cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parenting Challenges in Families of Children with Autism: A Pilot Study

A pilot study was conducted using a focus group interview with parents of children with autism to provide parents with the opportunity to express their concerns related to parenting a child with autism and to discuss strategies parents can use to manage these challenges. Parents' desire and need for information related to autism is evident. Parents' identified supports and resources in need of expansion and development to assist with their child's needs. These findings support previous research with families communicating a need for partnership with healthcare providers. Nurses are often the first contact with children with autism and their families; they can support the partnership between parents and healthcare professionals. Using the Double ABCX Model of family behavior as the conceptual framework, a study investigating the findings of this pilot study has been completed.
Magnetic critical phenomena in fcc antiferromagnets: role of strain and dimensionality

Abstract We report neutron diffraction studies of MnTe epitaxial layers and MnTe/ZnTe strained superlattices prepared on (100) GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. In these systems MnTe grows in the Zinc-Blende (ZB) phase, in contrast to bulk MnTe, found in the NiAs form. The magnetic interactions are short range and antiferromagnetic, and result in a fcc type-III antiferromagnetic ordering (AFM-III). The renormalization group theories predict a fluctuation-induced first order phase transition for such system in the absence of strain. Such transitionsis indeed reported in previous work on bulk β-MnS, and is observed in our MnTe epilayers. The epilayers seem to be virtually strain-free, with all three AFM-III domains present. This picture is complicated, however, by our discovery of a substantial magnetostriction in MnTe. This magnetostriction, observed by precise measurement of the lattice constant, seems to result in the relative population shifts between the domains. The superlattices with the MnTe layer thickness of 30 and 60 A exhibit a single AFM-III domain that has the lowest strain-determined energy, consistent with observed small tetragonal distortion of the MnTe lattice, resulting from the ZnTe and MnTe lattice mismatch. In the presence of strain the dimensionality of the order parameter is reduced from 6 to 2, in which case the theory predicts the continuous phase transition. This is indeed observed experimentally.
Improving Kaizen event success in healthcare through shorter event duration

A common method of applying Lean principles within healthcare organisations for process improvement is the 'Kaizen Event'. These events often engage a team of 5–8 team members, and span 3–5 days. As the investment in time, energy and financially is large, it is crucial that the event be used to greatest benefit. While the Kaizen Event was crafted for use in the manufacturing sector, there are a number of difficulties when applied in the healthcare sector. In this research, we studied three differing event styles: a traditional three–and–a–half–day event, a two–and–a–half–day event, and a three–half–day event. While the event structures may be altered, the original Kaizen methodology and goals are maintained. This paper analyses each event type, and the impact on the day–to–day operations, staff scheduling, and maximum utilisation of time, while still focused on achieving the patient–centred process improvement results which is the main objective.
The Model Does Matter II: Admissions and Training in APA–Accredited Counseling Psychology Programs

This study collected information on the acceptance rates, admission standards, financial assistance, student characteristics, theoretical orientations, and select outcomes of American Psychological Association—accredited counseling psychology programs (99% response rate). Results are presented collectively for all 66 counseling programs as well as separately for practice-oriented PhD, equal-emphasis PhD, and research-oriented PhD programs. Practice-oriented programs accepted more applicants (29%) than equal-emphasis or research-oriented programs (19% and 17%); however, they offered less full funding (30%) than equal-emphasis (72%) or research-oriented programs (83%). Average Graduate Record Examination scores (594 quantitative, 552 verbal) and average grade point averages (3.57) were strong and similar across programs. Approximately 70% of incoming students were women, 29% ethnic and racial minorities, and 8% international students. On average, 89% of students secured an accredited internship as part of t...
TTF-1 and HNF-3β in the developing tracheoesophageal fistula: Further evidence for the respiratory origin of the ‘distal esophagus’

Abstract Purpose : Using an established rat model of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF), the authors have studied the organogenesis of this congenital anomaly. The authors previously have proposed that the "distal esophagus" actually is of respiratory lineage. In this report this hypothesis is tested by examining the expression of two foregut patterning transcription factors, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and hepatocyte nuclear factor-3β (HNF-3β), within the developing TEF. Methods: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 2.2 mg/kg of Adriamycin intraperitoneally on days 6 to 9 of gestation. Using microdissection, the trachea, blind-ending esophagus, TEF, and stomach were isolated from embryos of various gestional ages. Immunohistochemistry was performed using polyclonal antibodies to TTF-1 and HNF-3β. Results: TTF-1 is a homeodomain protein that previously has been shown to be expressed in the lung and trachea but not in the gastrointestinal tract, and which, when deleted in a developing lung, results in a mouse with no peripheral lung parenchyma. TTF-1 was expressed strongly in the lung, fistula, and distal esophagus, but not in the proximal esophagus. HNF-3β is a forkhead transcription factor important in foregut patterning that binds and activates the TTF-1 promotor sequence. HNF-3β was expressed globally in the fistula and lung as well as the esophagus. Conclusions: The expression of the lung-specific transcription factor TTF-1 within the TEF strongly implies that the "distal esophagus" is a respiratory-derived structure and thus supports our theory of TEF organogenesis. The conservation of HNF-3β expression both in the TEF as well as the normal developing trachea and esophagus suggests that global foregut patterning is intact in the formation of this anomaly, and the defect lies at the level of the respiratory versus gastrointestinal commitment.
3: Curriculum Evaluation

Curriculum evaluation appeared as a topic of a chapter in three of the five issues of the 1969 Review of Educational Research. The emphasis on this topic is, if nothing else, disconcerting to a reviewer who must plow the same field again; it is also puzzling when compared with the infrequent appearances of evaluations of actual curricula or curricular materials in either the research or the subject journals. AERJ, for example, contained no papers in its last three volumes ('67-'69) that might be counted as an evaluation of a curriculum, a curricular prescription (such as Montessori or Headstart), or curricular materials. This is perhaps not surprising given the character of AERJ, but when this same finding was obtained after a survey of School Review, Harvard Educational Review, Social Education, Science Teacher, College English, College Composition and Communication, Research in the Teaching of English, and Theory into Practice, the contrast with the concerns reflected in the Review of Educational Research is striking. These journals do have short reviews of texts and notes on curricular problems, but nothing equivalent to the preoccupation of the Review with this one theme.
Three-dimensional finite-difference modeling of the San Andreas fault: Source parameterization and ground-motion levels

Olsen et al. (1995) recently simulated an Mw 7.75 earthquake on the San Andreas fault, predicting long-period ( T > 2.5 sec) ground velocities of 140 cm/sec in the Los Angeles basin, about 60 km from the fault. These motions are much larger than estimates derived from empirical relations or other numerical simulations. Standard area-magnitude relations predict that the 170 × 16 km fault used in the simulations would produce an Mw 7.5 earthquake, giving a moment of 2.0 × 1027 dyne-cm, which is 2.4 times smaller than the moment used by Olsen et al. (1995). Further, self-similar scaling predicts a rise time of 3 sec for an Mw 7.75 event and 2.2 sec for an Mw 7.5 event. The filtered impulse slip function used by Olsen et al. (1995) has an effective rise time of 1.6 sec, yielding a response that is about 2 times larger than expected for periods less than 5 sec. This combination of high seismic moment and short rise time, along with the use of a uniform slip distribution, leads to the extreme ground-motion levels predicted by Olsen et al. (1995). To quantify the sensitivity of the long-period ground-motion response to source parameterization, we have performed 3D finite-difference (FD) simulations using various combinations of seismic moment, source rise time, and slip heterogeneity. These calculations incorporate the same grid dimensions, fault size, and bandwidth employed by Olsen et al. (1995). With a moment of 2.0 × 1027 dyne-cm, a rise time of 2 sec, and a smoothly heterogeneous slip distribution, we simulate peak long-period ground velocities of 155 cm/sec in the near-fault region and 40 cm/sec in the Los Angeles basin. These values are much closer to (although still higher than) empirical predictions. A uniform slip distribution produces the largest peak motions, both in the near-fault region and in the Los Angeles basin, whereas a rough asperity slip distribution noticeably reduces the maximum near-fault ground velocities. Our results indicate that the accurate simulation of long-period ground motions requires a realistic source parameterization, including appropriate choices of seismic moment and rise time, as well as the use of spatial and temporal variations in slip distribution.
Energy-Rich Phosphagens

It has, of course, been known for a long time that when you work you get tired, and that if you work hard you breathe hard, and when you stop working you keep breathing hard for a while as you recover. It is also clear that walking up a mountain is more tiring than walking down a mountain, although the reason for this is not so obvious as it might appear. Chemical changes in the muscles during exercise have been studied for a remarkably long time. For instance, an increase of lactic acid in the muscles of deers which have been run to exhaustion was discovered by Berzelius in 1841, and as far back as 1871, Weiss showed that the glycogen content of muscles decreased with work. Even the fact that creatine was formed by working muscles was observed by Monari in 1889 and the liberation of inorganic phosphate from an organic compound during activity was recorded by Salkowski in 1890. The work of Fletcher & Hopkins (1907) supported the lactic acid theory of muscle contraction which was based on the belief that the breakdown of glucose to lactic acid was the immediate energy source.
An Evaluation of Performance Thresholds in Nursing Home Pay-for-Performance

Objective Performance thresholds are commonly used in pay-for-performance (P4P) incentives, where providers receive a bonus payment for achieving a prespecified target threshold but may produce discontinuous incentives, with providers just below the threshold having the strongest incentive to improve and providers either far below or above the threshold having little incentive. We investigate the effect of performance thresholds on provider response in the setting of nursing home P4P. Data Sources The Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting (OSCAR) datasets. Study Setting and Design Difference-in-differences design to test for changes in nursing home performance in three states that implemented threshold-based P4P (Colorado, Georgia, and Oklahoma) versus three comparator states (Arizona, Tennessee, and Arkansas) between 2006 and 2009. Principal Findings We find that those farthest below the threshold (i.e., the worst-performing nursing homes) had the largest improvements under threshold-based P4P while those farthest above the threshold worsened. This effect did not vary with the percentage of Medicaid residents in a nursing home. Conclusions Threshold-based P4P may provide perverse incentives for nursing homes above the performance threshold, but we do not find evidence to support concerns about the effects of performance thresholds on low-performing nursing homes.
iRobot Corporations Intellectual Property: Accounting For Research And Development Under U.S. GAAP Versus IFRS

Founded by MIT scientists in 1990, iRobot Corporation designed, developed, and sold consumer and military robots to help people complete dull, dirty or dangerous tasks in real-world situations. The purpose of this case study is to stimulate discussion about intellectual property and how it should be measured and reported. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), iRobot reported no asset related to their internally generated intellectual property despite over 20 years of intensive research in robotics. In contrast, international financial reporting standards (IFRS) permitted firms to treat certain research and development (R&D) activities as an asset. By comparing U.S. GAAP and IFRS treatments of R&D, we provide an interesting example of the range of potential financial reporting effects across alternative accounting methods. Further, the case requires that students wrestle with the implications of moving from more rule-based accounting (U.S. GAAP) to more principles-based accounting (IFRS). How might U.S. managers, auditors, and investors likely respond? A teaching note is available.
Too Early or Too Late: A Sequence Analysis of Executive Career Timing

The executive career development literature holds as a strong premise that executives learn from career experiences and job assignments to be prepared for increasingly complex organizational positions. The temporal aspect of a career, namely the sequence of career experiences and events, however, is yet to be fully explored. This study utilizes the complete career paths of 49 high-level executives in a Fortune 100 company and examines the time sequence of their managerial transitions, to identify critical patterns in relation to career outcomes. Based on optimal matching cross organizational levels and role types, four typical career paths were found. Most significantly, a positive effect of “career misfit” was found to affect promotion rate, and this effect was moderated by executives’ competencies. Findings from this empirical study provide theoretical and practical implications for executive career development.
Responses to direct and indirect selection on aerial dispersal behaviour in Tetranychus urticae

Responses to direct and indirect selection on aerial dispersal behaviour in Tetranychus urticae
Therapy for acute ischemic stroke: The door opens - Interpreting the ninds RT-PA stroke study

Finally, a successful trial of treatment for acute stroke. Now, a major effort is needed to reduce time from onset to treatment.
Research on Middle Managers Career Plateau Phenomenon in Hotels

Middle managers play an important role in the development of the hotel, whose career development problem attracts the attention of the researchers. At present career plateau problem of middle managers becomes prominent increasingly in the hotel. It becomes a problem we need to be addressed how to help middle managers deal with career development bottleneck. This article discusses the pros and cons of career plateau to middle managers career development, and puts forward some concrete reform methods for this problem.
Effect of the technological parameters on the properties of microarc oxidation coating of LF4 Al-alloy

In the process of LF4 Al-alloy microarc oxidation (MAO) using an compound electrolytes containing sodium hypophosphate, the effect of current density, oxidation times, temperature of the solution and agitating intensity on the coating growth rate and the corrosion resistance was investigated. The compact ceramic coating with thickness of 80μm and high corrosion resistance was obtained when MAO was performed in the optimum operation condition. The coating contained Al, Si, O and P, and consisted of an outer loose layer and an inner dense layer.
Ethics of Future Business Managers: The Influence of Beliefs and Values on Ethical Attitudes

Academic cheating is a common problem on today’s college campuses. It is a problem in which many students participate. This research is designed to study the beliefs and value orientations of students related to cheating. The focus is to attempt the determination of which types of personal values dissuade students from contemplating cheating and which personal values are prevalent in those who engage in academic misconduct.
Hypoxia/aglycemia increases endothelial permeability: role of second messengers and cytoskeleton.

The effects of hypoxia/aglycemia on microvascular endothelial permeability were evaluated, and the second messenger systems and the cytoskeletal-junctional protein alterations in this response were...
Regulation of parathyroid hormone secretion by plasma calcium in aging rats.

Plasma immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (irPTH) levels increase with aging. This study determined 1) whether NH2-terminal irPTH secretory responses to induced hypocalcemia differ between adult (6...
Decision support framework to assist air traffic management

Air traffic management (ATM) initiatives are developed and implemented to mitigate delays caused by uncertainty in weather and demand at an airport. ATM decisions are made by traffic flow management specialists, based on their judgment and experience. Historical data on airport operations can be used to assist decision-making by intelligently augmenting controller experience with a more systematic and complete record of past ATM actions under similar conditions and their consequences. A decision-support tool that finds days similar to a query day with regard to weather features driving capacity can be used to guide day-of-operations decisions and assess past performance. A framework to evaluate different similarity measures is developed based on operational outcomes of the airport.
Teaching a Series of Mind-Body Techniques to Address the Risk of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Sonography Students: A Pilot Study:

Sonographers have been the focus of documenting work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The literature has focused on self-reported survey data, which point to more than 80% of sonographers perform...
Relationship between the number of behavioral symptoms in dementia and caregiver distress: what is the tipping point?

Background:Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are a primary manifestation of brain dysfunction in dementia and a great challenge in caregiving. While BPSD are historically associated with caregiver distress, it is unclear whether there is an identifiable point where BPSD number is associated with heightened caregiver distress. The purpose of this study was to determine if such a tipping point exists to assist clinicians in identifying caregiver compromise.Methods:Analyses were performed with three datasets totaling 569 community-dwelling persons with dementia and their caregivers. Each included identical demographic, BPSD, cognitive, and caregiver well-being measures. Linear regression was performed with 16 BPSD symptoms on caregiver well-being measures and predictive values determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and pre-defined scores for clinically significant distress.Results:Of the 569 persons with dementia, 549 (96%) displayed at least one BPSD, mean of 5.7 (SD = 3.06) symptoms in the past month. After controlling for covariates, BPSD symptom number was significantly associated with caregiver depression and burden (p < 0.01 for both models). Findings indicate ≥ 4 BPSD has strong predictive values for depression (sensitivity 85%, specificity 44%, area under ROC curve 0.62, p < 0.01), and burden (sensitivity 84%, specificity 43%, area under ROC curve 0.67, p < 0.01).Conclusions:Caring for persons with four or more BPSD appears to reflect a tipping point for clinically meaningful distress. Findings have implications for clinicians working with persons with dementia and their caregivers and suggest need for continuous monitoring of BPSD and identification of at risk caregivers.
Don’t let them kill you on some dirty roadway: survival, entitled violence, and the culture of modern American policing

The police subculture serves as a means for police officers to cope with the perceived stresses associated with police work, including the belief that their lives are constantly threatened by dange...
Outcomes of reintervention for recurrent symptomatic disease after tibial endovascular intervention

Abstract Objective Tibial interventions for critical limb ischemia are now commonplace. Restenosis and occlusion remain barriers to durability after intervention. The aim of this study was to examine the patient-centered outcomes of open and endovascular reintervention for symptomatic recurrent disease after a primary isolated tibial endovascular intervention. Methods A database of patients undergoing isolated primary lower extremity tibial endovascular interventions between 2006 and 2016 was retrospectively queried. Patients with recurrent critical ischemia (Rutherford 4 and 5) were identified. Outcomes in this cohort were analyzed, and three groups were defined: endovascular reintervention (ie, a repeated tibial or pedal endovascular intervention), bypass (bypass to a tibial or pedal vessel), and primary amputation (ie, above- or below-knee amputation) on the ipsilateral leg. Patient-oriented outcomes of clinical efficacy (absence of recurrent signs or symptoms of critical ischemia, maintenance of ambulation, and absence of major amputation), amputation-free survival (survival without major amputation), and freedom from major adverse limb events (above-ankle amputation of the index limb or major reintervention, such as new bypass graft or jump or interposition graft revision) were evaluated after the reintervention. Results There were 1134 patients (56% male; average age, 59 years) who underwent primary tibial intervention for critical ischemia, and 54% presented with symptomatic restenosis and occlusion. Of the 513 patients with recurrent disease, 58% presented with rest pain and the remainder with ulceration. A repeated tibial endovascular intervention was performed in 64%, open bypass in 19%, and below-knee amputation in 17%. Bypass was employed in patients with a good target vessel, venous conduit, and good pedal runoff. Patient-centered outcomes were better in the bypass group compared with the reintervention group (amputation-free survival, 45% ± 9% vs 27% ± 9% [ P P P Conclusions Tibial interventions for critical ischemia are associated with a high rate of reintervention. In patients with good target vessel, venous conduit, and good pedal runoff, bypass appears more durable than repeated tibial endovascular intervention.
Social Aspects of Computer Use

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the social aspects of computer use. The social aspects of the human–computer interaction emphasize the need to anticipate a variety of issues and fundamental conflicts, and plans carefully to resolve them. To remain viable, modern organizations should attempt not only to forecast the future with precision but should also attempt to influence the future. Many choices about change are involved when contemplating human work with computerized systems. The solutions to problems posed by human computer interaction are usually not individual choices but instead organizational and social choices. In some cases, beneficial outcomes are available that trade-off productivity gains against detriments to health or work quality. There are also a large number of types of changes that favorably affect both working lives and economic results. Focusing on the points where the gains in work–life quality and monies intersect requires opening up the decision-making process; deliberate, conscious planning; careful equipment acquisition strategies; gradual implementation; inevitably making some mistakes; and enhancing capabilities for continuing improvements and refinements after new systems are in place.
An Integrative Review of Interprofessional Simulation in Nursing Education

Abstract Collaborative health care teams lead to increased quality of patient care and safety; reduced health care costs; and greater satisfaction among patients and providers. However, a gap exists in interprofessional education which impacts practice. The purpose of this review is to synthesize simulation interprofessional research within nursing education.Five reviewers conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search from 2010 through 2016 based on a seven-step framework. Demographics, attributes, quality, setting, outcomes, and gaps were thoroughly analyzed in 48 studies. In conclusion, there is an increasing trend in interprofessional simulation research, yet more rigorous design, implementation, and analysis are needed to fill gaps about effectiveness of simulation. High-quality research and reporting is imperative to advance the science of simulation.
Negotiated and reciprocal exchange structures in human-agent cooperation

Abstract In light of increasing automation capability, Social Exchange Theory may help guide the design of automated digital interlocutors in human-agent teaming to enhance joint performance. The effect of two social exchange structures, negotiated exchange and reciprocal exchange, was assessed using a joint scheduling microworld environment. Negotiated exchange was operationalized as a bilateral requesting-and-accepting interaction in the microworld, and reciprocal exchange was operationalized as a unilateral resource-providing interaction in the microworld. Compared to the negotiated exchange structure, the reciprocal exchange structure led to increased resource-sharing by both the participant and agent, and thus higher joint performance in the microworld task. The reciprocal exchange structure thus enhanced performance by reducing communication overhead, facilitating proactive and increased resource-sharing. However, results also suggest participant resource-sharing was more mindless than strategic, and failed to consider agent needs. This study demonstrates a new approach to conceptualizing the social mechanisms of human-automation interaction for enhanced human-agent teaming.
From Wary Wearers to d-Embracers: Personas of Readiness to Use Diabetes Devices.

Background:Diabetes devices such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) are associated with improved health and quality of life in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, uptake remains low. The aim of this study was to develop different “personas” of adults with T1D in relation to readiness to adopt new diabetes technology.Methods:Participants were 1498 T1D Exchange participants who completed surveys on barriers to uptake, technology attitudes, and other psychosocial variables. HbA1c data was available from the T1D Exchange for 30% of the sample. K-means cluster analyses grouped the sample by device barriers and attitudes. The authors assigned descriptive labels based on cluster characteristics. ANOVAs and chi-square tests assessed group differences by demographic and psychosocial variables (eg, diabetes duration, diabetes distress).Results:Analyses yielded five distinct personas. The d-Embracers (54% of participants) endorsed few barriers to device use and had the highest rates of ...
Optimum input mode in the modality and redundancy principles for university ESL students' multimedia learning

Abstract Richard Mayer's cognitive theory of multimedia learning and multimedia learning principles provide theoretical and empirical foundations for multimedia instruction. However, the theory and the principles were developed based on empirical studies of native English-speaking students and may not apply to English-as-a-second-language (ESL) students. Specifically, the modality and redundancy principles that involve text and audio could become compromised in the ESL context, since ESL students have difficulty fully comprehending L2 (second language) English text and audio. This study sought to identify ESL students' optimum input mode (among graphics + audio, graphics + text, and graphics + audio + text, addressed in the modality and redundancy principles) and to test whether the modality and redundancy principles also apply to their multimedia learning. Empirical studies comparing the input modes for ESL students' learning were reviewed and common limitations were identified. When it came to knowledge retention, no statistically significant differences were found in ESL students' learning outcomes from the three input modes. The findings also indicated that Mayer's modality and redundancy principles had not applied to the learning of ESL students. Explanations for the results and implications for future research were discussed.
Nanoscale Devices Based on Two-dimensional Materials and Ferroelectric Materials

In this paper, we review our research on nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices based on two-dimensional (2D) materials and ferroelectric materials. Our study reveals that the current transport in graphene is highly influenced by the number of layers, local topography, and gate dielectrics on the graphene. High-performance radio-frequency (RF) devices and plasmonic photodetectors were fabricated based on graphene. We also synthesized monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) and tungsten diselenide (WSe 2 ) using chemical vapor deposition. The domain size of monolayer WSe 2 exceeds 100 µm. We demonstrate that logic devices based on MoS 2 have the potential to suppress short-channel effects and have high critical breakdown electric field. The gap states of MoS 2 were characterized using ac conductance. We found that the true band mobility of MoS 2 is much higher than the measured effective mobility due to the large number of gap states. In addition, we systematically investigated ferroelectric aluminum (Al)-doped hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ) with various top electrodes, Hf to Al ratios, and annealing temperatures. High-quality ferroelectric Al-doped HfO 2 with high remanent polarization and long endurance have been demonstrated.
Fighting the Opioid Epidemic with Tax Policy: The Establishment of the Substance Abuse Preventative Rehabilitation Trust

The United States currently faces the lethal and consequential opioid epidemic. Due to the increasing number of citizens succumbing to the epidemic, The United States’ addiction rehabilitation services fail to meet the demand required to combat the deadly epidemic. Not only are the citizens of the United States physically suffering the effects of opioid abuse, but the bystander tax payer inherits the responsibility of funding medical and criminal justice programs resulting from the lack of sufficient rehabilitation services for those struggling with others’ addiction. This article analyzes the current status of rehabilitation services in the United States and promotes the classification of substance abuse as a recognized disability under the Social Security Administration for the purposes of funding a substance abuse preventative rehabilitation trust. The funds apportioned to each individual who applies to the disability program due to substance abuse will finance the trust and will be forwarded directly to the participant’s local rehabilitation facility. The trust will fund preventative treatment for those American citizens suffering addiction which will lead to lessened burdens on tax payers in the forms of health savings and criminal justice costs such as prisons and drug courts. The preventative rehabilitation measures will additionally lead to positive socioeconomic effects in families, schools, and employment areas.
Predicting target genes of non-coding regulatory variants with IRT.

Summary Interpreting genetic variants of unknown significance (VUS) is essential in clinical applications of genome sequencing for diagnosis and personalized care. Non-coding variants remain particularly difficult to interpret, despite making up a large majority of trait associations identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analyses. Predicting the regulatory effects of non-coding variants on candidate genes is a key step in evaluating their clinical significance. Here, we develop a machine-learning algorithm, Inference of Connected expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) (IRT), to predict the regulatory targets of non-coding variants identified in studies of eQTLs. We assemble datasets using eQTL results from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project and learn to separate positive and negative pairs based on annotations characterizing the variant, gene and the intermediate sequence. IRT achieves an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.799 using random cross-validation, and 0.700 for a more stringent position-based cross-validation. Further evaluation on rare variants and experimentally validated regulatory variants shows a significant enrichment in IRT identifying the true target genes versus negative controls. In gene-ranking experiments, IRT achieves a top-1 accuracy of 50% and top-3 accuracy of 90%. Salient features, including GC-content, histone modifications and Hi-C interactions are further analyzed and visualized to illustrate their influences on predictions. IRT can be applied to any VUS of interest and each candidate nearby gene to output a score reflecting the likelihood of regulatory effect on the expression level. These scores can be used to prioritize variants and genes to assist in patient diagnosis and GWAS follow-up studies. Availability and implementation Codes and data used in this work are available at https://github.com/miaecle/eQTL_Trees. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Deciphering structural and magnetic disorder in the chiral skyrmion host materials Co x Zn y Mn z ( x + y + z = 20 )

Compounds with the Co${}_{x}$Zn${}_{y}$Mn${}_{z}$ ($x+y+z=20$) composition, crystallizing in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-Mn structure, have attracted recent interest in regard to their ability to host magnetic skyrmion lattices across a broad range of temperatures (including around room temperature) and magnetic field. The presence of compositional and spin disorder in the unit cell is believed to be closely linked to the skyrmion behavior. In this work, the disordered atomic and magnetic structure of Co${}_{x}$Zn${}_{y}$Mn${}_{z}$ materials are carefully characterized. The magnetic structure features moments on Co that order ferromagnetically at high temperature while larger moments on Mn remain fluctuating, ultimately freezing into a disordered spin glass at low temperature. This two-sublattice behavior allows for the coexistence of strong magnetic disorder with long-range ordered magnetic states including helimagnetism and skyrmion lattices.
Multi-source Log Clustering in Distributed Systems

Distributed systems are seeing wider use as software becomes more complex and cloud systems increase in popularity. Preforming anomaly detection and other log analysis procedures on distributed systems have not seen much research. To this end, we propose a simple and generic method of clustering log statements from separate log files to perform future log analysis. We identify variable components of log statements and find matches of these variables between the sources. After scoring the variables, we select the one with the highest score to be the clustering basis. We performed a case study of our method on the two open-source projects, to which we found success in the results of our method and created an open-source project log-matcher.
Irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains a highly prevalent condition that constitutes a large disease burden, and negatively impacts quality of life for a significant segment of the population. As such, IBS represents a common diagnosis in both primary care and specialty care settings. Reflecting the varied pathophysiologic mechanisms that contribute to IBS, patients similarly may present with an array of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Treatment choices also reflect the broad range of underlying mechanisms which may contribute to symptoms among patients with IBS. Therapy should be tailored to specific symptoms of IBS and may be further targeted to likely underlying mechanisms of IBS in an individual patient. In this chapter, we review and update the diagnostic evaluation, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and management of IBS.
Nedosiran Dramatically Reduces Serum Oxalate in Dialysis-Dependent Primary Hyperoxaluria 1: A Compassionate Use Case Report

Abstract Primary hyperoxaluria 1 (PH1) is a devastating condition involving recurrent urolithiasis, early end-stage renal disease and multisystemic deposition of calcium oxalate crystals. Treatment options for PH1 are limited, inevitably requiring transplantation, usually combined kidney and liver transplant. Here we report successful compassionate use of Nedosiran, an RNA interference targeting lactate dehydrogenase, in an index patient. Monthly Nedosiran injections led to dramatically decreased plasma oxalate levels, decreased frequency of weekly hemodialysis sessions from 6 to 3, and deferral of combined kidney and liver transplant. Nedosiran represents a novel and impactful potential therapeutic for PH1 patients with end-stage renal disease.
For or Against Tobacco Control: Sponsored Tobacco Advocacy Messages on Facebook and Instagram

INTRODUCTION This study explores sponsored tobacco advocacy messages on Facebook and Instagram by: (1) Examining differences in message performance metrics, funding sources, and audience characteristics of anti- and protobacco messages in the United States, and (2) Characterizing audience exposure to anti- and protobacco message themes across different age-groups and by gender. METHODS The analysis sample consisting of 375 tobacco-advocacy related messages on Instagram and/or Facebook in the United States from May 29, 2020 to July 26, 2020 was obtained from the Facebook Ad Library Application Programming Interface. Chi-square tests compared differences in anti- and protobacco messages by potential reach, impressions, approximate spend ($), social media platform type, average duration of delivery, type of funding sources, and audience age and gender exposure. Percentage distribution of message themes and audience exposure by age and gender were also examined. RESULTS Antitobacco messages (n = 334, 89.07%) exceeded protobacco messages (n = 41, 10.93%) overall. Antitobacco messages had lower potential reach, received a lower proportion of impressions, and spent a lower proportion of money per message. Protobacco advocacy was funded primarily by the tobacco industry and advocacy groups. A small fraction of antitobacco advocacy messages reached young adults and men. Among protobacco advocacy messages, a majority of messages highlighting tobacco regulations, addiction, citizen advocacy, flavors, and impact on economy reached mostly men. CONCLUSION Results illustrate important gaps in current sponsored antitobacco advocacy efforts, demonstrate the feasibility of monitoring sponsored tobacco advocacy on these platforms, and offer insights for future antitobacco advocacy campaigns. IMPLICATIONS Future antitobacco advocacy efforts on social media may consider more focused efforts in reaching young adults and men and in leveraging strategic social media analytics to improve their overall potential reach and impressions.
Determinants and Outcomes of Asymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis.

Abstract Background Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of stroke worldwide and confers a high risk of stroke recurrence, despite aggressive management of ...
Cre driver mouse lines for thalamocortical circuit mapping

Subpopulations of neurons and associated neural circuits can be targeted in mice with genetic tools in a highly selective manner for visualization and manipulation. However, there are not well-defined Cre 'driver' lines that target expression of Cre recombinase to thalamocortical neurons. Here were characterize three Cre driver lines for the nuclei of the dorsal thalamus: Oligodendrocyte transcription factor 3 (Olig3)-Cre, histidine decarboxylase (HDC)-Cre, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-Cre. We examined the postnatal distribution of Cre expression for each of these lines with the Cre-dependent reporter CAG-tdTomato (Ai9). Cre-dependent expression of tdTomato reveals that Olig3-Cre expresses broadly within thalamus, including thalamocortical neurons and interneurons, while HDC-Cre and CRH-Cre each have unique patterns of expression restricted to thalamocortical neurons within and across the sensory relay nuclei of the dorsal thalamus. Cre expression is present by the time of natural birth in all three lines, underscoring their utility for developmental studies. To demonstrate the utility of these Cre drivers for studying sensory thalamocortical circuitry, we targeted expression of channelrhodopsin-2 to thalamus from the CAG-COP4*H134R/EYFP (Ai32) allele with either HDC-Cre or CRH-Cre. Optogenetic activation of thalamocortical afferents in primary visual cortex was sufficient to measure frequency-dependent depression. Thus, these Cre drivers provide selective Cre-dependent gene expression in thalamus suitable for both anatomical and functional studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Lubricant Viscosity Effects on Passenger Car Fuel Economy

Using low-viscosity lubricants instead of high-viscosity lubricants improved warmed-up fuel economy by as much as 5%, depending upon the difference in lubricant velocity and type of driving. Cold-start fuel economy with low-viscosity lubricants was 5% greater than that with high-viscosity lubricants. With such improvements, it is concluded that significant customer fuel economy gains can be obtained by using the lowest viscosity engine and power train lubricants recommended for service. /GMRL/
Minimizing over‐diagnosis in lung cancer screening

Overestimation of the frequency and impact of over-diagnosis bias in lung cancer screening has contributed to long delays in implementation of lung cancer screening programs. Literature review reveals little evidence of substantial numbers of over-diagnosed non-lethal lung cancer. There is now strong evidence that lung cancers that would not cause symptoms or kill during normal anticipated survival are uncommon and mostly limited to in situ adenocarcinomas, identifiable as CT non-solid nodules. Prevention of overtreatment is possible within well-constructed diagnostic algorithms.
Convergence of a frequency-domain adaptive IIR filtering algorithm

Convergence of a recently developed frequency-domain adaptive pole-zero infinite impulse response (IIR) filtering algorithm by J.J. Shynk and R.P. Gooch (1986) is studied. A technique using ordinary differential equations (ODE) is modified and applied to this algorithm. It is shown that under certain statistical conditions the algorithm converges in probability to an associated ODE which in turn converges to a local minimum of its performance surface. >
MRI protocol for critically ill patients

BACKGROUND Ventilators compatible with magnetic resonance imaging machines are not universally available. However, the lack of such equipment should not preclude magnetic resonance imaging. We have developed a method by which a critically ill patient requiring mechanical ventilation can safely undergo such imaging without compatible equipment. METHOD By using extended ventilator tubing and calculating volume lost due to tubing compliance, safe and reliable mechanical ventilation can be achieved from a distance without impairing scan quality. RESULTS We devised a method to calculate volume lost due to mechanical compliance of the tubing with ventilator circuits employing 20, 30, and 50 feet of tubing. We added the estimated loss of volume to the set tidal volume of 700 mL to give a delivered volume of 700 mL. Twenty breaths were evaluated for each length of tubing. The evaluation of the 20- and 30-foot lengths of tubing demonstrated 10- and 52-mL discrepancies, respectively, between predicted and measured volumes. The 50-foot length showed a 121-mL discrepancy between predicted and measured volumes. CONCLUSIONS Our method appears to be clinically accurate for predicting volume lost due to tubing compliance for lengths of ventilator tubing less than or equal to 30 feet. We have found this technique to be a safe and effective way to ensure patient safety and scan quality in patients requiring mechanical ventilation during magnetic resonance imaging.
Short echo time MR spectroscopic imaging of the lung parenchyma.

Purpose To perform short echo time MR spectroscopic imaging of the lung parenchyma on normal volunteers. Materials and Methods A short echo time projection-reconstruction spectroscopic imaging sequence was implemented on a commercial 1.5T whole body MRI scanner. Images and spectra of the lung parenchyma were obtained from five normal volunteers. Breath-held spectroscopic imaging was also performed. Results Spectroscopic imaging of short-T2* species allows visualization of different anatomic structures based upon their frequency shifts. A characteristic peak from the parenchyma was seen at three ppm from water frequency. Conclusion Short echo time MR spectroscopic imaging of the lung parenchyma was demonstrated in normal volunteers. This method may improve proton imaging of the lungs and add specificity to the diagnosis of pulmonary disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:679–684. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Legal, Regulatory, and Policy Challenges of Infection Control in Home Health Care, 2008

The practice implications of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hospital payment policy change are likely to influence the relationships between home health care agencies and their referring/receiving hospitals. Maintaining infection control measures can be difficult in the home environment, which was not designed for health care provision and where family members, friends, and pets are present. In addition to the hospital payment changes, there have been epidemiologic changes, with increasing recognition of multidrug resistant organisms and increasing virulence. The purpose of this article is to identify the scope of the practice changes that might be expected in response to epidemiologic and policy changes and activities that home health care agencies can undertake in response. Increased calls for transparency, accountability, and high-quality care, along with threats of denied reimbursement, will force changes across the entire continuum of care.
Psychometric properties of the brief health literacy screen in clinical practice

BACKGROUND The three-item Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) has been validated in research settings, but not in routine practice, administered by clinical personnel.