cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defining Ethnic Enclave and Its Associations with Self-Reported Health Outcomes Among Asian American Adults in New York City

Evidence on ethnic enclave-health associations for Asian Americans is limited due to an inconsistent definition of ethnic enclave. The authors aimed to establish a robust criterion for defining Asian enclaves in New York City (NYC) and assessed the association between enclave residence and health outcomes among Asian American adults. Data came from 2009-2012 NYC Community Health Surveys and 2008-2012 American Community Survey. Asian enclave was defined as an area with high dissimilarity and isolation scores as well as high concentration of Asians. Five of 55 NYC community districts were identified as Asian enclaves. After controlling for confounding, enclave residence was associated with positive perception of general health with borderline significance (prevalence ratio = 1.06, 95 % CI 0.98, 1.15), but not with current smoking, hypertension, and diabetes. Ethnic enclave residence in urban areas may not produce a substantial impact on chronic health outcomes for Asian Americans beyond individual-level factors.
Gentamicin in the Management of Thermal Injuries

greatest threat to survival for the patient who has suffered an extensive burn. The past 20 years have witnessed the control of gram-positive organisms by a group of specific antistaphylococcal drugs which are now effective against the resistant staphylococci which emerged after the early widespread use of penicillin. This effective suppression of the gram-positive flora in the hospital environment has, however, resulted in the emergence of a group of gram-negative bacteria which have until recently been resistant to most available antibiotics [1]. The clinical pictures associated with invasive infection secondary to predominantly gram-positive and gram-negative burn wound sepsis differ from one another. Patients suffering from grampositive invasive infection show early dissolution of granulation tissue, have an insidious course lasting from 2 to 6 days, are severely disoriented and hyperpyrexic, and display a moderate to severe degree of gastrointestinal ileus. Hypotension followed by oliguria is also characteristic of this syndrome. The laboratory findings show a marked elevation in the white blood count, in contrast to a leukopenia seen in those patients suffering from overwhelming gram-negative sepsis.
Regressions with Discrete Dependent Variables: The Effect on R2

0.5 to 7.5. Whenever it falls in the range 0.5 to 1.5, the subject checks Level 1; from 1.5 to 2.5, he checks Level 2, and so on. This procedure gives a perfect scaling technique. The assumption of a perfect model is merely that when the true attribute has a value x (anywhere in the continuum from 0.5 to 7.5), the model predicts this same value. The question is now very simple, since correlation between the true attribute value and the predicted value has been defined as 1.0. However, what
The psilopezioid fungi. I. History, nomenclature, and delimitation of the psilopezioid genera

A list of the psilopezioid genera is given with nomenclatural and taxonomic comments. The genera Pachyella and Psilopezia are accepted and an emended circumscription is provided. Psilopezia is treated as a member of the tribe Otideeae in the Pyronemataceae and Pachyella as a member of the Pezizaceae. A key to the genera of psilopezioid fungi, Psilopezia, Pachyella, lodophanus, Thecotheus, Peiziza, and "Peziza" lechithina, is included.
A Cross-Domain Exploration of Performance Benefits and Costs of Idiosyncratic Deals

Drawing on justice theory and the side-bet theory of commitment, we explored the nuanced relationship between idiosyncratic deals and outcomes. We developed a model that posits affective commitment as a mediator between idiosyncratic deals and positive work outcomes, whereas continuance commitment mediates the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and negative nonwork domain outcomes. Furthermore, we hypothesized moderated mediation in that the employee’s assessment of organizational justice will moderate the relationship between idiosyncratic deals and continuance commitment, which in turn influences the nonwork domain outcomes. Data collected from 182 employee–manager dyads indicated support for our conceptual model. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of how to manage both the benefits and the costs of idiosyncratic deals.
Effect of patient controlled epidural analgesia on breast-feeding and newborn neurological and adaptive capacity in parturient after cesarean section

Objective To evaluate the influence of patient controlled epidural analgesia(PCEA) on breast-feeding and neurological and adaptive capacity score(NACS) in parturient after cesarean section.Methods 128 healthy parturients after cesarean section were assigned to the experimental group(n=68) and the control group(n=60).The experimental group received PCEA and control group without PCEA.Breastfeeding and neonatal neurological and adaptive capacity situation were observed.Results Comparing with the control group,there was a significant changes in breast-feeding times within 24 h postpartum lactation with statistical difference(P0.05);both group NACS at each time point were more than 35 points,there was no statistical difference(P0.05).Conclusion PCEA after cesarean section can significantly improve the success rate of breastfeeding without significant affects on newborn behavior,which can be safely used in clinic.
Colorectal cancer and molecular targeted agents: progress--with caveats.

Progress in the area of targeted therapies for colorectal cancer has come slowly and with some difficulty.
The history of Kienböck's disease.

The history of Kienbock's disease is outlined from its description in 1910 in Europe, to its acceptance as a disease entity in the United States, to the advent of therapeutic surgical treatment in 1950. The concepts developed during this period, such as the association of ulnar variance and Kienbock's disease, are the basis for many of the present day surgical interventions performed.
Protein phosphatase 1 abrogates IRF7-mediated type I IFN response in antiviral immunity.

Interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) plays a key role in the production of IFN-α in response to viral infection, and phosphorylation at IRF7 C-terminal serine sites is prelude to its function. However, phosphatases that negatively regulate IRF7 phosphorylation and activity have not been reported. In this study, we have identified a conserved protein phosphatase 1 (PP1)-binding motif in human and mouse IRF7 proteins, and shown that PP1 physically interacts with IRF7. Exogenous expression of PP1 subunits (PP1α, β, or γ) ablates IKKe-stimulated IRF7 phosphorylation and dramatically attenuates IRF7 transcriptional activity. Inhibition of PP1 activity significantly increases IRF7 phosphorylation and IRF7-mediated IFN-α production in response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection or Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) challenge, leading to impaired viral replication. In addition, IFN treatment, TLR challenges and viral infection induce PP1 expression. Our findings disclose for the first time a pivotal role for PP1 in impeding IRF7-mediated IFN-α production in host immune responses.
Capacidad estatal, justicia criminal y derechos políticos: nueva mirada al debate sobre la violencia contra las mujeres en política

Genero, violencia, derechos politicos, derechos electorales, mujeres, delincuencia, impunidad, gender, violence, political rights, electoral rights, women, criminality, impunity
Microstructural Evolution Of The Initial Phase Formation Of Cobalt Silicide With An Ultra-Thin Titanium Layer

Inserting a titanium layer between cobalt and silicon can control the phase formation sequence for cobalt silicide. In this study we show that sputtered Ti combines with surface oxide to form a stable permeable membrane <20A thick. Below 500°C, the restricted diffusion of Co and Si through this interlayer allows Co2Si and CoSi2 to form above and below the interlayer, respectively. Because the interlayer is very thin, the type of substrate doping dominates the reaction sequence at higher temperatures. Given sufficient cobalt supply, at 500-600°C the initial phases transform to CoSi for an n-type Si substrate. For a p-type substrate the Co2Si phase converts to CoSi while the bottom CoSi2 phase remains stable. Above 650°C, the deposited cobalt fully converts to the final CoSi2 phase.
The Case for Biocalculus: Design, Retention, and Student Performance.

Models for developing and implementing biology-oriented Calculus I courses at two institutions are presented. These courses are aligned with Vision and Change curriculum recommendations and maintai...
Polarizable crystals in apocrine sweat gland tumors: A series of 3 cases

Polarizable calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals have been well documented in breast biopsies, generally associated with benign apocrine metaplasia. In contrast, polarizable crystals are only rarely reported in skin adnexal neoplasms. We report three different cases of sweat gland tumors with polarizable crystals morphologically suggestive of CaOx: 1 apocrine hidrocystoma and 2 tubular apocrine adenomas. The histologic features were examined in 3 cases. Clinical presentation summary included 2 males and 1 female, ages 53 to 74, with lesions located on the left cheek, inferior vertex scalp and the left eyebrow. All three cases showed polarizable, geometric, plate-like and fractured, colorless crystals within the lumens of the neoplasm. Of note, these crystals were seen only on the toluidine blue-stained section of Case #1, but were not present on the corresponding permanent section. We hypothesize that polarizable crystals may be present in sweat gland neoplasms more often than previously documented, but that they may often dissolve with routine processing, accounting for their rare visibility. We highlight this rare finding, and suggest that it may be underreported. We only noted this finding in benign apocrine tumors; further investigation would be necessary to determine whether these crystals are also seen in other cutaneous adnexal neoplasms.
Bacterial community profiles and Vibrio parahaemolyticus abundance in individual oysters and their association with estuarine ecology

Oysters naturally harbor the human gastric pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus, but the nature of this association is unknown. Because microbial interactions could influence the accumulation of V. parahaemolyticus in oysters, we investigated the composition of the microbiome in water and oysters at two ecologically unique sites in the Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire using 16s rRNA profiling. We then evaluated correlations between bacteria inhabiting the oyster with V. parahaemolyticus abundance quantified using a most probable number (MPN) analysis. Even though oysters filter-feed, their microbiomes were not a direct snapshot of the bacterial community in overlaying water, suggesting they selectively accumulate some bacterial phyla. The microbiome of individual oysters harvested more centrally in the bay were relatively more similar to each other and had fewer unique phylotypes, but overall more taxonomic and metabolic diversity, than the microbiomes from tributary-harvested oysters that were individually more variable with lower taxonomic and metabolic diversity. Oysters harvested from the same location varied in V. parahaemolyticus abundance, with the highest abundance oysters collected from one location. This study, which to our knowledge is the first of its kind to evaluate associations of V. parahaemolyticus abundance with members of individual oyster microbiomes, implies that sufficient sampling and depth of sequencing may reveal microbiome members that could impact V. parahaemolyticus abundance.
Determining potential adverse effects in marine fish exposed to pharmaceuticals and personal care products with the fish plasma model and whole-body tissue concentrations☆

The Fish Plasma Model (FPM) was applied to water exposure and tissue concentrations in fish collected from two wastewater treatment plant impacted estuarine sites. In this study we compared predicted fish plasma concentrations to Cmax values for humans, which represents the maximum plasma concentration for the minimum therapeutic dose. The results of this study show that predictions of plasma concentrations for a variety of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) from effluent concentrations resulted in 37 compounds (54%) exceeding the response ratio (RR = Fish [Plasma]/1%Cmaxtotal) of 1 compared to 3 compounds (14%) detected with values generated with estuarine receiving water concentrations. When plasma concentrations were modeled from observed whole-body tissue residues, 16 compounds out of 24 detected for Chinook (67%) and 7 of 14 (50%) for sculpin resulted in an RRtissue value greater than 1, which highlights the importance of this dose metric over that using estuarine water. Because the tissue residue approach resulted in a high percentage of compounds with calculated response ratios exceeding a value of unity, we believe this is a more accurate representation for exposure in the field. Predicting plasma concentrations from tissue residues improves our ability to assess the potential for adverse effects in fish because exposure from all sources is captured. Tissue residues are also more likely to represent steady-state conditions compared to those from water exposure because of the inherent reduction in variability usually observed for field data and the time course for bioaccumulation. We also examined the RR in a toxic unit approach to highlight the importance of considering multiple compounds exhibiting a similar mechanism of action.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria in Pregnancy: A Dilemma in Treatment and Thromboprophylaxis

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a hematologic disorder characterized by an acquired somatic mutation in the phosphatidylinositol glycan class A gene which leads to a higher risk for increased venous and arterial thrombosis. Current treatment for PNH includes eculizumab. Pregnant patients who have PNH have higher risk for thrombosis and hemorrhage with both pregnancy and their underlying PNH. Treatment frequently poses conundrum. The safety and efficacy of eculizumab during pregnancy and breast feeding have not been extensively studied and contraception has been recommended due to potential for teratogenicity. We present a case of a patient who was safely on both eculizumab and modest prophylactic anticoagulation for 6 weeks post-partum.
Postoperative Spine Dressing Changes Are Unnecessary.

Abstract Introduction There is minimal literature regarding when dressing changes should be performed. We present the dressing change protocol adopted by our institution. The purpose of this study was to provide an update of our experience with this dressing change protocol over a 15-year period. Methods Effective January 2005, we implemented our universal protocol of no dressing changes for five days after surgery. Reviewing a health system administrative database, all spine surgery cases involving instrumentation performed at our institution were captured. Surgical site infection (SSI) cases: superficial, deep, and organ space as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), were identified by reviewing an infection control database. Fisher exact test was used to compare SSI rates in all instrumented fusion cases from January 1999 to December 2004 (prior to implementation of the dressing change protocol) to those from January 2005 to December 2013 (after the protocol was initiated). Results A total of 8,631 instrumented spine fusions were performed at a single institution from 1999 to 2013. Overall, after instituting our universal no-dressing-change protocol, SSI rates for all cervical, thoracic, and lumbar instrumented cases combined decreased from 3.9% (97/2473) to 0.93% (57/6158) (p Conclusion Dressing changes in the immediate postoperative period are not necessary. Applying a sterile dressing in the operating room may serve as a barrier to nosocomial pathogens during hospitalization. Our data suggest this dressing change protocol may lead to reduced SSI risk. Leaving the original postoperative surgical dressing intact is safe, simple, and cost-effective.
Sleep indices and eating behaviours in young adults: Findings from Project EAT

Objective To test the associations between sleep indices and eating behaviours in young adults, a group vulnerable to suboptimal sleep. Design Cross-sectional analysis of survey measures of sleep (i.e. time in bed, variability, timing and quality) and dietary patterns (i.e. breakfast skipping, eating at fast-food restaurants, consumption of sports and energy drinks, and sugar-free, sugar-sweetened and caffeinated beverages). Setting Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota (USA). Subjects A total of 1854 respondents (20-30 years, 55·6 % female) from the 2008-2009 survey conducted for the third wave of the population-based Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) study. Results After adjustment for demographic and behavioural covariates in linear regression models, those who went to bed after 00.30 hours consumed 0·3 more servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per day, consumed 1·7 times more energy drinks, skipped breakfast 1·8 more times per week and consumed fast food 0·3 more times per week compared with those who went to bed before 22.30 hours. Reported sleep quality in the lowest (Q1) v. highest (Q3) tertile was associated with more intake of energy drinks (Q3 v. Q1, prevalence ratio, 95 % CI: 1·79, 1·24, 2·34), sports drinks (1·28, 1·00, 1·55) and breakfast skipping (adjusted mean, 95 % CI: Q1: 4·03, 3·81, 4·26; Q3: 3·43, 3·17, 3·69). Time in bed and sleep variability were associated with few eating behaviours. Conclusions Some, but not all, sleep indices were related to problematic eating behaviours. Sleep habits may be important to address in interventions and policies that target improvements in eating patterns and health outcomes.
Fluorination increases the electron mobility of zinc azadipyrromethene-based electron acceptors and enhances the performance of fullerene-free organic solar cells

Structure–property studies were performed on a series of four fluorinated zinc azadipyrromethene derivatives. This series is based on bis[2,8-diphenylethynyl-1,3,7,9-tetraphenylazadipyrromethene]zinc(II) (Zn(WS3)2), with fluorine atoms at the para-position of either the proximal phenyls, the distal phenyls or the pyrrolic phenylethynyls, refered to as the proximal, distal and pyrrolic positions, respectively. In order to study the degree of fluorination, we also added –CF3 to the pyrrolic positions. All complexes had similar absorption spectra, 600–800 nm in films, complementing the absorption of the well-known donor poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). The chelates were tested in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices using P3HT as the electron donor. Compared to the unfluorinated acceptor Zn(WS3)2, fluorination increased the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in all cases except in the proximal position. The best results were obtained when either F or CF3 was added to the pyrrolic positions with PCEs of 3.3% and 3.7%. Atomic force microscopy images revealed a favorable phase separation and showed no signs of large-scale aggregation for all blends. Light intensity measurements revealed that bimolecular recombination limits the performance in these fullerene-free devices, and that the addition of fluorine suppressed the bimolecular recombination, with the largest suppression seen with the pyrrolic substitutions F and CF3. Electron mobility increased with fluorination, again with the largest increase when fluorines were added to the pyrrolic positions, reaching mobilities as high as ∼10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, on a par with electron mobility of the ubiquitous phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) acceptor in blends. These results point to the importance of the chemical composition of pyrrolic phenylethylnyls for optimizing the charge transport and device performance for these types of complexes.
Retargetting Legacy Browser Extensions to Modern Extension Frameworks

Most modern Web browsers export a rich API allowing third-party extensions to access privileged browser objects that can also be misused by attacks directed against vulnerable ones. Web browser vendors have therefore recently developed new extension frameworks aimed at better isolating extensions while still allowing access to privileged browser state. For instance Google Chrome extension architecture and Mozilla's Jetpack extension framework. We present Morpheus, a tool to port legacy browser extensions to these new frameworks. Specifically, Morpheus targets legacy extensions for the Mozilla Firefox browser, and ports them to the Jetpack framework. We describe the key techniques used by Morpheus to analyze and transform legacy extensions so that they conform to the constraints imposed by Jetpack and simplify runtime policy enforcement. Finally, we present an experimental evaluation of Morpheus by applying it to port 52 legacy Firefox extensions to the Jetpack framework.
Exploring tobacco control advocacy among Asian Pacific Islanders: using key informant interviews.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine and describe the types and level of tobacco control advocacy in which Asian Pacific Islander (API) community-based organizations were involved. METHODS: Key informant interviews with 57 API staff from 33 agencies in California were conducted in order to better understand the factors that promoted and prevented their tobacco control advocacy. FINDINGS: Only 26% of informants perceived their agencies were active in tobacco control advocacy. Thirty four percent (34%) described their involvements as "indirect," and 40% denied any involvement in tobacco control advocacy at all. When asked to describe the types of tobacco control activities in which they engaged, however, staff from thirty-one out of thirty-three agencies indicated that they had been involved in at least one tobacco policy activity in 1995, with 64% of agencies displaying high involvement in tobacco policy activities and only 32% displaying low involvement. CONCLUSIONS: While active tobacco control advocacy is vital to the passage and enforcement of public health laws, staff at community-based organizations face many barriers to such work. Of particular concern are staff fears regarding restricting lobbying, as well as API community fears of talking to government policymakers. Implications for methodology, future research, and tobacco policy advocacy are discussed.
A Cost–Benefit Analysis of Summer Reading Programs Implemented Under State Guidelines:

This study investigated the costs of different summer reading programs and compared costs to the benefits of summer school as a way to avoid retaining students not reading proficiently at the end o...
Coding patterns used by ophthalmologists for hydroxychloroquine retinal toxicity.

Purpose The aim of this study was to characterize International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) coding patterns used by ophthalmologists in clinical practice for hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinal toxicity. Design This is a retrospective cohort study. Subjects Patients enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California health plan who were dispensed HCQ between 2001 and 2014 were included in this study. Methods Patients' medical records were electronically searched for the following ICD-9 codes that can be used to characterize retinopathy or maculopathy: toxic maculopathy, non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), drusen (degenerative), and/or (other) background retinopathy. The charts of patients with these codes were then manually reviewed to determine which of these patients had been diagnosed by their ophthalmologists with HCQ retinopathy. Main outcome measures ICD-9 codes used to indicate HCQ toxicity. Results A total of 23,362 patients were dispensed HCQ between 2001 and 2014. Of whom, 678 (2.9%) patients received at least one of the aforementioned ICD-9 codes with 53 having confirmed HCQ toxicity on chart review. Forty-three patients who were taking HCQ received a diagnosis code for toxic maculopathy, and of whom, 35 (81.4%) had HCQ toxicity. Of the patients with confirmed HCQ toxicity, 32.1% received a code other than toxic maculopathy to connote the presence of disease. Conclusion Although toxic maculopathy is the most commonly used ICD-9 code to identify patients with HCQ toxicity, a significant number of patients with toxicity received other codes in their medical records. Additionally, almost one-fifth of the patients who were coded as having toxic maculopathy were ultimately not diagnosed with HCQ toxicity. This study underscores the often imprecise nature of ICD coding, especially in conditions without a specific associated code. The limitations of using coding information should also be considered when conducting research that utilizes electronic databases. Future investigations should determine how to improve database searches and methods to create more uniform coding standards among ophthalmologists, especially for rare conditions such as HCQ toxicity.
Patients with an extremely high prostate-specific antigen at prostate cancer diagnosis: A single institution analysis.

309Background: High prostate specific antigen (PSA) at diagnosis is associated with worse outcomes in patients (pt) with prostate cancer. However, treatment selection and clinical outcome in those ...
Displacement of Household Foods by Fortified Blended Flours versus Lipid-based Supplements in Complementary Feeding of Children Aged 6–23 Months in Burkina Faso (OR21-03-19)

Lipid-based nutritional supplements (LNS) and fortified blended flours (FBF) are widely used to increase the nutrient density of children's diets and improve their health, but studies of supplementation have shown relatively modest improvements in linear growth. One mediating factor could be displacement of other foods. This study used food frequency data from a supplementation trial that compared FBF to a lipid-based product. We hypothesized that FBFs, which are typically boiled and fed to the infant as porridge, would displace starchy staples more often than lipid-based supplements, which can be eaten directly by the child. We re-analyzed data from a cost-effectiveness trial designed to compare impacts on anthropometry among infants aged 6–23 months in Burkina Faso of three FBFs versus one LNS. Using food frequency dietary data from a single 24-hour recall period from the original study (n = 1612 children, observed once over 18-month study period), we fit logistic regression models to estimate differences in intake of each food group (grains, legumes and nuts, dairy, flesh foods, fruits and vegetables, vitamin A rich foods, and eggs), and used linear models to test for differences in a diet diversity score between children who received FBF and those who received LNS. We also tested for differences in breastfeeding time using the sub-sample for which that outcome was observed (n = 193). Children who consumed FBF were 54% less likely to consume the family's cereal grains than those who were fed LNS (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.73). Intake of other foods, diet diversity and breastfeeding time did not differ significantly between the two study arms. Fortified blended flours displaced the household's own cereal grains more than lipid-based supplements did, with no difference in the child's consumption of other more nutrient-rich family foods. Given limited stomach capacity and feeding time, providing fortified cereals can help improve children's overall diet quality in settings where children would otherwise be fed nutrient-poor starchy staples. United States Agency for International Development, Office of Food for Peace.
Validation and Refinement of a Steering Friction Increase Detection Algorithm Using Test Drive Data

The Electric Power Steering (EPS) System provides steering assist in conventional vehicle driving and is the main actuator for vehicle lateral control in active safety features. While the driver can sometimes compensate for reduced or loss of steering assist caused by EPS mechanical or electrical degradations, it may become very difficult to steer for larger vehicles. Furthermore, active safety functions cannot control the vehicle effectively for lateral motions without a healthy EPS system. Hence, comprehensive EPS system fault monitoring is essential for the next generation of vehicles. Previous works have utilized computer simulation and hardware-in-the-loop experiments to develop fault diagnosis and prognosis algorithms for electrical and mechanical failures in EPS systems. Using test drive data collected, this paper validates and refines a previously developed algorithm designed for detecting increases in EPS system internal mechanical friction. The data include 215 minutes of natural driving with different speeds and steering maneuvers. Noise factors such as tire type and level of friction introduced are also considered. The previous algorithm is refined to enhance performance addressing issues of time delays and parameter uncertainty specific to the previous model-based algorithm. Specifically, a Kalman filter-based joint state-parameter estimator that uses a simplified vehicle dynamic model is developed to provide a direct estimate of steering friction increase. Data collected from test drives indicate that the refined algorithm can robustly indicate a friction increase before an average human driver notices a difference in steering feel.
SiON waveguide and polymer waveguide for optical interconnects of silicon photonics

Silicon photonics provide many advantages to telecom, datacom, and high performance computer systems such as increase transmission distance, high data bandwidth and reduce energy consumption. In this paper, we present SiON taper waveguide (SiON-WG) as a mode converter between silicon waveguide (Si-WG) and polymer waveguide (P-WG) to keep coupling efficiency of $\pm 3 \mu m$ misalignment. The propagation loss of polymer waveguide is $0.72 dB/cm$ at 1310 nm using cut-back method on a straight waveguide. The process of polymer waveguide on silicon photonic (SiPh) chip and flip chip bonding of polymer waveguide chip to silicon photonic chip are developed. Bonding gap between SiON waveguide and polymer waveguide is improved to obtain high coupling efficiency.
A spatial Bayesian latent factor model for image-on-image regression.

Image-on-image regression analysis, using images to predict images, is a challenging task, due to (1) the high dimensionality and (2) the complex spatial dependence structures in image predictors and image outcomes. In this work, we propose a novel image-on-image regression model, by extending a spatial Bayesian latent factor model to image data, where low-dimensional latent factors are adopted to make connections between high-dimensional image outcomes and image predictors. We assign Gaussian process priors to the spatially varying regression coefficients in the model, which can well capture the complex spatial dependence among image outcomes as well as that among the image predictors. We perform simulation studies to evaluate the out-of-sample prediction performance of our method compared with linear regression and voxel-wise regression methods for different scenarios. The proposed method achieves better prediction accuracy by effectively accounting for the spatial dependence and efficiently reduces image dimensions with latent factors. We apply the proposed method to analysis of multimodal image data in the Human Connectome Project where we predict task-related contrast maps using subcortical volumetric seed maps.
A perspective on intelligent design of engineered materials and structures by interface mechanics

Abstract Engineering design of materials and structures has evolved radically from earliest employment of single phase materials with a focus on optimization of geometric shapes to recent multiphase materials with tactful integration and assembly in both geometric shapes and material domains. In these recent design concepts and strategies, the interfaces are crucial and leveraged to achieve properties and functionalities surpassing those of individual material/phase components and/or their simple superpositions. This perspective focuses on the underpinned interface mechanics view in which insights are essential to understand fundamentals of integration, tailoring and assembly of multiphase materials with diverse geometric layouts. The view also provides insights to enable creations of intelligent new design concepts and approaches of materials and structures capable of being readily manufactured with current technologies. Selected examples of engineered materials and structures enabled by either solid-solid or solid-liquid interactions are provided to highlight the driving role of interface mechanics in designs and to outlook the associated future opportunities and challenges.
Hepatic Steatosis is Associated with an Increased Risk of Postoperative Infections and Perioperative Transfusion Requirements in Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy.

To determine the impact of hepatic steatosis on perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing hepatectomy. We analyzed all hepatectomy patients with normal and fatty liver texture, between 2014 and 2018 using NSQIP. Main endpoints included perioperative transfusions (within 72 h) and infectious complications. A total of 8,237 patients underwent hepatectomy during the study period. The overall rate of fatty liver texture (FLG) was 31% (2,557). Operative duration was significantly longer; inflow occlusion was more common (Pringle maneuver), and the need of transfusions was significantly higher in the FLG compared to the normal liver group (NLG) (p = < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, patients in the FLG had increased risk of developing infectious complications (OR 1.22 [95%IC 1.05–1.41]) and transfusion requirements within 72 h after hepatectomy (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.24–1.63]). Hepatic steatosis is an independent risk factor for the development of infectious complications and increased perioperative transfusion requirements in patients undergoing hepatectomy. Those requiring transfusions within 72 h had also an increased risk of infections after hepatectomy.
Labyrinthine Input to Reticular Neurons

Publisher Summary Recently labyrinthine input to neurons of the medial pontobulbar reticular formation is discussed in this chapter. Experiments have been performed on cerebellectomized cats under chloralose-urethane anesthesia. The labyrinth and VIII nerve is activated by applying shocks to a pair of electrodes implanted in the scala vestibuli. Shock intensity is adjusted in order to produce large field potentials in the vestibular nuclei but no input to facial or cochlear nuclei is provided. In experiments that identified reticulospinal neurons by stimulating the spinal cord, it has been observed those short latency excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) and the inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP) in neurons is projected to both cervico-thoracic and lumbo-sacral levels.
FIR/IIR Filtering System Design

This chapter focuses on finite impulse response (FIR) and an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter, which are designed using the virtual instruments (Vis) as a part of the digital filter design (DFD) toolkit. A lowpass FIR filter is generally designed by providing the appropriate specifications as per requirement by using a DFD toolkit. The specifications of the filter are mentioned in the configuration dialog box. Additional information on the designed filter, such as phase, group delay, impulse response, unit response, frequency response, and zero or pole plot can be known by using the DFD filter analysis express virtual instrument (VI). Creating a filtering system VI consists of signal generation, filtering, and graphical output components. Three sinusoidal signals are summed and passed through the designed FIR filter and the resulting filtered signal is then displayed and verified. In an IIR filter, specifications are provided as per requirement and the design of an IIR filter is achieved by using the DFD classical filter design express VI. Various tools are used to compute coefficient sets of digital filters based on their specifications; these are explained in the chapter.
Sensor fusion and classification of acoustic signals using Bayesian networks

In order to maximize the probability of detection and classification of a sonar contact, particularly in an adverse acoustic environment such as shallow water, sensor fusion is critical because (1) one sensor type may not be sufficient to detect all target classes, and (2) the statistical properties of the sensor fusion algorithm enhance the classification performance beyond that achievable with the best individual sensor. We consider the problem of multiple sensor correlation and fusion using Bayesian networks in a hierarchical scheme, considering first two different active sonar waveforms, then combining active and passive sonar, and finally information from other sensors and sources.
Structural Constraints and Lived Realities: Negotiating Racial and Ethnic Identities for African Caribbeans in the United States

This study examines the racial and ethnic identity preferences of U.S.-born and foreign-born African Caribbeans, and the extent to which social contextual factors shape and alter these identities. ...
Disturbance attenuation properties for discrete-time uncertain switched linear systems

In this paper, we study a class of discrete-time switched linear systems affected by both parameter variations and additive l/sup /spl infin// bounded disturbances. The problem of determining upper bounds on the l/sup /spl infin// norm of the output is investigated. First, we study the condition under which the switched systems have finite l/sup /spl infin// induced gain. Secondly, the l/sup /spl infin// induced gain is calculated for such switched system under arbitrary switching signals. Thirdly, we answer the question whether there exists proper switching mechanism for such switched system to achieve a given disturbance attenuation level. The techniques are based on positive invariant set theory.
Carlink II: Research Approach and Early Findings

CarLink II is a commuter-based carsharing pilot project administered by the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Davis (ITS-Davis) in conjunction with Caltrans, American Honda Motor Company, and Caltrain. Partners for Advanced Transit and Highways (PATH) researchers are conducting the evaluation. Launched in Summer 2001, CarLink II continues the investigation of commuter-based carsharing that was originally explored in the 1998 CarLink longitudinal survey (Shaheen, 1999) and the 1999 CarLink I field test (Shaheen et al., 2000). Lessons learned during the CarLink I field test helped guide the project team’s design of the CarLink II project, resulting in several differences and improvements. The original CarLink I field test ran from January to November, 1999 and featured 54 individuals sharing 12 natural gas powered Honda Civics. The vehicles were based at the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station in Dublin/Pleasanton, the eastern terminus of the BART system. The shared cars were equipped with smart technologies including tracking, communication, and reservation systems to facilitate access and logistics. The model incorporated transit-based carsharing for traditional and reverse commute travel patterns, as well as a day-use fleet application, tested at a major employment centerthe Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL).
Gate-level design diagnosis using a learning-based search strategy

We propose a procedure for performing design error diagnosis at the gate level. The procedure is applicable to circuits having size parameters. It is based on the search strategy INCREDYBLE introduced before. The unique features of this procedure are that its performance does not deteriorate with circuit size, and that it is able to correct large numbers of errors present in the circuit at the same time. We demonstrate the procedure and provide experimental evidence of its effectiveness. >
In Praise of Parens Patriae

Likening public education to “the spiritual and moral darkness of State Absolutism,” Stephen Arons concludes his account of the culture of U.S. schooling with a provocative claim: “So long as individual dignity matters, the individual ought to control his own education; where the individual is too young to make an informed and voluntary choice, his parents ought to control it.” He then cites Pierce v. Society of Sisters, noting that “the courts have reiterated time and again the general principle that government control of socialization through schooling cannot be used...to make the child ‘the mere creature of the state.’”
Phenomenology and Ecological Systems Theory: Development of Diverse Groups

The theoretical framework addresses the life course human development of diverse groups. It acknowledges that all humans are vulnerable, and that patterned and unique outcome variations emerge given perception-linked and context-based interactions between culture and ethnicity. The perspective emphasizes not only the “what” or outcomes of development but also the “how.” The theory explores the many paths for obtaining both resiliency (i.e., positive outcomes independent of significant challenge) and unproductive outcomes given structured inequalities. In providing an identity-focused cultural ecological (ICE) perspective as applied to diverse humans, the framework examines the broad patterns of coping processes and identity formation that result. Keywords: coping processes; cultural diversity; ecological contexts; human vulnerability and resiliency; identity formation; social cognition and perception
Percutaneous core biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions: utility and impact on cost of diagnosis.

Percutaneous image-guided core breast biopsy is faster, less invasive, less deforming, and less expensive than surgical biopsy for diagnosing nonpalpable breast lesions. Percutaneous biopsy may be performed using different imaging guidance modalities (e.g., stereotaxis or ultrasound) and different tissue acquisition devices (e.g., automated needles or vacuum-assisted biopsy probes). Stereotactic biopsy may be used for all lesion types (masses and calcifications). Stereotactic 14-gauge automated core biopsy spared a surgical procedure in 76-85% of cases, decreasing the cost of diagnosis by 40-56%. Annual national savings from use of stereotactic 14-gauge automated core biopsy rather than surgical biopsy for nonpalpable lesions would exceed 100 million dollars. Stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy yields significant improvement in diagnosis of calcifications and may be used in lesions that are not amenable to stereotactic 14-gauge automated core biopsy. Stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy spared a surgical procedure in 76% cases, decreasing cost of diagnosis by 20%. Use of stereotactic 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy for calcifications and for nonpalpable masses not amenable to stereotactic 14-gauge automated core biopsy would yield annual national savings exceeding 50 million dollars. Ultrasound-guided biopsy, used primarily for masses, has several advantages including speed, comfort, lack of radiation exposure, and real-time needle visualization. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy spared a surgical procedure in 85% cases, decreasing the cost of diagnosis by 56%. Although both ultrasound-guided core biopsy and stereotactic biopsy are less expensive than surgery, cost savings are greater for ultrasound-guided core biopsy. An annual national savings over $50 million could be realized with the use of ultrasound-guided core biopsy for nonpalpable masses. Future work should include evaluating the emerging new technologies for percutaneous breast biopsy and optimizating the choice of biopsy method for different clinical scenarios. Society may benefit from cost reduction as women benefit from a faster, less invasive, and less deforming approach to diagnosis.
Stochastic and deterministic algorithms for MAP texture segmentation

A model-based approach is proposed for the problem of texture segmentation using a maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation technique. A Gauss-Markov random field (GMRF) is used for the conditional density of the intensity array, given the unobserved texture class and a second-order Ising distribution for the prior distribution over the texture classes. The GMRF model for the conditional density allows a closed-form expression for the density to be written, so that the dependence of the density on the label parameters can be expressed. This expression is used here to derive the joint distribution of intensity and label arrays. The joint distribution is maximized using the stochastic relaxation method and the deterministic iterated conditional mode (ICM) technique. The ICM algorithm can be implemented efficiently on a neural net with local connectivity and regular structure. Comparisons of these two methods are given using real textured images. >
Thoracic Aortic Dissection: Long-Term Results of Endovascular and Open Repair

Treatment paradigms for aortic dissection are based upon the types of complications with which the patients present. For acute uncomplicated dissection, medical therapy is preferred. Endovascular repair is preferred for patients with acute distal dissection complicated by end-organ malperfusion, rupture, or aneurysmal degeneration. For patients with chronic dissection with aneurysm, open repair is preferred if safe, and endovascular treatment should be limited to highest-risk patients because of the uncertainty of success with this approach. For intermediate-risk patients, hybrid repairs provide a good alternative. Ultimately, improvement in long-term outcomes after treatment of aortic dissection still depends on prevention of end-organ ischemia and aneurysmal degeneration of the chronically dissected distal aorta. Although the evidence base for the roles of various approaches is lacking, data currently being accrued and must be closely analyzed to better estimate both the short- and long-term benefits of these complementary treatment strategies.
Directed diffusion-limited aggregation on the Bethe lattice: Exact results

We study directed diffusion-limited aggregation on the Bethe lattice. An exact nonlinear recursion relation for the probability distribution of the density on finite lattices is constructed. The aggregates in a problem on the infinite lattice display marginal scaling behavior: They are compact up to a logarithmic correction. A mapping between models with perfect and partial adhesion on contact is given as a simple example of university.
Effects of copulation on timing of the LH surge following synchronization of estrus in the bovine

Forty-four crossbred postpubertal bovine females were used to study how mating with a bull affected estradiol-17beta (E(2)) secretion and timing of the preovulatory LH surge. Estrous cycles were synchronized with two injections of prostaglandin-F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) 11 d apart. Females were either isolated from males (NE) or exposed to epididectomized bulls (BE) after the second PGF(2alpha) injection. Females exposed to bulls were allowed to mate once and then were separated from the bull. Blood samples were collected at 2-h intervals from the second PGF(2alpha) injection until 12-h post injection to monitor progesterone (P(4)) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations and at hourly intervals from 12 h to 60 h post-injection to monitor LH secretion and timing of the preovulatory LH surge. Samples were also collected at 4-h intervals until 60 h post-injection to monitor estrogen (E(2)) secretion. LH surges were detected in 16 and 14 of 22 females from the BE and NE groups, respectively, during the 60-h period after PGF(2alpha) injection Mean P(4) concentrations and time of P(4) decline to 0.30). Mean E(2) concentration during the 60-h sampling period was different (P 0.40). Mean time for the second PGF(2alpha) injection to the beginning of the LH surge was 51.6 +/- 1.5 h (X +/- S E) for the females not exposed to bulls and 48.5 +/- 1.4 h for females exposed to bulls (P>0.14). In this study, the presence of and/or mating by a bull did not affect LH secretion or timing of the preovulatory LH surge after PGF(2alpha) administration.