cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Low-Magnitude, High-Frequency Mechanical Stimulation on BMD Among Young Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance Bone accrual during youth is critical to establish sufficient strength for lifelong skeletal health. Children with cancer may develop low bone mineral density (BMD) any time before or after diagnosis. Objective To evaluate the ability of low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulation to enhance BMD among childhood cancer survivors. Design, Setting, and Participants Double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital from June 1, 2010, to January 22, 2013, using cancer survivors, ages 7 to 17 years, who were previously treated at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, were in remission, and at least 5 years from diagnosis, with whole-body or lumbar spine BMD z scores of −1.0 or lower. Participants were randomized (stratified by sex and Tanner stage) to either a placebo device or low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulation device, which was used at home. Interventions Placebo or low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulation (0.3 g; 32-37 Hz) for 2 sessions lasting 10 minutes each, 7 days per week for 1 year. All participants were prescribed daily cholecalciferol (vitamin D) and calcium. Main Outcomes and Measures Changes in areal and volumetric BMD and bone biomarkers were compared by analysis of variance, adjusted for strata. Results Of the 65 participants, 32 were randomized to the intervention group (mean [SD] age was 13.6 [3.7] years, 18 [56.2%] were male, and 27 [84.4%] were white), and 33 were randomized to the placebo group (mean [SD] age was 13.6 [2.9] years, 17 [51.5%] were male, and 26 [78.8%] were white). Forty-eight participants completed the trial, 22 in the intervention group and 26 in the placebo group with median adherence of 70.1% for intervention and 63.7% for placebo groups. With intention-to-treat analysis, mean (SD) whole-body BMD z score by dual x-ray absorptiometry improved by 0.25 (0.78) in the intervention (n = 22), but decreased by −0.19 (0.79) in the placebo group (n = 26, P = .05). Circulating osteocalcin at 12 months correlated with change in total body BMD ( r = 0.35, P = .02). Tibial trabecular bone among participants completing 70% or more of the prescribed sessions increased by a mean of 11.2% (95% CI, 5.2 to 17.2%) compared with those completing less than 70% who decreased by a mean of −1.3% (95% CI, −7.3 to 4.7%; P = .02). Change in circulating receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand was higher in the intervention than in the placebo group (0.06 [0.16] vs −0.04 [0.17] pmol/L) ( P = .04). Conclusions and Relevance Pediatric cancer survivors with low BMD may benefit from low-magnitude, high-frequency mechanical stimulation as a novel and safe intervention to optimize peak bone mass during youth, alone or in conjunction with other therapies. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01010230
Epidemiological Typing Methods for Mycoses

Despite the increasing importance of nosocomial fungal infections, very little is known of the epidemiology, mode of transmission, or pathogenesis of infections due to fungal pathogens. Recently, a number of potentially useful epidemiological typing systems have been employed for identification of strains within species of Candida and other fungi. Epidemiological studies employing either DNA-based or protein-based typing methods have provided some interesting insights into the epidemiology of nosocomial fungal infections, particularly nosocomial candidiasis. Careful epidemiological studies employing selected typing methods are essential to the rational development of effective measures for prevention and control of nosocomial infections caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens.
Exilio y transtierro en dos poemas de Gonzalo Rojas

As has been the case with many intellectuals in our time, the poet Gonzalo Rojas (Lebu, 19162011) lived the almost always traumatic experience of exile, which appears in many poems of his work. To meet the objective of his article -the theme of exile in the poetics of the author-two poems have been selected in which this theme occupies center stage: "Domicilio en el Baltico", which appeared in print form for the first time in Oscuro (1977) and "Transtierro", published in the volume of the same name in 1979. The methodological approach employed is a semantic-comparative analysis of both poems assisted by extra textual information related to the author's biography and the contexts in which the poems were produced. This research shows that even though one finds common concerns in both poems -the anguish of a possible future death away from one's native land, for instance- there are evident differences. The poetic speaker's transparent reaction to a specific geographical, cultural and political setting in "Domicilio en el Baltico" contrasts with the intense metaphysical apprehensions of the speaker of "Transtierro", who contemplates the possible transformations his life in exile will undergo.
Hyperbolic metamaterial as super absorber for scattered fields generated at its surface

We show that hyperbolic metamaterials (HMs) that exhibit hyperbolic wave-vector dispersion diagrams possess two important features related to super absorption: The total power scattered by a nanosphere is (i) greatly enhanced when placed at the HM surface, compared to other material surfaces, and (ii) almost totally directed into the HM. We show that these two features are peculiar of HM interfaces, and we support them using a spectral theory study of transverse-electric and magnetic waves scattered by a subwavelength nanosphere. We analyze the nanosphere's scattered power absorbed by various substrate configurations. We also consider various nanosphere materials.
The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Department of Surgery: Indian Territory to the 21st century

The Surgery Department of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine is profiled in this article, including history, goals, opportunities, and demographics. Our research programs, clinical resources, teaching hospitals, and faculty diversity are reviewed. The local and national contributions of our faculty members and 212 chief residents who have completed our program are enumerated.
Impact of kinetic mixing in beta functions at two-loop

Kinetic mixing is a fundamental property of models with a gauge symmetry involving several U(1) group factors. In this paper, we perform a numerical study of the impact of kinetic mixing on beta functions at two-loop. To do so, we use the recently published PyR@TE 2 software to derive the complete set of renormalization group equations of the standard model B-L model at two-loop including kinetic mixing. We show that it is important to properly account for kinetic mixing as the evolution of the parameters with the energy scale can change drastically. In some cases, these modifications can even lead to a different conclusion regarding the stability of the scalar potential.
Reduction and Emergence in Science and Philosophy

Grand debates over reduction and emergence are playing out across the sciences, but these debates have reached a stalemate, with both sides declaring victory on empirical grounds. In this book, Carl Gillett provides theoretical frameworks with which to understand these debates, illuminating both the novel positions of scientific reductionists and emergentists and the recent empirical advances that drive these new views. Gillett also highlights the flaws in existing philosophical frameworks and reorients the discussion to reflect the new scientific advances and issues, including the nature of 'parts' and 'wholes', the character of aggregation, and thus the continuity of nature itself. Most importantly, Gillett shows how disputes about concrete scientific cases are empirically resolvable and hence how we can break the scientific stalemate. Including a detailed glossary of key terms, this volume will be valuable for researchers and advanced students of the philosophy of science and metaphysics, and scientific researchers working in the area.
Oxidant Stress as a Cause of Clinically Significant “Functional” Cobalamin (Cbl) Deficiency

Many patients (pts) with Cbl-responsive disorders identified in the ambulatory care setting have reversible neurologic abnormalities associated with increased levels of the Cbl-dependent metabolites, methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine (HCys), despite normal serum Cbl values. However, no mechanism to explain these findings has been proposed. Since this picture resembles both the CblC mutation (where reduction of CblCo(III) to CblCo(II) is impaired) and nitrous oxide exposure (which inactivates methionine synthase by oxidation of CblCo(I)), a pathophysiologic role for oxidant stress leading to “Functional” Cbl deficiency was considered. Thus, a retrospective review was performed of 39 pts with Cbl-responsive hematologic or neurologic disorders seen during a 14 yr period for the presence of 6 factors associated with increased oxidant stress: advanced age (>69 yrs); diabetes mellitus; cigarette abuse; alcohol abuse; renal insufficiency; and the presence of active inflammatory disorders. Pts were classified as Cbl-Deficient (Group A: serum Cbl 250 nmol/l; N=12); and “Functional” Cbl Deficiency (Group C: serum Cbl >300 pg/ml with MMA >250 nmol/l; N=18). HCys values were increased (>12.1 μmol/l) in 67%, 75% and 50% of evaluable pts in Groups A, B and C respectively. Reversible neurologic abnormalities occurred in 44% of Group A pts, 67% of Group B pts and 100% of Group C pts. In Group C pts, 83% of cases had at least 2 oxidant risk factors. In contrast, only 22% of Group A pts had 1 risk factor and only 11% had 2 risk factors (p 300 pg/ml were reviewed, MMA values were found to be >250 nmol/l in 81 of them (40%). At least 1 oxidant risk factor was present in 77% of the 81 pts with high MMA values but in only 20% of the 126 pts with normal MMA values (p<0.001). HCys levels were also increased in 42 of the 78 pts with high MMA values studied (54%) and Cbl therapy significantly decreased MMA and HCys values in 83% and 85% respectively of evaluable pts in this population. In contrast, only 11% of the 126 pts with normal MMA values had high HCys levels (p<0.001). It is concluded that “Functional” Cbl-deficiency is 1. associated with disorders known to induce oxidant stress; 2. more commonly encountered as a cause of elevated metabolite levels and neurologic abnormalities than classic Cbl Deficiency; and 3. often responds to Cbl therapy. Taken together, these data suggest a cumulative effect of oxidant risk factors at higher serum Cbl values leading first to increases in MMA and then to clinically significant neurologic abnormalities. Thus, Cbl inactivation may play a role in the development of neuropathy when high risk individuals experience inflammatory illnesses or are exposed to prooxidant drugs and a possible prophylactic or therapeutic role for reduced Cbl vitamers should be considered.
Reduced Volume and Pattern of Platelet Aggregation Imaged Using Epifluorescence Digital Videomicroscopy in a High Shear Rate Blood Flow Chamber Permit the Sensitive and Specific Diagnosis of Von Willebrand Disease.

Abstract 3051 Poster Board II-1027 Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is one of the most common bleeding disorders worldwide, yet a precise approach to the diagnosis of this condition and prediction of its severity remains elusive. One important reason is that vWD is a blood flow-related disorder: a vW Factor-platelet GPIb binding defect in this condition exists under the high shear-rate conditions (>670 sec-1 in whole blood; >2000 sec-1 in PRP) of physiologic blood flow which exist in the arterioles of mucous membranes, from which most bleeding in vWD occurs. We therefore studied 15 children (ages 2-17, mean 9.9 yrs) and 2 adults with vWD, diagnosed according to the 2007 NHLBI clinical guidelines, and 12 healthy pediatric and adult controls. Blood was collected into a plastic tube containing 4 U/ml FC dalteparin, 1.75 μg/ml of the Tab (anti-CD41) monoclonal antibody directed against platelet GPIIb (courtesy of R. P. McEver), 1.0 μg/ml of an ALEXA 555-conjugated rabbit anti-mouse second antibody, and PBS (9 parts blood:1 part PBS). Within 30-90 min, the blood was then withdrawn at 667 and 1330 sec-1 through a special flow chamber allowing for blood exposure to 150 μm glass cover clips precoated with microfibrillar collagen (Helena Laboratories). Using epifluorescence digital videomicroscopy, we imaged platelets interacting in real time with the collagen substrate, and quantified with Simple PCI software the percent area (PA) covered by adherent platelet aggregates, the number of platelet aggregates (NA), and the total volume (TV) of these aggregates within a 435 μm x 580 μm field of view. Resolution was better than 1 μm. Clinical bleeding score (ICTH) and ristocetin cofactor activity were also recorded. TV at 1330 sec-1 after 1 min, normalized to TV at 670 sec-1 after 1 min, to minimize patient/subject variation, was 2.65 ± 0.483 (mean ± SE) for normal subjects, but 1.55 ± 0.249 in vWD (P =0.043). The visualized pattern of platelet aggregation itself (Figs. 1 and 2, flow top-to-bottom) identified 14/16 patients, for whom aggregates were 19 μm in width or smaller but NA was 500-1000, and 6/7 controls, for whom aggregates were 32 μm in width or larger and NA was 300-600. This pattern is in accord with a greater accessibility of fresh platelets for the collagen surface in the presence of smaller aggregates, which “shield” neighboring surface sites less than do larger aggregates. Normalized TV, ristocetin cofactor activity, and bleeding score were not strongly correlated with one another, although bleeding score was positively correlated with age (P =0.0097). Platelet aggregate volume in vWD is markedly reduced in whole blood at a shear rate of 1330 sec-1, with a pattern of smaller but more numerous aggregates providing a high degree of sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of vWD. ![Figure][1] Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: pending:yes
Synthetic Biology: Engineering Living Systems from Biophysical Principles

Synthetic biology was founded as a biophysical discipline that sought explanations for the origins of life from chemical and physical first principles. Modern synthetic biology has been reinvented as an engineering discipline to design new organisms as well as to better understand fundamental biological mechanisms. However, success is still largely limited to the laboratory and transformative applications of synthetic biology are still in their infancy. Here, we review six principles of living systems and how they compare and contrast with engineered systems. We cite specific examples from the synthetic biology literature that illustrate these principles and speculate on their implications for further study. To fully realize the promise of synthetic biology, we must be aware of life's unique properties.
Association between intentional ingestion of foreign objects and psychiatric disease among prisoners: A retrospective study

Introduction: Intentional ingestion of foreign objects (IIFO) is prevalent among U.S. prisoners. IIFOs often require surgical or endoscopic interventions, extended hospital stays, and may result in significant morbidity or even mortality. Although psychiatric illness is prevalent among prisoners engaging in IIFO, this association remains poorly defined. The aim of this study is to describe the psychiatric illness profile among prisoners diagnosed with IIFO. We hypothesized that repeated episodes of IIFO are associated with an escalating pattern of documented psychiatric illness. Methods: After approvals were obtained from our Institutional Review Board and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, a retrospective study was conducted of prisoners presenting to our facility with IIFO between 2004 and 2011. All historical and concurrent psychiatric diagnoses were abstracted from the medical record and classified into Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition based categories. In addition, medical history, alcohol/drug use, and prior episodes of IIFO were recorded. Statistical analyses included Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests for categorical and continuous data, respectively. Results: We analyzed 136 IIFO episodes involving 27 patients. Repeat IIFO episodes were associated with an increasing number of psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with their fifth or later IIFO had a larger number of psychiatric diagnoses and the number of objects ingested as compared to patients presenting with a first episode (P Conclusions: We observed a significant association between IIFO recurrences and increases in both the quantity of ingested items and the number of documented psychiatric diagnoses. Of note, psychiatric diagnoses of malingering or secondary gain were not identified in the current patient sample. Consideration of early psychiatric evaluation and intervention in the setting of IIFO, especially recurrent IIFO, is strongly encouraged. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Medical knowledge, Patient care, Systems-based practice.
Home-based circuit training program for an adolescent female with severe traumatic brain injury: A case report.

ABSTRACTAdolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often discharged from physical therapy (PT) services without transitioning into exertional conditioning programs. Active participation in physical activities with peers at school is essential to achieve a sense of accomplishment and acceptance. Factors such as reduced aerobic fitness and residual gait impairments can lead to limited participation and peer interaction. The purpose of this case report was to describe the impact of home-based circuit training (HBCT) focusing on strength and balance on gait speed (GS), energy expenditure, and functional performance in a 17-year-old female with severe TBI. The participant sustained a TBI from a motor vehicle crash. Although she was ambulatory and independent with the basic activities of daily living following two years of rehabilitation, she presented with activity limitations and participation restrictions at school. The participant performed a 4-week HBCT program developed by a school physical therapi...
Perceived Pregnancy Discrimination and the Role of Supervisor Support

Despite the fact that previous research has examined the experiences of women in the workplace, very little attention has been paid to the experience of pregnant women in the workplace. This paper ...
Insights Into Oropharyngeal Dysphagia From Administrative Data and Clinical Registries: A Literature Review

Purpose The call for data-driven health care has been bolstered by the digitization of medical records, quality initiatives, and payment reform. Administrative databases and clinical registries are...
An Experiment on Time Preference and Misprediction in Unpleasant Tasks

We experimentally investigate the time-inconsistent taste for immediate gratification and future-preference misprediction. Across 7 weeks, 100 participants choose the number of unpleasant transcription tasks given various wages to complete immediately and at different future dates. Participants preferred 10–12% fewer tasks in the present compared to any future date, leading to an estimated β of 0.83⁠. Comparing predictions with actual immediate-work choices provides evidence against substantial sophistication, with estimates implying that participants understand no more than 24% of their present bias. Finally, we find evidence of “projection bias”: participants wished to complete 4–12% fewer tasks when decisions were elicited right after completing tasks rather than before.
The State of the Universe... ...New Steps in Expanding our Knowledge

IT’S IN fine shape. Flat. That is, it conforms to Euclid’s ancient laws of geometry, as modified 2200 years later for Einstein’s relativity and spacetime. At its expansion rate of 73 kilometers per second per megaparsec (a megaparsec equals 32.6 million light-years), over the past year the Universe and its expanding spacetime has increased its ‘size’ by 0.0000000073 percent. Of course we don’t really know its ‘size’ — the term really refers to the separation scale among the things we can see.
Effects of dietary aluminum and phosphorus on magnesium metabolism in dairy calves.

The metabolism of Mg was studied in young dairy calves fed two levels of added Al (0 and .20% Al) and two levels of added P (0 and .22% P) for 7 wk. The four treatments were 1) normal P - low Al, 2) low P - low Al, 3) normal P - high AI and 4) low P - high AI. The basal diet (low P - low Al) contained, by analysis, .132% P, .021% Al and .17% Mg. Added AI did not affect (P > .lo) serum Mg. An AI x P interaction on bone Mg was detected (P c .01). Magnesium was reduced in tibia shaft (.34 vs .44%) and in tibia joint (.43 vs .53%) in calves fed high Al in the presence of normal dietary P, but Mg was not reduced in the calves fed low-P diets. Apparent absorption of Mg was reduced by approximately five-fold (.I8 g/d vs -.84 gld, P c .Ol): urinary Mg excretion was reduced 31% (1.12 g/d vs .77 g/d, P < .Ol); and Mg retention declined 41% (-95 g/d vs -1.61 g/d, P e .01) in calves fed added Al. Compared with calves fed low-P diets, calves fed normal levels of P had a higher Mg concentration in tibia shaft (P < .01) and tibia joint (P < .05). The data indicate that supplemental AI may adversely affect Mg metabolism in calves. (Key Words: Dairy Cattle, Calves, Aluminum, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Metabolism.)
The Rise and Fall of Geometrodynamics

One thing that everyone can agree on is that the subject of geometrodynamics, whatever we interpret it as covering, is inseparably associated with the name of John Wheeler. To discuss the history and current status of geometrodynamics thus necessitates the discussion of the evolution of Wheeler’s ideas on the subject. This is not meant to detract, in any way, from the fact that he has been ably assisted in his intellectual Odyssey by a distinguished group of co-workers; most prominently by Charles Misner, whom we have been fortunate to hear today on the subject. Since Professor Wheeler has recently indicated his abandonment of major features of the original geometrodynamic program, as I shall discuss later, I hope he will forgive me the rather dramatic title I have chosen for my talk.
Contaminants in bald eagles of the upper Midwestern U.S.: A framework for prioritizing future research based on in-vitro bioassays.

Several organic contaminants (OCs) have been detected in bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nestling (eaglet) plasma in the upper Midwestern United States. Despite frequent and relatively high concentrations of OCs in eaglets, little is understood about potential biological effects associated with exposure. We screened an existing database of OC concentrations in eaglet plasma collected from the Midwestern United States against bioactivity information from the ToxCast database. ToxCast bioactivity information consists of concentrations expected to elicit responses across a range of biological space (e.g. cellular, developmental, etc.) obtained from a series of high throughput assays. We calculated exposure-activity ratios (EAR) by calculating the ratio of plasma concentrations to concentrations available in ToxCast. Bioactivity data were not available for all detected OCs. Therefore, our analysis provides estimates of potential bioactivity for 19 of the detected OCs in eaglet plasma. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) EAR values were consistently the highest among all study areas. Maximum EAR values were ≥1 for PFOS, perfluorononanoic acid, and bisphenol A in 99.7, 0.53 and 0.26% of samples, indicating that some plasma concentrations were greater than what may be expected to elicit biological responses. About 125 gene targets, indicative of specific biological pathways, were identified as potentially being affected. Inhibition of several CYP genes, involved in xenobiotic metabolism, were most consistently identified. Other identified biological responses have potential implications for motor coordination, cardiac functions, behavior, and blood circulation. However, it is unclear what these results mean for bald eagles, given that ToxCast data are generated using mammalian-based endpoints. Despite uncertainties and limitations, this method of screening environmental data can be useful for informing future monitoring or research focused on understanding the occurrence and effects of OCs in bald eagles and other similarly-positioned trophic species.
Cilial agitation prevents sperm agglutination

Agitating cilia produce fluid turbulence to prevent sperm from clogging testicular tubules.
A unique case of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome from a thymic neuroendocrine carcinoma

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production leading to ectopic ACTH syndrome accounts for a small proportion of all Cushing's syndrome (CS) cases. Thymic neuroendocrine tumors are rare neoplasms that may secrete ACTH leading to rapid development of hypercortisolism causing electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension and an increased risk for opportunistic infections. We present a unique case of a patient who presented with a mediastinal mass, revealed to be an ACTH-secreting thymic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) causing ectopic CS. As the diagnosis of CS from ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) remains challenging, we emphasize the necessity for high clinical suspicion in the appropriate setting, concordance between biochemical, imaging and pathology findings, along with continued vigilant monitoring for recurrence after definitive treatment. Learning points: Functional thymic neuroendocrine tumors are exceedingly rare. Ectopic Cushing's syndrome secondary to thymic neuroendocrine tumors secreting ACTH present with features of hypercortisolism including electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension and hyperglycemia, and opportunistic infections. The ability to undergo surgery and completeness of resection are the strongest prognostic factors for improved overall survival; however, the recurrence rate remains high. A high degree of initial clinical suspicion followed by vigilant monitoring is required for patients with this challenging disease.
The Strike Ends, Losing the Goodman Building

The relocation of the tenant’s group to the new building took years. The Mayor at that time, Dianne Feinstein, organized a deal that provided seed money to build a new hotel. A union provided a construction loan and the State of California provided insurance and bridge financing. By the time the building was completed some tenants were dead, some scattered but a few moved into to try and recreate the environment of self-government that the first building had had.
Metamasius callizona (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): Fertility and larval survival to the third instar in the laboratory.

Metamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil destroying native bromeliad populations in Florida. We measured the weevil's fecundity and fertility with pineapple leaf pieces as food. Eighty percent of females that paired with males laid eggs. Average adult longevity for egg-layers was 210.6 ± 7.5 d (SE). Average adult longevity for non-egg-layers was 23.8 ± 3.8 d. Average pre-oviposition period was 26.6 ± 1.3 d. The average number of eggs per female per d laid inside the leaf was 0.4 ± 0.03 eggs, and laid outside the leaf was 0.1 ± 0.01 eggs. The number of eggs laid inside the leaf declined with age, whereas the number of eggs laid outside the leaf increased with age. Egg-laying females began dying on d 80, and continued to die regularly until 305 d after adult emergence. The hatch rate of eggs laid inside leaves was 79%. Daily hatch rate was consistently around 80%. Ninety-seven percent of the larvae that emerged from eggs laid inside leaves survived to the third instar. The hatch rate of eggs laid outside leaves was 3.9%, and no larvae survived beyond second instar.
Revisiting the linear separability constraint: New implications for theories of human category learning

While the ability to acquire non-linearly separable (NLS) classifications is well documented in the study of human category learning, the relative ease of learning compared to a linear separable structure is difficult to evaluate without potential confounds. Medin and Schwanenflugel (Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Learning and Memory, 7, 355-368, 1981) were the first to demonstrate that NLS classifications are not more difficult to acquire than linearly separable ones when structures are equated in terms of within- and between-category similarities. However, their evidence is less sturdy than might be expected due to non-standard methodology and low sample size. We conducted a conceptual replication to clarify the behavioral picture and perform qualitative testing of formal models. The behavioral results not only showed a lack of advantage for the linearly separable (LS) structure, but revealed a stronger finding: the NLS structure was reliably easier to acquire. Differences in the relative ease of NLS learners to master certain items yielded evidence for the existence of distinct learner subgroups, one marked by significantly easier (not harder) learning of exception items. Comparing the qualitative fits of leading computational models to the human learning performance confirmed that a pure prototype account, even with contemporary updates, remains incompatible with the data. However, exemplar models and similarity-based models grounded in sophisticated forms of abstraction-based learning successfully account for the NLS advantage. In sum, evidence against a linear separability constraint is redoubled, and the observed NLS advantage along with behavioral patterns seen at the subgroup and item level provide a valuable basis for comprehensive evaluation of competing theoretical accounts and models.
Carbon nanotube enhanced shape memory epoxy for improved mechanical properties and electroactive shape recovery

Abstract This paper focuses on the processing, fabrication and characterization of a novel carbon nanotube (CNT) based electroactive shape memory epoxy nanocomposite with significant improvements in static and dynamic mechanical properties. Electro-active shape memory specimens have been fabricated by soaking CNT membranes (buckypaper) in shape memory epoxy polymer (SMEP) through a specialized fabrication process developed in-house that results in a high CNT wt. fraction of 30 wt%. The novel fabrication approach leads to drastic improvement in mechanical performance due to effective interfacial interaction between the SMEP and CNTs at the nanoscale. This is accomplished as the SMEP thoroughly permeates the buckypaper through the nano- and micro-pores, owing to the microstructure-induced capillary action. The improvement in quasistatic and dynamic mechanical properties of the baseline SMEP using CNT buckypaper is demonstrated and correlated with the microstructure through scanning electron microscopy characterization. For the buckypaper-enhanced SMEP (CNT-SMEP), the improvement in elastic modulus in the temperature extremes of 20 and 50°C was found to be 52% (1810 MPa compared to 2740 MPa) and 514% (7.6 MPa compared to 46.7 MPa), respectively. Furthermore, through the dynamic mechanical measurements, the increase in storage modulus in the range of 30-90°C was found to be 60% and 82%, respectively. In addition, the shape memory recovery response for this material system is characterized by stress-free electrical actuation of the CNT-SMEP using a 12V DC supply as well as using stress and temperature control testing.
Using Quality Improvement Methodology to Standardize Doppler Acquisition in a Pediatric Cardiology Echocardiography Laboratory.

In echocardiography, the Doppler principle allows the measurement of tissue velocities. Using the Bernoulli equation, velocities are translated to estimated pressure differences, which dictate the timing of cardiac interventions. Our echocardiography laboratory demonstrated variability in the Doppler interrogation of heart valves, leading to difficulties in comparison over time and study accuracy. To align with previously published quality metrics in echocardiography, our laboratory used quality improvement methodology to achieve measurable improvement in Doppler acquisition. Methods We developed a standardized protocol for Doppler acquisition and translated it to a 20-point scoring system. We established a baseline over 4 months via random assessment of 2 first-time, normal studies per day. Interventions included standardizing the process for acquisition, education, visual tracking, and individual feedback. Results The percentage of studies with a score of 16 or higher preintervention was 17%. The median score was 13.4. In total, we analyzed 407 studies, 173 pre- and 234 postintervention. Over a 4-month intervention period, the median score improved to 18.1, with 85% of studies achieving a score of 16 or higher. Special cause variation occurred after protocol distribution, education, and feedback. Conclusions Our initiative demonstrated significant improvement in the Doppler interrogation of cardiac structures using a measurable scoring system and a concrete goal of incorporating 20 areas of Doppler assessment in normal studies. Our next step is to spread this assessment to abnormal studies, thus developing consistency in evaluating all studies throughout the laboratory.
Field of Deans

A discussion on the leadership role of deans. The article proposes that being a dean of a law school is much like being a part of a sports team.
The Battle over Implied Preemption: Products Liability and the FDA

A mere five years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") began, for the first time in its 100-year history, to take the position that its prescription drug labeling regulations defeated the ability of injured plaintiffs to pursue common law tort claims based on the adequacy of the labeling. This position, radical to many and rational to others, places federal preemption of prescription drug labeling actions directly in the center of the debate over the proper roles of federal regulation and state tort laws in promoting product safety. The U.S. Supreme Court has contributed to this debate with several product liability preemption decisions in the past two decades. Seeking to promote both understanding and balance regarding the operation of preemption doctrine within products liability, this Article provides a comprehensive explanation of the applicability of preemption doctrine to prescription drug product liability actions. It explores the history of preemption doctrine as it relates to the food and drug laws, evaluates the arguments posited in favor of and against preemption, assesses the FDA's position on the application of that doctrine to current litigation, and provides direction to courts in defining the boundaries of implied preemption.
Evolving Phenotypes of non-hospitalized Patients that Indicate Long Covid

For some SARS-CoV-2 survivors, recovery from the acute phase of the infection has been grueling with lingering effects. Many of the symptoms characterized as the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) could have multiple causes or are similarly seen in non-COVID patients. Accurate identification of phenotypes will be important to guide future research and help the healthcare system focus its efforts and resources on adequately controlled age- and gender-specific sequelae of a COVID-19 infection. In this retrospective electronic health records (EHR) cohort study, we applied a computational framework for knowledge discovery from clinical data, MLHO, to identify phenotypes that positively associate with a past positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for COVID-19. We evaluated the post-test phenotypes in two temporal windows at 3-6 and 6-9 months after the test and by age and gender. Data from longitudinal diagnosis records stored in EHRs from Mass General Brigham in the Boston metropolitan area was used for the analyses. Statistical analyses were performed on data from March 2020 to June 2021. Study participants included over 96 thousand patients who had tested positive or negative for COVID-19 and were not hospitalized. We identified 33 phenotypes among different age/gender cohorts or time windows that were positively associated with past SARS-CoV-2 infection. All identified phenotypes were newly recorded in patientsâ€™ medical records two months or longer after a COVID-19 RT-PCR test in non-hospitalized patients regardless of the test result. Among these phenotypes, a new diagnosis record for anosmia and dysgeusia (OR: 2.60, 95% CI [1.94 - 3.46]), alopecia (OR: 3.09, 95% CI [2.53 - 3.76]), chest pain (OR: 1.27, 95% CI [1.09 - 1.48]), chronic fatigue syndrome (OR 2.60, 95% CI [1.22-2.10]), shortness of breath (OR 1.41, 95% CI [1.22 - 1.64]), pneumonia (OR 1.66, 95% CI [1.28 - 2.16]), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 1.41, 95% CI [1.22 - 1.64]) are some of the most significant indicators of a past COVID-19 infection. Additionally, more new phenotypes were found with increased confidence among the cohorts who were younger than 65. Our approach avoids a flood of false positive discoveries while offering a more robust probabilistic approach compared to the standard linear phenome-wide association study (PheWAS). The findings of this study confirm many of the post-COVID symptoms and suggest that a variety of new diagnoses, including new diabetes mellitus and neurological disorder diagnoses, are more common among those with a history of COVID-19 than those without the infection. Additionally, more than 63 percent of PASC phenotypes were observed in patients under 65 years of age, pointing out the importance of vaccination to minimize the risk of debilitating post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 among younger adults.
Heart Rate Variability and Its Ability to Detect Worsening Suicidality in Adolescents: A Pilot Trial of Wearable Technology.

OBJECTIVE Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in adolescence, and acute pediatric mental health emergency department (ED) visits have doubled in the past decade. The objective of this study was to evaluate physiologic parameters relationship to suicide severity. METHODS This was a prospective, observational study from April 2018 thru November 2019 in a tertiary care pediatric emergency department (ED) and inpatient pediatric psychiatric unit enrolling acutely suicidal adolescent patients. Patients wore a wrist device that used photoplethysmography for 7 days during their acute hospitalization to measure heart rate variability (HRV). During that time, Columbia Suicide Severity Scores (CSSRS) were assessed at 3 time points. RESULTS There was complete device data and follow-up for 51 patients. There was an increase in the high frequency (HF) component of HRV in patients that had a 25% or greater decrease in their CSSRS (mean difference 11.89 ms/ Hz ; p-value 0.005). Patients with a CSSRS≥15 on day of enrollment had a lower, although not statistically significant, HF component (mean difference -8.34 ms/ Hz; p-value 0.071). CONCLUSION We found an inverse correlation between parasympathetic activity measured through the HF component and suicidality in an acutely suicidal population of adolescents. Wearable technology may have the ability to improve outpatient monitoring for earlier detection and intervention.
An improved thermal model of the human body

The goal of this study is to develop a more realistic human thermal model. Previous models have been based on simple cylindrical geometries. The current study uses shaped and refined body segments to simulate heat and mass transfer in the human body during a transient process. The body segments and blood vessels (or respiratory tract) were discretized into 3-D and 1-D elements, respectively. Criteria were developed to simulate the circulatory system, respiratory system, and human thermal responses. The finite element method was employed to solve the mass and energy equations which were written for each element. The body model was compared against actual data available in literatures: cold, neutral, and warm conditions, with ambient temperatures of 15°C (59°F), 25°C (77°F), and 35°C (95°F). For steady state simulation, the results showed that the skin temperatures of head, trunk, and limbs matched the experimental data very well for all three conditions, while the neck and limb extremities (hand and foot) ...
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Elderly Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Bronchitis

The syndrome of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consists of chronic bronchitis (CB), bronchiectasis, emphysema, and reversible airway disease that combine uniquely in an individual patient. Older patients are at risk for COPD and its components--emphysema, CB, and bronchiectasis. Bacterial and viral infections play a role in acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) and in acute exacerbations of CB (AECB) without features of COPD. Older patients are at risk for resistant bacterial organisms during their episodes of AECOPD and AECB. Organisms include the more-common bacteria implicated in AECOPD/AECB such as Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Less-common nonenteric, gram-negative organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, gram-positive organisms including Staphylococcus aureus, and strains of nontuberculosis Mycobacteria are more often seen in AECOPD/AECB episodes involving elderly patients with frequent episodes of CB or those with bronchiectasis. Risk-stratified antibiotic treatment guidelines appear useful for purulent episodes of AECOPD and episodes of AECB. These guidelines have not been prospectively validated for the general population and especially not for the elderly population. Using a risk-stratification approach for elderly patients, first-line antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, ampicillin, pivampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and doxycycline), with a more-limited spectrum of antibacterial coverage, are used in patients who are likely to have a low probability of resistant organisms during AECOPD/AECB. Second-line antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, second- or third-generation cephalosporins, and respiratory fluoroquinolones) with a broader spectrum of coverage are reserved for patients with significant risk factors for resistant organisms and those who have failed initial antibiotic treatment.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrate (NAD+) regulates glucose deprivation-induced activation of protein O-GlcNAcylation, ER stress and autophagy (1154.2)

Mammalian sirtuins are important regulators of metabolism and cell survival including autophagy and ER stress. The post-translational modification of proteins by O-linked-N-acetylglucosamine (O-Glc...
Extinction: End‐Permian Mass Extinction

The end-Permian mass extinction was the most pervasive biotic crisis in the history of life. About 90% of marine species and some 70% of land species became extinct in two pulses separated by about 10 million years. Keywords: mass extinction; impact hypothesis; Permian; biotic crisis
Ineffective Privatization of Public Enterprises: The Case of Bangladesh

This paper analyzes some of the limitations of the privatization of public enterprises in Bangladesh, focusing on the debt-default status and the tax registration profile of privatized firms. A model of ineffective privatization, appropriate to the circumstances of developing countries, is constructed to illustrate that perverse outcomes of privatization might occur. Detailed analyses of the debt-default status and the tax registration profile of privatized firms are presented, using unique data sets obtained exclusively for this paper from Bangladesh's central bank and the national tax authorities. Many privatized firms have substantial overdue loans. A large number of privatized firms have been able to evade tax registration. The post-privatization experience of Bangladesh lends credence to the view that in some developing and transition economies debt-default and tax non-compliance are routes by which privatized firms' budget constraints are often softened in spite of privatization. Various types of privatization are classified in terms of social welfare.
Introduction to Fundamental Interactions in Atomic Collisions

In these introductory lectures an effort will be made to provide a review of background material which may be useful in following the other lectures to be given in this institute. We begin with a description of collision processes that is intentionally formulated in terms general enough to encompass the interactions of particles, photons, and composite systems, as they make their appearance in nonradiative and radiative atomic and molecular collision processes. The emphasis is on multichannel processes, and it is assumed that the reader has some familiarity with the less general formulations of the theory, such as those appropriate for elastic and inelastic scattering and ionization.1 Decay processes will also be treated as “half-collisions”, and the connection between the T matrix and decay rates will be established. The results will be expressed in terms of the density matrix as the most convenient tool for an analysis of experiments.
STATE CHILD EMOTIONAL ABUSE LAWS: THEIR FAILURE TO PROTECT CHILDREN WITH GENDER IDENTITY DISORDER

Emotional abuse of children with Gender Identity Disorder by parents is very difficult to identify and prevent. State investigators of abuse and neglect often have a hard time determining if the reasons for mental illness and psychological harm in children are due to the actions of their parents, or if they stem from other sources. Once identified, it becomes even harder to prove in court for purposes of ordering services or removing the child from the home if the abuse is severe enough. With children who are gender non-conforming, this task becomes exponentially more difficult due to the low prevalence rate, discrimination, stereotypes, and a parent's right to bring up their child as they choose. These youth face discrimination and violence in school, work, their communities, and also within their own families. Emotional abuse statutes are too vague to protect youth who are gender non-conforming. The vague and unclear laws lead to inconsistency in the application of the law and lack of protection of the children because judges and investigators are not aware of how parent's actions harms youth with gender identity disorder. Therefore, states should adopt the model statute within this Note which defines specific actions by parents which would not qualify as abuse when involving gender conforming youth but qualifies as abuse for children with gender identity disorder. Many states already have statutes which define physical abuse, sexual abuse and abandonment by specific actions by parents towards their children. This proposal will enable both the state and the judges to properly identify victims with gender identity disorder of emotional abuse and provide for their protection.
Hot Gas in the Local Group and Low-Redshift Intergalactic Medium

There is increasing observational evidence that hot, highly ionized interstellar and intergalactic gas plays a significant role in the evolution of galaxies in the local universe. The primary spectral diagnostics of the warm-hot interstellar/intergalactic medium are ultraviolet and X-ray absorption lines of O VI and O VII. In this paper, I summarize some of the recent highlights of spectroscopic studies of hot gas in the Local Group and low-redshift universe. These highlights include investigations of the baryonic content of low-z O VI absorbers,evidence for a hot Galactic corona or Local Group medium, and the discovery of a highly ionized high velocity cloud system around the Milky Way.