cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A48: Treatment decision making in a population-based sample of black and white men with localized prostate cancer

Background: Considerable controversy surrounds the optimal treatment for localized prostate cancer (LPC). Better understanding of men9s treatment decision making process and its influencing factors may help men improve the quality of their treatment decision (e.g. decisional satisfaction, regret, or conflict). The influence of race on these factors is not well understood. We assessed the effects of men9s personality, types of physicians seen, and involvement of family and friends on the treatment choice for LPC and the quality of this choice. Methods: A population-based sample of 154 men (85 white, 69 black) ≤ 75 years with newly diagnosed LPC were mailed a self-administered survey during a pilot study. Patient treatment choice, the reasons for the treatment choice, personality traits, and decisional qualities were assessed using either validated scales or scales developed based on literature review and qualitative research. Results: Mean age was 61(±7.3) years; 2/3 had >high school education. 59% chose surgery, 31% chose radiation, and 10% chose observation [watchful waiting/active surveillance (WW/AS)]. There were no racial differences in mean age, tumor risk level, number of comorbidities, or treatment choice. Compared to white men, black men were more likely to consult their family about their treatment decision (67% vs. 43%; p=0.01), more likely to have non-private insurance (29% vs. 12%, p=0.01), less likely to be married/partnered (71% vs. 90%, p Conclusions: In addition to types of physicians seen and desire to cure the cancer, consulting family, spouse, and/or friends were significantly associated with men9s treatment choice for LPC. Consulting friends during the decision making process increased the odds of men choosing curative treatment (surgery or radiation) compared to observation (WW/AS). Furthermore, consulting friends and/or family also increased men9s decisional conflict. These effects did not differ significantly between white and black men. Citation Format: Elyse Reamer, Felix Yang, Jinping Xu. Treatment decision making in a population-based sample of black and white men with localized prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A48.
Role of Dimension and Spatial Arrangement on the Activity of Biocatalytic Cascade Reactions on Scaffolds

Despite broad interest in engineering enzyme cascades on surfaces (i.e., for multistep biocatalysis, enzyme-mediated electrocatalysis, biosensing, and synthetic biology), there is a fundamental gap in understanding how the local density and spatial arrangement of enzymes affect overall activity. In this work, the dependence of the overall activity of a cascade reaction on the geometric arrangement and density of enzymes immobilized on a two-dimensional scaffold was elucidated using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. Simulations were specifically used to track the molecular trajectories of the reaction species and to investigate the turnover frequency of individual enzymes on the surface under diffusion-limited and reaction-limited conditions for random, linear striped, and hexagonal arrangements of the enzymes. Interestingly, the simulation results showed that, under diffusion-limited conditions, the overall cascade activity was only weakly dependent on spatial arrangement and, specifically, nearest-neighbo...
11-Step Total Synthesis of (−)-Maoecrystal V

An expedient, practical, and enantioselective route to the highly congested ent-kaurane diterpene maoecrystal V is presented. This route, which has been several years in the making, is loosely modeled after a key pinacol shift in the proposed biosynthesis. Only 11 steps, many of which are strategic in that they build key skeletal bonds and incorporate critical functionalities, are required to access (−)-maoecrystal V. Several unique and unexpected maneuvers are featured in this potentially scalable pathway. Reevaluation of the biological activity calls into question the initial exuberance surrounding this natural product.
Exploratory analysis of clinical and translational factors associated with the inflamed phenotype in HNSCC.

3031 Background: Immunotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade shows encouraging activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). T-cell inflammation and gamma interferon driven gene expres...
Self-Energies and Renormalization

No progress was made for 20 years. Then a development came, initiated by Lamb's discovery and explanation of the Lamb shift, which fundamentally changed the character of theoretical physics. It involved setting up rules for discarding … infinities…
Vitamin D, pre-eclampsia, and preterm birth among pregnancies at high risk for pre-eclampsia: an analysis of data from a low-dose aspirin trial.

Objective To examine the relation between maternal vitamin D status and risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth in women at high risk for pre-eclampsia. Design Analysis of prospectively collected data and blood samples from a trial of prenatal low-dose aspirin. Setting Thirteen sites across the USA. Population Women at high risk for pre-eclampsia. Methods We measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in stored maternal serum samples drawn at 12–26 weeks’ gestation (n = 822). We used mixed effects models to examine the association between 25(OH)D and risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth, controlling for confounders including prepregnancy BMI and race. Main outcome measures Pre-eclampsia and preterm birth. Results Twelve percent of women were vitamin D deficient [25(OH)D <30 nmol/l]. Women with 25(OH)D <30 versus ≥75 nmol/l had a 2.4-fold (95% CI 1.0–5.6) higher risk of early-onset pre-eclampsia (<35 weeks’ gestation) after confounder adjustment. Women with 25(OH)D <50 nmol/l had a 1.8-fold (95% CI 1.0–3.2) increased risk of preterm birth at <35 weeks compared with women who had 25(OH)D ≥75 nmol/l, which was driven by indicated preterm births at <35 weeks’ gestation [25(OH)D <50 versus ≥75 nmol/l adjusted RR 2.5 (95% CI 1.1–5.8)]. There was no association between vitamin D status and pre-eclampsia or preterm birth at <37 weeks. Conclusion Maternal vitamin D status in the second trimester was inversely associated with risk of early-onset pre-eclampsia and preterm birth at <35 weeks in women at high risk for pre-eclampsia. Tweetable abstract Vitamin D is inversely related to risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm birth at <35 weeks in high-risk pregnancies.
Restoring hydrologic function in urban landscapes with suburban subsoiling

Dramatic persistent hydrologic changes accompany urban land development, most commonly attributed to increased impervious area and drainage infrastructure. Modern land development and mass grading practices also result in the routine development of urban landscapes with highly disturbed compacted soil profiles. The common predictable result is an urban pervious landscape with greatly diminished infiltration capacity in greenspace that might best be described as grass growing in a thin veneer of topsoil on compacted fill. This paper describes the use of soil decompaction and amendment to restore hydrologic function following the removal of an impervious asphalt playground at a public school in Baltimore, MD, USA. The combination of soil decompaction with deep ripping and compost amendment is referred to as suburban subsoiling, alluding to the adaptation of agricultural subsoiling practices to restore hydrologic function in disturbed compacted urban soils. In this field-scale comparison with standard grading and landscaping practices, suburban subsoiling supported the highest infiltration rates, with the densest turf cover, highest soil organic matter and root zone soil moisture, and the lowest soil bulk density. As a sustainable alternative to traditional grading and topsoiling practices, suburban subsoiling offers a proverbial win-win solution, providing superior landscaping and restored hydrologic services with lower life-cycle costs. Though significantly different than current grading and landscaping practices, suburban subsoiling can be readily integrated in modern land development with only minor incremental changes in standard practices. Suburban subsoiling can transform the built environment through superior sustainable landscaping that restores the hydrologic function of urban pervious landscapes.
Early extubation in pediatric heart surgery across a spectrum of case complexity: Impact on hospital length of stay and chest tube days

Early extubation is increasingly common in congenital heart surgery, but there are limited outcomes data across the spectrum of case complexity. We performed a retrospective review of 201 pediatric operations using cardiopulmonary bypass between 2012 and 2014. Patients extubated in the operating room or immediately on arrival to the ICU were compared to those extubated by traditional protocols. In-hospital mortality, major complications, need for re-intubation, hospital length of stay, and chest-tube days were compared between groups and by Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery (STAT) mortality category. Outcome measures of hospital length of stay and chest tube days were analyzed using multivariable regression modeling. Early extubation subjects were older, weighed more, had shorter bypass and aortic cross-clamp time, more often received caudal anesthesia, and had shorter hospital length of stay and fewer chest tube days. Subjects not extubated early had more chromosomal abnormalities, more preoperative co-morbidities, and had more major complications. Inhospital death, major complications, and re-intubation were rare outcomes for both groups across all STAT categories. Multivariable regression analysis showed that cardiopulmonary bypass time was a significant predictor of hospital length of stay and chest tube days. Hospital LOS and chest tube days were significantly lower for the early extubation group in both the unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Early extubation can be performed safely in congenital heart surgery across a spectrum of case complexity. No increased early mortality or re-intubation was observed with early extubation although there were important differences between the groups that merits further study. The potential benefits of early extubation include decreased hospital length of stay and fewer chest tube days, particularly in young children and patients with long bypass times.
An ADS-B Intrusion Detection System

Advances in radio and RADAR research have considerably contributed to the emergence of novel air traffic control (ATC) protocols. In particular, Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) has proven to be a viable option that could complement and extend current technologies. Despite the benefits offered by ADS-B, such as more precise location, easier deployment, and lower costs, cyber-security issues have arisen due to the open, clear-text broadcasting of ADS-B messages making it vulnerable to many attacks. In this paper, we propose an intrusion detection system (IDS) specifically designed to detect malicious or questionable ADS-B messages. We leverage prior work on cyber-defense mechanisms against ADS-B attacks and physical aspects of aircraft motion to classify received ADS-B traffic as potential attacks and retain digital artifacts that might support post-attack forensic investigations.
Musculocutaneous Flaps in Reconstruction

A well-planned repair of anatomic defects following appropriate surgical procedures for soft-tissue sarcoma facilitates prompt functional and physical rehabilitation of the patient, minimizes the morbidity associated with the loss of tissue, and effectively decreases the duration of hospitalization. Most surgical defects can be successfully repaired by the mobilization of local flaps or the judicious use of skin grafts. However, the removal of large tumors of the trunk, abdominal wall, and extremities may result in full-thickness defects in the chest, abdomen, perineum, or expose bones or neurovascular structures in the extremities. The lack of familiarity with modern reconstructive procedures has led inexperienced surgeons to resort to alternative, less than optimal forms of therapy of the primary sarcoma (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or amputation) with resultant inadequate tumor control in many instances or significant functional and physical disability. The extensive experience accumulated in the past decade with the transposition and free grafting of musculocutaneous flaps has led to primary and effective reconstruction of many of these surgical defects. It has also allowed new techniques for limb preservation by providing viable and functional coverage for vital limb structures (neurovascular supply, bone, joints) following the adequate resection of soft-tissue sarcomas.
SIGEVO plenary lecture in memory of John Holland: the biology of software

Biological design principles can potentially change the way we study, engineer, maintain, and develop large dynamic software systems. For example, computer programmers like to think of software as the product of intelligent design, carefully crafted to meet well-specified goals. In reality, large software systems evolve inadvertently through the actions of many individual programmers, often leading to unanticipated consequences. Because software is subject to constraints similar to those faced by evolving biological systems, we have much to gain by viewing software through the lens of biology. The talk will highlight how abstractions of biological processes can lead to new computational algorithms and engineering principles using examples from my own research. Specifically, it will show how the biological concepts of Darwinian evolution and immunology can be applied to problems such as repairing software bugs and cybersecurity.
The Effect of Femoral Nerve Block on Quadriceps Strength in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Purpose To assess the isokinetic, functional, and patient-reported outcomes of femoral nerve block (FNB) compared with traditional multimodal anesthesia for FNB in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Reviews, and Google Scholar was conducted according to the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Effects of FNB on quadriceps function were evaluated by isokinetic testing, functional scoring systems, range of motion, and patient self-report questionnaires. Heterogeneous reporting of outcomes precluded a formal meta-analysis. The methodologic merit of all studies included was evaluated by the Coleman Methodology Score. Results Six studies were identified with outcome measures reported between 7 days and 6 months postoperatively. At 6 months, 2 of 4 studies that reported isokinetic testing found significantly greater deficits among patients who received a nerve block; one of the remaining studies showed a deficit at 6 weeks but not 6 months. Limited data showed no significant differences in functional or patient-reported outcomes at 6 months after reconstruction, and data regarding the impact of FNB on return to sport were inconclusive. The mean Coleman Methodology Score for the included studies was 53, indicating poor overall methodologic quality of the available literature. Conclusions The limited data available suggest that FNB causes a measurable deficit in quadriceps isokinetic strength during the early postoperative period but has no effect on functional outcomes or return to sport at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. However, current clinical evidence is not sufficient to draw any valid or definitive conclusions regarding the effect of FNB on postoperative outcomes after ACL reconstruction. Level of Evidence Level IV, systemic review of Level I through IV studies.
Innovation Through Linkages and Networks at the National Research Council

The Conference Board of Canada defines innovation as: “a process through which economic value is extracted from knowledge through the generation, development and implementation of ideas to produce new and improved products processes and services.” The innovation process requires investments in a number of activities that must be linked in dynamic and creative ways in order to produce desired outcomes: wealth and prosperity. This new setting has affected the way they go about their business, reshaping our social, cultural and organizational entrepreneurship behavior. In this context, networks have become the instrument of choice in the innovative economy. They provide a platform, to maintain connections, to move within and between organizations, to build relationships, to share knowledge, etc. Networks thus make it possible to create intellectual capital in a collaborative and virtual way.
Power loss of GaN transistor reverse diodes in a high frequency high voltage resonant rectifier

This paper presents power loss measurements of GaN transistor reverse diodes in high frequency high voltage conditions. To evaluate their performance, we use GaN transistor reverse diodes as rectifying devices in a class-DE resonant rectifier and operate the circuit at switching frequencies of 10s of MHz and with output voltages reaching 100s of volts. We use a thermometric calibration method to quantify the power loss in all GaN transistor reverse diodes and finds that the losses increase with both switching frequency and output voltage. Further, our experiments show that the device power loss is neither hard switching loss by a faulty design of resonant rectifiers nor traditional conduction loss from the forward voltage drop and static on-resistance of the diode. The comparison between power dissipation and GaN transistor output capacitances suggests that the device capacitance might be correlated with the observed device power loss.
The Gradient Estimation Problem in Discrete-Event Dynamic Systems With Discontinuous Performance Measures*

Abstract Perturbation Analysis (PA) is a method for estimating the sensitivity of the performance of a Discrete-Event Dynamic System (DEDS) with respect to a controllable parameter. In PA, gradient estimates are obtained on line, while observing a single realization of the system. Thus, they can be used in various distributed gradient-based optimization algorithms. This paper begins with an overview of recent accomplishments in PA theory and applications. We then describe a newly-developed method for gradient estimation in systems with discontinuous sample functions, where it is possible to exploit conditioning on appropriate observable state variables in order to derive unbiased PA estimators. An application of this approach to a communications/computer network control problem is included.
Efficiency of combined blocking of aerobic and glycolytic metabolism pathways in treatment of N1-S1 hepatocellular carcinoma in a rat model.

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of bumetanide (BU), a glycolytic metabolism pathway inhibitor, to arterial embolization improves tumor necrosis of N1-S1 hepatocellular carcinoma in a rat model. Materials and Methods: N1-S1 tumors were surgically implanted in the liver of 14 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into three groups: In control group (n = 5), 1 ml of normal saline was injected intra-arterially. The tumor in the transarterial embolization group (TAE, n = 4) was embolized using 10 mg of 50–150 μ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles and embolization plus BU group (TAE + BU, n = 5) were embolized with 10 mg of PVA plus 0.04 mg/kg of BU. Tumor volume was measured using two-dimensional ultrasound before intervention and twice a week afterward. Relative tumor volume after the intervention was calculated as the percentage of preinterventional tumor volume. After 4 weeks of observation, the rats were sacrificed for histopathological evaluation. Results: No statistically significant difference was detected in the preintervention tumor sizes between the three groups (P > 0.05). In the control group, the relative tumor volume increased to 142.5% larger than baseline measurements. In the TAE group, the tumor volume decreased by 18.2 ± 12.2%. The tumor volume in the TAE + BU group decrease by 90.4 ± 10.2%, which was 72.2% more than in TAE only group (P Conclusion: Tumor necrosis significantly increased in N1-S1 tumor that received BU at the time of TAE when compared to TAE alone.
Perspectives on History: Army Dietitians in the European, North African, and Mediterranean Theaters of Operation in World War II

Abstract World War II necessitated the mobilization of hundreds of dietitians to serve in military hospitals in the United States and in theaters of war all over the globe. Although initially military dietitians had civilian status, on December 22, 1942, Congress passed Public Law 828, which authorized military status for Army dietitians with relative rank in the Medical Department for the duration of the war and 6 months thereafter. This article chronicles the role of Army dietitians who supported the allied troops in military hospitals in England, Europe, and North Africa during World War II. Recollections of military dietitians who served in the war are included to illustrate the circumstances under which these professionals lived and the dedication with which they worked. J Am Diet Assoc. 1996: 96:598-601 .
Stochastic dynamical low-rank approximation method

Abstract In this paper, we extend the dynamical low-rank approximation method to the space of finite signed measures. Under this framework, we derive stochastic low-rank dynamics for stochastic differential equations (SDEs) coming from classical stochastic dynamics or unraveling of Lindblad quantum master equations. We justify the proposed method by error analysis and also numerical examples for applications in solving high-dimensional SDE, stochastic Burgers' equation, and high-dimensional Lindblad equation.
Extracting device fingerprints from flash memory by exploiting physical variations

We evaluate seven techniques for extracting unique signatures from NAND flash devices based on observable effects of process variation. Four of the techniques yield usable signatures that represent different trade-offs between speed, robustness, randomness, and wear imposed on the flash device. We describe how to use the signatures to prevent counterfeiting and uniquely identify and/or authenticate electronic devices.
The CYGNSS Level 1 Calibration Algorithm and Error Analysis Based on On-Orbit Measurements

The calibration algorithm used by the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission to produce version 2.1 of its Level 1 (L1) science data products is described. Changes and improvements have been made to the algorithm, relative to earlier versions, based on the first year of on-orbit result. The L1 calibration consists of two parts: first, the Level 1a (L1a) calibration converts the raw Level 0 delay Doppler maps (DDMs) of processed counts into received power in units of watts. Second, the L1a DDMs are then converted to Level 1b DDMs of bistatic radar cross section values by unwrapping the forward scattering model, which are then normalized by the surface scattering area to arrive an observation of $ \sigma _0$ . An update to the bottom up term-by-term error analysis is also presented, using on-orbit results to better quantify the accuracy of the rolled-up L1 calibration. The error analysis considers uncertainties in all known input calibration parameters. Finally, a method for calibrating the time delay of CYGNSS measurements is presented.
A New Species of Emoia (Squamata: Scincidae) from Papua New Guinea

Abstract I describe a new species of Emoia that is the sixth member in the E. cyanogaster group. It differs from all other Emoia species in its distinctive pattern of serrated black stripes on an emerald-green ground color. Further distinguishing features include its relatively small size, long and narrow snout, large number of toe lamellae, and lack of a distinct interparietal. Specimens of the new species had previously been assigned to E tetrataenia, but the more elongated snout and unique color pattern easily distinguish it from the latter, which is restricted to the D'Entrecasteaux Islands. The new species is known only from Rossel Island in the Louisiade Archipelago, the southeasternmost island of Papua New Guinea, and it is likely endemic to that island. A combination of morphological and distributional evidence suggests that the new species, E. tetrataenia, and E kordoana are probably each other's closest relatives.
Melanoma incidence, recurrence, and mortality in an integrated healthcare system: A retrospective cohort study.

Background Numerous studies have examined melanoma incidence and survival, but studies on melanoma recurrence are limited. We examined melanoma incidence, recurrence, and mortality among members of Kaiser Permanente Colorado (KPCO) between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2015. Methods Age-adjusted incidence rates were computed to examine trends among KPCO members aged 21 years and older. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine factors associated with recurrence and mortality. Results Our cohort included 1931 cases of invasive melanoma. Incidence rates increased over time and were higher than SEER rates; however, the increase was limited to early stage disease. In multivariable models, stage at initial diagnosis, gender, and age were associated with melanoma recurrence. Men were more likely to have a recurrence than women (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-2.43), and for each decade of increasing age, the adjusted HR = 1.20 (95% CI: 1.06-1.37). Factors associated with all-cause mortality included stage (HR = 12.87, 95% CI: 6.63-24.99, for stage IV vs stage I), male gender (HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12-1.79), older age at diagnosis, lower socioeconomic status, and comorbidity index. For melanoma-specific mortality, results were similar, with one exception: age was not associated with melanoma-specific death (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.94-1.25, P = 0.253). Conclusions Data derived from an insured patient population, such as KPCO, have the potential to enhance our understanding of emerging trends in melanoma. This is the first population-based study in the United States to examine patient characteristics associated with risk of recurrence. Men have an increased risk of both recurrence and death, and thus may benefit from more intensive follow-up than women.
Successful Dynamic Cardiomyoplasty with Pharmaceutical Support

Dynamic cardiomyoplasty is an attractive alternative to heart transplantation. We used fibrin sealant to facilitate the intraoperative bonding of skeletal muscle to the myocardial wall, focusing on prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injuries in the skeletal muscle flap, and enhancement of angiogenesis in the “repaired” heart. In a sheep model, we used autologous fibrin sealant to join the tissues, to create a provisional matrix for angiogenesis, and to act as a depot for the delivery of agents aimed at minimizing ischemia-reperfusion lesion formation. Coadministered with the fibrin sealant were the following pharmaceuticals: deferoxamine (an iron chelator), pyrrolostatin (a free radical scavenger), and aprotinin (a protease inhibitor). Five days after cardiomyoplasty, the skeletal muscle was stimulated with a progressive electrical regimen. After two months, the skeletal muscle showed none of the signs of necrosis or ischemia-reperfusion damage seen in the controls. The layer of fibrin sealant rapidly (<2 weeks) became densely vascularized with capillaries. The expedited angiogenesis provided an organic bridge between skeletal muscle and myocardium. By contrast, in controls there was poor contact between the tissues, with evidence of fiber deterioration and loss of vascular network integrity in the transposed muscle flap. Even greater angiogenic stimulation was seen when pharmaceuticals were included into the fibrin meshwork, which minimized the formation of ischemia-reperfusion lesions. Over time, these agents promoted much more extensive vascularization than did fibrin sealant alone. This therapeutic strategy, using a pharmacologically-enhanced fibrin sealant, is clearly beneficial for countering muscle flap postoperative injury, and may open promising pathways for the design of other biomechanical assist devices.
Combining Unmanned Aerial Systems and Satellite Data to Monitor Phenological Changes in Tropical Forests: A Case Study from Costa Rica

The migration of vegetation under the influence of climate change is of great interest to ecologists, but can be difficult to quantify—especially in less accessible landscapes. Monitoring land cover change through remote sensing has become the best solution, especially with the use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs; drones) as low-cost remote sensing platforms are able to collect data at high spatial and spectral resolutions. Unfortunately, in the context of climate change studies, the lack of comparative UAS data sets over decadal timescales has been limiting. Here, we describe a technique for the integration of historical, low spatial resolution satellite-based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data with short-term high-resolution multispectral UAS data to track the vegetation changes in a Costa Rican rainforest over a 33-year time frame. The study reveals the transition of a mixed forest from strongly deciduous to weakly deciduous phenology in the Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge (HBNWR), southwestern Costa Rica. This case study presents an approach for researchers and forest managers to study and track vegetation changes over time in locations that lack detailed historical vegetation data. Vegetation migration due to climate change is not well documented and difficult to monitor, especially in remote or inaccessible locations. This case study presents researchers, students, and forest managers an approach for leveraging freely available satellite imagery and UASs to track these changes over time.
Sex Differences in Subjective Sleep Quality Patterns in Schizophrenia.

Sleep dysfunction is prevalent among patients with schizophrenia. Although sex differences have been identified in schizophrenia, sex differences in sleep patterns among patients with schizophrenia...
A new approach to recognize term and preterm infants with impaired kidney function (IKF) during the first week of life

Abstract Background Current definitions of neonatal acute kidney injury (nAKI) are not sensitive enough to identify all newborns with impaired kidney function (IKF) during the first week of life. Previous studies in term newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy showed that the rate of serum creatinine (SCr) decline during the first week of life could be used to assess their renal status. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 329 critically ill newborns ≥ 27 weeks of gestational age (GA), to determine whether the rate of SCr decline combined with SCr thresholds provides a sensitive approach to identify newborns with IKF during the first week of life. Results Excluding neonates with nAKI, identified based on standard definitions, a SCr decline Conclusion The rate of SCr decline combined with SCr thresholds identifies newborns with IKF during the first week of life. This distinctive group of newborns that is missed by standard definitions of nAKI, warrants close monitoring in the NICU to prevent acute and chronic renal complications.
The effect of principles-based standards on financial statement comparability: The case of SFAS-142

Abstract This study examines the effects of a prominent principles-based standard (SFAS-142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) on financial statement comparability. Using non-goodwill-intensive firms as our control group, we implement a difference-in-differences research design to examine how SFAS-142 affects comparability among goodwill-intensive firms (i.e. a treatment group), and comparability between goodwill-intensive firms and non-goodwill-intensive firms (i.e. another treatment group). We find that SFAS-142 decreases comparability among goodwill-intensive firms, as well as comparability between goodwill-intensive and non-goodwill-intensive firms. We also find that these reductions in comparability are less severe when the verifiability of net assets is higher. Overall, the results suggest that principles-based standards may reduce comparability, particularly when the accounting items entail high uncertainty and verifiability is low.
An analysis on causes of death associated with accidental injury in residents from 2007-2011 in Huizhou

Objective To analyze the characteristics of death associated with accidental injury in residents,and to provide scientific support for the effective control and intervention of injuries.Methods The data were collected from the death cause register system including all death cases in hospitals reported by internet from 2007 to 2011 in Huizhou.The underlying death codes were used to analyze the proportion of death causes and its ranking.Results 1,414 injury-caused deaths cases accounted for 12.42％ of the total deaths during 2007-2011 in Huizhou and most deaths occurred in the young and middle-aged group.Injury was the 3-ranked of leading death causes as well as the main death cause in people aged 5-44.Automobile traffic accident,transport not acci.dents caused by motor Conclusions Accidental vehicles,falling,suicide,and poisoning were the top 5 death causes of accidental injury.Conclusions Accidental injury is one of the main death causes in Huizhou and is the most important risk factor for endangering the health and life in young and middle-aged people.The government should establish an effective control strategy based on the injury death spectrum and the target population. Key words: Injury; Death causes; Proportion
STRATA: A Spreadsheet Tool for Multidimensional Analysis of Operations Research/Management Science Assessment Test Data

Accrediting organizations in higher education have shifted emphasis from indirect measures such as student course evaluations, focus-group interviews, and employer surveys to direct measurement of ...
Spatio-Temporal Crash Prediction: Effects of Negative Sampling on Understanding Network-Level Crash Occurrence:

In projects centered around rare event case data, the challenge of data comprehension is greatly increased because of insufficient data for deriving insight and analysis. This is particularly the c...
A Modified Morrey-Kohn-Hörmander Identity and Applications to the $$\overline{\partial }$$ ∂ ¯ -Problem

We prove a modified form of the classical Morrey-Kohn-Hormander identity, adapted to pseudoconcave boundaries. Applying this result to an annulus between two bounded pseudoconvex domains in $${{\mathbb {C}}}^n$$ , where the inner domain has $${\mathcal {C}}^{1,1}$$ boundary, we show that the $$L^2$$ Dolbeault cohomology group in bidegree (p, q) vanishes if $$1\le q\le n-2$$ and is Hausdorff and infinite-dimensional if $$q=n-1$$ , so that the Cauchy-Riemann operator has closed range in each bidegree. As a dual result, we prove that the Cauchy-Riemann operator is solvable in the $$L^2$$ Sobolev space $$W^1$$ on any pseudoconvex domain with $${\mathcal {C}}^{1,1}$$ boundary. We also generalize our results to annuli between domains which are weakly q-convex in the sense of Ho for appropriate values of q.
Abstract PO-062: Why drug and radiation combination synergism or antagonism can be quantitatively determined with the mass-action law based pharmacodynamics equation, algorithm and computer simulation

Biological system-analysis by the mass-action law with biophysical, biochemical and mathematical induction-and-deduction leads to the derivation of >300 reaction rate equations. These derived equations led to general biodynamics/pharmacodynamics and bioinformatics (MAL-BD/PD/BI) general paradigms for “Dose” and “Effect”. 1. Median-Effect Eq. (MEE) for single drug or entity, regardless, in vitro, in animals or in human, where Dm and m values signify the median-effect dose “potency” and “shape” (dynamic order), respectively. 2. Combination Index Eq. (CIE), where CI 1 indicates synergism, additive effect and antagonism, respectively, in combinations. Since all terms in MEE and CIE are relativity ratios, they are dimensionless quantities. Therefore, MEE and CIE are fundamental MAL-BD/PD/BI/CI principle independent to entity’s physical nature (chemicals, biologicals, natural products, radiation, liquid, or gas); independent to unit (ug, nM, mg/ml. mg/kg, IU, rad or multiples of infection); and independent to mode or mechanism of actions (competitive, noncompetitive, uncompetitive, sequential, ordered, ping-pong or random). Comprehensive details are available in Chou TC, Pharmacol. Rev. 58: 621-681, 2006 (specifically on p.655 and p.660), It also discussed in Chou, Integrative Biol. 3: 548-559, 2011, and many more recent papers on chemotherapy and radiation therapy combinations, as indicated in Google scholars. The above 2006 Chou article, as of January 12, 2021, has 3,835 citations in 1,054 biomedical journals internationally, encompassing nearly all disciplines in biomedical sciences. Citation Format: Ting-Chao Chou. Why drug and radiation combination synergism or antagonism can be quantitatively determined with the mass-action law based pharmacodynamics equation, algorithm and computer simulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Radiation Science and Medicine; 2021 Mar 2-3. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(8_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-062.
Unintended but Hardly Unexpected Consequences of Cannabis Legalization.

* Abbreviation: ED — : emergency department In October 2018, Canada joined the ranks of a small number of countries throughout the world, as well as 17 states across the United States, in legalizing the use, possession, and sale of nonmedical cannabis products. One year later, Canada amended its Cannabis Act to include the sale of cannabis-containing edibles. In an attempt to reduce unintentional ingestions and minimize the “appeal to youth,” Canada also required all cannabis products to display a standardized symbol: a red stop-sign shaped logo containing a cannabis leaf and the word “THC.” In addition, all cannabis-containing edibles are required to have tamper-proof and child-resistant packaging, with strict limits on the tetrahydrocannabinol amount present in single packages. In the current issue of Pediatrics , Yeung et al1 study this large national experiment to evaluate how the legalization of cannabis in Canada has affected emergency department (ED) visit volumes and codiagnosis and coingestion patterns in children and adolescents in urban Alberta. Using the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System database, a national administrative database used to capture all ED and urgent center visits throughout Canada, … Address correspondence to Sheryl Ryan, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Mail Code HP25, 905 W Governor Rd, Hershey, PA 17033. E-mail: sryan4{at}pennstatehealth.psu.edu
Impact of Hospital Volume on Outcomes Following Head and Neck Cancer Surgery and Flap Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS Utilization of flaps for reconstruction of large head and neck cancer (HNCA) defects has become more prevalent. The present study aimed to assess the impact of center experience as measured by annual hospital caseload on mortality, major complications, resource utilization, and 90-day readmissions following HNCA resection with flap reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN Non-Randomized Controlled Cohort Study. METHODS All adult patients undergoing elective HNCA resection with flap reconstruction were identified utilizing the 2010 to 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Hospitals were subsequently classified as low-, medium-, or high-volume based on annual institutional surgical caseload tertiles. Multivariable regression models were implemented to assess the independent association of hospital volume with the outcomes of interest. RESULTS Over the nine-year study period, the proportion of HNCA resection with flap reconstruction gradually increased (12.8% in 2010 vs. 17.3% in 2018, P < .001). Although increasing hospital volume did not alter the odds of mortality, patients treated at high-volume centers were less likely to experience both surgical (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67-0.97, P = .025) and medical complications (AOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.85, P < .001). Furthermore, these patients had shorter hospitalizations (-2.1 days, 95% CI -2.7 to -1.4 days, P < .001) and decreased costs (-$8,100, 95% CI -11,400 to -4,700, P < .001) compared to counterparts at low-volume centers. However, hospital volume did not impact 90-day readmissions. CONCLUSION Patients undergoing HNCA resection with flap reconstruction at high-volume centers were less likely to experience surgical and medical complications while incurring shorter hospitalizations and lower costs. Implementation of volume standards may be appropriate to improve outcomes in this surgical population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 2021.
Bolstering Knowledge Management Systems with Appreciative Inquiry

Both Knowledge Management and Appreciative Inquiry attempt to amplify human and organizational capacities by leveraging the best of each. Whereas knowledge management systems aim to help identifying the substantive organizational knowledge in its broadest sense and leveraging it to benefit the organization and its stakeholders, the appreciative inquiry methodology is also about the search for the best in people, their organizations, and the relevant world around them. In their root cause, both knowledge management and appreciative inquiry "involve systematic discovery of what gives life to a living system when it is most alive, most effective, and most constructively capable in economic, ecological, and human terms." Following a brief introduction of knowledge management systems and appreciative inquiry, this essay examines the corollary relationship between the two, and subsequently points to critical areas in which knowledge management practices can benefit from adopting the appreciative inquiry perspective. More particularly, we submit that appreciative inquiry can motivate organization-wide adoption of knowledge management systems and it can provide language-based mechanisms to facilitate effective knowledge exchange. The development of an appreciative-inquirybased mode of knowledge management opens new horizons and uncovers previously overlooked possibilities, which eventually can contribute to the overall organizational performance and wellbeing.
Water flow Driven Sensor Networks for leakage and contamination monitoring

In this paper, we introduce the concept of Water flow Driven Sensor Networks for leakage and contamination monitoring in urban water distribution systems. The unique aspect of our work is that the sensor network can be deployed in the underground water network with only access to connection points (through manholes) and driven only by water harvested energy so as to avoid access to AC power or need for frequent battery changes. The main problems addressed are (a) adaptation of the network to the available energy in order to maximize leak/contamination detection, and (b) minimal artificial water circulation or leakage to improve detectability during periods of almost zero natural water flow. The paper shows, through extensive simulations, that the proposed approach can drastically reduce the leakage/contamination reporting time (more than 3 hours to ∼30 minutes), and the adaptation can reduce this circulation by ∼33% and yet enhance the collected/transmitted data by 30%.
The Current Status of Low Frequency Radio Astronomy from Space

Ground-based radio astronomy is severely limited by the Earth's ionosphere. Below 15 - 20 MHz, space-based radio observations are superior or even mandatory. Three different areas of astronomical research manifest themselves at low radio frequencies: solar, planetary, and galactic-extragalactic. Space-based observations of solar phenomena at low frequencies are a natural extension of high-frequency ground-based observations that have been carried out since the beginnings of radio astronomy. Measurements of known solar phenomena such as Types II and III bursts have been extended from the few solar radii altitude range reachable by ground-based techniques out to 1 AU and beyond. These space-based solar measurements have become critical in our developing an understanding of space weather. In contrast, non-thermal planetary radio emissions are almost exclusively a space radio astronomy phenomenon. With the exception of two components of Jupiter's complex radio spectrum, the magnetospheric and Auroral radio emissions of Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune have all been discovered by space radio astronomy techniques. For astrophysical applications, the lack of angular resolution from space at low frequencies has thwarted progress such that most areas still remain to be fully exploited. Results to date have only included overall cosmic background spectra and extremely crude (∼1 steradian resolution) maps. In this overview we will briefly summarize the current status of science in the three areas of research and outline some future concepts for low-frequency, space-based instruments for solar, planetary, and astrophysical problems.
Vacuum Extraction of Bitumen from Pavement Mixtures

AN INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED TO COMPARE METHODS FOR EXTRACTING ASPHALT FROM BITUMINOUS-AGGREGATE MIXTURES: (1) THE CENTRIFUGE METHOD ASTM D-2172 MEHTOD A, (2) THE REFLUX METHOD ASTM D-2172 METHOD B, AND (3) VACUUM EXTRACTOR METHOD, UTAH STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS METHOD 8-946.01. THE VACUUM EXTRACTION TEST IS PERFORMED BY HEATING A SAMPLE OF BITUMINOUS PAVEMENT TO A TEMPERATURE NOT TO EXCEED 190F. ALL AGGLOMERATIONS OF MATERIAL ARE BROKEN UP WITH A SPATULA AND THE MIXTURE ALLOWED TO COOL TO 130F. METHYLENE CHLORIDE IS ADDED AND THE MIXTURE STIRRED UNTIL MOST OF THE ASPHALT IS IN SOLUTION. THE MIXTURE IS POURED INTO THE VACUUM EXTRACTOR AND VACUMM APPLIED. FRESH SOLVENT IS ADDED IN INDIVIDUAL INCREMENTS AND VACUUMED OUT UNTIL THE AGGREGATE IS ASPHALT FREE. THE AGGREGATE IS THEN REMOVED FROM THE EXTRACTOR AND DRIED TO CONSTANT WEIGHT AT A TEMPERATURE NOT TO EXCEED 190F. THE ASPHALT CONTENT IS THEN CALCULATED AND THE EXTRACTED AGGREGATE IS AVAILABLE FOR SIEVE ANALYSIS. THE FIVE AGGREGATES TESTED VARIED IN ABSORPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS. WITHOUT ASH DETERMINATION THE REFLUX AND ROTAREX METHODS ARE ONLY ESTIMATORS OF THE PAVEMENT COMPOSITION. ASH MEASUREMENT IS BEYOND THE CAPABILITY OF PROJECT LABORATORIES. TEST DATA ARE PRESENTED IN FIGURES. THESE DATA INDICATE THAT THE VACUUM EXTRACTOR IS SUPERIOR TO THE TWO CURRENTLY USED USED PROCEDURES COVERED BY THIS STUDY. THE VACUUM EXTRACTOR HAS BEEN ADOPTED AS STANDARD BY THE UTAH STATE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS.
The Environment Reporters of New England

Who are the reporters covering environmental issues in the United States? As the first step in a nationwide series of regional studies of environment reporters conducted over time, the researchers identified and interviewed 55 environment reporters working for New England daily newspapers and television stations in winter and spring 2000. The study found environment reporters working at half the region's newspapers and only four of the television stations. The New England environment reporters ranked everyday, practical journalistic process concerns such as time constraints and the size of the news hole as the most frequent barriers to reporting on the environment. They also said their sources most often came from government, and their stories often contained a variety of factors, including a human-interest angle, a government angle, and a pollution angle. Many wished to aid the environment while still remaining objective in their reporting.