cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase-contrast cine MR angiography detection of thoracic aortic dissection.

Purpose: To assess prospectively the accuracy of phase-contrast cine MR angiography in the detection of thoracic aortic dissection with operative correlation. Materials and methods: One hundred and ninety-seven symptomatic patients suspected of having thoracic aortic dissection or aneurysm as well as 13 patients suspected of having thoracic aortic coarctation and 20 asymptomatic normals (as controls) were examined prospectively with phase-contrast cine MR angiography on a 1.5-T MR imager. Seventy-eight of these patients had operative correlation, and only these 78 patients were included in the statistical analysis. Results: There were 51 true positive and 27 true negative findings of thoracic aortic dissection in this study for an accuracy of 100%. Conclusion: Phase-contrast cine MR angiography is an accurate non-invasive imaging technique for evaluating patients suspected of having thoracic aortic dissection.
Stage Three: Courage and Action

This chapter provides the reader with a description of the steps in stage three of the prosocial leadership development process. Specifically, this chapter reviews the components of stage three, then discusses the development process and the nature of the relationship between the steps in stage three. The chapter then defines each of the three steps in this stage: moral courage, lived experiences and goal coalescence. A discussion also describes the function of the two foundational elements that remain consistent throughout the process: the projected representative and integration. The chapter resolves with a short discussion of and reflection on the critical components of stage three.
Do Pavlovian Processes Really Mediate Behavioral Momentum? Some Conflicting Issues

According to the behavioral momentum theory of response strength (Nevin et al., Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 53, 359–379, 1990), steady-state responding reflects the contingency between a response and a reinforcer (response–reinforcer relationship), whereas behavior’s resistance to change is mediated by a contingency between a stimulus and the reinforcer (stimulus–reinforcer relationship). It is further presumed in this theory that a Pavlovian conditioned stimulus (CS)–unconditioned stimulus (US) contingency overlaps with the discriminative stimulus (SD), signaling a primary reinforcer (SR+) within the 3-term contingency (SD: response [R]–SR+). The mere arranging of a stimulus–reinforcer relation in an operant preparation, however, does not necessarily imply that the resulting behavioral process is Pavlovian. This article questions how important such Pavlovian CS–SR+ relations really are in governing operant behavior and its resistance to change in view of evidence from the operant and Pavlovian literatures showing dissociation between Pavlovian and operant stimulus control. To this end, we highlight studies published in the Pavlovian associative literature (Holman and Mackintosh, The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section B: Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 33, 21–31, 1981; Rescorla, Current Directions in Psychological Science, 1, 66–70, 1992b) as well as at least 1 seldom-cited study published in the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (Marcucella, Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 36, 51–60, 1981) supporting the view that CS relations embedded in the 3-term operant contingency can act independently of the discriminative stimulus functions of the SD. These CS relations appear to be neither necessary nor sufficient for sustaining operant discriminative control. Pavlovian relations are likely to be artifacts of operant conditioning—not causal mediators. It is suggested that continued and excessive focus on Pavlovian processes that only have meager influence on operant behavior in general, and behavioral momentum more specifically, will likely be an empirical cul-de-sac for improvement of behavioral management for addiction relapse and other behavioral disorders.
Positioning public administration curriculum to add value: the case for “transferrable skills”

Public administration (PA) as an area of academic study and intellectual pursuit has long suffered from a lack of distinctiveness. While there is benefit inside struggle, and acknowledging that the field has advanced, there is progress remaining to be made. Focusing on the development of a skill base among Public Administrators that adds value to current vocational settings and positions the practitioner to be professionally lithe (through skills that are transferable to other public settings, quasipublic settings, and private industry) is personally and professionally healthy. To this end, mastery of statistical process control, process improvement, lean service/manufacturing, six sigma, and project management will optimally position the PA practitioner to add organizational value while concomitantly maximizing vocational flexibility
Layperson's knowledge and perceptions of irritable bowel syndrome as potential barriers to care.

AIMS The aim of this study was to describe the layperson's knowledge and perceptions regarding the aetiology, pathogenesis, prevalence, medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. BACKGROUND Diagnosis acceptance and adherence to treatment is influenced by the views of the patient's social networks. Little is known how these networks influence those with irritable bowel syndrome. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of two-hundred four laypersons, ages 18-80 years without an irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis. METHODS Data were collected May 2016-March 2017. Laypersons without a diagnosis of IBS self-reported their knowledge and perceptions about IBS. RESULTS/FINDINGS Participants were able to identify many symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome however held misconceptions regarding the development of irritable bowel syndrome as noted by the endorsement of genetics, environment and diet or alcohol/smoking behaviours as specific causes. Further misconceptions held included the belief that irritable bowel syndrome was associated with an increased risk for the development of colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Contrary to current guidelines, many thought a gastroenterologist was the only person appropriate to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome and objective testing, such as colonoscopy, was necessary to establish a diagnosis. CONCLUSION Laypersons have an understanding of the symptoms associated with IBS; however, hold numerous misconceptions regarding the aetiology, role of the healthcare provider, necessary testing and risks associated with irritable bowel syndrome. These misconceptions are inconsistent with current guidelines and practices. Establishing partnerships and educating social networks in addition to patients may enhance outcomes for those with IBS.
Structure and Reactivity of the Tungsten Vinylcarbene Complexes [W(=CPh-CH=CRMe)Br2(CO)2L] (R = H, Me; L = 4-Pico-Line). Is the Vinyl Group Acting as a Pure σ-Donor Ligand?

The synthesis, structure, and dynamic behavior of [W(CPhCHCMe2)Br2(CO)2L], 2, are reported. A structural comparison with [W(CPhCHCHMe)Br2(CO)2L], 1, is made. The introduction of an additional methyl substituent at the vinyl group in 2 causes a significant lengthening of the metal-vinyl bond. Simple electronic considerations suggest that the weakness of the metal-vinyl interaction may be explained by the absence of π-backbonding. The presence of an additional methyl substituent in the vinylcarbene ligand also affects the reactivity of complex 2.
A Compact Model for Si—Ge Avalanche Photodiodes

A compact Si-Ge avalanche photodiode (APD) circuit model, including carrier transit time and electrical parasitics, is demonstrated and accurately captures electrical and optical dynamics in a wide range of multiplication gain. Excellent matching between simulated and measured 30 Gb/s eye diagrams is presented.
Thioredoxin as a marker for inflammatory macrophages

Monocyte-derived macrophages are immune cells derived from hematopoietic progenitors. They interact with a variety of environmental stimuli and carry out highly variable functions, from pathogen phagocytosis to wound healing. Macrophages have traditionally been classified as M1 or M2 based on their mode of activation; this framework corresponds to proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory states, respectively. We hypothesized that these inflammatory states are associated with altered metabolic or redox environments within the cell. To test this hypothesis, human monocyte derived macrophages differentiated using granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) or monocyte colony stimulating factor (MCSF), which are known to respectively produce pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory macrophages, were analyzed by scRNAseq. This allowed an unbiased interrogation of cellular state while accounting for potential cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Highly expressed genes distinguishing GMCSF-differentiated macrophages from MCSF-differentiated macrophages included thioredoxin 1, peroxidredoxin 1, and peroxiredoxin 3. We validated the increased expression of thioredoxin 1 on the protein level by western blot. MCSF-differentiated macrophages classically activated with IFNg and LPS also showed increased expression of thioredoxin, indicating that high thioredoxin expression is a conserved feature of an inflammatory macrophage state.
Fine‐needle aspiration of alveolar soft part sarcoma: Histologic correlation and aberrant CD68 expression

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a rare highly malignant neoplasm of the soft tissue and usually occurs in the lower extremities of children and young adults. We report two cases of alveolar soft part sarcoma: a 24-year-old Latino man with a 10-cm neck mass and a 56-year-old Latino woman with a recurring thigh mass. Fine-needle aspiration and a core biopsy were performed on both, which was followed by tumor resection on the man. The smears displayed numerous loosely cohesive or single large cells with abundant granular cytoplasm, round nuclei, vesicular chromatin, and occasional prominent nucleoli. Periodic and Schiff (PAS)-positive, diastase-resistant rhomboid, or needle-shaped crystals were present. Both tumors had diffuse and strong nuclear TFE3 expression and aberrant cytoplasmic CD68 expression. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was performed in the first case, which detected a characteristic translocation t(X;17)(p11;q25). The diagnosis of alveolar soft part sarcoma was rendered in both cases. Herein, we present the cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular findings and discuss the differential diagnosis.
NATIVE AORTIC VALVE THROMBUS CAUSING TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACKS AND SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

Acute thrombus of the aortic valve is rare but clinical manifestations include transient ischemic attacks, acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock and sudden death. A 48 year old female with history of tobacco abuse and obesity transferred from outside hospital after sudden cardiac arrest.
Snack selection influences glucose metabolism, antioxidant capacity and cholesterol in healthy overweight adults: A randomized parallel arm trial

Including carbohydrate/fructose-rich foods (predominantly fruit) in the diets of overweight individuals can improve chronic disease risk factors. We hypothesized dried plums (DP) would improve nutrient consumption, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid and adipokine profiles, and would decrease adiposity and inflammation. To test this, we studied the effects of 8-weeks of twice-daily snacking of macronutrient-matched 100kcal servings of DP or refined carbohydrate-rich snack (low-fat muffins: LFM) on daily energy and nutrient consumption, and chronic disease risk factors in overweight adults. Body weight/composition, waist circumference, blood pressure, plasma glucose, insulin, c-peptide, lipids, TAC, adipokines and inflammation were measured at baseline and throughout the study. Postprandial glucose and insulin were assessed following assigned test foods at baseline and 8-weeks. Repeated measures ANOVAs were undertaken to examine group and time differences. Post-hoc independent and paired samples t-tests were conducted where necessary. DP increased (P<.05) overall intake of dietary fiber and potassium, and TAC, from baseline to 8-weeks. Baseline postprandial glycemia tended (P=.09) to be lower with DP versus LFM, while both groups had a decreased response after 8-weeks. Postprandial insulinemia was lower (P<.05) for DP at both time-points. No differences in body weight/composition, blood pressure, or fasting glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, inflammation or adipokines were detected. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increased (P<.05) throughout the trial following LFM. Overall, DP lessened postprandial insulinemia, improved nutrient consumption and plasma TAC, and maintained plasma LDL-C compared to a macronutrient-matched refined carbohydrate snack, which could decrease chronic disease risk.
Approaches for probing and evaluating mammalian sphingolipid metabolism

Sphingolipid metabolism plays a critical role in regulating processes that control cellular fate. This dynamic pathway can generate and degrade the central players: ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate in almost any membrane in the cell, adding an unexpected level of complexity in deciphering signaling events. While in vitro assays have been developed for most enzymes in SL metabolism, these assays are setup for optimal activity conditions and can fail to take into account regulatory components such as compartmentalization, substrate limitations, and binding partners that can affect cellular enzymatic activity. Therefore, many in-cell assays have been developed to derive results that are authentic to the cellular situation which may give context to alteration in SL mass. This review will discuss approaches for utilizing probes for mammalian in-cell assays to interrogate most enzymatic steps central to SL metabolism. The use of inhibitors in conjunction with these probes can verify the specificity of cellular assays as well as provide valuable insight into flux in the SL network. The use of inhibitors specific to each of the central sphingolipid enzymes are also discussed to assist researchers in further interrogation of these pathways.
Structural Topic Modeling For Social Scientists: A Brief Case Study with Social Movement Studies Literature, 2005–2017:

Sociologists frequently make use of language as data in their research using methodologies including open-ended surveys, in-depth interviews, and content analyses. Unfortunately, the ability of res...
The Induction of Noninterpreted Benevolent Transference as a Vehicle for Change

It has become widely accepted that nontransference interpretation can have power (Blum, 1983). My intent in this paper is to describe an active, intentionally evoked, but uninterpreted, positive tr...
Attitudes Toward Smoking Cessation Among Sheltered Homeless Parents.

The prevalence of smoking among homeless adults is approximately 70 %. Cessation programs designed for family shelters should be a high priority given the dangers cigarette smoke poses to children. However, the unique nature of smoking in the family shelter setting remains unstudied. We aimed to assess attitudes toward smoking cessation, and unique barriers and motivators among homeless parents living in family shelters in Northern California. Six focus groups and one interview were conducted (N = 33, ages 23–54). The focus groups and interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and a representative team performed qualitative theme analysis. Eight males and 25 females participated. The following major themes emerged: (1) Most participants intended to quit eventually, citing concern for their children as their primary motivation. (2) Significant barriers to quitting included the ubiquity of cigarette smoking, its central role in social interactions in the family shelter setting, and its importance as a coping mechanism. (3) Participants expressed interest in quitting “cold turkey” and in e-cigarettes, but were skeptical of the patch and pharmacotherapy. (4) Feelings were mixed regarding whether individual, group or family counseling would be most effective. Homeless parents may be uniquely motivated to quit because of their children, but still face significant shelter-based social and environmental barriers to quitting. Successful cessation programs in family shelters must be designed with the unique motivations and barriers of this population in mind.
Using The Tools of Industrial Organisation to Illuminate The Credit Rating Industry

Until slightly more than a decade ago, the credit rating industry was largely a little-recognised and little-understood part of the financial system “plumbing”. This obscurity changed with the financial crisis of 2008 and its aftermath. After a few years of intensive attention, however, the CRAs have retreated back to semi-obscurity and attract little media or political attention. The tools of industrial organisation can help us understand this industry: its structure; its behaviour; and its outcomes; and the public policies that are likely to improve its functioning.
Characterization of Inner Retinal Hyperreflective Alterations in Early Cognitive Impairment on Adaptive Optics Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy.

Purpose To examine inner retinal hyperreflective features on adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) in individuals with early cognitive impairment. Methods In this prospective, cross-sectional study, we enrolled 12 participants with either amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, n = 10) or early dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (eAD, n = 2) and 12 age-, sex-, and race-matched cognitively normal controls. All participants completed AOSLO imaging of the inner retina. AOSLO montages of the peripapillary area were graded for hyperreflective features including granular membranes, mottled membranes, and nummular features. Regions of interest on AOSLO were compared qualitatively to corresponding optical coherence tomography (OCT) cross sections. OCT was also used to analyze peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Results Cognitively impaired individuals had a significantly higher number of granular membranes with a larger overall area compared to controls. The proportion of cognitively impaired individuals with two or more granular membranes was 41.7% compared to none in the control group. Granular membrane area was also inversely correlated with cognitive performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of other membrane types or RNFL thickness. Conclusions Individuals with early cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer's show hyperreflective granular membranes on high-resolution imaging, which we hypothesize to be manifestations of inner retinal gliosis. The presence of these subtle hyperreflective membranes may obscure underlying RNFL thinning in these eyes on OCT imaging. The distinctive phenotype of granular membranes surrounding the optic nerve on AOSLO may represent a new potential biomarker of early Alzheimer's.
Co-Teaching: Collaborative and Caring Teacher Preparation:

This study investigated what happened during the implementation of a co-teaching model for student-teaching from a relational perspective. When analyzed through the theoretical framework of care et...
Flow Water Proton NMR: In-Line Process Analytical Technology for Continuous Biomanufacturing

Continuous manufacturing of biologics is one of the priorities of the biopharmaceutical industry. However, its widespread implementation is hampered by a lack of noninvasive/nondestructive process analytical technology (PAT) systems capable of real-time in-line monitoring of product flow parameters, such as concentration and/or aggregate content. We have previously demonstrated that, under nonflow conditions, the water proton transverse relaxation rate, R2(1H2O), is sensitive to protein concentration and aggregate content in biopharmaceutical formulations. In the present work, we explored the potential of water proton NMR under flow conditions (flow-wNMR) to use R2(1H2O) as a quantitative indicator of protein concentration variations and aggregate levels in the process flow. We show that, under flow conditions, R2(1H2O) is sensitive to rather small changes in protein concentration (<1 mg/mL) and is capable to detect variations in the aggregate content of <1%. Our findings suggest that flow-wNMR could be advantageously used as a real-time in-line noninvasive PAT for continuous biomanufacturing.
Outcomes of Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Following Relapse After First Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)

Abstract 4215 Background: Outcomes of SCT in adult ALL have improved over the past decade. However, for patients (pts) who relapse after SCT, the prognosis is poor and treatment options are limited; the clinical course and prognostic factors affecting these pts are not well characterized. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of relapsed adult ALL pts who underwent first SCT between 1993–2011. The objectives of the study were to assess outcome after salvage therapy in these pts and to investigate the prognostic factors affecting outcome. Out of 365 ALL pts who underwent first SCT, 123 pts relapsed and received further treatment. Outcome was assessed since the date of relapse until death or last follow-up. Results: The median time to relapse was 4.4 months (mo.) (0.4–38.5 mo.) from first SCT. With a median follow up of 11 mo. (0.1 mo. -9 years) from time of relapse, the actuarial OS at 6 mo. was 35% (27–44%). First salvage treatments and median OS after relapse were: second SCT (n=19, OS 10 mo.) or donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) (n=11, OS 6.5 mo.) with or without prior chemotherapy, radiation therapy for extramedullary only relapse (n=6, OS 3 mo.), cytoreductive chemotherapy (n=30, OS 4 mo.), mild chemotherapy (n=27, OS 4 mo.) and palliative care (n=23, OS 1 mo.). Mild chemotherapy was defined as combinations of steroids and vincristine, single cytotoxic agents such as clofarabine or nelarabine, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, hypomethylating agents, or monoclonal antibody therapies. Seven pts were lost to follow-up. Following the first salvage treatment, 47 pts (38%) went into complete remission (CR). The CR rate was higher in the HSCT, radiotherapy and DLI groups (84%, 83% and 64% respectively) compared with the mild chemotherapy (41%) and cytoreductive chemotherapy (27%) groups. In a univariate analysis for survival (Table 1), adverse factors included active disease at time of first SCT and short time to relapse from first SCT ( 10% at relapse) had significantly worse 6-mo. OS compared to pts with 0/1 adverse factor ( p =0.009). Presence of isolated extra-medullary relapse was not associated with improved OS compared to pts with systemic relapse. Second SCT was found to be correlated with improved outcome compared with cytoreductive chemotherapy ( p =0.003). Among the pts who received treatment and were evaluable for response (n=86), achievement of CR after first salvage was the most significant predictor of survival ( p =0.001). In bivariate analysis, this benefit was shown to be independent of performing second SCT. Conclusion: Prognosis of ALL pts who relapse following SCT remains poor. However, second SCT may allow long term survival in a small subset of pts. Longer time to progression after first SCT and successful induction of CR following first salvage treatment are associated with improved survival post relapse. We corroborated the EBMT prognostic score for pts experiencing relapse after HSCT. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effects of Pivotal Response Treatment on Reciprocal Vocal Contingency in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

A pivotal response treatment package consisting of clinician-delivered and parent-implemented strategies was recently found to be effective in improving language and social communication deficits i...
Age Verification and Online Sales of Little Cigars and Cigarillos to Minors.

Objectives In our cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine age verification and sales of little cigars and cigarillos (LCCs) online to underage teens. Methods We selected 100 popular Internet Little Cigar and Cigarillo Vendors (ILVs) for order attempts. From August to December 2015, we supervised 14 teens 14-17 years old making order attempts for LCCs. Results Of the 91 valid orders attempted, we received 89. For the valid orders attempted, 9.9% of ILVs used no age verification strategies at all, 84.6% used less effective forms of age verification, and 50.5% used more effective ones. Only one order was blocked during the order attempt and only one attempt was made to verify age at delivery. Most (79.8%) deliveries were left at the door and only 2 order attempts were rejected because of age verification strategies, resulting in a successful or valid buy rate of 97.8%. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that ILVs selling LCCs were not making adequate efforts to verify the age of their customers, at the point-of-sale or point-of-delivery, facilitating easy access by minors. Few ILVs utilized age verification strategies that prevented online sales of LCCs to underage teens.
Indigenous way of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Introduction: Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a form of highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy that is delivered directly to the abdomen intra-operatively. Currently for peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM), either primary or secondary from gastrointestinal (GI) or gynecologic cancers, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with peri-operative HIPEC therapy is recommended. Aims & objectives: The primary objective of this case report is to show that in the current era of malignancy, resource poor centers can adopt our innovative way of HIPEC therapy and can treat peritoneal neoplasms which were considered to have only palliative treatment. Methods: After proper pre-operative work up, 61 year old lady diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon with peritoneal deposits was taken up for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC. In the absence of a proper HIPEC machine, we used the hotline fluid warmer used by Anesthesiologists to heat the chemotherapy solution which was then re-circulated manually. Results: The patient had an excellent post-operative recovery and was discharged in a hemodynamically stable condition on post-operative day (POD) 6. She has completed 18 months of follow-up and has no signs of recurrence. Conclusions: To treat cancer like peritoneal neoplasm in resource-poor centers, the hotline machine can be a good option.
A study of vitamin B 12 requirements in a patient with pernicious anemia and thyrotoxicosis: evidence of an increased need for vitamin B 12 in the presence of hyperthyroidism.

The response to small doses of vitamin B12 was studied in a woman with pernicious anemia and thyrotoxicosis. No response to 1 µg. per day occurred, but she did respond to 10 µg. per day. Fourteen months later when she was euthyroid, the patient did respond to 1 µg. per day. In another study, serum vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in a group of patients with hyperthyroidism than in a group of normal subjects. Seventeen of 20 patients with hyperthyroidism exhibited significantly higher serum vitamin B12 levels 5-8 months after becoming euthyroid. The results of these studies provide evidence for increased vitamin B12 requirements in the presence of hyperthyroidism. The greater need for vitamin B12 appears to be related to increased utilization and/or accelerated turnover imposed by increased metabolism.
PET-directed chemoradiation (CRT) with induction FOLFOX compared to induction carboplatin/paclitaxel (CP) in patients with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA).

4554Background: Induction chemotherapy with PET-directed CRT and surgery is the standard treatment for locally advanced EA at our institution. Following results of the CALGB 80803 trial, FOLFOX has...
Developing a Job Exposure Matrix of Work Organization Hazards in the United States: A Review on Methodological Issues and Research Protocol.

Abstract Background Most job exposure matrices (JEMs) have been developed for chemical and physical hazards in the United States (US). In addition, the overall validity of most JEMs of work organization hazards using self-reported data in the literature remains to be further tested due to several methodological weaknesses. Methods This paper aims to review important methodological issues with regard to a JEM of work organization hazards using self-report data and to present a research protocol for developing a four-axis (job titles, hazards, sex, and time) JEM of major work organization hazards using the US General Social Survey-Quality of Work-Life (GSS-QWL) data (2002–2018; N = 7,100 workers). Results Five methodological weaknesses in existing JEMs of work organization hazards using self-report data were identified: having only two axes (hazard and occupation), using psychometrically weak items and scales, including scales having little interoccupational variability, unresolved optimal minimum numbers of subjects per occupation, and low accessibility. The methodological weaknesses were successfully addressed in the proposed research protocol. Conclusion The work organization JEM to be developed will significantly facilitate and strengthen occupational epidemiological studies on work organization hazards and major health outcomes, improve national and occupational surveillance of work organization hazards, and promote interventions for a healthy work environment in the US.
Partners in School: Optimizing Communication between Parents and Teachers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

is a consultation model with the goal of enhancing communication between two of the most important stakeholders in children’s lives – parents and teachers. Using a single–group pre–post design, thi...
An adaptive clinical trial design for cocaine use disorder: Extended-release amphetamine salts for early behavioral intervention non-responders.

Abstract Background/aims Cocaine use disorder (CUD) persists as a major public health problem in the United States. Response to evidence-based behavioral treatment has been shown to be predicted by dopaminergic dysfunction. Amphetamine formulations modulate dopaminergic systems and are one of the few agents with positive clinical findings but are associated with unique risks. We aimed to find a model for determining the most appropriate patients for treatment with mixed amphetamine salts-extended-release (MAS-ER) for CUD using an adaptive trial design. Methods We are enrolling treatment-seeking adults ages 18–60 years. All eligible participants receive bi-weekly individual counseling augmented with a computer-based intervention based on the community reinforcement approach with contingency management (CRA + CM) for 4 weeks. Participants who fail to achieve abstinence are additionally randomly assigned to 10 weeks of either MAS-ER, titrated up to 80 mg daily, or placebo. All participants complete a follow-up assessment after 12 weeks. Results Frequency and amount of cocaine use, cravings, retention, and quality of life will be compared between groups. The primary outcome will be having at least 3 weeks of urine toxicology-confirmed self-reported abstinence. Analyses will also be conducted to identify variables that may help identify who is more or less likely respond to the behavioral intervention during the first 4-weeks of treatment. Conclusions This trial more closely mimics a personalized medicine approach that is often used in clinical practice. It will help us understand who may be appropriate for psychostimulant therapy as an enhancement to evidence-based behavioral interventions, while limiting exposure to those who would respond to a psychosocial intervention alone. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01986075
New methods in polymer brush synthesis: Non-vinyl-based semiflexible and rigid-rod polymer brushes

Abstract Non-vinyl-based ‘grafted from’ polymer brushes have generated much interest and growth in the past decade due to the potential for stiffer backbones, long-range order, and new backbone functional groups, compared to the traditional vinyl-based polymer brushes. This area of polymer brushes has been spurred on by recent advancements of new polymerization techniques, such as chain-growth condensation polymerization, that allow for the conversion of traditional step-growth polymers into the required chain-growth polymers to form polymer brushes via the ‘grafting from’ technique [1] . This exciting new category of polymer brushes forms semi-flexible or rigid-rod structures that have potential in a variety of applications including organic photovoltaics, organic light emitting diodes, tribological coatings, membranes for water purification and desalination, membranes for fuel cells, high performance coatings, and biosensing due to aromatic groups in the backbone, secondary bonding forces connecting chains, or conjugated backbones [2] , [3] . This review will focus on the synthesis and characterization of non-vinyl-based polymer brushes, primarily prepared via the ‘grafting from’ technique, while also including an overview of potential applications of these systems and highlighting prospective areas for future developments.
Bariatric Surgery Associated with Decreased All-Cause Mortality and Lower Rates of Other Obesity-Related Events

Based on population registry data, bariatric surgery is associated with lower all-cause mortality and a lower risk of developing many subsequent obesity-related conditions.
Dysfunctional Family Systems

Many people hope that once they leave the dysfunction of their family home, they will leave their childhood problems behind. However, adult children of dysfunctional families have been found to develop deficits in problem-solving communication in addition to establishing and maintaining trust in close relationships. This chapter provides a description of what constitutes a dysfunctional family system before exploring how dysfunction can lead to pathological accommodation. The role of communication deviance and behavioral abnormalities within the family system is reviewed. This chapter evaluates current research exploring the impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have on identity, adult relationships, and social functioning. Finally, the chapter explores how dysfunction within a family system can be measured using the ACE Questionnaire as a clinical tool.
An update on plant toxins posing human health risks

Abstract Several phytochemicals, belonging to different classes of plant constituents, have been identified as causative agents for evoking toxicity/health threats to humans. The range of toxic effects includes mild symptoms of damage to vital organs, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and occasionally the toxicity leads to death. In the following chapter, three major classes of constituents, widely distributed in plants, possessing potent toxicity, and found to be major sources of inflicting toxicity in humans, will be discussed. These are pyrrolizidine alkaloids, steroidal glycoalkaloids, and furanocoumarins. For every class, the plant sources for the toxic components, the relevant chemical properties, the effect on the human body, and in a few cases the mechanism of toxicity will be mentioned. The factors affecting accumulation or the level of the toxic components in the plant/food will also be discussed.
Family Functioning as a Protective Factor for Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Gender Minority Adolescents

Gender minority (GM) youth are more likely to engage in sexual behaviors that increase risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. However, family functioning may be protective against sexual risk taking. We characterized longitudinal associations between family functioning (family communication and family satisfaction) and sexual risk behaviors across two years in a community sample of 30 GM adolescents, ages 13–17 years. Participants were purposively recruited from community-based venues, through social media, and peer referrals throughout the New England area and completed surveys every 6 months, with measures of family functioning, sexual risk behaviors, risk factors (depressive and anxious symptoms, perceived stress related to parents), and protective factors (social support, gender-related pride, and community connectedness). Results indicated that higher levels of family communication, improved family satisfaction, and increased social support were protective for sexual risk taking, in general, and specifically for condom use for anal/vaginal sex. In contrast, increased depressive symptoms were associated with lower likelihood of anal/vaginal condom use. Associations between family functioning and sexual risk taking were not attenuated by adding risk and protective factors to the model; thus, these factors did not explain the observed associations between family functioning and sexual risk taking. These findings suggest improved family functioning, greater social support, and lower depressive symptoms are associated with reduced sexual risk taking among gender minority youth, thus making these factors an important target for future prevention efforts.
Environmental and Genetic Influences on the Social Grouping Tendency of a Communal Spider

Within the study of animal social behavior, attention has been focused primarily on vertebrates or eusocial insects, and most models generated to explain the genetics of social grouping or the evolution of social behavior in general apply to those systems (Wilson 1971, 1975, Brown 1975, Oster and Wilson 1978, Wittenberger 1981, Hermann 1982).
Assistive Technology Assessment

The purpose of this study was to examine assessment procedures used to determine assistive technology needs of individuals with physical disabilities during the transition process from school to work. Three assessment protocols were used: 1) a professional multidisciplinary model; 2) a video screening model; and 3) a job coach model. Five students with physical disabilities received each of the three assessment protocols. A multiple case study design was used to evaluate assistive technology recommendations generated by the models for each of the participants. Results are discussed in terms of advantages and disadvantages of assessment protocols with regard to assistive technology recommendations for students in the transition process.
Long-Term Motion Estimation from Images

Cameras are promising sensors for estimating the motion of autonomous vehicles without GPS and for automatic scene modeling. Furthermore, a wide variety of shape-from-motion algorithms exist for simultaneously estimating the camera’s six degree of freedom motion and the three-dimension structure of the scene, without prior assumptions about the camera’s motion or an existing map of the scene.
Asynchronous design for high-speed and low-power circuits

Asynchronous design is emerging as a practical alternative to synchronous design for both low power and high performance applications. Moreover, ASIC flows that support asynchronous design are becoming complete, including many that leverage existing front-end and back-end synchronous-oriented tools. This talk will review the different design styles and flows and highlight some of the on-going commercialization efforts in this area. Special attention will be paid to the single-track circuit families developed at USC that provide ultra high performance and low power characteristics. We will review the associated standard-cell libraries and flows that have been developed as well as the recent chip design efforts that demonstrate the benefits of this technology.
A multiagent system for residential DC microgrids

This paper proposes a multiagent system (MAS) modeling and control architecture for a residential DC microgrid (RDCMG). The RDCMG mainly consists of a solid state transformer (SST) and DC smart homes equipped with DC loads, a home photovoltaic system, an energy storage system, electric vehicle (EV)/plug-in hybrid EV and other controllable loads, and advanced sensing and communication devices. The proposed MAS consisting of individual smart home agents and a control agent aims to minimize the electricity costs for the smart homes and alleviate the peak load of the SST during operation. These are achieved by agent utility functions and the best operating time algorithm in the MAS. The proposed MAS is validated by simulation studies for a RDCMG with five smart homes.
Efficient training algorithms for neural networks based on memristive crossbar circuits

We have adapted backpropagation algorithm for training multilayer perceptron classifier implemented with memristive crossbar circuits. The proposed training approach takes into account switching dynamics of a particular, though very typical, type of memristive devices and weight update restrictions imposed by crossbar topology. The simulation results show that for crossbar-based multilayer perceptron with one hidden layer of 300 neurons misclassification rate on MNIST benchmark could be as low as 1.47% and 4.06% for batch and stochastic algorithms, respectively, which is comparable to the best reported results for similar neural networks.
Endurance training alters outward K+ current characteristics in rat cardiocytes

The effect of endurance run training on outward K+ currents with rapidly inactivating (I to) and sustained or slowly inactivating (I sus) characteristics was examined in left ventricular (LV) cardi...
The role of flexor tenosynovectomy in the operative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Background: We conducted a prospective, randomized study to evaluate the effect of flexor tenosynovectomy as an adjunct to open carpal tunnel release for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and reviewed the histological characteristics of the flexor tenosynovium to identify possible correlations between histopathology and symptoms. Methods: Eighty-eight wrists in eighty-seven patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to open carpal tunnel release with or without flexor tenosynovectomy. A validated self-administered questionnaire for the assessment of symptom severity and functional status was completed both before and after the operation to assess patient outcome. The study group included fifteen men and seventy-two women with a mean age of fifty-eight years. All patients were followed for a minimum of twelve months after the operation. Intraoperatively, the tenosynovium of all patients was graded on the basis of its gross appearance. Half of the wrists were then treated with a flexor tenosynovectomy through the operative incision, and the tenosynovium was graded histologically. Correlations were sought between the gross appearance of the tenosynovium and the preoperative and postoperative symptoms and functional status, between the histologic appearance of the tenosynovium and the preoperative and postoperative symptoms and functional status, and between the gross and the histologic findings. Results: After the operation, both groups improved significantly with respect to symptom severity and functional status (paired t test), with no significant difference between the groups (unpaired t test). No significant correlation was found between the gross appearance of the tenosynovium and the preoperative or postoperative symptoms and functional status, between the histologic appearance of the tenosynovium and the preoperative or postoperative symptoms and functional status, or between the gross and the histologic findings. Conclusions: We observed neither an added benefit nor an increased rate of morbidity in association with the performance of a flexor tenosynovectomy at the time of carpal tunnel release. We identified no clinical correlations that might predict which individuals would benefit from flexor tenosynovectomy on the basis of either the gross (intraoperative) or histologic evaluation of the flexor tenosynovium. Our findings suggest that routine flexor tenosynovectomy offers no benefit compared with sectioning of the transverse carpal ligament alone for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.
P‐74: Low Temperature a‐Si TFT on Soda Lime Glass

Replacing the current non-alkali glass with soda lime glass can significantly reduce the cost of the current TFT-LCD module. One key step in manufacturing is to make TFT backplane on soda lime glass substrate. In this work, we demonstrate low temperature a- Si thin film transistor (TFT) at 200°C on soda lime glass. with the use of SiNx barrier to prevent sodium contamination, we show the TFT properties can be improved significantly and achieve TFT of saturation mobility 0.47cm2/Vs, threshold voltage 0V, off current 77×10−11 A, sub-threshold swing 1.0 V/dec. We also show that our TFT device has comparable or better threshold voltage stability as compared to those made in non-alkali glass. Finally, we show the robustness of SiNx barrier against long term sodium migration.
Evolved minimalist art and maximal planar graphs

An evolutionary art program that furnishes examples of minimalist art works is discussed. The selective pressure that simulated evolution exerts on the population of evolved images arises from topological considerations of graphs that are induced following image segmentation. This context provides the motivation for stating and proving a classification theorem that characterizes for each positive integer n, a distinguished subset of all planar graphs on n vertices that includes all maximal planar graphs on n vertices. Editor's Note: The editor wishes to thank associate editor Mike Field for overseeing the peer review process for this submission.
A theoretical approach to sex discrimination in traditionally masculine occupations

Abstract An In-Basket simulation was designed to examine occupational sex discrimination at the time the employee sought access to the organization (access discrimination), and once the employee was on job (treatment discrimination). Two access variables; (1) the decision to hire and (2) starting salary, and the five treatment variables: (1) employee development, (2) delegation of work assignments, (3) employee evaluation, (4) distribution of rewards, and (5) promotion were investigated. Although participants hired a female as frequently as an identically qualified male, the female was offered a significantly lower starting salary. Once within the organization the female was assigned to routine tasks more frequently than to challenging ones. Also, second year salary offer increased the initial salary discrepancy between sexes which occurred at hiring. The results were discussed in light of Attribution Theory, Equity Theory, and the role of stereotypes.