cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the concept of knowledge: how much is learned by students participating in suicide prevention gatekeeper training?

Abstract. Background: Although gatekeeper training is effective at increasing knowledge, some question the effectiveness of these programs due to high pretraining knowledge levels. However, knowledge scores may be artificially inflated when students guess answer options correctly but lack information needed to assist suicidal peers. Aims: To use free-recall questions to evaluate suicide prevention knowledge and compare levels of knowledge using this methodology with established assessment methods in the literature. Method: Free-recall knowledge questions were examined before and after participation in a student gatekeeper training program. Focus groups with students enriched interpretation of quantitative results. Results: Unlike in studies using forced-choice assessment, students’ baseline knowledge was markedly low using free-recall questions and, despite making significant improvement from pretraining levels, posttraining knowledge barely approached passable levels. Focus group findings suggest that tr...
Polymer micro/nanofiber fabrication using micro/nanopipettes

One of the most significant barriers for enabling the breakthroughs promised by nanotechnology is mass production of nanoscale structures, devices, and systems. One of the main challenges of nanomanufacturing systems is three dimensional customized manufacturing of micro/nanofibers. In this article we present a specialized tool developed for reproducible and controlled fabrication of micro/nano polymer fibers using micro/nanopipettes. Development of this tool will facilitate controlled deposition and shaping of polymer materials at the sub-micron scale in precisely determined locations. We present experimental results obtained using concentrated solutions of high molecular weight poly(methyl methacrylate) dissolved in chlorobenzene. Results indicate that it is feasible fabricating high aspect ratio (length to diameter ratio) polymer fibers having diameters approaching less than 200 nanometers using this approach.
Use of transient electromagnetics to define local hydrogeology in an arid alluvial environment

To characterize a local groundwater system in an arid alluvial environment, a transient electromagnetic (TEM) survey was performed with a dense station spacing along intersecting profiles. Structural features of significance to groundwater development were clearly evident in the color modulated apparent resistivity versus time pseudosections that were used to display the apparent resistivity data. Modeling results in conjunction with pseudosections were used to determine exploratory drill sites. Comparing the modeled results with electric logs from test holes demonstrated that 1-D modeling is not suitable for areas where rapid lateral change occurs. These areas are easily identified in the apparent resistivity versus time pseudosections. Sites not located in fault zones with a resistivity greater than a few tens of ohm‐m were considered to be preferred locations for production wells. Hydraulic testing confirmed this interpretation philosophy. The survey demonstrates the utility of closely spaced TEM sound...
Growth and reproduction of a clonal plant in response to salinity and florivory

Salinity is increasing in wetland ecosystems, but the consequences for ecological communities are poorly understood. Iris hexagona is the only North American iris that survives in brackish marsh. Environmental salinity affects the physiology, growth, and reproduction of this glycophytic perennial, as well as plant-herbivore interactions. In brackish wetlands, 80% of iris flowers are consumed by whitetailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), which rarely browse flowers in freshwater habitats. We investigated the effects of florivory and salinity on I. hexagona sexual and clonal reproduction. Irises that were protected from deer produced 20 times more mature seed capsules than unprotected plants. Experimental floral browsing increased both belowground clonal growth by 30% (P = 0.0003) and flower production the following year by 16% (P = 0.112). Iris populations differed significantly in clonal reproduction (P = 0.004), and interactions between salinity and population affected clonal (P = 0.005) and sexual (P = 0.054) output, suggesting that populations may be differentially adapted to environmental salinity. Brackish conditions can promote floral browsing and loss of sexual reproduction, but plants such as I. hexagona can compensate by allocating more resources to belowground clonal growth.
William C. Porter Award Lecture. Trauma disorders and a psychology of external experience.

The primary observation in this lecture is that there is a marked lack of attention to the actual, external objective reality and inherent objective meanings of the experiences of traumatic stress, which is due first to non-rational aversive responses in clinicians and researchers to traumatic events. Secondly, the inhibition is due to processes and structures inherent in behavioral sciences, including bias against memory, and preoccupation with the individual to the exclusion of the external environment. These factors produce confusion about etiology and pathogenesis in the vulnerable field of traumatic stress, undue burdening of the victim or survivor for accounting of events, and inadequate diagnosis and treatment. Certain exceptions are at hand, in the work of few researchers and in publications from centers for the treatment of torture victims. A psychology of external experience is needed, to more deeply explore the objective meanings of traumatic events and search for accurate recording of external events in memory, in correlation with the established areas of trauma research. This requires some partial paradigm shifts to better support traumatic stress studies. Language: en
Detection of Insecticidal Residue and Control of Soil Insects

The insecticides aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, endrin, and diazinon were applied to Pullman clay loam soil at a rate of 1.6 lb/acre. The chlorinated hydrocarbons gave satis-factory control of wireworms. Conoderus sp., and the grubs Phyllophaga cribrosa (LcConte) for 11 years after treatment. However, more effective-control was obtained with crop rotation than with insecticides. The amounts of chlorinated hydrocarbon residue, detected at the end of 10 years, are presented.
Higher-Complexity ED Billing Codes — Sicker Patients, More Intensive Practice, or Improper Payments?

Between 2001 and 2010, billing for level 5 emergency department visits increased from 27% to 48% of Medicare discharges. Some blame up-coding facilitated by EHRs, but other factors are changes in demographics, practice patterns, and the emergency department's role.
Some Effects of the Big-Headed Ant on Populations of the Pink Sugarcane Mealybug

Saccharicoccus sacchari (Cockerell), the pink sugarcane mealybug, has many natural enemies in Hawaii. This study was conducted to investigate some of the effects that the big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala (F.), the commonest ant in Hawaiian sugarcane fields, has on populations and parasitization of the pink sugarcane mealybug. The presence of the big-headed ant appeared to result in slightly larger populations of the pink sugarcane mealybug. During periods of unfavorable weather conditions, populations of the pink sugarcane mealybug decreased considerably irrespective of the presence or absence of the ants. The attending of the pink sugarcane mealybug by this ant did not seem to be a detrimental factor in the parasitization of the mealybug by Anagyrus saccharicola (Timberlake), nor did the size of the populations of the pink sugarcane mealybug have any effect on parasitism by this parasite.
A thermodynamic approach for assessing agroecosystem sustainability

Abstract By revisiting theoretical concepts in biogeography and the importance of thermodynamic laws in biosphere-atmosphere interactions, ecological sustainability in agricultural systems may be better defined. In this case study, we employed a multidisciplinary methodology for exploring agroecosystem sustainability by using eddy covariance (EC) data to compute thermodynamic entropy production (σ) and relate it to water, energy and carbon cycling in croplands and grasslands of the Central US. From 2002 to 2012, the biophysical metric of σ was compared across AmeriFlux sites, each with site-specific land management practices of irrigation, crop rotation, and tillage. Results show that σ is most correlated with net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon, and when cropland and grassland sites are close to being carbon neutral, σ values range from 0.51–1.0 W K−1 m−2 for grasslands, 0.81–1.0 W K−1 m−2 for rainfed croplands, and 0.81–1.1 W K−1 m−2 for irrigated croplands. Irrigated maize stressed by hydrologic and high temperature anomalies associated with the 2012 drought exhibit the greatest increase in σ, indicating the possibility of decreased sustainability compared to rainfed croplands and grasslands. These results suggest that maximizing carbon uptake with irrigation and fertilizer use tends to move agroecosystems further away from thermodynamic equilibrium, which has implications for ecological sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation in climate-smart agriculture. The underlying theoretical concepts, multidisciplinary methodology, and use of eddy covariance data for biophysical indicators in this study contribute to a unique understanding of ecological sustainability in agricultural systems.
Classification of Urinary Tract Infections by Biotype Identification of the Pathogens

Bacterial isolates from urinary tract infections were identified by biotyping. During a 2-year period all episodes of urinary tract infection in 276 patients from an office practice could be classified into 4 categories: 1) first or simple urinary tract infection, 2) recurrent urinary tract infection owing to unresolved bacteriuria during treatment, 3) recurrent urinary tract infection owing to bacterial persistence and 4) recurrent urinary tract infection owing to reinfection.
MODIFICATION OF CURRENT TRANSMITTED FROM APICAL DENDRITE TO SOMA BY BLOCKADE OF VOLTAGE- AND CA2+-DEPENDENT CONDUCTANCES IN RAT NEOCORTICAL PYRAMIDAL NEURONS

Schwindt, Peter C. and Wayne E. Crill. Modification of current transmitted from apical dendrite to soma by blockade of voltage- and Ca2+-dependent conductances in rat neocortical pyramidal neurons....
Line emission from molybdenum high energy density plasma benchmarked with EBIT experiments

One of the first questions that should be considered to adequately describe radiation of high Z ions from High Energy Density (HED) plasmas and from even more extreme environments is: “How can we calculate and, most importantly, validate atomic properties and spectra of complex, high Z, highly charged ions in non-equilibrium as a function of plasma parameters and electron distribution function?” To contribute to answering this challenging question, we present a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of the line emission from Mo HED plasmas benchmarked with LLNL EBIT data. Though there were some studies of Mo line radiation from pulsed power plasmas produced at UNR, Cornel University, and SNL before, there was no benchmarking with EBIT data. The analysis of X-ray spectra from high-Z HED plasma is always a very challenging topic because of contributions from numerous ionization stages and from multiple atomic processes in the plasma, such as, for example, dielectronic recombination, that is impossible to resolve in a rather narrow spectral range. We performed two types of Mo experiments at both the LLNL EBIT and at the Z-pinch generator at NTF/UNR to study line radiation in a spectral range between 3.5 and 5.5 A. In particular, benchmarking experiments at the LLNL EBIT with Mo ions produced at electron beam energies from 2.75 keV up to 15 keV allowed us to break down these very complicated spectra into spectra with only few ionization stages and to select processes that influence them. The EBIT data were recorded using the EBIT Calorimeter Spectrometer and a crystal spectrometer with a Ge crystal. X-ray Mo spectra and pinhole images were collected from Z-pinch plasmas produced from various wire loads to provide different levels of opacity and electron beam effects. Non-LTE modeling and high-precision relativistic data were used to analyze L-shell Mo spectra from both experimental campaigns: an almost monoenergetic electron distribution function (EDF) for EBIT data and Maxwellian and non-Maxwellian EDFs for modeling of HED plasma spectra. The influence of different plasma processes including electron beams on Mo line radiation is summarized.
From la Cuba de Ayer to el Miami De Ayer: The Cuban “Ethnic Myth” in Contemporary Context

As private tour buses pulled up in a designated space in front of Little Havana’s Domino Park on Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th street), I awaited the arrival of a local resident, anthroplogy doctoral student and walking tour guide who agreed to accompany me alongside mixed strip of art galleries, tobacco and souvenir shops, and exilic-Cuban-owned (and increasingly pan-Latinx managed and frequented) retailers and restaurants. That I was born not far away yet felt so removed and disconnected from this space felt bittersweet, if not accentuated by the accompaniment of a resident-informant. My own primos (cousins), familial friends, and distant relatives, equally distant in the suburban Miami-Dade County and Broward County geographic spaces they now occupy, rarely if ever came to Little Havana, save for the occasional after-church meal at La Caretta or Ayestaran restaurant or to take a familial visitor (like me) to pasear (stroll) as the Abuelos once did with them (and with me and my siblings). Like I remember it, the park is full of mostly white, aging Cuban and other Latinx men, save for a few women who play dominoes (or chess) if not more seriously than their male counterparts, meanwhile tourists gaze through the fence, waiting to board their charter bus back to Miami’s cruise port.
Development of a Reality-Based Multimedia Case Study Teaching Method and Its Effect on Students' Planned Food Safety Behaviors.

There is opportunity to decrease the frequency of foodborne illnesses by improving food safety competencies and planned behaviors of college students before they begin careers in the food industry. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop a multimedia case study teaching method that provides real world context for food science education; and (2) evaluate the extent to which it improves the intentions of students to implement food safety management systems upon entering the workforce, as well its impact on knowledge gains and students’ abilities to understand complex concepts. The target audience consisted of all participants in an upper‐level undergraduate food safety management systems course (n = 17). A pretest and posttest survey research instrument was developed to measure knowledge gains and also students’ food safety intentions using the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Students experienced significant gains in knowledge, attitude, and intention after completion of the course (P < 0.05). One hundred percent of students agreed that the interactive videos aided in their understanding of food safety concepts. A paired t test suggested that both behavioral control beliefs and attitudes of students toward food safety management significantly increased (P < 0.5) after completion of the case study. These results suggest that integrating multimedia case studies into food science education may enhance food safety behaviors.
Validity of Fitbit's active minutes as compared with a research-grade accelerometer and self-reported measures.

Objectives The main purpose of the study was to assess the validity between the Fitbit and ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer. The specific aims were to determine the: (1) concurrent validity between the various models of the Fitbit and the GTX3+ accelerometer as the criterion measure for: number of steps and active minutes averaged over a single-day and 7-day period; (2) validity of the two devices with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for the number of daily active minutes performed. Methods Fifty-three subjects wore a Fitbit and ActiGraph concurrently for 7 days. Data were analysed using correlation coefficients, t-tests to assess mean comparisons and Bland-Altman plots to determine agreement between the Fitbit and the ActiGraph. Results The correlations between the Fitbit and ActiGraph for steps per day and per 7 days were r=0.862 and 0.820, respectively with significant mean differences between both devices. Bland-Altman analyses revealed agreement between the Fitbit and the ActiGraph for 7-day active minutes only. The correlations between the Fitbit and ActiGraph for active minutes per day and per 7 days were r=0.695 and r=0.658, respectively, with no significant mean differences between both devices. No significant correlations were found between the IPAQ and the other two devices. Conclusions The data produced by the Fitbit were consistent with the ActiGraph when the means of each device were compared over the 1-day and 7-day time periods. However, Bland-Altman analyses revealed that the Fitbit agreed with the ActiGraph when used to measure physical activity levels over a 7-day span only.
No-Till Farming

Seedbed refers to “the physical state of the surface soil which affects the germination and emergence of crop seeds,” while tilth is “the physical condition of soil as related to its ease of tillage, fitness as a seedbed, and its impedance to seedling emergence and root penetration.” (SSSA, 2008). The concept of soil tilth is still evolving. Current definitions of soil tilth are somewhat subjective and qualitative because of the highly dynamic nature and complexity of the soil. Soil tilth is the product of complex interactive processes varying over space and time. In this Chapter, soil tilth is defined as the physical condition of a soil described by its complex and dynamic macro- and micro-scale physical, hydrological, thermal, chemical, and biological attributes affecting tillage, seedling emergence, root penetration, and plant growth.
The Fastest Way Across the Seas: Cyberspace Operations and Cybersecurity in the Indo-Pacific

This chapter takes a unique perspective related to cyber and the sea. Here, the cyber domain is both an economic source and a source for spreading ideas and influence across both physical and virtual arenas. It also poses a significant security challenge for all nations, including the physical security of the cables that traverse the world’s oceans, deep beneath the surface. The chapter argues that nowhere is this nexus more important than in the development of secure power projection capabilities—especially in naval power, which will play such a key part in the region’s strategic future and in the successful implementation of the United States and its allies’ strategic investments. India, South Korea, Japan, and the United States must harden their naval systems in anticipation of any contingency with China.
Large Americano, Extra Masculine: How People Do Gender at the Coffee House

This research examines the way in which customers in an urban cafe “do gender.” This research expands existing literature on doing gender in organizational settings by making the customer the focus of the analysis of gender presentations in public spaces. The findings are based on ethnographic research that was conducted over the course of eight weeks in an urban Northwestern city in the United States. My findings suggest that male and female customers most commonly performed hegemonic masculinity and emphasized femininity, respectively. These performances were further pronounced when analyzed in the context of heterosexual relationships, where accountability for gender presentations became even more salient. The way that customers interacted with employees reinforced already normative presentations of gender.
Incidence and Management of Hemopericardium: Impact of Changing Trends in Invasive Cardiology.

Abstract Objective As invasive cardiovascular care has become increasingly complex, cardiac perforation leading to hemopericardium is a progressively prevalent complication. We sought to assess the frequency, etiology, and outcomes of hemorrhagic pericardial effusions managed through a nonsurgical echo-guided percutaneous strategy. Patients and Methods Over a 10-year period (January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016), 1097 unique patients required pericardiocentesis for clinically important pericardial effusions. Of these 411 had drainage of hemorrhagic effusions (defined as a pericardial hemoglobin level >50% of serum hemoglobin or frank blood in the setting of cardiac perforation). Clinical characteristics, echocardiographic data, details of the procedure, and outcomes were determined. Results Median patient age was 67 years (interquartile range, 56-76 years), and 60% were men. The procedure was emergent in 83% and elective in 17%. The site of pericardiocentesis was determined by echo-guidance in all: 68% from the left para-apical region, 18% from the left or right parasternal areas, and 14% were subxyphoid. Half (n=215 [52%]) occurred after cardiac perforation with percutaneous interventional procedure (ablation, n=94; device lead implantation, n=65; percutaneous coronary intervention, n=22; other, n=34), whereas 30% followed cardiac or thoracic surgery. Pericardial fluid volume drained was 546±440 mL. In 94% of cases, echo-guided pericardiocentesis was the only treatment of the effusion needed, whereas definitive surgery was required in 25 (6%) cases for persistent bleeding or acute management of the underlying etiology. There was no procedural mortality. Late mortality was better for hemorrhagic effusions compared with a contemporary cohort with nonhemorrhagic effusions. Conclusion Echocardiographic guidance allows rapid successful pericardiocentesis in the setting of hemopericardium related to microperforation with interventional procedures, malignancy, or pericarditis, with most not requiring surgical intervention. Surgery should remain the first-line approach for aortic dissection or myocardial rupture.
Local and Targeted Redox Therapies for the Vasculature

Overproduction of reactive species, or failure to maintain their levels within the physiological range, results in cellular redox dysfunction. In turn, redox dysfunction is at the molecular basis of disease etiology and progression. Accordingly, antioxidant intervention to restore redox homeostasis has been pursued as a therapeutic strategy. Redox-interventions, however, have virtually been ineffective in clinical trials. We work under the hypothesis that the fundamental problem with many therapeutic approaches up to now has been their method of delivery. Systemic delivery of an antioxidant for the treatment of vascular disease, which is geographically defined, simply may not be the most effective approach. Hence, the biggest challenge for successful clinical translation is targeted delivery of the therapeutic in the right amount at the right site. Targeted drug delivery approaches are an active area of research for cancer treatment. However, this approach has not been widely used in cardiovascular or antioxidant therapy research. Our work focuses on the development of targeted delivery systems of redox-based therapies to treat arterial disease. Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of death and disability in western countries. Current therapeutic modalities for the treatment of arterial disease include balloon angioplasty and stenting. However, the success rate of these procedures is limited due to the development of arterial restenosis secondary to neointimal hyperplasia. We have successfully inhibited restenosis using targeted approaches. Specifically, we take advantage of the disrupted endothelium and/or leukocyte recruitment to the sites of arterial injury to deliver redox interventions. We currently use customizable nanocarrier- and cell-based delivery systems to target sites of arterial injury. We propose that local and targeted delivery hold promise to translate redox-based therapies from the bench to the bedside. Additionally, we highlight cell-mediated drug delivery as a novel approach for administering redox-based therapeutics.
The time for multiple biomarkers in studies of cognitive aging and dementia is now.

Cerebrovascular disease is increasingly recognized to have a substantial influence on cognition in aging, Alzheimer dementia (AD), and other dementias.1,2 Biomarkers are urgently needed for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment. Several magnetic resonance vascular imaging markers have been proposed for cerebrovascular disease, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH), microbleeds, and lacunes, but these have variable sensitivity and specificity. Enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), a marker long recognized in radiologic and pathologic studies in association with cerebrovascular disease, have received less attention. Perivascular spaces are pia-lined channels that follow arterioles deep within the gray and white matter. Perivascular and related cells and fluid are implicated in the new and expanding field of glymphatics, which is the brain transport system involved in waste clearance, perivascular transport, and other physiologic functions.3 Alterations to glymphatic function could be mechanistically involved in cerebrovascular disease, AD, and other neurologic conditions. EPVS denote morphologic changes to this interface and are associated with age, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, and dementia. EPVS and other vascular imaging abnormalities are commonly evident on MRIs of older persons without known cerebrovascular disease or dementia. There is a critical need, therefore, to determine whether EPVS and other vascular imaging abnormalities can be used as biomarkers of current and future vascular brain health.
Integrated QCM-Microtribometry: Friction of Single-Crystal MoS2 and Gold from μm/s to m/s.

Two opposing microtribometry approaches have been developed over the past decade to help connect the dots between fundamental and practical tribology measurements: spring-based (e.g., AFM) approach...
A Novel PCB design Technique for Dual-polarized 5G Phased Array Antenna

A 2X4 dual polarized co-axial fed patch antenna array is designed on an eight Layer PCB with a gain of 14.0 dBi and a bandwidth of 1 GHz for 5G Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) band operation. A specialized PCB design process is adopted to accommodate two exclusive zones, housing the mm-wave transceiver and the digital section uniquely. To boost the data rate, polarization diversity is utilized and power from(to) two polarization ports are combined in the PCB and then fed to the PA(LNA) interface in an LTCC Package. The phased array design is further supported with beam forming simulations.
Exploring Diverse Voices in the Classroom

With the increasing diverse student population in the United States, schools across the country face the challenge of addressing cultural diversity in the classroom. While this topic is not new in ...
Observed emotional reactivity in response to frustration tasks in psychiatrically hospitalized youth with autism spectrum disorder.

Emotional reactivity (e.g. explosive outbursts, tantrums) is a common but understudied challenge for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Prior research has relied primarily on questionnaire ...
Assessing driver behavior using shrp2 adverse weather data.

Abstract Introduction This study explored how drivers adapt to inclement weather in terms of driving speed, situational awareness, and visibility as road surface conditions change from dry to slippery and visibility decreases. The proposed work mined existing data from the SHRP 2 NDS for drivers who were involved in weather-related crash and near-crash events. Baseline events were also mined to create related metadata necessary for behavioral comparisons. Methods: Researchers attempted, to the greatest extent possible, to match non-adverse-weather driving scenarios that are similar to the crash and near-crash event for each driver. The ideal match scenario would be at a day prior to the crash during non-adverse weather conditions having the same driver, at the same time of day, with the same traffic level on the same road on which the crash or near-crash occurred. Once the matched scenarios have been identified, a detailed analysis will be performed to determine how a driver’s behavior changed from normal driving to inclement-weather driving. Results: Data collected indicated that, irrespective of site location (i.e., state), most crashes and near-crashes occurred in rain, with only about 12% occurring in snowy conditions. Also, the number of near-crashes was almost double the number of crashes showing that many drivers were able to avoid a crash by executing an evasive maneuver such as braking or steering. Conclusions: Most types of near crashes were rear-end and sideswipe avoidance epochs, as the drivers may have had a difficult time merging or trying to change lanes due to low visibility or traffic. Hard braking combined with swerving were the most commonly used evasive maneuvers, occurring when drivers did not adjust their speeds accordingly for specific situations. Practical applications: Results from this study are expected to be utilized to educate and guide drivers toward more confident and strategic driving behavior in adverse weather.
Designing and Implementing Parenting Interventions With Latino Immigrant Families: Challenges and Strategies:

Parenting interventions have shown to be effective in improving parenting behaviors quality, reducing child behavior problems, and increasing overall family well-being. However, the majority of res...
Reduced-Order Modeling of Nuclear Reactor Kinetics Using Proper Generalized Decomposition

In this work, we attempt to overcome the “curse of dimensionality” inherent to neutron diffusion kinetics problems by employing a novel reduced-order modeling technique known as proper generalized ...
Statistical Properties of a Modified Welch Method That Uses Sample Percentiles

We present and analyze an alternative, more robust approach to the Welch’s overlapped segment averaging (WOSA) spectral estimator. Our method computes sample percentiles instead of averaging over multiple periodograms to estimate power spectral densities (PSDs). Bias and variance of the proposed estimator are derived for varying sample sizes and arbitrary percentiles. We have found excellent agreement between our expressions and data sampled from a white Gaussian noise process.
Filgrastim associations with CAR T-cell therapy

Little is known about the benefits and risks of myeloid growth factor administration after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We present a retrospective analysis among 22 relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients who received CAR T-cell therapy with axicabtagene ciloleucel. Filgrastim was administered by physician discretion to seven patients (31.8%), and the median duration of neutropenia after lymphodepleting therapy was significantly shorter for those patients who received filgrastim (5 vs 15 days, P = .016). Five patients (22.7%) developed infection in the 30 days post-CAR T-cell therapy with three patients being Grade 3 or higher. There was no difference in the incidence and severity of infection based on filgrastim use (P = .274, P = .138). Among the seven patients that received filgrastim, six patients (85.7%) and four patients (57.1%) had evidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), respectively. Among the 15 patients that did not receive filgrastim, 8 patients (53.3%) and 7 patients (46.7%) had evidence of CRS and ICANS, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of developing CRS or ICANS between the group of patients that received filgrastim and those that did not (P = .193, P = .647). However, there was a significant increase in the severity of CRS for patients that received filgrastim compared to those that did not (P = .042). Filgrastim administration after CAR T-cell therapy may lead to an increase in severity of CRS without decreasing infection rates.
Deprescribing medications that may increase the risk of hepatic encephalopathy: A qualitative study of patients with cirrhosis and their doctors.

Background and aimsMultiple medications are associated with an increased risk of incident hepatic encephalopathy. Despite this known risk, medications such as opioids, benzodiazepines, gabapentin/p...
Random Signals and Systems

In this chapter, we discuss the representation of a random signal, first as a stochastic process with accompanying statistics and then as a discrete random signal with certain inherent properties. We show how random signals can be characterized by their spectral representations and then consider systems excited by random inputs that employ these properties. With these concepts developed, we then show how processes can be modeled simply by a parametric model of the ARMAX class that is used quite heavily in modern spectral techniques. Finally, we discuss a set of spectral estimation algorithms to analyze the spectral content of random signals and illustrate their performance in a case study of bandpass sinusoids in noise.
Proposing a Methodological Borderland: Combining Chicana Feminist Theory With Transformative Mixed Methods Research:

In this article, we propose a “methodological borderland,” defined as a methodological space in constant transition; one that allows researchers to combine multiple methods, data points, and theori...
Transcriptomic Changes Associated with Loss of Cell Viability Induced by Oxysterol Treatment of a Retinal Photoreceptor-Derived Cell Line: An In Vitro Model of Smith–Lemli–Opitz Syndrome

Smith–Lemli–Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) results from mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme DHCR7, which catalyzes conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) to cholesterol (CHOL). Rats treated with a DHCR7 inhibitor serve as a SLOS animal model, and exhibit progressive photoreceptor-specific cell death, with accumulation of 7DHC and oxidized sterols. To understand the basis of this cell type specificity, we performed transcriptomic analyses on a photoreceptor-derived cell line (661W), treating cells with two 7DHC-derived oxysterols, which accumulate in tissues and bodily fluids of SLOS patients and in the rat SLOS model, as well as with CHOL (negative control), and evaluated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for each treatment. Gene enrichment analysis and compilation of DEG sets indicated that endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, DNA damage and repair, and autophagy were all highly up-regulated pathways in oxysterol-treated cells. Detailed analysis indicated that the two oxysterols exert their effects via different molecular mechanisms. Changes in expression of key genes in highlighted pathways (Hmox1, Ddit3, Trib3, and Herpud1) were validated by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The results extend our understanding of the pathobiology of retinal degeneration and SLOS, identifying potential new druggable targets for therapeutic intervention into these and other related orphan diseases.
Diagnosis and Management of Late-presentation ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction and Complications

The incidence of late presentation of myocardial infarction varies between 8.5% and 40%. Late revascularization of an infarct-related artery may limit infarct size and remodeling, reduce electrical instability, and may provide supplemental blood supply to that area via collaterals. Randomized clinical trials have shown a benefit of revascularization in symptomatic and hemodynamically unstable latecomers. Image stress testing can be beneficial to guide management of asymptomatic late presenters. Higher rates of myocardial infarction complications occur with late presentations, so a high level of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Surgical repair remains the gold standard for management of mechanical complications.
Narrative Humility, Narcissism, and Congregational Conflict

Although humility has long been valued as a virtue in the Christian tradition, congregational conflict can be driven by the narcissistic needs of ministry leaders and church members alike. Congregations are places where competing narratives intersect and sometimes collide, and parties to a conflict may each have their own unique and conflicting accounts of the situation. Because of disparities of power, however, pastors and ministry leaders bear a specific responsibility for ensuring that their behavior is not driven by narcissistic needs for self-enhancement. Against this background, the importance of narrative humility is proposed, a concept which originated in narrative medicine to address the intrinsic hierarchy between doctor and patient that can lead to the patient’s dehumanization. Parallel ideas from the practice of narrative therapy are also explored. The application of the concept to the congregational context is illustrated through a case study, and several questions for self-reflection are offered to support the cultivation of narrative humility.
Multivariate probabilistic rock-physics models using Kumaraswamy distributions

ABSTRACTRock-physics models are physical equations that map petrophysical properties into geophysical variables, such as elastic properties and density. These equations are generally used in quanti...
Fair Markets Revisited

The central claim of the chapter is that business managers cannot manage by the principle, “If it is legal, it is morally permissible.” I begin this chapter by showing that often a legal decision is based on moral principles rather than existing law. These moral principles of justice and fairness are adopted from common morality. Closer examination shows that fairness requires non-coercion, no great inequality of bargaining power and no abuse of information asymmetry. The prudent strategy for the manager of a business is to follow morality.
Experimental atherosclerosis in the dog: A morphologic study

Abstract Young mongrel dogs developed atherosclerosis of various degrees in their coronary arteries, aortas, and iliac and caudal arteries when they were fed atherogenic diets containing butter, cholesterol, sodium cholate, thiouracil, and other basal ingredients for the periods of 5 1 2 –16 months. None of the dogs had evidence of arterial occlusion. Grossly, the intimal lesions were most marked in the lower segments of the abdominal aortas. Histologically, the coronary arteries and the aortas revealed subendothelial collections of lipid-laden macrophages mixed with erythrocytes and leucocytes in the early lesions and with connective tissue components in the late lesions. Electron-microscopically, lipid-laden macrophages were closely associated with endothelial cells, appeared to be penetrating the endothelium, and were mixed with smooth muscle cells in the subendothelial space.
Performance of Recent Gravity Field Models in Precision Orbit Determination Using Doppler Observations

The evaluation of a geopotential model can be accomplished using several procedures which have been described in the literature. Standard methods include the estimation of precise satellite ephemerides and the recovery of the surface anomaly field and altimetric geoid. This paper provides some preliminary results using the first procedure in which satellite ephemerides are estimated from an extensive collection of Doppler observations collected by a worldwide tracking network. The motivation behind this work was to develop comparisons of performance between the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) geopotential model developed several years ago and more recent gravity models based on increased sources of satellite data and improved collections of surface anomaly data.
Not in My Backyard!: External Balancing, Intra-Balancing and Alliance Dynamics

This paper raises the question of the role of states’ consideration of autonomy in choosing their allies. In this paper, I argue that in order to maximize both security and autonomy states will consider capability differentials and geographical proximity with potential allies, accordingly presenting two major hypotheses that, i) when pairs of states are geographically proximate to each other, the pairs of states that are equal in terms of power are more likely to be in alliance than those that are unequal in terms of power, and ii) when pairs of states are geographically remote from each other, the pairs of states that are unequal in terms of power are more likely to be in alliance than those that are equal in terms of power. Testing these hypotheses involves employing a statistical method by means of logit analysis. The empirical findings from the analysis strongly support the hypotheses set forth above. I call these patterns of alignment the pattern of intra-balancing.
Design systems for adaptive general connectivity meshes: Increasing total efficiency for computational physics applications

To be used effectively in a design environment, numerical tools must accommodate very practical constraints, particularly time deadlines, the need to address multiple design goals and the requirement to minimize risk. This paper advocates the accelerated development of design systems to augment the use of computational physics and to help designers achieve greater efficiency and scope. The role of numerical codes employing general connectivity meshes is stressed. Examples are taken from a design system which is currently being developed for use with tetrahedral volume grids and triangular surface meshes.
Portrayals of Sexual Violence in Popular Hindi Films, 1997–99

An exploratory content analysis was conducted to examine portrayals of sexual violence in popular Hindi films. Nine films were randomly selected from box office hits (1997–99). The findings suggest that moderate sexual violence is depicted as fun, enjoyable, and a normal expression of romantic love. Victims were more likely to be women rather than men, and sexual violence committed by heroes was a common portrayal, particularly moderate violence such as harassment of women with whom the heroes ultimately became romantically involved. Severe sexual violence was portrayed as criminal and serious, whereas moderate sexual violence was treated as fun and romantic. Results are discussed in terms of script theory and social learning perspectives.
Prospective on Thalassemia

The word thalassemia comes from the Greek “thalassa” shouted by Xenophon's troops when they finally reached the Black Sea. “Thalassa, Thalassa,” they cried, thinking they were on the Mediterranean. That mistake was not really very profound because thalassemia, or the blood disease of the sea, is heavily endemic around the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and throughout the Old World, where malaria was prevalent. Because patients who are heterozygous for thalassemia are somewhat resistant to malaria, this small edge that they have has caused this disease, a genetic disorder, to proliferate massively throughout the Old World, where it is presently a huge health problem, straining blood supplies and causing enormous problems for medical and public health facilities in that part of the world. The disease is very rare in the United States because this is a “melting pot,” where there is far more interracial marriage, or what the veterinarians would call “outbreeding.” This has reduced the incidence of homozygosity in this country a great deal, but this is the disease that brought me into pediatrics from an internal medicine career at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. There I was privileged to see these cases as a result of Dr Louis Diamond's interest in my development as a hematologist. When I came to Children's Hospital, I saw a boy about whom I've written a book called Genes, Blood and Courage . He had this disorder and his pediatrician said that his parents should take him home and not transfuse him, because he would die of iron overload from the transfusions. He might have a more mild form of the disease and not die in very early childhood. By the time he was 6 years old, he was distorted with an abnormal face. He had broken every long bone in his body because …
Saving the Next Tree: The Georgia Hemlock Project, Community Action, and Environmental Literacy

This article describes a community effort in the north Georgia mountains to stem the spread of the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestation, which is killing eastern hemlocks throughout their range. The project has raised awareness of the problem, funds to finance research and the cultivation of predator beetles, and citizen science involvement. Participating institutions and groups quickly focused on a shared purpose and have managed the project in a manner that accommodates separate benefits to each entity. In addition, the individuals leading the project have employed a personable, respectful, and flexible contact style, which has attracted participants and appealed to volunteers. Perhaps most important, the project has enabled participants to play active roles in fighting the infestation, rather than merely requesting monetary support or long-term changes to personal behavior; research shows these latter strategies are unlikely to result in authentic understanding of environmental issues or long-term behavioral change. Paradoxically, the field work itself has enabled participants to make connections between ecological crises—such as the HWA infestation—and choices that individuals can control—such as whether or not to use non-native plants in their suburban yards. This account demonstrates strategies that can be successful in many community action initiatives and that should have particular appeal for environmental activists.
EVALUATION OF POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL BASED HYDROGEL FOR TISSUE SEALING AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY IN A PORCINE MODEL

ABSTRACTPurpose: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) based hydrogel is available as a tissue sealant and hemostatic aid. We determined the long-term safety and efficacy of its use as a tissue sealant for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in a porcine model.Materials and Methods: A total of 16 swine were cycled to 1 control group and 3 treatment groups, which underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with hemostasis achieved only with application of a biodegradable PEG based hydrogel. The 3 treatment groups were sacrificed at 2, 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. Humoral immune response to the hydrogel used in the porcine abdomen was examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect antibodies in the serum at 0, 2, 6 and 12 weeks. Cell mediated immune response was examined using a lymphocyte proliferation assay to measure the response of leukocytes to various mitogens and antigens, including the polymerized hydrogel, at the same intervals.Results: Hemostasis was satisfactory after hydrogel application. No advers...
Sulfation of Iodothyronines by Recombinant Human Liver Steroid Sulfotransferases

Abstract Sulfation is an important pathway in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Sulfated iodothyronines are elevated in nonthyroidal illnesses and in the normal human fetal circulation. We assayed and characterized COS-1 cell expressed recombinant human liver dehydroepiandrosterone sulfotransferase (DHEA ST or SULT2A1) and estrogen sulfotransferase (EST or SULT1E1) activities for the first time with triiodothyronine (T3) as the substrate. Several biochemical properties that included apparent Km values, thermal stabilities, and responses to the inhibitors 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol and NaCl were tested. SULT2A1, a member of the hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase family, used 3,3′-T2 more readily than T3 and 3,5-T2 as substrates, but had the lowest apparent Km value for T3 of any reported human SULT. SULT1E1, a member of the phenol sulfotransferase family, used 3,3′-T2 and rT3 more readily than T3, and also displayed the greatest specificity for T4 among human SULTs. SULT2A1 may contribute more to iodothyronine sulfation than previously suspected. Potential roles of both steroid sulfotransferases in the enhanced sulfation of nonthyroidal illnesses and fetal development invite further investigation.