cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measures of Visuospatial Ability

This chapter presents the data related to a visuospatial functioning for the VL2 Psychometric Toolkit Project. The data were generated from a measure of visuospatial memory, the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), and a mental rotation task, for a sample of deaf college students evaluated as part of the VL2 Psychometric Toolkit. In addition to providing descriptive statistics, correlations with a brief measure of nonverbal intelligence and measures of executive, memory, and linguistic functioning, and academic achievement administered concurrently as part of the VL2 Toolkit are presented. The relationships observed are discussed in the context of both research in the general population and, when available, previous research with deaf individuals.
On the He II Absorption Towards Q0302-003

The recent HST observation of the spectrum of the z = 3.286 quasar Q0302-003 (Jakobsen et al. 1994) shows an absorption edge at the redshifted wavelength of He II 304 A. One cannot yet distinguish between contributions from discrete Lyα forest clouds and a smoothly distributed intergalactic medium (IGM). We model the contributions from these sources of He II absorption, including the distribution of line widths and column densities and the “He II proximity effect” from the quasar. Our models include a self-consistent treatment of the He II opacity of the universe as a function of the intrinsic ionizing source spectrum. The He II edge can be fully accounted for by the Lyα forest, for reasonable distributions of line widths and column densities, provided that the ionizing background sources have spectral index α > 1.9. Even with some contribution from a diffuse IGM, it is difficult to account for the observed edge with a “hard” source spectrum (α < 1.3). The proximity effect will increase the relative contribution of the clouds to τ He II near the quasar (z ≈ z q ).Higher resolution observations that characterize the change in transmission as z → z q would be useful. These same observations may resolve line-free gaps in the continuum and set limits on the diffuse IGM.
Tectonic development of base-metal and barite-vein deposits associated with the early Mesozoic basins of eastern North America

Epithermal base-metal and barite-vein deposits are common in and near the margins of rift basins in extensional continental settings, and such veins are structurally, temporally, and almost certainly genetically associated with these rift basins. Approximately 100 vein occurrences of this type occur near early Mesozoic basins of the eastern United States. The veins appear to form as a result of transport of moderate temperature (100–250°C) brines from within the basins and adjacent basement rocks to shallow sites of mineral precipitation. Mineral deposition appears due to cooling, sulfate reduction, wall-rock reaction, and possibly fluid mixing, with the relative importance of these processes varying in different deposits. Saline fluids of appropriate chemistry and temperature to form vein mineralization occur in the deep portions of basins and adjacent basement underlying the basins. Early Mesozoic basins filled with red-bed sediments may be important as recharge areas of saline brines and leachable metals. Pre-existing fractures and faults are important in localizing vein development, and seismic activity may induce the movement of subsurface hydrothermal fluids. Cycling of stress and fluid pressure during faulting can move significant quantities of hot, deep-seated fluids into the upper crust and provides a mechanism for rapid mixing of fluids that may lead to mineral deposition. A period of fluid migration appears to occur late in the history of basin development due to the dynamic and changing stress regime developed during the tectonic transition from continental rifting to sea-floor spreading. Stratabound base-metal deposits that also form by transport of metal-bearing fluids may occur in the vicinity of these vein deposits.
Habitat and Corridor Function of Rights-of-Way

This chapter describes the habitat and corridor function of right-of-way habit and includes factors that influence the quality of these functions. Some of the potential problems are also discussed. Species with large home ranges that are not tied to one particular habitat are more likely to use rights-of-way as only part of their home range than species that are sedentary and that have small home ranges than the species that are tied to a specific habitat. Therefore most examples of species that use right-of-way habitat but do not restrict their movements to these relatively narrow strips are birds and larger mammals. While the functions of right-of-way are generally well documented and understood, the corridor function is not. Dispersal, movements over relatively long distances, has rarely been documented. Even though right-of-way habitat and corridors are continuously exposed to disturbance from the roads and traffic, and even though they may be of lesser quality than habitat and corridors away from infrastructure, they can be important to the survival of some species, especially in developed landscapes.
Child Abuse Oculoplastic Concerns

It is likely that the oculoplastic surgeon will rarely encounter cases of child abuse. Yet any form of trauma to the eye or adnexa can be due to abuse and should be considered in a differential diagnosis [1]. All physicians who work with children, even if the primary nature of their practice is the care of adults, are legally obligated to report suspicion of child abuse in virtually every developed nation. As such, oculoplastic surgeons must have a sufficient index of suspicion to prevent missing a case of abuse. It has been estimated that approximately 4–6% of physically abused children present first to the ophthalmologist [2]. Failure to recognize abuse will leave the child vulnerable to further injury or even death.
Absolute Neutron Yields from Alpha-Particle Interaction with Thick Targets of Natural Carbon

Recent measurements of the neutron yield resulting from the alpha-particle bombardment of carbon have disclosed an error in the data reported in the literature. New values of the thick-target yield...
Vitamin D insufficiency, hemoglobin, and anemia in children with chronic kidney disease

25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) deficiency is common in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been associated with an increased risk for anemia in both healthy US children and in adults with CKD. This association has not been explored in children with CKD. Children aged 1–16 enrolled in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study with mild to moderate kidney dysfunction, and with 25OHD measured at baseline (n = 580), were included in the analysis. The cross-sectional associations between 25OHD and hemoglobin (g/dL) and anemia were assessed. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 5th percentile for age and sex. Overall 334 (57.59%) children were vitamin D insufficient/deficient and 137 (23.62%) were anemic. Of those who were vitamin D insufficient/deficient, 95 (28.44%) were anemic. In the overall cohort, the odds of being anemic was 1.9 times higher (95% CI, 1.22–3.04, p < 0.01) in vitamin D insufficient/deficient vs sufficient children, when adjusting for covariates (age, sex, race [black, white, or other], body mass index (BMI), iohexol GFR (iGFR), erythropoietin stimulation agent (ESA) use, iron supplementation use, and underlying cause of CKD). Stratified by race, the odds of being anemic was 2.39 times higher (95% CI, 1.41–4.05, p = 0.001) in vitamin D insufficient/deficient vs vitamin D sufficient white children. The association between vitamin D status and anemia was not significant in black children. The data support our hypothesis that vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency increases the odds of anemia in children with CKD. The effect was strong and significant among white, but not black, children.
Neurodevelopmental outcome of infants with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Children's Cancer Group report.

BACKGROUND Infants diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are considered the patient subgroup at the highest risk for central nervous system (CNS) disease, both at presentation and as an isolated extramedullary relapse. In addition, they are highly vulnerable to adverse developmental sequelae from CNS-directed therapy. METHODS Thirty patients younger than 12 months at diagnosis (12 males, 18 females) in first hematologic remission were evaluated after completion of ALL therapy (mean age = 62.1 months; standard deviation = 17.2 months; range = 38–102 months). CNS-directed treatment included very high dose infusions of methotrexate (MTX) and intrathecal cytarabine and MTX. Three patients had meningeal leukemia that required additional therapy. Children were administered the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, and parents completed a sociodemographic questionnaire to obtain information about occupation and education. RESULTS Mean scores on all 6 cognitive and motor indices of the McCarthy Scales were in the average range (Verbal = 52.0; Perceptual = 53.6; Quantitative = 49.6; General Cognitive Index [GCI] = 102.1; Memory = 49.2; Motor = 51.0). Score distributions for each neurodevelopmental index were comparable to age-based population standards. One patient obtained a GCI that exceeded 2 standard deviations above the mean; none scored more than 2 standard deviations below. There was no report of developmental disabilities or neurologic disorders for any of the patients. Risk factors, including age at diagnosis, gender, additional CNS-directed treatment, and family socioeconomic status, were not associated with developmental outcome. CONCLUSIONS Test findings indicated a generally positive neurodevelopmental outcome for ALL patients diagnosed in infancy who were treated with very high dose MTX as CNS-directed therapy. Combined with the reduction in the isolated CNS relapse rate achieved by the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) clinical trial CCG-107, the results of this study represent a substantial improvement in neurodevelopmental outcome for very young patients compared with infants treated for ALL in the past. Cancer 1999;85:1859–65. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Surgeon-Level Variation in Utilization of Local Staging and Neoadjuvant Therapy for Stage II-III Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is the standard of care for clinical stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma, but utilization remains suboptimal. We aimed to determine the underlying reasons for omission of local staging and NT. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with clinical stage II-III or undocumented clinical stage/pathologic stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma who were treated in 2010–2016 in one of nine Intermountain Healthcare hospitals. The outcomes of omission of local staging and NT were examined with multivariable models. Risk- and reliability-adjusted rates of local staging and NT were calculated for surgeons who treated ≥ 3 patients. Pathologic and long-term outcomes were examined after excluding patients who were not resected or who underwent local excision (N = 11). Local staging was omitted in 43/240 (17.9%) patients and NT was omitted in 41/240 (17.1%). The strongest risk factors for local staging and NT omission were upper rectal tumors and surgeons who treated ≤ 3 cases/year. Thirty-six of 41 (87.8%) cases of omitted NT had local staging omitted. Adjusted surgeon-specific local staging rates varied 1.6-fold (56.3–92.4%) and NT rates varied 2.8-fold (34.1–97.1%). Surgeon local staging and NT rates were strongly correlated (r = 0.92). NT was associated with lower rates of positive circumferential radial margins (7.9 vs. 20.0%; P = 0.02), node positivity (33.3 vs. 55.0%; P = 0.01), and local recurrences (7.6 vs. 14.9% at 5 years; P = 0.0176). NT omission should be understood as a consequence of surgeon failure to perform local staging in most cases. Quality improvement efforts should focus on improving utilization of local staging.
Advancing treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: the future of FLT3 inhibitors

INTRODUCTION Mutations of the FLT3 gene are among most common genetic abnormalities occurring in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and are associated with dismal prognosis. Tremendous effort has been devoted to developing clinically effective FLT3 inhibitors. First generation inhibitors consisted of multi-kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, lestaurtinib, midostaurin), which blocked FLT3 as well as multiple other kinase receptors. The failure of these agents to induce durable responses led to the development of second generation FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (quizartinib, crenolinib, gilteritinib) exhibiting high potency and specificity for mutant FLT3 kinases and sustained in vivo FLT3 inhibition. These myriad FLT3 inhibitors possess diverse kinase inhibitory properties, toxicity profiles, and pharmacokinetics, which impact on their incorporation into therapeutic regimens. Areas covered: This article reviews the medical literature on current and future FLT3 inhibitors for AML therapy. We provide algorithms for which kinase inhibitor should be utilized for different FLT3 mutations (ITD±TKD) and clinical scenarios (de novo, relapsed/refractory, fit vs. unfit) and discuss novel FLT3 targeted therapeutic approaches. Expert commentary: Integration of clinically active FLT3 inhibitors into all stages of therapy for all individuals with FLT3 mutant AML promises to significantly improve outcomes for this poor prognosis disease.
Mimic: UI compatibility testing system for Android apps

This paper proposes Mimic, an automated UI compatibility testing system for Android apps. Mimic is designed specifically for comparing the UI behavior of an app across different devices, different Android versions, and different app versions. This design choice stems from a common problem that Android developers and researchers face---how to test whether or not an app behaves consistently across different environments or internal changes. Mimic allows Android app developers to easily perform backward and forward compatibility testing for their apps. It also enables a clear comparison between a stable version of app and a newer version of app. In doing so, Mimic allows multiple testing strategies to be used, such as randomized or sequential testing. Finally, Mimic programming model allows such tests to be scripted with much less developer effort than other comparable systems. Additionally, Mimic allows parallel testing with multiple testing devices and thereby speeds up testing time. To demonstrate these capabilities, we perform extensive tests for each of the scenarios described above. Our results show that Mimic is effective in detecting forward and backward compatibility issues, and verify runtime behavior of apps. Our evaluation also shows that Mimic significantly reduces the development burden for developers.
Ninety-Six Hour Wireless Esophageal pH Study in Patients with GERD Shows that Restrictive Diet Reduces Esophageal Acid Exposure.

Prolonged (96 h) pH monitoring may explore the effect of diet on pH and symptoms in patients with GERD. To assess the usefulness of a 96 h esophageal pH study in patients with GER symptoms under different diets (pro- and anti-GER). Prospective study of 66 patients with GERD undergoing wireless 96 h pH monitoring. Two-day periods, one on liberal (pro-reflux) and another on restricted (anti-reflux) diet assessed esophageal acid exposure and symptoms. The primary end point was normalization of acid exposure time while on restricted diet. Secondary end point was a > 50% reduction in symptoms with restricted diet. Normal (pH time 6%) was found in 32 patients (48.5%) while on initial 48 h liberal diet [median % time < 4: 10.5, (95% CI 8.9, 12.6)], and decreased significantly with restricted diet [median % time < 4: 4.5 (95% CI 3.1, 7.3)] (p = 0.001), and normalized with anti-GERD diet in 21 patients (65.6%). Only 11/66 patients were candidates for proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use; 34 had either normal pH studies or normalized them with restricted diet (n = 21). Symptoms did not improve with restricted diet. The 96-h esophageal pH study tests for GERD under pro- and anti-GER diets and allows minimization of PPI therapy to only 16.6% of patients.
Understanding Thyroid Cell Stress

Understanding the regulatory mechanisms that control intracellular stress has fundamental importance since its failure results in cell death. Evidence has emerged indicating that the intracellular signals that are induced in response to diverse stresses include the deoxyribonucleic acid damage response, the unfolded protein response, the mitochondrial and/or endoplasmic reticulum stress responses, and the autophagy signals to degrade dangerous protein aggregates. These signals bring changes to the stressed cells that may support systemic homeostasis or contribute to disease pathology. In normal thyroid cells, both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant (AOD) activity is low. An increase in ROS balanced by AOD leads only to mild inflammation, but unopposed increases in ROS lead to a strong inflammatory response and may result in apoptosis. A balance between ROS and AOD is, therefore, needed to maintain thyrocyte homeostasis. This perspective describes how thyroid cells are subjected to multiple insults and how they try to protect themselves using these different cellular responses.
The Incidence of Laryngotracheal Stenosis in Neonates With a History of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

Objectives/hypothesis Neonatal patients requiring prolonged intubation are susceptible to both infection and laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS). This study investigated the effect of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) on the development of LTS in neonates. Study design Retrospective case-control study. Methods The incidence of LTS in neonates with VAP was compared with the incidence of LTS in matched intubated controls without VAP. Patients were treated at a tertiary-care medical center from 2004 to 2014. Eligible patient records were assessed for the development of LTS. Demographics, medical comorbidities, infection characteristics, and treatment variables were compared using unpaired t test or χ2 test. Statistical significance was set a priori at P Results When comparing the VAP patients with matched non-VAP controls, we found no significant differences in the incidence of LTS (VAP vs. non-VAP, 8.3% vs. 6.7%; P = .73). In subgroup analysis of the VAP cohort, LTS and non-LTS patients demonstrated similar VAP organisms on broncho-alveolar lavage (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Enterobacter). Additionally, within the VAP cohort, LTS and non-LTS patients showed similar gestational age (LTS vs. non-LTS, 31.3 days vs. 28.1 days; P = .22), birth weight (LTS vs. non-LTS, 1.6 kg vs. 1.2 kg; P = .33), and similar intubation duration (LTS vs. non-LTS, 37.8 days vs. 27.5 days; P = .52). Conclusions In this neonatal cohort, VAP was not associated with an increased incidence of LTS. Given severity of the burden of LTS on the healthcare system, multi-institutional longitudinal investigation into contributing risk factors for neonatal LTS is warranted. Level of evidence NA Laryngoscope, 130:2252-2255, 2020.
Just Ask Me Again: An Analysis of Receptive Vocabulary Performance of Children from Low-Income Environments

Research suggests children from low-income environments have vocabularies that differ from those of their higher-income peers. They may have basic knowledge of many words of which children from hig...
Cable cord-cutting and streaming adoption: Advertising avoidance and technology acceptance in television innovation

Abstract Cable cord-cutting occurs when users cancel their cable subscriptions to adopt web-streaming as their primary means of watching television. One factor that has been identified as a motivator of cable cord-cutting is the desire to avoid advertising. This study sought to better understand the influence of advertising avoidance alongside perceived technological advantages on television users’ cord-cutting intentions. Using a national survey (N = 599), it was determined that advertising avoidance did influence cord-cutting intention; however, the perceived advantages of streaming exerted more influence on cable cord-cutting. Furthermore, the perceived advantages of streaming were influenced by the perceived ease-of-use of the technology, with both mediating the relation between frustrations with the technological deficiencies of traditional television and intentions to cut the cord on cable.
Proximity to risk-appropriate perinatal hospitals for pregnant women with congenital heart defects in New York state.

Women with congenital heart defects (CHDs) experiencing pregnancies require specialized delivery care and extensive monitoring that may not be available at all birthing hospitals. In this study, we examined proximity to, and delivery at, a hospital with an appropriate level of perinatal care for pregnant women with CHDs and evaluated predictors of high travel distance to appropriate care. Appropriate care was defined as Level 3 perinatal hospitals and Regional Perinatal Centers (RPCs). Inpatient delivery records for women with CHD in New York State (NYS) between 2008 and 2013 were obtained. Driving time and transit time were calculated between the pregnant woman’s residence and the actual delivery hospital as well as the closest Level 3 or RPC hospital using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Linear and logistic regression models evaluated predictors of high distance to, and utilization of, appropriate delivery care respectively. From 2008 to 2013, there were 909 deliveries in a NYS hospital by women with CHDs. Approximately 75% of women delivered at a Level 3 or RPC hospital. Younger women, those who reside in rural and smaller urban areas, and those who are non-Hispanic White had a greater drive time to an appropriate care facility. After adjustment for geographic differences, racial/ethnic minorities and poor women were less likely to deliver at an appropriate delivery care center. Although most women with CHDs in NYS receive appropriate delivery care, there are some geographic and socio-demographic differences that require attention to ensure equitable access.
Self-reported Cannabidiol (CBD) Use for Conditions With Proven Therapies.

Author(s): Leas, Eric C; Hendrickson, Erik M; Nobles, Alicia L; Todd, Rory; Smith, Davey M; Dredze, Mark; Ayers, John W | Abstract: ImportanceUse of cannabidiol (CBD) has markedly increased in the past 5 years, concurrent with marketing claims that over-the-counter CBD can be used to treat almost any health condition. However, the reasons why individuals use CBD remain unclear.ObjectiveTo assess whether individuals are using CBD for diagnosable conditions that have evidence-based therapies.Design, setting, and participantsThis case series assessed claimed treatment applications reported by CBD users in public testimonials shared on the Reddit forum r/CBD. The r/CBD forum was selected because it includes a large, naturally occurring sample of 104 917 registered individuals who publicly discuss their experiences using CBD. All r/CBD posts were obtained from January 1, 2014, through August 31, 2019. A random sample of posts was drawn (n = 3000) and filtered to include posts in which self-identified CBD users testified why they take CBD (n = 376).ExposuresSelf-reported use of CBD for medicinal purposes.Main outcomes and measuresCannabidiol testimonials were divided into 11 subcategories corresponding with the condition's medical subspecialty and 2 subcategories corresponding with wellness benefits. Posts were allowed to receive more than 1 label.ResultsOf the 376 posts labeled as testimonials, 90.0% (95% CI, 86.8%-92.8%) of testimonials claimed that CBD treated the individual's diagnosable conditions. Psychiatric conditions (eg, autism or depression) were the most frequently cited subcategory, mentioned in 63.9% (95% CI, 59.0%-69.1%) of testimonials, followed by orthopedic (26.4%; 95% CI, 21.8%-31.1%), sleep (14.6%; 95% CI, 11.3%-18.5%), and neurological (6.9%; 95% CI, 4.4%-9.6%) conditions. Testimonials also claimed that CBD treated gastroenterological conditions (3.9%; 95% CI, 1.9%-6.1%), as well as addiction, cardiological, dermatological, ophthalmological, oral health, and sexual health conditions (l2.0% each). By contrast, just 29.5% (95% CI, 24.8%-34.2%) of testimonies claimed any wellness benefit, with most citing mental wellness (eg, "quieting my mind") (29.5% [95% CI, 24.2%-34.4%]); 1.4% (95% CI, 0.3%-2.8%) claimed a physical wellness benefit (eg, "exercise performance").Conclusions and relevanceThe findings of this case series suggest a need for regulation of factors associated with CBD being used to treat diagnosable conditions, engagement of health care professionals with patients on their potential CBD use, and implementation of public health campaigns that encourage the public to seek treatment advice from health care professionals regarding evidence-based therapies.
Cortical responsive neurostimulation in a baboon with genetic generalized epilepsy.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the efficacy of cortical responsive neurostimulation (CRN) in a male baboon with epilepsy and with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE), as well as the alteration of seizure patterns and their circadian rhythms due to treatment. Methods The baboon was implanted with two subdural frontoparietal strips, bridging the medial central sulci bilaterally. Electrocorticography (ECoG) data were downloaded daily during a three-month baseline, then every 2–3 days over a five-month treatment period. Long episodes, reflecting ictal or interictal epileptic discharges, were also quantified. Results Twenty-three generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) and 2 episodes of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) were recorded at baseline (median 8 events/month), whereas 26 GTCS were recorded under treatment (median 5/month). Similarly, daily indices of long episodes decreased from 0.46 at baseline to 0.29 with treatment. Ictal ECoG patterns and the circadian distribution of GTCS were also altered by RNS therapy. Significance This case study provides the proof-of-concept for RNS therapy in the baboon model of GGE. Cortical responsive neurostimulation (CRN) demonstrated a 38% median reduction in GTCS. Distinct ictal patterns were identified, which changed over the treatment period; the circadian pattern of his GTCS also shifted gradually from night to daytime with treatment. Future studies targeting the thalamic nuclei, or combining cortical and subcortical sites, may further improve detection and control of GTCS as well as other generalized seizure types. More broadly, this study demonstrates opportunities for evaluating seizure detection as well as chronic therapeutic interventions over long term in the baboon.
Simultaneous mitigation of arsenic and cadmium accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings by silicon oxide nanoparticles under different water management schemes

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice is a great food safety concern. Simultaneous control of As and Cd accumulation in rice grown in co-contaminated rice paddies is highly desirable but difficult to achieve. Silicon oxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) were shown to lower plant As and Cd accumulation in rice tissues separately, raising the possibility that SiO2 NPs may concurrently decrease both As and Cd in rice tissues in a co-contaminated soil. Due to the remarkable effect of water management, this study aimed at investigating the effects of SiO2 NPs on the uptake of As and Cd by rice seedlings under both continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) conditions. Pot experiments were conducted by exposing rice seedlings to soils containing 5 mg/kg As and 1 mg/kg Cd, and 0, 150, 500 or 2,000 mg/kg of SiO2 NPs for 14 days. SiO2 NPs displayed significant impact on plant As and Cd uptake and the net effect depended on the concentration of SiO2 NPs and water management schemes. Significantly, simultaneous reduction of As and Cd in rice shoots was observed at 500 mg/kg SiO2 NPs under AWD irrigation, in which SiO2 NPs reduced As and Cd in rice shoots by 29% and 68%, respectively, compared with seedlings exposed to As and Cd only at the same irrigation condition. Rice shoots contained approximately 70% and 50% less As and Cd under AWD than CF irrigation with 500 mg/kg SiO2 NPs addition, suggesting a strong interaction between SiO2 NPs and water irrigation scheme.
Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: Revascularization Versus Primary Amputation

This discussion will review and investigate the indications for amputation, specifically for primary amputation (amputation performed without an attempt at a limb salvage revascularization procedure) in lower extremity chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). We will further investigate the results of lower extremity revascularization and discuss the factors that are associated with an adverse outcome after revascularization. In this way, we will define when primary amputation may be warranted or, minimally, should be strongly considered over what may be overtly futile attempts at limb salvage procedures. The incidence of amputation, after two decades in which amputation rates have declined, has recently been on the rise, related to an increase in diabetic-associated amputation. Endovascular options have extended treatment for those high-risk patients with CLTI. Despite this, there is little comparative data regarding the appropriate selection for the initial revascularization attempt. Revascularization procedures do fail and factors associated with adverse outcome are being continuously elucidated and re-affirmed, including patient comorbidities (end-stage renal disease, frailty, dementia), wound assessment (wound, ischemia, foot infection classification), and anatomic patterns of the occlusive disease. Indications for primary amputation include major tissue loss, non-ambulatory status and declining functionality, un-reconstructable vascular occlusive disease, and situations in which either the risks exceed the benefit or there is limited benefit due to high probability of an adverse outcome. Primary amputation remains an important alternative in the management of CLTI. Further staging and classification of variables and of the disease pattern will hopefully allow for a more evidence-based decision-making process and further define the role of primary amputation.
What kind of firm is more responsive to the unconventional monetary policy

Abstract The unconventional monetary policy (UMP) of purchasing corporate bonds by the Federal Reserve has been one of the main policy responses to the COVID-19 crisis. An important question for policy design is whether this policy has been effective in boosting the firm's production and investment. While answering this question is challenging from a theoretical and empirical perspective, I provide a step forward in understanding the possible effects of this policy on firms’ decisions using a theoretical and analytical model. The model suggests that the firm's default probability plays a key role in transmitting the effects of COVID-19 shock and the UMP. Using the model to evaluate two kinds of heterogeneities (size and initial credit risk), I show that large firms and high-risk firms are more affected by COVID-19 shock and are more responsive to the UMP. I then use a cross-sectional regression to evaluate the model's prediction on the heterogeneity effects of UMP across firm size and to study the role of firms’ characteristics in the effects of UMP. The estimation results support the size-firm hypothesis and suggest that firm's characteristics such as assets and operating income are relevant to understand the effects of the UMP.
Green’s Functions

The fascinating concept of the Green’s function is due to the insight and intuition of George Green (1793–1841), an English mathematician, whose original work was unappreciated for nearly all of his life — largely due to his unusual methodology, George Green was born in 1793 and was 44 years old when he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1837 at Cambridge. His age and his inability to submit to the “systematic training” worked against him and few seemed to realize his remarkable ability at the time. Two years later in 1839 he was elected a Fellow of the College but left almost immediately because of poor health and returned to his home where he died by 1841, a heavy loss indeed to the world of mathematics. His first paper had been published in 1828, five years before beginning formal study. He was entirely self-taught and faced great difficulty in publishing his work.
Services + Components = Data Intensive Scientific Workflow Applications with MeDICi

Scientific applications are often structured as workflows that execute a series of distributed software modules to analyze large data sets. Such workflows are typically constructed using general-purpose scripting languages to coordinate the execution of the various modules and to exchange data sets between them. While such scripts provide a cost-effective approach for simple workflows, as the workflow structure becomes complex and evolves, the scripts quickly become complex and difficult to modify. This makes them a major barrier to easily and quickly deploying new algorithms and exploiting new, scalable hardware platforms. In this paper, we describe the MeDICi Workflow technology that is specifically designed to reduce the complexity of workflow application development, and to efficiently handle data intensive workflow applications. MeDICi integrates standard component-based and service-based technologies, and employs an efficient integration mechanism to ensure large data sets can be efficiently processed. We illustrate the use of MeDICi with a climate data processing example that we have built, and describe some of the new features we are creating to further enhance MeDICi Workflow applications.
Cervical cytodiagnostic problems--a survey.

T H I s s T u D Y was undertaken in an efThe list of participating cytologists is as fort to learn : ( 1) how closely expert clinical follows : cytologists agree in their evaluations of a given gynecologic specimen; (2) how precisely the cytologist can predict the histologic structure of a cervical lesion from cytologic findings; and (3) how much variation exists in the terminology and reporting styles of different cytologists. Twenty-five gynecologic cases were chosen from the files of the Papanicolaou Cytology Laboratory. These were part of a series of more than 400 cases in which doubtful or suspicious cytologic findings had been reported at least once during the 15 years from 1947 through 1962. These cytologic interpretations were correlated with the available clinical and pathologic information. Smears from the 25 selected cases were submitted to eight leaders in the field of diagnostic cytology who kindly consented to cooperate in this study.
Hypotheses on the pathogenesis and natural history of Helicobacter pylori-induced inflammation

Although Helicobacter pylori is now recognized as playing an etiologic role in chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, information on the pathogenesis and natural history of infection is limited. A model is proposed in which luminal H. pylori secrete substances that mediate inflammation that is beneficial to the organism but ultimately deleterious for the host; in addition to tissue damage, inflammation also affects gastric secretory function. In this model, the host may attempt to suppress the inflammatory response, and the adequacy of this postulated down-regulation determines pathological and clinical outcome. The effects of the inflammatory process on gastrin-hydrochloric acid homeostasis may be of critical importance in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer disease. Because the long-term consequences of H. pylori colonization reflect the continued presence of the organism in the host over years or decades, it may be useful to consider this as a "slow" bacterial infection.
Incidental placenta increta at the time of prophylactic hysterectomy for Lynch syndrome: Insights into individualized decision-making and surgical timing

•Increta in a prophylactic hysterectomy specimen for Lynch syndrome is rare.•Individualizing risk-reducing procedures after childbearing is important.•Shared decision making should include the timing of prophylactic surgery.•Minimizing surgical risks in the postpartum period should be discussed.
Biomechanical analysis of reconstructions for sternoclavicular joint instability.

Background A variety of reconstructive methods have been described for the treatment of sternoclavicular joint instability, yet none have been analyzed in the laboratory, to our knowledge. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate three different reconstruction techniques with use of a cadaveric model: (1) intramedullary ligament reconstruction, (2) subclavius tendon reconstruction, and (3) reconstruction with use of a semitendinosus graft placed in a figure-of-eight fashion through drill-holes in the clavicle and manubrium. Methods Thirty-six fresh cadaveric specimens were mounted supine on a materials testing machine in a custom testing fixture and were subjected to anterior and posterior subfailure translation to determine stiffness in the intact state after preloading. One of the three reconstruction methods was performed, and the specimens were subjected to anterior or posterior translation to failure. Changes in stiffness compared with the intact state were analyzed statistically. Results In the anterior direction, the stiffness of the semitendinosus figure-of-eight reconstruction was significantly greater than that of the intramedullary ligament reconstruction but was not significantly different from that of the subclavius tendon reconstruction. The peak load to failure (as defined by translation equal to the anteroposterior diameter of the medial head of the clavicle) was 230.3 +/- 146.1 N for the semitendinosus figure-of-eight reconstruction, 84.6 +/- 45.7 N for the intramedullary ligament reconstruction, and 75.6 +/- 19.0 N for the subclavius tendon reconstruction. In the posterior direction, the stiffness of the semitendinosus figure-of-eight reconstruction was significantly greater than those of both of the other reconstructions. The peak load to failure was 241.4 +/- 49.7 N for the semitendinosus figure-of-eight reconstruction, 85.0 +/- 22.8 N for the intramedullary ligament reconstruction, and 51.5 +/- 28.9 N for the subclavius tendon reconstruction. Conclusions The figure-of-eight semitendinosus reconstruction for sternoclavicular joint instability has initial biomechanical properties that are superior to those of the intramedullary ligament reconstruction and subclavius tendon reconstruction techniques. Clinical relevance While it is difficult to extrapolate in vitro data to the clinical situation, the figure-of-eight semitendinosus technique has superior initial biomechanical properties and may produce improved clinical outcomes in the surgical treatment of sternoclavicular joint instability.
Accuracy of Temporal Artery Thermometry in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Infants

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of temporal artery and axillary temperatures and the discomfort level of stable neonates during temperature measurement. Subjects: Convenience sample of neonates between the ages of 32 and 40 weeks’ gestation cared for in an isolette or crib. Design: A method-comparison design was used to compare different methods for noninvasive temperature monitoring (infra-red temporal artery; axillary electronic) to core body temperatures (indwelling rectal probe). Main Outcome Measure: Bias and precision of test temperature devices (temporal artery; axillary). Results: Bias and precision for the temporal artery and axillary devices were 0.30 0.44 and 0.28 0.33, respectively. Analysis of variance found significant differences between both temporal and axillary temperatures compared to rectal temperatures (P .01). Statistical differences were small and did not represent a clinically important difference. No statistical difference was found between temporal artery and axillary temperatures (P .81). Increases in neonate discomfort after temperature measurement were significantly greater with axillary than increases after temporal artery temperature measurement (P .03). Conclusions: This study found that body temperature measured with the temporal artery thermometer was similar to temperatures obtained with an axillary thermometer in stable, afebrile neonates. The use of temporal artery thermometry appears to be an acceptable approach for noninvasive temperature measurement in neonates, which causes less discomfort in neonates.
Status of the KATRIN Experiment and Prospects to Search for keV-mass Sterile Neutrinos in Tritium β-decay

Abstract In this contribution the current status and future perspectives of the Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) Experiment are presented. The prime goal of this single β -decay experiment is to probe the absolute neutrino mass scale with a sensitivity of 200 meV (90% CL). We discuss first results of the recent main spectrometer commissioning measurements, successfully verifying the spectrometer's basic vacuum, transmission and background properties. We also discuss the prospects of making use of the KATRIN tritium source, to search for sterile neutrinos in the multi-keV mass range constituting a classical candidate for Warm Dark Matter. Due to the very high source luminosity, a statistical sensitivity down to active-sterile mixing angles of sin 2 θ -7 (90% CL) could be reached.
Regulation of transcription factor activity by interconnected post-translational modifications

Transcription factors comprise just over 7% of the human proteome and serve as gatekeepers of cellular function, integrating external signal information into gene expression programs that reconfigure cellular physiology at the most basic levels. Surface-initiated cell signaling pathways converge on transcription factors, decorating these proteins with an array of post-translational modifications (PTMs) that are often interdependent, being linked in time, space, and combinatorial function. These PTMs orchestrate every activity of a transcription factor over its entire lifespan—from subcellular localization to protein–protein interactions, sequence-specific DNA binding, transcriptional regulatory activity, and protein stability—and play key roles in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. The multitude of PTMs of transcription factors also offers numerous potential points of intervention for development of therapeutic agents to treat a wide spectrum of diseases. We review PTMs most commonly targeting transcription factors, focusing on recent reports of sequential and linked PTMs of individual factors.
A maximum likelihood estimator for totally positive probability tables: a method for smoothing two-way tables

We consider a two-way table with r. rows and c columns: the row and column classifications are assumed to be ordered and positively related. The discrete probabilities are assumed to 'be totally positive of order 2, TP 2 or equivalently, the local odds ratio is greater than or equal to 1. We develop an algorithm for obtaining :the maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) for the probabilities, p ij, when they are constrained to the TP 2, family of probability distributions. The major application for this procedure would be to “smooth” ordered positively dependent two-way tables.
Aeroelastic Response and Flutter of Swept Aircraft Wings

A unified approach of stability and aeroelastic response of swept aircraft wings in an incompressible flow is developed. To this end, the indicial function concept in time and frequency domains is used, and on this basis the flutter instability and subcritical aeroelastic response to arbitrary time-dependent external excitation are analyzed. In addition, an original representation of the aeroelastic response in the phase space is presented, and the implications of the related results toward determining the flutter instability in flight are emphasized. Validations of selected results against the theoretical and experimental predictions are supplied, and pertinent conclusions are outlined.
Strategic Information Systems Planning in the Public Sector

Strategic information systems (IS) are touted throughout the trade press and the academic literature as the way to achieve the greatest benefits from an investment in new information technology (IT). Using document imaging within state agencies as the backdrop, research hypotheses about the existence and comprehensiveness of strategic IS planning in the public sector are tested. Through a nationwide mail survey completed by state agency IT managers, the findings strongly support a relationship between formal IS strategic planning and an interest in strategic IS. State agencies that engage in comprehensive, formal strategic IS planning are able to foster an environment more supportive of the use of IT within state government.
Taste perception in kallmann syndrome, a model of congenital anosmia.

Objective: To investigate taste, a component of flavor perception, using electrogustometry (EG) in patients with congenital anosmia associated with Kallmann syndrome (KS).Methods: Four patients wit...
A review of the theories concerning the equatorial F2 region ionosphere

The most striking feature of the equatorial F-region ionosphere is the equatorial geomagnetic anomaly. This phenomenon has been known for nearly thirty years from bottomside measurements, but only recently have topside sounders provided sufficient data for the development of theoretical models. It appears that the major contribution to this effect lies in the interaction of the ionosphere with the earth's magnetic field via mechanisms causing drifts and currents. However, other theories have considered control due principally to production, loss and temperature effects. This paper reviews relevant theoretical analyses and compares the theoretical predictions with data available from the Alouette I topside sounder.
A new low power and area efficient semi-digital PLL architecture for low bandwidth applications

Traditional PLL architecture uses one control voltage for both integrated and proportional part of the oscillator. Digital PLL architecture uses 2 control words for integrated and proportional part of the oscillator. In this paper, we describe a new architecture of a Phase lock loop which combines the two approaches and takes the advantages of both.
The formation of amino acid precursors in the reaction of atomic carbon with water and ammonia at 77 K.

When atomic carbon is condensed on a surface at 77 K containing ammonia and water, glycine, N-methylglycine, alanine, β-alanine, aspartic acid and serine are generated. It is postulated that these reactions may mimic those which occur when an extraterrestrial carbon atom condenses on a frozen surface coated with water and ammonia and may provide a route to extraterrestrial amino acids. Experiments designed to elucidate the mechanisms of amino acid formation under these conditions have been carried out.
Partial purification of the aminoacyl-tRNA binding enzyme from Drosophila larvae.

Abstract 1. An enzyme which catalyzes the codon specific binding of aminoacyl-tRNA to ribosomes in vitro has been obtained partially purified from Drosophila melanogaster. This enzyme remained in the supernatant after sedimentation of the microsomes and was purified by precipitation with (NH4)2SO4, adsorption to calcium phosphate gel, chromatography on a Sephadex G-200 column, and sedimentation in a sucrose gradient. 2. According to its behavior on Sephadex G-200, the binding enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of greater than 300 000, yet it sediments in a sucrose gradient with an s 20,w of 6.7 which corresponds to a molecular weight of 193 000 when compared to the rabbit reticulocyte binding enzyme. 3. The binding enzyme exhibits greater stability both to heat inactivation and to freezing and thawing in the presence of glycerol.