cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial Discrimination and Asian Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis

Although research on racial discrimination and mental health has proliferated, findings are varied and dispersed. This study explored the critical question of how Asians, in particular, deal with discrimination and how this relates to Asian mental health. With 99 correlations from 23 independent studies, the overall relationship between racial discrimination and mental health was statistically significant ( r = .23). Individual resources (i.e., personal constructs and strengths, social support, cultural identity, and coping strategies) were also found to be significantly related to racial discrimination (r = -.19, -.15, -.10, .22, respectively) and to mental health with the exception of coping strategies (r = -.48, -.27, -.21, respectively). Recommendations regarding future research and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Paracatadioptric camera calibration

Catadioptric sensors refer to the combination of lens-based devices and reflective surfaces. These systems are useful because they may have a field of view which is greater than hemispherical, providing the ability to simultaneously view in any direction. Configurations which have a unique effective viewpoint are of primary interest, among these is the case where the reflective surface is a parabolic mirror and the camera is such that it induces an orthographic projection and which we call paracatadioptric. We present an algorithm for the calibration of such a device using only the images of lines in space. In fact, we show that we may obtain all of the intrinsic parameters from the images of only three lines and that this is possible without any metric information. We propose a closed-form solution for focal length, image center, and aspect ratio for skewless cameras and a polynomial root solution in the presence of skew. We also give a method for determining the orientation of a plane containing two sets of parallel lines from one uncalibrated view. Such an orientation recovery enables a rectification which is impossible to achieve in the case of a single uncalibrated view taken by a conventional camera. We study the performance of the algorithm in simulated setups and compare results on real images with an approach based on the image of the mirror's bounding circle.
Using Live Tissue Laboratories to Promote Clinical Reasoning in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students.

Recently, the use of animal laboratories has decreased in medical and basic science programs due to lack of trained faculty members, student concerns about animal welfare, and the increased availability of inexpensive alternatives such as computer simulations and videos. Animal laboratories, however, have several advantages over alternative forms of instruction, including an increased sense of learner responsibility, long-term psychomotor competency, and improved ability to examine functional relationships. While the use of animal laboratories has been studied in medical programs, it has not been examined in physical therapy or other allied health programs. The purposes of this study were to examine the attitudes of student physical therapists toward clinically relevant animal laboratories and to determine if student physical therapists felt that the laboratory modules prepared them for future course work and clinical internships. Written surveys completed by the study participants indicated that most students enjoyed the labs and believed that they helped prepare them for course examinations. Additionally, the majority of students believed that the laboratory modules helped them prepare for future course work and clinical internships.
Overcoming Obstacles in Quantitative Feminist Research

Feminist research is motivated by and concerned with social justice, equality, and the empowerment of women and other marginalized groups. The method I have chosen to further my feminist-inspired research is merely an analytical tool. Feminist principles apply to the act of research, the questions asked, and the data to be collected. Thus, the intersection of feminism and quantitative analysis offers a new method of knowledge production for the study of international relations. Yet my research design is traditional: Based on theory, testable hypotheses are formulated, data gathered, and findings reported. The purpose of this feminist-oriented quantitative research is to produce a body of knowledge that can explain, predict, or help elucidate empirical phenomena relevant to women's lives and issues.
Health Care In New Orleans Before And After Hurricane Katrina

ABSTRACT: Before Hurricane Katrina struck in August 2005, New Orleans had a largely poor and African American population with one of the nation's highest uninsurance rates, and many relied on the C...
Fractal dimensions and geometries of caves

Lengths of all caves in a region have been observed previously to be distributed hyperbolically, like self-similar geomorphic phenomena identified by Mandetbrot as exhibiting fractal geometra:. Proper cave lengths exhibit a fractal dimension of about 1.4. These concepts are extended to other self-similar geometric properties of caves with the /bllowing consequences. Length of a cave is defined as the sum of sizes of passage-filling, linked modular elements larger than the cave-defining modulus. If total length of all caves in a region is a self-similar fractal, it has a fractal dimension between 2 and 3; and the total number of linked modular elements in a region is a self-similar fractal of the same dimension. Cave volume in any modular element size range may be calculated from the distribution. The expected conditional distribution of modular element sizes in a cave, given length and modulus, also is distributed hyperbolically. Data from Little Brush Creek Cave (Utah) agree and yield a fractal dimension of about 2.8 (like the Menger Sponge). The expected number of modular elements in a cave equals approximately the 0.9 power of length of the cave divided by modulus. This result yields an intriguing ' 'parlor trick. "An algorithm for estimating modular element sizes from survey data provides a means for further analysis of cave surveys.
Do Female and Male Role Models Who Embody STEM Stereotypes Hinder Women’s Anticipated Success in STEM?:

Women who have not yet entered science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields underestimate how well they will perform in those fields (e.g., Correll, 2001; Meece, Parsons, Kaczala, & Goff, 1982). It is commonly assumed that female role models improve women’s beliefs that they can be successful in STEM. The current work tests this assumption. Two experiments varied role model gender and whether role models embody computer science stereotypes. Role model gender had no effect on success beliefs. However, women who interacted with nonstereotypical role models believed they would be more successful in computer science than those who interacted with stereotypical role models. Differences in women’s success beliefs were mediated by their perceived dissimilarity from stereotypical role models. When attempting to convey to women that they can be successful in STEM fields, role model gender may be less important than the extent to which role models embody current STEM stereotypes.
(1S,2R,4S)‐2‐Isopropoxy‐4‐isopropyl‐1‐phenyl‐2,4,5,6‐tetrahydro‐1H‐[1,3]azaphospholo[4,5,1‐ij]quinoline

[1253288-75-3] C22H28NOP (MW 353.44) InChI = 1S/C22H28NOP/c1-15(2)19-14-13-17-9-8-12-20-21(17)23(19)22(24-16(3)4)25(20)18-10-6-5-7-11-18/h5-12,15-16,19,22H,13-14H2,1-4H3/t19-,22+,25-/m0/s1 InChIKey = MGLYEMMYHPZSOT-SWHJIRTISA-N (enantiopure scaffolding ligand applied to regio- and enantioselective hydroformylation of allylic aniline derivatives) Physical Data: colorless crystals. Solubility: soluble in benzene, tetrahydrofuran, methanol, and isopropanol. Form supplied in: colorless solid. Analysis of Reagent Purity: purity is analyzed by 31P NMR (C6D6, 202 MHz) δ −22.0. Purification: crystallized from pentane at −37 °C in a glovebox. More material can be recrystallized from the mother liquor. Handing, Storage, and Precautions: moisture sensitive; readily ionizes the NO acetal functionality and forms phosphine oxide in the presence of water. It should be stored in a glovebox, and should be used only in the presence of dry, degassed solvents.
Design of an instrumented vehicle test bed for developing a human centered driver support system

We introduce a new type of intelligent vehicle test-bed that is enabling new research in the field. This new test-bed is designed to capture not just a portion of the vehicle surround, but rather the entire vehicle surround as well as the vehicle interior and vehicle state for extended periods of time. This is accomplished using multiple modalities of sensor systems so that it conform a complete context of the vehicle. This allows new research to be performed in intelligent vehicle algorithm development and allows studies in driver behavior to be performed. We also show results from some of the research being performed using this test-bed.
The nitrilimine–alkene cycloaddition is an ultra rapid click reaction

The transient formation of nitrilimine in aqueous conditions is greatly influenced by pH and chloride. In basic conditions (pH 10) with no chloride, a diarylnitrilimine precursor readily ionizes to form diarylnitrilimine that reacts almost instantly with an acrylamide-containing protein and fluorescently labels it.
Multivariate declustering techniques

Declustering techniques are techniques that identify independent events in a data record and filter out extreme values from them. Declustering techniques for univariate series of observations are well established. However, there has been little work concerned with declustering techniques for multivariate data. In this paper we propose a new multivariate declustering technique and show how it applies to a wide range of data structures.
Applications of Anthropology: Professional Anthropology in the Twenty‐First Century

Applications of Anthropology: Professional Anthropology in the Twenty-First Century. Sarah Pink, ed. New York: Berghahn, 2006. 244 pp.
Automated inference of molecular mechanisms of disease from amino acid substitutions

Motivation: Advances in high-throughput genotyping and next generation sequencing have generated a vast amount of human genetic variation data. Single nucleotide substitutions within protein coding regions are of particular importance owing to their potential to give rise to amino acid substitutions that affect protein structure and function which may ultimately lead to a disease state. Over the last decade, a number of computational methods have been developed to predict whether such amino acid substitutions result in an altered phenotype. Although these methods are useful in practice, and accurate for their intended purpose, they are not well suited for providing probabilistic estimates of the underlying disease mechanism. Results: We have developed a new computational model, MutPred, that is based upon protein sequence, and which models changes of structural features and functional sites between wild-type and mutant sequences. These changes, expressed as probabilities of gain or loss of structure and function, can provide insight into the specific molecular mechanism responsible for the disease state. MutPred also builds on the established SIFT method but offers improved classification accuracy with respect to human disease mutations. Given conservative thresholds on the predicted disruption of molecular function, we propose that MutPred can generate accurate and reliable hypotheses on the molecular basis of disease for ~11% of known inherited disease-causing mutations. We also note that the proportion of changes of functionally relevant residues in the sets of cancer-associated somatic mutations is higher than for the inherited lesions in the Human Gene Mutation Database which are instead predicted to be characterized by disruptions of protein structure. Availability: http://mutdb.org/mutpred Contact:predrag@indiana.edu; smooney@buckinstitute.org
Coaching feedback as a source of information about perceptions of ability: A developmental examination

This study examined, from a developmental perspective, how coaching feedback serves as an ability cue. Boys and girls (N = 60) comprising 2 age groups (6-8, 12-14) viewed videotapes of youth athletes attempting to hit a baseball or softball, followed by a coach who provided evaluative, informational, or neutral feedback. Participants then rated each athlete’s ability, effort, and future expectancy of success. Separate 2 × 2 × 3 (age × gender × feedback type) repeated measures MANOVAs were conducted for the successful and unsuccessful outcome conditions. Following successful attempts, both older and younger children rated praise higher than neutral and informational feedback as a source of ability information. Athletes receiving informational feedback following unsuccessful attempts were rated highest, followed by neutral feedback and criticism. Open-ended questions revealed some age-related differences in use of ability information. Results are discussed in relation to research on sources of competence in...
The addition of sirolimus to the graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis regimen in reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation for lymphoma: a multicentre randomized trial

Inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has clinical activity in lymphoma. The mTOR inhibitor sirolimus has been used in the prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). A retrospective study suggested that patients with lymphoma undergoing reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) HSCT who received sirolimus as part of their GVHD prophylaxis regimen had a lower rate of relapse. We therefore performed a multicentre randomized trial comparing tacrolimus, sirolimus and methotrexate to standard regimens in adult patients undergoing RIC HSCT for lymphoma in order to assess the possible benefit of sirolimus on HSCT outcome. 139 patients were randomized. There was no difference overall in 2-year overall survival, progression-free survival, relapse, non-relapse mortality or chronic GVHD. However, the sirolimus-containing arm had a significantly lower incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD (9% vs. 25%, P = 0·015), which was more marked for unrelated donor grafts. In conclusion, the addition of sirolimus for GVHD prophylaxis in RIC HSCT is associated with no increased overall toxicity and a lower risk of acute GVHD, although it does not improve survival; this regimen is an acceptable option for GVHD prevention in RIC HSCT. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00928018).
US Federal Government Efforts to Improve Clinical Trial Transparency with Expanded Trial Registries and Open Data Sharing.

In 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health published proposals to expand clinical trial registration requirements and to promote sharing of clinical research data, but these and other efforts at improving data transparency and access need to be supported by changes in the academic reward structure and significant funding.
The National School Orchestra Contests: 1929–1937

The purpose of this study was to examine the National School Orchestra Contests sponsored by the National Bureau for the Advancement of Music and the Committee on Instrumental Affairs (CIA) of Musi...
Experimental Investigation of Stagnation and Recovery of Equal Length Tubes on a Facesheet

A single pumped fluid loop radiator using Galden HT 170 (Solvay Solexis) is being developed for applications where spacecraft heat rejection varies from high power in warm environments to low power in cold environments. Previous work investigated a subscale radiator of three unequal-length tubes attached to a facesheet via epoxy, designed to sequentially stagnate as power is decreased. To further explore Galden behavior, a subscale test article of four equal-length tubes was tested. The design of the test article is described in detail, including a new temperature sensing method to allow real-time positioning of thermocouples at each tube outlet. Stagnation and stagnation recovery test results are also described. Like previous results, stagnation was observed but it was more gradual than that observed using the test article of unequal-length tubes. Also, stagnation recovery was triggered with only a small increase in flow or inlet temperature, neither of which was successful with the previous test article. Finally, the facesheet had minimal impact on stagnation recovery as 1) fluid outlet temperatures were higher than the corresponding tube surface and 2) tube temperatures were warmer than the facesheet. We hypothesize that this is due to “trickle” flow in the tubes. Fluid near the tube wall becomes very cold and viscous, insulating the inner fluid which stays warmer and flows faster. This line of warmer fluid can act as an “in line heater” directly allowing heat conduction along the tube, from the inside out, rather than relying on the conduction path from the facesheet to the tube. To explore this concept, the fluid temperature at the outlet of the stagnating tubes was measured along the diameter of the tube. Temperature gradients are presented that support the presence of trickle flow.
Social Marketing: Its Ethical Dimensions:

Is the emergence of social marketing a Pandora's Box for the discipline of marketing? A survey of four disparate groups with special knowledge and interest in the issue reports on the possible ethi...
Robust Control of Uncertain Linear Input-Delayed Sampled Data System Through Use of Optimization Scheme and Robust Stability Bound

A large number of applications for control exist for sampled data systems. It is often desired and has become the standard for physical continuous-time systems to be controlled using digital controllers. Robust control theory could provide benefits to such systems. However, a gap exists in this area of research when considering robust control of uncertain systems, particularly as it applies to input-delayed sampled data systems. This paper proposes a robust control design methodology for such systems and puts forth a methodical approach to designing robust controllers for uncertain input-delayed sampled data systems. This includes mapping of the continuous time plant uncertainty into the discrete time domain. The input-delay is treated as a source for uncertainty which allows bounds to be specified on the overall system as if the impact of time-delay were no different than that due to parameter uncertainities. Examples are given to illustrate this method for robust control and it’s applicability to real-world engineering problems.
Comorbid substance use diagnoses and partner violence among offenders receiving pharmacotherapy for opioid dependence

While previous studies find mixed evidence of an association between opioid use and intimate partner violence perpetration among community samples, initial evidence has detected increased rates of partner violence among individuals receiving pharmacological intervention for opioid dependence. The current study evaluated the role of current comorbid substance use diagnoses, a robust risk factor for violent behavior, on the likelihood of perpetrating partner violence among a high risk sample of offenders receiving pharmacological intervention for opioid dependence. The authors analyzed self-report data provided by 81 (55 male) opioid dependent offenders during a court-ordered substance use interview. Approximately one-third of the sample evidenced the recent use of intimate partner violence. Findings indicated that cocaine and benzodiazepine use were independently associated with an increased likelihood of reporting physical partner violence. Alcohol and cannabis use were not associated with partner violence. The current results offer further support for the ongoing need to conduct routine partner violence screenings among substance involved offenders and highlight the importance of developing individualized treatment plans that address comorbid substance use and partner-violent behaviors among individuals in treatment for opioid dependence.
Sterically Controlled, Palladium-Catalyzed Intermolecular Amination of Arenes

We report the Pd-catalyzed amination of arenes to form N-aryl phthalimides with regioselectivity controlled predominantly by steric effects. Mono-, di-, and trisubstituted arenes lacking a directing group undergo amination reactions with moderate to high yields and high regioselectivities from sequential addition of PhI(OAc)2 as an oxidant in the presence of Pd(OAc)2 as catalyst. This sterically derived selectivity contrasts that for analogous arene acetoxylation.
Getting farming on the agenda: Planning, policymaking, and governance practices of urban agriculture in New York City

Abstract How and why is urban agriculture taken up into local food policies and sustainability plans? This paper uses a case study of urban agriculture policymaking in New York City from 2007 to 2011 to examine the power-laden operation of urban environmental governance. It explores several ‘faces of power,’ including overt authority, institutionalized ‘rules of the game,’ and hegemony. It also investigates how multiple actors interact in policymaking processes, including through the construction and use of broad discursive concepts. Findings draw upon analysis of policy documents and semi-structured interviews with 43 subjects engaged in food systems policymaking. Some municipal decision-makers questioned the significance of urban agriculture, due to the challenges of quantifying its benefits and the relative scarcity of open space in the developed city. Yet, these challenges proved insufficient to prevent a coalition of civic activists working in collaboration with public officials to envision plans on food policy that included urban agriculture. Actors created the ‘local/regional food system’ as a narrative concept in order to build broad coalitions and gain entry to the municipal policy sphere. Tracing the roll-out of plans reveals the way in which both the food systems concept and specific policy proposals were repeated and legitimized. Unpacking the dynamics of this iterative policymaking contributes to an understanding of how urban environmental governance happens in this case.
Characterization and modeling of the effective electrical conductivity of a carbon nanotube/polymer composite containing chain-structured ferromagnetic particles:

The effective electrical conductivity of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane composites with chain-structured ferromagnetic particles has been investigated by experiments and micromec...
Level of analysis considerations in organizational citizenship behaviour research: an empirical investigation of individual and work group effects among hospital employees.

An implicit assumption in previous research is that the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behaviour is an individual level phenomenon. However, due to the use of raw score correlation-based or related analyses, previous investigations have not shown empirical support for the individual level of analysis. This study empirically tested several relationships between job satisfaction (including facets) and a specific type of citizenship behaviour in order to determine whether such relationships were relevant for individuals or for the entire work group. Results indicate an overall lack of group-based effects. Instead, individual-difference effects represent the significant relationships found in the data. Several null effects were also obtained. These results go beyond the traditional approach to organizational citizenship behaviour research because group-based relationships have been explicitly rejected rather than simply assumed to be unimportant. Evidence for individual-d...
TeX Unbound: LaTeX and TeX Strategies for Fonts, Graphics, and More

From the Publisher: TeX and LaTeX are some of the premier technical typesetting systems in existence. While there are many books on TeX and LaTeX, none offers more than slight coverage of issues not directly related to using TeX and LaTeX commands. This book fills this important gap, bringing together for the first time hard-to-find information on essential aspects of document production. TeX Unbound includes practical advice and numerous examples for a wide range of topics. Readers who devour their books from cover to cover will enjoy the lively style, but the copious index, detailed table of contents, many illustrations, and frequent boxed summaries make this book equally valuable to those who simply need a quick and concise answer to a pressing question.
Broadening the Study of Participation in the Life Sciences: How Critical Theoretical and Mixed-Methodological Approaches Can Enhance Efforts to Broaden Participation

This essay details the usefulness of critical theoretical frameworks and critical mixed-methodological approaches for life sciences education research on broadening participation in the life sciences.
Ethanol Clusters in Gasoline-Ethanol Blends

Formation of ethanol clusters in gasoline-ethanol fuel blends was studied by pulsed-field-gradient NMR measurement of diffusion of ethanol molecules. The results, consistent with a simple model of clusterization, show that ethanol molecules form hydrogen-bonded clusters with concentration- and temperature-dependent average size. Association/dissociation kinetics is fast, and the measured diffusion coefficients are average values. Water molecules are attached to ethanol clusters and have the same coefficient of diffusion.
Review on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs): Advanced techniques and research trends

Abstract Dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) offers an efficient and easily implemented technology for future energy supply. Compared to conventional silicon solar cells, it provides comparable power conversion efficiency (PCE) at low material and manufacturing costs. DSSC materials such as titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) are inexpensive, abundant and innocuous to the environment. Since DSSC materials are less prone to contamination and processable at ambient temperature, a roll-to-roll process could be utilized to print DSSCs on the mass production line. DSSCs perform better under lower light intensities, which makes them an excellent choice for indoor applications. Due to the advancement of molecular engineering, colored and transparent thin films have been introduced to enhance the aesthetic values. Up to now, such benefits have attracted considerable research interests and commercialization effort. Here, this review examines advanced techniques and research trends of this promising technology from the perspective of device modeling, state-of-art techniques, and novel device structures.
The Role of Conditioned Reinforcement in the Acquisition and Maintenance of Omission Responding

The role of the stimulus change accompanying food reinforcement, a potential conditioned reinforcer, in the development and maintenance of omission responding was examined in two omission paradigms. In the conventional response-terminated procedure a response during the trial stimulus immediately extinguishes the key light and initiates the intertrial interval (ITI), while in the standard fixed-trial procedure the trial stimulus terminates at the end of a fixed period of time irrespective of responding during the trial. A response during the trial stimulus in either procedure cancels the food reinforcement ordinarily available at the termination of the trial. In the present experiment, a particular key color was paired explicitly with food presentations on response-free trials. The conditioned reinforcing value of this stimulus was assessed in the fixed-trial and response-terminated procedures by presenting or withholding it at the end of trials containing a peck. The results suggest no critical role for conditioned reinforcement in the acquisition and maintenance of omission responding. For both procedures the rate of key peck acquisition, steady-state levels of responding, response latency and response rate were independent of the availability of conditioned reinforcement on food-omission trials. Moreover, the performances of subjects trained on the response-terminated procedure were no different from those of subjects exposed to the fixed-trial procedure.
Workflow Process Model for Flash Track Projects

AbstractPrior studies explored and identified the interrelationships of various flash track practices and concepts. This research formalizes a reengineered workflow process for successful flash tra...
The Impact of Admission Serum Creatinine on Major Adverse Clinical Events in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: Impaired renal function has been shown in previous studies to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular adverse events amongst patients admitted for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This study investigates the impact of admission serum creatinine (SCr) on major cardiovascular outcomes among STEMI patients undergoing PCI. Methods: A retrospective study of patients admitted for PCI following STEMI was conducted using the National Cardiovascular Database Action Registry (NCDR) at Cleveland Clinic Akron General (CCAG) Hospital. The primary outcome was a composite of major clinical events: cardiogenic shock, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, heart failure, bleeding and mechanical ventilation. SCr was an independent and continuous variable. Results: A total of 656 patients included in the study with the diagnosis of STEMI who subsequently underwent primary PCI. Patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 on admission had an increased incidence of cardiogenic shock (P = 0.001), bleeding (P < 0.001), heart failure (P < 0.0005) and higher mortality rates (P = 0.0005). Furthermore, in the setting of STEMI, elevated SCr was also associated with an increased risk of developing major adverse events like cardiogenic shock (P = 0.05), bleeding (P = 0.05), and heart failure (P = 0.005). Conclusions: In the setting of STEMI, elevated SCr and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 was associated with an increased risk of developing major adverse events including cardiogenic shock, bleeding and heart failure. Cardiol Res. 2018;9(2):94-98 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr689w
Reconsidering Boyer's Reconsideration: Paradigms, Sharing, and Engagement

Ernest Boyer provided a purpose for a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) although he might not have provided a description of the process. Boyer’s contribution concerned the nature of scholarship and research and, as such, it implicitly questioned existing assumptions, paradigms and epistemologies.
Pressure overload hypertrophy and congestive heart failure. Where is the "Achilles' heel"?

Chronic left ventricular (LV) pressure overload states, as seen in long-standing systemic arterial hypertension or LV outflow tract obstruction, are well tolerated for many years. In such pathophysiologic circumstances, an increase in the ratio of LV wall thickness to chamber radius mitigates, but
Impact of FDG extravasation on SUV measurements in clinical PET/CT. Should we routinely scan the injection site?

329 Objectives: Accurate quantification of standardized uptake values (SUV) with 18-F FDG PET is based on the entire injected dose being delivered intravenously. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, extravasation of FDG frequently occurs. Oncology PET scans are routinely acquired with arms raised over the head to reduce attenuation artifacts. Because of this and that most FDG injections involve the arms or the hand, it is common that the injection site is not included in the scan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of FDG extravasation, the significance of extravasation on quantification of SUV and the potential benefit of scanning the injection site for clinical patients. Methods: We evaluated 190 consecutive patients referred for PET/CT (Siemen’s Biograph 16). Routine scans were acquired with an additional 1-minute bed position for the injection site. A large bore IV y-adapter line (22g or larger) was placed and saline allowed to run for 5-10 minutes prior to injection. Injected doses were decay corrected based on calibrated dose (activity + time), time of injection and residual (activity + time). Injection site activity was calculated as: activity in the entire injection site (average activity (MBq/ml) times volume of injection site (cm3)= total activity of injection site. This value was then decay corrected to time of injection. SUVmax for normal tissue (liver, cerebellum, heart and bladder) as well as for metabolically active lesions were calculated based on the original injection dose and the extravasation corrected injection dose. Percent change in both injection dose and resultant SUVmax were calculated for normal tissues and lesions. Results: Of the 190 PET/CT studies, 39 (21%) had a visible focus of FDG activity at the injection site. Of these 39 patients, 36 had extravasated activity totaling 1% or less of the total injected dose. Three patients (2% of total) had activity greater than 1% of the injected dose (3.0, 7.7 and 17.5%). Normal tissue and lesions demonstrate extravasation corrected SUVmax values that are approximately proportional but slightly greater than the % change in injected dose, depending on the tissue type. Percent change in SUV max ranged from 0-21% Conclusions: Significant extravasation of FDG occurs rarely when injected through an IV with running saline. When significant extravasation occurs it can have a large impact on SUV values. This could be of critical importance for both diagnostic PET and evaluation of response to therapy. Acquiring a 1-min bed position to include the injection site is critical for accurate interpretation of PET scans in a small number of patients. This may warrant routine acquisition of injection site data. Automated methods for dose correction would be simple and make this clinically practical. Research Support (if any): None.
Using qualitative methods to develop contextually relevant measures and preventive interventions: An illustration

Qualitative methods were used to develop a contextually relevant quantitative measure of parenting stress and inform the design of family-focused interventions aimed at preventing adolescent mental and behavioral health problems. The study focused on the experiences of low-income one- and two-parent families representing three ethnic groups (Mexican, African, and European Americans) living in low-income neighborhoods in a large Southwestern city. This report describes the place of this study in a broader program of prevention research, the qualitative methods and data analysis procedures employed, and how the results were used to develop a new measure of parenting stress and inform future program design. The report also includes reflective comments on the methods used and lessons gained.
Ridley-Watkins-Hilsum-Gunn Effect

In 1963 J. B. Gunn studied the current-voltage characteristics of GaAs and InP devices. He discovered that when the applied electric field $$F = U/L$$ (4-1-1) (where U is the bias voltage, L is the sample length) was greater than some critical value F t (~3kV/cm for GaAs and ~6kVJcm for InP), spontaneous current oscillations appeared in the circuit [1] (see Fig. 4–1–1). Later Gunn published the results of the detailed experimental study of this effect [2]. Using probe measurements of the potential distribution across the sample he established that a propagating high field domain forms in the sample when F ≤ F t . It nucleates near the cathode, propagates toward the anode with velocity of the order of 105m/s, and disappears near the anode (see Fig. 4–1–2). Then this process repeats itself. The domain formation leads to a current drop, the domain annihilation results in an increase in the current, and periodic current oscillations exist in the circuit.
Least Squares Formulation of State Estimation

Abstract A general formulation of least squares estimation for dynamic systems is given. An algorithm with a fixed-size estimation window and constraints on states, disturbances, and measurement noise is developed through a probabilistic interpretation of least squares estimation. Specific issues relevant to linear and nonlinear systems are discussed with comparisons made to the Kalman filter and Extended Kalman Filter (EKF).
Identifying Asthma Exacerbation-Related Emergency Department Visit Using Electronic Medical Record and Claims Data.

Background Asthma exacerbation leading to emergency department (ED) visit is prevalent, an indicator of poor control of asthma, and is a potentially preventable clinical outcome. Objective We propose to utilize multiple data elements available in electronic medical records (EMRs) and claims database to create separate algorithms with high validity for clinical and research purposes to identify asthma exacerbation-related ED visit among the general population. Methods We performed a retrospective study with inclusion criteria of patients aged 4 to 40 years, a visit to Geisinger ED from January 1, 2006, to October 28, 2013, with asthma on their problem list. Different electronic data elements including chief complaints, vitals, season, smoking, medication use, and discharge diagnoses were obtained to create the algorithm. A stratified random sample was generated to select the charts for review. Chart review was performed to classify patients with asthma-related ED visit, that is, the gold standard. Two reviewers performed the chart review and validation was done on a small subset. Results There were 966 eligible ED visits in the EMR sample and 731 in the claims sample. Agreement between reviewers was 95.45% and kappa statistic was 0.91. Mean age of the EMR sample was 22 years, and mostly white (93%). Multiple models conventionally used in studies were evaluated and the final model chosen included principal diagnosis, bronchodilator, and steroid use for both algorithms, chief complaints for EMR, and secondary diagnosis for claims. Area under the curve was 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.94) and 0.94 (0.93–0.96), respectively, for EMR and claims data, with positive predictive value of > 94%. The algorithms are visually presented using nomograms. Conclusion We were able to develop two separate algorithms for EMR and claims to identify asthma exacerbation-related ED visit with excellent diagnostic ability and varying discrimination threshold for clinical and research purposes.
An extended core nanocoax pillar architecture for enhanced molecular detection

Abstract Biosensors that incorporate nanomaterials and nanofabrication techniques enable molecular detection of chemical and biological macromolecules with a high degree of specificity and ultrasensitivity. Here, we present a novel fabrication process that yields a nanostructure capable of detecting biological macromolecules. The extended core nanocoax (ECC) structure builds on a previously reported nanocoaxial-based sensor. The fabrication of the device incorporates an extended inner pillar, with controllable extension above the annulus and into the surrounding solution. This new design eliminates structural constraints inherent in the original nanocoax architecture. We also provide results demonstrating improvement in biosensing capability. Specifically, we show the capability of the new architecture to detect the B subunit of the Vibrio cholerae toxin at improved sensitivity (100 pg/ml) in comparison to optical enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (1 ng/ml) and previously reported coaxial nanostructures (2 ng/ml).
Acquisition of Skills in Operative Dentistry Following a Contemporary Technique Skills Course: A Retrospective Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a contemporary preclinical technique skills course on early dental student performance in a preclinical operative course. Ivorine teeth prepared for Class I resin restorations by the Classes of 2020 and 2021 in one U.S. dental school were evaluated in this study (N=184). Ivorine teeth were prepared during the first practical exam of the operative dentistry course. Students in the Class of 2021 had been enrolled in a contemporary technique skills course a semester prior to the operative dentistry course, while students in the Class of 2020 were not. The preparations were randomly evaluated by three calibrated and blinded faculty members using magnification loupes, an explorer, and a periodontal probe to evaluate external outline form, internal form, depth, and margin following an established rubric. The results showed that students in the Class of 2021 (who had taken the technique skills course) performed significantly better than students in the Class of 2020 for all criteria evaluated (p<0.05). In this study, incorporation of the preclinical technique skills course improved student performance in the subsequent operative dentistry course.
Optimization of Gravity Wave Source Parameters for Improved Seasonal Prediction of the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation

AbstractA methodology is presented for objectively optimizing nonorographic gravity wave source parameters to minimize forecast error for target regions and forecast lead times. In this study, we e...
Mechanism and Kinetics of Isobutene Formation from Ethanol and Acetone over ZnxZryOz

Isobutene is a specialty chemical used in the production of fuel additives, polymers, and other high-value products. While normally produced by steam cracking of petroleum naphtha, there is increas...
There’s an App for That, and I Made It:

The Thunkable online platform is an easy-to-use resource for creating apps for mobile devices. Computational thinking is at the heart of problem solving in computer science, and research suggests s...
Influence of quality credentialing programs on teacher characteristics in center-based early care and education settings

Abstract Considerable evidence relates the quality of early childhood education (ECE) to children’s developmental outcomes, with teacher qualifications often cited as a critical ingredient for high-quality care. As a result, quality credentialing programs—including Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Early Learning Program—are increasingly prominent vehicles for improving program quality. This study combines a randomized resume audit study with administrative data on provider participation in QRIS (N = 5607) and NAEYC (N = 10,553) to examine whether these quality credentialing programs influence provider behavior during the teacher hiring process. While NAEYC-accredited providers are strongly attracted to job applicants with ECE work experience, education, and other professional credentials, QRIS participants are not.
Understanding roof deformation mechanics and parametric sensitivities of coal mine entries using the discrete element method

Abstract Although conventional coal mine designs are conservative regarding pillar strength, local failures such as roof-falls and pillar bursts still affect mine safety and operations. Previous studies have identified that discontinuous, layered roof materials have some self-supporting capacity. This research is a preliminary step towards understanding these mechanics in coal-measure rocks. Although others have considered broad conceptual models and simplified analogs for mine roof behavior, this study presents a unique numerical model that more completely represents in-situ roof conditions. The discrete element method (DEM) is utilized to conduct a parametric analysis considering a range of in-situ stress ratios, material properties, and joint networks to determine the parameters controlling the stability of single-entries modeled in two-dimensions. Model results are compared to empirical observations of roof-support effectiveness (ARBS) in the context of the coal mine roof rating (CMRR) system. Results such as immediate roof displacement, overall stability, and statistical relationships between model parameters and outcomes are presented herein. Potential practical applications of this line of research include: (1) roof-support optimization for a range of coal-measure rocks, (2) establishment of a relationship between roof stability and pillar stress, and (3) determination of which parameters are most critical to roof stability and therefore require concentrated evaluation.
Laser ablation of posterior nasal nerves for rhinitis.

Abstract Background Posterior nasal nerve (PNN) surgery, Radiofrequency (RF), and cryoablation have been described as alternative treatments for allergic and vasomotor rhinitis. We hypothesize that endoscopic (diode) laser ablation (ELA) is effective and less invasive than previously described methods. Methods An IRB approved prospective study was performed. Thirty-two patients with chronic rhinitis and nasal congestion resistant to medical management were recruited. Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) measurements were used to assess symptom severity and treatment outcomes. ELA was performed bilaterally in the clinic with a 940 nm diode laser with CW 5 W output, under topical/local anesthesia in 21 patients, while the remaining 11 were treated under sedation in the operating room. The 400-micron uninitiated diode laser fiber tip with a malleable protective shaft was specially designed for PNN ablation. The fiber was pre-shaped according to the intranasal anatomy and endoscopically advanced toward the posterior middle meatus. Patients were followed up for the first 90 days after treatment. Results ELA was successfully completed in 97% of patients. No crusting, epistaxis, or other complications were observed. One patient could not be treated in the office due to limited endoscopic access. TNSS was reduced significantly after30 and 90 days (mean ± SD: 6.0 ± 0.7 prior to ablation, 2.3 ± 0.4 at 90 days, p Conclusion ELA of the PNN region is safe and well tolerated both in the office and ambulatory settings. Symptom scores were significantly decreased after 30 and 90 days. This new minimally invasive method appears to be a promising treatment method.
Wearable Sensors Quantify Mobility in People With Lower Limb Amputation During Daily Life

It is necessary to effectively assess functional mobility for appropriate prosthetic prescription and post-amputation rehabilitation. As part of this process, patients’ ability for variable cadence and community ambulation are assessed in-clinic, often through visual assessments and without objective standards. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical viability of using wearable sensors to characterize the functional mobility of people with lower limb amputation. We collected inertial measurement unit (IMU) and global positioning system (GPS) data over two weeks, from 17 individuals with lower limb amputation and 14 healthy non-amputee controls. We calculated stride-by-stride cadence, walking speed and stride lengths, along with whether they occurred in or out of the home. Self-selected walking speed was also assessed in the lab. Compared to the lab, both groups walked slower and with a lower cadence during their daily lives. There were no differences in cadence variability between groups or between strides taken in and out of the home. Both groups walked faster and with greater stride lengths away from the homes. The results suggest that functional capacity measured in the lab was not necessarily reflected in routine walking during daily life. The walking measures derived in this approach can be used to aid in the prosthetic prescription process or in the assessment of different interventions.