cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CORR Insights(®): What Are the 30-day Readmission Rates Across Orthopaedic Subspecialties?

H ealthcare quality can be difficult to measure and assess in ways that respect the expertise of individual physicians, while simultaneously applying objective standards. Hospital readmission during the first 30 days after orthopaedic surgery is discrete and quantifiable, yet different definitions of what constitutes planned and unplanned readmission can result in different estimates of rates. Evaluating the reasons for readmission may elucidate areas of need and identify opportunities for improvement. The authors of the current study reviewed hospital readmissions after orthopaedic operations at their institution. Their analysis—which encompasses all orthopaedic subspecialties during a 2-year period and includes both surgical and medical readmissions—adds to our knowledge. Not surprisingly, a patient’s baseline health status and the length of stay during the index hospitalization are each associated with an increased risk of readmission. However, other risk factors, such as receiving treatment on the orthopaedic trauma service or being discharged to a skilled nursing facility, are not as obvious. Even if risk factors cannot be modified, their presence can alert clinicians to the elevated risk of readmission and prompt closer followup, such as an outpatient appointment within 48 hours of discharge. Moreover, poor agreement among clinical institutions, hospitals, and Medicare regarding the definition of planned readmission reveals important differences in the way that patient services are classified and prioritized.
Time-Resolved Transition-State Spectroscopy

Recent advances in the generation of ultrashort laser pulses have made possible the investigation of chemical dynamics on a subpicosecond time scale, revealing details of the transition states region between reactants and products. We describe the development and characterization of a new apparatus capable of simultaneously generating both intense femtosecond UV (308-, 248.5-nm) excitation pulses and femtosecond continua for probing photoexcited molecules via broadband absorption spectroscopy. The excitation pulses are obtained by amplification of femtosecond pulses in XeCl and KrF excimer gain modules. The probe pulses rely on continuum generation in the gas phase. Currently, three spectral regions can conveniently be probed with our apparatus. These occur in the UV (230–450 nm), visible (400–800 nm), and IR (2.2–2.7 μm).
Future Roles for Agricultural Cooperatives

A T THE winter meetings of this association in 1961, two papers-one by Joseph Knapp and the other by D. B. DeLoach-centered on the future role of cooperation in U.S. agriculture [1, 2]. Little has transpired since then to allow better prediction; and the present paper is a continuation of the previous speculation with, hopefully, a few new ideas for further discussion and research. To some extent, the discussion is relevant to cooperation by nonfarm firms and consumers. Ideally, we would like to know the past, present, and future effectiveness of farmer cooperatives in achieving whatever goals might be prescribed for them, presumably assuring competitive terms of trade in selling and buying. I question neither the value of such information nor the difficulty in securing it. The approach taken in this paper, however, is less demanding in that it backs away from impacts and focuses on (1) the growth and present position of farmer cooperation, and (2) the major factors determining past trends and future prospects. Such appraisal is of value on the assumption that increasing cooperation pushes market performance toward the competitive solution.
BDNF acting in the hypothalamus induces acute pressor responses under permissive control of angiotensin II

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression increases in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) during hypertensive stimuli including stress and hyperosmolarity, but its role in PVN cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms is unclear. Chronic BDNF overexpression in the PVN has been shown to elevate sympathetic tone and blood pressure in part by modulating central angiotensin (Ang) II mechanisms. However, the cardiovascular effects of short-term increases in PVN levels of BDNF and the mechanisms governing them are unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether acute BDNF microinjections into the PVN of conscious and anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats induce blood pressure elevations and whether Ang II signaling is involved in these hypertensive responses. In conscious rats, unilateral BDNF (12.5ng) microinjections into the PVN increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 27±1mmHg (P<0.001 vs vehicle), which was significantly attenuated by intracerebroventricular infusion of the Ang II-type-1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist losartan and by ganglionic blockade with intravenous hexamethonium infusion. In anesthetized rats, unilateral PVN microinjection of BDNF increased MAP by 31±4mmHg (P<0.001 vs vehicle), which was prevented by PVN microinjection pretreatments with the high-affinity BDNF receptor TrkB antagonist ANA-12, losartan, the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril, or by intravenous hexamethonium. Additional experiments in hypothalamic samples including the PVN revealed that BDNF-induced TrkB receptor phosphorylation was prevented by ANA-12 and losartan pretreatments. Collectively, these data indicate that BDNF acting within the PVN acutely raises blood pressure under permissive control of Ang II-AT1R mechanisms and therefore may play an important role in mediating acute pressor responses to hypertensive stimuli.
Monoclonal gammopathy‐associated pure red cell aplasia

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare disorder characterized by inhibition of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow and normochromic, normocytic anaemia with reticulocytopenia. Among 51 PRCA patients, we identified 12 (24%) patients having monoclonal gammopathy, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or smouldering multiple myeloma, with presence of monoclonal protein or abnormal serum free light chains and atypical bone marrow features of clonal plasmacytosis, hypercellularity and fibrosis. Thus far, three patients treated with anti-myeloma based therapeutics have responded with reticulocyte recovery and clinical transfusion independence, suggesting plasma cells play a key role in the pathogenesis of this specific monoclonal gammopathy-associated PRCA.
Densification and Mechanical Properties of Al2O3-Si3N4 Whisker Composite Ceramics

α-Al2O3-β-Si3N4 whisker composite ceramics with a whisker content of 20wt% were prepared by hot-pressing at prescribed temperature between 1300°-1800°C for 30min under the pressure of 30MPa. Fairly dense composites were obtained at sintering temperature above 1500°C. The composites obtained below 1700°C are consisted of α-Al2O3 and β-Si3N4, while β'-sialon was produced in the composite sintered at 1800°C. The composite fired at 1600°C had a bending strength of about 620MPa, whose value was 50% larger than that of hot-pressed Al2O3 at the same sintering temperature, but could not exceed the maximum bending strength of monolithic Al2O3 (about 830MPa). The fracture toughness (4.3-4.8MPa·m1/2) was one and half times as large as that of Al2O3 sintered at 1400°-1600°C.
Song variation in insular and mainland California Brown Creepers(Certhia familiaris)

Songs of Brown-Creepers(Certhia familiaris) in California were studied. Each individual usually sang one theme. Two geographic groups of songs were described which were designated the northern and southern dialects. These songs differed in the morphology of the introductory and terminal syllables. The northern dialect is currently known to extend from Point Reyes to the City of San Francisco, and includes birds from east San Francisco Bay. The southern dialect ranges from Carmel and Point Lobos to Morro Bay. Birds from the Hastings Reservation, 30 miles inland, sang the southern dialect. Creepers on Angel Island exhibited the “typical” island phenomenon of simpler structure but greater individual variability. We suggested that lack of social interaction due to dispersed habitat has contributed to these song changes. California Creeper songs are more variable with regard to note sequencing than those of their European congeners.
Diagnostics to Evaluate Cost of Capital Measures. Discussion of Christodoulou et al.

Christodoulou et al. (2016) develop measures of the cost of equity capital that require only accounting inputs, using as an identification strategy the linear information dynamics of Feltham and Ohlson (1995). I propose to test these measures by evaluating the predictability of innovations to abnormal earnings using various predetermined variables. The over-identifying restrictions of this model require these innovations not to be predictable. Using a generalized model, I observe that the estimated measures are probably too low. I conjecture that this anomaly, which occurs jointly with a positive drift in abnormal earnings, is caused by the omission of economic assets such as intangibles.
IL-12 attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

Interleukin (IL)-12 is a potent inducer of interferon (IFN)-gamma. We postulated that IL-12 would attenuate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. To test this hypothesis, we administered IL-12 or murine serum albumin to bleomycin-treated mice by daily intraperitoneal injection until day 12. Mice treated with IL-12 demonstrated decreased hydroxyproline levels compared with control treated mice. Furthermore, administration of IL-12 led to a time-dependent increase in both lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid IFN-gamma. The antifibrotic effect of IL-12 could be attenuated with simultaneous administration of neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma antibodies. These findings support the notion that IL-12 attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via modulation of IFN-gamma production.
Faculty Views of “Nontraditional” Students: Aligning Perspectives for Student Success:

Faculty serve as a primary point of contact for students in college, playing vital roles in students’ retention and attainment. The perceptions and beliefs held by these institutional actors are im...
Analysis of the Situation of Internet Use and the Related Health-Risky Behaviors among the Youngsters in Guangzhou City

Objective To survey the internet use and IAD(internet addiction disorder) in Guangzhou city and analyze the relationship between IAD and other health-risky behaviors.Method Questionnaires were used to investigate 3800 students in 16 schools.These students were chosen by layered multistage random sample from 6 kinds of schools.IAD was determined according to the standard of IAD established by specialists.Result Percentage of IAD was 12.7% in youngsters of Guangzhou city,with the highest percentage in technical secondary schools(15.6%) and the lowest in key junior high schools(9.5%).IAD in male(14.4%) was higher than in female(11.1%).In all kinds of motive of using internet,recreational motive was chosen by most students.The motive of 72.8% students used internet was to chat and 71.6% students were for multimedia amusement.Practical motives were in the next place,for example to collect information and news.Among IAD student,recreational motive was obvious.IAD could promote some health-risky behaviors,for example smoking,drinking,unhealthy mentality,suicide,using drugs,gambling,looking on erotic publication,sexual behavior,and so on.All ORMH values were more than 2,P 0.001.Conclusion The percentage of youngsters with IAD in Guangzhou city was similar to other areas of the country.Recreational motive was an important reason of causing IAD.IAD can increase health-risk of the students and something must be done to supervise the behaviors of using internet among youngsters.
Increased plasma and urinary normetanephrine in young patients with primary hypertension.

1. Normetanephrine was measured in small samples of plasma and urine of hypertensive patients and normal volunteers (age 20–60 years) by a specific radioenzymatic assay with bovine adrenal phenylethanolamine N -methyltransferase and tritiated S -adenosylmethionine. 2. Noradrenaline was measured simultaneously in plasma and urine. 3. Plasma normetanephrine and noradrenaline concentrations varied in direct proportion to activation or suppression of sympathetic nerve function. 4. Both plasma and urinary normetanephrine concentrations were elevated in patients with phaeochromocytoma. 5. Plasma normetanephrine concentrations were related to plasma noradrenaline concentrations of hypertensive subjects. 6. Plasma normetanephrine and noradrenaline concentrations and urinary normetanephrine excretion rates were increased in some young patients with primary hypertension, suggesting that sympathetic nerve hyperactivity is a pathogenic factor in these patients.
Cascade Atoms in a Bichromatic Standing Wave: A Magnetic-Field-Free Rectified Force Trap

Here we describe a theoretical and experimental investigations of a new three-level atom trap which is based on the rectified force [1] and has several attractive features: it is shown to produce both cooling and trapping in the absence of an applied magnetic field, it assumes uniform, non-focussed laser beams and it requires only moderately saturating field intensities [2].
The Historical Pathway

The settlement of Carolina was planned as a planting and trading province by the Lords Proprietors, and the success of the venture came about through the efforts of Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper after a 1664 settlement on the Cape Fear had failed (Cheves 1897:Preface 3–4). The first settlers were from England and Barbados (Baldwin 1969). After a stormy voyage during which the vessels Albemarle and Port Royal were lost, the Carolina anchored off the Carolina coast where a discussion as to whether to plant at Port Royal or Kayawah was carried out by the settlers (Cheves 1897:168): the Gouernor adhearing for Kayawah & most of us being of a temper to follow thoug wee knew noe reason for it Imitating ye rule of ye Inconsiderate multitude cryed out for Kayawah yet some dissented… those that inclyned for Port royall were looked upon straingely soe thus wee came to Kayawah (Cheves 1897:168) .
Home Range Estimates of Feral Cats (Felis catus) on Rota Island and Determining Asymptotic Convergence

Abstract: Feral cats (Felis catus) have been shown to be a main contributor to species decline throughout the world and are especially threatening to insular species that lack appropriate defense characteristics. To mitigate the impact of feral cats on threatened species, space-use data are commonly used to design control strategies. In this article we report on the performance of GPS datalogging collars and provide baseline information on daily space use and home ranges of feral cats that threaten an endangered species on Rota Island in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Using 100% Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), average adult male home range was 1.32 km2 (n = 2) and average adult female home range was 0.22 km2 (n = 3). Home ranges were deemed fully revealed if asymptotes were approached using incremental analysis. Currently, there is no objective method for assessing where an asymptote is approached. Here, we describe a methodology to do so with the application of a Michaelis-Menten model t...
Comparing farmer and measured assessments of soil quality in Tanzania: Do they align?

Background: There is a wide gap between actual and potential yields for many crops in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Experts identify poor soil quality as a primary constraint to increased agricultural productivity. Therefore, increasing agricultural productivity by improving soil quality is seen as a viable strategy to enhance food security. Yet adoption rates of programs focused on improving soil quality have generally been lower than expected [1], [2]. Results: We explore a seldom considered factor that may limit farmers’ demand for improved soil quality, namely, whether the farmers’ self-assessment of their soil quality match the assessments of soil scientists. In this paper, using data from the Tanzania National Panel Survey (TZNPS), part of the Living Standards Measurement Study – Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA), we compare farmers’ own assessments of soil quality with scientific measurements of soil quality from the Harmonized World Soil Database (HWSD). The study found a considerable “mismatch” and most notably, that 11.5 percent of survey households that reported having “good” soil quality are measured by scientific standards to have severely limited nutrient availability. Conclusion: Mismatches between scientific measurements and farmer assessments of soil quality may highlight a potential barrier for programs seeking to encourage farmers to adopt soil quality improvement activities.
Anthropology, Conflict, and International Relations

The anthropological perspective is neglected in international relations yet illuminates conflict processes through an evolutionary and cross-cultural comparison. Scupin shows how culture—the central concept developed within anthropology—challenges rational choice models—and illuminates issues such as religious and secular global trends, conflict and terrorism.
Leg compressions improve ventilatory efficiency while reducing peak and post exercise blood lactate, but does not improve perceived exertion, exercise economy or aerobic exercise capacity in endurance-trained runners.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to determine if leg compressions would alter cardiorespiratory and perceived exertion measures during rest, submaximal and maximal exercise in endurance-trained runners. Method Thirteen young, endurance trained runners (10 males, 20.9 ± 3y, 58.9 ± 5.7 ml kg min −1 ) completed a randomized design, leg compressions and non-compression control condition. The incremental graded exercise test consisted of baseline rest and submaximal intensities at 23%, 70%, 75%, 85% and then a progressive increase to 100% VO 2 max. Running economy (RE), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), breathing rate (BR), heart rate (HR), ventilation (VE), blood lactate, VO 2 max and ventilatory efficiency (VE/VO 2 ) were the primary outcome variables. Results Relative to the control condition, VO 2 at rest, during submaximal and at max were not different. Additionally, RE, RPE, BR, and HR were similar under both conditions. Leg compressions reduced lactate at VO 2 max by 11% ( P P P 2 max (condition × time interaction, P Conclusion These data suggest that leg compressions do not alter RE, RPE, BR, HR, or VO 2 , during exercise. However, compressions may be beneficial for submaximal and maximal ventilatory efficiency while improving lactate clearance at VO 2 max and during recovery in trained runners.
Dependence of the structure and dynamics of liquid silicon on the choice of density functional approximation

In addition to its technological relevance, silicon poses a challenge for first principles simulations because it undergoes a semiconductor-to-metal transition upon melting. Moreover, the resulting metallic liquid contains a mixture of metallic and covalent bonding. This coexistence of fundamentally different interactions is difficult to describe within approximate density functional methods, which oftentimes cannot accurately describe these two extremes simultaneously. We report an investigation of the structure, dynamics, and thermodynamics of liquid silicon using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations with three density functional approximations: the local density approximation, the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation, and the strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) meta-generalized gradient approximation. We demonstrate that SCAN describes this liquid with better accuracy than the other often-used functionals because it can simultaneously capture covalent and metallic bonding with similar high accuracy.
Tonio: Telling Time

> > What did he already know, straddling his mother’s broad lap, > > > > hiding his face, listening at our halting and stuttering and murmuring babble, > > > > the nonsensical sounds of statistics and ‘choices’ rushing like noise, > > > > perplexing his parents past their …
Mitotic inheritance of the Golgi complex and its role in cell division

The Golgi apparatus plays essential roles in the processing and sorting of proteins and lipids, but it can also act as a signalling hub and a microtubule-nucleation centre. The Golgi complex (GC) of mammalian cells is composed of stacks connected by tubular bridges to form a continuous membranous system. In spite of this structural complexity, the GC is highly dynamic, and this feature becomes particularly evident during mitosis, when the GC undergoes a multi-step disassembly process that allows its correct partitioning and inheritance by daughter cells. Strikingly, different steps of Golgi disassembly control mitotic entry and progression, indicating that cells actively monitor Golgi integrity during cell division. Here, we summarise the basic mechanisms and the molecular players that are involved in Golgi disassembly, focussing in particular on recent studies that have revealed the fundamental signalling pathways that connect Golgi inheritance to mitotic entry and progression.
The Effect of an Exercise Intervention on Gestational Weight Gain: The Behaviors Affecting Baby and You (B.A.B.Y.) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose:To examine the effect of a prenatal exercise intervention on gestational weight gain (GWG) and to update meta-analyses.Design:Randomized controlled trial and meta-analysis.Setting:Obstetric...
Invertebrate Parasitism and Other Associations

The most publicized form of invertebrate associations with nemas are those of insects. This is partially due to the recognized potential of nematodes as biological control agents of pestiferous insects and additionally to the role insects play in vectoring nematode parasites of humans and other vertebrates. No one knows the total extent of nematode-insect interactions. They have been recorded to occur in 19 orders of insects and the estimate of insect species interactions exceed 3000; most of these encounters do not involve parasitism. These figures are also misleading because they are more representative of the numbers of interested nematologists rather than the true extent of nematode interactions. In the number of encounters, according to insect orders, Coleoptera lead, and are followed by Diptera, Orthop-tera and Lepidoptera, with fewer encounters among Hymenoptera and the other orders. Among other invertebrates the largest numbers of encounters are recorded for Annelida and Mollusca.
Regional Innovative Capacity

Case studies of successful high-technology complexes such as Route 128 (Dorfman 1983) or Silicon Valley (Saxanien 1985) suggest that these areas and industries developed as entrepreneurial efforts built on the existing technological infrastructure. While historical events and specific individuals served as catalysts in the development of these areas, these regions benefitted from local institutions and resources which provided a core competency to move both the area and the industry forward. This technological infrastructure creates an underlying capacity that supports and sustains innovative activity. Part of the classical story of innovative locations is the mutually dependent and reinforcing nature of these different types of knowledge.
Does Axl have potential as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis, therapy resistance, and immunosuppression are dominant characteristics of pancreatic tumors. Strategies that ...
Investigation of Sputtered Oxides and p + Back-contact for Polycrystalline CdTe and CdSeTe Photovoltaics

Adding a thin layer of Al2O3 to the back of CdSeTe/CdTe devices has previously been shown to passivate the back interface and drastically improve surface recombination lifetimes. Using such a structure, lifetimes of over 400 ns have been recorded. Despite this, such devices do not currently show an improvement in open-circuit voltage (VOC) that is commensurate with this effect. Devices were fabricated using a range of Al2O3 thicknesses at the back interface. High efficiency devices exceeding 16.4% were fabricated with 0.5 nm Al2O3.
Automatic applicator digitization for MRI-based cervical cancer brachytherapy planning using two surface models

Modern image-guided cervical cancer brachytherapy involves the insertion of hollow applicators in the uterus and surrounding the cervix to deliver a radioactive source. These applicators are imaged and manually digitized following insertion for treatment planning. We present an algorithm to automatically digitize these applicators using MRI for cervical cancer brachytherapy planning. Applicators were digitized in vivo using T2-weighted MR images (1.5 T) from 21 brachytherapy fractions including 9 patients. The model-to-image registration algorithm was implemented in C++ involving a 2D matched filter to identify the applicator center, and a 3D surface model to identify local position by maximizing the intensity gradient normal to the surface. Surface models were produced using training MR images. Errors in the algorithm results were calculated as the 3D distances of the applicator tip and center from those identified manually. A model based on manufacturer data was also used for applicator digitization to assess algorithm sensitivity to surface model variation. The algorithm correctly identified the applicator in 20 out of 21 images with mean execution time of 2.5 s. Mean±SD error following digitization using the MRI and manufacturer-based surface models was 1.2±0.6 mm and 1.3±0.7 mm for the tandem tip (p = 0.52), and 1.4±0.9 mm and 1.3±0.7 mm for the ring center (p = 0.61). The algorithm requires no manual initialization with consistent results across surface models, showing promise for clinical implementation.
Cache Memory Design With Magnetic Skyrmions in a Long Nanotrack

Magnetic skyrmion (MS), a vortexlike region with reversed magnetization in nanomagnets, has recently emerged as an exciting development in the field of spintronics. It has a number of beneficial features, including remarkably high stability, ultralow depinning current density, and extremely compact size. Due to these benefits, skyrmions have generated great interest in the design of spintronic memory. In this paper, we evaluate the use of skyrmion-based memory as a last-level cache for general-purpose processors. In the skyrmion-based memory structure, data can be densely packed as multiple bits in a long magnetic nanotrack. Write operations are performed by injecting a spin-polarized current in the nanotrack. Since multiple skyrmions (each representing a bit) are packed into a single nanotrack, they need to be accessed by shifting them along the nanotrack with a charge current passing through a spin-Hall metal (SHM). We identify the following key challenges associated with MS-based cache design: 1) the high-current requirements for skyrmion nucleation limit the density benefits offered by these structures, since the transistor supplying write currents is the limiting factor that determines the bit-cell area; 2) the proposed nanotrack structure results in significant performance overheads due to the latency arising from the shift operations; 3) the skyrmions move toward the edge of the nanotrack during shift operations owing to the Magnus force. Hence, an additional idle operation time is required to relax skyrmions back through the repulsive force from the edge; and 4) to avoid annihilation of skyrmions from the edge, the duration and the current density of the shift operation have to be well controlled. To overcome these challenges, a multi-bit skyrmion cell with appropriate peripheral circuit is proposed, considering the heterogeneity in the read/write characteristics. The density benefits are explored by performing the layout of different multi-bit cells. We perform a systematic device-circuit-architecture co-design to evaluate the feasibility of our proposal. Our experiments demonstrate the potential of, and the challenges involved in, using skyrmion-based memory as last-level caches.
Brief Report: Zinc Supplementation and Inflammation in Treated HIV.

Objective In this study, we explored the effect of zinc supplementation on markers of inflammation and monocyte activation in antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV infection. Methods This is a phase I open-labeled randomized double-arm study, exploring the efficacy and safety of zinc supplementation on inflammation in ≥18-year-old people living with HIV in the US, on stable antiretroviral therapy and with zinc levels ≤75 µg/dL in the last 60 days. Patients were randomized 1:1 to zinc gluconate capsules at a dose of 45 mg (low-dose), or 90 mg (high-dose) elemental zinc daily for 16 weeks. We assessed inflammatory and gut integrity biomarkers at baseline and 16 weeks. Results Overall, a total of 52 participants were enrolled (25 participants in the low-dose arm and 27 participants in the high-dose arm). Median (Interquartile range) age was 49 (38, 60) years, 77% were men and 73% were African Americans. At baseline, median zinc levels were 73 (64, 86) µg/dL. Median circulating zinc levels increased to 91 µg/dL in the low-dose arm and to 100 µg/dL in the high-dose arm. Overall, 48%-60% of participants experienced a reduction in biomarkers levels. The margin of reduction ranged between 8% and 21%. This change was meaningful with large effect size (Cohen D ranging from 5 to 19). Conclusions In this pilot study, we found that zinc supplementation is effective at increasing circulating zinc levels. In addition, our findings provide novel data suggesting that zinc can affect a biological signature in people living with HIV and modulate biomarkers associated with clinical comorbidities.
Managers’ noticing of new organizational IT and influences of IT attributes

Abstract Utilizing information processing theory as a lens and integrating various literatures, this paper first develops a process-based conceptualization of managers’ noticing of new organizational information technology (OIT) that occurs prior to managers’ sensemaking. Then, using the developed conceptualization as a theoretical grounding, this paper derives propositions regarding the influences of OIT attributes on noticing. This paper contributes to the literature on IT and innovation adoption, technology frame and organizing vision, and managerial cognition and opportunity recognition. This paper concludes by suggesting future research directions and by providing practical guidelines for proponents/detractors of new OIT striving to influence potential adopters’ noticing.
Coronary calcification segmentation in intravascular OCT images using deep learning: application to calcification scoring.

Major calcifications are of great concern when performing percutaneous coronary interventions because they inhibit proper stent deployment. We created a comprehensive software to segment calcifications in intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images and to calculate their impact using the stent-deployment calcification score, as reported by Fujino et al. We segmented the vascular lumen and calcifications using the pretrained SegNet, convolutional neural network, which was refined for our task. We cleaned segmentation results using conditional random field processing. We evaluated the method on manually annotated IVOCT volumes of interest (VOIs) without lesions and with calcifications, lipidous, or mixed lesions. The dataset included 48 VOIs taken from 34 clinical pullbacks, giving a total of 2640 in vivo images. Annotations were determined from consensus between two expert analysts. Keeping VOIs intact, we performed 10-fold cross-validation over all data. Following segmentation noise cleaning, we obtained sensitivities of 0.85 ± 0.04, 0.99 ± 0.01, and 0.97 ± 0.01 for calcified, lumen, and other tissue classes, respectively. From segmented regions, we automatically determined calcification depth, angle, and thickness attributes. Bland–Altman analysis suggested strong correlation between manually and automatically obtained lumen and calcification attributes. Agreement between manually and automatically obtained stent-deployment calcification scores was good (four of five lesions gave exact agreement). Results are encouraging and suggest our classification approach could be applied clinically for assessment and treatment planning of coronary calcification lesions.
Identification of risk factors for recurrent secondary septic peritonitis following initial surgical treatment of secondary septic peritonitis in dogs.

Objectives To report the incidence of and risk factors for development of recurrent secondary septic peritonitis (RSSP) in dogs. To report the outcome of dogs treated surgically for RSSP. Design Retrospective study. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals One hundred forty-nine client-owned dogs treated surgically for secondary septic peritonitis (SSP). Interventions None. Measurements and results The medical records database was searched for dogs that underwent surgery to treat SSP. Of 149 dogs that met the inclusion criteria, 15 (10.1%) dogs developed RSSP following surgery and 134 (89.9%) did not. Dogs with RSSP had significantly lower albumin prior to the first surgery to treat secondary septic peritonitis (SPsx1) (median 18 g/L [1.8 g/dL] vs 22 g/L [2.2 g/dL], P = 0.005) and significantly higher PCV prior to SPsx1 (median 52% vs 45%, P = 0.028). Dogs with septic peritonitis of gastrointestinal (GI) origin were significantly more likely to develop recurrent peritonitis than those with sepsis from a non-GI source (odds ratio [OR], 4.4, 95% CI: 0.95-20, P = 0.041). Of dogs with sepsis of GI origin, those with sepsis due to a foreign body were significantly more likely to develop RSSP than those with GI sepsis from a non-foreign body cause (OR, 7.2, 95% CI: 1.6-43, P = 0.0018). Of the 15 dogs in the RSSP group, 8 were euthanized without further treatment. Relaparotomy was performed in the remaining 7 cases; 3 of these (42.9%) survived. Conclusions There was a 10.1% rate of RSSP following SPsx1. Preoperative albumin was significantly lower and preoperative PCV was significantly higher in dogs that developed recurrence. Dogs with GI sepsis were at increased risk of recurrence and, among dogs with GI sepsis, the presence of a foreign body was an additional risk factor for recurrence.
“A Good Habit”: Telehealth PrEP Users Find Benefit in Quarterly Monitoring Requirements

In the United States, uptake of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV continues to grow albeit at a slower than desired pace. Innovations in PrEP delivery systems may partially address structural challenges related to PrEP uptake and PrEP persistence, such as difficulty in attending clinic visits or completing laboratory testing. To study PrEP services offered by a telehealth company called Nurx, we conducted 31 in-depth interviews with prospective or current patients. We hypothesized that patients would find the quarterly laboratory monitoring requirements to be onerous especially in light of receiving all other aspects of PrEP care through a telehealth delivery system. However, interviewees characterized navigating laboratory systems as relatively easy and complying with the quarterly monitoring as a supplementary benefit of PrEP use. Our research illustrates that quarterly monitoring requirements are meaningful to some telehealth PrEP users and may facilitate persistent engagement in receipt of PrEP care.
Impact of fractal characteristics on evaporation and infiltration in unsaturated heterogeneous soils

In this study, an approach is developed to investigate the impact of fractal characteristics of unsaturated soil between the water table and land surface on the steady-state evaporation and infiltr...
CarML: distributed machine learning in vehicular clouds

This paper presents CarML, a distributed machine learning platform built on top of an emerging computing paradigm, vehicular clouds. We discuss our design and technical challenges, followed by our preliminary solutions. We verify the efficacy of our solutions using a customized simulator based on Python and SUMO.
Palestinian Refugees between the City and the Camp

The camp and the city are both important for understanding the relationship between space and identity in the refugee experience of exile. In the Palestinian example, the camp has emerged as a potent symbol in the narrative of exile although only a third of refugees registered with UNRWA live in camps. Moreover, the city and urban refugees remain missing in most of the scholarship on the Palestinian experience with space, exile, and identity. Furthermore, there is little attention to how refugees understand the concept of the city and camp in their daily life. This article examines how Palestinian urban refugees in the Old City of Damascus conceptualized the relationship between the camp and the city. It illustrates how the concept of the camp remained necessary for the construction of their collective national identity while in Syria. However, the city was essential in the articulation of individual desires and establishing social distinction from other refugees. Thus, during a protracted exile it is in the interstice between the city and the camp, where most urban refugees in the Old City situated themselves, that informed their national belonging and personal aspirations.
Determining Multilevel Drivers of Perceiving Undesirable Taste and Odor in Tap Water: Joint Modeling Approach

AbstractAesthetic considerations of tap water do not necessarily indicate public health threats. If consumers notice the taste or odor of their tap water, however, they are likely to think differen...
Stompin’ in My Air Force Ones: An Investigation Into the Sneaker Resale Market

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of popular culture and social media in the appeal of sneaker resale retailers (i.e., StockX, GOAT) to fashion conscious consumers and how that impacts their purchase intentions. This exploratory study utilizes the theory of reasoned action (TRA) as this framework can aid in explaining the consumer nature in the secondary sneaker retailers. The findings of this study support the theory of reasoned action by suggesting that the social mechanisms such as popular culture and social media, adopted in this study positively influence the consumer, who is characterized as having high levels of fashion consciousness, which positively influenced their attitudes towards the sneaker resale retailer and subjective norms which consequently influenced purchase intention of sneakers. By exploring the effects of media and culture on consumer behavior as it relates to the sneaker resale market, industry practitioners and academia can better understand this phenomenon.
Case of second primary breast cancer in ectopic breast tissue and review of the literature.

Accessory breast tissue (ABT) is found in approximately 2%–6% of the female population and are subject to most of the physiological and pathological changes that occur in pectoral breast. Primary breast cancer occurring in ABT is a rare occurrence and a second primary breast cancer occurring in an accessory breast has never been reported. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with a history of mastectomy for left breast cancer 5 years prior to presentation, who presented with an enlarging right axilla mass found to be a second primary breast cancer in an accessory tissue on biopsy. Many physicians are unfamiliar with the clinical presentation of accessory breast cancer due to the rarity of the condition and this ultimately results in delayed diagnosis and advanced disease at presentation. It is therefore prudent that physicians have a high index of suspicion when patients present with axillary masses.
Abstract 786: Geography and adolescent and young adult cancer stage and survival

Background. Survival improvement in adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer has lagged behind other age groups. Few studies have focused on geographic factors and outcomes in AYA. Our objective was to evaluate evidence for geographic disparities in cancer diagnosis stage and overall survival in AYAs. We also examined whether stage mediated survival associations. Methods. National Cancer Database data on AYA 15-39 years diagnosed from 2010-2014 were obtained. Rural/metro residence at diagnosis was defined using Rural Urban Continuum Codes. Distance between the case9s residence and the reporting hospital was classified as short ( 12.5 and 50 miles). Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used for analyses. Results. The stage and survival analyses included 146,418 and 178,688 AYA. The odds of a late vs. early stage diagnosis (stages 3 and 4 vs. 1 and 2) were 1.22 (95% CI 1.10 to1.35) times higher for AYA living in rural vs. metro counties and 1.23 (1.19 to1.28) times higher for AYA living at long vs. short distances. The hazard of death was 1.18 (1.04 to 1.34) and 1.37 (1.31 to 1.43) times higher for those living in rural vs. metro counties and for long vs. short distances. Stage mediated 41% and 27% of the associations between survival and rural/metro residence and residential distance. Conclusions. Rural residence and living long distances from the reporting hospital were associated with later-stage diagnoses and lower survival in AYA cancer patients. Further research is needed to understand mechanisms. Citation Format: Kimberly J. Johnson, Xiaoyan Wang, Justin Barnes, Arash Delavar. Geography and adolescent and young adult cancer stage and survival [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 786.
Multilevel Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression: Clinical Efficacy and Durability to 2 Years.

ABSTRACT Background: The clinical efficacy of single-level minimally invasive lumbar decompression and/or microdiscectomy is well established, with improved postoperative functional outcome and pain scores. However, there is a paucity of clinical data supporting the use of minimally invasive (MIS) techniques in a single operation to address pathology at multiple lumbar levels, and this study attempts to address this issue. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from patients with symptomatic lumbar stenosis and/or disc herniations who underwent multilevel minimally invasive decompression or microdiscectomy from November 2014 to February 2018 was conducted at a single academic medical center. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Physical Component Summary Score (PCS) and Mental Component Summary Score (MCS), and Scoliosis Research Society survey (SRS-30), were prospectively collected before surgery and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Results: During the study period, 92 patients received multilevel (≥2 level) MIS lumbar decompression and/or discectomy (69 two level, 21 three level, 2 four level). The mean age at surgery was 69.7 years, and 23 (25%) patients were women. Patient-reported outcomes were significantly improved both in the short and long term except for the SF-12 MCS. Average improvement from baseline was (at 3 months and 2 years, respectively): VAS back, −3.9 and −2.8; VAS leg, −3.6 and −2.6; ODI, −13 and −14.6; SF-12 MCS, 2.8 and −0.3; SF-12 PCS, 6.9 and 10.1; and SRS-30, 0.57 and 0.55. Minimal clinically important difference for the study population was reached for every PROM except SF-12 MCS. Surgical complications occurred in 16 patients (17.4%), and 8 patients (8.6%) required postoperative fusions within 2 years. Conclusion: The use of MIS techniques to perform lumbar decompression and/or discectomy at multiple levels was found to be both clinically effective and durable. Fusion rates remained low 2 years after the index surgery and were consistent with literature data for open procedures. Level of Evidence: 2.
Cross-sector storage and modeling needed for deep decarbonization

Noah Kittner is an assistant professor in energy in the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health and in the Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research examines the role of energy storage in the transition to low-carbon energy systems and deep decarbonization. Sergio Castellanos is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, where he leads the Rapid, Equitable & Sustainable Energy Transitions (RESET) Lab focusing on equitable pathways for decarbonized energy systems. Patricia Hidalgo-Gonzalez is an assistant professor in the Jacobs School of Engineering and an affiliate member in the Center for Energy Research at the University of California, San Diego. She is the director of the Renewable Energy and Advanced Mathematics Laboratory. She is one of the academic co-leads of the IEEE Power & Energy Society Task Force “Data-Driven Controls for Distributed Systems.” Her research focuses on high penetration of renewable energy using optimization, control theory, and machine learning with safety guarantees. Daniel M Kammen is the James and Katherine Lau Distinguished Chair in Sustainability, and Chair of the Energy and Resources Group, Professor in the Goldman School of Public Policy, and Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He has served as Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the World Bank, and Science Envoy in the US Department of State. His work is focused on the science and policy of decarbonization at scales from homes to villages to large utility-scale systems. He has been a Coordinating Lead Author for the IPCC since 1999. Sarah Kurtz is a Professor at the University of California Merced. She spent more than 30 years at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory studying multi-junction III-V solar cells, reliability of photovoltaic modules and systems, and other solar-related projects. She is now leading a study of the value of long-duration storage, funded by the California Energy Commission.
Most Children Experience Resolution of Idiopathic Pediatric Rectal Prolapse with Bowel Management Alone

Abstract Background Recent studies in children with idiopathic rectal prolapse report up to 48% require surgical intervention to manage refractory disease. We sought to examine outcomes of our non-surgical approach to managing rectal prolapse using a bowel management program. Methods A retrospective review was performed for all children with the diagnosis of rectal prolapse between 2011 and 2020. Children with a rectal polyp or hemorrhoid were excluded. Results 47 children with rectal prolapse were identified (median age at diagnosis of 4 years (IQR 3,7.75); age ≤ 4 years n=30; age > 4 years n=17). Associated diagnoses included constipation (n=45, 96%) and psychiatric diagnoses (n=7, 14%). Children underwent a bowel management program including stimulant laxatives in 44 (94%) and osmotic laxatives in 2 (4%). Median follow-up time was 181 days (IQR 77, 238). Median time to resolution of rectal prolapse was 9 months (IQR 4, 13) with a maximum time to resolution of 31 months. We compared children ≤ 4 years old (Group A) to those > 4 years old (Group B). Psychiatric diagnoses were less common in Group A (3.5% vs. 38.9%, p = 0.003). Median time to spontaneous resolution was 6.5 months (IQR 3.5, 9.5) in Group A versus 13.5 (IQR 4, 16) months in Group B, p = 0.13. No differences in surgical intervention were identified. Three (6.4%) patients required surgery for prolapse. Conclusions A bowel management program is an effective treatment for most children with rectal prolapse. This data suggests that surgical intervention is unnecessary in most children.