cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prioritätsansprüche in der Frage der Entdeckung der Röntgenstrahlen

Kaum hatte die Nachricht von der Rontgenschen Entdeckung ihren Siegeszug in alle Welt angetreten, als auch gleich Stimmen laut wurden, die behaupteten, schon vor Rontgen erfolgreiche Versuche mit solchen Strahlen angestellt zu haben. Einige dieser Stimmen erinnerten sich der durch die noch unbekannten Strahlen verursachten unerklarlichen Wirkungen. Die meisten Anspruche jedoch entbehren jeglicher Grundlage und erklaren sich nur dadurch, das infolge der Unkenntnis des wahren Charakters der neuentdeckten Strahlen alte Beobach tungen mit Hertzschen Strahlen, mit elektrischen Buschelentladungen, mit ultravioletten Strahlen usw. sofort in die Rubrik der mit den X-Strahlen erzeugten Wirkungen eingereiht wurden. Es besteht kein Zweifel daruber, das schon lange vor Rontgens Zeit X-Strahlen von verschiedenen Forschern, angefangen von Morgan oder vielleicht gar schon von Hauksbee und Nollet bis hin zu Lenard, erzeugt wurden und das oft unbewust unerklarliche Wirkungen derselben festgestellt worden waren. Das keiner der Beobachter aber ein „Rontgen“ wurde, lag meist daran, das die gelegentlich gemachten Beobachtungen in ihrer Bedeutung nicht erkannt und daher unterschatzt wurden.
Information Extraction for Clinical Data Mining: A Mammography Case Study

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in women between the ages of 15 and 54. During mammography screening, radiologists use a strict lexicon (BI-RADS) to describe and report their findings. Mammography records are then stored in a well-defined database format (NMD). Lately, researchers have applied data mining and machine learning techniques to these databases. They successfully built breast cancer classifiers that can help in early detection of malignancy. However, the validity of these models depends on the quality of the underlying databases. Unfortunately, most databases suffer from inconsistencies, missing data, inter-observer variability and inappropriate term usage. In addition, many databases are not compliant with the NMD format and/or solely consist of text reports. BI-RADS feature extraction from free text and consistency checks between recorded predictive variables and text reports are crucial to addressing this problem. We describe a general scheme for concept information retrieval from free text given a lexicon, and present a BI-RADS features extraction algorithm for clinical data mining. It consists of a syntax analyzer, a concept finder and a negation detector. The syntax analyzer preprocesses the input into individual sentences. The concept finder uses a semantic grammar based on the BI-RADS lexicon and the experts’ input. It parses sentences detecting BI-RADS concepts. Once a concept is located, a lexical scanner checks for negation. Our method can handle multiple latent concepts within the text, filtering out ultrasound concepts. On our dataset, our algorithm achieves 97.7% precision, 95.5% recall and an F1-score of 0.97. It outperforms manual feature extraction at the 5% statistical significance level.
A new measure of fear of falling: psychometric properties of the fear of falling questionnaire revised (FFQ-R).

Background: Although fear of falling is prevalent among older adults recovering from hip fracture, current instruments are inadequate due to focus on specific situations and measurement of self-efficacy rather than fear. Methods: The authors revised and tested a form of the Fear of Falling Questionnaire with three groups of older adults: 405 recovering from hip fracture, 89 healthy community dwelling, and 42 with severe fear of falling. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in a subsample of 16 hip fracture patients. Internal consistency was compared across all groups. Construct validity was established through factor analysis, convergent validity with a measure of fall-related self-efficacy, and discriminant validity with measures of depression and affect. Results: A revised two-factor, six-item scale appears to have adequate psychometric properties. Scores were lower in the healthy comparison group relative to the hip fracture and fear of falling groups. Cronbach's α ranged from 0.72–0.83, with test-retest reliability of 0.82. Correlations with a measure of fall-related self-efficacy were moderate for the hip fracture group (0.42) and high with the healthy comparison (0.68) and fear of falling (0.70) groups. Correlations with depression and negative and positive affect were low to moderate. Conclusions: The Fear of Falling Questionnaire – Revised shows promise as a self-report measure of fear of falling, and is one of the first to be tested in older adults recovering from hip fracture. Advantages are that it is global rather than situation-specific and measures fear rather than self-efficacy. Future research on this scale is recommended in other older adult samples for whom fear of falling is relevant.
Solution Grown Polysilicon for Flat Panel Displays

Thin-film poly-Si on low-cost substrates is useful for thin-film transistors in flat panel displays or for photovoltaics. The films reported herein were formed at 600°C by d.c. magnetron sputtering from a Si-target onto a SiO2/Mo substrate, pre-coated with Sn or In/Ti to give a liquid phase growth. Poly-Si films have given a preferred (111) orientation, grain size up to 20µm, a carrier mobility exceeding 100cm2/Vs and carrier lifetime of 8µs when using the Sn pre-layer. The Sn pre-layer typically gave smaller grain size than did the In/Ti solvent but the latter gave lower carrier lifetime from Ti incorporation in the film. The film from the Sn pre-layer gave carrier mobility of 140cm2/V-s after hydrogenation by microwave electron cyclotron resonance. Properties of the Si thin-film can be controlled by type of pre-layer, doping of the target, substrate temperature and deposition environment.
Age comparison of treatment adherence with antipsychotic medications among individuals with bipolar disorder

SUMMARY Background Few studies have evaluated medication adherence among older vs younger individuals with bipolar disorder (BPD). We compared adherence with antipsychotic medication among older (age 60 and older) and younger individuals using a large case registry (n ¼73,964). Methods Adherence was evaluated using the medication possession ratio (MPR) for patients receiving antipsychotic medication. Results Twenty six thousand five hundred and thirty younger individuals (mean age 46.9) and 6,461 older individuals (mean age 69.2) were prescribed antipsychotic medication. Among older individuals, 61.0% (n ¼3,350) were fully adherent, while 19.0% (n ¼1,043) were partially adherent and 20.0% (n ¼1,098) were non-adherent. Among younger individuals, 49.5% (n ¼10,644) were fully adherent, while 21.8% (n ¼4,680) were partially adherent, and 28.7% (n ¼6,170) were non-adherent. As with younger patients, comorbid substance abuse and homelessness predicted non-adherence among older patients with BPD. Conclusion Older individuals with BPD were more adherent with antipsychotic medications compared to younger individuals. However, a substantial proportion (approximately 39%) of older patients with BPD still have difficulties with adherence. Copyright # 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. key words—treatment adherence; antipsychotic medications; bipolar disorder; elderly; geriatric
At the Nexus of History and Memory: The Ten Lost Tribes

In 883 CE, a man appeared in Kairouan, one of the centers of Jewish life at the time and told a tale about the lost tribes of the Northern Kingdom. He called himself Eldad and claimed to be from the tribe of Dan. Since then, the story of the Ten Lost Tribes—that the tribes of the Northern Kingdom still exist intact in a faraway land, living in exile beyond the sabbatical river, a mysterious body of water that was passable only on the Sabbath—has continued to generate excitement. It is astonishing, however, to realize that this motif did not develop until many centuries after the fall of the Northern Kingdom. After the destruction of the Northern Kingdom, many northerners remained in their ancestral homeland in the north. Other northerners lived among their southern compatriots in Judah after fleeing south, while deported northerners and southerners mingled in exile in Mesopotamia. It is only after the end of the Second Temple period that the notion of the Ten Lost Tribes, inviolable and unreachable, developed.
FEEDING BEHAVIOR OF COOPER'S HAWKS AT URBAN AND RURAL NESTS IN SOUTHEASTERN ARIZONA

Abstract We monitored 18 nests of Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii) in Tucson, Arizona, and 18 nests in rural areas of southeastern Arizona from 1999–2000 to compare feeding behavior of urban- and rural-nesting hawks. We recorded the frequency of prey deliveries, the approximate size and type of prey items, and the behavior of hawks during each delivery. Differences between rates of prey delivery at urban and rural nests decreased as nestlings grew. Rate of prey delivery at urban nests exceeded that at rural nests most during the morning and least at midday. Urban hawks delivered 2.0 ± 1.2 times more prey biomass nestling−1 hr−1 to nests than rural hawks. The odds of males delivering prey directly to nests, and of prey items being refused, were 13.6 ± 2.3 and 2.5 ± 1.6 times greater, respectively, at urban nests than at rural nests. Male and female hawks also vocalized more at rural nests than at urban nests. Our data suggest that prey is more abundant and available to hawks in Tucson than in surroundin...
Design of LQG controllers with reduced parameter sensitivity

A method is presented for improving the tolerance of LQG (linear quadratic Gaussian) controllers to parameter errors. The improvement is achieved by introducing terms reflecting the structure of the errors into the linear quadratic regulator cost function and the process and measurement noise models. Adjusting the sizes of these additional terms permits a tradeoff between robustness and nominal performance. >
P1A-7 2D Fully Resolved Strain Estimation Algorithm Evaluation on Simulations and on in-vitro Bovine Livers

Accurately estimating the strain remains fundamental in elastography since clinician's diagnosis as well as the quality of mechanical parameters reconstruction are directly related to those estimations. In this paper, we present a 2D fully-resolved iterative and adaptive strain estimation technique, appropriate to investigate media subjected to a wide range of strains. The method estimates axial strain while considering lateral motion. For each 2D RF region selected in the pre-compression image, its deformed version is searched in the post-compression image and its strain is estimated. In a first approximation, the deformed region is considered as a 2D shifted and time-scaled replica of the original one. This modeling considers no lateral scaling factor owing to the poor resolution in that direction, and thus reflects ultrasound imaging characteristics. The developed method focuses on achieving maximum strain estimation accuracy, and performs at each step, the deformation optimal track as follows: (i) First the 2D shift suffered by the considered ROI and induced by the deformation of regions surrounding it, is compensated for, by adaptively displacing the ROIs between the pre- and post-compression images, (ii) Strain parameters are then estimated as the arguments that maximize the normalized correlation coefficient between the original region and its deformed version compensated for the searched parameters. Because in elastography a small compression is applied to the tissue, resulting in expected small ranges of parameters feasible values, we used constrained optimization which increases the estimation robustness and accelerates the convergence, (iii) Finally axial strain images are directly deduced from the scaling factor fields. Simulation results from a mechanically homogeneous medium subjected to successive uniaxial loadings reveal an accurate estimation for strains up to 17%. Elastograms of in vitro bovine livers with harder lesions demonstrate the ability of our technique to investigate biological tissues
Peanut Maturity Method Evaluations. I. Southeast

Abstract Arginine maturity index, methanol extract, shellout, and seed-hull maturity index methods of determining peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) maturity were compared. Peanuts from four planting dates in 1978 were used. The comparisons showed that some of the methods are affected by date of planting and environmental factors, such as drought stress. Under the conditions of this test, the seed-hull maturity index and shellout were the most consistent indicators of the optimum yield period in 1978.
A rare case of symptomatic gastric sarcoidosis

### Learning Point for Clinicians Always think about sarcoidosis in patient with multi-organ involvement. Endoscopic appearance of gastric sarcoidosis can be normal. The diagnosis requires biopsy. A 65-year-old Caucasian male presented to our institute with a 3-week history of anorexia, nausea and watery diarrhea accompanied by a 1-week history of fever, dry cough and mild shortness of breath. Physical examination was only remarkable for red subcutaneous nodules at left thigh. Initial laboratory investigations, including complete blood cell count, blood chemistry, liver function test and serum angiotensin converting enzyme, were within normal range. His stool studies including stool culture, stool for Giardia antigen, Cryptosporidium antigen and Clostridium difficile toxins were all negative. His initial chest X-ray was unremarkable but his computed tomography …
Volume/Surface Area Relations for n-Dimensional Spheres, Pseudospheres, and Catenoids

Circle and sphere properties are extended to the tractrix and pseudosphere, the catenary and catenoid, and to higher-dimensional analogs.
The Importance Of Gender And Facial Information Science On Information Systems Design

Facial Information Science is becoming a discipline in its own right, attracting not only computer scientists, but graphic animators and psychologists, all of whom require knowledge to understand how people make and interpret facial expressions. (Zeng, 2009). Computer advancements enhance the ability of researchers to study facial expression. Digitized computer-displayed faces can now be used in studies. Current advancements are facilitating not only the researcher’s ability to accurately display information, but recording the subject’s reaction automatically. With increasing interest in Artificial Intelligence and man-machine communications, what importance does the gender of the user play in the design of today’s multi-million dollar applications? Does research suggest that men and women respond to the “gender” of computer displayed images differently? Can this knowledge be used effectively to design applications specifically for use by men or women? This research is an attempt to understand these questions while studying whether automatic, or pre-attentive, processing plays a part in the identification of the facial expressions.
Diagnostic tools and staging of malignant pleural mesothelioma

The diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma remains challenging and should be based on both histologic evidence of invasion and immunohistochemical findings supportive of mesothelioma. Cytology is a controversial method of diagnosis, but may be a useful tool, particularly in the identification of other metastatic malignancies. Malignant pleural mesothelioma must be differentiated from benign, reactive mesothelial proliferations and other metastatic malignancies. Histologic analysis in conjunction with immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and limited molecular diagnostics are most useful in establishing a diagnosis. The staging of malignant pleural mesothelioma is most commonly performed using a TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) system proposed by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group.
Continuum crowds

We present a real-time crowd model based on continuum dynamics. In our model, a dynamic potential field simultaneously integrates global navigation with moving obstacles such as other people, efficiently solving for the motion of large crowds without the need for explicit collision avoidance. Simulations created with our system run at interactive rates, demonstrate smooth flow under a variety of conditions, and naturally exhibit emergent phenomena that have been observed in real crowds.
Isolation and Identification of Bacteria Cross-reacting With Shigella and E.coli O157 Anti-serums

Objective To investigate the bacteria in food which can cross-agglutinate with Shigella and E.coli O157 in order to provide the references for reducing misdiagnosis.Methods Morphology,staining,serological and biochemical methods were all employed for detecting the bacteria.Results Two species(3strains) bacteria were isolated from food and with ability of cross-reacting with Shigella and E.coli O157 antiserum.Conclusion Certain species of intestinal bacteria carry the same or similar antigen with Shigella and E.coli O157;thus,when identifying those bacteria,serological reaction and biochemical tests are needed simultaneously.
Exploring hurricane wind speed along US Atlantic coast in warming climate and effects on predictions of structural damage and intervention costs

Abstract This paper proposes a methodology for the rational assessment of lifetime costs on tall buildings due to hurricane-induced damage along the US Atlantic coastline accounting for plausible future warming climate scenarios. The hurricane simulation is based on Vickery’s empirical model. Initially, regression errors in Vickery’s model are discussed; some adjustments are proposed to enable hurricane simulation in future climates. After verification of the hurricane model’s ability to simulate the results of the United States historical hurricane database, simulation of hurricane activity in future climates is examined. The warming climate scenarios are reproduced from the results of the community earth system model, maintained by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). Three different future climate scenarios, RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, are considered. The influence of warming climate on two quantities, relevant to wind engineering, is examined: hurricane frequency and hurricane intensity. It is found that, in a warming climate environment, the hurricane frequency and hurricane intensity may vary depending on the RCP scenario. Therefore, the probability distribution of the wind speed in hurricane-prone areas of the United States, both coastal and interior areas, will also be influenced by the RCPs. The numerical methodology for computing wind speed probability distribution in a future warming climate, influenced by the various RCP scenarios, is subsequently coupled with an existing approach for structural performance analysis against wind hazards to predict the indirect effect of future warming climate on the structural intervention costs (i.e. repair costs), induced by the damaging winds. A 180-m tall benchmark building, located in Miami (Florida, USA), is used as one example of application in conjunction with a series of structural fragility curves, derived from a recent study for the same structure. The evaluation of lifetime intervention costs is later expanded to demonstrate the ability of the proposed methodology to predict hurricane wind damage, if the location of the structure is moved to several other cities along the Atlantic coast of the United States.
Sterility of the uterine cavity

Bacteriologic study of the cervix prior to hysterectomy and of the endometrium immediately after hysterectomy in 78 patients showed that (1) pathogens could be recovered from the cervix in most patients despite extensive vaginal preparation with antibacterial agents and (2) pathogens were cultured from the endometrium in only 6 per cent of these patients. The study shows that the uterine cavity is usually sterile. The presence of carcinoma of the cervix may predispose to microbial invasion of the uterine cavity (4 of 5 cases in this series). No other pathologic condition was found to be related to contamination of the uterine cavity.
On the $$L_p$$ L p norms of kernel regression estimators for incomplete data with applications to classification

We consider kernel methods to construct nonparametric estimators of a regression function based on incomplete data. To tackle the presence of incomplete covariates, we employ Horvitz–Thompson-type inverse weighting techniques, where the weights are the selection probabilities. The unknown selection probabilities are themselves estimated using (1) kernel regression, when the functional form of these probabilities are completely unknown, and (2) the least-squares method, when the selection probabilities belong to a known class of candidate functions. To assess the overall performance of the proposed estimators, we establish exponential upper bounds on the $$L_p$$ norms, $$1\le p<\infty $$ , of our estimators; these bounds immediately yield various strong convergence results. We also apply our results to deal with the important problem of statistical classification with partially observed covariates.
A Computerized Ultrasound Processing, Acquisition and Display (CUPAD) System: Research in Ultrasound Image Generation

In this paper we would like to outline the philosophy of our research program at the University of Kansas Medical Center and describe the structure of our research imaging system. The next two presentations will outline some of our hardware and software accomplishments and give initial clinical appraisal of our first images.
Three dimensional tumor models for cancer studies.

Abstract It is well recognized that one of the major drawbacks of using traditional two dimensional cultures to model the living systems is inaccurately reflecting the physiological manner in which modulators, nutrients, oxygen, and metabolites are applied and removed. Moreover, the two dimensional culture system poorly reflects how different cell types interact with each other in the same microenvironment. Since the first global development of three dimensional (3D) cell culture techniques in the late 1960s, this last decade has seen an explosion of studies to promote 3D models in the fields of regenerative medicine and cancer. The recent surge of interest in 3D cell culture in cancer research is attributable to the interest in developing closer to real life models. The ability to include various cell types and extracellular components reflect more the physiological conditions of tumor microenvironment. In this short review, we will discuss different approaches of 3D culture system models and techniques with a focus on the 3D interactions of cancer cells with stromal cells in the goal to reevaluate old and develop new therapeutics.
Coupled mesoscale-LES modeling of a diurnal cycle during the CWEX-13 field campaign: From weather to boundary-layer eddies

Multiscale modeling of a diurnal cycle of real-world conditions is presented for the first time, validated using data from the CWEX-13 field experiment. Dynamical downscaling from synoptic-scale down to resolved three-dimensional eddies in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) was performed, spanning 4 orders of magnitude in horizontal grid resolution: from 111 km down to 8.2 m (30 m) in stable (convective) conditions. Computationally efficient mesoscale-to-microscale transition was made possible by the generalized cell perturbation method with time-varying parameters derived from mesoscale forcing conditions, which substantially reduced the fetch to achieve fully developed turbulence. In addition, careful design of the simulations was made to inhibit the presence of under-resolved convection at convection-resolving mesoscale resolution and to ensure proper turbulence representation in stably-stratified conditions. Comparison to in situ wind-profiling lidar and near-surface sonic anemometer measurements demonstrated the ability to reproduce the ABL structure throughout the entire diurnal cycle with a high degree of fidelity. The multiscale simulations exhibit realistic atmospheric features such as convective rolls and global intermittency. Also, the diurnal evolution of turbulence was accurately simulated, with probability density functions of resolved turbulent velocity fluctuations nearly identical to the lidar measurements. Explicit representation of turbulence in the stably-stratified ABL was found to provide the right balance with larger scales, resulting in the development of intra-hour variability as observed by the wind lidar; this variability was not captured by the mesoscale model. Moreover, multiscale simulations improved mean ABL characteristics such as horizontal velocity, vertical wind shear, and turbulence.
Tumors of the orbit Pitfalls of the surgical approach in 37 children with orbital tumor

The authors review their experience with 37 children with orbital tumors, summarizing their surgical techniques, the indications applied, and the pitfalls of each surgical approach. Tumors located in the retro-ocular or intraorbital space were surgically excised through a transcranial approach (28 cases), while for tumors in other sites lateral orbitotomy (5 cases), medial orbitotomy (1 case) and biopsy (3 cases) were performed. A transcranial approach was used for tumors with intracranial extension and for those located in the orbital apex and deep medial orbital compartment. Lateral orbitotomy was used for tumors located in the superior, temporal or inferior compartment of the orbit and those in the lateral apex. A medial orbitotomy was used for tumors located medial to the optic nerve. Outcomes of the surgical intervention varied, depending on the pathology, location and extent of the individual tumors. To obtain optimal exposure and minimize functional deficits, the pitfalls of surgical approaches to orbital tumors are discussed.
Kalman filter with diffusion strategies for detecting power grid false data injection attacks

Electronic power grid is a distributed network used for transferring electricity and power from power plants to consumers. Based on sensor readings and control system signals, power grid states are measured and estimated. As a result, most conventional attacks, such as denial-of-service attacks and random attacks, could be found by using the Kalman filter. However, false data injection attacks are designed against state estimation models. Currently, distributed Kalman filtering is proved effective in sensor networks for detection and estimation problems. Since meters are distributed in smart power grids, distributed estimation models can be used. Thus in this paper, we propose a diffusion Kalman filter for the power grid to have a good performance in estimating models and to effectively detect false data injection attacks.
Control and Simulation of Coherent Array Modes in Vertical Cavity Laser Arrays

A 3x1 vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser array is resonantly tuned to multiple coherent modes. Experimental near-field and far-field coherent modes profiles are characterized and simulated. The center element bias demonstrates control of the coherent mode.
Future Directions in Esophageal Cancer

In the near future, patients may benefit from targeted therapies such as HER2 directed therapy and immunotherapy. We still need to have a better understanding of the biology of esophageal cancer, the tumor immune microenvironment, and molecular alterations, in order to determine a tailored multimodality approach.
The devil is in the details: Assessing treatment and outcomes of 6,795 patients undergoing remedial parathyroidectomy in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program

Background Multi-institutional data describing remedial parathyroidectomy compared with index parathyroidectomy are scarce. Methods Using data in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (2014–2017), baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing remedial parathyroidectomy versus index parathyroidectomy were examined using bivariate and multivariate methods. Rates of hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia at ≥ 180 days were assessed. Results Among 6,795 patients, 367 (5.4%) underwent remedial parathyroidectomy. A single localization study was done in 24.8% versus 26.9% of remedial parathyroidectomy versus index parathyroidectomy (P = .37). Patients undergoing remedial parathyroidectomy had higher rates of preoperative laryngoscopy (45.5% versus 6.2%, P Conclusion This is the first multi-institutional examination of remedial parathyroidectomy outcomes in the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program. Nerve injury rates are low; high rates of hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia suggest potential opportunities to refine the preoperative and intraoperative management of patients undergoing remedial parathyroidectomy.
Twin epidemics: The surging rise of methamphetamine use in chronic opioid users

Abstract Background/aims: Recent supply-side efforts enacted to curb the opioid epidemic have had both positive (i.e., prescription opioid abuse is on the decline) and negative outcomes (i.e., shifts to other drugs). Given methamphetamine is notably increasing in use across the United States, we sought to understand whether use of methamphetamine has increased among opioid users and whether there is an association between these two epidemics. Methods: Patients (N = 13,521) entering drug treatment programs across the United States completed an anonymous survey of drug use patterns from 2011 to 2017. A subset of these patients (N = 300) was also interviewed to add context and expand on the structured survey. Results: Past month use of methamphetamine significantly increased among treatment-seeking opioid users (+82.6%, p Conclusions: Our studies show that there has been a marked increase in the past month use of methamphetamine in individuals with a primary indication of opioid use disorder. Qualitative data indicated that methamphetamine served as an opioid substitute, provided a synergistic high, and balanced out the effects of opioids so one could function “normally”. Our data suggest that, at least to some extent, efforts limiting access to prescription opioids may be associated with an increase in the use of methamphetamine.
Deforestation impacts network co-occurrence patterns of microbial communities in Amazon soils

Co-occurrence networks allow for the identification of potential associations among species, which may be important for understanding community assembly and ecosystem functions. We employed this strategy to examine prokaryotic co-occurrence patterns in the Amazon soils and the response of these patterns to land use change to pasture, with the hypothesis that altered microbial composition due to deforestation will mirror the co-occurrence patterns across prokaryotic taxa. In this study, we calculated Spearman correlations between operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and only robust correlations were considered for network construction (-0.80 ≥ P ≥ 0.80, adjusted P < 0.01). The constructed network represents distinct forest and pasture components, with altered compositional and topological features. A comparative analysis between two representative modules of these contrasting ecosystems revealed novel information regarding changes to metabolic pathways related to nitrogen cycling. Our results showed that soil physicochemical properties such as temperature, C/N and H++Al3+ had a significant impact on prokaryotic communities, with alterations to network topologies. Taken together, changes in co-occurrence patterns and physicochemical properties may contribute to ecosystem processes including nitrification and denitrification, two important biogeochemical processes occurring in tropical forest systems.
Combating Vaccine Hesitancy with Vaccine-Preventable Disease Familiarization: An Interview and Curriculum Intervention for College Students.

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed vaccine hesitancy in its top ten threats to global health. Vaccine hesitancy is a “delay in acceptance or refusal to vaccinate despite availability of vaccination services”. Urban areas with large amounts of vaccine hesitancy are at risk for the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Many vaccine-hesitant (VH) parents may be unfamiliar with the consequences of VPDs, and thus might be swayed when confronted with the symptoms and dangers of VPDs. As such, we sought to educate college students (future parents) in an urban vaccine-hesitant hotspot by assigning them to interview family or community members who had experienced a VPD. Student vaccine attitudes were assessed by surveys before and after the interviews. Vaccine-hesitant students who conducted a VPD interview but received no additional vaccine educational materials were significantly more likely (interaction term p < 0.001) to become pro-vaccine (PV) (68%) than students who conducted an autoimmune interview and received no additional educational materials. Additionally, students whose interviewees experienced intense physical suffering or physical limitations or students who were enrolled in a course with intensive VPD and vaccine curriculum had significantly increased vaccine attitudes. This suggests that introducing students to VPDs can decrease vaccine hesitancy.
Operative Setup up and Positioning

Initially a limited diagnostic adjunct, hip arthroscopy is now a safe and effective tool that can be used to treat a number of intra-articular and extra-articular hip pathologies. Multiple factors influence the outcomes of these procedures, including etiology and presence of concomitant degenerative joint disease. While these factors are often beyond the control of the operating surgeon, a routine and streamlined operating room setup can help optimize surgical efficiency and familiarize the operative team with the surgical procedure. Moreover, understanding the ways in which patients can be positioned and the ways hip distraction can be obtained—as well as the risks therein—can help avoid pitfalls in a procedure with an inherently steep learning curve. By controlling operative setup and patient positioning, surgeons can limit variability, more quickly expand the array of procedures offered and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Synthesizing distributed constrained events from transactional workflow specifications

Workflows are the semantically appropriate composite activities in heterogeneous computing environments. Such environments typically comprise a great diversity of locally autonomous databases, applications and interfaces. Much good research has focused on the semantics of workflows and how to capture them in different extended transaction models. We address the complementary issues pertaining to how workflows may be declaratively specified and how distributed constraints may be derived from those specifications to enable local control, thus obviating a centralized scheduler. Previous approaches to this problem were limited and often lacked a formal semantics.
Prediction of the launching behaviour of a free-fall lifeboat

The paper is focussed on determination of the trajectory of the free-fall boat and dynamic forces acting upon its occupants to minimize the risk of an injury. A software package for predicting the behaviour of the boat during launching has been developed on the basis of the mathematical model of the launching motion. The simulation procedure, when used in course of design, makes it possible to improve the hull shape and properly position the seats to ensure minimum load exerted upon the occupants. The described procedure was verified in course of model tests and by measurements taken during tests of prototypes.
Moving Toward Digital Equity in the Technopolis

While the vast majority of residents in cities have access to the internet at home, many remain under-connected due to limited data or speed, cost barriers, insufficient digital devices or lack of tech support or digital skills. This negatively impacts the economic mobility, academic performance and social inclusion of low-income students and families. This chapter provides examples of how six cities in the United States have successfully addressed these challenges. All six cities meet the criteria of a technopolis, and each leveraged the strength offered by a technopolis through the development of innovative local policies and collaborative community action. The chapter also describes how policies developed at the state and national level may support technopolis cities in their efforts to move toward digital equity.
Prone Positioning in Awake, Nonintubated Patients With COVID-19 Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure.

This cohort study investigates whether the prone position is associated with improved oxygenation and decreased risk for intubation in spontaneously breathing patients with severe COVID-19 hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Transdermal Asenapine in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review.

Background Asenapine is a novel antipsychotic that has demonstrated efficacy in controlling psychosis in schizophrenia and mania in bipolar illness. It must be administered as a sublingual formulation because it is nearly completely metabolized in the first pass through the liver. Recently, a transdermal formulation of asenapine has been approved for schizophrenia by the Food and Drug Administration. Methods A systematic review of transdermal asenapine was done utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model. Discussion There are several formulations of transdermal asenapine but only Secuado® has been approved for clinical use. Total bioavailability is 35%. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax) is 4 ng/mL and occurs within 1 hr (Tmax); elimination half-life (t1/2) is 24 hrs (range 13.4 to 39.2 h). Asenapine is highly bound (95%) to albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein. It has a unique receptor profile in which it functions as an antagonist at multiple receptors with affinity that is higher than D2 (Ki = 1.3) including D3, D4, 5HT2A, 5HT2C, 5HT2B, 5HT7, 5HT6, H1, and α2. This profile suggests that asenapine may be of particular value off label for bipolar depression, anxiety, and aggression. Transdermal asenapine was only tested in one randomized, placebo-controlled study of acute psychosis in schizophrenia. It was superior to placebo at week 6 with nearly one-third of patients experiencing >30% improvement in total PANSS score which translates in a number needed to treat (NNT) of 9.
Yttrium-90 radiation segmentectomy for hepatic metastases: A multi-institutional study of safety and efficacy

Background and objectives This study assessed the outcomes of Yttrium-90 (90 Y) radiation segmentectomy for hepatic metastases unamenable to resection or ablation. Materials and methods Over 6 years, 36 patients with 53 tumors underwent segmental radioembolization. Patients were not candidates for surgical resection or thermal ablation. Malignancies included metastases from colorectal cancer (31%), neuroendocrine tumors (28%), sarcoma (19%), and others (22%). Eighty-one percent of patients had undergone prior treatment with systemic chemotherapy. Ongoing systemic chemotherapy was continued. Toxicity, tumor response, tumor progression, and survival were assessed. Results The median tumor size was 3.6 cm (range 1.2-6.1 cm). Adverse event rates were low, with no hepatic-related Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Target tumor Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors disease control rate was 92% (28% partial response, 64% stable disease). For patients with enhancing tumors (n = 14), modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors target tumor objective response rate was 100%. During a median follow-up of 12 months, target tumor progression occurred in 28% of treated tumors. Overall survival was 96% and 83% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions 90 Y radiation segmentectomy for hepatic metastases demonstrates high rates of tumor control and minimal toxicity. Radiation segmentectomy should be considered for patients with metastatic hepatic malignancy who are not candidates for surgical resection.
Assessing Caregiver Stress and Coping at Time of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis

Research and practice emphasize the importance of family involvement in early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, in order to address the unique and diverse challenges of families, support and resources may need to be prescribed on a case-by-case basis. This article suggests ways early intervention programs can assess parent stress, self-efficacy and disability specific knowledge at time of ASD diagnosis to inform family centered intervention programs with attention to individualized support for children with ASD and their families. A variety of assessment tools are provided with rationale for their use of results to inform program intervention and service plans for families of young children with ASD.
Effects of Minimum Cementitious Paste Volume and Blended Aggregates on Compressive Strength and Surface Resistivity of Portland Limestone Cement Concrete

AbstractPortland limestone cement (PLC) has been used in all classes of concrete in Florida since 2017. In order to comprehensively use PLC, this study investigates the effects of cementitious past...
Chronic Candidates: Understanding How Politicians Framed Support for Marijuana Legalization During the 2018 Midterm Elections

This paper examines candidates who support marijuana legalization. Since 1996 when California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis with the passage of the Proposition 215, there have been a rising number of state legislatures taking up marijuana policy proposals across the country despite and clear conflict with federal law. This booming industry and cultural phenomenon creates a unique political economy issue that has remained understudied outside of a pure policy lens. Previous studies have addressed the effects of marijuana criminalization, economic components of legalization, and public opinion on legalization. However the question remains, how do political candidates strategically position themselves on the issues of marijuana legalization? More specifically, how do candidates frame marijuana legalization policy and rationalize their support? Using a comparative case study from the 2018 midterm election, I argue supportive political candidates are more likely to frame marijuana legalization as an economic development policy issue than as a social justice issue. This research expands understanding of how marijuana legalization is shaping political platforms and the future of progressive politics.
Should all patients receive the same prophylaxis? Racial variation in the risk of venous thromboembolism after major abdominal operations.

Abstract Background Whether prevention strategy for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) should be tailored across racial groups remains unknown. Methods Patients who underwent major abdominal operation in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) were examined. Our primary outcome was postoperative VTE, and the secondary outcome was postoperative bleeding. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed and validated with the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Results 781,888 patients from NIS were analyzed. Overall VTE rate was 2.0%. Compared to White patients, Hispanic (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.93, p Conclusions The risk-benefit ratio of postoperative VTE prophylaxis for Asian patients is roughly three times higher than that for White patients, suggesting a tailored approach is necessary.
Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on Progression Along the HIV Care Continuum in Transgender Women.

Background Progression along the HIV care continuum has been a key focus for improving outcomes for people with HIV (PWH). Transgender women with HIV (TGWWH) have not made the same progress as their cisgender counterparts. Methods All PWH identifying as transgender women receiving care at our clinic from 1/1/2015 to 12/31/2019 were identified from the electronic health records (EHRs) using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Demographics, laboratory data, prescription of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), and visit history were abstracted from the EHR. Retention in care and viral suppression were defined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. The proportions of TGWWH who were consistently retained in care or virally suppressed over time were calculated using a binary response generalized mixed model including random effects and correlated errors. Results Of the 76 PWH identified by ICD codes, 2 were excluded for identifying as cisgender and 15 for insufficient records, leaving 59 TGWWH included for analysis. Patients were on average 35 years old and Black (86%), with a median CD4 count of 464 cells/µL. There were 13 patients on GAHT at study entry and 31 receiving GAHT at any point during the study period. Fifty-five percent were virally suppressed at study entry and 86% at GAHT initiation. The proportion of TGWWH who were consistently virally suppressed over time was greater among those receiving GAHT compared with those who were not (P = .04). Conclusions Rates of viral suppression were significantly greater among TGWWH receiving GAHT when compared with those who were not. More research to evaluate the reasons behind this effect is needed.
Repeat Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation Outcomes in Adults With Chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

ObjectiveWith increased focus on surgical management of the eustachian tube, clarifying management decisions benefits patients and surgeons. In this study, we examine the value of repeating the bal...
Post-locoregional Therapy Imaging of the Liver

In patients with non-resectable malignant liver tumors, therapy may include systemic chemotherapy or locoregional therapy. Locoregional therapy may decrease, stabilize, or increase the size of these tumors, depending on the specific approach taken. As a result, the assessment of response to locoregional therapy requires familiarity with the appearance of tumors after each type of therapy. New guidelines are being developed in order to better evaluate tumor response to specific therapies. This chapter will discuss the imaging findings of hepatic tumors undergoing locoregional therapy and the methods of assessing response to therapy.
A Risk-Driven Approach to Designing Privacy-Enhanced Secure Applications

In the context of authorization in distributed systems, security and privacy often seem at odds. Privacy goals motivate the use of privacy-enhanced forms of authorization such as attribute-based, anonymous authorization; the need to identify misbehaving users calls for either identity-based authorization or identity escrow allowing re-identification of users.
NEIGHBORHOODS AND MENTAL HEALTH TRAJECTORIES OF LOW‐INCOME MOTHERS

Research has demonstrated a correlation between living in a low-income neighborhood and mental health. However, neighborhood variables affecting mental health and the extent they serve as risk or protective factors are not well understood. Using longitudinal data from a representative sample of low-income mothers from the Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three City Study, the trajectories of total mental health, depression, somatization, and anxiety from the Brief Symptom's Inventory are assessed. Then, the effects of two neighborhood concepts–collective efficacy and neighborhood problems–on mental health trajectories are assessed. Results indicate that total mental health, depression, somatization, and anxiety all decrease in this sample over time. Perceiving one's neighborhood to be high in collective efficacy is predictive of healthier trajectories. The presence of neighborhood problems is associated with declines in mental health trajectories. Findings demonstrate the need to address neighborhood conditions to improve mental health for low-income mothers living in low-income neighborhoods.
Vaginal and cervical pH in normal women and in patients with vaginitis.

Abstract The normal cyclic changes of the vaginal and cervical pH corroborate the results previously reported. The gradual increase in the vaginal pH from smear Grade I through III is of little practical clinical importance. The importance of the vaginal pH in the treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis is discussed. The finding of trichomonads in an otherwise normal patient does not mean that treatment is indicated.