cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance of robotic simulated skills tasks is positively associated with clinical robotic surgical performance.

OBJECTIVE To compare user performance of four fundamental inanimate robotic skills tasks (FIRST) as well as eight da Vinci Skills Simulator (dVSS) virtual reality tasks with intra-operative performance (concurrent validity) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to show that a positive correlation exists between simulation and intra-operative performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 21 urological surgeons with varying robotic experience were enrolled. Demographics were captured using a standardized questionnaire. User performance was assessed concurrently in simulated (FIRST exercises and dVSS tasks) and clinical environments (endopelvic dissection during RARP). Intra-operative robotic clinical performance was scored using the previously validated six-metric Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) tool. The relationship between simulator and clinical performance was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS Performance was assessed in 17 trainees and four expert robotic surgeons with a median (range) number of previous robotic cases (as primary surgeon) of 0 (0-55) and 117 (58-600), respectively (P = 0.001). Collectively, the overall FIRST (ρ = 0.833, P < 0.001) and dVSS (ρ = 0.805, P < 0.001) simulation scores correlated highly with GEARS performance score. Each individual FIRST and dVSS task score also demonstrated a significant correlation with intra-operative performance, with the exception of Energy Switcher 1 exercise (P = 0.063). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show a significant relationship between simulated robotic performance and robotic clinical performance. Findings support implementation of these robotic training tools in a standardized robotic training curriculum.
Directed evolution and synthetic biology applications to microbial systems

Biotechnology applications require engineering complex multi-genic traits. The lack of knowledge on the genetic basis of complex phenotypes restricts our ability to rationally engineer them. However, complex phenotypes can be engineered at the systems level, utilizing directed evolution strategies that drive whole biological systems toward desired phenotypes without requiring prior knowledge of the genetic basis of the targeted trait. Recent developments in the synthetic biology field accelerates the directed evolution cycle, facilitating engineering of increasingly complex traits in biological systems. In this review, we summarize some of the most recent advances in directed evolution and synthetic biology that allows engineering of complex traits in microbial systems. Then, we discuss applications that can be achieved through engineering at the systems level.
A New Equipment of Calibrating the Linear Displacement Transducer

In the integrate test of aircraft system,the static capability of the line displacement sensor plays an important role on ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the test result.So we develop a sort of calibration equipment of the line displacement sensor.This paper depicts the software and hardware makeup and the work principle of the linear displacement transducer,and analyses the uncertainty of measurement.The practice has proved that the design of this equipment is scientific and reasonable,and it can satisfy the demand for calibration.
Direct mercury analysis in cosmetic

Objective:To establish a direct mercury analysis method of cosmetic without any further sample preparation.Methods:The analysis was performed from samples with an advanced mercury analytical instrument Milestone DMA-80.Results:Good linearities were obtained in the concentration range of 0～700 ng.The recoveries were in the range of 88.0%～94.5%.RSD5%.Detection limit obtained was 0.005 ng.Ditermination limit was 0.02 ng.Conclusion:The method is precise,accurate and sensitive to determine mercury in cosmetic.
Composite nanoparticles for gene delivery.

Nanoparticle-mediated gene and siRNA delivery has been an appealing area to gene therapists when they attempt to treat the diseases by manipulating the genetic information in the target cells. However, the advances in materials science could not keep up with the demand for multifunctional nanomaterials to achieve desired delivery efficiency. Researchers have thus taken an alternative approach to incorporate various materials into single composite nanoparticle using different fabrication methods. This approach allows nanoparticles to possess defined nanostructures as well as multiple functionalities to overcome the critical extracellular and intracellular barriers to successful gene delivery. This chapter will highlight the advances of fabrication methods that have the most potential to translate nanoparticles from bench to bedside. Furthermore, a major class of composite nanoparticle–lipid-based composite nanoparticles will be classified based on the components and reviewed in details.
Women’s Specific Issues in Addiction

A myth exists in the world of women’s fashions called “one size fits all.” Every woman alive knows there is no article of clothing that will truly fit all sizes. Sadly, the approach to the treatment of addictions has historically been a “one size fits all” approach. The opportunity exists to recognize the unique circumstances of women dealing with addiction issues and the treatment modalities that will most effectively treat their disease. The motivation needed to move women towards recovery as well as the modality of treatment differs from that of men [1]. Recognizing these differences and directing care appropriately is a competency to be embraced by all providers.
Magic wavelength for the hydrogen 1 S − 2 S transition: Contribution of the continuum and the reduced-mass correction

Recently, we studied the magic wavelength for the atomic hydrogen $1S\text{\ensuremath{-}}2S$ transition [A. Kawasaki, Phys. Rev. A 92, 042507 (2015)]. An explicit summation over virtual atomic states of the discrete part of the hydrogen spectrum was performed to evaluate the atomic polarizability. In this paper, we supplement the contribution of the continuum part of the spectrum and add the reduced-mass correction. The magic wavelength, at which the lowest-order ac Stark shifts of the $1S$ and $2S$ states are equal, is found to be 514.6 nm. The ac Stark shift at the magic wavelength is $\ensuremath{-}221.6\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz}/(\mathrm{kW}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2})$, and the slope of the ac Stark shift at the magic wavelength under a change of the driving laser frequency is $\ensuremath{-}0.2157\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{Hz}/[\mathrm{GHz}\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}(\mathrm{kW}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2})]$.
Predicting driver operations inside vehicles

In this paper, we propose a method for predicting typical operations performed by vehicle drivers such as ldquopushing a navigation buttonrdquo, ldquoadjusting the rear-view mirrorrdquo, or ldquoopening the console boxrdquo, before the driver actually reaches the target position. The prediction method uses the image position of anatomical landmarks (shoulders, elbows, and wrists) as they move over time. The difference of configurations among operations is modeled by a combination of clustering and discriminant analysis. The proposed method was applied to predict nine frequently executed operations inside a vehicle, running at over 150 frames per second. For five subjects, the method achieved an average prediction accuracy of 90% with a false positive rate of 1.4% at half the operation duration.
Human Performance Risks and Benefits of Adaptive Systems on the Flight Deck

ABSTRACTObjective: Human performance risks and benefits of adaptive systems were identified through a systematic analysis and pilot evaluation of adaptive system component types and characteristics.Background: As flight-deck automation is able to process ever more types of information in sophisticated ways to identify situations, it is becoming more realistic for adaptive systems to adapt behavior based on their own authority.Method: A framework was developed to describe the types and characteristics of adaptive system components and was used to perform a risk–benefit analysis to identify potential issues. Subsequently, eight representative adaptive system storyboards were developed for an evaluation with pilots to augment the analysis results and to explore more detailed issues and potential risk mitigations.Results: Analysis identified the principal drivers of adaptive “triggering conditions” risk as complexity and transparency. It also identified the drivers of adaptations risks and benefits as the tas...
Dealing with Regular Expressions

A regular expression (aka regex) is a sequence of characters that define a search pattern, mainly for use in pattern matching with text strings. Typically, regex patterns consist of a combination of alphanumeric characters as well as special characters. The pattern can also be as simple as a single character or it can be more complex and include several characters.
Acute Myeloid Leukemias with Normal Cytogenetics

In this chapter, we discuss acute myeloid leukemia with normal cytogenetics (CN AML). In 40–50% of patients with AML, no chromosomal abnormalities are detected by conventional karyotyping, suggesting that other mechanisms are responsible for leukemogenesis in these cases. Attempts to stratify such cases on the basis of complementary DNA microarrays demonstrated gene expression patterns with differences in responses to treatment; however, no specific genetic subgroups have emerged from these studies. Abnormalities detected in patients with AML with a normal karyotype could be arbitrarily divided into two major groups Abnormalities directly affecting proliferation/apoptosis of leukemia cells, and Abnormalities affecting proliferation/apoptosis of leukemia cells through interaction with bone marrow stroma.
Transport by breaking internal gravity waves on slopes

We use the results of a direct numerical simulation (DNS) with a particle-tracking model to investigate three-dimensional transport by breaking internal gravity waves on slopes. Onshore transport occurs within an upslope surge of dense fluid after breaking. Offshore transport occurs due to an intrusion of mixed fluid that propagates offshore and resembles an intermediate nepheloid layer (INL). Entrainment of particles into the INL is related to irreversible mixing of the density field during wave breaking. Maximum onshore and offshore transport are calculated as a function of initial particle position, and can be of the order of the initial wave length scale for particles initialized within the breaking region. An effective cross-shore dispersion coefficient is also calculated, and is roughly three orders of magnitude larger than the molecular diffusivity within the breaking region. Particles are transported laterally due to turbulence that develops during wave breaking, and this lateral spreading is quantified with a lateral turbulent diffusivity. Lateral turbulent diffusivity values calculated using particles are elevated by more than one order of magnitude above the molecular diffusivity, and are shown to agree well with turbulent diffusivities estimated using a generic length scale turbulence closure model. Based on a favourable comparison of DNS results with those of a similar two-dimensional case, we use two-dimensional simulations to extend our cross-shore transport results to additional wave amplitude and bathymetric slope conditions.
Mid-Gap States and Normal vs Inverted Bonding in Luminescent Cu+- and Ag+-Doped CdSe Nanocrystals.

Mid-gap luminescence in copper (Cu+)-doped semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) involves recombination of delocalized conduction-band electrons with copper-localized holes. Silver (Ag+)-doped semiconductor NCs show similar mid-gap luminescence at slightly (∼0.3 eV) higher energy, suggesting a similar luminescence mechanism, but this suggestion appears inconsistent with the large difference between Ag+ and Cu+ ionization energies (∼1.5 eV), which should make hole trapping by Ag+ highly unfavorable. Here, Ag+-doped CdSe NCs (Ag+:CdSe) are studied using time-resolved variable-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (MCPL) spectroscopy, and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) to address this apparent paradox. In addition to confirming that Ag+:CdSe and Cu+:CdSe NCs display similar broad PL with large Stokes shifts, we demonstrate that both also show very similar temperature-dependent PL lifetimes and magneto-luminescence. Electronic-structure calcu...
Turning SrTiO 3 into a Mott insulator

${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ (STO) is at the core of recent discoveries of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) formation at complex oxide interfaces, with the 2DEG residing on the STO side. Experimental results for ultrathin STO layers inserted in ${\mathrm{GdTiO}}_{3}$ reveal a transition from metallic to insulating behavior, and suggest a strong interplay between electron-electron interaction and lattice distortions. Using first-principles calculations, we show that the metal-to-insulator transition is a bulk property of STO that emerges at extreme doping levels. We find that doping with $1/4$ electron per Ti atom produces a metallic phase as expected, but that adding $1/2$ electron per Ti results in a charge-ordered Mott-insulating phase. The effects of electron-electron interactions and lattice distortions are disentangled, and the Mott-insulator phase is shown to occur in $\mathrm{STO}/{\mathrm{LaAlO}}_{3}$ and $\text{STO}/{\mathrm{GdTiO}}_{3}$ heterostructures with ultrathin STO layers.
Message to the Constituent Congress of the Republic Of Colombia

The Republic of Colombia was rapidly disintegrating. The Peruvians attacked it, claiming Guayaquil and Quito as Peruvian territory. Having gone there to bring about the defeat of the Peruvians, Bolivar, tired and ill, returned to Bogota. He found that Paez withdrew Venezuela from Colombia. This was to be followed very shortly by the secession of Ecuador under Flores. Only New Granada remained somewhat loyal. Bolivar convoked another constituent congress to take up the work left unfinished by the Grand Convention of Ocana. With disintegration taking place, there was no hope for the congress. Bolivar’s message did not offer any proposals for a specific constitutional arrangement.
Mis "noticias" de Pedro Lastra

Pedro Lastra se aleja de las tareas academicas, y la comunidad de academicos hispanoamericanos en los Estados Unidos ya siente el vacio que dejara su alejamiento. Puede haber ahora cierta reticencia al buscar sus consejos pensando que Pedro necesita el tiempo para si, para su poesia, para ordenar sus recuerdos entrelazados con lo mejor de la literatura de America en este ultimo medio siglo. Escritores como Jose Maria Arguedas, Julio Cortazar, Mario Vargas Llosa, Gonzalo Rojas, Enrique Lihn, y tantos otros, son ahora mas cercanos y mas nuestros gracias al puente que tendio Pedro para llegar a ellos. La poesia contemporanea de Hispanoamerica, por cierto, seria menos conocida sin sus esfuerzos: Carlos German Belli, Oscar Hahn, Eugenio Montejo, Alvaro Mutis, Eduardo Anguita, y varios mas, no tendrian hoy el publico lector del que gozan si no fuera por su labor. Esta promocion de poetas son hoy materia habitual de cursos en muchas de las buenas universidades de este pais. Hace ya algun tiempo que se me invito a colaborar con un texto para un volumen de homenaje a Pedro Lastra. Me senti halagado de haber sido incluido en el proyecto hasta el momento en que tropece con la responsabilidad que conllevaba armar algun ensayo de tipo academico. Toda vez que me enfrentaba a un tema, se interponia siempre una red de gratas memorias de mas de veinte anos que reclamaban mi atencion. Fue solo hace algunas semanas, de vuelta en Chile en el amable espacio de la ciudad de La Serena, frente a la entonces solitaria playa de la Avenida del Mar, y con la complicidad del cielo maravillosamente azul de Montegrande y de las "olorosas tierras" del Valle de Elqui de Gabriela Mistral, que el escribir estas "noticias" se me impuso como necesidad ineludible. Me fue, entonces, posible remontarme a 1967 y a mi primer encuentro con Pedro Lastra en el Instituto de Literatura Chilena en la calle Londres, en Santiago. Traia yo conmigo un manuscrito, mi muy reciente tesis doctoral, que deseaba que el profesor Lastra tuviera a bien leer. Era ese mi primer viaje de vuelta en Chile despues de nueve anos de ausencia, asi como eran tambien mis primeros pasos en un mundo academico que me intimidaba y que, por lo demas, nunca he llegado a entender bien. Tras larga y amena conversacion, ya mas comodo en la esperanza de convertirme en 'escritor edito", me despedi de quien llegaria a ser mi gran amigo de siempre. El lugar de nuestro proximo encuentro habria de ser Long Island. Meses despues mi manuscrito revisado tenia titulo: El heroe en la novela hispanoamericana del siglo xx. Con el llegue por primera vez a Long Island a una acogedora "cabana" donde me esperaba Pedro Lastra. Por varias horas trabajamos en la correction de pruebas de ese libro que en 1973 publicaria la Editorial Universitaria de Chile. Mucho cafe, mucha conversacion sobre nuestras respectivas familias, y, presto, el trabajo se habia realizado al tiempo que nuestra amistad se cimentaba. Poco tiempo despues conoci a Juanita y empece a considerarme un miembro mas de la extendida familia Lastra. Con el libro revisado y corregido en esas horas de Stony Brook, y con
Visual learning analytics of educational data: A systematic literature review and research agenda

Abstract We present a systematic literature review of the emerging field of visual learning analytics. We review existing work in this field from two perspectives: First, we analyze existing approaches, audiences, purposes, contexts, and data sources—both individually and in relation to one another—that designers and researchers have used to visualize educational data. Second, we examine how established literature in the fields of information visualization and education has been used to inform the design of visual learning analytics tools and to discuss research findings. We characterize the reviewed literature based on three dimensions: (a) connection with visualization background; (b) connection with educational theory; and (c) sophistication of visualization(s). The results from this systematic review suggest that: (1) little work has been done to bring visual learning analytics tools into classroom settings; (2) few studies consider background information from the students, such as demographics or prior performance; (3) traditional statistical visualization techniques, such as bar plots and scatter plots, are still the most commonly used in learning analytics contexts, while more advanced or novel techniques are rarely used; (4) while some studies employ sophisticated visualizations, and some engage deeply with educational theories, there is a lack of studies that both employ sophisticated visualizations and engage deeply with educational theories. Finally, we present a brief research agenda for the field of visual learning analytics based on the findings of our literature review.
A Comparative Study between Athletic and Non-Athletic Consumers:Consumer Decision-Making Styles, Shopping Channel Choices, and Purchase Intentions

In 2012, athletic apparel drove sales of more than US $66 billion with a five-year growth rate of over 32% from 2007 to 2012 (Euromonitor, 2013). While there is limited research in this area, Smith (2008) contends that athleticism has become commercialized, influencing consumption of fitness related goods. However, there is not a clear understanding of how consumption differs between athletic and non-athletic consumers. To this end, the purpose of this study is to compare athletic and non-athletic consumers in terms of consumer decision-making styles, shopping channel choices, and purchase intentions of athletic apparel. Furthermore, this study also investigates the interrelationships among consumer decision-making styles, shopping channel choices, and purchase intentions related to athletic apparel.
Bread characteristics and antioxidant activities of Maillard reaction products of white pan bread containing various sugars

Abstract Melanoidins are brown colored compounds formed during Maillard reaction. Bread is a staple food for most of the population and is a major source of dietary melanoidins. The objective of this study was to investigate physical properties, melanoidin content and antioxidant capacity of white pan bread as related to sugar types and amount as well as baking conditions. Bread crust color, melanoidin content and antioxidant capacity were positively affected by increasing baking time and temperature and sugar amount. Increasing baking time was more effective in enhancing the antioxidant activity compared with increasing baking temperature for all the breads in the same sugar group. Ribose was the most effective in improving the melanoidin content and DPPH radical scavenging activity of bread crust compared with other sugars; however, breads with ribose had smaller loaf volume and harder crumb texture. Color and melanoidin content of bread crust had partial positive relationship with the antioxidant capacity of the white pan bread. Overall, breads with sucrose or fructose had a good balance of loaf volume and antioxidant capacities. This study provides useful information towards understanding and manipulating MRPs formation to maximize antioxidant potential in bread products.
Murine Lymphocytes and Lymphocyte Cell Lines Secrete Adenosine Deaminase

Adenosine deaminase (E.C. 3. 5. 4. 4, ADA), first enzyme in the degradative pathway of adenosine (Ado) and 2′-deoxyadenosine (dAdo), converts Ado to inosine (Ino) and dAdo to dIno. Purine nucleoside Phosphorylase (E.C. 2. 4. 2. 1, PNP), the second enzyme in the pathway converts Ino to hypoxanthine (HX). Cells from patients lacking ADA or PNP tend to accumulate dATP or dGTP respectively. The patients usually present with the clinical picture of acute immunodeficiency possibly due to a block in lymphocyte differentiation caused by the effects of the specific enzyme deficiency (1,2). It has been proposed that increased levels of purine deoxynucleoside triphosphates allosterically inhibit ribonucleotide reductase so that in dividing cells other deoxynucleotide levels are altered and ultimately DNA synthesis is impaired (3-5). Evidence has also been presented that accumulation of dATP may act at a point before the onset of DNA synthesis (6,7) and, indeed, dAdo Has been shown to induce strand breaks in the DNA of resting cells and to deplete cellular NAD and ATP.
Abstract 1854: Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells with BMS754807 and Dasatinib induce synergistic cytotoxicity through altered focal adhesion signaling

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the 6th most common cancer worldwide and the 9th most common cancer in the United States. Singular, targeted cancer therapies rarely produce a robust, complete and durable response and often do not substantially prolong patient survival. Adaptive survival responses often blunt the cytotoxic effects of drugs resulting in resistance. Therefore, targeting compensatory signaling pathways may provide improved therapeutic responses. Even with the current best treatment, 5-year survival for all patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) is only approximately 65%, further highlighting the need for improved combinatorial treatments. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that inhibitors of Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor (IGF1R) and Src family kinases, when used in combination, synergistically inhibit HNSCC growth in vitro. Therefore, to explore the mechanisms which may contribute to this synergistic cytotoxicity, we utilized reverse phase protein arrays to assess the proteome of HNSCC lines treated with BMS754807 and Dasatinib to inhibit IGF1R and Src, respectively. We identified focal adhesion signaling as a potentially vital node in the cell signaling network of synergistic cytotoxicity upon treatment of HNSCC with BMS754807 and Dasatinib. Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and Paxillin phosphorylation was decreased synergistically with the combination of BMS754807 and Dasatinib. Using western blot analysis, we confirmed a decrease in phosphorylation of FAK Y576/577 and Paxillin Y118 upon combined treatment with BMS754807 and Dasatinib. Interestingly, FAK is upregulated in radioresistant HNSCC patients and, metastases have increased phosphorylation of FAK compared to normal tissues. FAK is amplified in up to 26% of HNSCC and overexpression of Paxillin is associated with unfavorable prognosis, highlighting the importance of focal adhesion signaling in head and neck cancers. Our data suggests that interactions between integrins, receptor tyrosine kinase, and non-receptor kinase signaling regulate cell survival in HNSCC. Disruption of IGFR and Src activity leads to convergent inhibition of focal adhesion signaling and synergistic cytotoxicity in a variety of HNSCC cell lines. Citation Format: Christine E. Lehman, Rolando MEndez, Mark Axelrod, Julia Wulfkuhle, Emanuel Petricoin, Daniel Gioeli, Mark Jameson. Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells with BMS754807 and Dasatinib induce synergistic cytotoxicity through altered focal adhesion signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1854.
Use of optical fluorescence agents during surgery for pituitary adenomas: current state of the field

Differentiation of normal pituitary from abnormal tumor tissue remains a surgical challenge despite improvements in optical visualization technology for pituitary adenoma (PA) surgery. During neurosurgical procedures for other tumor types, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has become a focus of investigation based on its high specificity in differentiating tumor tissue. However, the role of 5-ALA and other optical fluorescent agents in PA surgery remains less clear. To perform a systematic review on the use of various optical fluorescent agents in PA surgery. Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review to identify reports describing 5-ALA and other optical agents for fluorescence-guided surgery for PA was performed. Eleven research studies met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. In two studies, 5-ALA was not shown to be effective in aiding PA resection using standard neurosurgical endoscopic/microscopic approaches. 5-ALA photodynamic therapy was evaluated in two in-vitro models with inconsistent results. Intraoperative use of indocyanine green (ICG) concluded with varying results, but showed a tendency towards improved differentiation of functional PA. OTL38 showed potential for intraoperative identification of nonfunctioning PA, particularly in tumors with high folate receptor expression. One study reported clinically useful fluorescence following sodium fluorescein administration. We conclude that selected optical fluorescent agents, including ICG and folate receptors, are most likely to hold promise for clinical use in differentiating PA from normal tissue.
Femur length parameters in fetuses with Down syndrome

Objective: To characterize the natural history of femur length (FL) parameters across gestation in Down syndrome fetuses.Methods: Retrospective review of singletons with fetal Down syndrome deliver...
The Effect of (Non-)Competing Brokers on the Quality and Price of Differentiated Internet Services

Abstract Price war, as an important factor in undercutting competitors and attracting customers, has spurred considerable work that analyzes such conflict situation. However, in most of these studies, quality of service (QoS), as an important decision-making criterion, has been neglected. Furthermore, with the rise of service-oriented architectures, where players may offer different levels of QoS for different prices, more studies are needed to examine the interaction among players within the service hierarchy. In this paper, we present a new approach to modeling price competition in (virtualized) service-oriented architectures, where there are multiple service levels. In our model, brokers, as intermediaries between end-users and service providers, offer different QoS by adapting the service that they obtain from lower-level providers so as to match the demands of their clients to the services of providers. To maximize profit, players, i.e. providers and brokers, at each level compete in a Bertrand game while they offer different QoS. To maintain an oligopoly market, we then describe underlying dynamics which lead to a Bertrand game with price constraints at the providers’ level. We also study cooperation among a subset of brokers. Numerical simulations demonstrate the behavior of brokers and providers and the effect of price competition on their market shares.
Machine learning-based texture analysis for differentiation of large adrenal cortical tumours on CT

AIM To compare the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) texture analysis and conventional evaluation by radiologists for differentiation between large adrenal adenomas and carcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS Quantitative CT texture analysis was used to evaluate 54 histopathologically proven adrenal masses (mean size=5.9 cm; range=4.1–10 cm) from 54 patients referred to Anderson Cancer Center from January 2002 through April 2014. The patient group included 32 women (mean age at mass evaluation=59 years) and 22 men (mean age at mass evaluation=61 years). Adrenal lesions seen on precontrast and venous-phase CT images were labelled by three different readers, and the labels were used to generate intensity- and geometry-based textural features. The textural features and the attenuation values were considered as input values for a random forest-based classifier. Similarly, the adrenal lesions were classified by two different radiologists based on morphological criteria. Prediction accuracy and interobserver agreement were compared. RESULTS The textural predictive model achieved a mean accuracy of 82%, whereas the mean accuracy for the radiologists was 68.5% (p CONCLUSION CT texture analysis of large adrenal adenomas and carcinomas is likely to improve CT evaluation of adrenal cortical tumours.
‘This is What I go Through’: Latinx Youth Facultades in Suburban Schools in the Era of Trump

This qualitative study examines reflections of 11 Latinx youth in Illinois and Colorado in their predominantly White, suburban high schools. We center the experiences and perspectives of Latinx you...
High-contrast, highly textured VO2 thin films integrated on silicon substrates using annealed Al2O3 buffer layers

We present vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films having high resistivity contrast with silicon substrates through use of crystallized alumina (Al2O3) buffer layers, engineered for this purpose. We first optimized the process by depositing VO2 onto C-plane sapphire substrates prior to alumina thin films. The latter of which were grown via atomic layer deposition on silicon substrates. We then applied rapid thermal annealing (RTA) to crystallize the alumina films. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated a thickness of 107 nm for each VO2 film, which yielded hot–cold resistivity contrast ratios of 9.76 × 104, 1.46 × 104, and 3.66 × 103, when deposited on the C-plane sapphire, the annealed buffers, and the as-deposited alumina buffers, respectively. Atomic force microscopy of the film surface roughness of the VO2 films indicated root mean squared roughness (Rq) of 4.56 nm, 6.79 nm, and 3.30 nm, respectively, for the films grown on the C-plane sapphire, annealed buffers, and as-deposited buffers. Finally, x-ray diffraction (XRD) of the VO2 films indicated the desired composition and strong (0h0)/(00h) texturing, when deposited on both the C-plane sapphire and the annealed alumina buffer layers. XRD results indicated a series of peaks corresponding to the α-Al2O3/C-plane sapphire, and an XRD analysis of the buffers alone confirmed crystallization of the buffer layer via RTA. The process defined in this paper produced a series of highly textured VO2 films making them most valuable for the integration of VO2 with silicon-based devices.
Impact of clinical guidance and rapid molecular pathogen detection on evaluation and outcomes of febrile or hypothermic infants.

Objective: To quantify the impact of clinical guidance and rapid respiratory and meningitis/encephalitis multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) testing on the management of infants. Design: Before-and-after intervention study. Setting: Tertiary-care children’s hospital. Patients: Infants ≤90 days old presenting with fever or hypothermia to the emergency department (ED). Methods: The study spanned 3 periods: period 1, January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2014; period 2, January 1, 2015, through April 30, 2018; and period 3, May 1, 2018, through June 15, 2019. During period 1, no standardized clinical guideline had been established and no rapid pathogen testing was available. During period 2, a clinical guideline was implemented, but no rapid testing was available. During period 3, a guideline was in effect, plus mPCR testing using the BioFire FilmArray respiratory panel 2 (RP 2) and the meningitis encephalitis panel (MEP). Outcomes included antimicrobial and ancillary test utilization, length of stay (LOS), admission rate, 30-day mortality. Outcomes were compared across periods using Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson tests and interrupted time series analysis. Results: Overall 5,317 patients were included: 2,514 in period 1, 2,082 in period 2, and 721 in period 3. Over the entire study period, we detected reductions in the use of chest radiographs, lumbar punctures, LOS, and median antibiotic duration. After adjusting for temporal trends, we observed that the introduction of the guideline was associated with reductions in ancillary tests and lumbar punctures. Use of mPCR testing with the febrile infant clinical guideline was associated with additional reductions in ancillary testing for all patients and a higher proportion of infants 29–60 days old being managed without antibiotics. Conclusions: Use of mPCR testing plus a guideline for young infant evaluation in the emergency department was associated with less antimicrobial and ancillary test utilization compared to the use of a guideline alone.
Determinants of stage at diagnosis of HPV-related cancer including area deprivation and clinical factors.

Background Collecting social determinants of health in electronic health records is time-consuming. Meanwhile, an Area Deprivation Index (ADI) aggregates sociodemographic information from census data. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether ADI is associated with stage of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancer at diagnosis. Methods We tested for the association between the stage of HPV-related cancer presentation and ADI as well as the association between stage and the value of each census-based measure using ordered logistic regression, adjusting for age, race and sex. Results Among 3247 cases of HPV-related cancers presenting to an urban academic medical center, the average age at diagnosis was 57. The average stage at diagnosis was Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Stage 3. In the study population, 43% of patients were female and 87% were white. In this study population, there was no association between stage of HPV-related cancer presentation and either aggregate or individual census variables. Conclusions These results may reflect insufficient sample size, a lack of socio-demographic diversity in our population, or suggest that simplifying social determinants of health into a single geocoded index is not a reliable surrogate for assessing a patient's risk for HPV-related cancer.
Variability in Antibiotic Treatment of Pediatric Surgical Site Infection After Spinal Fusion at A Single Institution.

Background Recent focus on surgical site infections (SSIs) after posterior spine fusion (PSF) has lowered infection rates by standardizing perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. However, efforts have neglected to detail antibiotic treatment of SSIs. Our aim was to document variability in antibiotic regimens prescribed for acute and latent SSIs following PSF in children with idiopathic, neuromuscular, and syndromic scoliosis. Methods This study included patients who developed a SSI after PSF for scoliosis at a pediatric tertiary care hospital between 2004 and 2019. Patients had to be 21 years or younger at surgery. Exclusion criteria included growing rods, staged surgery, and revision or removal before SSI diagnosis. Infection was classified as acute (within 90 d) or latent. Clinical resolution of SSI was measured by return to normal lab values. Each antibiotic was categorized as empiric or tailored. Results Eighty subjects were identified. The average age at fusion was 14.7 years and 40% of the cohort was male. Most diagnoses were neuromuscular (53%) or idiopathic (41%).Sixty-three percent of patients had an acute infection and 88% had a deep infection. The majority (54%) of subjects began on tailored antibiotic therapy versus empiric (46%). Patients with a neuromuscular diagnosis had 4.0 times the odds of receiving initial empiric treatment compared with patients with an idiopathic diagnosis, controlling for infection type and time (P=0.01). Ninety-two percent of patients with acute SSI retained implants at the time of infection and 76% retained them as of August 2020. In the latent cohort, 27% retained implants at infection and 17% retained them as of August 2020. Conclusions Patients with acute infections were on antibiotics longer than patients with latent infections. Those with retained implants were on antibiotics longer than those who underwent removal. By providing averages of antibiotic duration and lab normalization, we hope to standardize regimens moving forward and develop SSI-reducing pathways encompassing low-risk patients. Level of evidence Level III.
Under a growth-centered accountability system: A job demand and resource perspective for physical educators:

The purpose of this study was to reveal the work life of physical educators who were experiencing a teacher accountability system in the US. A combination of stratified and purposeful sampling proc...
Application of deep learning methods to estimate multiphase flow rate in producing wells using surface measurements

Abstract In the past, the problem of predicting the multiphase flow rate in producing wells has been tackled using the Gilbert correlation. The Gilbert correlation offers a quick solution and requires quantities that are readily available at the surface, making it a staple among solutions in many publications. However, the correlation is limited in applicability to local data, and in some cases, multiple parameter settings are required when flow conditions change. To address these points, we introduced a systematic comparison of applying Gilbert correlation and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms to the problem of liquid flow prediction. We determined that some of the issues, specifically the need for multiple models, can be alleviated using DL methods. In this work, available wellhead measurements that can be collected at surface were used in modeling their relationship to well production rate. In addition, features were extracted automatically using autoencoders to generate additional inputs. The algorithms used for forecasting were designed using standard and customized DL architectures. The results of both DL and existing solutions from the literature were compared systematically to determine the usefulness of the DL methodology developed. The study developed a novel methodology for forecasting well liquid and multiphase restricted flow rate using wellhead surface measurements and demonstrated the application to real field data. The method was found to be an efficient utilization of data that are readily available and do not require well intervention to measure.
Autophagosomes fuse to phagosomes and facilitate the degradation of apoptotic cells in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract Autophagosomes are double-membrane intracellular vesicles that degrade protein aggregates, intracellular organelles, and other cellular components. During the embryonic development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, 113 somatic cells undergo apoptosis. These cells are engulfed and degraded by their neighboring cells. We discovered a novel role of autophagosomes in facilitating the degradation of apoptotic cells in C. elegans embryos using a real-time imaging technique. Specifically, the double-membrane autophagosomes in engulfing cells are recruited to the surfaces of phagosomes containing apoptotic cells and subsequently fuse to phagosomes, allowing the inner vesicle to enter the phagosomal lumen. Mutants defective in the production of autophagosomes display significant defects in the degradation of apoptotic cells, demonstrating the important contribution of autophagosomes to this process. The signaling pathway led by the phagocytic receptor CED-1, the adaptor protein CED-6, and the large GTPase dynamin (DYN-1) promotes the recruitment of autophagosomes to phagosomes. Moreover, the subsequent fusion of autophagosomes with phagosomes requires the functions of the small GTPase RAB-7 and the HOPS complex components. Our findings reveal that, unlike the single-membrane, LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) vesicles reported for mammalian phagocytes, the canonical double-membrane autophagosomes facilitate the clearance of C. elegans apoptotic cells. These findings add autophagosomes to the collection of intracellular organelles that contribute to phagosome maturation, identify novel crosstalk between the autophagy and phagosome maturation pathways, and discover the upstream factors that initiate this crosstalk.
The Impact of Vaccinations on COVID-19 Case Rates at the State Level

This study uses a stepwise regression model to measure the efficacy of vaccination in reducing COVID-19 case rates through 8/10/21. In order to hold other covariants constant, variables like density, poverty, and governmental stringency were also included in the regression tests. The statistical results rigorously show that higher vaccination rates led to significantly lower COVID-19 case rates at the state level. A simulation is presented that estimates the cumulative COVID-19 case rate had vaccinations not been available. With respect to the other variables tested, density was significant in positively affecting case rates in 2021 after not being significant in the last half of 2020. Poverty rates were significant during all periods tested in the study. Surprisingly, governmental stringency as measured by the Oxford Stringency Index was not found significant in reducing COVID-19 case rates in 2021. Finally, no significant evidence of herd immunity was found in 2021.
Outcomes and lessons learned from two decades' experience with glaucoma drainage device implantation for refractory Sturge Weber-associated childhood glaucoma.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation for refractory pediatric glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). Methods The medical records of consecutive children with SWS-associated glaucoma at a single center who were treated by a single surgeon using GDDs over 20 years were reviewed retrospectively. The main outcome measure was GDD treatment success, defined as absence of any of the following indications of treatment failure: (1) intraocular pressure (IOP) of >21 mm Hg on two consecutive visits despite maximal medical therapy, (2) additional IOP-lowering surgery, and (3) sight-threatening complications. Results A total of 22 eyes of 22 children were included. The median age at glaucoma diagnosis was 0.73 years (range, 0.06-13.2), and the median age at GDD surgery was 4.8 years (range, 0.6-13.3). Most eyes (14 [68%]) had prior glaucoma surgery. Mean follow-up was 2.8 ± 1.5 years. Success (95% confidence interval) by Kaplan-Meier analysis for GDD surgery at 1, 3, and 5 years was 91% (68-98), 75% (50-89), and 52% (24-73), respectively. Failure occurred in 8 eyes (36%). Complications were common, occurring in 50% of eyes, with 23% of eyes having more than one complication. Severe vision-threatening complications (n = 3) included one case each of possible infection requiring GDD removal, persistent hypotony, and cilioretinal artery occlusion. Conclusions GDDs are an effective treatment for SWS-associated glaucoma but have a high rate of complications. We report several severe complications that prompted surgical modifications for increased safety when implanting GDDs in eyes with SWS-associated glaucoma.
Worst Case Housing Needs: A Report to Congress

The report is the twelfth in the series of worst case housing needs reports that have been issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) since 1991. Worst case housing needs (WCN) are experienced by unassisted very low-income renters who either (1) pay more than one-half of their monthly income for rent; or (2) live in severely inadequate conditions, or both. HUD defines "very low-income" as below 50 percent of the local area median income (AMI) and "extremely low-income" as below 30 percent of AMI.
Models of school-age child care

Abstract This article discusses various models of children's out-of-school care arrangements, mainly in the United States of America. Forms of care include programs or centers, family day care homes, and self-care. The implications of each of these different systems of care and outcomes for both children and their parents are reviewed through the lens of existing research. While there is no consensus in the research literature, so-called “latch-key” children appear to experience more negative effects than supervised peers, although these negative effects may be mitigated by variables, such as the amount of time spent alone and the parent-child relationship. A small group of studies finds positive outcomes for children who participate in recreational after-school programs, although age-inappropriate care arrangements and age of participating child may be associated with negative outcomes. No research has been conducted across program types. Many mothers of school-age children without regular after-school care or alternative care on school holidays, appear to accomodate their career and work choices to their children's schedules, possibly in order to avoid the “latch-key” alternative.
Video-based task analysis: a tool for understanding your audience (radiology application)

Describes research efforts to adapt an ethnographic data collection technique called 'stream-of-behavior chronicles' to serve as a tool for task analysis in the design of the user interface of a radiology imaging system. In this version of the method, the authors capture the radiologists' stream of behavior on videotape, they analyze it, and then show the tape to the radiologists to get a running commentary on it; this 'stimulated recall' procedure is also videotaped. This approach, combined with a small set of related approaches, has proved to be very powerful in helping the authors to understand their audience. >
Identities and conservation-law generators resulting from general invariance properties of classical field theories

The principal identities, superpotentials, and conservation-law generators of classical field theories, resulting from certain invariances of the action principles of these theories, are constructed by a known method. This method is reviewed and applied in greater formal generality than before, enabling the results to include, for example, co-ordinate, tetrad, and spinor trasformations as particular cases. The distinction between the invariance group of a theory and the symmetry properties of classes of particular field structures, which is vital in the construction of significant conservation laws, is discussed. The use of symmetries in conjunction with conservation-law generators is described. Further, a way of using the identities to identify useful symmetry demands is pointed out and illustrated by an example involving tetrad transformations in general relativity. In another example, a general invariance group is described which shows how the full (uncontracted) Bianchi identities may be viewed as arising from an action principle which includes that of general relativity in an especially simple way.