begin or maintain TAVR programs. In July 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) convened a meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) to review the evidence for setting minimum procedure volume requirements and to evaluate the impact of such requirements on access to care. In this paper, we summarize the MEDCAC panel deliberations, the evidence presented to the panel, and how the panel members voted. CMS is expected to publish a draft decision in March 2019 that may reshape the TAVR landscape in the US for years to come.
Melt Pool Analysis and Mesoscale Simulation of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process (L-PBF) with Ti-6Al-4V Powder Particles

The laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process is accompanied by rapid melting and solidification that results in intense thermocapillary convection within the melt pool. Open-source particle simulation software was utilized to generate a single layer of spherical powder particles of variable diameter. Considering the importance of particle size and the particle size distribution (PSD) in the L-PBF process, three distinct categories of PSD were generated with identical settings. A three-dimensional (3D) thermofluid model was developed in this study, incorporating the generated layer of powder particles of nonuniform size over a thick substrate. A moving volumetric heat source was applied to melt a single track in the powder layer using a user-defined function in FLUENT software. Temperature-dependent material properties including variable surface tension were considered in the computation. The numerical model was used to simulate Ti-6Al-4V powder particles to observe the melt pool flow dynamics. Presence of particles of smaller diameter in the powder mix supported consistent and continuous melt pool flow, while any kind of void enhanced fluid convection in the downward direction, causing a temporal increase in melt pool depth.
A Modified Direct Torque Control for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSMs)

This paper proposes a modified non-linear space vector modulated direct torque control (SVM-DTC) for permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) utilizing Lyapunov function-based methods. Feedback linearization and non-linear sliding mode control schemes have been widely utilized in PMSM control systems. However, the feedback linearization control rely on precise plant parameters and sometimes cancel some important nonlinearities, which may lead to instability of the system. Also, the non-linear sliding mode control has disadvantages of chattering (torque-ripple) phenomenon and torque fluctuations for load and parameter variations. In this work, a modified nonlinear SVM-DTC for PMSMs is proposed that has the advantages of reducing the chattering phenomenon and ensuring the stability of the system. The mathematical model of the proposed modified controller and its theoretical stability analysis are developed based on a Lyapunov function-type approach considering the complete machine dynamics. Simulations are carried out on a PMSM and its stability performance is analyzed against a broad spectrum of load and parameter variations.
An Overview of the Current Trends on the Use of Gamification in Higher Ed Engagement and Recruitment

Gamification is defined as: the process of adding games or game-like elements to something (such as a task) so as to encourage participation. There are many examples of gamification in higher education; games have been shown to motivate students to engage more with their study tasks. Even though the use of gamification (as an engagement and recruitment strategy in higher ed) has been utilized since 1999 (Fairmont State), only a select few universities have leveraged gamification as a tool for engagement and recruitment over the last 18 years. The strategy overall has not garnered much research but since gaming culture is now more ubiquitous than ever (67 percent of American households own a device used to play video games) it is inevitable that more gamified-based recruitment strategies will start to take shape in the near future.
Tobacco Use Among Non-Elderly Adults With and Without Criminal Justice Involvement in the Past Year: United States, 2008-2016

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States and is concentrated among disadvantaged populations, including individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement. However, tobacco use among individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement has been understudied in the United States, and data are needed to inform policy and practice. We used data from the 2008–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (unweighted N = 330,130) to examine trends in tobacco use, categories of tobacco use, characteristics of cigarette use, and health care utilization and tobacco use screening among individuals (aged 18–64) with and without a history of criminal justice involvement in the past year. We used multiple logistic and Poisson regression models with predictive margins to provide adjusted prevalence estimates. The weighted sample in each year was, on average, representative of 8,693,171 individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement in the past year and 182,817,228 individuals with no history of criminal justice involvement in the past year. Tobacco use was significantly more common among individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement compared with individuals with no criminal justice involvement, and disparities increased over time (Difference in adjusted relative differences: − 10.2% [95% CI − 17.7 to − 2.7]). In 2016, tobacco use prevalence was more than two times higher among individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement (62.9% [95% CI 59.9–66.0] vs. 27.6% [95% CI 26.9–28.3]). Individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement who smoked reported a significantly earlier age of cigarette initiation, more cigarettes used per day, and higher levels of nicotine dependence and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement were less likely to report an outpatient medical visit in the past year and, among those reporting an outpatient medical visit, were less likely to be asked about tobacco use, but paradoxically, more likely to report being advised to quit. Novel programs and tobacco control policies are needed to address persistently high rates of tobacco use and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among individuals with a history of criminal justice involvement.
Trends in Hospitalizations for Sickle Cell Disease Related-Complications in USA 2004 - 2012.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects 100,000 patients in the USA. However, no recent data was available for annual national trends in hospitalization rates, in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS) and costs of SCD admissions due to its complications. Methods: This study was conducted to study the trends of hospitalization rates, in-hospital mortality, LOS and hospital charges due to SCD-related complications in African American (AA) patients from 2004 to 2012 in the USA. Complications included acute chest syndrome, splenic sequestration, bacterial pneumonia, sepsis, stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, retinal circulation complications, priapism, disorders related to biliary stones, or those required blood transfusions. We obtained the study population from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Results: Hospital admission rate rose steadily from 106 per 100,000 AA population in 2004 to 137 in 2012. Seasonal and trend decomposition revealed the highest hospitalization rate in January. Hospital LOS decreased from 7.1 ± 7.65 days in 2004 to 6.23 ± 6.42 days in 2012. Hospital charges increased from 15.35 (8.99 - 27.57) thousand dollars per admission in 2004 to 24.78 (14.37 - 45.24) in 2012. Medicaid remained the primary payer in the highest number of patients in 9 years. In-hospital mortality did not change significantly, being 1.03% in 2004 and 1.02% in 2012, with no significant seasonal variation in mortality. Most common complications were acute pain crisis and blood transfusion requirement. Biliary pathology was the only complication that decreased over time. Admissions for each complication were initially uprising with a decline from 2010 to 2012, except for DVT/pulmonary embolism with a significant uptrend. Conclusions: Overall, from 2004 to 2012, hospital admission rates and charges increased, and hospital LOS decreased, while in-hospital mortality remained unchanged. J Hematol. 2019;8(1):11-16 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jh475
Feminism and the Politics of Prostitution in King’s Cross in the 1980s

In the 1980s, prostitution resurfaced as the object of feminist politics as second-wave activists grappled with Thatcherism, prostitute rights, tenant activism, anti-violence movements, and changes in the street sex trade and in policing. These conflicting imperatives converged on King's Cross, London. Events in King's Cross highlight some general trends, especially shifts in policing and in the geographic dispersal of the street sex trade. King's Cross also possessed singular features. It was the epicentre of street prostitution in London and the destination for hundreds of northern women migrating to the metropolis to sell sex. Intensified policing of the street trade provoked a heated neighbourhood dispute between council tenants and a media-savvy prostitute rights group. The year 1982 also marked a new configuration in local politics: the control of Camden Council by Labour Left and the formation of the Camden Women's Committee. In this challenging environment, newly elected municipal feminists in Camden set out to devise a feminist practice around prostitution. They found themselves embroiled in local disputes over public space, gender justice, policing, municipal progressivism, and resident action.
Fatigue severity and electronic cigarette beliefs and use behavior.

Abstract Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has risen dramatically in the United States. Clinically significant fatigue may represent one previously unexplored individual difference factor related to e-cigarette use patterns and e-cigarette specific cognitive processes. Fatigue reflects the experience of being tired, lacking energy, and feeling exhausted. Although fatigue is a normal bodily response, severe or chronic fatigue is maladaptive. Thus, the current study sought to evaluate clinically significant fatigue and its relation to perceived barriers for quitting e-cigarettes, perceived risks and perceived benefits of e-cigarette use, and e-cigarette dependence among 625 adult e-cigarette smokers (51.8% female, Mage = 34.91 years, SD = 10.29). Results indicated that severe fatigue was significantly related to greater perceived barriers to quitting (p
Effect of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil on the survival of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg in contaminated poultry drinking water.

SUMMARY Drinking water contaminated with Salmonella could serve as a source for cecal colonization of the pathogen in birds. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a generally recognized as safe—status essential oil (lemongrass essential oil, LGEO) against multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg (S. Heidelberg) in poultry drinking water. Farm water with and without added droppings, litter, or feed [0.5% (w/v)] inoculated with 6.0 log10 cfu/mL S. Heidelberg was treated with 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.125, 0.25, or 0.5% (v/v) LGEO and incubated at 12.5°C or 22°C for up to 7 d. The number of viable S. Heidelberg populations was determined on d 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7. At 12.5°C, all concentrations of LGEO inactivatedS. Heidelberg to non-detectable levels in water alone and water contaminated with droppings or litter by d 7 (>6 log10 cfu/mL; P 5.0 log10 cfu/mL reduction of S. Heidelberg on d 7 in water contaminated with feed (P 6 log10 cfu/mL; P 5.0 log10 cfu/mL reduction of S. Heidelberg in water contaminated with litter on d 7 (P
Pediatric hodgkin lymphoma: disparities in survival by race.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with disparities in overall survival (OS) by race in pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patients. We evaluated clinical features and...
Mental and physical health in service member and veteran students who identify as American Indians and Alaskan natives.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore (a) current utilization rates of university mental health services among American Indian/Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian (AI/AN/NH) student vetera...
Introduction: significance, challenges and strategies of animal production

Abstract Livestock, poultry and fish are the biological transformers of low-quality feedstuffs into high-quality protein and highly bioavailable essential minerals in diets of humans. Thus, animal agriculture plays an important role in improving human nutrition, growth and health, as well as economical, political and social stability in society. However, more than 10% of the world's population suffered from chronic deficiencies of nutrients (particularly protein and microminerals) in 2016. Globally, 150 million children under five years of age were stunted in their growth and development in 2017. With exponential growth of the global population and marked increases in meat consumption per capita, demands for animal-source protein are expected to increase 72% between 2013 and 2050. This raises concerns about the efficiency, sustainability and environmental impacts of animal agriculture. An attractive solution to meeting increasing needs for animal products and mitigating undesirable effects of agricultural practices is to enhance the efficiency of animal growth, reproduction, and lactation. The application of techniques in biotechnology is expected to help in achieving this goal. In addition, a promising, mechanism-based approach is to optimize the proportion and amounts of amino acids and other nutrients in diets for maximizing whole-body protein synthesis and feed efficiency. Furthermore, new management skills are required to reduce various environmental and disease-associated stresses in livestock and poultry under practical production conditions. Improvements in farm animal productivity will not only decrease the contamination of soils, groundwater, and air, but will also help sustain animal agricultural production of high-quality protein for the expanding global demand in the face of diminishing resources.
Distractions During Patient Handoff: The Application-Based Messaging Volume on General Surgery Interns

Objective Mobile phone-based paging systems have become increasingly common for communication within hospitals. Surgical interns receive the most pages, and our aim is to objectively quantify and evaluate this burden to allow for targeted improvement. Design We performed a retrospective review of our institutions mobile phone-based paging system data (Halo Health, Cincinnati, OH) from July 2019 to September 2019. Setting Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA. Participants Seven general surgery postgraduate year (PGY) 1 residents. Results Forty-five thousand eight hundred and one messages met inclusion criteria, with 27,397 messages received and 18,404 sent. PGY 1 residents each received an average of 48 ± 41 messages per shift, with 8 ± 17 messages per day while off-duty. Night shifts averaged more messages than day shifts (80 ± 39 vs 38 ± 32, p Conclusions PGY 1 residents receive a large number of pages using a messaging application, with many occurring at critical times. Residents received a higher volume of pages on night shifts, during patient handoff, and while off-duty. Since most pages are from nursing staff, targeted education and preventative actions may help decrease the volume of pages during these critical times.
eLearn Magazine: Three-years in Review and Beyond

In the past three years, eLearn Magazine has reached several milestones placing the publication at the intersection of elearning research and practice. This editorial provides an overview of these accomplishments and a plan for the next three years.
Non-perturbative double scaling limits

Recently, the author has proposed a generalization of the matrix and vector models approach to the theory of random surfaces and polymers. The idea is to replace the simple matrix or vector (path) integrals by gauge theory or non-linear sigma model (path) integrals. We explain how this solves one of the most fundamental limitation of the classic approach: we automatically obtain non-perturbative definitions in non-Borel summable cases. This is exemplified on the simplest possible examples involving O(N) symmetric non-linear sigma models with N-dimensional target spaces, for which we construct (multi)critical metrics. The non-perturbative definitions of the double scaled, manifestly positive, partition functions rely on remarkable identities involving (path) integrals.
Optical Multiplexer/Demultiplexer: Discrete

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the principles, structures, and performances of the thin film dielectric filter, fiber Bragg grating, arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), and diffraction grating based multiplexing and demultiplexing (MUX/DEMUX) devices, which combines/splits lights with different wavelengths into different outputs. Insertion loss of a MUX/DEMUX device typically changes with the state of polarization of the light input into the device and the change is also wavelength dependent. Polarization-dependent loss (PDL) is the loss variation over all polarization states at a given wavelength. MUX/DEMUX devices for WDM applications have to pass very stringent environmental standards such as high temperature, high humidity, and various mechanical test conditions, and the life span of the devices is expected to be at least 25 years as specified by Telcordia standards. Three methods have been used to form a MUX/DEMUX device for separating multiple channels with different wavelengths using the thin-film filters. The first is to use a wavelength-independent star coupler to equally split the power of an incoming light into branches and then place thin-film filters corresponding to the desired wavelength at each branch. It is found that the point-by-point method uses a focused ultraviolet (UV) beam directly launched onto the fiber to change the refractive index of the fiber core and is mainly used to write the long period gratings.
Design and Analysis of Fourth Order ZVS Output Filter for Three-Level Buck Envelope Tracking Power Supply

With the increased data speeds, the bandwidth requirements of communication systems are getting higher and higher, so are the losses associated with the radio frequency (RF) transmitters in base stations. Envelope Tracking (ET) is a power supply modulation technique that improves the efficiency of the lossy linear power amplifier of the transmitter by adjusting the voltage magnitude according to the peak of the signal that is being amplified. This paper presents detailed guidelines to design ‘zero voltage switching (ZVS) filters’ for the multi-phase buck converters in bandlimited ET applications. The results of the proposed filter while tracking a 4G LTE envelope signal are compared with that of the standard Legendre Papoulis filter. The proposed filter design achieves better tracking speed, ZVS turn-on, and maintains current balancing among phases in the multi-phase buck converter. The converter with the proposed filter attains a peak efficiency of 97.5% and efficiencies above 90% for most of the operating range.
Aqueous Two-Phase Systems and Microfluidics for Microscale Assays and Analytical Measurements.

Phase separation is a common occurrence in nature. Synthetic and natural polymers, salts, ionic liquids, surfactants, and biomacromolecules phase separate in water, resulting in an aqueous two-phas...
Ghrelin promotes astrocytoma cell invasion via functional growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-R), and regulates leptin induced MCP-1 expression

1956 Ghrelin, a recently discovered stomach derived hormone, is an endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) and is a potent stimulator of pituitary GH release, food intake and plays a critical role in adipogenesis. Obesity has now been identified as a major risk factor in development of many cancers, but the role of obesity–related hormones such as ghrelin in tumors of CNS origin is currently unknown. Our initial studies focused on the presence and functionality of GHS-R on CCF-STTG1, U-87, U-118 and SW1008 human astrocytoma cells. Real time PCR analysis revealed the presence of GHS-R1a, as well as leptin receptor (Ob-R) mRNA and protein in all of our astrocytoma cell lines. Upon treatment of these tumor cells with ghrelin, the GHS-R was found to colocalize with Rac, within the membrane ruffles on the leading edge of cells, and also consistently increased cell motility. In addition, ligations of GHS-R with ghrelin led to the release of Ca2+ from its intracellular stores. To specifically investigate and assign a functional role for ghrelin receptors in astrocytoma cells, we designed an siRNA against the coding region of GHS-R 1a. Knockdown of ghrelin receptors by siRNA led to a significant inhibition of invasion in cells lacking GHS-R, as compared to a scrambled control siRNA sequence. Further, ghrelin-induced invasion was significantly inhibited by siRNA against GHS-R1a, suggesting that ghrelin might function through the GHS-R 1a receptors in human astrocytoma cells. Given the apparent mutually antagonistic effects of ghrelin and the anorexigenic hormone, leptin, in hypothalamus, the potential regulatory role of these hormones in controlling cytokine and chemokine expression was also examined. Ghrelin exerted no effect on basal or IL-1 stimulated, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion from CCFSTTG1 cell. Interestingly, leptin increased MCP-1 mRNA and protein in these cells, and ghrelin significantly inhibited leptin-induced MCP-1 expression and secretion without affecting IL-6 and IL-8 expression. In addition, leptin was found to regulate ghrelin’s actions by attenuating the expression of GHS-R, while ghrelin in turn inhibited Ob-R expression in astrocytoma cells. Interestingly,. Further, GHS-R 1a and Ob-R were found to be expressed in different grades of human astrocytoma tumors derived from right and left frontal as well as occipital lobes of brain. Our findings demonstrate a novel role for the hormone peptides ghrelin and leptin in astrocytoma cell function. This autoregulatory hormonal feedback loop may play a role in tumor progression within astrocytoma cells.
The protective value of estuarine and coastal ecosystem services in a wealth accounting framework.

Recent concern over the loss of estuarine and coastal ecosystems (ECEs) often focuses on an important service provided by these ecosystems, their role in protecting coastal communities from storms that damage property and cause deaths and injury. Certain ECEs, especially mangroves, marshes, seagrasses and near-shore coral reefs, may significantly reduce storm surges through attenuating waves. This function is key to the protective value of ECEs, which is used as a basis for coastal restoration efforts worldwide. In a wealth accounting framework, net domestic product (NDP) should be adjusted for the direct benefits provided by the current stock of this restored ecological capital but not for their indirect contributions in terms of protecting or supporting economic activity, property and human livelihoods. If ecosystem restoration leads to the creation of new ecological landscape, including transforming developed land back to ecological capital, then NDP must be further modified to reflect any capital revaluation that occurs. Both the current benefits of restoration and any capitalized land values must be adjusted if there is a risk of restoration failure. These issues encountered in a wealth accounting approach to the protective value of ECEs is illustrated with reference to the case of marsh creation in Louisiana, USA, in light of the 2012 Louisiana Coastal Master Plan.
Niche divergence and lineage diversification among closely related Sistrurus rattlesnakes.

Comparing niche divergence among closely related taxa can yield important insights into the ecological distinctiveness of genetically similar forms, and identify the processes that are responsible for diversification in such organisms. Here, we apply newly developed techniques for analysing niche divergence to assess how ecologically distinct a group of closely related rattlesnakes (Sistrurus sp.) are and to explore the role that niche divergence may have played in their diversification. We find that all taxa even the most recently evolved subspecies (approximately 100 000 years old) are now ecologically distinct, implying a role for ecology in the diversification process. Statistical analysis based on comparisons with null models show that niche divergence between forms is more common than niche conservation. Finally, there is nonlinear relationship between phylogenetic and niche divergence in this group whereby niche divergence develops more rapidly between recently diverged subspecies than more distantly related forms. Overall, our results argue that ecology may play an important role in the diversification process in these snakes.
Band-pass filter co-designed with ESD protection using integrated passive device technology

By co-design methodology, an integrated 2.4 GHz band-pass filter using grounded spiral inductors symmetrically at input/output ports for ESD protection is realized in integrated passive device (IPD) technology. With the novel input/output admittance-inverter (J-inverter) and the weakly coupled transformer, the transmission zeros can be introduced to increase the stop band attenuation. Also, the shunt inductor with enough vias in metal crossover is performed to enhance ESD current handling. It provides an effective bi-directional ESD protection to the ground. The experimental results demonstrate an over 8-kV HBM ESD protection can be achieved. The ESD-protected BPF presents an insertion loss of 1.6 dB at 2.4 GHz with only ∼ 0.4 dB degradation compared to BPF without ESD protection.