cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Socioeconomic, Demographic and Health System Factors on Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Introduction Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. Once diagnosed, AML is usually treated aggressively with the goal of improving survival. In this study, we aim to evaluate the factors affecting delivery of treatment in patients with AML. Methods This is a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with AML from 2003 to 2013 from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). NCDB consists of demographic variables and survival outcomes of approximately 70% of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States and Puerto Rico. Univariate logistic regression was performed to calculate crude odds ratio for different variables. Results A total of 98,293 patients were diagnosed with AML from 2003-2013, of which 24% (23,328) did not receive any systemic therapy (ST). On univariate analysis, the odds of receiving treatment were lower among females (Odds Ratio [OR] =0.97; 0.94-0.99), elderly (OR=0.15; 0.15-0.16), and Medicare patients (OR=0.23; 0.22- 0.23). Patients with one or more comorbidities had lower odds of receiving treatment compared to patients without any comorbidities (OR for 1 comorbidity=0.65; 0.63- 0.67, and OR for ≥ 2 comorbidities=0.42; 0.40-0.44). The odds of receiving ST were lower in community hospitals as compared to academic centers (OR=0.34; 0.32-0.35). African Americans had higher odds of receiving ST compared to Whites (OR=1.20; 1.13- 1.26). The patients belonging to households with higher income (>$49K) had higher odds of receiving ST (OR=1.14; 1.08-1.20). The histologic subtype associated with highest odds of receiving treatment was acute promyelocytic leukemia (OR=2.43; 2.27- 2.59). Compared to the reference period 2003-2006, patients diagnosed with AML during the later time period had higher odds for receiving therapy: 2007-2010 (OR =1.11; 1.08- 1.15), and 2011-2013 (OR=1.27; 1.22- 1.31) respectively (Table 1). Conclusions Although the number of people receiving therapy for AML has increased over time, factors like older age, comorbidities, lower household income, having Medicare, and being diagnosed at a community hospital were associated with lesser odds of receiving ST. More studies are needed to assess the impact of these factors on patient survival. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Predicting Stimulus-Driven Attentional Selection Within Mobile Interfaces

Masciocchi and Still [1] suggested that biologically inspired computational saliency models could predict attentional deployment within webpages. Their stimuli were presented on a large desktop monitor. We explored whether a saliency model’s predictive performance can be applied to small mobile interface displays. We asked participants to free-view screenshots of NASA’s mobile application Playbook. The Itti et al. [2] saliency model was employed to produce the predictive stimulus-driven maps. The first six fixations were used to select values to form the saliency maps’ bins, which formed the observed distribution. This was compared to the shuffled distribution, which offers a very conservative chance comparison as it includes predictable spatial biases by using a within-subjects bootstrapping technique. The observed distribution values were higher than the shuffled distribution. This suggests that a saliency model was able to predict the deployment of attention within small mobile application interfaces.
Acute massive gastric dilatation causing ischaemic necrosis and perforation of the stomach.

Acute massive gastric dilatation (AMGD) is a rare distinctive condition but associates with high morbidity and mortality. Though usually seen in patients with eating disorders, many aetiologies of AMGD have been described. The distension has been reported to cause gastric necrosis with or without perforation, usually within 1–2 days of an inciting event of AMGD. We report the case of a 58-year-old male who presented with gastric perforation associated with AMGD 11 days after surgical relief of a proximal small bowel obstruction. The AMGD arose from a closed loop obstruction between a tumour at the gastro-oesophageal junction and a small bowel obstruction as a result of volvulus around a jejunal feeding tube. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a closed loop obstruction of this aetiology reported in the literature, and the presentation of this patient’s AMGD was notable for the delayed onset of gastric necrosis. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy and a partial gastrectomy to excise a portion of his perforated stomach. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of delayed ischaemic gastric perforation in cases of AMGD.
Exploring perceptions of data analytics in the internal audit function

The objective of our study is to understand the use of data analytics within the internal audit function IAF and to investigate the types of tools internal auditors use, given the large amounts of data available to them for analytic purposes. We interview the Chief Audit Executive CAE in six for-profit and six not-for-profit organizations across several industries, including manufacturing, government services, energy, banking, and higher education. Our intent was to gather descriptive information with respect to the IAF, as well as quantifiable responses to specific questions about the role of data analytics in each CAE’s IAF. Our findings indicate that CAEs value professional certifications and the use of data analytics in the IAF. CAEs report that they employ data analytics at different times and for different purposes and that they are dedicating a considerable amount of the IAF budget in support of data analytics. Our findings should be of interest to CAEs as they consider various possible tools and training to support data analytics within their organisations and to academics who wish to include data analytics courses or topics in the accounting and information systems curricula to prepare students for the workplace.
Conclusion: Rethinking the Horizons of Failed Bids

The process through which mega-event planning and bid logics evolve and are justified has much to tell us about how urban space is produced in the modern city. This concluding chapter emphasizes the need to shift the emphasis of political debate away from the bid itself, to focus instead on the long-term policy making strategies that motivate bidding behind the scenes. By extending the horizons of bid failure, there is the opportunity to gain critical insight into the formation of urban policy, planning, and practice. This chapter reiterates several important lessons learned for cities considering whether or not to bid for the Games, and illustrates that cities have become adept at leveraging the mega-event bidding process for particular purposes.
Abstract P270: First Trimester Elevation in Circulating Endothelin-1 and Arterial Stiffness are Predictive of Late Pregnancy Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by late pregnancy hypertension and proteinuria. PE causes significant morbidity for the maternal-fetal unit. Circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, is elevated at the time of diagnosis of human PE. In addition, women with PE demonstrate arterial stiffness as early as the end of the first trimester. However, it is unknown if arterial stiffness is associated with a first trimester elevation in ET-1 and post-delivery placental ET-1. We hypothesized that 1) first trimester plasma ET-1 is elevated and is associated with arterial stiffness in women who develop PE; 2) first trimester ET-1 is predictive of PE; and 3) placental ET-1 is increased in PE. To address these questions, we performed a nested case-control study in women at risk for PE. First trimester plasma ET-1 was measured via ELISA; aortic stiffness and carotid beta-stiffness (CβS) were measured by carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (CFPWV) and carotid tonometry/ultrasound, respectively. While the maternal age of controls (n=126; age 30 ± 0.45 years) and PE (n=15; age 31 ± 1.3 years) were similar, the PE group had a higher first trimester BMI (35 ± 3 vs. 29 ± 1 kg/m 2 , p = 0.01), systolic (125 ± 2 vs. 113 ± 1 mmHg, p
Inducing heterogeneity in local entrepreneurial ecosystems: the role of MNEs

The role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in fostering economic growth has become a key priority around the globe. To develop such ecosystems, numerous countries have provided significant inducements to multinational enterprises (MNEs) to attract them to locate their operations within their borders. Despite the rise in MNEs’ entry, evidence on their efficacy in invigorating local entrepreneurial systems has been mixed. We propose that this may arise from a lack of focus on local ecosystems’ absorptive capacity, which is essential to spawning different types of entrepreneurial ventures that combine both replicative (imitative) and truly innovative local firms. This occurs as local entrepreneurs in proceed to capture, assimilate, and exploit MNEs’ different knowledge spillovers. Further, we argue that the dynamic interplay between knowledge flows through spillovers from MNEs and absorptive capacity is likely to promote the emergence, evolution, and sustainability of different types of new local firms—in some cases creating conformity and lock-ins and in others enhancing the heterogeneity of entrepreneurial activities. Over time, these developments encourage co-specialization between local new ventures and MNEs. Our analyses highlight key sources of heterogeneity in types of new firms that might emerge in a local ecosystem and how they might develop over time as a result of MNEs’ entry, creating wealth.
Polypharmacy: Neuraxial Anesthesia and Anticoagulation

Hematoma after epidural anesthesia, while rare, can be a potentially devastating event. This risk is significantly increased in the presence of concomitant antithrombotics. This chapter reviews over FDA approved antithrombotics and discusses a standardized approach to evaluating a patient’s medication regimen prior to placement and removal of an epidural catheter. This chapter also discusses potential systems and process improvements for reinforcing guidelines to the safe use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications in patients undergoing interventional spine and pain procedures.
Echocardiography derived pulmonary artery capacitance and right ventricular outflow velocity time integral on first day of life can predict survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract Correlation between right ventricle systolic pressure (derived from moderate/severe tricuspid regurgitation) and survival of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) infants was established. We hypothesize that other non-tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) dependent Echo parameters can predict CDH mortality. Our retrospective study included 20 CDH infants from January 2008 to September 2015. Inclusion criteria included: all CDH patients admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria were: hereditary malformation of air ways, congenital heart disease other than patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and/or PFO (patent foramen ovale) or atrial septal defect (ASD), sepsis, genetic syndromes and high frequency ventilation usage. Relevant non-Echo data was collected. The following Echo parameters were evaluated: severity of TR, ratio between systolic and diastolic duration of right ventricle (RV), pulmonary artery capacitance (PAC), RV outflow tract velocity time integral (RVOT VTI), and others. CDH survivors showed higher RVOT VTI (12.3 ± 3 ml vs 9 ± 3.1 ml), and higher PAC (0.3 ± 0,2 ml3 × mm Hg− 1 versus 0.18 ± 0.07 m3 × mm Hg− 1). Cronbach's alpha for intra-rater reliability was 0.82 for PAC and 0.98 for RVOT VTI and for inter-rater reliability was 0.74 and 0.89 consecutively. RVOT VTI of value > 10.5 ml and PAC of value > 0.24 ml3 × mm Hg− 1 differentiated CDH survivors with area under curve (AUC) 0.78(p = 0.02) and AUC 0.89(p = 0.002) consecutively with sensitivity and specificity for both > 70%. Proportional Hazard analysis showed PAC
Students' Perceptions of Pair Programming in CS1: (Abstract Only)

Pair programming in CS1 courses has been shown to have many benefits (both to students and instructors), and it is widely employed. Other than assignment by instructors, how do students select their partners, and what are their perceptions of working with a partner? In our study, students in a CS1 course for non-majors were required to complete a brief, anonymized survey after each homework assignment; we analyzed their survey responses over the course of the semester and compared the results of students who worked with a partner and students who worked alone. Pairs and individuals judged assignments to be about the same difficulty, but pairs spent less time on assignments. Individuals generally worked alone out of preference, but a minority of them reported interest in working with partners but could not find one on their own. Through our analysis we model relationships between survey constructs, student success, and student satisfaction.
Advocacy and Empowerment of Individuals, Families and Communities

The historical, philosophical, and ethical foundations of patient advocacy and empowerment are presented. These concepts are elaborated using relevant position statements from the World Health Organization, the International Council of Nurses, and the American Nurses Association. Empowerment is viewed as a process and outcome that is closely linked with advocacy. Patient and community empowerment as well as types of advocacy are clustered as individual, organizational, and community/societal levels. The assumptions, processes, and outcomes of patient and community empowerment are drawn from studies from several countries. A special section of research presents barriers and facilitators of empowerment for racial and ethnic minorities and vulnerable populations. A model for culturally competent advocacy and empowerment is used to organize selected strategies. Case studies of patients and populations from three different countries are included.
“There isn't a man here that I should be ashamed”: Resistance to Indian Cultural Conventions regarding Female Nudity

Draupadi stands before him naked. Thigh and pubic hair matted with dried blood. Two breasts two wounds. "What is this?" He is about to bark. Draupadi comes closer. Stands with her hand on her hip laughs and says "The object of your search Dopdi Mejhen. You asked them to make me up; dont you want to see how they made me?" "Where are her clothes?" "Wont put them on sir. Tearing them." [Draupadi]s black body comes even closer. Draupadi shakes with an indomitable laughter that Senanayak simply cannot understand. Her ravaged lips bleed as she begins laughing. Draupadi wipes the blood on her palm and says in a voice that is terrifying sky-splitting "Whats the use of clothes? You can strip me but how can you clothe me again? Are you a man?" She looks around and chooses the front of Senanayaks white shirt to spit a bloody gob at and says "There isnt a man here that I should be ashamed. I will not let you put my cloth on me. What more can you do? Come on counter me counter me..." Draupadi pushes Senanayak with her two mangled breasts and for the first time Senanayak is afraid to stand before an unarmed target terribly afraid (Mahasveta Devi 1990/1992: 104). Mahasveta Devis rendering of Draupadis tale develops many of the classical themes in interesting ways. Implied rape in Draupadis case becomes actual rape in Dopdis case. Blood figures significantly in both narratives but where Draupadi will bathe and purify herself in Duryodanas blood Dopdi sullies Senanayak with hers spattering his clean white shirt. But most interesting for the purposes of this paper is the emphasis on exhibitionism in both narratives. Like Vyasas Draupadi displaying her unbraided hair Mahasveta Devis Dopdi counters the wickedness of her tormentor by exhibitionistic display. Refusing to cover herself she uses her ravaged body as a weapon by which to censure the man who has sanctioned the use of gang rape as a weapon against her. (authors)
Role of Cl--HCO3- Exchanger and Anion Channel in the Cat Carotid Body Function

Carotid body (CB) chemosensory responses to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are well demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro 1. The responses are expected to originate from the chemoreceptor cells which usually should manifest parallel phenomena. The consensus model of the chemoreceptor unit is that the glomus cells are the presynaptic chemoreceptor cells and the sensory fibers are the postsynaptic elements which, we supposed, should reflect the events in the presynaptic glomus cells. However, Buckler et al.2 and Wilding et al.3 reported that the glomus cells possessed at least three ion-exchangers which regulated the intracellular pH (pHi). If the chemosensory responses are coupled to the pHj of the glomus cell and its pHi is well regulated then there will be a lack of correspondence between the glomus cell pHi and the sensory response to CO2-H+. Accordingly the role of the ion-exchangers would appear ambivalent.
Federal Funding for Health Security in FY2018.

This article is the latest in an annual series analyzing federal funding for health security programs. It examines proposed funding in the President's Budget Request for FY2018 and provides updated amounts for FY2017 and actual funding for FY2010 through FY2016. The proposed FY2018 budget for health security–related programs represents a significant decrease in funding from prior years and previous administrations. In total, the President's proposed FY2018 budget includes $12.45 billion for health security–related programs, an estimated decrease in funding of $1.25 billion, or 9%, from the estimated $13.71 billion in FY2017 and an 11% decrease from the FY2016 actual funding level of $13.99 billion. Most FY2018 health security funding ($6.67 billion, 54%) would go to programs with multiple-hazard and preparedness goals and missions, representing a 14% decrease in this funding compared to FY2017. Radiological and nuclear security programs would receive 20% ($2.48 billion) of all health security funding, a s...
Computational and Experimental Investigation of Alkene Hydrogenation by a Pincer-Type [P2Si]Rh Complex: Alkane Release via Competitive σ-Bond Metathesis and Reductive Elimination

A combined experimental and computational approach has been utilized to elucidate the mechanism of alkene hydrogenation by pincer-type [P2Si]Rh catalysts. Although [P2Si]Rh interacts with H2 to afford a dihydrogen σ-complex rather than a dihydride (seemingly an indication of facile reductive elimination from Rh(III)), alkane release occurs by competitive σ-bond metathesis (bimolecular) and reductive elimination (unimolecular) pathways. This unusual behavior is attributed to the strong trans influence of the silyl donor.
Poliovirus and Other Enteroviruses

The enterovirus group, named in 1957,(72,285) brought together polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses, all of which inhabit the human alimentary tract. These viruses share a number of clinical, epidemiologic, and ecological characteristics as well as physical and biochemical properties.
Who Will Be a Bystander? An Exploratory Study of First-Person Perception Effects on Campus Bystander Behavioral Intentions

The purpose was to explore the underlying mechanisms that drive relationships between knowledge, attitudes and intervening bystander behavior to improve bystander violence prevention program effectiveness. Perceptual effects theory was used to understand third-person and first-person perceptions (TPP and FPP) as related to bystander intervention programs and to what extent perceptual gaps influence one’s intention to intervene. A web-based survey was conducted with 379 undergraduate students recruited from a large, Northeastern University. The survey covered demographics, previous bystander training, self-efficacy to engage in bystander behavior, social desirability of bystander intervention training programs, and perceived effects on self and others. Participants indicated how they would act in six hypothetical dating violence/bullying and sexual violence scenarios, and how they thought an average student on campus would act. Perceived ambiguity and risk for each of the scenarios were also measured. Descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, and multilevel model analyses were conducted. Results showed that a robust first-person perception effect existed (i.e., the student perceived themselves being more influenced by bystander interventions/messages than their peers). The magnitude of FPP was increased by sex (significantly larger gap among female students) and previous training. Results show promise to further tailor and refine bystander interventions and provide directions to improve program effectiveness. Despite study limitations, the results indicate the first-person effect warrants further consideration for programming and messaging. Tailoring bystander training or repeated exposure may increase bystander behaviors. More research is needed to fully uncover TPP/FPP effects, predictors, and impacts on bystander intervention programs.
Novel Biometrics: Analysis of an Unattended Health Monitoring System

In-home monitoring technologies have the potential to transform the healthcare system. With the increasing number and variety of connected devices that can be accessed by multiple users, the need for seamless authentication and identification mechanisms is greater now than ever. Seamless, non-interruptive mechanisms are required to personalize these devices and non-intrusive biometric technologies are gaining popularity as an answer to this automated personalization challenge. In this work, we evaluate the biometric efficacies of a fully integrated toilet (FIT) seat, designed for monitoring a subjects cardiac health parameters such as electrocardiogram (ECG), ballistocardiogram (BCG) and weight measures, all in the home without any change in daily habits. We assess the system on data obtained from 22 healthy subjects with measurements taken over an 8-week period, in order to obtain the optimal combination of features, classifiers and enrollment record size. We found the multi-class SVM classifier along with all features extracted from the raw measurements to be the best performing combination. This combination produced an area under curve (AUC) value of 0.86. When tested for its person identification performance, we obtained an average accuracy of 75%. We have therefore demonstrated that the biometric capacities of the FIT seat shows a strong potential for deployment in real-life, multi-user, in-home settings.
Experimental dynamics of Newtonian non-elastic and viscoelastic droplets impacting immiscible liquid surface

The dynamics of Newtonian nonelastic and viscoelastic droplets that impact an immiscible liquid surface were experimentally studied using high speed visualization techniques. The impact mechanisms of nonelastic droplets differed from those of viscoelastic droplets. The azimuthal instability seen along the rim bordering the nonelastic droplets was not observed during the impacting of viscoelastic droplets. The azimuthal instability is attributed to the Saffman–Taylor instability because of the viscosity discontinuity across the interface, and to the Rayleigh–Taylor and Richtmyer–Meshkov instabilities because of the density difference at the interface. The effects of the physical parameters, in terms of the Weber number, We, on the growth of the azimuthal instability were studied. The analysis revealed that the growth of the azimuthal instability increased the inertial force of the droplet upon impact. Moreover, surface tension-driven instability, known as the Plateau–Rayleigh instability, was also observed from impact of the nonelastic droplet, which was distinct from the viscoelastic droplets. The stabilizing role of the elasticity in the droplet impact was investigated using the elastocapillary number, Ec. For nonelastic droplets, the elastocapillary number is negligible, hence any disturbance could grow further and destabilize the liquid. However, for viscoelastic liquids, the Ec is significant due to the presence of elasticity, which prevents the growth of any disturbances in the liquid.
Plasma P-Selectin Is Inversely Associated with Lung Function and Corticosteroid Responsiveness in Asthma.

Background Severe asthma has multiple phenotypes for which biomarkers are still being defined. Plasma P-selectin reports endothelial and/or platelet activation. Objective To determine if P-selectin is associated with features of asthma in a longitudinal study. Methods Plasmas from 70 adult patients enrolled in the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) III at the University of Wisconsin-Madison were analyzed for concentration of P-selectin at several points over the course of 3 years, namely, at baseline (BPS), after intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection, and at 36 months after baseline. Thirty-four participants also came in during acute exacerbation and 6 weeks after exacerbation. Results BPS correlated inversely with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and with residual volume/total lung capacity, an indicator of air trapping. BPS was inversely associated with FEV1 change after TA, by regression analysis. FEV1 did not change significantly after TA if BPS was above the median, whereas patients with BPS below the median had significantly increased FEV1 after TA. BPS was higher in and predicted assignment to SARP phenotype cluster 5 ("severe fixed-airflow asthma"). P-selectin was modestly but significantly increased at exacerbation but returned to baseline within 3 years. Conclusions High BPS is associated with airway obstruction, air trapping, the "severe fixed-airflow" cluster, and lack of FEV1 improvement in response to TA injection. P-selectin concentration, which is a stable trait with only modest elevation during exacerbation, may be a useful biomarker for a severe asthma pheno- or endotype characterized by low pulmonary function and lack of corticosteroid responsiveness.
Artificial Neural Network Models to Predict Lost Circulation in Natural and Induced Fractures

Mud loss is a challenging obstacle in the oil and gas industry. Predicting mud loss can be very useful to stop or prevent this problem. In this study, data of more than 3500 wells collected worldwide were used to create two neural network models to predict mud loss in natural and induced fractures. For both networks, data were separated into three sets: 60% for training, 20% for validation, and 20% for testing. The number of hidden layers and the number of neurons in each hidden layer were optimized after multiple trials. The findings proved that the created models can estimate mud loss for natural and induced fractures within a small error. The overall R2 for the natural fractures model was 0.956 while the overall R2 for the induced fractures was 0.925. To further investigate and verify the created networks, both models were tested on 24 new wells (wells not used in the process of constructing the networks). The results indicated the models’ predictions closely tract the actual mud loss data with a maximum error of 6.34%. The models have proved their robustness in predicting mud loss and can be used worldwide for mud loss prediction as well as mitigating mud loss by altering the key drilling parameters to prevent or minimize mud loss.
Drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus in previously diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A case series.

Drug-induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (DI-SCLE) is subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) in which the disease onset is associated with the ingestion of an offending medication. It is estimated that approximately one-third of all SCLE cases are drug-induced.1 Idiopathic SCLE and DI-SCLE are serologically, histopathologically, and clinically identical, with both characterized by widespread erythematous annular-polycyclic or papulosquamous psoriasiform lesions.2 DI-SCLE symptoms can arise weeks to years after exposure to a number of medications, including proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), antihypertensives, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants. A lesser-known phenomenon is a lupus-associated flare or change in lupus phenotype associated with medication initiation in a person who has already been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cases of patients with previous diagnoses of idiopathic SCLE in remission being exacerbated by PPIs and patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases developing DI-SCLE after PPI use have been reported.3,4 Here, we present the cases of 3 patients with previous diagnoses of SLE without SCLE skin manifestations developing DI-SCLE after using PPIs or antihypertensives. This pattern has rarely been described in the literature to date and suggests a phenomenon of which clinicians should be aware.
Craniofacial Injuries From Personal Watercraft Accidents.

ABSTRACT Personal watercraft (PWC) use is a popular leisure activity. Although injuries associated with PWCs have been examined broadly, there is a lack of investigation into craniofacial injuries within this setting. This paper reviews the literature discussing PWC incidents and PWC-related craniofacial injuries. A comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and National Library of Medicine databases was conducted for studies published through January 2021. Articles were selected if they contained information on PWC accidents and related craniofacial injuries. We also examined 3 patient cases of PWC-related craniofacial injuries. Overall, our review suggests that over the past 20 years, injuries and accidents have decreased significantly whereas fatalities have decreased to a lesser extent. Most PWC-related craniofacial injuries result from blunt trauma and a notable number of deaths and traumatic brain injuries occur in adolescents. Given the increasing number of PWC sales, PWC-related craniofacial injuries may be more prevalent, which prompts improved regulations and protective gears. Existing state laws on PWCs vary dramatically. As of now, there is no uniform policy that requires protective equipment use like helmets or instruction before PWC use. There also should be limitations on alcohol consumption as well as age of the riders. Overall, our review indicates that more research is needed to reduce the number of craniofacial injuries among PWC riders.
Novel Unsupervised Feature Extraction Protocol using Autoencoders for Connected Speech: Application in Parkinson's Disease Classification

Speech processing has generated substantial research interest for telemonitoring and classification applications in healthcare due to the ease of acquisition and availability of established research protocols. This growing research interest has shown significant progress in processing Parkinsonian speech for monitoring and classification applications. A considerable portion of the studies in this research area focuses on developing automatic telemonitoring protocols with passive data collection using wearable or mobile devices. Most of these studies focus on using sustained vowel phonations and handcrafted features for training classifiers. Though some researchers suggest better suitability of connected/running speech for this application, fewer studies focus on it predominantly because of the processing complexity. This study focuses on using connected speech with pitch synchronous segmentation and convolutional Autoencoders for feature extraction from regular and advanced spectrograms. The spectrograms were created using pitch synchronous and block processing segmentations have been evaluated in this study. This methodology also aims to bypass data availability issues by using standardized TIMIT dataset for training Autoencoders. With Logistic regression and Linear SVM, we achieved 85% classification accuracy using the features from Autoencoders. Mean accuracy of 84% was obtained under leave one subject out (LOSO) classification indicating the performance reliability for entirely new data.
Prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A cross sectional study

PURPOSE To assess the prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and to evaluate the effect of commonly used antirheumatic medications on such prevalence. METHODS Integrated data of hospital patients was used. Data from the corresponding diagnosis codes for rheumatoid arthritis and periapical abscess was retrieved by searching the appropriate query in the database. The odd ratio (OR) of periapical abscesses, its association with rheumatoid arthritis and intake of three commonly prescribed antirheumatic medications were calculated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS The prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was 1.53% as compared to 0.51% in the general patient population of the hospital. The OR was 2.60 and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.0001). In patients treated with either Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, or Etanercept, the ORs were 2.88, 3.1, and 1.07, respectively. The differences between Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine were statistically significant (P< 0.0001). The OR for prevalence of periapical abscesses in patients treated with Etanercept was significantly lower than that of patients treated with either Methotrexate or Sulfasalazine (P< 0.005). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Oral healthcare providers should be aware of the possible association between rheumatoid arthritis and occurrence of periapical abscesses. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, mainly women, may exhibit higher prevalence of periapical abscesses. Treatment with TNF alpha inhibitors may lower the prevalence of periapical abscesses in such patients.
Oligomerization of ethylene to linear α-olefins in the presence of complex catalytic systems based on zirconium carboxylates

The study considers the process of ethylene oligomerization in a medium of aliphatic and aromatic solvents in the presence of complex catalytic systems based on zirconium carboxylates, which were obtained from the fractions of naphthenic acids recovered from Baku oils and individual carboxylic acids. It was found that the catalytic activity and the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the produced oligomeric products depend mostly on the solvent nature and the composition of zirconium complex. The ethylene oligomerization rate in the presence of catalytic systems based on zirconium carboxylates is 2–3 times lower in a medium of aliphatic solvents as compared to aromatic solvents; the obtained product has a narrow MWD and consists predominantly of С4-С10 fractions. Oligomeric products obtained in a medium of aromatic solvents have a broad MWD and in the presence of zirconium carboxylates comprise mostly С4-С18, while in the presence of zirconium naphthenates, С12-С18 and С20 fractions.
Evaluation of Bt resistance in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strains using various Bt cotton plant tissues

BACKGROUND Diet-overlay bioassays suggest that Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) field populations have developed resistance to some of the Bt insecticidal proteins that are constituents of the pyramids expressed in the second and third generation Bt cotton technologies. Unfortunately, these bioassays are not always a reliable indicator for how a seemingly resistant population will perform in an actual cotton field, and thus, leaf tissue bioassays have been suggested as a method to better assess field performance. However, bollworm larvae typically prefer to feed on floral tissue rather than leaf tissue, and an alternative cotton structure type may be more ideal for use in plant tissue-based bioassays. A series of diet-overlay bioassays using Bt proteins and Bt cotton plant tissue were conducted with laboratory susceptible (Bz-SS) and resistant (Cry-RR, resistant to Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab) H. zea strains to determine if plant tissue overlays could detect resistance and which cotton plant structure type would be most ideal for use in bioassays. RESULTS Results suggest that diet overlays using lyophilized plant tissue were able to detect resistance. Lyophilized tissue from white flowers was most ideal for use in bioassays, whereas tissue from non-Bt bolls and leaves affected larval health and behavior, confounding assay results. CONCLUSION Overlays using white flower tissue could potentially be used to supplement Bt protein overlays and provide an improved assessment of larval performance on Bt cotton technologies.
Who will care for the elderly in China?: A review of the problems caused by China's one-child policy and their potential solutions

Abstract China's one child per couple policy (OCP), with its depressive effects on fertility rates, was established in 1979. Since then numerous studies have documented the effects of the OCP on the aging of China's population. The increasing proportion of elderly in China is producing profound social and economic complications that require the development of appropriate policies. This article addresses this issue in a novel way, by focusing on the sandwich generation , i.e., those who oftentimes care for both younger and older generations. Qualitative data recently collected from diverse representatives of this generation are presented in an attempt to personalize the consequences of this demographic shift and to introduce possible solutions for lessening its effects. We determine that in urban areas many possibilities exist, while in rural areas challenges are more urgent given the proportionately larger number of elderly residents and the lack of options.
Germ Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors are a varied group of benign and malignant neoplasms derived from primordial germ cells [1–10, 12–15] (Table 2.1 and Fig. 2.1). They occur in a variety of sites, both gonadal and extragonadal, the latter in midline locations as the sacrococcygeal, retroperitoneal, mediastinal, cervical, and pineal regions (Tables 2.2 and 2.3). Teratoma is the leading fetal and neonatal neoplasm in several reviews [9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17] (Table 1.1). Most germ cell tumors of the fetus and infant are histologically benign and are diagnosed as either mature or immature teratomas (Table 2.2). Yolk sac tumor, second in frequency, occurs alone or in combination with a teratoma. Although yolk sac tumor of the cervix or vagina is the subject of a few case reports, yolk sac tumor of the infant testis is more prevalent and is the most common germ cell tumor arising from this organ [2, 4, 8, 20]. To my knowledge, neither yolk sac tumor nor teratoma of the ovary has been reported during the first year of life [7, 14].
A Unified Economic Theory of Noninfringement Opinions

In the wake of the Federal Circuit’s ruling in Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH v. Dana Corp., this Article seeks to develop an economic theory of the functions that enhanced damages may serve in patent law specifically or litigation more generally as well as to explain the role that noninfringement opinions – opinions of counsel that conclude that activity will be noninfringing – could have within the context of such a theory. I consider the benefits and costs of a patent regime that generally provides enhanced damages but provides a safe harbor for potential infringers who acted only after receiving advice from counsel that their activity likely is noninfringing, and conclude that damages multipliers may help deter infringing activity and reduce the incidence of suit by reducing what otherwise might otherwise be a problem of underdeterrence.Part I of this Article describes three theories of supercompensatory damages, including the theory that supercompensatory damages encourage consensual negotiation instead of nonconsensual takings. Part II introduces a formal simulation model to illustrate the effects of a regime that combines enhanced damages with a safe harbor for infringers who acted under the favorable advice of counsel. The simulation model incorporates genetic algorithms, which allow the players in a simple patent game (the potential infringer and the patentee) to learn optimal behavior given the rules of the legal regime and the simple goal of wealth maximization. Part III incorporates various alterations to the baseline simulation to test how changes in parties' information may affect the basic conclusions.
Iodine complexes in inert solvents: Part XIV. Spectrophotometric studies of the diethyl ether-lodine complex in carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, n-heptane, n-hexane, or cyclohexane

Abstract Here are reported ultraviolet and visible region absorption spectra for diethyl ether-iodine-inert solvent (carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, cyclohexane, n -heptane, and n -hexane) solutions at 25° and at 2° or 10°C. Heat of formation and band shape for the ether-iodine complex are given. The results are discussed in terms of recent spectroscopic theories.
Serotonin transporter promoter region (5‐HTTLPR) polymorphism predicts resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is often conceptualized as an index of physiological flexibility that has been related to emotion regulatory capacity. Although behavioral genetics research indicates that RSA is partly heritable, relatively few molecular genetics studies have been conducted. We examined whether the serotonin transporter promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism was associated with resting RSA among healthy young adults (N=71). Short 5-HTTLPR allele carriers had significantly lower resting RSA than long 5-HTTLPR homozygotes. Genotype explained 5% of the variance in resting RSA. Although firm conclusions depend on further study, the short allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may contribute to individual differences in RSA and its behavioral correlates.
Identification of Microorganisms by High Resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Accurate Statistical Significance

Correct and rapid identification of microorganisms is the key to the success of many important applications in health and safety, including, but not limited to, infection treatment, food safety, and biodefense. With the advance of mass spectrometry (MS) technology, the speed of identification can be greatly improved. However, the increasing number of microbes sequenced is challenging correct microbial identification because of the large number of choices present. To properly disentangle candidate microbes, one needs to go beyond apparent morphology or simple 'fingerprinting'; to correctly prioritize the candidate microbes, one needs to have accurate statistical significance in microbial identification. We meet these challenges by using peptidome profiles of microbes to better separate them and by designing an analysis method that yields accurate statistical significance. Here, we present an analysis pipeline that uses tandem MS (MS/MS) spectra for microbial identification or classification. We have demonstrated, using MS/MS data of 81 samples, each composed of a single known microorganism, that the proposed pipeline can correctly identify microorganisms at least at the genus and species levels. We have also shown that the proposed pipeline computes accurate statistical significances, i.e., E-values for identified peptides and unified E-values for identified microorganisms. The proposed analysis pipeline has been implemented in MiCId, a freely available software for Microorganism Classification and Identification. MiCId is available for download at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/CBBresearch/Yu/downloads.html . Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
Estimation of Instantaneous Gas Exchange in Flow-Through Respirometry Systems: A Modern Revision of Bartholomew's Z-Transform Method

Flow-through respirometry systems provide accurate measurement of gas exchange over long periods of time. However, these systems have limitations in tracking rapid changes. When an animal infuses a metabolic gas into the respirometry chamber in a short burst, diffusion and airflow in the chamber gradually alter the original signal before it arrives at the gas analyzer. For single or multiple bursts, the recorded signal is smeared or mixed, which may result in dramatically altered recordings compared to the emitted signal. Recovering the original metabolic signal is a difficult task because of the inherent ill conditioning problem. Here, we present two new methods to recover the fast dynamics of metabolic patterns from recorded data. We first re-derive the equations of the well-known Z-transform method (ZT method) to show the source of imprecision in this method. Then, we develop a new model of analysis for respirometry systems based on the experimentally determined impulse response, which is the response of the system to a very short unit input. As a result, we present a major modification of the ZT method (dubbed the ‘EZT method’) by using a new model for the impulse response, enhancing its precision to recover the true metabolic signals. The second method, the generalized Z-transform (GZT) method, was then developed by generalizing the EZT method; it can be applied to any flow-through respirometry system with any arbitrary impulse response. Experiments verified that the accuracy of recovering the true metabolic signals is significantly improved by the new methods. These new methods can be used more broadly for input estimation in variety of physiological systems.
High-affinity Agonist Binding Is Not Sufficient for Agonist Efficacy at 5-Hydroxytryptamine2A Receptors: Evidence in Favor of a Modified Ternary Complex Model

In this study, the relationship between high-affinity agonist binding and second messenger production was examined at native and mutant 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptors. At native 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptors all agonists, with the exception of quipazine, discriminated between high- and low-affinity states of the receptor, as determined by analysis of competition binding assays. There was no correlation between the ability of selected agonists to label the high-affinity agonist state and to augment phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Quipazine, which did not discriminate between the affinity states of the receptor, behaved as a full agonist. Similar results were obtained when a point mutation (F340L) of a highly conserved phenylalanine located in transmembrane domain VI was examined. With the F340L mutant, most of the agonists tested labeled significantly fewer high-affinity sites, compared with the native receptor. There was no significant relationship between high-affinity agonist binding and second messenger production. Bufotenine and 4-iodo-3,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine labeled similar percentages of high-affinity agonist binding sites (22%vs. 26%), but 4-iodo-3,5-dimethoxyphenylisopropylamine behaved as a full agonist, whereas bufotenine was devoid of detectable agonist activity. The inability of selected agonists to activate phosphoinositide hydrolysis was not due solely to lower agonist affinity for the mutant receptor, because the binding affinity of quipazine was unchanged by the F340L mutation but quipazine had no detectable agonist activity at the mutant receptor. Our results demonstrate that the ability of an agonist to promote the high-affinity state of the 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptor is not correlated with its ability to augment second messenger production. These results are consistent with recent models of G protein-receptor functioning (e.g., modified ternary complex model) that predict that additional transition states of the receptor-ligand complex are essential for agonist efficacy.