cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does ambulation immediately following an episode of deep vein thrombosis increase the risk of pulmonary embolism

A 68-year-old woman who had no known musculoskeletal or neuromuscular impairments fell in her home and sustained a fracture of the left femoral neck. The fracture was treated surgically by replacement of the femoral head and neck (hemiarthroplasty), and the patient began physical therapy in her hospital room the day after surgery. The initial physical therapy interventions included exercises to increase range of motion of the hip and to increase force of the quadriceps femoris and hip abductor muscles. In preparation for ambulation, standing and weight-shifting activities also were instituted at the bedside on the day after surgery. On the second day after surgery, I saw the patient in the physical therapy department, where she began ambulation using parallel bars, with weight bearing to tolerance on the left lower extremity. By the third postoperative day, she was ambulating with a walker for distances of up to 12 meters (40 feet). She did not need any support or assistance, but I provided instruction occasionally to ensure proper technique and safety. The patient continued to progress well until she developed sharp pain in her left calf. Subsequent testing using Doppler ultrasound revealed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Following surgery, the patient had been receiving a prophylactic dose of the antithrombotic medication enoxaparin (Lovenox) (30 mg administered subcutaneously every 12 hours). When she developed the DVT, the dose of enoxaparin was increased according to her body weight (75 kg) so that she was receiving an antithrombotic treatment dose of 75 mg every 12 hours (ie, 1 mg of enoxaparin per kg of body weight administered subcutaneously every 12 hours). The patient also was supposed to be wearing lower-extremity compression stockings after surgery, but she had apparently been removing the stockings from time to time because they were uncomfortable. She therefore was informed about …
Methods for Personalized Diagnostics

Historically medical diagnosis has relied on observation of signs and symptom followed by comparison of these signs and symptoms to profiles of known instances of the disease. While this approach works well in straight-forward diagnosis in commonly found diseases it may not work well for rare diseases or for a common disease that does not present with the normal symptom pattern or when symptoms are the result of the presence of more than one disease. New technologies can assist in the diagnostic process through a number of paradigms, including examination of the life-long patient history, analysis of genetics components, and the inclusion of multidimensional medical decision making that makes full use of automated scanning and analysis. In this article specific approaches that can contribute to personal diagnosis are coupled with a structure for maintaining life-long patient and family history data.
Modeling of high-Z materials detection in assessing brightness/density ratios and their impact on detection accuracy

Smuggling of radioactive materials and special nuclear materials (SNM) present a concern to national and global nuclear security. Due to weak signals, nuclear materials are not easily detected and numerous techniques were developed addressing issues related to illicit trafficking across the borders. In this paper, we present a numerical model for high-Z radiographic-based detection in cargo scanning for a search of hidden weak-signaling nuclear materials in assessing the effect of brightness ratios on accuracy of this method. This numerical model is attempted to present a new direction in improving the accuracy of cargo inspections by distinguishing the high-Z materials such as shielding materials (always the high-Z), or SNM, from all other materials (that could as well be in the group of high-Z) present in an examined volume of a cargo container. Gamma/X-ray radiography is widely established method to scan the interiors of cargo containers. However, processing of such radiographic images employs only 2-D radiography images. This presents a challenging limitation for an accurate discrimination between high-Z to medium-Z to low-Z materials. To address these shortcomings, we developed a new approach (demonstrated using numerical mirroring of the real scanning of cargo containers) based on two orthogonal radiography images in providing brightness and thickness of an observed volume. An empirical formula using these two variables is then derived to estimate what is a density of a scanned material in the interior of a cargo container. In addition to this empirical formula, a discrimination threshold for high-density materials is suggested in possibly providing new aspects of improvements in real scanning systems.
Part B: Outcomes With ESRD Therapy: A Critical Overview from The United States

Patient survival is a very basic but important outcome of any therapeutic intervention. In the case of end stage renal disease (ESRD), outcome studies have included several other outcomes such as quality of life indicators, morbidity measures (e.g., hospitalizations), length of time on a treatment modality (‘technique survival’) and survival with a functioning kidney allograft (graft survival). The establishment of regional and national registries has markedly facilitated the evaluation of these outcomes in actual practice rather than in the referral practice or related multicenter environment. This chapter will focus primarily on population-based patient survival studies using information from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS) and the Michigan Kidney Registry
A Survey of Headache Medicine Physicians on the Likeability of Headaches and Their Personal Headache History

Background Two prior studies have shown an increased prevalence of migraine among physicians who are headache medicine specialists (HMS). There have been no studies of the prevalence of other headache disorders among HMS. A prior survey showed that neurologists like to treat some headaches more than others but there has not been a similar survey of HMS. Objectives The aim of the survey was to learn more about the prevalence of headaches among HMS and which headache disorders they like to treat. Methods An email survey was sent to 749 physician members of the American Headache Society who were asked to respond to the following statement using a 5-point Likert scale (from 1, strongly disagree to 5, strongly agree): “I like to treat patients with the following types of headaches or syndromes.” They were asked, “Have you personally suffered from any of the following at any time during your life: episodic migraine (EM), chronic migraine (CM), refractory migraine (RM), episodic cluster (EC), chronic cluster (CC), new daily persistent headache (NDPH), and postconcussion syndrome (PCS).” Results The response rate was 15.8% (n = 118) with a mean age of 51.4 years, 64.4% males, and 85.6% neurologists. HMS reported likeability for treating disorders in rank order as follows: EM (mean = 4.69, SD = 0.61); CM (mean = 4.20, SD = 0.94); RM (mean = 3.62, SD = 1.17); EC (mean = 4.37, SD = 0.80); CC (mean = 3.68, SD = 1.10); NDPH (mean = 3.52, SD = 1.21); and PCS (mean = 3.66, SD = 1.18). The lifetime prevalence of disorders was as follows: EM, 69.5% (85.7% in females and 60.5% in males); CM, 13.6% (19% in females and 10.5% in males); RM, .9% (2.4% females and 0% males); EC, 1.7% (0% females and 2.6% males); CC, 0%; NDPH, 0%, and PCS, 4.2% (7.1% females and 2.6% males). HMS with a personal history of EM (mean = 4.73, SD = 0.51) showed a significant preference (t130 = 7.30, P < .001) to treat episodic migraine more than other headaches (mean = 3.90, SD = 0.77). Conclusions HMS preferred to treat some disorders more than others, with EM most liked and NDPH least preferred, which may reflect how well patients with those disorders respond to treatment. The lifetime prevalence of EM among HMS is significantly greater than among neurologists, both significantly greater than EM in the general population. An explanation for the higher prevalence among neurologists is not certain but perhaps migraine is associated with a choice to become an HMS during or after neurology residency. The lifetime prevalence among HMS of CM may be and EC is much greater than among the general population for uncertain reasons.
Policy tools for agricultural nonpoint source water pollution control in the U.S. and E.U.

Purpose – In the USA and Europe, agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution continues to be among the chief impediments to achieving water quality standards. While the implementation of technology-based water pollution control tools has resulted in evident point source pollution abatement, NPSs continue to threaten surface water and groundwater. The purpose of this paper is to draw from environmental policy literature to identify regulatory tools and management approaches that specifically target agricultural NPS pollution and the factors that drive or impede their implementation and enforcement. This paper utilizes the policy tool framework to help characterize the widespread policy problem, distinguishing its unique set of hurdles from other environmental problems. Design/methodology/approach – Discussion of agricultural NPS pollution management approaches is based on a thorough review of relevant environmental policy and environmental economic literature as well as case studies from the USA and Europ...
Non-Fermi-liquid behavior in d - and f -electron metals

A relatively new class of materials has been found in which the basic assumption of Landau Fermi-liquid theory---that at low energies the electrons in a metal should behave essentially as a collection of weakly interacting particles---is violated. These ``non-Fermi-liquid'' systems exhibit unusual temperature dependences in their low-temperature properties, including several examples in which the specific heat divided by temperature shows a singular $\mathrm{log}T$ temperature dependence over more than two orders of magnitude, from the lowest measured temperatures in the milliKelvin regime to temperatures over 10 K. These anomalous properties, with their often pure power-law or logarithmic temperature dependences over broad temperature ranges and inherent low characteristic energies, have attracted active theoretical interest from the first experimental report in 1991. This article first describes the various theoretical approaches to trying to understand the source of strong temperature- and frequency-dependent electron-electron interactions in non-Fermi-liquid systems. It then discusses the current experimental body of knowledge, including a compilation of data on non-Fermi-liquid behavior in over 50 systems. The disparate data reveal some interesting correlations and trends and serve to point up a number of areas where further theoretical and experimental work is needed.
Organizational Market Information Processes: Cultural Antecedents and New Product Outcomes:

Organizational research suggests that the way information is used is likely to be a function of the presence of organizational systems or processes, in addition to individual manager activities. Th...
Frequency Method for Determination of Critical Load of Compression Column with one Fixed End and one Free End

A double-column symmetrical holding device was designed for determining the critical load of a compression column with one fixed end and one free end when frequency method was applied.The aim of this design is to meet the special condition of free transverse vibration on the free end of column when the column was loaded along axis direction.The designed device was used to determine the critical load of column by frequency method,results of which were close to calculated results through Euler formula.Combined with analysis of experimental data,the adaptability of axial compression and axial tension load was discussed respectively when frequency method was applied to determine critical load of column with one fixed end and one free end.
Comparison of Low-Value Care in Medicaid vs Commercially Insured Populations.

Importance Reducing unnecessary tests and treatments is a potentially promising approach for improving the value of health care. However, relatively little is known about whether insurance type or local practice patterns are associated with delivery of low-value care. Objectives To compare low-value care in the Medicaid and commercially insured populations, test whether provision of low-value care is associated with insurance type, and assess whether local practice patterns are associated with the provision of low-value care. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study of claims data from the Oregon Division of Medical Assistance Programs and the Oregon All-Payer All-Claims database included Medicaid and commercially insured adults aged 18 to 64 years. The study period was January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2013. Main Outcomes and Measures Low-value care was assessed using 16 claims-based measures. Logistic regression was used to test the association between Medicaid vs commercial insurance coverage and low-value care and the association between Medicaid and commercial low-value care rates within primary care service areas (PCSAs). Results This study included 286 769 Medicaid and 1 376 308 commercial enrollees in 2013. Medicaid enrollees were younger (167 847 [58.5%] of Medicaid enrollees were aged 18-34 years vs 505 628 [36.7%] of those with commercial insurance) but generally had worse health status compared with those with commercial insurance. Medicaid enrollees were also more likely to be female (180 363 [62.9%] vs 702 165 [51.0%]) and live in a rural area (120 232 [41.9%] vs 389 964 [28.3%]). A total of 10 304 of 69 338 qualifying Medicaid patients (14.9%; 95% CI, 14.6%-15.1%) received at least 1 low-value service during 2013; the corresponding rate for commercially insured patients was 35 739 of 314 023 (11.4%; 95% CI, 11.3%-11.5%). No consistent association was found between insurance type and low-value care. Compared with commercial patients, Medicaid patients were more likely to receive low-value care for 10 measures and less likely to receive low-value care for 5 others. For 7 of 11 low-value care measures, Medicaid patients were significantly more likely to receive low-value care if they resided in a PCSA with a higher rate of low-value care for commercial patients. Conclusions and Relevance Oregon Medicaid and commercially insured patients received moderate amounts of low-value care in 2013. No consistent association was found between insurance type and low-value care. However, Medicaid and commercial rates of low-value care were associated with one another within PCSAs. Low-value care may be more closely related to local practice patterns than to reimbursement generosity or insurance benefit structures.
Power System Infrastructure: Do we face a complete power-electronics-based power system and energy-storage infrastructure?

At the FEPPCON 2015 Power System Infrastructure Session, six papers were presented, and notes were taken by Marcelo L. Heldwein.
Habituation and sensitization: new thoughts about old ideas

People have written about habituation, a process that leads to decreased responsiveness to a stimulus, as well as its counterpart, sensitization, or an increased responsiveness to a stimulus, for over 2000 years. And, while intensive research in the last century has led to well-supported generalizations about mechanisms of habituation, we have not developed a ‘natural history’ of habituation and tolerance that would help us predict, based on life history and natural history variation, how species will respond to humans and anthropogenic stimuli. The need for predictive models has never been greater. In this essay I will review generalizations about these learning processes and point out how a clear understanding of mechanism can be used to inform wildlife management and generate testable management interventions. I will also highlight unanswered questions about habituation and sensitization, and establish the groundwork for developing a natural history of habituation and tolerance.
Regularity in spike firing with random inputs detected by method extracting contribution of temporal integration of a pair of incoming spikes to the firing of a neuron

A multi-unit spike train analysis method is introduced to detect the contribution of temporal integration of a doublet firing (a pair of spikes) in one neuron to the probability of spike generation in another neuron within the same network. This is a conditional correlation method that estimates the conditional probability of firing of a spike in a neuron based on the probability of firing of not just a single spike but two sequential spikes (doublet) in another neuron prior to its firing. The duration of temporal integration on the firing characteristics of spikes can be revealed by examining the relationship between the preinterspike intervals (pre-ISIs) in one neuron and post-cross intervals (post-CIs) in another neuron statistically. The “integration period” between two spikes are revealed by the appearance of a finite horizontal band of points (or lack of points) in the “pre-ISI vs post-CI scatter plot.” Furthermore, this analysis also reveals whether the coupled spike firing in one neuron is correlated with the first preceding spike in the other neuron. Simulation results show that regularity in spike firing can be produced by a randomly firing driver neuron using this analysis. The results also show that the firing characteristics of the driven neuron can be determined by the properties of the driven neuron (such as the integration period) relatively independent of the incoming rate of firing of the driver neuron. The rhythmicity of synchronized firing in the driven neurons produced by entirely random inputs may provide insight in interpreting the significance of computational properties of a network of neurons.
Comparison among series compensating devices for transient stability enhancement of DFIG based variable speed wind generator

In this paper, a comparison study is performed among the series compensating devices, like bridge-type fault current limiter (BFCL), series dynamic braking resistor (SDBR), solid-state fault current limiter (SSFCL) and DC-resistive fault current limiter (RFCL) in terms of transient stability improvement of DFIG based variable speed wind generator. Symmetrical and unsymmetrical faults were applied to test system model to check the efficacy of the series devices transient stability. Simulation results show that the all devices can improve the transient stability during the fault. Nonetheless, the performance of SSFCL is better than the BFCL, SDBR and RFCL. Simulations were carried out in Matlab/Simulink software.
Search With Learning for Differentiated Products: Evidence from E-Commerce

This article provides a method to estimate search costs in a differentiated product environment in which consumers are uncertain about the utility distribution. Consumers learn about the utility distribution by Bayesian updating their Dirichlet process prior beliefs. The model provides expressions for bounds on the search costs that can rationalize observed search and purchasing behavior. Using individual-specific data on web browsing and purchasing behavior for MP3 players sold online we show how to use these bounds to estimate search costs as well as the parameters of the utility distribution. Our estimates indicate that search costs are sizable. We show that ignoring consumer learning while searching can lead to severely biased search cost and elasticity estimates.
Personalized Medicine in Cancer Treatment

Abstract Pharmacogenetics is the study of the genetic determinants of drug response variability, and increasing enthusiasm for implementing clinical pharmacogenetic testing is evidenced by the growing number of personalized medicine programs and the recent availability of clinical practice guidelines to facilitate the interpretation of pharmacogenetic test results. Although not all cancer therapies have germline genetic variants associated with response variability, some treatments have reproducibly been found to be influenced by polymorphic sequence variants in genes that encode enzymes involved in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and/or excretion. Despite challenges to demonstrate clinical utility, clinical tests are currently available for selected genes where clinical validity has largely been established. This chapter describes pharmacogenetic applications for personalized cancer treatment, including DPYD, UGT1A1, G6PD, CYP2D6, and TPMT.
A representative volume element based micromechanical analysis of a Bi-layered Ganoid Fish scale

The Mississippi Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) possesses a flexible exoskeleton armor consisting of overlapping ganoid scales used for predatory protection. Each scale is a two-phase biomineralized composite containing bio-modified hydroxyapatite (hard) minerals and collagen (soft) fibers. The protective layer consists of a stiff outer ganoine layer, a characteristic "sawtooth" pattern at the interface with the compliant bone inner layer. The garfish scale exhibits a decreasing elastic modulus from the external to the internal layers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the cross-section revealed a two-layered structure. Elastic moduli, measured from nanoindentation experiments, were correlated to structural changes across each layer. The "material" symmetry of this materially and geometrically nonlinear biomineralized composite is unknown. Therefore, to be able to determine the stiffness tensor requires the use of finite element analysis (FEA). The gar fish scale was computationally modeled using the representative volume element (RVE) based approach. As a result, the unknown symmetry induced by the architecture and material layering require the use of complex FEA boundary conditions. The simulation was conducted in the pure uniaxial strain regimes of tension and shear, which necessitated the mathematical determination so appropriate surface loading conditions could be applied. This paper provides the results from a highly-resolved mesoscale RVE model based on iso-strain boundary conditions (ISBC) to determine the elastic stiffness tensor for the composite system. By assuming isotropic behavior in individual elements, the results for the RVE reveal the fish scale has an "orthotropic symmetry" with slight local strain variations occurring at the sawtooth interface.
Quantum Monte Carlo calculations of six-quark states

The variational Monte Carlo method is used to find the ground state of six quarks confined to a cavity of diameter R_c, interacting via an assumed non-relativistic constituent quark model (CQM) Hamiltonian. We use a flux-tube model augmented with one-gluon and one-pion exchange interactions, which has been successful in describing single hadron spectra. The variational wave function is written as a product of three-quark nucleon states with correlations between quarks in different nucleons. We study the role of quark exchange effects by allowing flux-tube configuration mixing. An accurate six-body variational wave function is obtained. It has only ~13% rms fluctuation in the total energy and yields a standard deviation of ~<.1%; small enough to be useful in discerning nuclear interaction effects from the large rest mass of the two nucleons. Results are presented for three values of the cavity diameter, R_c=2, 4, and 6 fm. They indicate that the flux-tube model Hamiltonian with gluon and pion exchange requires revisions in order to obtain agreement with the energies estimated from realistic two-nucleon interactions. We calculate the two-quark probability distribution functions and show how they may be used to study and adjust the model Hamiltonian.
An Insect-Scale Bioinspired Flapping-Wing-Mechanism for Micro Aerial Vehicle Development

Steps have been taken to reduce the size and mass of a flapping-wing-mechanism previously designed for testing artificial Manduca sexta forewings. A modified scotch-yoke mechanism is implemented to convert continuous rotary motion into flapping-wing oscillatory motion with a desired inter-wing angle and stroke amplitude. The new device measures 33.0 × 41.9 × 33.4 mm (maximum dimensions excluding the forewings) with a total mass of 15.5 g. Approximately 9.3 g of this total mass is attributed to the DC motor alone, which is significantly overpowered, indicating room for improvement. This reduction in size allows for more accurate forewing testing as it achieves proportions closer to the model organism (Manduca sexta). Furthermore, the inclusion of precise micro load cells in the testing apparatus is possible, as the total mass no longer exceeds the maximum loads permissible for these instruments. The design lends itself to employing a compliant yoke that stores and returns energy during stroke reversal thus improving the flapping mechanism’s efficiency. As we make progress in mimicking the Manduca sexta thorax, we become closer in our goal of developing a flapping-wing micro aerial vehicle (FWMAV) with flight capabilities similar to the hawkmoth.
Uses of Electrical Stimulation for the Rehabilitation of People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Review

The aim of this review is to summarize the literature regarding use of electrical stimulation in the rehabilitation of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). While significant work has been done to study the effect of electrical stimulation in stroke and spinal cord injury, few studies have looked at degenerative diseases including MS. To date, limited high-quality evidence is available to demonstrate definitive benefits of electrical stimulation. This review considers the potential benefits of electrical stimulation for the management of foot drop, pain, spasticity, weakness, and bladder/bowel dysfunction in people with MS.
Quantitative Assessment of the Energetics of Dopamine Translocation by Human Dopamine Transporter.

Computational evaluation of the energetics of substrate binding, transport, and release events of neurotransmitter transporters at the molecular level is a challenge, as the structural transitions of these membrane proteins involve coupled global and local changes that span time scales of several orders of magnitude, from nanoseconds to seconds. Here, we provide a quantitative assessment of the energetics of dopamine (DA) translocation through the human DA transporter (hDAT), using a combination of molecular modeling, simulation, and analysis tools. DA-binding and -unbinding events, which generally involve local configurational changes, are evaluated using free-energy perturbation or adaptive biasing force methods. The global transitions between the outward-facing state and the inward-facing state, on the other hand, require a dual-boost accelerated molecular dynamics simulation. We present results on DA-binding/unbinding energetics under different conditions, as well as the conformational energy landscap...
The terrestrial record of Late Heavy Bombardment

Abstract Until recently, the known impact record of the early Solar System lay exclusively on the surfaces of the Moon, Mars, and other bodies where it has not been erased by later weathering, erosion, impact gardening, and/or tectonism. Study of the cratered surfaces of these bodies led to the concept of the Late Heavy Bombardment (LHB), an interval from about 4.1 to 3.8 billion years ago (Ga) during which the surfaces of the planets and moons in the inner Solar System were subject to unusually high rates of bombardment followed by a decline to present low impact rates by about 3.5 Ga. Over the past 30 years, however, it has become apparent that there is a terrestrial record of large impacts from at least 3.47 to 3.22 Ga and from 2.63 to 2.49 Ga. The present paper explores the earlier of these impact records, providing details about the nature of the 8 known ejecta layers that constitute the evidence for large terrestrial impacts during the earlier of these intervals, the inferred size of the impactors, and the potential effects of these impacts on crustal development and life. The existence of this record implies that LHB did not end abruptly at 3.8–3.7 Ga but rather that high impact rates, either continuous or as impact clusters, persisted until at least the close of the Archean at 2.5 Ga. It implies that the shift from external, impact-related controls on the long-term development of the surface system on the Earth to more internal, geodynamic controls may have occurred much later in geologic history than has been supposed previously.
One-Year Outcomes in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Enrolled in a Randomized Clinical Trial of Helmet Versus Facemask Noninvasive Ventilation.

Objectives Many survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome have poor long-term outcomes possibly due to supportive care practices during "invasive" mechanical ventilation. Helmet noninvasive ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome may reduce intubation rates; however, it is unknown if avoiding intubation with helmet noninvasive ventilation alters the consequences of surviving acute respiratory distress syndrome. Design Long-term follow-up data from a previously published randomized controlled trial. Patients Adults patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome enrolled in a previously published clinical trial. Setting Adult ICU. Intervention None. Measurements and main results The primary outcome was functional independence at 1 year after hospital discharge defined as independence in activities of daily living and ambulation. At 1 year, patients were surveyed to assess for functional independence, survival, and number of institution-free days, defined as days alive spent living at home. The presence of ICU-acquired weakness and functional independence was also assessed by a blinded therapist on hospital discharge. On hospital discharge, there was a greater prevalence of ICU-acquired weakness (79.5% vs 38.6%; p = 0.0002) and less functional independence (15.4% vs 50%; p = 0.001) in the facemask group. One-year follow-up data were collected for 81 of 83 patients (97.6%). One-year mortality was higher in the facemask group (69.2% vs 43.2%; p = 0.017). At 1 year, patients in the helmet group were more likely to be functionally independent (40.9% vs 15.4%; p = 0.015) and had more institution-free days (median, 268.5 [0-354] vs 0 [0-323]; p = 0.017). Conclusions Poor functional recovery after invasive mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome is common. Helmet noninvasive ventilation may be the first intervention that mitigates the long-term complications that plague survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome managed with noninvasive ventilation.
Boron neutron capture enhancement of the tumor dose in fast neutron therapy beams

The moderation of fast neutron beams by patients’ tissue, combined with developments in tumor affinic boron carriers,1 may allow supplementation of fast neutron beam therapy by boron neutron capture (BNC) reactions. This has the potential to enlarge the “radiation therapeutic window” in some types of tumors, e.g. prostate, and/or permit the development of such a window in the radiation response of others, e.g. brain. The work reported here extends from the studies made by others in fast neutron beams with average energies less than 10 MeV2,3 to beams with average energies up to 24 MeV such as are generated by the p(50.5 MeV) + Be(26MeV) reaction.
Histologic features of zygomycosis: emphasis on perineural invasion and fungal morphology.

Abstract Objective.—Invasive zygomycosis is rapidly progressive and is associated with angioinvasion and infarction. Invasive disease requires emergent surgical and medical intervention. Because it is important for surgical pathologists to recognize these fungi and their preferential sites of growth, the objective of this article is to describe the fungal morphology and histopathologic findings in biopsies from patients with zygomycotic disease, with emphasis on preferential sites of fungal growth. Design.—Medical record and histologic review identified 20 patients with zygomycosis. Inclusion criteria included the presence of typical ribbonlike hyphae and positive culture, a clinical history of invasive zygomycosis, or both. The histologic features of disease and the fungal morphology were assessed. Results.—Fungus ball (15%), rhinocerebral (55%), and pulmonary (30%) disease were the types of disease represented. The inflammatory responses were predominantly neutrophilic (50%), predominantly granulomatous...
Does severity matter?: An investigation of crisis severity from defensive attribution theory perspective

Abstract Although the concept of crisis severity has existed in the crisis communication literature for two decades, it has not been theoretically tested and explained. Based on Defensive Attribution Theory (DAT), this study intends to specify the relationship between crisis severity and crisis responsibility as well as organizational reputation within the SCCT model. Through a 2 (crisis severity) × 3 (crisis type) between-subject factorial experiment (n = 274), the study revealed that higher crisis severity causes worse reputation regardless of crisis type. For accidental crisis, higher crisis severity leads to higher intentionality, one dimension of crisis responsibility. The findings indicate that crisis severity still has value in SCCT and deserves further investigation.
When Distress Becomes Somatic: Dementia Family Caregivers' Distress and Genetic Vulnerability to Pain and Sleep Problems.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Stress can trigger physical pain and disturb sleep. Whether dementia family caregivers experience heightened pain is unknown. Cycles of unwanted thoughts about caregiving stressors and avoidance of these thoughts-that is, caregiving-related distress-may exacerbate both pain and sleep disturbances, and genetic susceptibility to stress may further modulate these associations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Dementia caregivers (72 spouses, 58 adult children, ages 34-89) rated the extent to which they experienced unintended thoughts about caregiving and tried to suppress such thoughts. They also reported their pain levels, sleep problems, and depressive symptoms. Peripheral blood leukocytes were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR (serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region) and 5-HT1A receptor polymorphism rs6295 on the 5HTR1A locus. RESULTS Short-allele carriers for 5-HTTLPR experienced more pain and sleep problems in association with greater caregiving-related distress than those with other genotypes. For rs6295, C carriers also showed the strongest links between distress and sleep problems. Those who experienced more avoidance and intrusive thoughts about caregiving had more severe depressive symptoms, consistent with past work. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Caregivers' genetic profiles helped to explain whether caregiving-related distress predicted worse pain and sleep problems. These data reveal new somatic risks of caregiver distress and provide targets for intervention. According to plasticity theories, caregivers genetically predisposed to greater stress reactivity may also respond particularly well to interventions, and many brief treatments may effectively address caregivers' intrusions and avoidance.
Determination of sample stability for whole blood parameters using formal experimental design

Biological samples have dynamic properties that can be affected by several preanalytical factors including collection, handling, and storage. When developing diagnostic assays that use biological samples as the input, these factors must be identified and managed to ensure that sample degradation is not jeopardizing the performance of the assay. In this work, we use formal experimental design to identify the factors that influence the stability and integrity of a sample of whole blood with respect to two parameters: the hematocrit and the extent of hemolysis. We found that storage time is the only preanalytical factor with a statistically significant impact on the hematocrit for both the reference centrifugation method and the response of a paper-based hematocrit device, with hematocrit increasing as a function of increased storage time. We attributed this trend to changes in red blood cell morphology that occur with an increased storage time. For this reason, we determined it to be critical to develop the paper-based device and hematocrit assay using whole blood within 48 hours of receipt to ensure that it is not introducing bias to the diagnostic output. Additionally, our results confirmed that our paper-based hematocrit device operates according to our established principle—that the transport distance is determined by the ratio of plasma volume to total volume of whole blood. The approach described in this manuscript can be applied to other parameters or biological samples to develop diagnostic assays with confidence that the selected parameters are consistent with the intended end-user input.
Does a minimum wage increase endanger restaurant jobs? Examining the role of franchising.

Abstract This study examined the effect of federal minimum wage increases on the U.S. restaurant industry. Based on the competitive labor market perspective, this study expected that minimum wage increases would negatively (positively) influence restaurant employment (compensation), while franchising would positively moderate the minimum wage-employment (minimum wage-compensation) relationship. The results of the analysis showed that minimum wage increases negatively influence employment, while franchising positively moderates the adverse effect of minimum wage increases on restaurant employment. This study also revealed that minimum wage increases positively influence per employee compensation, but franchising does not significantly moderate the relationship. This study suggested that franchising provides a buffer that absorbs the adverse effects of minimum wage increases on restaurant employment. Conversely, franchise restaurants may face potential service quality issues because franchise firms seem to strategically adjust full-time employees to part-time workers to address minimum wage increases.
Iterative Sparse Channel Estimation and Spatial Correlation Learning for Multichannel Acoustic OFDM Systems

This article addresses the problem of coherent detection of acoustic orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals using a sparse channel estimation method based on a physical model of multipath propagation. Unlike the conventional sample-spaced and subsample-spaced methods, such as least squares and orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP), which target the taps of an equivalent discrete-delay channel response, the path identification (PI) method targets the physical propagation paths in a continuous-delay domain, and focuses on explicit estimation of delays and complex amplitudes of the channel paths in an iterative fashion. When multiple receive elements are available, two situations are possible: one in which the array elements see uncorrelated channel responses, and another in which the channel responses are correlated. In the first case, channel estimation must be accomplished element-by-element. This is done simply by applying the PI algorithm to each element individually. In the second case, correlation between the elements can be exploited. In doing so, our goal is to reduce the signal processing complexity without compromising the performance. Toward this goal, an adaptive precombining method is proposed. Without requiring any a priori knowledge about the spatial distribution of received signals, the method exploits spatial coherence between receive channels by linearly combining them into fewer output channels so as to reduce the number of subsequent channel estimators. The algorithm learns the spatial coherence pattern recursively over the carriers, thus effectively achieving broadband beamforming. The reduced-complexity precombining method relies on differential encoding that keeps the receiver complexity at a minimum and requires a very low pilot overhead. Using synthetic data as well as 210 experimental signals transmitted over a 3–7-km shallow-water channel in the 10.5–15.5-kHz acoustic band during a 3.5-h experiment, we study the system performance in terms of data detection mean-squared error (MSE), symbol error rate, and bit error rate (BER), and show that the PI algorithm achieves excellent MSE performance while its complexity is considerably lower than that of the OMP algorithm. We also demonstrate that the receiver equipped with the proposed reduced-complexity precombining scheme requires three times fewer channel estimators while achieving the same MSE and BER performance as the full-complexity receiver.
A space for feminist mentoring: the role of Geographic Perspectives on Women (GPOW) specialty group in higher education

Higher education and organizations within academic disciplines are important spaces for mentoring and other forms of networking. These spaces, however, are often situated in environments that limit...
Family Literacy Night: A Student-Centered Clinically Rich Experience for Teacher Candidates in Literacy and TESOL:

This article aims to share a collaboration between TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Literacy professionals to provide a family literacy night for multi-language learners ...
An Interactive Process for Delivering Pharmacologic Interventions for Migraine Headache to First-Year Medical Students.

Introduction This interactive didactic session is designed for first-year medical students to explore the common clinical symptom of headache and its various management strategies. The session prov...
Enhancing the Exploratory Behavior of Visually Impaired Preschoolers

A study of legally blind and sighted preschoolers found no significant differences in the two groups’ interactions with both a commercial toy and a novel, homemade toy except in their patterns of s...
Phthalate Exposure, Adolescent Health, and the Need for Primary Prevention

Phthalates, a class of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are used widely in many consumer products, and exposure can interfere with a range of hormonal functions during early life. These disruptions may alter development during late childhood and adolescence. This article discusses the potential effects of phthalate exposure on adiposity, puberty, and neurodevelopment during late childhood and adolescence. It also highlights studies of behavioral interventions to reduce phthalate exposures and the roles of health care professionals and policy makers in preventing phthalate exposure.
Evaluation of a Multi-Disciplinary Intervention to Reduce Incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major cause of hospital morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs1. Since multiple factors contribute to the high risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, a multi-strategy approach is required to prevent such infections2. VAP care bundle implementation with education prepared according to evidence-based guidelines has been shown to decrease VAP rates. The role of the Respiratory Therapist is integral to the success of any VAP prevention bundle. We aimed to evaluate a multidisciplinary intervention model to reduce our PICU VAP rate. Methods: We identified that VAP was a common problem in our 24-bed tertiary PICU. We then initiated a multifaceted approach to design a program to reduce VAP. Hospital management, infection prevention, respiratory therapy (RT), physicians, and nursing (RN) developed a core group to plan an approach to reduce VAP rates. A bundle of items that previously existed was edited and enhanced, and rigid audits were done to ensure compliance. We developed a twice-daily protocol-driven spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). The physician provided education and created an order set to use within the electronic medical record (EMR) to ensure all bundle elements were ordered. The RT group provided training and began the SBT process. EMR modifications ensured identification of VAP risks. A formal evaluation process was initiated for each VAP, including a multidisciplinary swarm of the event within 48 hours and distribution of findings. We also began a protocolized identification process by bedside RTs of high-risk patients and began having a pre-swarm" on these patients to highlight their risk and identify mitigation strategies. Results: Quarterly VAP rate per 1000 vent days decreased from 4.8 the quarter before the intervention to 0, 1.4, 0, 0, 0, 0 for the following quarters. The number of audits of bundle compliance increased as well as adherence. Conclusions: We instituted a multidisciplinary long-term bundled approach to reduce VAP in our PICU. Using this comprehensive program of interventions, education and ongoing evaluation, we were able to significantly reduce VAP and achieve a zero rate for the past year (2018). References: 1. Galal et al. VAP: incidence, risk factors and outcome in pediatric intensive care units. J Clin Diagn Res 2016;10(6):SC06-SC11. 2. Alsadat R et al. Use of VAP bundle and statistical process control chart to decrease VAP rate in Syria. Avicenna J Med 2012;2(4):79-83.
Superficial peroneal nerve entrapment in ankle sprain in childhood and adolescence

Traumatic injuries of the ankle are the most common injuries in sports. Up to 40% of patients who have undergone inversion ankle sprain report residual symptoms. The primary purpose of the study is to evaluate the incidence of SPN entrapment as consequence of acute severe inversion ankle sprain in children and adolescents; the secondary is to report the diagnostic pathway and the results after surgical treatment. From 2000 to 2015 were reviewed to summarize patients under the age of 15 years treated for a first episode of severe inversion ankle sprain. Cases with persistent symptoms (more than 3 months) indicative for SPN neuropathy were then identified. Instrumental investigations were recovered and a pre-operative assessment of pain (VAS) was recorded. Patients were evaluated at minimum of 1-year post-operative follow-up. 981 acute ankle sprains have been evaluated. 122 were considered severe according to van Dijk criteria. 5 patients were considered affected by neuropathy of the SPN. All patients underwent surgery consisting in neurolysis and capsular retention and ligament reconstruction. At 25 months of follow-up AOFAS moved from 57.6 to 98.6. The study highlights a previously unreported condition of perineural fibrosis of the superficial peroneal nerve at the level of the ankle following first acute severe inversion ankle sprain in children.