cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observations of multiple pelagic egg masses from small-sized jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) in the Gulf of California

ABSTRACTEgg masses of ommastrephid squids are rarely found and not well studied. For the Humboldt squid, Dosidicus gigas, only a single egg mass has been scientifically documented in the wild. Little is known about the size and spatial or temporal distribution of egg masses, or the number of eggs they contain. In this study, we report observations of six egg masses laid in the Gulf of California in May 2015. Egg mass diameters were two to four times smaller in this study compared with the previously observed mass reported in 2008, consistent with the small and large sizes, respectively, of mature female squid captured during each study. Each egg mass contained 17,000–90,000 embryos, one to two orders of magnitude lower than that estimated for the large egg mass previously observed. Egg masses were observed at 9–14 m depth on or near a thermocline. Developmental stages of embryos and paralarvae differed between egg masses. No egg masses were observed in the 13 dives before or the four dives after these mas...
Investigation of high temperature operation of the emitter turn-off thyristor

This paper investigates the emitter turn-off thyristor's (ETO's) high temperature operation from thermal stability point of view. The objective is to identify the electrical and thermal limitations to the high temperature application of the ETO. The loss characteristics of the ETO, including switching loss, conduction loss, and leakage loss are studied experimentally and analytically, at high junction temperature. A closed loop thermal system and stability criterion is developed and analyzed. At low junction temperature, the switching loss determines the thermal stability. At high junction temperature, the high leakage loss leads to thermal instability. From the developed thermal system, the maximum operating junction temperature for the ETO has been derived, under certain operating conditions. Steady state operating junction temperature of 160 Degrees Celsius is obtained for the ETO
Insurance Status Among Adults With Hypertension—The Impact of Underinsurance

BackgroundHypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Health insurance coverage affects hypertension treatment and control, but limited information is available for US adults ...
The Iron-Dependent Regulation of the Candida albicans Oxidative Stress Response by the CCAAT-Binding Factor

Candida albicans is the most frequently encountered fungal pathogen in humans, capable of causing mucocutaneous and systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. C. albicans virulence is influenced by multiple factors. Importantly, iron acquisition and avoidance of the immune oxidative burst are two critical barriers for survival in the host. Prior studies using whole genome microarray expression data indicated that the CCAAT-binding factor is involved in the regulation of iron uptake/utilization and the oxidative stress response. This study examines directly the role of the CCAAT-binding factor in regulating the expression of oxidative stress genes in response to iron availability. The CCAAT-binding factor is a heterooligomeric transcription factor previously shown to regulate genes involved in respiration and iron uptake/utilization in C. albicans. Since these pathways directly influence the level of free radicals, it seemed plausible the CCAAT-binding factor regulates genes necessary for the oxidative stress response. In this study, we show the CCAAT-binding factor is involved in regulating some oxidative stress genes in response to iron availability, including CAT1, SOD4, GRX5, and TRX1. We also show that CAT1 expression and catalase activity correlate with the survival of C. albicans to oxidative stress, providing a connection between iron obtainability and the oxidative stress response. We further explore the role of the various CCAAT-binding factor subunits in the formation of distinct protein complexes that modulate the transcription of CAT1 in response to iron. We find that Hap31 and Hap32 can compensate for each other in the formation of an active transcriptional complex; however, they play distinct roles in the oxidative stress response during iron limitation. Moreover, Hap43 was found to be solely responsible for the repression observed under iron deprivation.
Decrease in CA-19-9 after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy to predict survival in locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

12 Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is among the most lethal of human cancers. Data on overall survival rates of patients treated in the community hospital setting are limited. The purpose of this retrospective data collection study was to assess the CA19-9 change during the neo-adjuvant treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients and whether this test predicts the overall survival (OS). This study was conducted within a high volume community hospital setting. Methods: Eligibility included cytological or histological evidence of locally advanced, unresectable, and borderline resectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, not amenable for surgical resection. Resectability was determined with EUS and CT scan/MRI and was discussed in the multi-disciplinary conference. Patients diagnosed before July 2009 were treated with continuous 5-FU 200mg/m2 for 5 weeks with radiation of 1.8 Gy per daily fraction, for a total dose of 50.4 Gy over 5.5 weeks. Patients diagnosed after July 2009 received gemcit...
Psychosocial Adjustment of Women to Living with HIV/AIDS

Psychosocial adjustment to living with HIV/AIDS was examined in a purposive sample of 146 New York City, African-American, Puerto Rican, and White non-Hispanic women using the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale, self-report version (PAIS-SR). Puerto Rican participants reported significantly more problems than African-Americans on the Summary Scale and the Domestic Environment and Psychological Distress domain subscales and significantly more problems than either Whites or African-Americans on the Social Environment domain subscale. Problematic sexual relationships were found to be significantly associated with race/ethnicity, although scores did not differ significantly between any two groups. On average, women in all three racial/ethnic groups reported high levels of psychosocial adjustment problems to their illness relative to normative data for cancer patients. These findings suggest that, while all HIV-infected women may be at risk for problematic psychosocial adjustment to living with HIV/AIDS, Puerto Rican women may be especially vulnerable.
THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF US HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL (SOCCER) INJURIES, 2005–06 THROUGH 2013–14

Background Despite the worldwide popularity of football, research on epidemiology of high school injury is sparse. Objective To describe high school football injury rates and patterns by type of athletic exposure and gender. Design This descriptive epidemiologic study used retrospective analysis of high school sports injury data from a multi-year US surveillance program capturing data from a large national cohort of schools. Setting Annually, this prospective surveillance study recruits 100 US high schools with National Athletic Trainers9 Association affiliated, athletic trainers to report exposure and injury data for athletes participating in school-sanctioned high school sports. Participants Student football players from these nationally representative high schools from 2005–06 through 2013–14. Assessment of Risk Factors Independent variables included gender, mechanism of injury, playing position, and field location. Main Outcome Measurements Rates and patterns of football-related injuries. Results Overall 6154 football injuries occurred during 2,985,991 athlete exposures (AEs); injury rate of 2.06 per 1000 AEs. This corresponded to a national estimate of 3,381,189 US high school football-related injuries. Injury rates were higher in girls (2.33) than boys (1.83) (RR=1.27, 95% CI 1.21–1.34). Player-player contact more commonly resulted in competition injuries (injury proportion ratio [IPR]=2.87; 95% CI 2.57–3.21), while noncontact mechanisms were more common among practice injuries (IPR=2.10; 95% CI 1.86–2.38). Most injuries occurred to midfielders (37.6%), followed by forwards (28.9%), and defenders (23.6%).. The most common activities leading to injuries were general play (24%), defending (13%), and chasing a loose ball (11%). Injury patterns were similar between genders with respect to position played and location on the field at the time of injury. Conclusions High school football injury rates vary by gender and type of exposure while injury patterns are more similar across genders. These findings should drive additional research into development, implementation, and evaluation of targeted injury prevention efforts.
Mixed-Methods Analysis of Rural Special Educators’ Role Stressors, Behavior Management, and Burnout:

The researchers of this study used a mixed-methods approach to understand issues of rural special education teacher burnout. Results of survey responses (n = 64) and follow-up focus group interview...
Impact of nonintrusive clinical decision support systems on laboratory test utilization in a large academic centre.

Background The near-universal prevalence of electronic health records (EHRs) has made the utilization of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) an integral strategy for improving the value of laboratory ordering. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of nonintrusive CDSS on inpatient laboratory utilization in large academic centres. Methods Red blood cell folate, hepatitis C virus viral loads and genotypes, and type and screens were selected for study. We incorporated the appropriate indications for these labs into text that accompanied the laboratory orders in our hospital's EHR. Providers could proceed with the order without additional clicks. An interrupted time-series analysis was performed, and the primary outcome was the rate of tests ordered on all inpatient medicine floors. Results The rate of folate tests ordered per monthly admissions showed no significant level change at the time of the intervention with only a slight decrease in rate of 0.0109 (P = .07). There was a 43% decrease in the rate of hepatitis C virus tests per monthly admissions immediately after the intervention with a decrease of 0.0135 tests per monthly admissions (P = .02). The rate of type and screens orders per patient days each month had a significant downward trend by 0.114 before the intervention (P = .04) but no significant level change at the time of the intervention or significant change in rate after the intervention. Discussion Our study suggests that nonintrusive CDSS should be evaluated for individual laboratory tests to ensure only effective alerts continue to be used so as to avoid increasing EHR fatigue.
Classical metaphyseal lesions thought to be pathognomonic of child abuse are often artifacts or indicative of metabolic bone disease

Abstract Objective The objective of the present study was to review the histopathology in the original articles by authors Kleinman and Marks that described the specificity of the classical metaphyseal lesion for child abuse and to determine if there were any oversights in the authors’ analysis. Methods We reviewed the histopathology of the original studies that equated the classical metaphyseal lesion with child abuse. We compared this with the histopathology of metaphyseal fractures caused by known accidental, severe trauma in children and reviewed the histopathology of artifacts that can sometimes be produced in bone histology preparations. Results Acute classical metaphyseal lesions showed no hemorrhage, and the chronic classical metaphyseal showed islands of cartilage proliferation at the metaphyses and growth plate, findings consistent with rickets and other metabolic bone disorders. Some of the acute metaphyseal lesions were consistent with artifacts. Conclusion We believe the original studies that equate the classical metaphyseal lesion with child abuse are flawed. The most compelling observation that challenges the histopathology of the classical metaphyseal lesion as being a fracture is the absence of hemorrhage in the acute classical metaphyseal lesion. We hypothesize that some of the classical metaphyseal lesions were artifacts or represent metabolic bone disorders that were not considered and that these two non-traumatic explanations may have been the basis of the abnormal bone findings.
Evidence for the amalgamation of Archean oceanic and continental blocks to form the Beartooth Plateau

The structure and age of the lithospere in the western Beartooth Plateau was investigated by geochemical study of Cretaeous igneous rocks derived from the deep crust and the lithospheric mantle and by study of exposed basement rocks. This study shows that the upper crust is dominated by ≈ 2740 Ma granitoids, similar to those widespread in the Beartooth Mountains. These have inclusions of supracrustal amphibolites and metasediments. Sm-Nd and Pb-Pb isotopic systematics of these rocks indicate that their protoliths were separated from the mantle only a few hundred million years prior to 2700 Ma, and no evidence of early Archean crust was found.
Dynamic Elastic Modulus

In that the elastic constants, Cij, which may be used to calculate the bulk, shear, and Young’s moduli, as well as the Debye temperatures of polycrystalline materials, are related to the electronic properties and in some cases have first been calculated from principles, they form a bridge between the mechanical properties of materials and their physical properties. These considerations have directed the placement of this chapter between Chapter 3 (Mechanical Properties) and the normal-state physical-property group—Chapters 5 through 9. The accompanying diagram, Figure 4-1, serves as a reminder of the definitions of the engineering quantities: bulk modulus, K; shear modulus, G; Young’s modulus, E;and Poisson’s ratio, v.
Factors associated with unsuccessful follow-up in patients undertreated for gonorrhea and chlamydia infections.

Abstract Introduction Neisseria gonorrhea (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are two commonly encountered sexually transmitted infections in the Emergency Department (ED). Methods The study was a single-center, retrospective cohort of patients screened for GC/CT infections at an urban, academic medical center ED. Participants were identified through electronic medical record reports. Patients were excluded if they absconded, were discharged against medical advice, or had a chief complaint of sexual assault. Patients were classified as having tested positive or negative for GC/CT and further classified as having received adequate treatment, overtreatment, or undertreatment. The undertreatment group was further assessed for successful versus unsuccessful follow-up. The primary aim was to determine factors associated with unsuccessful follow-up in patients undertreated. Secondary aims included rate of overtreatment, rate of undertreatment, and method of contact in patients with successful follow-up. Results A total of 10,452 patients were included. Of the 456 undertreated patients, follow-up was successful in 425 (93.2%) patients and unsuccessful in 31 (6.8%) patients. No history of STIs was associated with a higher rate of unsuccessful follow-up in patients undertreated for GC/CT infections (52.9% versus 74.2%, difference = −21.3%, 95% CI -37.4%, −5.1%). Rate of overtreatment was 19.1%, and rate of undertreatment was 46.5%. Phone contact was the most frequent method of successful contact, which occurred in 98.6% of patients. Conclusions GC/CT infections continue to be overtreated in the ED. Based on this study, no history of prior sexually transmitted infections was associated with unsuccessful follow-up in patients undertreated for GC/CT infections after discharge from the ED.
Evaluating Adherence-Enhancing Interventions

A number of systematic reviews evaluating adherence-enhancing interventions have been published in recent years. The Cochrane reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed interventions for improving medication adherence for commonly occurring singlechronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia [54, 55, 138]. The reviews report methodologic problems and insufficient evidence to support adherence-enhancing strategies in these specific single conditions. Haynes et al identified effective ways to improve medication adherence for a variety of medical conditions in widely differing populations. Adherence to short-term drug treatment was improved by written information, personal phone calls, and counseling. For longterm treatments, no simple interventions and only some complex ones led to some improvement in health outcomes [12].
Effect of Disclosing Genetic Risk for Coronary Heart Disease on Information Seeking and Sharing: The MI-GENES Study (Myocardial Infarction Genes).

Background— Whether disclosing genetic risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) to individuals influences information seeking and information sharing is not known. We hypothesized that disclosing genetic risk for CHD to individuals influences information seeking and sharing. Methods and Results— The MI-GENES study (Myocardial Infarction Genes) randomized participants (n=203) aged 45 to 65 years who were at intermediate CHD risk based on conventional risk factors and not on statins to receive their conventional risk score alone or also a genetic risk score based on 28 variants. CHD risk was disclosed by a genetic counselor and then discussed with a physician. Surveys assessing information seeking were completed before and after risk disclosure. Information sharing was assessed post-disclosure. Six-month post-disclosure, genetic risk score participants were more likely than conventional risk score participants to visit a website to learn about CHD (odds ratio [OR], 4.88 [confidence interval (CI), 1.55–19.13]; P =0.01), use the internet for information about how genetic factors affect CHD risk (OR, 2.11 [CI, 1.03–4.47]; P =0.04), access their CHD risk via a patient portal (OR, 2.99 [CI, 1.35–7.04]; P =0.01), and discuss their CHD risk with others (OR, 3.13 [CI, 1.41–7.47]; P =0.01), particularly their siblings (OR, 1.92 [CI, 1.06–3.51]; P =0.03), extended family (OR, 3.8 [CI, 1.37–12.38]; P= 0.01), coworkers (OR, 2.42 [CI, 1.09–5.76]; P =0.03), and primary care provider (PCP; OR, 2.00 [CI, 1.08–3.75]; P =0.03). Conclusions— Disclosure of a genetic risk score for CHD increased information seeking and sharing. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01936675.
Ethanol has concentration-dependent effects on hypothalamic POMC neuronal excitability

Abstract Alcohol abuse is a worldwide public health concern, yet the precise molecular targets of alcohol in the brain are still not fully understood. Alcohol may promote its euphoric and motivational effects, in part, by activating the endogenous opioid system. One particular component of this system consists of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) -producing neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ArcN) of the hypothalamus, which project to reward-related brain areas. To identify the physiological effects of ethanol on ArcN POMC neurons, we utilized whole cell patch-clamp recordings and bath application of ethanol (5–40 mM) to identify alterations in spontaneous baseline activity, rheobase, spiking characteristics, or intrinsic neuronal properties. We found that 10 mM ethanol increased the number of depolarization-induced spikes in the majority of recorded cells, whereas higher concentrations of ethanol (20–40 mM) decreased the number of spikes. Interestingly, we found that basal firing rates of ArcN POMC neurons may predict physiological responding to ethanol. Rheobase and spontaneous activity, measured by spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) at rest, were unchanged after exposure to ethanol, regardless of concentration. These results suggest that ethanol has concentration-dependent modulatory effects on ArcN POMC neuronal activity, which may be relevant to treatments for alcohol use disorders that target endogenous opioid systems.
Computational Investigations of Enantioselection in Carbon–Carbon Bond Forming Reactions of Ruthenium Guanidinobenzimidazole Second Coordination Sphere Hydrogen Bond Donor Catalysts

The NH2 group of 2-guanidinobenzimidazole (GBI) can be replaced by (RCRC)-NHCH(CH2)4CHNMe2 and elaborated to the enantiopure chelate salts (SRuRCRC)-[(η5-C5H5)Ru(CO)(GBICH(CH2)4CHNMe2)]+PF6– ((SRuR...
Impact of preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on overall survival or recurrence free survival in muscle-invasive bladder cancer at cystectomy.

e17050Background: The role of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) in prognostication of MIBC is not clearly understood. There is growing evidence that, as ma...
Characterization of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant influenza virus isolates from immunocompromised patients in the Republic of Korea

The emergence of influenza viruses resistant to anti-influenza drugs is a threat to global public health. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates the Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System (KINRESS) to monitor epidemics of influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) to identify mutated influenza viruses affecting drug resistance, pathogenesis, and transmission. Oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from KINRESS and SARI during the 2018–2019 season. The specimens confirmed influenza virus using real-time RT-PCR on inoculated MDCK cells. HA and NA sequences of the influenza viruses were analyzed for phylogeny and mutations. Neuraminidase inhibition and hemagglutination inhibition assays were utilized to characterize the isolates. Two A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates harboring an H275Y substitution in the neuraminidase sequence were detected in patients with acute hematologic cancer. They had prolonged respiratory symptoms, with the virus present in the respiratory tract despite oseltamivir and peramivir treatment. Through the neuraminidase inhibition assay, both viruses were found to be resistant to oseltamivir and peramivir, but not to zanamivir. Although hemagglutinin and neuraminidase phylogenetic analyses suggested that the 2 A(H1N1)pdm09 isolates were not identical, their antigenicity was similar to that of the 2018–19 influenza vaccine virus. Our data indicate the utility of monitoring influenza-infected immunocompromised patients in general hospitals for the early detection of emerging neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant viruses and maintaining continuous laboratory surveillance of patients with influenza-like illness in sentinel clinics to monitor the spread of such new variants. Finally, characterization of the virus can inform the risk assessment for future epidemics and pandemics caused by drug-resistant influenza viruses.
Forming and Sustaining High-Quality Student-Teacher Relationships to Reduce Minor Behavioral Incidents.

The quality of the relationship that develops between a student and teacher has been connected to pivotal instructional and behavioral outcomes for students. The student–teacher relationship can sp...
Association of County-Level Social Vulnerability with Elective Versus Non-elective Colorectal Surgery.

A person’s community, or lived environment, may play an important role in achieving optimal health outcomes. The objective of the current study was to assess the association of county-level vulnerability with the probability of having a non-elective colon resection. We hypothesized that individuals from areas with a high social vulnerability would be at greater risk of non-elective colon resection compared with patients from low social vulnerability areas. Patients aged 65–99 who underwent a colon resection for a primary diagnosis of either diverticulitis (n = 11,812) or colon cancer (n = 33,312) were identified in Medicare Part A and Part B for years 2016–2017. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate differences in probability of undergoing an elective versus non-elective operation from counties relative to county-level social vulnerability index (SVI). Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, mortality, readmission, and index hospitalization expenditure. Among 45,124 patients, 11,812 (26.2%) underwent a colon resection for diverticulitis, while 33,312 (73.8%) had a resection for colon cancer; 31,012 (68.7%) patients had an elective procedure (diverticulitis n = 7291 (61.7%) vs. cancer n = 23,721 (71.2%)), while 14,112 (31.3%) had an emergent operation (diverticulitis n = 4521 (38.3%) vs. cancer n = 9591 (28.8%)). Patients with a high SVI were more likely to undergo an emergent colon operation compared with low SVI patients (43.7% vs. 40.4%) (p < 0.001). The association of high SVI with increased risk of an emergent colon operation was similar among patients with diverticulitis (emergent: low SVI 37.2% vs. high SVI 40.4%) or colon cancer (emergent: low SVI 26.0% vs. high SVI 29.9%) (both p < 0.05). On multivariable analyses, risk-adjusted probability of undergoing an urgent/emergent operation remained associated with SVI (p < 0.05). Patients residing in vulnerable communities characterized by a high SVI were more likely to undergo a non-elective colon resection for either diverticulitis or colon cancer. Patients from high SVI areas had a higher risk of postoperative complications, as well as index hospitalization expenditures; however, there were no differences in mortality or readmission rates.
Measurement Issues in Identifying and Describing Racial Disproportionality and Disparity

Racial and ethnic disproportionality and disparity are well documented in child welfare systems. Disproportionality occurs when the percent of persons of a certain race or ethnicity in an identified population differ from the percentage of persons of the same group in a reference population. Disparity occurs when there are unequal outcomes for one racial or ethnic group when compared to a different racial or ethnic group. Disproportionality and disparities have become value laden terms that imply inequities. In this chapter we do not discuss inequities, rather our focus is on how to measure disproportionality and disparities, and the challenges associated with different measurement approaches such as population-based enumeration and decision-based enumeration. When a racial or ethnic group is small, certain types of disproportion and disparity can be hard to detect using typical quantitative methods. Challenges that occur when measuring low-incidence groups, such as low confidence in statistical estimates and heterogeneous populations combined into single categories, are discussed. Alternate ways of examining the experiences of low-incidence racial and ethnic minorities are also presented. Given that comparison between groups is inherent to the definition of disparity, methodological concerns related to the selection of comparison groups are explored. Discussions about the appropriate ways to categorize, measure and interpret disparate engagement with social systems and subsequent outcomes are taking place across several disciplines. The chapter concludes by highlighting measurement approaches within these disciplines and provides a brief synthesis of the overall current state of knowledge.
Degenerative Diseases of the Spine

SUMMARY The spine may be involved by a variety of degenerative processes which demonstrate characteristic radiographic manifestations. Intervertebral osteochondrosis is associated with “vacuum” phenomena, disk space narrowing and vertebral sclerosis; spondylosis deformans is associated with osteophytosis; osteoarthritis manifests as joint space narrowing, bony sclerosis and hypertrophy, and rarely osseous fusion; ligamentous degeneration may be associated with calcification and ossification. Although any one degenerative process may exist as an isolated phenomenon, these processes often coexist; degenerative change or altered stress at one articulation of the spine frequently produces abnormal stress and associated degenerative changes at an adjacent articulation. DISH and OPLL are disorders of uncertain etiology characterized by ligamentous calcification or ossification; in addition, DISH shares many features with spondylosis deformans. An ossifying diathesis or bone-forming tendency appears to underlie both of these disorders. Complications which may accompany degenerative diseases of the spine include abnormalities of vertebral alignment, intervertebral discal protrusions, and spinal stenosis.
Heat Transfer From a Concentrated Tip Source in Falkner–Skan Flow

The Falkner-Skan flow over a wedge is classic in boundary layer theory. We consider the heat or mass transfer from a source at the vertex of the wedge. The interactions of thermal boundary layer and momentum boundary layer lead to nonlinear similarity equations which are integrated numerically. There exists a mixing index which depends on the Prandtl number and the wedge opening angle. Attention is paid to special cases such as forced convection in Blasius flow past a semi-infinite plate and the Hiemenz stagnation flow normal to a plate.
Prediction of thirty-day mortality risk after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for intact descending thoracic aortic aneurysms: Derivation of risk calculator in the Vascular Quality Initiative.

Abstract Objective Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA) is associated with high perioperative survival, although mortality is a possible outcome. However, no risk score has been developed to predict mortality after TEVAR for intact DTAA to aid in risk discussion and preoperative patient selection. Our objective was to use a multi-institutional database to develop a 30-day mortality risk calculator for TEVAR after DTAA repair. Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried for patients treated with TEVAR for intact DTAA between August 2014 and August 2020. Univariable and multivariable analyses aided in developing a 30-day mortality risk score. Internal validation was done with K-fold cross-validation and calibration curve analysis. Results Of 2141 patients included in the analysis, 90 (4.2%) died within 30 days after the procedure. Clinically relevant variables identified to be independently associated with 30-day mortality and therefore used to derive the predictive model included age 75 years or greater (odds ratio [OR], 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-3.44; P Conclusions This study provides a novel clinically relevant risk prediction model to estimate 30-day mortality risk after TEVAR for DTAA. The TEVAR Mortality Risk Calculator provides useful prognostic information to guide patient selection and facilitate preoperative discussions and shared decision making. An easily accessible online version of the TEVAR Mortality Risk Score is available to facilitate ease of use.
In vivo hyperCEST imaging: Experimental considerations for a reliable contrast.

PURPOSE HyperCEST contrast relies on the reduction of the solvent signal after selective saturation of the solute magnetization. The scope of this work is to outline the experimental conditions needed to obtain a reliable hyperCEST contrast in vivo, where the "solvent" signal (ie, the dissolved-phase signal) may change over time due to the increase in xenon (Xe) accumulation into tissue. METHODS Hyperpolarized 129 Xe was delivered to mice at a constant volume and rate using a mechanical ventilator, which triggered the saturation, excitation, and acquisition of the MR signal during the exhale phase of the breath cycle-either every breath or every 2, 3, or 4 breaths. Serial Z-spectra and hyperCEST images were acquired before and after a bolus injection of cucurbit[6]uril to assess possible signal fluctuations and instabilities. RESULTS The intensity of the dissolved-phase Xe signal was observed to first increase immediately after the beginning of the hyperpolarized gas inhalation and NMR acquisition, and then decrease before reaching a steady-state condition. Once a steady-state dissolved-phase magnetization was established, a reliable hyperCEST contrast, exceeding 40% signal reduction, was observed. CONCLUSION A reliable hyperCEST contrast can only be obtained after establishing a steady-state dissolved phase 129 Xe magnetization. Under stable physiological conditions, a steady-state dissolved-phase Xe magnetization is only achieved after a series of Xe inhalations and RF excitations, and it requires synchronization of the breathing rate with the MR acquisition.
Experiments on Laser Mediated Photosensitization: Preclinical Evaluation of Mono-1-Aspartyl Chlorin e6 (NPe6)

A renewed interest in the synthesis and evaluation of “second generation” photosensitizers for use in PDT has developed due to the several photophysical restrictions of Photofrin II. Photofrin II is a poorly defined mixture of monomeric and aggregated porphyrins and has extremely weak absorption at wavelengths above 600 nm (where light transmission through tissue is greatest). In addition the drug is retained in numerous normal tissues (such as skin) for extended periods of time. Photosensitizers with preferential tumor tissue retention, rapid clearance from normal tissues, increased extinction coefficients and absorption peaks shifted to higher wavelengths, should allow for greater utilization of delivered light which has improved tissues transmission properties.
Discursive Identity Reconstruction

Proposition 14 in Chapter 3 calls for research that would try to predict (reconstruct) certain characteristics of the participants in a discourse from their discourse. The question asked in this chapter is whether such information as the sex, age, and race of the participants in the previous discourse on the Levin-Chambers case (Chapter 4) can be determined by neutral observers from reading the discourse alone.
Techniques for Integration.

(1978). Techniques for Integration. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 49, No. 6, pp. 22-22.
Approximation of Off-Body Sonic-Boom Analysis for Low-Boom Conceptual Design

The conceptual design of a low-boom and low-drag supersonic aircraft remains a challenge despite significant progress in recent years. Inverse design using reversed equivalent area and adjoint methods has been demonstrated to be effective in shaping the ground signature propagated from computational fluid dynamics off-body-pressure distributions. However, there is still a need to reduce the computational cost in the early stages of design to obtain a baseline that is feasible for low-boom shaping, and in the search for a robust low-boom design over the entire sonic-boom footprint. The proposed design method addresses the need to reduce the computational cost for robust low-boom design by using surface-pressure distributions from computational fluid dynamics solutions to shape sonic-boom ground signatures propagated from computational fluid dynamics off-body pressure.
The reductive half-reaction of xanthine oxidase. Identification of spectral intermediates in the hydroxylation of 2-hydroxy-6-methylpurine.

Abstract The reaction of xanthine oxidase with 2-hydroxy-6-methylpurine (also called 2-oxo-6-methylpurine) has been studied under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Reaction of enzyme with substoichiometric concentrations of hydroxymethylpurine in aerobic 0.1 M 3-(cyclohexylamino)propanesulfonic acid, 0.1 N KCl, 0.3 mM EDTA, pH 10.0, exhibits two reaction intermediates detectable by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The rate constants for formation of the first intermediate, conversion of the first to the second, and the decay of the second to give oxidized enzyme are 18, 1.2, and 0.13 s-1, respectively. The difference spectra of these two intermediates relative to oxidized enzyme are characterized by absorbance maxima at 470 and 540 nm, respectively, with extinction changes (relative to oxidized enzyme) of approximately 410 M-1 cm-1. The 0.13 s-1 decay of the second intermediate agrees well with kcat of 0.11 s-1 determined under the same conditions. Based on a comparison of the kinetics of the reaction as monitored by UV-visible absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometry, it is concluded that these spectral intermediates arise from the molybdenum center of the enzyme in the MoIV and MoV valence states, respectively, the latter corresponding to the species exhibiting the "very rapid" MoV EPR signal known to be formed in the course of the reaction. This conclusion is supported by the results of experiments using cytochrome c reduction to follow the formation of superoxide production in the course of the aerobic reaction of xanthine oxidase with substoichiometric hydroxymethylpurine, which demonstrate unequivocally that the species exhibiting the very rapid EPR signal is formed by one-electron oxidation of a MoIV species rather than direct one-electron reduction of MoVI by substrate. No evidence is found for the formation of any of the MoV EPR signals designated "rapid" in the present studies, and it is concluded that this species is not a bona fide catalytic intermediate in the reductive half-reaction of xanthine oxidase.
Terahertz metamaterials for modulation and detection

This paper reviews recent work in the area of active metamaterials where transistors and circuitry are embedded within metamaterial structures for novel functions. In one function, embedding of psuedomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) within the metamaterial resonator allows realization of a terahertz modulator. A variation of this approach utilizes diodes to modulate the metamaterial response between a perfect absorber and a perfect detector. In another function, a transistor based power detector is embedded within each metamaterial resonator for roomtemperature detection of gigahertz (GHz) radiation. The realized platform has the potential for high resolution imaging at the diffraction limit. These functions indicate range of novel devices enabled through heterogeneous integration of semiconductor devices with metamaterials.
Production of organometallic polymers by the interfacial technique. XXI. A study of some associated reaction variables in the synthesis of poly[imino-1.4-phenyleneimino(dibutylstannylene)]

Polymers of the below form are synthesized via the interfacial polycondensation route. A study has been made of the influence of the nature of the solvents employed and base and reactant concentration. New interfacial solvent systems are presented. Durch Grenzflachenpolykondensation wurden Polymere der folgenden Struktur hergestellt. Es wurde der Einflus der Natur der Losungsmittels, der Reaktionspartner und der Basenkonzentration untersucht. Verschiedene neur Losungsmittelsysteme fur die Grenzflachenpolykondensation werden vorgeschlagen.
Enabling What Works: The Role of Negotiators in Structuring School Change

The text of this commentary was adapted from a speech given to the North American Education Negotiators. In it, Gould examines some perspectives of one of the nation's two largest teacher organizations, the American Federation of Teachers, on educational reform, teacher quality, and compensation. He argues that collective bargaining serves as an important tool for structuring the educational system. The potential for educational change is one of the reasons why we should examine the potential benefits of pursuing improvements through the bargaining process.
Advanced train control systems design and use

The advanced train control system (ATCS) is a closed-loop, distributed control and communication system using advanced computers and digital data communication. ATCS is the application of modern command, control and communications technology to a line constrained transportation system. To date, 19 form, fit, and function specifications have been written for the ATCS. The current effort is to clarify and restructure the operating system logic, called the control flows, for the train monitor and control functions. The principal concept and design of the ATCS are presented. ATCS safety, testing, and implementation are discussed. >
Associations between Parenting and Mental Health

Parents’ mental health is of consequence not just for themselves but for their children. Prior literature supports an association between parents’ mental health and their parenting behavior. Parenting behavior, in turn, is consistently associated with the mental health of children and adolescents. Although research findings regarding an effect of parenthood on mental health are mixed, parenting is a considerable investment that can create stress and not merely benefits for parents.
Should Economic Theory Control Price Fixing Analysis

At first glance, lawyers remain in control of price fixing analysis. Agreements to raise price are per-se illegal, and economists only seem needed to estimate damages. However, economic insights remain relevant; not all price-related agreements are driven by pricing issues and some price agreements are inferred from the totality of the evidence. If recent research is an indicator, economists would like to further expand their influence. In a series of papers, Kaplow proposes to reincarnate Posner’s focus on economic evidence, and prove liability with market performance data. Such an approach would expand price fixing policy to cover situations of tacit collusion (conscious parallelism). Kovacic, Marshall, Marx, and White, as well as Harrington, advance limited reforms, with Kovacic et al. suggesting a method to quantify the Plus Factor concept, and Harrington introducing a theoretical method to develop Plus Factor evidence. This paper provides an analysis of the current price fixing standard, offers a characterization of the plus-factor construct, evaluates the applicability of these new economic modeling structures, and highlights areas for future research. By abandoning the concept of agreement, Kaplow’s concept eliminates an institutional check on over-aggressive antitrust enforcement and runs the risk of allowing serious policy errors. On the other hand, all the authors offer useful insights to supplement the standard Plus Factor approach and economic ideas could improve policy at the margin. Going forward, the integration of law and economics, implicit in the current case law, is likely to continue.
Longitudinal relationships among visual acuity, daily functional status, and mortality: the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Study.

Importance Determination of the mechanisms by which visual loss increases mortality risk is important for developing interventional strategies. Objective To evaluate the direct and indirect effects of loss of visual acuity (VA) on mortality risk through functional status changes among aging adults. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective longitudinal study of a population-based sample of 2520 noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 to 84 years from September 16, 1993, through July 26, 2003, in the greater Salisbury area of Maryland. Participants underwent reassessment 2, 6, and 8 years after baseline. Mortality status was ascertained from linkage with the National Death Index through 2009. Exposures Results of VA testing and self-reported functional status based on activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL). Main Outcomes and Measure Mortality. Results Worse VA levels at baseline were associated with an increased the risk for mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16 [95% CI, 1.04-1.28];P Conclusions and Relevance In this longitudinal study of older adults, VA loss adversely affected IADL levels, which subsequently increased the risk for mortality. Prevention of disabling ocular conditions, treatment of correctable visual impairment, and interventions designed to prevent the effect of visual impairment on IADL declines may all reduce mortality risk in aging adults.
Alcohol, benzodiazepine-GABAA receptor complex and aggression: ethological analysis of individual differences in rodents and primates.

Research in animals has only recently been successful in reliably mimicking the long-established link between alcohol and heightened aggressive behavior. The present review highlights the large individual differences in the effects of acute low alcohol doses on aggressive behavior in rodent and primate species, paralleling the human condition. Subpopulations of both species show reliable and repeatable enhancement of aggressive behavior when administered low, acute alcohol doses. Statistical analysis of the temporal patterns of aggressive behavior indicate that alcohol prolongs aggressive bouts or "bursts" and increases the number of aggressive behaviors within each burst. However, the latency to initiate attack and the time between aggressive bursts are relatively unaltered by alcohol. These alcohol-induced increases in aggression can be potentiated by benzodiazepine agonists and prevented by antagonists. In addition, highly aggressive animals can be differentiated from nonaggressive ones at the GABAA-be...
The Five Factor Model of personality and employees' excessive use of technology

Prior research has stressed the negative effects employee technology addiction, or excessive use, may have in the workplace. This study explored personality, through use of the Five Factor Model (FFM), and problem and pathological technology (Internet and text-messaging) use. Personality was found to predict certain aspects of technology use. Specifically, conscientiousness was negatively related to problem Internet use. However, the FFM did not add to the prediction of pathological Internet use or problem and pathological text-messaging use. These findings suggest that some dimensions of the FFM may be useful in explaining why certain employees may be predisposed to developing problem use tendencies. Implications of the current findings as well as limitations and future directions are discussed.
Evaluative comparisons of distributions of a social variable: Ordering methods

A distribution of a social variable over a population assigns a level or value of the variable to each individual in the population. The present paper continues a study of methods of ordering distributions of a social variable that was begun in an earlier paper. The earlier paper addressed issues of meaningfulness of evaluative comparisons and then examined several fundamental criteria for social evaluation. The present paper focuses on a variety of methods of ordering distributions. It begins with additive extensions of a Pareto principle and then looks at a number of distributional dominance relations, all of which are based on individuals' preferences. Ordering methods that may be only marginally related to individuals' preferences are discussed in the latter part of the paper.
Trends in the use of vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: analysis of a nationwide database.

Object Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) plays a significant role in the treatment of intractable epilepsy. The goal of this study was to analyze trends in the use of VNS for epilepsy in the US by using a nationwide database. Methods Data for patients undergoing VNS were obtained from the nationwide inpatient sample for the years 1998–2005. Trends regarding number of procedures, length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, patient sex, and payer information were retrieved and analyzed. Results The number of VNS procedures for epilepsy increased between 1998 and 2003 but decreased in the subsequent 2 years. The LOS and hospital charges showed yearly increases. Female patients underwent VNS implantation more than males did, and most procedures were performed in the 18- to 64-year-old age group. The combination of Medicare and Medicaid provided most of the funding for VNS from 2002 through 2005. The VNS procedures were performed mostly in teaching hospitals. Conclusions Trends from a national database reveal consiste...