cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of inter- and intra-observer reliability among the three classification systems for cervical spinal canal stenosis.

The aim is to analyze the agreement between different types of physicians in terms of the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability in addition to the agreement between the experienced and non-experienced physicians with respect to three different classification systems for diagnosis of cervical spinal canal stenosis. Total nine doctors including experienced group of three doctors and non-experienced group of six doctors classified the patients according to three different classification in an independent, blinded manner using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose cervical canal stenosis. MRI slice included sagittal plane (midline cut) and an image slice from each horizontal plane that penetrated the right center of each disk (C3–4, C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7) was made by PPT format. For the inter-observer reliability, Vaccaro et al.’s classification system showed the excellent reproducibility, followed by Muhle et al. and Kang et al. All three classification systems showed excellent reproducibility and substantial agreement in terms of the intra-observer reliability. All three classification systems showed excellent reproducibility and also displayed a substantial agreement. The classification system used by Vaccaro et al. was proven to be a method with substantial agreement both in the experienced group and the non-experienced group. It can be a useful classification system for simplifying communication among all physicians.
Small proportions of silt linked to distinct and predictable differences in marine macrofaunal assemblages on the continental shelf of the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Increasing interest in offshore development has motivated intensified efforts to map the seafloor for marine spatial planning. However, surficial geologic maps do not accurately represent habitats for various species groups of concern. This study used a bottom-up approach to integrate macrofaunal densities and benthic conditions on the Pacific Northwest shelf to identify macrofaunal assemblages and associated habitat features. Benthic cores and water-column profiles were collected from 137 stations from 50 to 110 m depth. Analyses grouping stations based on both similar species abundances and benthic conditions resulted in six broad habitats. Within the sampled depth and latitudinal range, sediment characteristics were the primary structuring variable. A major break in assemblages was detected between sediment that had less than 1% silt/clay and those containing more than 1% silt/clay. Assemblages differed primarily in the bivalve species present and secondarily in polychaete species. Within the greater than and less than 1% silt/clay habitats, further discretization of assemblages was based mostly on differing abundances of characteristic bivalves and polychaetes associated with differing median grain sizes, which did not correspond to traditional definitions of fine or medium sand. These data show that a bottom-up methodology is necessary to discern habitats for macrofauna and that site-specific physical sampling is necessary to predict macrofaunal assemblage composition. However, if detailed sediment characteristics are known, macrofaunal assemblages may be predicted without time-intensive biological sampling and processing. These results also indicate that seemingly small sedimentary changes due to offshore installations may have measureable effects on the relative abundances and even the species composition of macrofauna.
Farm Forward: A Pragmatist Approach to Advocacy in Agriculture

In this chapter, I examine the philosophical and ethical views undergirding Farm Forward, a nonprofit animal advocacy group focused on reforming agricultural practices and ending factory farming. Specifically, I frame Farm Forward as an organization that embodies key dimensions of the pragmatist philosophical tradition. I begin by providing a brief overview of existing pragmatist work within animal ethics and describing the pragmatist concepts of pluralism, particularism, and amelioration. After placing Farm Forward’s general vision for agricultural reform within this philosophical context, I review a number of the organization’s recent projects to illustrate their commitment to the above pragmatist principles, as well as the progress that they have attained through particular advocacy strategies including education initiatives, public engagement, negotiations with multinational corporations, and building coalitions with other advocacy groups. Farm Forward’s pragmatist approach to advocacy in agriculture, I argue, serves as an exemplary model for achieving positive change in concrete and inclusive ways.
Marriage Politics in Africa

Throughout much of Europe's monarchical history, political alliances were achieved through marriage. We investigate this phenomenon in the context of Africa, a region characterized by high ethnic diversity, and relatively young nation-states. At the micro-level, we examine the effects of marriage politics in Benin, where President Yayi Boni – a member of the Nago ethnic group – married a member of the politically and demographically meaningful Fon. Our results indicate that support for President Yayi among the Fon is significantly increased with references to his Fon wife. And, since such references do not significantly decrease the president's support among other ethnic groups, the marriage seems to have a net positive political effect for the President. At the macro-level, we develop a unique dataset that captures the ethnic identity of African leaders’ wives, to investigate the prevalence of cross-ethnic marriages and explore their political implications.
An examination of Hispanic college enrollment and graduation: Has the Texas Closing the Gaps plan been successful?

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Texas “Closing the Gaps by 2015” plan to increase Hispanic enrollment into and graduation from institutions of higher education. This study uses Interrupted Time Series with Comparison Group to analyze 26 years of student cohorts in Texas universities. Controlling for historical enrollment and graduation growth as well as population growth, the results show that Hispanic college enrollment significantly increased as a result of the plan, but graduation did not. Several recommendations are offered for those states that wish to emulate Texas policies of increasing college enrollment and graduation of Hispanics.
Reply to Martin O’Neill

Discusses the variety of objections to inequality, relations between these objections, and the implications of this pluralist view of equality for the question of cosmopolitanism about justice.
Invariant curves for planar competitive and cooperative maps

In this paper we present results on the existence of invariant curves for planar maps that are monotone with respect to either the south-east or north-east ordering. Some of these curves are the st...
Shared meanings of success, happiness, and health among adults with cerebral palsy and physiotherapists: implications for practice and research.

AbstractPurpose: To describe shared meanings of success, happiness, and health of adults with cerebral palsy and physiotherapists.Materials and methods: Ethnography employed open ended/semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaires (Satisfaction with Life Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II®, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Life Habits Questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey, and PROMIS® Pain Interference Scale). Content analysis of qualitative data and principal components analysis of questionnaire responses identified shared meanings.Results: Fourteen adults with cerebral palsy and 15 physiotherapists (median age 46) had similar levels of education. For both groups, social achievements, personal goals, employment, and supporting a family defined success. Adults with cerebral palsy more frequently identified tenacity and persistence as important for success. Both groups described happiness as spending time with loved ones, recreational activities, and having purpose in life....
Cryoanalgesia in Patients Undergoing Nuss Repair of Pectus Excavatum: Technique Modification and Early Results.

Abstract Purpose: The Nuss procedure for surgical correction of pectus excavatum often causes severe postoperative pain. Cryoanalgesia of intercostal nerves is an alternative modality for pain control. We describe our modification of the cryoICE™ probe that allows for nerve ablation through the ipsilateral chest along with early results utilizing this technique. Methods: To allow for ipsilateral nerve ablation, a 20-French chest tube was cut and secured to the cryoICE probe, thus providing insulation for the malleable end of the probe. A 3-year retrospective review of patients undergoing Nuss repair at our institution was performed. Patients who received cryoanalgesia (cryo, n = 6) were compared with a historical control cohort who did not receive cryoanalgesia (nocryo, n = 13) during Nuss repair. Hospital length of stay, postoperative narcotic requirement (PNR), and highest postoperative pain score were collected. Results: Both cohorts were similar regarding age, BMI, and pectus index. The cryo group had...
The Business and Finance of Surgical Education

Support of surgical education is critical for the future viability of United States healthcare. This is particularly important in the current era where there is predicted to be significant shortages in physicians, especially primary care and general surgeons, due to an aging population and an increasing number of insured individuals through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Surgical education must constantly evolve to incorporate new technologies and discoveries to meet the changing demands on future surgeons and the needs of patients. Thus, it requires a tremendous investment of time, effort, money, and resources. Federal and state government support of graduate medical education is declining, and significant cuts to future funding are predicted. With increasing financial pressures both internally and externally, the investment in surgical education will require far more support than surplus clinical dollars of departments of surgery. The business and finance of surgical education has become quite complex, and optimally going forward education programs would have strong and multidimensional (hospital, school of medicine, department) advocacy, experienced surgeon leaders with formal education in business and education and/or supportive staff with formal education in business and education. Creative approaches and solutions to financing surgical education are needed, so we can maintain the viability of the system to produce a high-quality surgeon work force trained to address the public needs.
Investigation of Cerebral Perfusion Pressure and Edema Formation in a Hypertonic Saline Model of Cerebral Edema

Cerebral vasogenic edema develops as a consequence of head injury, brain tumour and cerebral abscess. It can exert a damaging effect on the brain by increasing intracranial pressure, producing brain shift and possibly by having a direct neurotoxic effect or by reducing cerebral blood flow. The effect of intracranial pressure and systemic arterial pressure on the development of cerebral vasogenic edema is not well known. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of various levels of both intracranial pressure, systemic arterial pressure and the derived cerebral perfusion pressure upon the development of vasogenic cerebral edema. A model for producing vasogenic cerebral edema was developed using the direct injection of hypertonic saline into the internal carotid artery of an anaesthetized rabbit. Within the interval following blood-brain barrier disruption, the influence of blood pressure and intracranial pressure on edema formation was studied. Evans blue was used as a marker for the amount of edema formation. Cerebral blood flow and histological studies were undertaken to ascertain the pathophysiology of the edema produced by hypertonic saline.
The Neyman-Pearson Theory after Fifty Years

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Neyman-Pearson paradigm, this paper sketches some aspects of its development during the past half-century. In particular, the relevance of this approach to data analysis and Bayesian statistics is discussed.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Nanomedicine

Retaining the essentials of noninvasive measurement and deep penetration through living bodies, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy presents as a useful adjunct to the in vitro and in vivo studies of nanomedicine. This chapter is aimed at introducing basic NMR principles and certain NMR techniques relevant to the field of nanomedicine, followed by exploration of physicochemical characterization and metabolic profiles responding to treatment and development in nanomedicine.
Violence Aggression and Impulse Dyscontrol

The thorough understanding of the biological mechanisms contributing to habitual aggression is fundamental if effective preventive, diagnostic, and rehabilitative programs are to be developed. Electrophysiological techniques, including conventional and quantified EEG can be very helpful in advancing our knowledge of this area. Of great interest is the serious gap between a large body of literature attesting to the prevalence of EEG, and other brain imaging abnormalities, and the actual utilization of this information in diagnosing and managing individuals exhibiting such symptoms. Moreover, the dearth of more recent research in this area further deepens this gap.
2.7 years of beta-decay-rate ratio measurements in a controlled environment

We report nearly continuous beta-decay-rate measurements of Na-22, Cl-36, Co-60, Sr-90, and Cs-137 over a period of 2.7 years using four Geiger-Muller tubes. We carefully control the ambient pressure and temperature for the detectors, sources, and electronics in order to minimize environmentally-dependent systematic drifts in the measurement chains. We show that the amplitudes of an annual oscillation in the decay rates are consistent with zero to within 0.004%.
New Avenues for Promoting Mindfulness in Adolescence using mHealth.

There is a large evidence base supporting the efficacy of mindfulness interventions in adulthood, and growing support for the efficacy of these interventions in adolescence. Historically mindfulness interventions have been delivered in person and in groups, with recommendations for home practice being a critical part of the intervention. However, compliance with these practice recommendations in adolescence is very poor. Past studies indicate that using mobile technology to promote skill transfer to real life can be an effective strategy, particularly when used as a supplement to an in-person intervention strategy. To date, however, mobile technology has largely been used to create stand-alone mindfulness interventions. The goals of the current paper are to discuss the potential opportunities and challenges with a mobile-technology-enhanced mindfulness intervention, and to present the rationale that such an approach is not only theoretical and empirically sound but also a critical next step to increase the efficacy and developmental appropriateness of mindfulness interventions for adolescents. This discussion is grounded in a specific example of a mindfulness intervention supplemented by a momentary intervention we are developing.
Arterial Phase CTA Replacement by a Virtual Arterial Phase Reconstruction from a Venous Phase CTA: Preliminary Results Using Detector-Based Spectral CT

To assess the feasibility of creating virtual monoenergetic arterial images from venous phase CTA obtained on a detector-based spectral CT scanner and quantitatively compare the signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios of the major arteries to those on polyenergetic true arterial phase images. In this retrospective study, 23 patients (15 men and 8 women, median age 68 years) who underwent triple-phase CTA on a spectral CT scanner for aortic endograft surveillance were included. The venous phase CTA of each study was reconstructed to generate virtual monoenergetic images at various keV, which were compared to true arterial phase CTA images. SNR and CNR of the aortoiliac arteries were evaluated by testing the differences in means and non-inferiority of virtual arterial images to true arterial images. Effective radiation dose was calculated for standard triple-phase studies in comparison with dual-phase and single-phase spectral CT examinations. Virtual monoenergetic images demonstrated non-inferior (P < 0.05) arterial SNR and CNR compared to true arterial images at 40 keV for all arteries, at 45–50 keV for the thoracic and suprarenal aorta, and at 45–55 keV for the infrarenal aorta and iliac arteries. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) arterial attenuation was obtained at 40 keV for the aortoiliac arteries. Mean effective dose for conventional triple-phase studies was 32.5 mSv in comparison with 21.3 mSv for dual-phase non-contrast/venous scans and 11.3 mSv for single-phase venous scans. Detector-based spectral CT enables creation of virtual monoenergetic arterial images from venous phase CTA with equivalent and in some cases significantly higher SNR/CNR of major arteries compared to images from true arterial phase polyenergetic CTA.
Return to My Former Haunts

My year at Harvard University gave me the impetus to participate in international academic activities, and my exchanges at Kyoto University with scholars in different fields were enjoyable and productive. However, the Institute of Economic Research lost its reformist leaders, such as the late Tsunehiko Watabe; and the problems of a non-academic nature that I faced regarding the post of professor sent me into the doldrums. I came to think my writer’s cramp wasn’t due merely to a mechanical cause like too much typing.
Wind energy production uncertainty associated with wind assessments of various intervals

While wind assessment periods commonly range from 1 to several years, this is typically based on experience and industry norms. In this investigation, we perform an analysis of the error that can b...
Energy Modeling of VTOL Aircraft for Titan Aerial Daughtercraft (TAD)Concepts

Aerial vehicles are of considerable interest for exploration of Saturn's icy moon Titan. The concept of Titan Aerial Daughtercraft (TAD)was introduced in 2014, where small-scale (e.g. $\sim$ 450 kg)that would carry its own RPS. The TAD concept is still worth further analysis as a low-cost element of mission architectures where the mothership is a lander, balloon, or other large mobility system. To compare the potential performance of daughtercraft that are rotary-wing only or fixed/rotary-wing hybrids, this study examines potential flight durations and flight radius for small-scale (4 to 10 kg)quadcopters and tailsitters. For notional system parameters, a payload mass fraction of 25%, and a conservative battery model, energy estimation modeling for lander-based scenarios shows maximum flight endurance at Titan's surface for 10 kg quad-copter and tailsitter as 9.3 hours and 12.4 hours, respectively, and maximum sortie radius from a lander as 89 km and 125 km, respectively. Modeling of balloon-based scenarios estimated the mass potentially available for payload as a function of the total TAD mass and the float altitude of the balloon. For a balloon floating at 10 km above the surface and a 10 kg TAD, the model gave available mass of about 2.8 kg for a quadcopter and 3.5 kg for a tailsitter. Non-aerodynamic power dominates aerodynamic power at the lowest mass, but becomes a less significant fraction of the total as mass increases. The tailsitter has little or no advantage over the quadcopter at the lowest mass, but increasing advantage as mass increases.
Energetics and structural properties of two- and three-boson systems in the presence of one-dimensional spin-orbit coupling

It was shown recently that the discrete scaling symmetry, which underlies the Efimov effect in the three identical boson system with two-body short-range interactions, survives when single-particle one-dimensional (1D) spin-orbit coupling terms are added to the Hamiltonian. Each three-body energy level in the ordinary Efimov scenario turns into an energy manifold that contains four energy levels in the presence of 1D spin-orbit coupling (equal mixture of Rashba-Dresselhaus coupling). This work provides a detailed characterization of the energy levels in these manifolds. The two-boson energies, which enter into the three-boson scattering threshold, are analyzed in detail. Moreover, the structural properties, e.g., momentum distributions of the two- and three-boson systems, are analyzed for various parameter combinations.
Longitudinal Shedding Patterns and Characterization of Antibiotic Resistant E. coli in Pastured Goats using a Cohort Study.

There is a scarcity of information on antibiotic resistance in goats. To understand shedding of resistant Escherichia coli in pastured goats, we collected fecal samples from a mixed age cohort over a one-year period. No antibiotic had been used on the study animals one year prior to and during the study period. Resistant isolates were detected in all age groups and prevalence in goat kids was significantly higher than adults; 43–48% vs. 8–25% respectively. The proportion of resistant isolates was higher when animals were congregated near handling facility than on pasture. Most isolates were resistant to tetracycline (51%) and streptomycin (30%), but also to antibiotics that had never been used on the farm; ampicillin (19%). TetB, bla-TEM, (aadA and strpA/strpB) genes were detected in 70%, 43%, (44% and 24%) of tetracycline, ampicillin, and streptomycin resistant isolates respectively. Resistant isolates also harbored virulent genes and some belonged to D and B2 phylogenetic groups. Thus, pastured goats, despite minimal exposure to antibiotics, are reservoirs of resistant E. coli that may contaminate the environment and food chain and spread resistant genes to pathogenic bacteria and some that are potential animal and human pathogens. Environmental sources may play a role in acquisition of resistant bacteria in pastured goats.
A New Stable Peer-to-Peer Protocol With Non-Persistent Peers: The Group Suppression Protocol

Recent studies have suggested that the stability of peer-to-peer networks may rely on persistent peers , who dwell on the network after they obtain the entire file. In the absence of such peers, one piece becomes extremely rare in the network, which leads to instability. Technological developments, however, are poised to reduce the incidence of persistent peers, giving rise to a need for a protocol that guarantees stability with non-persistent peers. We propose a novel peer-to-peer protocol, the group suppression protocol , to ensure the stability of peer-to-peer networks under the scenario that all the peers adopt non-persistent behavior. Using a suitable Lyapunov potential function, the group suppression protocol is proven to be stable when the file is broken into two pieces, and detailed experiments demonstrate the stability of the protocol for arbitrary number of pieces. We define and simulate a decentralized version of this protocol for practical applications. Straightforward incorporation of the group suppression protocol into BitTorrent while retaining most of BitTorrent’s core mechanisms is also presented. Subsequent simulations show that under certain assumptions, BitTorrent with the official protocol cannot escape from the missing piece syndrome, but BitTorrent with group suppression does.
Community resilience and collective agency under significant changes in the natural and built environment: a community capitals framework approach

ABSTRACTThe natural and built environment of rural communities in southwestern Uruguay have been recently impacted by the intensification and expansion of agriculture. A large body of sociological ...
Major Causes for Not Performing Endovascular Therapy Following Inter-Hospital Transfer in a Complex Urban Setting.

Introduction: Endovascular therapy (EVT) has emerged as the standard of care for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) acute ischemic stroke. An increasing number of patients with suspected ELVO are being transferred to stroke centers with interventional capacity. Not all such inter-hospital transfers result in EVT. Aim: To identify the major causes for not performing EVT following transfer. Methods: An analysis of 222 consecutive patients with suspected ELVO transferred for potential EVT between January 2015 and ­December 2017 within a New York City health system was performed. About 36% (80/222) were deemed EVT ineligible and compared to an EVT cohort. Results: Major causes for not performing EVT were established infarct (34%), no or recanalized ELVO (31%), and mild or clinically improved symptoms (21%). In the established infarct subgroup, 28% (7/27) arrived at a stroke center with interventional capacity within 5 h of last known well, compared to 61% (83/142) in the EVT cohort (p = 0.003). In the no or recanalized ELVO subgroup, 40% (10/25) received computed tomographic angiography at the primary stroke center (PSC), compared to 73% (104/142) in the EVT cohort (p = 0.001). Among patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis, 6% (6/104) improved from a NIHSS of ≥6 to <6 following transfer. Conclusions: Established infarct, no or recanalized ELVO, and mild or clinically improved symptoms were the major causes for not performing EVT for patients transferred for ELVO management. These may be addressed by decreasing stroke onset to treatment times and timely ELVO detection at the PSC and/or pre-hospital triage.
Revisiting the "July Effect" in Plastic Surgery: New Data to Support Resident Autonomy.

Background The "July Effect" represents a topic of considerable interest across residency programs. This study investigated the frequency of postoperative complications following procedures with plastic surgery resident participation (all postgraduate year [PGY] levels) during the first (quarter 3, July-September) and last academic quarters. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to calculate complication rates from 2006 to 2010. Resident involvement was analyzed as a categorical variable consisting of "juniors" (PGY1-PGY3), and "seniors" (PGY4-PGY6). Outcomes from procedures during Q3 were compared with all quarters. Propensity score matching and adjustment enabled logistic regression identifying the effect of resident involvement and admission. Results Among all cosmetic and reconstructive procedures (n = 6625), mean operative time was not significantly greater in Q3 compared with all other quarters (P = 0.069); no significant differences in complication rates were observed between Q3 and all other quarters, though superficial surgical site infection (SSI) approached significance (3.3% of procedures in Q3 vs 2.5% in all other quarters, P = 0.063). Among reconstructive procedures only (n = 5677), mean operative time was not significantly greater in Q3 compared with all other quarters (P = 0.119); the same held true for cosmetic procedures only (P = 0.275). Surgical site infection, however, was significantly more likely to occur with reconstructive procedures only, in Q3 compared with all other quarters (3.5% of cases vs 2.3%, P = 0.024). When adjusting for PGY status and matching populations, superficial SSI and return to the operating room were not significantly more common in Q3. When adjusting for quarter of admission, however, superficial SSI was significantly more common among the overall and noncosmetic cases with participation by junior residents (P = 0.013 and 0.020, respectively). Conclusions This may represent the first fully reproducible, transparent National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study in plastic surgery that demonstrates the absence of a clinically significant "July Effect," and suggests that an appropriate degree of resident autonomy may pose minimal risk during both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in residency training. Additionally, the findings encourage the development a plastic surgery-specific database to remedy inherent difficulties with larger, more comprehensive surgical databases.
Dimension Results for the Spectral Measure of the Circular Beta Ensembles

We study the dimension properties of the spectral measure of the Circular $\beta$-Ensembles. For $\beta \geq 2$ it it was previously shown by Simon that the spectral measure is almost surely singular continuous with respect to Lebesgue measure on $\partial \mathbb{D}$ and the dimension of its support is $1 - 2/\beta$. We reprove this result with a combination of probabilistic techniques and the so-called Jitomirskaya-Last inequalities. Our method is simpler in nature and mostly self-contained, with an emphasis on the probabilistic aspects rather than the analytic. We also extend the method to prove a large deviations principle for norms involved in the Jitomirskaya-Last analysis.
Bridging the gap: manufacturing optical transceivers in the multibillion-dollar silicon electronics supply chain

Juniper’s silicon photonics technology employs an entirely new approach to optics manufacturing that leverages design, wafer manufacturing, packaging and test infrastructure and methodologies from the microelectronics ecosystem, resulting in a fabless optical transceiver manufacturing flow cable of scaling, in both cost and performance, with the needs of the networking industry. Juniper’s fully integrated “Opto-ASIC” transceiver leverages densely packaged electronic and photonic die in a single, low-cost package that supports common module form factors as well as on-board and on-package optics applications. The ability to incorporate all optical components, including lasers, within a single, common silicon die is a key enabler of the approach, fundamentally changing and simplifying how an optical transceiver can be assembled and tested. We will review lessons learned and provide a preview of the road ahead.
Dynamic ReLU

Rectified linear units (ReLU) are commonly used in deep neural networks. So far ReLU and its generalizations (non-parametric or parametric) are static, performing identically for all input samples. In this paper, we propose dynamic ReLU (DY-ReLU), a dynamic rectifier of which parameters are generated by a hyper function over all in-put elements. The key insight is that DY-ReLU encodes the global context into the hyper function, and adapts the piecewise linear activation function accordingly. Compared to its static counterpart, DY-ReLU has negligible extra computational cost, but significantly more representation capability, especially for light-weight neural networks. By simply using DY-ReLU for MobileNetV2, the top-1 accuracy on ImageNet classification is boosted from 72.0% to 76.2% with only 5% additional FLOPs.
Stool DNA for Colorectal Cancer Screening: From Concepts to Quality Care

Stool DNA testing is an emergent noninvasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening approach with attractive biological and clinical features. A specific next-generation multi-target stool DNA test (Cologuard; Exact Sciences, Madison, WI) was recently shown to have excellent performance in a multicenter study of over 10,000 average-risk individuals. On the basis of these results, the automated and commercialized Cologuard test was approved simultaneously by the US Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on August 11, 2014. Informed by the validation data and rigorous regulatory approval process, we propose minimum standards for regulatory stringency, quality control, and test performance for future assessment of noninvasive CRC screening tests.
EZH2 has a non-catalytic and PRC2-independent role in stabilizing DDB2 to promote nucleotide excision repair

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor outcomes associated with resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), which silences transcription through trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and has emerged as an important therapeutic target with inhibitors targeting its methyltransferase activity under clinical investigation. Here, we show that EZH2 has a non-catalytic and PRC2-independent role in stabilizing DDB2 to promote nucleotide excision repair (NER) and govern cisplatin resistance in SCLC. Using a synthetic lethality screen, we identified important regulators of cisplatin resistance in SCLC cells, including EZH2. EZH2 depletion causes cellular cisplatin and UV hypersensitivity in an epistatic manner with DDB1-DDB2. EZH2 complexes with DDB1-DDB2 and promotes DDB2 stability by impairing its ubiquitination independent of methyltransferase activity or PRC2, thereby facilitating DDB2 localization to cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer crosslinks to govern their repair. Furthermore, targeting EZH2 for depletion with DZNep strongly sensitizes SCLC cells and tumors to cisplatin. Our findings reveal a non-catalytic and PRC2-independent function for EZH2 in promoting NER through DDB2 stabilization, suggesting a rationale for targeting EZH2 beyond its catalytic activity for overcoming cisplatin resistance in SCLC.
Log on and Prosper? Little Evidence for Codevelopment Between Psychological Adjustment and Technology Use in Older Adulthood.

OBJECTIVES: Researchers have hypothesized that using Information and Communications Technology (ICT), such as e-mail and social media, may buffer older adults from normative age-graded declines in psychological adjustment. However, past intervention research has been unable to conclusively evaluate this proposition, and no studies to date have examined this topic using naturalistic large-scale longitudinal methods. METHOD: In this preregistered study, we examined the codevelopment between three aspects of psychological adjustment (loneliness, satisfaction with life [SWL], and depressiveness) and three factor-analytically derived clusters of ICT use (instrumental, social, and media) using a longitudinal representative sample of 2,922 Dutch adults aged 65 and older that contributed data annually from 2012 to 2017. RESULTS: Latent growth curve analyses indicated that ICT use was largely unrelated to psychological adjustment, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Of 36 associations tested, three were significant, and only one remained significant after including health and demographic covariates. Specifically, higher levels of media ICT use at baseline predicted steeper declines in SWL across the study period. Furthermore, results of random-intercept cross-lagged analyses indicated that change in ICT use did not predict future change in psychological adjustment, and vice versa. DISCUSSION: Results of this study help clarify the mixed results of past intervention research, indicating that effects of ICT use on psychological adjustment tend to be either null or much smaller than can be detected using typical intervention sample sizes. Overall, these results suggest that the association between technology use and psychological adjustment is negligible in older adults.
Semiparametric regression of the illness-death model with interval censored disease incidence time: An application to the ACLS data:

To investigate the effect of fitness on cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality using the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study, we develop a semiparametric illness-death model account for inte...
Tracing nutrient pollution from industrialized animal production in a large coastal watershed

One of the highest concentrations of swine and poultry concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in North America is located on the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, in which the Cape Fear River basin is located. The CAFOs produce vast amounts of manure causing loading of nutrients and other pollutants to receiving waters. With the Cape Fear River basin vulnerable to nutrient pollution, as are many other watersheds with CAFOs, δ13C and δ15N stable isotopic signatures were identified from water samples collected within the Northeast Cape Fear, Black, and lower Cape Fear River watersheds to trace nutrient sources and their distribution downstream. The spatial and temporal variability of nutrients and isotopic signatures were also identified to understand water quality impacts of animal waste spraying season and proximity to CAFOs. Our results showed that significantly enriched δ15N signatures characterized sites in close proximity to CAFOs as well as point-source wastewater discharge areas, while the opposite was true for an unimpacted control stream and two estuarine sites. Additionally, the impacted sites yielded significantly (p < 0.05) higher nitrate concentrations than control and estuarine sites. Statistical analyses demonstrated that nitrate concentrations were positively correlated with heavier δ15N signatures, suggesting that animal waste, as well as human wastewater, are relatively more important sources of N to this large watershed than fertilizers from traditional row crop agriculture. Our results also suggested that during appropriate hydrological conditions CAFO-derived N can be detected many kilometers downstream from freshwater sources areas to the estuary.
Advanced Spinal Anatomy and Applications for the Spine Tumor Surgeon

Spine tumor surgeries are complex procedures that require extensive planning and a solid understanding of the underlying spinal anatomy. This is essential to meeting the goals of surgery while minimizing complications, particularly those associated with the surgical approach. Superior knowledge of structures such as the surrounding vessels, nerves, and internal organs is important to safely perform any spine operation, whether using an anterior, lateral, or posterior approach. With advancements in spine imaging technology, spine instrumentation systems, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and minimally invasive techniques, to name a few, spine surgeons now have many tools to help limit the complications associated with such surgeries.
Observation of Retropharyngeal Fluid Collection in 2 COVID-19 Positive Patients

Our understanding of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is growing; yet, there remains much we do not understand, and unique presentations are abundant. One potential presentation is retropharyngeal edema, defined as fluid in the retropharyngeal space. Multiplanar imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is ideal for characterizing and diagnosing these fluid collections rapidly as possible life-threatening complications may develop (eg, airway obstruction and mediastinitis). Here, we discuss the presentation, imaging identification, treatment, and recovery of retropharyngeal fluid collection in 2 COVID-19 cases. The significance of this article is to suggest conservative management as a viable treatment option for retropharyngeal fluid collection, as opposed to incision and drainage, in the setting of COVID-19.
A Preliminary Experimental Study of Minority Stress, Startle Reactivity, and Alcohol Use among Heavy Drinking Sexual Minority Young Adults

BACKGROUND Sexual minorities (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual) are at increased risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD) compared to heterosexuals. The minority stress model postulates that disparities in AUD stem, in part, from stress specific to sexual minorities (e.g. heterosexism). However, little research has examined psychophysiological markers of minority stress reactivity and how psychophysiological stress reactivity is associated with lifetime minority stress and alcohol use among sexual minorities. Emotion modulation of the startle response is a well-established paradigm for capturing psychophysiological stress reactivity under controlled laboratory conditions. Purpose: This preliminary study is the first to use the startle experimental paradigm to examine psychophysiological reactivity to stigma among sexual minorities. Procedures: Sexual minority participants (N = 20; 55% female), aged 18 to 27 years (M = 21.80, SD = 2.65), were recruited from the community. We compared startle reactivity in response to three types of stimuli (stigma, negative, and neutral) among heavy drinking sexual minority young adults. Although statistically underpowered, we also explored the associations between startle reactivity and self-reported drinking behaviors and lifetime minority stress. Results: Both stigma and general unpleasant stimuli produced more psychophysiological stress reactivity than neutral stimuli among sexual minorities. Psychophysiological stress reactivity was correlated with greater quantity of drinks reported on drinking days in the past month, but not greater frequency. Additionally, lifetime exposure to minority stress was associated with a blunted reactivity to stigma stimuli. Conclusions: These findings provide methodological advances and important implications for minority stress theory and alcohol use among sexual minorities.
RMOPP: Robust Multi-Objective Post-Processing for Effective Object Detection.

Over the last few decades, many architectures have been developed that harness the power of neural networks to detect objects in near real-time. Training such systems requires substantial time across multiple GPUs and massive labeled training datasets. Although the goal of these systems is generalizability, they are often impractical in real-life applications due to flexibility, robustness, or speed issues. This paper proposes RMOPP: A robust multi-objective post-processing algorithm to boost the performance of fast pre-trained object detectors with a negligible impact on their speed. Specifically, RMOPP is a statistically driven, post-processing algorithm that allows for simultaneous optimization of precision and recall. A unique feature of RMOPP is the Pareto frontier that identifies dominant possible post-processed detectors to optimize for both precision and recall. RMOPP explores the full potential of a pre-trained object detector and is deployable for near real-time predictions. We also provide a compelling test case on YOLOv2 using the MS-COCO dataset.
Alkaloids of the Genus Datura: Review of a Rich Resource for Natural Product Discovery.

The genus Datura (Solanaceae) contains nine species of medicinal plants that have held both curative utility and cultural significance throughout history. This genus’ particular bioactivity results from the enormous diversity of alkaloids it contains, making it a valuable study organism for many disciplines. Although Datura contains mostly tropane alkaloids (such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine), indole, beta-carboline, and pyrrolidine alkaloids have also been identified. The tools available to explore specialized metabolism in plants have undergone remarkable advances over the past couple of decades and provide renewed opportunities for discoveries of new compounds and the genetic basis for their biosynthesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of studies on the alkaloids of Datura that focuses on three questions: How do we find and identify alkaloids? Where do alkaloids come from? What factors affect their presence and abundance? We also address pitfalls and relevant questions applicable to natural products and metabolomics researchers. With both careful perspectives and new advances in instrumentation, the pace of alkaloid discovery—from not just Datura—has the potential to accelerate dramatically in the near future.
The Influence of Timing in Critical Care Nutrition.

Proper timing of critical care nutrition has long been a matter of controversy. Critical illness waxes and wanes in stages, creating a dynamic flux in energy needs that we have only begun to examin...
Exploring augmented reality for worker assistance versus training

Abstract This paper aims at advancing the fundamental understanding of the affordances of Augmented Reality (AR) as a workplace-based learning and training technology in supporting manual or semi-automated manufacturing tasks that involve both complex manipulation and reasoning. Between-subject laboratory experiments involving 20 participants are conducted on a real-life electro-mechanical assembly task to investigate the impacts of various modes of information delivery through AR compared to traditional training methods on task efficiency, number of errors, learning, independence, and cognitive load. The AR application is developed in Unity and deployed on HoloLens 2 headsets. Interviews with experts from industry and academia are also conducted to create new insights into the affordances of AR as a training versus assistive tool for manufacturing workers, as well as the need for intelligent mechanisms that enable adaptive and personalized interactions between workers and AR. The findings indicate that despite comparable performance between the AR and control groups in terms of task completion time, learning curve, and independence from instructions, AR dramatically decreases the number of errors compared to traditional instruction, which is sustained after the AR support is removed. Several insights drawn from the experiments and expert interviews are discussed to inform the design of future AR technologies for both training and assisting incumbent and future manufacturing workers on complex manipulation and reasoning tasks.
A 35–100GHz Continuous Mode Coupler Balun Doherty Power Amplifier with Differential Complex Neutralization in 250nm InP

This paper presents a 35-100GHz continuous mode coupler balun Doherty PA (CCDPA) in a 250nm InP process for 5G & Beyond wireless applications. The CCDPA employs a new active load modulation network using two coupler baluns in series connection, which, together with Main/Auxiliary (Aux) PA role exchange, achieves Doherty-like back-off efficiency enhancement over a 3:1 bandwidth. Distinct from the LMBA PA with 90° coupler, our CCDPA and its coupler balun active modulation network offers several key advantages including differential operation, equal Main/Aux PA weighting, and no inherent early gain compression. Each CCDPA Main/Aux path consists of a two-stage common emitter (CE) PA for optimal power gain and efficiency. Moreover, at the power device level, a novel differential complex neutralization technique is used to achieve broadband double-peak gain/reverse isolation improvement. At 60GHz, the reported CCDPA achieves 27.3% peak PAE with 21.5dBm Psat, 22.9% PAE at 19.3dBm OP 1dB , and 19.1% PAE at 15.5dBm (6dB PBO). Overall, the InP CCDPA achieves 18.9-22.6 dBm Psat, 14.7-29.3% peak PAE and 8.2-19.2% 6dB PBO PAE over 35-100GHz, showing ×1.08-×1.4/×2.16-×2.8 6dB PBO efficiency boost ratio compared to normalized ideal class-B/class-A PA.
A Possible Role for Anti-idiotype Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination.

Anti-idiotype Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 The authors hypothesize that anti-idiotype immune responses may contribute to rare adverse events, such as myocarditis, after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, as well ...
The Public Sector Mediation Process: A Theory and Empirical Examination

This paper develops and tests a model of the labor mediation process using data from a sample of negotiations involving municipal governments and police and firefighter unions in the State of New Y...
Cry protein crystals: a novel platform for protein delivery.

Protein delivery platforms are important tools in the development of novel protein therapeutics and biotechnologies. We have developed a new class of protein delivery agent based on sub-micrometer-sized Cry3Aa protein crystals that naturally form within the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. We demonstrate that fusion of the cry3Aa gene to that of various reporter proteins allows for the facile production of Cry3Aa fusion protein crystals for use in subsequent applications. These Cry3Aa fusion protein crystals are efficiently taken up and retained by macrophages and other cell lines in vitro, and can be delivered to mice in vivo via multiple modes of administration. Oral delivery of Cry3Aa fusion protein crystals to C57BL/6 mice leads to their uptake by MHC class II cells, including macrophages in the Peyer’s patches, supporting the notion that the Cry3Aa framework can be used to stabilize cargo protein against degradation for delivery to gastrointestinal lymphoid tissues.