cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond the Focus Group: Understanding Physicians’ Barriers to Electronic Medical Records

Article-at-a-Glance Background Although electronic medical records (EMRs) have potential to improve quality of care, physician adoption remains low. Rhode Island physicians' perceptions of barriers to EMRs and the association between these barriers and physician characteristics were examined. It was hypothesized that physicians with and without EMRs would differ in the types and magnitude of barriers identified. Methods Data were drawn from the Rhode Island Department of Health's mandatory 2009 Physician Health Information Technology (HIT) survey of physicians licensed and in active practice in Rhode Island or an adjacent state. Some 1,888 (58.1% of the target population of 3,248 physicians) responded. Respondents, who were invited to provide open-ended comments, were asked to consider 11 issues as barriers to EMR use: Access to technical support, lack of computer skills, availability of a computer in the appropriate location, impact of a computer on doctor–patient interaction, lack of interoperability, privacy or security concerns, start-up financial costs, ongoing financial costs, technical limitations of systems, training and productivity impact, and lack of uniform industry standards. Results Respondents with EMRs consistently perceived significantly fewer barriers than those without them ( p Conclusions An understanding of physicians' reluctance to use EMRs is critical for developing adoption strategies. Policies to increase EMR adoption should be tailored to different physician groups to achieve maximum effectiveness. Further research into the differences between current EMR users' and nonusers' perceptions of barriers may help elucidate how to facilitate subsequent adoption.
Technology-Based Communication and the Development of Interpersonal Competencies Within Adolescent Romantic Relationships: A Preliminary Investigation

This study investigated longitudinal associations between adolescents' technology-based communication and the development of interpersonal competencies within romantic relationships. A school-based sample of 487 adolescents (58% girls; Mage = 14.1) participated at two time points, one year apart. Participants reported (1) proportions of daily communication with romantic partners via traditional modes (in person, on the phone) versus technological modes (text messaging, social networking sites) and (2) competence in the romantic relationship skill domains of negative assertion and conflict management. Results of cross-lagged panel models indicated that adolescents who engaged in greater proportions of technology-based communication with romantic partners reported lower levels of interpersonal competencies one year later, but not vice versa; associations were particularly strong for boys.
Using Belief Functions in Software Agents to Test the Strength of Application Controls: A Conceptual Framework

Belief functions have been used to model audit decision making for over 20 years. More recently they have been used in assessing the strength of internal controls and information systems security. There has been some research on software agents in auditing, particularly in the web search bot area Nelson et al. 2000. This research used their results to develop an agent model to provide CPA services which add value to client automated systems. It extends the work of Srivastava and others Bovee et al., 2007; Srivastava & Shafer, 1992; Srivastava, 1997 in belief functions and Nehmer 2003, 2009 in the use of software agents in internal control evaluations. It looks at the problem of monitoring and assuring the adequacy of application internal controls in highly automated transaction processing environments.
Some properties of the GHC equation of state

Abstract The composition functionality of the mixture energy parameter, a M , used in the Gibbs-Helmholtz Constrained (GHC) equation of state is studied. An analysis is presented that shows that a M for liquid mixtures is approximately quadratic in composition. All non-quadratic behavior is due solely to ln(T cM ) in the GHC up-scaling equation. If a mean value approximation of this term is used, then a M L is quadratic, but non-symmetric, in composition. For vapors, non-quadratic behavior is coupled to the molar volume of the mixture through the term β M = (V M + b M )/V M . It is shown that the difference between β M and some average βM is very small and a M V is quadratic in composition. Sensitivity analyses of a M and resulting molar density to these approximations are also presented. Finally, the non-symmetric composition functionality of a M is discussed along with GHC predictions of mixture second virial coefficients. Numerical examples are presented to support all claims.
A Novel Implementation of DOA Estimation for Node Localization on Software Defined Radios: Achieving High Performance with Low Complexity

This paper introduces a novel implementation of direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation for localization of nodes in (mobile) ad-hoc networks. The localization technique is being implemented on a software defined radio (SDR) system. The SDR system needs DOA estimation for: (a) beam-forming and detection, and (b) localization. The detection process needs coarse DOA estimation, while the localization needs a fine one. The technique fuses two known DOA estimation techniques: delay-and-sum and root-MUSIC. The former is a simple technique suitable for on-line (high speed) implementation required for detection. Hence, it would consume less power. The latter is a complex technique that needs higher processing time and consumes more power and would be suitable for off-line DOA estimation. Hence, the fused DOA estimation technique offers high performance with low complexity and power consumption.
Comparison of the implementation of three common types of coupled CFD-DEM model for simulating soil surface erosion

Abstract Soil erosion is a common process studied by soil science, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, coastal engineering, and many other fields. In the areas of hydraulic engineering, the geotechnics of soil erosion remains a high priority topic as the bridge scour is a common cause of bridge failures. Accurate predictions of scour depth and soil erosion rate remain challenging, due to the limitations of existing scaled experimental approach in fulfilling the hydrological and hydrodynamic similarity requirements. Computational model offers a promising alternative to further the microscale understanding of soil erosion which can help to develop engineering tools in practice. Computational model that couples Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) to simulate the behaviors of fluid-solid systems is promising to advance the current tools for soil erosion analyses. Different mathematical forms for laminar fluid flows exist for the coupled CFD-DEM model as documented in published literatures and implemented in commercial and open-source software; each of them is based on certain physics assumptions and corresponding mathematical treatments. There are, however, no direct comparison of the results of CFD-DEM models based on these seemingly different mathematical formulations, which would help researchers to select the proper simulation tool. This study implemented coupled CFD-DEM models based on three most common types of mathematical formats used in the previous modeling work. The results of different CFD-DEM models are firstly validated by comparing the results of simulating the free settling of a particle in fluid. A case study is then designed to compare the models in simulating the surface erosion of cohesionless soil inside a pipe flow using laminar flow equations. Comparison indicates that for a relatively sparse particle-fluid system, the difference of the three models is negligible. For a dense particle-fluid system, simulation with the three different mathematical formats can predict different results (as large as 10% in the fluid velocity and 20% in the particle drag force for the simulation case study analyzed). The results of this case study indicate that the three CFD-DEM models achieved comparable results for simulating soil erosion from an engineering perspective, however, the differences between these models, which originate from their underlying physics assumptions, must be kept in mind in selecting an appropriate simulation model as well as in comparing the results from different models.
A compendium of proteins that interact with HIF-1α

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is the founding member of a family of transcription factors that function as master regulators of oxygen homeostasis. HIF-1 is composed of an O2-regulated HIF-1α subunit and a constitutively expressed HIF-1β subunit. This review provides a compendium of proteins that interact with the HIF-1α subunit, many of which regulate HIF-1 activity in either an O2-dependent or O2-independent manner.
Modeling of Environmental Protection

This chapter is devoted to analytic modeling of the relations between the economy, society, and the environment, with a focus on combating climate change. Section 11.1 describes simple models of these relationships and discusses mitigation and adaptation as two major human responses to environmental damage. Sections 11.2 and 11.3 investigate economic models with optimal investments into mitigation of environmental pollutions. Section 11.4 analyzes optimal investments into mitigation and adaptation against environmental damage. These economic–environmental models are formulated as social planner problems with mitigation and adaptation investments as separate variables. The steady-state analysis of optimal investments leads to essential implications for associated long-term environmental policies.
Approaching a decade since HPV vaccine licensure: Racial and gender disparities in knowledge and awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Gaps remain in the public's knowledge of the human papillomavirus (HPV). We assessed racial/ethnic and gender disparities in knowledge and awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine among US adults.Methods: Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 4 Cycle 3 (September – December 2013) and Cycle 4 (August – November 2014) were analyzed for 6,862 respondents aged 18 years and older. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate racial/ethnic and gender disparities in HPV knowledge and HPV vaccination awareness.Results: Sixty-six percent of respondents had heard of HPV and the HPV vaccine (57% of men vs. 75% of women). In multivariable analyses, compared with men, women were 225% (95% CI: 2.60 – 4.07) more likely to have heard of HPV, and 281% (95% CI: 3.06 – 4.74) more likely to have heard of the HPV vaccine. Non-Hispanic Blacks were 33% (95% CI: 0.47 – 0.96) and 44% (95% CI: 0.39 – 0.81) less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to have heard of HPV and the ...
Ripple current suppression methods for star-configured modular multilevel converters

The star-configured modular multilevel converter is a promising topology for grid-connected storage as well as power-quality applications and motor drives. During operation, the ac output power generates substantial current pulsation at twice the output frequency in the modules, which causes additional loss and requires an increase of the module capacitance. This paper presents a common-mode voltage injection method that reduces the ripple current by 30%–50% compared to conventional methods under a wide range of load conditions. We further propose to replace the conventional H-bridge modules with double-H-bridge modules, which allow direct power exchange between the arms through the neutral point to smoothen power pulsations. The double-H bridge module can suppress the ripple current by 70%–80%.
Complications and Reoperations in Mandibular Angle Fractures.

ImportanceMandible angle fractures can be repaired in a variety of ways, with no consensus on the outcomes of complications and reoperation rates. ObjectivesTo analyze patient, injury, and surgical...
Use of Charity Financial Assistance for Novel Oral Anticancer Agents

Novel oral targeted drugs are increasingly used for cancer therapy, but their extreme cost, often exceeding $10,000 per month, poses a significant barrier for patients and insurers alike, leading to the potential breakdown of traditional cost-sharing strategies. Insured patients’ routine use of charity assistance to supplement their coverage would indicate a major deficiency in the current health care policies. By using data from a specialty pharmacy affiliated with an academic center (1,557 prescriptions dispensed between January 2014 and March 2017), we examined sources of payment for novel oral anticancer agents, distinguishing contributions from health insurance, patients, and from charitable assistance organizations. Thirty-six percent of 211 patients received charity assistance, including 47% of patients who were 65 years old or older. Charity sources covered 4% of total drug costs and 64% of out-of-pocket expenditures. The proportion of patients receiving financial assistance ranged from 7% when th...
Stress radiographs for evaluating acromioclavicular joint separations in an active-duty patient population: What have we learned?

Abstract Introduction Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is a common entity in athletic patient populations. The surgical treatment of these injuries varies based upon extent of injury, with numerous imaging modalities recommended to differentiate injury severity and treatment options. The use of weighted stress radiographs is controversial in the diagnostic evaluation of AC separation with previous consensus recommending against their use. No study to date has investigated the clinical utilization of diagnostic studies in the evaluation of AC joint separations in a military surgeon population. Methods Thirty-eight shoulder or sports medicine sub-specialty certified orthopaedic surgeons on active service in the Army, Air Force, and Navy were surveyed on their evaluation and treatment protocols for AC joint injuries. Specifically analyzed were imaging choice including the use of weighted stress radiographs as well as treatment recommendations based upon Rockwood grade. Responses were recorded in addition to surgeon descriptive data. Responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results Thirty-seven of the identified thirty eight surgeons responded to the survey, for a 97% response rate. Of the group, 70% of surgeons were within 10 years of completing fellowship with an estimated average of 15 AC joint separations treated annually. Plain radiographic examination was relied upon by 48% of surgeons for treatment of AC joint separation with 13% using weighted stress radiographs. Overall, 10% of surgeon stated that their treatment plan would vary based upon results from a weighted stress view. 51% of surgeons included magnetic resonance imaging in their diagnostic approach of these injuries. Treatment recommendation varied according to injury severity with 78% preferring nonoperative treatment for acute Grade III injuries with 86% waiting a minimum of 3 months before proceeding with operative treatment. For Grade V injuries, 81% of surgeon preferred operative treatment, with 59% incorporating a soft-tissue graft in their repair or reconstructive procedure. Discussion This study identified substantial practice variation amongst military surgeons treating a relatively homogenous population with AC joint separations, reflective of a lack of definitive evidence to guide diagnosis and treatment. Overall, nonoperative management is the preferred initial approach for Type III injuries and operative treatment is the preferred initial approach for Type V injuries. The diagnostic evaluation varied across the surgeon cohort, but 87% elected against the use of weighted stress radiographs for the evaluation of AC joint separations, with only 10% relying upon them to dictate their recommended treatment. Future research identifying optimal diagnosis and treatment of AC joint separations is needed.
Spontaneous rupture of a normal uterus associated with placenta accreta forming a central placenta previa.

Abstract An unusual case report is presented in which spontaneous rupture of an apparently normal uterus occurred in conjunction with a placenta accreta which formed a central placenta previa. The mother recovered. The only clues as to previous uterine trauma were the history of a long hard breech delivery, and the finding of an omental adhesion near the site of the rupture. No oxytocic drugs had been administered.
Clusters and Associations

The star clusters of M33, after a slow start, have become a rich and revealing source of information on the galaxy’s history and its modes of star-formation. The discovery and analysis of clusters follows, to a large extent, the pattern of discovery of the rich cluster systems of the Magellanic Clouds (Westerlund 1997), but delayed in time by several decades. The first catalog of clusters was published by Hiltner (1960), who found 23 cluster candidates, based on examination of photographic plates taken with the Mt. Wilson 2.5 m telescope. Hiltner followed the discovery with photometry in the UBV system, from which he concluded that M33’s clusters were bluer and fainter than those of M31.
Recovering the Moral Sense of Health Care From Academic Reification

If health care is founded on the moral sense, as we argued in our article in Analecta Husserliana XX, “The Moral Sense and Health Care” (Scudder and Bishop, 1986), why is the moral sense not more evident in oral and written treatments of health care? We will attempt to answer that question, begged by our previous article, in which we argued in two ways that health care has a moral foundation. First, we used phenomenological descriptions of illness, of medical care, and of the meaning of care done by others to show that health care logically rests on the moral sense of fostering the physical and psychological well-being of persons. Second, from our own phenomenological study of fulfillment in nursing, we showed that the moral sense was inherent in the actual practice of nursing and that although not usually present in the language of nursing, it was presupposed as its foundation. The issue we will address, focusing on nursing, is: if the moral sense is foundational for health care, why is the moral sense so often absent from articulations of health care practice?
Digital Reconstruction of Acoustic Holograms in the Space Domain with a Vector Space Approximation

We have developed a computer-assisted ultrasonic underwater imaging system. Until recently, we used back-propagation to reconstruct images. This method, accurate both in the near and far fields of the object, is an inverse filtering technique that operates in the spatial frequency domain and requires the taking of two Discrete Fourier transforms (DFT’s).
Boundaries of Complex Manifolds

If M is a component of the boundary of a complex n-dimensional manifold X, then M has real dimension 2n - 1 and at each point x ∈ M the complexified tangent space T x has a distinguished (n - 1)-dimensional subspace S x which is the intersection of T x with the holomorphic vectors at x. Thus, vector fields with values in S x are the “tangential” Cauchy-Biemann operators.
The association of comorbid conditions and BMI on overall survival in geriatric breast cancer patients.

e21525Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. More than one-half of all women diagnosed with breast cancer are older than 65 years...
Analysis of Final Year Veterinary Students’ Telephone Communication Skills at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Client communication is a core clinical skill that is taught as part of the required curriculum at many veterinary colleges. Although much client communication occurs face-to-face, telephone communication is used to provide patient updates, relay results of diagnostic tests, and check on discharged patients. This research explored fourth year veterinary medical students’ telephone communication skills. We recorded and analyzed the transcripts of 25 calls students made to clients of three different services in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Additionally, we explored the perspectives of veterinary educators by distributing a survey to university faculty and house officers (n = 57). Results indicate that students excelled at identifying the patient and purpose of the call and incorporating professional language and clear explanations. They require development in providing structure and incorporating core communication skills. Compared with our survey results, the student findings are at odds with clinicians’ expectations of students’ communication abilities. We conclude that additional training is required to familiarize students with expectations regarding telephone communication, including reviewing the case thoroughly, preparing to answer questions and provide explanations, following organizational protocol, and incorporating open ended questions, reflective listening, and empathy. This data will inform design, and help to measure the impact, of telephone communication education and training that will be incorporated into the existing veterinary communication curriculum.
Unmasking difference: intersectionality and smallholder farmers’ vulnerability to climate extremes in Northern Ghana

This paper examines intersectionality and climate vulnerability in Ghana’s Upper West Region. Located within the southern fringe of the West African Sahel, and inhabited largely by smallholder farm...
"He Bore it Like a Scarlet Letter": Medical Student Reflections on Substance Use Disorders.

Substance abuse in the context of the opioid crisis presents a major public health concern. Despite some evidence that medical students’ attitudes towards substance use disorders worsen during medical school, very few studies have examined how students’ early clinical experiences with substance use disorders shape their views of this clinical population. This study uses student reflective essays to explore these formative educational experiences. Using content analysis, the authors analyzed a collection of 802 medical student reflective essays written during core clerkships (excluding Psychiatry), coding for ethical and professional themes as well as descriptions of substance use disorders. In addition to the qualitative identification of themes, the authors used chi-square analysis to determine which themes had statistically significant associations with substance use disorders. Fifty-three essays described patients with substance use disorders. The most common substances described were opioids (n = 25), alcohol (n = 18), and cocaine (n = 11). There were five themes statistically associated with substance use disorders (p < 0.05): (1) adequate treatment, (2) pain, (3) difficult patient, (4) jumping to conclusions, and (5) malingering. In the sample, students found the treatment of pain to be a significant ethical challenge related to substance use disorders. In considering a comprehensive educational plan, medical educators may need to consider educational venues outside of the Psychiatry clerkship to address substance use disorders.
Coronavirus and Cardiovascular Disease, Myocardial Injury, and Arrhythmia: JACC Focus Seminar.

The cardiovascular system is affected broadly by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Both direct viral infection and indirect injury resulting from inflammation, endothelial activation, and microvascular thrombosis occur in the context of coronavirus disease 2019. What determines the extent of cardiovascular injury is the amount of viral inoculum, the magnitude of the host immune response, and the presence of co-morbidities. Myocardial injury occurs in approximately one-quarter of hospitalized patients and is associated with a greater need for mechanical ventilator support and higher hospital mortality. The central pathophysiology underlying cardiovascular injury is the interplay between virus binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor and the impact this action has on the renin-angiotensin system, the body's innate immune response, and the vascular response to cytokine production. The purpose of this review was to describe the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular injury, including that of thromboembolic disease and arrhythmia, and to discuss their clinical sequelae.
Low cryoprotectant concentration rapid vitrification of mouse oocytes and embryos.

Abstract Vitrification of mammalian oocytes and embryos is typically a two-step procedure involving two solutions of increasing concentrations of cryoprotectants. In the present study, we report a simple vitrification protocol that uses low cryoprotectant concentration and a single medium (LCSM). This medium, along with the traditional high concentration two media (HCTM) protocol, was used to vitrify mouse oocytes, zygotes, and blastocysts using silica capillary, cryotop, cryolock, and 0.25 ml straws. Survival rates, two-cell rates, and blastocyst formation rates were compared for oocytes and zygotes vitrified using both protocols. Results show that the LCSM protocol was as good as or better than the traditional HCTM protocol for vitrifying mouse MII oocytes and zygotes using silica capillary, cryotop, and cryolock. On the other hand, for blastocysts, only silica capillary using LCSM had comparable results with the traditional HCTM protocol while cryolock and cryotop had significantly lower percentages of re-expanded and hatched blastocysts. Collapsing blastocysts prior to vitrification or longer duration for better cryoprotectant distribution in multicellular embryos may improve the outcome. In conclusion, the LCSM protocol, with one medium of much lower cryoprotectant concentrations and shorter equilibration time, reduces exposure to cryoprotectant toxicity while improves efficiency, consistency and reliability for mammalian oocyte and embryo preservation.
Witten Deformation on Non-compact Manifold: Heat Kernel Expansion and Local Index Theorem

Asymptotic expansions of heat kernels and heat traces of Schrodinger operators on non-compact spaces are rarely explored, and even for cases as simple as $\mathbb{C}^n$ with (quasi-homogeneous) polynomials potentials, it's already very complicated. Motivated by path integral formulation of the heat kernel, we introduced a parabolic distance, which also appeared in Li-Yau's famous work on parabolic Harnack estimate. With the help of the parabolic distance, we derive a pointwise asymptotic expansion of the heat kernel for the Witten Laplacian with strong remainder estimate. When the deformation parameter of Witten deformation and time parameter are coupled, we derive an asymptotic expansion of trace of heat kernel for small-time $t$, and obtain a local index theorem. This is the second of our papers in understanding Landau-Ginzburg B-models on nontrivial spaces, and in subsequent work, we will develop the Ray-Singer torsion for Witten deformation in the non-compact setting.
Radical probe system for in situ measurements of radical densities of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen

In this study, an in situ catalytic radical probe system together with a software platform is developed to measure concentrations of reactive species in low-temperature plasmas with high spatial resolutions. The radical probes can be used to determine radical densities of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen independently, in pairs and often simultaneously in any continuous plasma source in a vacuum environment. The basic principle and advantage of a probe array is the capability to distinguish between different gas species due to several sensitive elements acting as recombination catalysts. Radical densities of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen were measured in a helicon plasma source. Generally, it is observed that radical densities increase with respect to pressure and power. Additionally, the electron density and electron temperature were measured by Langmuir probes. The electron density increased with increasing power and pressure. Electron temperature increased with power but decreased with increasing pressure. The key to getting absolute numbers of radical densities is based on knowing the recombination coefficient of the given gas on the catalytic surface. The probe system measures densities in a broad range of reactive species’ concentrations varying from about 1013 to 1015 cm−3.
The Role of Nonduality in the Relationship Between Flow States and Well-Being

The current study investigated the hypothesis that the relationship between flow states and well-being is mediated by nondual experiences. Past empirical and theoretical work suggests flow states share similarities with nondual experiences. The current study expanded upon previous work by examining the relationships between flow, nondual experiences, emotion, and well-being. Students enrolled in various artistic classes (N = 104) were surveyed once a week for four weeks. Participants reported on their experiences of flow, nonduality, emotion, and psychological and subjective well-being. Higher scores on measures of both flow (b = 7.03, SE = 0.82, p < .001) and nondual experiences (b = 0.17, SE = 0.02, p < .001) predicted increased positive emotion immediately after class. Nondual experiences partially mediated this relationship, such that when accounting for nondual experiences, the relationship between flow and positive emotion was significantly decreased (b = 4.30, SE = 0.45, p < .001). Longitudinally, nondual experience also mediated the relationship between flow and satisfaction with life (Sobel t = 1.94, SE = 1.06, p = .05). However, while flow predicted increased psychological well-being (b = 0.32, SE = 0.14, p = .02) after the four weeks, nondual experience did not (b = −0.003, SE = 0.002, p = .13). These findings suggest that flow states may facilitate some features of nonduality and share similarities with meditative states. Additionally, the link between flow and well-being may be explained by its similarities to meditative states, and that creative activities could be useful in fostering well-being.
Increased incidence of post-operative respiratory failure in patients with pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract Objective While studies have reported increased post-operative pulmonary complications with SARS-CoV-2 infection, many are limited by use of historical controls or focus on less severe respiratory complications. We characterized the association between pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-operative respiratory failure (PORF). Design and setting This was a single center retrospective cohort study in New York City between March 14–June 14, 2020. Patients Exclusion criteria were age Measurements The primary outcome, PORF, included inability to extubate for ≥24 h or unplanned re-intubation within 5 days. Multiple exposures were measured including SARS-CoV-2 infection 4 weeks before or 5 days after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for pre-operative hypoxemia, oxygen use, and pneumonia as well as tachycardia, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Surgical Mortality Probability Model (S-MPM) index, and peri-operative blood transfusion. Main results SARS-CoV patients had higher CCI (P = 0.007) and S-MPM scores (P = 0.02). The incidence of PORF was 16% versus 7% in uninfected comparators (P = 0.001). Amongst infected individuals, 39% exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 and PORF was more common in these patients compared to asymptomatic individuals (26% vs. 9%, P = 0.04). Adjusted analysis revealed increased odds of PORF with infection (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.2). This persisted even when adjusting for probable mediators such as pre-operative hypoxemia. Infected patients also demonstrated increased adjusted odds of 30-day mortality (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.4–9.1). Conclusions Detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 4 weeks before or 5 days after surgery is associated with increased odds of 5-day PORF and 30-day mortality. This supports delaying elective surgery, but questions remain regarding the applicability of this recommendation for asymptomatic patients needing urgent or semi-urgent procedures such as oncologic surgery.
Assembling and Testing a Series of Ion-Selective Electrodes in Analytical Chemistry

Ion-selective electrodes are among the oldest and most important potentiometric sensing methods. In this experiment, students assemble their own reusable ion-selective electrode from glass tubes with an attached PTFE membrane, [(CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2)3NCH3]X ion exchanger, and both internal and external Ag/AgCl reference electrodes. Students then evaluate the electrode response as a function of specific-ion activity, measure the activity of an unknown-concentration solution, and determine the electrode selectivity by repeating the analysis in the presence of a fixed amount of interfering ion. With a choice of chloride, nitrate, acetate, and sulfate specific-ion electrodes and a variety of interfering ions, each student in a lab section can do a different experiment while keeping both the lab cost for consumables and the setup time low. The obtained selectivity values are in agreement with the Hofmeister series. Students practice analytical laboratory skills by designing and preparing a calibration curve, see benefits and limitations of ion-selective electrodes, and make use of the Nernst equation.
ANCA Vasculitis Treatment in the Dialysis Patient: Caution Needed!

ANCA vasculitis is a multisystem small vessel vasculitis with a high rate of morbidity (including kidney failure) and mortality. The treatment of ANCA vasculitis requires induction immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide or rituximab and maintenance with glucocorticoids and rituximab. The use of
The Role of the Non-Collagenous Extracellular Matrix in Tendon and Ligament Mechanical Behavior: A Review.

Tendon is a connective tissue that transmits loads from muscle to bone, while ligament is a similar tissue that stabilizes joint articulation by connecting bone to bone. 70-90% of tendon and ligament's extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of a hierarchical collagen structure that provides resistance to deformation primarily in the fiber direction, and the remaining fraction consists of a variety of non-collagenous proteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) whose mechanical roles are not well characterized. ECM elements such as elastin, the proteoglycans decorin, biglycan, lumican, fibromodulin, lubricin, and aggrecan and their associated GAGs, and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) have been suggested to contribute to tendon and ligament's characteristic quasi-static and viscoelastic mechanical behavior in tension, shear, and compression. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing literature regarding the contribution of the non-collagenous ECM to tendon and ligament mechanics, and to highlight key gaps in knowledge that future studies may address. Using insights from theoretical mechanics and biology, we discuss the role of the non-collagenous ECM in quasi-static and viscoelastic tensile, compressive, and shear behavior in the fiber direction and orthogonal to the fiber direction. We also address the efficacy of tools that are commonly used to assess these relationships, including enzymatic degradation, mouse knockout models, and computational models. Further work in this field will foster a better understanding of tendon and ligament damage and healing as well as inform strategies for tissue repair and regeneration.
Real-Time Cell Assays of Phospholipase A2s Using Fluorogenic Phospholipids

Abstract Phospholipase A 2 s (PLA 2 s) are a superfamily of enzymes involved in production of a wide variety of lipid mediators, including arachidonic acid, lysophospholipids, platelet activation factor, and eicosanoids. Fluorescence-based, real-time cellular activity assays for PLA 2 s have been developed as a tool for studying the function and spatiotemporal regulation of PLA 2 s. Recent progress in fluorogenic phospholipid design, genetic methods, and multiphoton multichannel microscopy allows simultaneous and continuous measurement of cellular localization and activity of PLA 2 in an isoform-selective manner. These assays should aid in elucidating the physiological roles and regulatory mechanisms of diverse PLA 2 isoforms, developing isoform-specific PLA 2 inhibitors, and analyzing lipidomics data of PLA 2 products.
Graviton and radion production at LHC: From pp and PbPb collisions

If the Planck scale is around a TeV in theories with large extra dimension, then gravitons should be produced in high energy hadronic collisions at the LHC. In this paper we compute the direct graviton production cross section in a pp and PbPb collision at LHC at \sqrt s^{NN}= 14 TeV and 5.5 TeV respectively. The graviton production cross section in a lead-lead collision is enhanced in comparison to a pp collision at LHC depending upon the minimum transverse energy of the jet E_{T,jet}^{min} above which the graviton production cross section is computed. For two extra dimensions and above E_{T,jet}^{min} = 100, 500, 1000, 1500 GeV the ratio of graviton production cross sections in a PbPb collision to that in a pp collision is found to be 2220, 400, 43, 2. For four extra dimensions this ratio is found to be 470, 100, 10, 0.5. In the Randall-Sundrum model the radion production cross section is also found to be enhanced in a lead-lead collision over that in a pp collision at LHC. The ratio of the radion production cross sections in a PbPb collision to that in a pp collision at LHC is found to be 1650, 460, 180, 67, 23, 1 for radion of masses 100, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000 GeV respectively.
La salud móvil y los sistemas de salud: determinantes del progreso en la salud global

Por lo general, cuando se habla sobre tecnologias de la informacion suele hablarse sobre la tecnologia en si y su contenido. En este articulo quisiera enfocarme en las tecnologias moviles para la salud (salud movil), pero no tanto en su contenido de la salud movil sino en su contexto, representado por los sistemas de salud en donde estas tecnologias se despliegan. El mensaje central es que para poder capitalizar todo el potencial de la revolucion de las comunicaciones moviles es necesario innovar no solo en el terreno de las tecnologias mismas sino tambien en el de las instituciones que permiten que estas tecnologias lleguen a sus posibles beneficiarios
Prevalence of night eating in obese individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence of Night Eating Syndrome (NES) in the general population is estimated to be 1.5%, however, the rates among individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are not yet established. This study sought to examine the frequency and correlates of NES-related behaviors in a sample of obese patients with schizophrenia. One-hundred outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders completed the self-report Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) and were then interviewed as a follow-up for the specific assessment of NES. Based on a diagnostic interview, 12% of this sample met full criteria for NES, with an additional 10% meeting partial criteria for NES. Based on the NEQ alone, 8% met full criteria with an additional 8% meeting partial criteria. Night eating behaviors were associated with increased insomnia and depression. Our findings suggest that screening for NES among patients with serious mental illness may efficiently identify a subgroup with additional clinical needs.
Chromatographic comparison of chondroitin-containing proteoglycan from small and large bovine ovarian follicles

Abstract Acetone precipitates were obtained from bovine follicular fluid and chromatographed using Sephacryl S-300 and Sepharose CL-2B. Glycosaminoglycan side chains were precipitated with alcohol after hydrolysis of proteoglycan by protease. Concentrations of glycosaminoglycans were quantitated by high performance liquid chromatography. Results showed that heparan sulfate was not covalently attached to protein and concentrations did not vary between small and large follicles. In contrast, virtually all of the chondroitin sulfate was bound to protein and concentrations were lower in follicular fluid from large follicles. Sulfate content of chondroitin did not change.
Developmental reprogramming after chromosome transfer into mitotic mouse zygotes

Until now, animal cloning and the production of embryonic stem cell lines by somatic cell nuclear transfer have relied on introducing nuclei into meiotic oocytes. In contrast, attempts at somatic cell nuclear transfer into fertilized interphase zygotes have failed. As a result, it has generally been assumed that unfertilized human oocytes will be required for the generation of tailored human embryonic stem cell lines from patients by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Here we report, however, that, unlike interphase zygotes, mouse zygotes temporarily arrested in mitosis can support somatic cell reprogramming, the production of embryonic stem cell lines and the full-term development of cloned animals. Thus, human zygotes and perhaps human embryonic blastomeres may be useful supplements to human oocytes for the creation of patient-derived human embryonic stem cells.
Treatment of antisynthetase-associated interstitial lung disease with tacrolimus.

Objective To assess the efficacy of tacrolimus in patients with anti–aminoacyl–transfer RNA synthetase (anti-aaRS)–associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). Methods Ninety-eight patients with anti-aaRS autoantibodies were identified in our IIM cohort of 536 patients. The medical records of 15 patients with anti-aaRS–associated ILD treated with tacrolimus between 1992 and 2003 were retrospectively reviewed. Pulmonary parameters of response included forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Manual muscle testing results, serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and the daily corticosteroid dosage were used to assess improvement in myositis. Random coefficient modeling considering polynomials of time was used to assess the clinical response to tacrolimus. Results All patients, except for 1, who had pure ILD, had definite or probable IIM. Two patients received tacrolimus for fewer than 3 months, and their data were not analyzed. For the remaining 13 patients, the mean age at onset of ILD was 46.9 years, and the mean duration of pulmonary disease was 14.7 months. Twelve patients had anti–histidyl–transfer RNA synthetase autoantibody (anti–Jo-1) and 1 had anti–alanyl–transfer RNA synthetase autoantibody (anti–PL-12). Patients received tacrolimus for an average of 51.2 months. A significant improvement was observed in all pulmonary parameters measured. The serum CK level declined significantly, and 10 patients had either an improvement in muscle strength or maintained normal muscle strength. A statistically significant reduction in the corticosteroid dosage was also observed. Conclusion Tacrolimus is a well-tolerated and effective therapy for managing refractory ILD and myositis in anti-aaRS–positive patients.
Electrooptical processing of signal transforms

New architectures are discussed for the implementation of signal transforms using new techniques in optical computing and signal processing. These architectures are based on the factorization of any discrete trigonometric transform matrix into a simple preprocessing matrix followed by a matrix consisting of the direct sum of circular convolutions.
Pseudochaotic Systems and Their Fractional Kinetics

We describe a wide class of systems, which corresponds to the random non-chaotic dynamics with zero Lyapunov exponents. We call this type of dynamics pseudochaos and show that the corresponding kinetic description of such systems can be developed in the frame of the so-called fractional kinetics with space-time self-similarity. Numerous simulations and some analytical predictions display unusual features of the pseudochaos.
Interactions between excitatory amino acids and tachykinins in the rat spinal dorsal horn

Abstract Whole-cell patch-clamp technique of freshly isolated rat spinal dorsal horn (DH) neurons, intracellular recording from DH neurons in a slice preparation, and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection of release of endogenous glutamate and aspartate from spinal cord slice following activation of primary afferent fibers were employed to investigate interactions between excitatory amino acids (EAA) and tachykinins [substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA)]. Potentiation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-, quisqualate (QA)- and α-amino 3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-, but not kainate-induced currents by SP and NKA was found. Spantide II, a claimed novel nonselective tachykinin antagonist, effectively blocked the SP (2 n M )-induced potentiation of the responses of DH neurons to NMDA. In the presence of glycine (0.1 μM ), the SP-evoked increase of the NMDA-induced current was prevented. However, 7-chlorokynurenic acid (2 μM ), a competitive antagonist at the glycine allosteric site of the NMDA receptor, led to the reestablishment of the SP effect. Brief high frequency electrical stimulation of primary afferent fibers produced a longlasting potentiation of presumed monosynaptic and polysynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potentials and sustained enhanced release of endogenous glutamate (218.3± 66.1 %) and aspartate (286.3 ± 58.0%). Possible functional implications of the observed phenomena are discussed in relation to transmission and integration of sensory information, including pain.
Polyimide Polymer Glass-Free Capillary Columns for Gas Chromatography

Polymeric polyimide capillary tubing, both uncoated and coated with stationary phases of two polarities, is explored for use as capillary columns for gas chromatography (GC). These glass-free polyimide columns are flexible and their small winding diameter of less than a cm around a solid support makes them compatible for potential use in portable GC instruments. Polyimide columns with dimensions of 0.32 mm i.d. × 3 m are cleaned, annealed at 300°C, and coated using the static method with phenylmethylsilicone (PMS). Separations of volatile organics are investigated isothermally on duplicate sets of polyimide columns by GC with a flame ionization detector using split injection. Unlike the uncoated ones, the coated polyimide columns successfully separate Grob test mix classes of alkanes, amines, and fatty acid methyl esters. The relative standard deviations for retention time and peak area are 0.5 and 2.5 , respectively. With the 3 m PMS-coated column connected to a retention gap to permit operation at its optimum flow rate of 30 cm/s, a plate count of 3200 or plate height of 1 mm is possible. Lack of retention and tailing peaks are evident for the polyimide polymer capillary columns as compared to that of a 3 m commercial cross-linked PMS fused silica capillary. However, headspace analyses of an aromatic hydrocarbon mix and a Clearcoat automotive paint sample are viable applications on the PMS polyimide polymer column.
Binding of holes in the Hubbard model

We present a new numerical method for the study of binding energies of particles in fermionic systems. Working with an imaginary chemical potential we can obtain results in the canonical ensemble by simple modifications of standard numerical techniques. We applied the technique to the two dimensional (2D) Hubbard model observing binding of holes at half-filling on lattices of 4 × 4 sites. For U/t = 4 we estimate that the binding energy is Δ = −0.10 ± 0.02 [1].