cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Implicit Compact Polynomial Chaos Formulation for the Euler Equations

This paper presents an implicit formulation for the Euler Equations using a polynomial chaos representation for uncertainty. Details are presented for the full ux and Van Leer’s split ux vector as well as their associated Jacobian matrices in a compact polynomial chaos form. For large time steps, the Euler implicit scheme used here reduces to Newton’s method. Convergence rates are shown that indicate that quadratic convergence for stochastic CFD simulations can be obtained.
The Impact upon Aircraft Airworthiness Design from Encounters with Discrete Vortices

*Through the course of the development of aviation, threats to the integrity of aircraft design, as posed by encounters with discrete free vortex flowfield structures have generally been realised through bitter experience. Therefore, the engineering response has been, for the most part, reactionary. As an assembly of data, earlier and recent flight research data involving discrete vortex encounters, as conducted by the NRC Flight Research Laboratory, has been reviewed and is presented, particularly in terms of the parametric variables of the core radius, rC, and vortex strength-to-scale parameter, Γ/rC. When assembled with other published data in the combined temporal and spatial domains, the data points to possibly extreme values in the Γ/rC parameter, and highlights, from a common small vortex start-point of [Γ/rC rC]=[300ms -1 1m], the bifurcation nature in the tentative-limit Γ/rC ~ rC behaviour, between decay, Γ/rC=ℑ(rC) 0, in the case of meteorologically-originating vortices, with increasing vortex scale size. The flowfield characteristics and the aerodynamic loading, flightpath stability and flightpath performance effects upon aeroplanes encountering the flowfields are categorized and summarised, particularly in relation to current airworthiness and operational requirements. In relation to strength, comparative calculations highlight the shortfall of the classical ‘1-cos’ gust shape, and the complex nature of wake vortex instability scales, wherein substantial loadings, about 0.5g lateral and 2.5g normal, and flightpath disturbances, including roll accelerations of approximately 300°s -2 , suggest the generation of smaller scale vortices.
Pigmented Pre-malignant and Malignant Lesions of Skin with Special Reference to Atypical Presentations.

Background Cutaneous melanocytic proliferations are diverse both morphologically as well as in their behavioural patterns. Both dermatologists and pathologists regularly encounter diagnostic dilemmas while interpreting such lesions. Aim To study all cutaneous premalignant and malignant lesions with respect to their clinical features and histopathological findings. Materials and methods A retrospective study was done in the Department of Pathology over a period of 10 years (2004-14) on all the clinically pigmented lesions that were biopsied or excised. Out of these only premalignant and malignant melanocytic lesions were analysed with respect to their important clinical and histologic features. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using HMB-45 and S-100 where indicated. Results A total of 338 skin cancers were reported, out of these 27, 7.9% were cutaneous malignant melanoma. Premalignant lesions were 33. The mean age for premalignant lesions and melanomas was 43 years and 50.7 years respectively with a male predominance in both groups. The sole of foot/ankle was the most common site of involvement by melanoma (n=8,29.6%) while sun exposed sites like face and scalp were common sites for development of premalignant lesions like dysplastic nevi, lentigo simplex, pigmented seborrheic keratosis and Bowens disease. One case presented as post-traumatic scar tissue which turned out to be desmoplastic melanoma. One case of amelanotic melanoma presented as recurrent painful penile ulcers. Both cases were confirmed on Immunohistochemistry. Conclusion All pigmented lesions should be regarded as tumours of uncertain malignant potential and treated with complete excision if possible with long term follow up.
A preliminary evaluation of synthetic cannabinoid use among adolescent cannabis users: Characteristics and treatment outcomes

Little is known regarding the use of synthetic cannabinoids (SC), particularly use among adolescent substance users who may be at higher risk. The present exploratory study seeks to describe SC use and subjective effects among cannabis-using adolescents as well as compare the characteristics of cannabis users who do and do not use SC. Exploratory analyses evaluated cannabis treatment outcomes among SC users and non-users. Participants enrolled in a randomized, controlled intervention for cannabis-using high school students aged 14-19 (N=252) completed questionnaires regarding their use of SC and other substances. Those who used SC in the past 60days reported subjective effects of SC, consequences, and SC use disorder symptoms. Baseline characteristics, alcohol and other drug use, and treatment outcomes of SC users were compared to participants who never tried SC. Within this sample 29% had tried SC, and 6% used SC recently. Although most reported use at a relatively low rate, 43% of recent SC users reported SC use-disorder symptoms. Positive and negative subjective effects of SC were endorsed, with positive subjective effects reported more often. SC use was associated with more cannabis use, but not more alcohol or other (non-SC and non-cannabis) drug use. SC users did not differ from non-users on cannabis treatment outcomes. This exploratory study described SC use, and compared characteristics and treatment outcomes among SC users and non-users. Negative subjective effects of SC were reported as occurring less often, but SC use was associated with use disorder psychopathology. SC use was associated with more problematic cannabis use at baseline, but was not associated with use of other substances or differences in treatment outcome.
Application of Satellite AVHRR to Water Balance, Mixing Dynamics, and the Chemistry of Lake Edward, East Africa

Surface heat balance and evaporation rates for Lake Edward were calculated as part of a model for mixed layer dynamics. Evaporation rates were combined with rainfall and fluvial income to estimate water balance. Heat and water balance were subjected to sensitivity analyses to evaluate the relative effects of variations in minimum and maximum air temperature, humidity, wind speed, cloud cover, and rainfall. Cloud cover and wind speed emerged as the most influential factors for lake temperature, evaporation, and mixing dynamics Historical variations in ionic strength of Lake Edward surface water underscore sensitivity of the lake to climate. Major ion composition of the lake is incongruous with chemical inputs reported for streams descending from the Ruwenzoris and the highlands of southwestern Uganda. Mass balance calculations reveal that major sources of many elements are unaccounted for by present measurements, and point to the dominance of as yet unstudied stream sources entering the lake from the Virunga volcano region at the south. Based on model calculations, the chemical composition of water sources from the Virunga region is predicted a priori. Lake Edward is remarkable because despite episodic richness of biogenic Si in its sediments, diatoms are not common at present, although they are more prevalent in the south than in the north. One reason for episodic success by diatoms may be linked to changing patterns of lake mixing. Seasonal mixing dynamics of the lake were inferred from weather records and radiation flux measured from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite data. SSTs inferred from AVHRR imagery were used to test one hypothesis for the diatom distribution- namely that increased water column stability in the north and a shoaling mixed layer exaggerate the loss rates by sinking and depress the supply of nutrients from below. Variations in water balance for the lake are consistent with observations of significant changes in lake water chemistry during the 20th century.
Advice Taking from Humans and Machines: An fMRI and Effective Connectivity Study

With new technological advances, advice can come from different sources such as machines or humans, but how individuals respond to such advice and the neural correlates involved need to be better understood. We combined functional MRI and multivariate Granger causality analysis with an X-ray luggage-screening task to investigate the neural basis and corresponding effective connectivity involved with advice utilization from agents framed as experts. Participants were asked to accept or reject good or bad advice from a human or machine agent with low reliability (high false alarm rate). We showed that unreliable advice decreased performance overall and participants interacting with the human agent had a greater depreciation of advice utilization during bad advice compared to the machine agent. These differences in advice utilization can be perceivably due to reevaluation of expectations arising from association of dispositional credibility for each agent. We demonstrated that differences in advice utilization engaged brain regions that may be associated with evaluation of personal characteristics and traits (precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, temporoparietal junction) and interoception (posterior insula). We found that the right posterior insula and left precuneus were the drivers of the advice utilization network that were reciprocally connected to each other and also projected to all other regions. Our behavioral and neuroimaging results have significant implications for society because of progressions in technology and increased interactions with machines.
Social Workers’ Roles in Supporting the Sexual and Relational Health of Children with Disabilities

The purpose of this study was to understand social workers’ roles in meeting the sexual and relational health needs of children (aged 3–11) with disabilities. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 social workers from a range of practice settings. A phenomenological lens privileged the perspectives of social workers in their definitions of disability and sought to convey the meaning they assigned to their experiences of working with children in practice concerning matters related to sexual and relational health. Social workers enacted a broad definition of disability and often came to work with youth in contexts labeled as sexually problematic. In the provision of sexual health services, social workers embodied commonly adhered to roles including as practitioners, enablers, advocates, brokers, and managers. Services are needed that promote positive sexuality and relational health among children with disabilities. It is important that social workers be proactive advocates for the full inclusion of people with disabilities as equal sexual citizens.
Religious Representation and Animal Welfare in the U.S. Senate

Does religion affect legislative behavior among U.S. senators? Scholars have established this relationship on issues closely associated with evangelical Christianity, but it is unclear how far the relationship extends. Focusing on animal welfare, this article tests the theory of personal representation and provides an expansion of the religion and legislative behavior literature. Humane Society scores (2005–2014) are regressed on senator religion, party, sex, and several constituency factors. The analysis demonstrates that religion shapes animal welfare activity. Relative to mainline Protestant senators, Mormon senators are less supportive of animal welfare, while Catholics, Jews, and black Protestants are more supportive. Some of this is due to senator religion, but it is also a reflection of state-level factors, including state ideology and religious constituencies.
Retropharyngeal Parathyroid Glands: Important Differences.

In primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), parathyroid ectopia is seen in up to 22% leading to more difficult surgery. We aimed to determine the rate and characteristics of retropharyngeal (RP) parathyroid glands. A prospective database was queried for patients with sporadic PHPT who had surgery from 1997 to 2016. The data of RP patients were compared to those who had surgery for sporadic PHPT over the same time period with hyperfunctioning parathyroids in anatomically normal positions (N). RP glands occurred in 47/3006 (1.6%) patients and were more common at reoperative than initial surgery (5.5 vs 1.4%, p 1 post-resection intraoperative PTH level (36 vs 21%, p = 0.02). Failure due to persistent PHPT was more likely in RP patients (4.7 vs 2.1%, p = 0.2). In PHPT, hyperfunctioning RP glands are seen in 1.6% of cases and often associated with initial failure (17%). At reoperation, RP ectopia is 4X more common. RP glands are associated with a high rate of negative imaging, but imaging results suggestive of a midline abnormality can guide exploration. The RP space should be evaluated prior to ending an otherwise unfruitful surgery.
A semi-analytical method to solve chance constrained stochastic economic dispatch with demand response providers

This paper addresses a computational issue of solving stochastic economic dispatch with the participation of uncertain demand response providers. In particular, we study the linear constraints in the chance constrained formulation of the dispatch problem. A semi-analytical method is proposed to simplify the formulation and computation of chance constraints in the economic dispatch problem. Compared with existing methods such as deterministic, analytical method and sample-based approaches, the advantage of the semi-analytical method lies in its lower computational cost, controllable level of risk and low information exchange between agents and the independent system operator. Numerical results on the IEEE 14 bus system with two demand response providers illustrate the potential efficacy of the proposed method.
Distinct Signaling By Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) Containing CD28 Signaling Domain Versus 4-1BB In Primary Human T Cells

Background Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) have shown great promise in the field of targeted adoptive immunotherapy against cancer. These receptors are specific for tumor antigens and have the binding properties of monoclonal antibodies with signaling molecules of T cells. When expressed on T cells, these receptors help the cells home to tumor targets and perform their cytotoxic functions. CARs containing the 4-1BB signaling domain have been used against B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and have shown the most clinical success in terms of tumor targeting and persistence in patients upon engraftment. In contrast, their CD28-containing CAR counterpart failed to show comparable persistence in patients. Despite extensive clinical use, the detailed molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of CAR-grafted T cells remain elusive. To address this, we hypothesize that CARs take advantage of the endogenous T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways in a manner unique to their analogous intracellular domains. Methods By electroporation of CAR encoding in vitro transcribed RNA into primary human T cells, we achieved >90% CAR-positive T cell population. We expressed different CARs constructs, all specific for a widely expressed tumor antigen - mesothelin. Keeping the scFv region constant to SS1 that is specific for mesothelin, we varied the intracellular signaling domains (ICDs) ranging from first generation CARs (containing only the CD3z ICD) to the second generation CARs (CD28-CD3z or 41BB-CD3z ICDs) Upon verifying CAR expression by flow cytometry, these T cells were stimulated with mesothelin antigen to analyze differences in signaling between the different CAR groups. Results Here we report that CARs with CD28 show stronger activation of T cells when compared to CARs with 4-1BB or CD3z alone. Stimulation of different CAR constructs revealed that the antigen-specific activation threshold for CAR-T cells is greatly reduced when the CD28 endodomain is included in the CAR architecture. This activation state, measured by the activation of proximal signaling proteins, as well as the MAPK and Akt signaling pathways continues to increase and persist for longer time durations in T cells with the CD28-containing CAR construct. Co-immunoprecipitation studies reveal direct interaction of CARs with pZAP70 and TRAF proteins, but not other known signaling molecules of the TCR complex. T cells with CARs containing CD28 intracellular domain showed a high and sustained level of calcium flux in comparison to T cells with the 4-1BB containing CARs. Experiments to determine the molecular signatures of CAR-grafted T cells stimulated with cognate antigen for longer time durations are currently underway. Taken together, these studies have significant impact on the future design of CARs and adoptive immunotherapy. Disclosures: Kawalekar: Novartis: Research Funding. Posey: Novartis: Research Funding. Fraietta: Novartis: Research Funding. Lee: Novartis: Research Funding. Zhao: Novartis: Research Funding. June: Novartis: Research Funding.
Learning Deformations with Parallel Transport

Many vision problems, such as object recognition and image synthesis, are greatly impacted by deformation of objects. In this paper, we develop a deformation model based on Lie algebraic analysis. This work aims to provide a generative model that explicitly decouples deformation from appearance, which is fundamentally different from the prior work that focuses on deformation-resilient features or metrics. Specifically, the deformation group for each object can be characterized by a set of Lie algebraic basis. Such basis for different objects are related via parallel transport. Exploiting the parallel transport relations, we formulate an optimization problem, and derive an algorithm that jointly estimates the deformation basis for a class of objects, given a set of images resulted from the action of the deformations. We test the proposed model empirically on both character recognition and face synthesis.
Disruption and Re-polymerization Kinetics of f-actin Cytoskeleton in Bone Cells Subjected to Dynamic Mechanical Stimulus

In vitro studies have shown that the f-actin cytoskeleton in osteoblasts exhibits an adaptive response after being subjected to mechanical stimuli. We hypothesize that transient disruption and subsequent re-polymerization of the cytoskeleton is responsible for this adaptive response. Therefore, in this study, we determine the occurrence of transient disruption of the f-actin fiber bundles and their subsequent reassembly after in vitro equi-axial stretching in MLO-A5 cells and after in vivo forearm compression loading in mice. In vitro studies are conducted to determine f-actin disruption after varying mechanical stimulus parameters that are known to affect bone formation. Results indicate that the f-actin cytoskeleton is disrupted in vitro as a function of applied mechanical stimulus parameters and that the f-actin bundles reassemble after loading induced disruption within 3 minutes after cessation of loading. The disruption of the f-actin cytoskeleton depends on the magnitude of stretch, the numbers of loading cycles, frequency, the insertion of rest between loading cycles and extracellular calcium. In vivo studies also demonstrate disruption of the f-actin cytoskeleton in cells embedded in the bone matrix immediately after mechanical loading. These studies suggest that adaptation of the f-actin fiber bundles of the cytoskeleton in response to applied loads occurs by disruption and subsequent re-polymerization.
Parent–Child Interaction Therapy for Families with a History of Child Maltreatment

Child maltreatment involves actions or omissions resulting in actual harm or the potential for harm to a child’s health, survival, and development that is perpetrated by a person with power or responsibility, such as a child’s caregiver, family member, or teacher. Child maltreatment has been linked to numerous adverse outcomes in childhood and adulthood, including mental health problems. Given that parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) has been offered as a possible treatment for young children who have experienced maltreatment, the current chapter provides updated information about the use of PCIT with this population. Specifically, this book chapter reviews common characteristics of maltreating families as they apply to the treatment model along with appropriate assessment techniques. It also provides a brief overview of case studies and research using PCIT to highlight support for its use within this population along with findings relevant for clinical application. Tailoring techniques and clinical adaptations for the PCIT treatment protocol are described. A case study is also presented to illustrate the assessment procedures, course of treatment, and challenges associated with conducting PCIT with a maltreated child. Finally, recommendations for future areas of research are offered.
From Book to Bludgeon: A Closer Look at Unsolicited Malevolent Responses on The Alternate Uses Task

The alternate uses task (AUT) is one of the most commonly utilized measures of divergent thinking within the creativity research literature. Some participants respond to the AUT by describing the p...
Trials of Unassisted Breathing in Adult Patients With Tracheostomy: A Single Center Experience

Background: Tracheostomies are performed for a variety of indications, predominantly to facilitate weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation or to establish a stable, permanent artificial airway. If a patient is deemed ready to be assessed for liberation intermittent trials of unassisted breathing (trach collar trials [TCTs]) are performed. In our institution TCTs are not standardized and are usually terminated by individual clinicians based on either physiologic parameters or after a pre-defined time limit is reached. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to review the consequences of our TCT clinical practice. Methods: As part of an IRB exempt, departmental quality improvement project, data on all adult tracheostomy patients undergoing unassisted breathing trials within our five adults ICUs were recorded between August 2015 and September 2016. TCT details were recorded prospectively each day by respiratory therapists. Included was: reason for tracheostomy, time from mechanical ventilation to tracheostomy, time from tracheostomy to liberation, ventilator settings, length of initial trial of unassisted breathing, and reason for trial termination. Subjects with a pre-existing tracheostomy were excluded from data on time to tracheostomy, and time from tracheostomy to liberation. Subjects who were not liberated were excluded from total days of mechanical ventilation. Data were analyzed using SPSS v24 and described as median (interquartile range) and percentages. Nonparametric testing was performed to compare differences between ICUs due to non-normally distributed data. Results: A total of 190 patients were evaluated. 19 (10%) of subjects were not liberated from mechanical ventilation and 23 (12%) subjects had tracheostomy in place when mechanical ventilation was initiated. Data are summarized in Table 1. Time to tracheostomy (P=0.008), days from tracheostomy to liberation (P=0.001), inspiratory pressure/pressure support (P Conclusions: Clinical practice appeared to vary significantly between units with half of the unassisted breathing trials being terminated due to a time goal or per team decision and 43% being terminated due to physiologic reasons.
7 Work stressors faced by health professionals working with children with palliative care needs: multiple case study approach from jordan

Background A broad overview of the existing literature reveals that nurses often feel inadequately trained or prepared in terms of the communication skills needed to deal with the difficult situations. The purpose of the current study was to explore the experience of communication in the care of children with palliative care needs, from the perspective of physicians, nurses, and mothers in Jordan. Methods This study employed a collective qualitative case study approach. It was conducted in three paediatric units in a Jordanian hospital. Each case comprised a child aged 1–12 years, their most involved family carer (mothers), physician(s) and nurse(s). Two data collection methods were employed: participant observation and semi-structured interviews with three categories of participants: mothers, physicians, and the nurses who cared for the children that participated in this study. Results The study was based on 15 cases, with a total of 197 observational hours and 60 interviews (conducted with 15 mothers, 12 physicians and 21 nurses). The findings indicate that the healthcare professionals struggled to communicate with families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. For instance, many found it difficult to communicate with parents when delivering an initial diagnosis, when the child’s health deteriorated, or if the child’s death was imminent. Doctors also reported feeling blamed for the ineffectiveness of treatment plans and cited this as their primary difficulty. Nurses also revealed that work pressure often limited their ability to provide optimum patient care and to communicate effectively with patients and their families. Other nurses reported difficulty in offering emotional support. Conclusions The continuous education and specialised training for professionals, which provides staff with specialised communication skills and emotional support for children and parents is imperative in improving the clinical practice in the healthcare settings with limited access to specialist palliative care.
Increasing the Efficiency of GPU Bitmap Index Query Processing

Once exotic, computational accelerators are now commonly available in many computing systems. Graphics processing units (GPUs) are perhaps the most frequently encountered computational accelerators. Recent work has shown that GPUs are beneficial when analyzing massive data sets. Specifically related to this study, it has been demonstrated that GPUs can significantly reduce the query processing time of database bitmap index queries. Bitmap indices are typically used for large, read-only data sets and are often compressed using some form of hybrid run-length compression.
Alleloscope: Integrative analysis of single cell haplotype-divergent copy number alterations and chromatin accessibility changes reveals novel clonal architecture of cancers

Abstract Cancer progression is driven by both somatic copy number aberrations (CNAs) and chromatin remodeling, yet little is known about the interplay between these two classes of events in shaping the clonal diversity of cancers. We present Alleloscope, a method for allele-specific copy number estimation that can be applied to single cell DNA and ATAC sequencing data, either separately or in combination. This approach allows for integrative multi-omic analysis of allele-specific copy number and chromatin accessibility on the same cell. On scDNA-seq data from gastric, colorectal, and breast cancer samples, with extensive validation using matched linked-read sequencing, Alleloscope finds pervasive occurrence of highly complex, multi-allelic copy number aberrations, where cells that carry varying allelic configurations adding to the same total copy number co-evolve within a tumor. The contributions of such allele-specific events to intratumor heterogeneity have been under-reported and under-studied due to the lack of methods for their detection. On scATAC-seq from two basal cell carcinoma samples and a gastric cancer cell line, Alleloscope detects multi-allelic copy number events and copy neutral loss-of-heterozygosity, enabling the dissection of the contributions of chromosomal instability and chromatin remodeling in tumor evolution.
Reading Sacred Texts: A Qualitative Study of Religious Educators’ Literacy Processes

Conceptualizing religious literacy as the processes used to construct meaning of sacred texts, this article focuses on how three religious educators read scripture. Data were generated through verb...
Characteristics and Outcomes of Endoscopies Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed hospital workflows. This study aimed to characterize differences in gastrointestinal endoscopies in the New York metropolitan region before, during, and after the first wave of the pandemic. Methods Across three hospitals, we compared demographics, indications, and yield of endoscopies before and after March 16, 2020, the date on which elective procedures were cancelled, as well as a recovery period for five months after they were resumed. Results A total of 9,401 procedures before and 332 procedures were performed during the first wave. Females comprised 57% and 44% of patients (p <0.01), respectively. There was a decline in the proportion of Black (15% vs. 7%, p <0.02) and Hispanic patients (29% vs. 16%, p <0.02) undergoing outpatient procedures. There was a significant rise in urgent indications such as bleeding and jaundice. There was an increase in the diagnostic yield of all esophagogastroduodenoscopies for bleeding (p <0.01) and in outpatient endoscopic ultrasounds for malignancy (p = 0.01), but no increase in yield of inpatient colonoscopy for bleeding. Review of 7,475 procedures during the recovery period showed a return to many non-urgent indications, but still showed decreased proportions of Hispanic and male patients compared to the pre-pandemic period. Discussion / Conclusion Lower proportions of Black and Hispanic patients underwent outpatient endoscopies during and after the first wave. The proportion of procedures done for emergent indications, and their diagnostic yield, increased during the pandemic, suggesting a higher threshold to perform endoscopy. In resource-sparing conditions, clinicians should pay attention to thresholds to perform colonoscopy for bleeding, and to racial disparities in outpatient healthcare access.
Indices for Meteorological and Hydrological Drought

This review chapter describes two physical forms of drought, meteorological and hydrological drought, and introduces a variety of specialized drought indices which may be used to quantify the intensity and severity of those drought forms. Meteorological and hydrological drought indices include the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), rainfall deciles, standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), total water deficit and surface water supply index (SWSI). Two composite drought indices—which examine elements of both meteorological and hydrological droughts—are also discussed: the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) and the aggregate drought index (ADI).
Towards a new understanding of the retro-aldol reaction for oxidative conversion of lignin to aromatic aldehydes and acids

The retro-aldol reaction is one of the key steps involved in the oxidative conversion of lignin to aromatic aldehydes and acids. In principle, the retro-aldol reaction can proceed in the absence of oxygen. In this work, a new approach based on the influence of oxygen on the oxidation of lignin was investigated. In this approach, the duration of oxygen charged during the reaction was optimized to, for the first time, improve the yield of aromatic aldehydes and acids. The effect of reaction chemistry, time, temperature, and lignin feedstock plays a key role on the yield of aromatic aldehydes and acids. At 140 °C, oxidation of softwood Lignoboost kraft lignin for 40 min results in combined maximum yield of 5.17% w/w of vanillin and vanillic acid. In comparison, using the new approach in which oxygen was charged for only 20 min during the 40 min reaction improved this yield considerably to 6.95%. Further, yield improvement was obtained when applying this approach to different lignin feedstocks. Oxidation also increased the carboxyl content in lignin from 0.49 mmol/g to 1.41 mmol/g which represents a marked improvement. The current study provides new evidence showing that the oxidation reaction is a crucial pathway for lignin valorization.
Beyond students: how teacher psychology shapes educational inequality

Although researchers investigating psychological contributors to educational inequality have traditionally focused on students, a growing literature highlights the importance of teachers' psychology in shaping disparities in students' educational achievement and attainment. In this review, we discuss recent advances linking teachers' attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs to inequality in students' outcomes. First, we identify specific aspects of teacher psychology that contribute to educational disparities, including teachers' biases, perceptions and expectations of students, beliefs about the nature of ability, and beliefs about group differences. Second, we synthesize mechanisms underlying the effects of teacher psychology on educational inequality, including teachers' disparate assessment of students' work and abilities, interpersonal interaction with students, and psychological impact on students. Implications for future research and interventions are discussed.
Pharmacist interventions to deprescribe opioids and benzodiazepines in older adults: A rapid review.

Abstract Background Many older adults are prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs), despite increased susceptibility to adverse events. Challenges of deprescribing include fragmented care and lack of knowledge or time. Pharmacists are well-positioned to overcome these challenges and facilitate deprescribing of these medications. Objectives We sought to evaluate interventions utilizing pharmacists to deprescribe opioids and BZDs in older adults. Methods We conducted a rapid review following a comprehensive literature search to identify interventions with pharmacist involvement for deprescribing opioids and BZDs in older adults. Studies were included based on: (1) inclusion of patients ≥ 65 years old receiving BZDs and/or opioids, (2) evaluation of feasibility or outcomes following deprescribing (3) pharmacists as part of the intervention. We included randomized, observational, cohort, and pilot studies. Studies that did not report specific results for BZD or opioids were excluded. Results We screened 687 abstracts and included 17 studies. Most (n = 13) focused on BZD deprescribing. Few studies focused on opioids (n = 2) or co-prescribing of opioids and BZDs (n = 2). The most common intervention was educational brochures (n = 8), majority being the EMPOWER brochure for deprescribing BZDs. Other interventions included chart review with electronic notes (n = 4), pharmacist-led programs/services (n = 2), and multifactorial interventions (n = 3). Many studies were underpowered or lacked suitable control groups. Generally speaking, interventions utilizing educational materials and those in which pharmacists engaged with patients and providers were more effective. Interventions relying on electronic communication by pharmacists were less successful, due to low acceptance or acknowledgement. Conclusions We identified a number of feasible interventions to reduce BZD use, but fewer interventions to reduce opioid use in older adults. An optimal approach for deprescribing likely requires pharmacists to engage directly with patients and providers. Larger well-designed studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of deprescribing interventions beyond feasibility.
How to Prepare for the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE): A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION Performance on ABSITE is an important factor when monitoring resident progress. It predicts future performance and has lasting effects. Understanding the highest-yield preparation strategies can help residents in their study efforts and optimize performance. METHODS A literature search was conducted searching PubMed, EMBASE and JAMA Network in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were performed for the terms “ABSITE” and “American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination”. Only studies discussing individual study habits from May 2011 to May 2021 were included. RESULTS 19 studies were included in qualitative synthesis. Year-round clinical study failed to show significant correlation to ABSITE performance although year-round ABSITE review was more consistently correlated. During a dedicated study period, increased time and increased total practice questions completed are associated with improved performance. The correlation of individual resources such as ABSITE review books, textbooks, audio podcasts and ABSITE preparatory courses to improved ABSITE performance was not proven. CONCLUSIONS Residents should optimize study strategies based on methods that have consistently shown to improve performance. Recommendations for best preparation strategies are provided.
Mixed Cellularity Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is comprised of several malignancies having a common characteristic—an identical malignant cell of origin present in small numbers within a tumor mass largely comprised of other cell types. Each of these malignancies shows a characteristic microscopic appearance and occurs in a characteristic pattern in the population. Mixed cell Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common type in children and older persons, occurs especially in males, and is more likely to affect persons born in developing countries. Evidence of one particular virus, Epstein–Barr, is often seen within the malignant cells of this tumor, and that virus is widely believed to be the causal agent. This virus will have infected most persons, even in the United States, before they reach adulthood, and it is speculated that persons who are infected at a particularly late age are likely to develop the malignancy. Incidence is also increased in the presence of AIDS. Hodgkin lymphoma in general has been linked to woodworking occupations, but this association has not been found consistently or linked to one cell type. Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in Los Angeles than in other regions, more common among males than among females, and somewhat more common among Latinos. No systematic pattern of geographical occurrence is apparent, and therefore no local source of causation is proposed.
Alternative splicing unmasks dendritic and axonal targeting signals in metabotropic glutamate receptor 1

Precise targeting of neurotransmitter receptors to different neuronal compartments is a fundamental step for the establishment and function of synaptic circuitry. Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGluR1 and mGluR5, control glutamatergic neurotransmission by acting both postsynaptically and presynaptically. Four alternatively spliced variants of the mGluR1 gene exist, which differ in their signaling properties and subcellular localization. The present study was undertaken to identify the molecular signals responsible for trafficking of these receptors to different neuronal compartments. Here we report that targeting of mGluR1 to dendrites and axons of transfected retina neurons is controlled by alternative splicing. We have identified in the tail of the receptor a tripeptide motif, which is necessary and sufficient to exclude the splice variant mGluR1b from distal dendrites and to drive it to the axon. This motif, which is present in all the mGluR1 receptors, is masked in mGluR1a by a dominant dendritic signal sequence harbored by the extended C-terminal tail of this splice variant. Furthermore, we show that the identified axonal and dendritic targeting signals are also necessary and sufficient to localize mGluR1b and mGluR1a to the apical and basolateral compartment of Madin–Darby canine kidney cells, respectively, consistent with the existence of common trafficking components for polarized targeting in epithelial cells and neurons.
Two Competing Influences That May Explain Concomitant Tumor Resistance

Abstract A second tumor inoculum is often inhibited in its growth by the presence in the recipient animal of an earlier implanted, growing tumor. The tumor resulting from the first inoculum may, paradoxically, continue to growth despite the simultaneous inhibition of the growth of the second inoculum, a phenomenon usually called “concomitant immunity.” Evidence now suggests that the phenomenon can be observed in the absence of any recognizable type of immune reaction and might often be named more appropriately “concomitant tumor resistance.” Consideration of a variety of probably related observations suggests that concomitant tumor resistance can best be explained by the competitive interaction of two opposing influences: a local diffusible, tumor-facilitating environment, produced by both tumor and normal tissues, that is counteracted by circulating inhibitors that are also produced by both tumor and by normal tissues. In an implanted small tumor, because of geometric considerations and diffusion, the action of the local facilitating environment is weak; in a larger tumor the local facilitating environment has a relatively greater influence and thus the larger tumor can continue to grow despite levels of circulating tumor inhibitors capable of inhibiting the smaller growth.
OpenNWA: a nested-word automaton library

Nested-word automata (NWAs) are a language formalism that helps bridge the gap between finite-state automata and pushdown automata. NWAs can express some context-free properties, such as parenthesis matching, yet retain all the desirable closure characteristics of finite-state automata. This paper describes OpenNWA, a C++ library for working with NWAs. The library provides the expected automata-theoretic operations, such as intersection, determinization, and complementation. It is packaged with WALi--the Weighted Automaton Library--and interoperates closely with the weighted pushdown system portions of WALi.
SimEx: Simulation Exercises on Humanitarian Crisis

A Software Engineering Capstone Service Learning project team at Fairfield University developed SimEx (Simulation Exercises on Humanitarian Crisis), a database driven web application for the JUHAN (Jesuits University Humanitarian Action Network) community to educate students on humanitarian actions and to enhance their knowledge on how to react at the time of a crisis. SimEx is accessible to anyone in the JUHAN community around the world and helps facilitate interaction among instructors, researchers, and student including sharing simulation exercise scenarios and providing students simulation exercises on humanitarian actions without any boundaries. SimEx also provides a discussion board to the JUHAN community to facilitate communication and idea sharing. SimEx was implemented in PHP with a MySQL database and several additional PHP plug-ins. In this paper, we describe the issues, process, and outcome of the collaborative service learning project between academia and community and discuss the future direction of SimEx.
STRENGTH IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY : INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL THRIVING

Inherent in any profound challenge is the potential for crisis or opportunity. This article focuses on the opportunities that challenge presents at the level of individuals, organizations, and nations: opportunities to move beyond recovery and to display thriving by using the challenge as an impetus for change leading to growth. A variety of individual and social resources hypothesized to promote thriving are explored with an eye toward identifying a set of conceptually meaningful categories for use in future theoretical development and empirical investigation.
ConText: An algorithm for determining negation, experiencer, and temporal status from clinical reports

In this paper we describe an algorithm called ConText for determining whether clinical conditions mentioned in clinical reports are negated, hypothetical, historical, or experienced by someone other than the patient. The algorithm infers the status of a condition with regard to these properties from simple lexical clues occurring in the context of the condition. The discussion and evaluation of the algorithm presented in this paper address the questions of whether a simple surface-based approach which has been shown to work well for negation can be successfully transferred to other contextual properties of clinical conditions, and to what extent this approach is portable among different clinical report types. In our study we find that ConText obtains reasonable to good performance for negated, historical, and hypothetical conditions across all report types that contain such conditions. Conditions experienced by someone other than the patient are very rarely found in our report set. A comprehensive solution to the problem of determining whether a clinical condition is historical or recent requires knowledge above and beyond the surface clues picked up by ConText.
Quantum dynamics of superconducting point contacts: chiral anomaly, Landau–Zener transitions, and all that

Abstract Quantum effects in the dynamics of the Josephson phase difference in Josephson junctions with large electron transparency D are studied in the adiabatic regime, when the characteristic charging energyEC of the junction is much smaller than the superconducting energy gap Δ. In isolated junctions, quantum phase fluctuations are large and manifest themselves as Coulomb blockade of Cooper pair tunneling. The amplitude of the Coulomb blockade oscillations is calculated for single-mode junctions with arbitrary D. In particular, it is shown that the chiral anomaly completely suppresses Coulomb blockade in ballistic junctions with D = 1, and the suppression process at D → 1 can be described as the Landau–Zener transition in imaginary time. In the regime when quantum phase fluctuations are small, they lead to quantum decay of supercurrent states due to macroscopic quantum tunneling of phase through the Josephson potential barrier. The decay rate is found in the nearly-ballistic junctions.
Cerebellar glioblastoma: a retrospective review of 21 patients at a single institution

Primary cerebellar glioblastoma (CGB) comprises only 0.4–3.4% of all intracranial glioblastoma. The impact of surgical resection on survival and the efficacy of adjuvant therapies are uncertain as CGB is underrepresented in most studies. To elucidate prognostic factors we performed a single-institutional review of the largest series to date of CGB. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center database was reviewed from 1990 to 2010. Twenty-one consecutive patients met criteria for inclusion. The Kaplan–Meier product limit method was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS); groups were compared using the log-rank statistic. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to examine the association of resection with OS and PFS adjusted for other clinical variables. The median age was 39.9 years, and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) was ≥80 in 61.5% of patients. The mean extent of resection for contrast enhancement (EOR-CE) was 93.8% (SD = 10.4%; median = 100%), and the median follow-up was 18.4 months (range 1.5–116.1 months). There was no significant association of EOR with OS or PFS. On univariate analysis the presence of leptomeningeal disease (LMD) was associated with a worse OS (6.1 vs. 24.1 months; P = 0.0001) and PFS (3.3 vs. 9 months; P = 0.019). Patients who had adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) had extended PFS (10.1 vs. 2.8 months; P < 0.0001). Adjustment for the presence of leptomeningeal disease (LMD) tended toward an increased risk of progression (HR = 3.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–14.5; P = 0.09) and was associated with a significantly increased risk of death (HR = 15.2; 95% CI, 1.3–180; P = 0.03). Having received adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a decreased risk of progression (HR = 0.02; 95% CI, 0–0.26; P = 0.003). The presence of LMD is a critical factor in the clinical behavior of CGB resulting in markedly decreased OS and PFS. Adjuvant CT resulted in increased PFS but did not significantly affect OS. This was due to a lack of a sizable cohort who did not receive chemotherapy. Furthermore, three of the CT-naive patients received CT at first progression. In the context of the high EOR in this study, an OS of 18.4 months was achieved.