cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Escalating Versus Fixed Voltage Treatment on Stone Comminution and Renal Injury During Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Purpose: ESWL® is a minimally invasive, efficacious therapy for most renal stones. However, an optimal voltage treatment protocol ensuring effective stone comminution while minimizing tissue injury is not well established. We performed a prospective, randomized trial of the stone-free rate and renoprotective effect of an escalating vs a fixed voltage treatment strategy during ESWL.Materials and Methods: Between February 2006 and June 2008 we enrolled 45 patients undergoing ESWL for a renal stone in this institutional review board approved trial. A Dornier® DoLi 50 lithotriptor was used. Patients were randomized to receive the escalating strategy of 500 shocks at 14k V, 1,000 at 16 kV and 1,000 at 18 kV or the fixed strategy of 2,500 shocks at 18 kV. Abdominal x-ray was done to determine the stone-free rate at 1 month. Voided urine was analyzed for β2-microglobulin and microalbumin before, immediately after and 1 week after ESWL to evaluate renal damage.Results: Median patient age was 48 years. Median ston...
Sepsis-associated electroencephalographic changes in extremely low gestational age neonates.

Abstract Background Sepsis in premature infants is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. No previous studies have assessed acute changes in brain function during sepsis that might precede these adverse outcomes. Methods We performed amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) monthly, from 28 weeks until 36 weeks of postmenstrual age, on 108 premature infants born before 28 weeks of gestation. Additional aEEG recordings were performed during infants' first episode of sepsis. Two independent readers who were blinded to the infant's gestational age at birth and chronologic age, as well as to whether the infant had sepsis, evaluated aEEG recordings for the presence of burst suppression and assigned a maturation score. Results Burst supression was found in 22% of aEEG recordings from infants without sepsis and 57% of recordings from infants with sepsis at the time of the recording (odds ratio = 4.2; 95% confidence limits = 2.4, 7.2; p Conclusion Sepsis is associated with acute electroencephalographic changes, as indicated by burst supression, but not with a decreased rate of brain wave maturation.
Rewrite systems for symbolic evaluation of C-like preprocessing

Parsing of programs with preprocessing directives and conditional compilation is challenging. Symbolic evaluation offers a fundamental and general approach to solve the main difficulties. It can find, for every line of code, the Boolean expression under which it is compiled or reached and all the possible values of preprocessing variables (macros) for each line of code. Conditional values have been shown an effective representation to do fast practical symbolic evaluation of preprocessing; but their interaction with macro expansion and evaluation has not been formally investigated. We present convergent rewrite systems over conditional values that can interact with macro expansion and evaluation and transform them into Boolean expressions. Once transformed, well known simplification techniques for Boolean expressions can be applied. This entails a more complete solution to the efficient symbolic evaluation of C-preprocessing using conditional values.
To Build an Ecosystem: An Introductory Lab for Environmental Science & Biology Students

A hypothesis-driven laboratory is described that introduces students to the complexities of ecosystem function. Students work with live algae, brine shrimp, and sea anemones to test hypotheses regarding the trophic interactions among species, the exchange of nutrients and gases, and the optimal ratio of producers to consumers and predators in enclosed, artificial-seawater ecosystems. In the initial iteration of the activity, multiple ecosystems that differ in their composition of organisms are assembled according to simple recipes by individual students or small lab groups. Two weeks later, the ecosystems are deconstructed, and the students tally the organisms and assess key water-quality measures, including salinity, pH, and ammonia levels. Some sample data and results are presented, as well as tips for successful implementation.
Leukocyte function in familial mediterranean fever

Neutrophilic leukocytes of patients with familial Mediterranean fever and of normal control subjects were studied in vitro. FMF neutrophils were found to be morphologically normal by light and electron microscopy and to have normal quantities of the lysosomal enzyme lysozyme. FMF cells demonstrated a slight decrease in their ability to migrate randomly in capillary tubes, this was primarily seen in Armenian patients and in those experiencing an acute attack. The leukocytes of these patients functioned normally in regard to their chemotactic and Candida-killing activity.
Earnings Versus Cash Flow: The Information Provided About Changes In Company Liquidity

Recent research has examined the use of earnings versus cash flow in such areas as explaining abnormal security returns, predicting corporate bankruptcy, and predicting future company cash flow. This study extends prior research on the information provided by earnings and cash flow to the area of explaining changes in company liquidity. Univariate and multivariate regressions are used to examine the relationships between annual changes in the accounting flow variables and changes in liquidity.
Global Localization of Autonomous Robots in Forest Environments

Abstract A method for the autonomous geolocation of ground vehicles in forest environments is presented. The method provides an estimate of the global horizontal position of a vehicle strictly based on finding a geometric match between a map of observed tree stems, scanned in 3D by Light Detection and Ranging (lidar) sensors onboard the vehicle, to another stem map generated from the structure of tree crowns analyzed from high resolution aerial orthoimagery of the forest canopy. The method has been tested with real-world data and has been able to estimate vehicle geoposition with an average error of less than 2 m. The method has two key properties that are significant: (a) The algorithm does not require a priori knowledge of the area surrounding the robot, and (b) Based on estimated vehicle state, it uses the geometry of detected tree stems as the only input to determine horizontal geoposition.
Active bridging

Active networks accelerate network evolution by permitting the network infrastructure to be programmable, on a per-user, per-packet, or other basis. This programmability must be balanced against the safety and security needs inherent in shared resources.This paper describes the design, implementation, and performance of a new type of network element, an Active Bridge. The active bridge can be reprogrammed "on the fly", with loadable modules called switchlets. To demonstrate the use of the active property, we incrementally extend what is initially a programmable buffered repeater with switchlets into a self-learning bridge, and then a bridge supporting spanning tree algorithms. To demonstrate the agility that active networking gives, we show how it is possible to upgrade a network from an "old" protocol to a "new" protocol on-the-fly. Moreover, we are able to take advantage of information unavailable to the implementors of either protocol to validate the new protocol and fall back to the old protocol if an error is detected. This shows that the Active Bridge can protect itself from some algorithmic failures in loadable modules.Our approach to safety and security favors static checking and prevention over dynamic checks when possible. We rely on strong type checking in the Caml language for the loadable module infrastructure, and achieve respectable performance. The prototype implementation on a Pentium-based HP Netserver LS running Linux with 100 Mbps Ethernet LANS achieves ttcp throughput of 16 Mbps between two PCs running Linux, compared with 76 Mbps unbridged. Measured frame rates are in the neighborhood of 1800 frames per second.
A Ninth-Century Commentator on the Gospel according to Matthew

The subject of this paper, Christian of Stavelot, though he is one of the less familiar figures of the Carolingian revival of learning, whose only substantial work is a commentary on the First Gospel, should be of interest to any student of monastic education. Yet, apart from an admirable essay by Ernst Dummler and a shorter, but very useful, article by Manitius, recent research has not paid much attention to this writer.
Paspalum distichum L. var. indutum Shinners (Poaceae)

Glabrous Paspalum distichum, pubescent var. indutum, and pubescent plants of P. distichum from the western United States were compared. No morphological differences other than pubescence exist between the three forms. Plants from the eastern United States are generally more glabrous than those from western regions. The var. indutum represents an extreme pubescent form and is reduced to synonymy under P. distichum.
Changing Trajectory: An Integrated Theoretical View of the Roman Catholic Priest Sex Abuse Scandal

ABSTRACTThe sexual abuse of children by Roman Catholic priests across the United States is a direct result of access to children, and that access changes across the life-course of individual priests. Turning points affect not only an individual priest’s motivation to commit the crime, but also the suitability of a target. Guardianship of the victim and the surveillance of the offender play a salient role in facilitating the opportunity for the sexual assault of a child. Two criminological theories are germane to how contextual elements of the abusive situation can fluctuate across the life course: (1) Life Course Theory and (2) Routine Activity Theory.
Contamination Investigation of Microcystin in Water and Fish in the Three Gorges Reservoir

[Objective]To understand the contamination level of microcystin(Mc-Lr) in water and fish in Three Gorges Reservoir.[Methods]The level of Mc-Lr contamination in water and fish was investigated in Fuling,Fengdu,Wanzhou and Wushan area of the Changjiang River in 2009.The samples of water,fish and duck in the pond in those areas were selected,and Mc-Lr of samples was tested by ELISA.[Results]Mc-Lr was detected in water samples of every area,the average content was 0.197 μg/L,0.107 μg/L,0.157 μg/L and 0.086 μg/L respectively,that of Fuling area was the highest,followed by Wanzhou area,Fengdu area and Wushan area,and the difference was significant(t=8.724,P0.01).Mc-Lr was detected in fish samples(muscle)of four areas,the average content of Fuling area was the highest(0.569 μg/kg),followed by Wanzhou area(0.270 μg/kg) and Fengdu area(0.244 μg/kg),that of Wushan area was the lowest(0.197 μg/kg),and the difference was significant(t=4.845,P0.01).The duck samples(muscle) in the pond of every sampling point were contaminated by Mc-Lr at different degrees,and the results were 0.470 μg/kg,0.209 μg/kg and 0.197 μg/kg respectively.[Conclusion]The water body of the Three Gorges Reservoir was contaminated by microcystin,but the contamination level was slight.
Analysis of the Bolted Connection of a Bamboo Composite I-Shaped Beam Subjected to Bending☆

Abstract Sustainable development could have a significant impact on conventional construction, reducing or replacing steel and concrete as primary materials in structures. Bamboo, a natural resource, has been used as a general building material for decades in some regions of the world. Countries in Asia and South America have found many uses for bamboo because it grows rapidly and has excellent mechanical properties. The purpose of this paper is to test the designs of different configurations of bolted connections in order to create a composite bamboo I-shaped beam for further applications. Three different configurations of connections for a bamboo composite I-shaped beam were analyzed, with the purpose of identifying an optimal configuration that results in a stiffer, safer beam. A three-dimensional Finite Element Model (FEM) computational model was developed to identify areas of high stress concentration and maximum deflection for the various connection configurations. The findings of this paper are a first step in the process of considering and validating composite bamboo I-shaped beams as a primary construction material in structures such as bridges and buildings.
IN VITRO CHEMOTHERAPY PROFILING OF WELL-DIFFERENTIATED MIDGUT NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS (NETS) BASED ON INDIVIDUAL PATIENT TUMOR BIOMARKERS ANALYSIS.

Pseudoseptic arthritis is an acute inflammatory arthritis found in association with a sterile synovial fluid culture despite white blood cell (WBC) counts >100,000 and >75% polymorph neutrophils. This arthritis occurs most frequently in patients with underlying inflammatory or immune disorders. Early distinction from true septic arthritis can decrease the need for unnecessary antibiotics and improve patient outcomes.
Genetic deficiencies in specific immune responses.

Those defects that are genetically determined and involve intrinsic failure of T and B cells are among the primary specific immunodeficiencies; there are several primary immunodeficiencies that are not clearly determined by Mendelian inheritance such as transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancy and «acquired» or common variable immunodeficiency. They are not discussed in this review
The Mean-Value Operator

It is a consequence of a well-known theorem of Godement [1952] that if X is a two-point homogeneous space and u a harmonic function on X, i.e., Lu = 0, then u has the mean-value property
Distribution Channel Systems of Resort Hotels in Turkey

The positive influence of tourism on the Turkish economy has forced a need for improved marketing strategies to meet the increased and changing demand of international visitors. Today’s tourists no longer represent a large homegeneous market. Instead, tourism is becoming increasingly specialized as tourist’s interests divide, some becoming more discriminating in their destinations and more value conscious of travel considerations such as comfort and service. As the tourist’s behavior and tests change, so must the destinations, and marketing strategies of hotels and resort hotels be changed and updated to meet those needs. It is the main objective of this study to investigate and delineate the nature, structure and charecteristics of distribution channel systems of tourism service providers, more specifically resort hotels, in Turkey. In this study along with resort hotels other members of distribution channels have been examined and directly or indirectly critical points of Turkish Tourism were underlined.
National sentiments and citizens’ attitudes in Japan toward the use of force against China

This study examines the relationship between national sentiments and citizens’ attitudes in Japan toward the use of force against China. More specifically, the present research explores how patriot...
Host Specific Cephenemyia of Deer Repelled by Non-Host Odors

Females of Cephenemyia apicata and C. jellisoni made significantly fewer (P < 0.05) larvipositions on baited models of black-tailed deer paired with a camouflaged sheep than on similar models operated without a paired sheep. Models were baited with CO2 and 1-octen-3-ol. In the absence of natural sheep odors these host specific flies were attracted to and larviposited on sheep models baited with CO2 and octenol and to CO2-baited odorless models of cows and horses. These results indicate that odors associated with sheep repelled host-seeking Cephenemyia females from baited deer models. Under natural conditions repellent odors of non-host species may assist in maintaining host specificity of these Cephenemyia species and in flies not wasting time and energy responding to non-host odors.
How Languages Construct Time

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on work examining the role that spatial metaphors and basic spatial representations play in constructing representations of time across languages. One factor that affects the perceived direction of time is writing direction. People who read text arranged from left to right tend to lay out time as proceeding from left to right, and people who read text arranged from right to left arrange time from right to left. Because people tend to recruit spatial representations to think about time, representations of time also differ depending on what spatial representations are most cognitively available to co-opt for time. Cross-cultural differences in thought can be more than a matter of style or preference. Pormpuraawans think about time in ways that other groups cannot. Many Americans simply could not lay out time in absolute coordinates even if they wanted to, because they lack the basic spatial knowledge necessary to do so.
Differential recruitment efficacy of patient-derived amyloidogenic and myeloma light chain proteins by synthetic fibrils-A metric for predicting amyloid propensity.

Background Monoclonal free light chain (LC) proteins are present in the circulation of patients with immunoproliferative disorders such as light chain (AL) amyloidosis and multiple myeloma (MM). Light chain-associated amyloid is a complex pathology composed of proteinaceous fibrils and extracellular matrix proteins found in all patients with AL and in ~10–30% of patients who presented with MM. Amyloid deposits systemically in multiple organs and tissues leading to dysfunction and ultimately death. The overall survival of patients with amyloidosis is worse than for those with early stage MM. Methods and findings We have developed a sensitive binding assay quantifying the recruitment of full length, patient-derived LC proteins by synthetic amyloid fibrils, as a method for studying their amyloidogenic potential. In a survey of eight urinary LC, both AL and MM-associated proteins were recruited by synthetic amyloid fibrils; however, AL-associated LC bound significantly more efficiently (p < 0.05) than did MM LCs. The LC proteins used in this study were isolated from urine and presumed to represent a surrogate of serum free light chains. Conclusion The binding of LC to synthetic fibrils in this assay accurately differentiated LC with amyloidogenic propensity from MM LC that were not associated with clinical amyloid disease. Notably, the LC from a MM patient who subsequently developed amyloid behaved as an AL-associated protein in the assay, indicating the possibility for identifying MM patients at risk for developing amyloidosis based on the light chain recruitment efficacy. With this information, at risk patients can be monitored more closely for the development of amyloidosis, allowing timely administration of novel, amyloid-directed immunotherapies—this approach may improve the prognosis for these patients.
Robotic-assisted radical hysterectomy

Types of robotic radical hysterectomy, indications for robotic radical hysterectomy and a step-by-step description with illustrations of the surgical procedure are provided. Comparison of surgical and oncologic outcomes between patients undergoing laparoscopic, robotic, and abdominal radical hysterectomy are reviewed. Lastly, postoperative management for robotic radical hysterectomy is described.
Globalization and Internationalization: the Implications on the Mental Health Field in Bhutan

Globalization and internationalization are terms growing in prevalence in the mental health professional field with increasing interactions between nations and cultures around the world. After a broad review, we define globalization as the continual process of interactions between cultures with the dominant culture influencing local cultures towards integration. Internationalization, on the other hand, we define as a partnership between cultures focused on mutual development and in which the local individuals and communities are empowered to make decisions about how best to meet their needs. In our analysis, we specifically examine the recently modernized country of Bhutan as a nation greatly influenced by both processes. More research is needed to further the knowledge within the internationalization literature and to ethically develop the mental health profession in Bhutan.
Sex-dependent responses to exertional heat stroke in mice

Female mice are surprisingly more resistant to exertional heat stroke than male mice. They run faster and longer and can withstand greater internal heat loads. These changes cannot be fully account...
Development of Predictive Algorithms for Pre-Treatment Motor Deficit and 90-Day Mortality in Spinal Epidural Abscess.

Background Spinal epidural abscess is a high-risk condition that can lead to paralysis or death. It would be of clinical and prognostic utility to identify which subset of patients with spinal epidural abscess is likely to develop a motor deficit or die within 90 days of discharge. Methods We identified all patients ≥18 years of age who were admitted to our hospital system with a diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess during the period of 1993 to 2016. Explanatory variables were collected retrospectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed using these variables to identify independent predictors of motor deficit and 90-day mortality. Nomograms were then constructed to quantify the risk of these outcomes. Results Of the 1,053 patients we identified with spinal epidural abscess, 362 presented with motor weakness. One hundred and thirty-four patients died within 90 days of discharge, inclusive of those who died during hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression yielded 8 independent predictors of pre-treatment motor deficit and 8 independent predictors of 90-day mortality. We constructed nomograms that generated a probability of pre-treatment motor deficit or 90-day mortality on the basis of the presence of these factors. Conclusions By quantifying the risk of pre-treatment motor deficit and 90-day mortality, our nomograms may provide useful prognostic information for the treatment team. Timely treatment of neurologically intact patients with a high risk of developing a motor deficit is necessary to avoid residual motor weakness and improve survival. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of Levels of Evidence.
A movement divided: SlutWalks, protest repertoires and the privilege of nudity

The use of the corporeal female body in social protest has a long and complex history, particularly in anti-gender based violence movements. From early 20th Century suffragists in international coa...
The Need for a Neutral Speaking Period in Psychosocial Stress Testing

Abstract. Tasks such as the Trier Social Stress Test, narrative recall, and some cognitive challenges require participants to speak in order to measure acute physiological responses to induced stre...
Robot-assisted surgery for benign distal ureteral strictures: step-by-step technique using the SP® surgical system.

OBJECTIVES To describe the step-by-step techniques for robot-assisted ureteric reimplantation performed using the Vinci SP® surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), including different case scenarios with an educational purpose. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three consecutive patients diagnosed with distal benign ureteric strictures were counselled for ureteric reimplantation and consented to undergo surgery performed using the da Vinci SP surgical system. Demographics and peri-operative outcomes were collected after institutional review board approval (IRB 13-780). Patients provided informed consent having received an explanation for the adoption of the novel platform. The first patient was a woman referred to our institution for a left distal ureteric stricture after total hysterectomy for uterine fibroids with ureteric injury. The second patient was a man with BPH and recurrent UTIs, who was diagnosed with a 1.5-cm bladder stone and a large bladder diverticulum compressing the left distal ureter. The third patient was a man diagnosed with bilateral uretero-enteric anastomoses stricture status after radical cystectomy with orthotopic ileal neobladder urinary diversion for bladder cancer. RESULTS The procedures were successfully completed. An extra port through a separate skin incision for the bedside assistant was placed for the first two procedures. In such cases, this additional port was used electively from the start of the procedure and did not represent a change in the treatment plan. Moreover, the port wound was used to accommodate the drainage. The bilateral ureteric reimplantation, however, was completed according to a pure single-site approach (no extra ports were placed out of the GelSeal cap). The mean operating times were 165, 150 and 180 min, respectively. Blood loss was 50 mL in all cases. No intra-operative complications occurred. Patients were discharged on postoperative days 1, 1 and 2, respectively, with normal serum creatinine levels. Neither transfusions nor major complications occurred. CONCLUSION Robot-assisted reconstructive surgery for benign distal ureteric strictures is feasible and safe using the da Vinci SP surgical system.
GIS-based habitat mapping and population estimation for the Gulf Coast kangaroo rat ( Dipodomys compactus ) in the Carrizo Sands Region of Texas, USA

The Gulf Coast kangaroo rat, Dipodomys compactus, is one of five kangaroo rat species occurring in Texas (USA) and probably the least studied. This endemic species has specific habitat requirements, primarily deep loose sand and minimal canopy cover from woody vegetation. On the northern edge of its geographic range, populations of the species are limited to the Carrizo Sands Region and are likely isolated from larger populations farther south. Using a geographic information system (GIS)-based map of suitable habitat coupled with roadside surveys, we determined that habitat of D. compactus is highly fragmented within the Carrizo Sands. Depending on assumed density of individuals we estimated a region-wide population between 50,000 and 240,000 individuals although 50% of this population is expected to be distributed among 11 large (≥ 500 ha) habitat patches. The remainder of the population may be scattered among much smaller habitat patches. In this regard, the overall spatial population structure of D. compactus may be similar to some of the highly endemic Dipodomys species in California (USA). If subpopulations of D. compactus are functionally isolated from one another (due to limited dispersal of individuals) then long-term persistence of the species in the Carrizo Sands region over the next few decades may be in jeopardy. Therefore, distribution and abundance of D. compactus in the Carrizo Sands may need to be routinely monitored particularly if future genetic studies reveal this northernmost population to be genetically unique.
The influence of mini-fragment plates on the mechanical properties of long-bone plate fixation.

Objective Mini-fragment plates (MFPs) are increasingly used in fracture surgery to provide provisional fixation. After definitive fixation, the surgeon decides whether to remove the plates or leave them in place as additional fixation, based on the perceived biomechanical influence of the MFP. However, there are no current biomechanical studies to guide this decision. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of MFPs on the four-point bending and torsional stiffness of long bone transverse and simple wedge fracture fixation constructs. Methods Fourth-generation composite bone cylinders were cut to produce transverse (AO-OTA classification 12-A3) and simple wedge (AO-OTA classification 12-B2) fracture models. The specimens were fixed using a low-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and MFPs. Specimens were tested in four-point bending and torsion utilizing 3 different MFP orientations. Results No statistically significant differences in bending stiffness were found between control and MFP groups for transverse fracture constructs. MFPs significantly increased the bending stiffness for wedge fracture constructs under certain loading conditions. This increase was observed when MFPs were positioned both orthogonal (85.1% increase, P = .034) and opposite (848.2% increase, P < .001) to the LC-DCP. MFPs significantly increased the torsional stiffness for both transverse and wedge fracture constructs when MFPs were positioned both orthogonal (transverse: 27.7% increase, wedge: 16.7% increase) and opposite (transverse: 28.4%, wedge: 24.2% increase) to the LC-DCP. Conclusions Our results indicate that including MFPs in definitive fixation can increase the bending and torsional stiffness of a long-bone fracture fixation construct. This suggests that the biomechanical influence of MFPs should be considered. However, clinical studies will be required to test the applicability of these findings to the clinical setting.
Latino Muslim by Design: Names, Descriptions, and Identity Politics

Identity-based associations or organizations help to mobilize diverse individuals toward liberation, to combat injustices, and to provide mutual support. Despite these advantages, there are significant practical and conceptual difficulties to identity politics. This paper thus seeks to critically engage Latino Muslim identity politics as emerging from contexts of marginalization and from complex relations between Latino Muslims and the scholars who work with them
Medication persistence of targeted immunomodulators for plaque psoriasis: A retrospective analysis using a U.S. claims database.

Purpose Studies of medication persistence in plaque psoriasis have shown inconsistent results, likely due to differing definitions of nonpersistence and of the permissible gap between refills. Also, medication persistence information for two recently approved drugs, apremilast and ixekizumab, is limited. Methods We use the Truven Health MarketScan claims database to assess persistence for six drugs: adalimumab, apremilast, etanercept, ixekizumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab. We define the permissible gap in three ways: 150 days for ustekinumab and 90 days for all other drugs (150/90 model); 120 days for all drugs (120 model); and twice the days' supply for all drugs (days' supply model). To estimate unadjusted persistence, we use Kaplan-Meier curves, and a proportional hazards model to estimate the adjusted risk of non-persistence. Results Ustekinumab is most sensitive to changes in the definition of permissible gap, likely because of its longer maintenance dosing interval. Among targeted drug-experienced patients using ustekinumab, median persistence is 358 days (95% confidence interval: 343-371) in the 150/90 model and 189 days (179-199) in the days' supply model. Among targeted drug-experienced patients, median persistence in the days' supply model is longest for ixekizumab and secukinumab at 252 (217-301) and 222 (210-244) days, respectively. We also find that adjusted risk of nonpersistence increases by approximately 1% per year at treatment start. Conclusion The definition of permissible gap meaningfully changes both absolute and ordinal estimates of medication persistence. Each definition has unique limitations, which should be considered when interpreting persistence data.
Chapter 3 – Extensive Measurement

Publisher Summary A theory of extensive measurement is a set of assumptions. Among the physical quantities that are considered extensive, several are basically periodic. The two most familiar examples are clock time, which has a period of either 12 or 24 hours, and angle, which has a period of 2π radians. In both cases, the periodic measure relates simply to an ordinary extensive measure. For example, the time duration of 76:35 hours is the same as 3 days and 4:35 hours, and so in terms of clock time, it is simply equivalent to 4:35 hours, because the complete cycles drop out. This chapter presents several classical empirical examples of extensive measurement in physics. In all these examples, the primitives have a natural physical interpretation, and the axioms reduce to well-known physical principles.
Patient Assistance Programs and Technology in Medication Adherence

Background: Patient assistance programs, including medication management and counseling, have the potential to improve care in chronic disease states with complex therapies. Incorporating technology as a tool to foster adherence is becoming more commonplace in practice. Objectives: The purpose of this report is to identify barriers of medication adherence and review the impact of patient assistance programs and technology on medication adherence. Methods: A literature search was conducted in secondary databases, PubMed/MEDLINE and EBSCOhost of peer-reviewed systematic reviews, experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational reports published in English within the last fifteen years. Terms searched included patient assistance program, pharmacist role, technology, adherence or compliance, income and health. Results: Ten studies met our prespecified criteria. Male sex, several self-reported chronic diseases, negative expectancy of treatment, engagement in polypharmacy, financial hardships and lower education level correlated with lower medication adherence. Patient care assistance programs and utilization of technology (e.g., use of a mobile application) improved medication adherence. Conclusions: Patient assistance programs and technological tools, such as mobile applications, are necessary resources in improving medication adherence. Article Type: Idea Paper
Hierarchical Nonlocal Residual Networks for Image Quality Assessment of Pediatric Diffusion MRI With Limited and Noisy Annotations

Fast and automated image quality assessment (IQA) of diffusion MR images is crucial for making timely decisions for rescans. However, learning a model for this task is challenging as the number of annotated data is limited and the annotation labels might not always be correct. As a remedy, we will introduce in this paper an automatic image quality assessment (IQA) method based on hierarchical non-local residual networks for pediatric diffusion MR images. Our IQA is performed in three sequential stages, i.e., 1) slice-wise IQA , where a nonlocal residual network is first pre-trained to annotate each slice with an initial quality rating (i.e., pass/questionable/fail), which is subsequently refined via iterative semi-supervised learning and slice self-training; 2) volume-wise IQA , which agglomerates the features extracted from the slices of a volume, and uses a nonlocal network to annotate the quality rating for each volume via iterative volume self-training; and 3) subject-wise IQA , which ensembles the volumetric IQA results to determine the overall image quality pertaining to a subject. Experimental results demonstrate that our method, trained using only samples of modest size, exhibits great generalizability, and is capable of conducting rapid hierarchical IQA with near-perfect accuracy.
“You Can’t Put Everything I’ve been through into Professional Development”: Transformative Literacy Coaching in an “Underperforming” High School

Because the role of literacy coach as a transformative change agent is a goal of many literacy programs, we set out to examine the process by which a literacy coach becomes a leader and transforms ...
Polylithic Integration of 2.5-D and 3-D Chiplets Enabled by Multi-Height and Fine-Pitch CMIs

A polylithic integration technology called heterogeneous interconnect stitching technology (HIST) is explored in this article. HIST provides both 2.5-D and 3-D integration capabilities enabled by multi-height and fine-pitch compressible microinterconnects (CMIs). The ANSYS Workbench simulator is used to optimize and simulate the multi-height and fine-pitch CMIs. A testbed is fabricated and assembled in order to demonstrate the key features of the proposed technology: the assembly of an anchor chip with multi-height CMIs (65 and $35~\mu \text{m}$ in height) onto a substrate with a surface-embedded chip ( $52~\mu \text{m}$ in thickness) and mechanical bonding using solder bumps. Fine-pitch CMIs ( $30\,\,\mu \text{m}\,\,\times 30\,\,\mu \text{m}$ ) are also fabricated and demonstrated in order to meet an ever-growing need for higher I/O densities for high-performance computing systems. Electrical resistance characterization results are reported as well as the mechanical characterization of interconnects.
Sexuality and gender invariance of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7: Implications for 16 identity groups

Abstract Background: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) are two commonly used screening tools for depression and anxiety, respectively. Despite the widespread use of these instruments, researchers have yet to examine whether scores may differ as a function of gender identity or sexuality orientation. Method: Using data from the 2018 and 2019 National Healthy minds study (N = 46,672), the present study tested each instrument for measurement invariance across 16 gender and sexual minority groups. Results: Multigroup structural equation modeling revealed that several sexual minority groups evidenced questionable fit indices for both measures. Gay men, questioning women, and queer men had unacceptable fit indices for the PHQ-9. Only cisgender heterosexual men and women evidenced residual invariance on the PHQ-9. All gender minority groups evidenced significantly higher factor loadings for item 9 (the self-harm indicator) for the PHQ-9. Most identity groups evidenced scalar or partial scalar invariance for the GAD-7; however, no groups evidenced residual invariance on the GAD-7. Limitations: Findings may not generalize to non-college student populations. Conclusions: Researchers should weight means when conducting between group comparisons for groups that failed scalar invariance. Gender and sexual minorities may have inflated scores using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 cut-offs.
A Practical View of the Similarity and Differences Among the Impaired Driver States in Legal Driving

Detection and intervention of various impaired driver states have been intensively studied with corresponding technologies widely implemented in modern vehicles. Different algorithms are proposed to detect certain states or conditions, with intervention means like driver alerts or vehicle active safety features being developed and optimized accordingly. However, there lacks a unified view of all of these different driver states. In order to support the development of vehicle systems, this study tries to compare the commonly-seen impaired driver states in terms of their detection features as well as the effects on degraded driving performance. A meta-analysis is conducted to identify the overlapping and disjoint spaces among them from the angle of the vehicle design. The research finds some answers about the driver behavior and environment features that the vehicle system shall pay attention to and the degraded driving performance that the vehicle shall prepare for, when impaired driving happens in different ways in the reality.
The bigger, the better? When multicenter clinical trials and meta-analyses do not work.

Courtesy of the development of the Internet, bursts of information technology, and globalization, huge multicenter studies along with meta-analyses have been introduced to the medical sciences soci...
Estranging the loop

Loops make a fitful, but not insignificant appearance in Amin Samman’s History in Financial Times. Are we locked into the category of causality by human nature, or would it be possible to invent a new one to give conceptuality to what, in the form of the loop, seems for the moment to be mere figural malaise?
Detachable Dry-Coupled Ultrasonic Power Transfer Through Metallic Enclosures

Ultrasonic waves can be used to transfer power and data to electronic devices in sealed metallic enclosures. Two piezoelectric transducers are used to transmit and receive elastic waves that propagate through the metal. For an efficient power transfer, both transducers are typically bonded to the metal or coupled with a gel which limits the device portability. We present an ultrasonic power transfer system with a detachable transmitter that uses a dry elastic layer and a magnetic joint for efficient coupling. We show that the system can deliver more than 2 W of power to an electric load with 50% efficiency.
Pharmacokinetics of high-titer anti-SARS-CoV-2 human convalescent plasma in high-risk children.

Background While most children experience mild COVID-19, high-risk children with underlying conditions may develop severe disease, requiring interventions. Kinetics of antibodies transferred via COVID-19 convalescent plasma early in disease, have not been characterized. Methods In this study (NCT04377672), high-risk children were prospectively enrolled to receive high-titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma (>1:320 anti-spike IgG; Euroimmun). Passive transfer of antibodies and endogenous antibody production were serially evaluated for up to 2 months after transfusion. Commercial and research ELISA assays, virus neutralization assays, high-throughput phage-display assay utilizing a coronavirus epitope library and pharmacokinetic analyses were performed. Results Fourteen high-risk children (median age 7.5 years) received high-titer COVID-19 convalescent plasma, nine children within five days (range 2-7) of symptom onset and five children within 4 days (range 3-5) after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. There were no serious adverse events related to transfusion. Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were transferred from the donor to the recipient, but antibody titers declined by 14-21 days with a 15.1-day t½ for spike protein IgG. Donor plasma had significant neutralization capacity which was transferred to the recipient. However, as early as 30 minutes post-transfusion, recipient plasma had low neutralization capacity. Conclusions Convalescent plasma transfused to high-risk children appears to be safe with expected antibody kinetics, regardless of weight or age. However, current use of convalescent plasma in high-risk children achieves low neutralizing capacity.
The use of vitamin D3 and its metabolites to improve beef tenderness.

Three experiments were conducted to determine whether feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 (25-OH D 3 ) or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 ) improves the tenderness of longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM), and infraspinatus (IF) muscles similar to supplemental vitamin D 3 without leaving residual vitamin D 3 and its metabolites in muscle. In the first two experiments, 24 crossbred steers were used to determine the effects of different oral amounts of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 (Exp. 1; n = 12) and 25-OH D 3 (Exp. 2; n = 12) on plasma Ca 2+ concentrations. In the third experiment, crossbred steers were allotted randomly to one of four treatments: 1) control placebo (n = 7); 2) 5 x 10 6 IU of vitamin D 3 /d (n = 9) for 9 d and harvested 2 d after last treatment; 3) single, 125-mg dose of 25-OH D 3 (n = 8) 4 d before harvest; or 4) single, 500-μg dose of 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 (n = 9) 3 d before harvest. The LD and SM steaks from each animal were aged for 8, 14, or 21 d, whereas steaks from the IF were aged for 14 or 21 d. All steaks were analyzed for tenderness by Warner-Bratzler shear force and for troponin-T degradation by Western blot analysis. Supplementing steers with vitamin D 3 increased (P < 0.01) the concentration of vitamin D 3 and 25-OH D 3 in all muscles sampled. Feeding steers 25-OH D 3 increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of 25-OH D 3 in meat, but to an amount less than half that of cattle treated with vitamin D 3 . Supplemental 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 did not affect (P < 0.10) shear force values; however, there was a trend (P < 0.10) for supplemental vitamin D 3 and 25-OH D 3 to produce LD steaks with lower shear values after 8 and 14 d of aging, and lower (P < 0.10) shear force values for the SM aged for 21 d. Analysis of Western blots indicated that LD steaks from cattle supplemented with vitamin D 3 and 25-OH D 3 had greater (P < 0.05) troponin-T degradation. Antemortem supplementation of 25-OH D 3 seems to increase postmortem proteolysis and tenderness in the LD and SM without depositing large concentrations of residual vitamin D 3 and its metabolite 25-OH D 3 .
Possible importance of algal toxins in the Salton Sea, California

In response to wildlife mortality including unexplained eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) die-off events in 1992 and 1994 and other mortality events including large fish kills, a survey was conducted for the presence of algal tox, ns in the Salton Sea. Goals of this survey were to determine if and when algal toxins are present in the Salton Sea and to describe the phytoplankton composition during those times. A total of 29 samples was collected for toxicity analysis from both nearshore and midlake sites visited biweekly from January to December 1999. Dino-flagellates and diatoms dominated most samples, but some were dominated by a prymnesiophyte (Pleurochrysis pseudoroscoffensis) or a raphidophyte (Chattonella marina). Several types of blooms were observed and sampled. The dinoflagellate Gyrodinium uncatenum formed an extensive, dense (up to 310 000 cells m1−1) and long-lasting bloom during the winter in 1999. A coccolithophorid, Pleurochrysis pseudoroscoffensis, occurred at high densities in surface films and nearshore areas during the spring and summer of 1999. These surface films also contained high densities of one or two other species (an unidentified scrippsielloid, Heterocapsa niei,Chattonella marina). Loc alized blooms were also observed in the Salton Sea. An unknown small dinoflagellate reached high densities (110000 cells ml−1) inside Varner Harbor, and an unidentified species of Gymnodinium formed a dense (270 000 cells m1−1) band along part of the southern shoreline during the summer. Three species known to produce toxins in other systems were found. Protoceratium reticulatum (=Gonyaulax grindleyi) and Chattonella marina were found in several samples taken during summer months, and Prorocentrum minimum was found in low densities in several samples. Extracts of most samples, including those containing known toxic species, showed a low level (<10% mortality across all concentrations) of activity in the brine shrimp lethality assay and were not considered toxic. All sample extracts tested in the mouse bioassay showed no activity. One sample extract taken from the bloom of the small dinoflagellate was highly active (100% mortality across all concentrations) in the brine shrimp lethality assay, but the active material could not be isolated. While dense algal blooms are common at the Salton Sea, no evidence gathered in this study suggests that algal toxins are present within phytoplankton cells; however, toxins actively excreted by cells may have been missed. Blooms of phytoplankton likely contribute to wildlife mortality at the Salton Sea. Possible mechanisms including intoxication due to ingestion of feathers in grebes and waterlogging caused by changes in surface tension are discussed.
Calculation of electric field-induced detachment rate of electrons from mononegative ions; relevance to gaseous dielectrics

This model for the mononegative atomic or molecular ion in its effect on the most loosely bound electron is a spherical square well (constant positive inner potential within a sphere of radius r/sub 0/ and zero potential outside). From it we have calculated by quantum mechanics the emission rate w/sub ..nu..lm/ of electrons from the ..nu../sup th/ excited state (of orbital angular momentum and magnetic quantum numbers l and m and energy E/sub ..nu..l/ < 0) under the influence of a constant electric field F. The calculation is conceptionally simple (involving time-dependent perturbation theory) but technically complicated (requiring an eleven-fold integration), and leads to a surprisingly simple final expression. The relevance of our calculations to gaseous dielectrics is discussed.
Physlets: Java Tools for a Web-Based Physics Curriculum

An approach to developing curricular material that couples a software design philosophy with physics education research (PER) is described. It is based on open Internet standards such as Java, JavaScript, and HTML as well as research into the effectiveness of computer-based physics instruction.