cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Do Sustaining Life and Sustainable Engineering Have in Common

Medical Education professionals in the U.S. have realized that medical education now consists of three main features: diagnosis, cure and in the case of chronic illness, health management (sustaining life). In a similar way, engineering education may be characterized by problem definition (diagnosis), problem solving and in the case of chronic engineering problems, problem management. Medical education has taken steps to modify its curriculum and pedagogy to reflect this new awareness whereas engineering education has not. What can engineering education learn from the medical education community? And, in particular, how do further challenges of sustainable engineering impact how engineering education should change?
When physics is not "just physics": complexity science invites new measurement frames for exploring the physics of cognitive and biological development.

The neurobiological sciences have struggled to resolve the physical foundations for biological and cognitive phenomena with a suspicion that biological and cognitive systems, capable of exhibiting and contributing to structure within themselves and through their contexts, are fundamentally distinct or autonomous from purely physical systems. Complexity science offers new physics-based approaches to explaining biological and cognitive phenomena. In response to controversy over whether complexity science might seek to "explain away" biology and cognition as "just physics," we propose that complexity science serves as an application of recent advances in physics to phenomena in biology and cognition without reducing or undermining the integrity of the phenom- ena to be explained. We highlight that physics is, like the neurobiological sciences, an evolving field and that the threat of reduction is overstated. We propose that distinctions between biological and cognitive systems from physi- cal systems are pretheoretical and thus optional. We review our own work applying insights from post-classical physics regarding turbulence and fractal fluctuations to the problems of developing cognitive structure. Far from hoping to reduce biology and cognition to "nothing but" physics, we present our view that complexity science of- fers new explanatory frameworks for considering physical foundations of biological and cognitive phenomena.
Ã-X absorption of propargyl peroxy radical (H-C≡C-CH2OO·): a cavity ring-down spectroscopic and computational study.

The A-X electronic absorption spectrum of propargyl peroxy radical has been recorded at room temperature by cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Electronic structure calculations predict two isomeric forms, acetylenic and allenic, with two stable conformers for each. The acetylenic trans conformer, with a band origin at 7631.8 ± 0.1 cm(-1), is definitively assigned on the basis of ab initio calculations and rotational simulations, and possible assignments for the acetylenic gauche and allenic trans forms are given. A fourth form, allenic cis, is not observed. Simulations based on calculated torsional potentials predict that the allenic trans form will have a long, poorly resolved progression in the OOCC torsional vibration, consistent with experimental observations.
Patterning of Gene Expression Using New Photolabile Groups Applied to Light Activated RNAi

The spacing, timing, and amount of gene expression are crucial for a range of biological processes, including development. For this reason, there have been many attempts to bring gene expression under the control of light. We have previously shown that RNA interference (RNAi) can be controlled with light through the use of siRNA and dsRNA that have their terminal phosphates modified with the dimethoxy nitro phenyl ethyl (DMNPE) group. Upon irradiation, these groups photolyze and release native RNA. The main problem with light activated RNA interference (LARI) to date is that the groups used only partially block RNA interference prior to irradiation, thus limiting the utility of the approach. Here, we describe a new photocleavable group, cyclo-dodecyl DMNPE (CD-DMNPE), designed to completely block the interaction of duplexes with the cellular machinery responsible for RNA interference prior to irradiation. This allowed us to switch from normal to a near complete reduction in gene expression using light, and to construct well-defined patterns of gene expression in cell monolayers. Because this approach is built on the RNA interference pathway, it benefits from the ability to quickly identify duplexes that are effective at low or subnanomolar concentrations. In addition, it allows for the targeting of endogenous genes without additional genetic manipulation. Finally, because of the regiospecificity of CD-DMNPE, it allows a standard duplex to be quickly modified in a single step. The combination of its efficacy and ease of application will allow for the facile control of the spacing, timing, and degree of gene expression in a range of biological systems.
(90) Y radiation lobectomy: Outcomes following surgical resection in patients with hepatic tumors and small future liver remnant volumes.

Background The purpose of this study is to assess operative, post-operative, and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent radiation lobectomy (RL) for tumor control and/or hypertrophy of small future liver remnant (FLR) prior to resection. Methods Right lobar +/− segment 4 radioembolization was performed prior to lobectomy/tri-segmentectomy in patients with hepatic tumor but inadequate FLR. Parenchymal/tumor volumes were calculated from pre/post-RL imaging; FLR/%FLR hypertrophy were determined. Complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results Thirteen patients (HCC n = 10, cholangiocarcinoma n = 2, mCRC n = 1) underwent RL prior to resection. The median time between RL and post-RL imaging was 40 days (23–190 days); the median time to resection was 86 days (30–210 days). Median FLR increased significantly [pre: 33% (22–43%); post: 43% (29–69%), P 50% pathologic necrosis. Median follow up time after surgery was 604 days (144–1,416 days); one death occurred. Conclusions In this preliminary study, radiation lobectomy was a safe and effective method to achieve remnant liver hypertrophy while providing tumor control. This approach may facilitate safe resection and favorable post-operative outcomes.J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on status of diarrhea as a result of rotavirus and astrovirus infection in children below age of 5 years in Dalian

Objective:To study epidemiological features of astrovirus(AstV) and rotavirus(RV) infection in children below the age of 5 years hospitalized for diarrhea in the Chidren′s Hospital of Dalian.Methods:Stool specimens of 380 saved from inpatients of Children′s Hospital of Dalian during the period Octobmer 2008 to March 2009,the antigen of AstV and RV was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The target population in this study was children below the age of five,which were negative for bacterial culture.Results:Of 380 samples,36.8%(140/380) were positive for AstV and RV totally;in which 16.8%(64/380) was positive for AstV and 24.5%(93/380)for RV respectively.Of 287 stool specimens negative for RV,AstV was detected in 16.4%,of which 92.1% were from patients of two years old or younger.4.5%(17/380)were positive for AstV and RV together.The peak of the positive rate for AstV was in March 2009 which was 36.2%(17/47),there were differences in the peak time compared with RV.Conclusion:Both RV and AstV are important pathogens which cause viral gastroenteritis in young children in Dalian,but there were differences in viral susceptivity between AstV and RV at climate and age.
Analytical formulation of the quantum electromagnetic cross section

It has been found that the quantum radar cross section (QRCS) equation can be written in terms of the Fourier transform of the surface atom distribution of the object. This paper uses this form to provide an analytical formulation of the quantum radar cross section by deriving closed form expressions for various geometries. These expressions are compared to the classical radar cross section (RCS) expressions and the quantum advantages are discerned from the differences in the equations. Multiphoton illumination is also briefly discussed.
Laparoscopic approach reduces likelihood of perioperative complications in patients undergoing adrenalectomy.

Laparoscopy has been reported advantageous over the conventional open technique for adrenalectomy. However, most comparative series include the relatively more challenging cases in the open group. The aim of this study is to assess the actual role of laparoscopy in reducing perioperative complications compared to open surgery in patients undergoing adrenalectomy. Between January 1992 and December 2002, we performed 148 adrenalectomies in 138 patients. Depending on the approach, patients were divided into laparoscopic (LA) or open adrenalectomy (OA) groups. Demographics, tumor characteristics, operative data, and outcomes were analyzed. Linear and logistic regressions identified factors influencing perioperative outcomes. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression assessed independent relationship between factors and perioperative outcomes. A total of 78 cases were performed laparoscopically and 70 open. Patients were matched for age and sex. Tumor size was smaller (3 ± 2 vs 5 ± 3 cm), operative time was shorter (133 ± 65 vs 165 ± 100 min), estimated blood loss was less (114 ± 152 vs 350 ± 417 cc), length of stay was shorter (3 ± 2 vs 7 ± 3 days), and overall complication rate was lower (7% vs 20%) in the LA compared to the OA group. The incidence of cancer in tumors ≥6 cm (31%) was higher than in those <6 cm (4%). All patients with cancer underwent OA. LA was the only factor independently associated with a decreased likelihood of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pulmonary complications. Large and malignant adrenal tumors are more frequently removed through an open approach. However, this fact has no influence on the advantages of the LA over the OA. Laparoscopy reduces perioperative adrenalectomy perioperative complication rates. It has a positive impact on intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pulmonary complications.
Effects of a DVD-Delivered Exercise Intervention on Maintenance of Physical Activity in Older Adults.

Background: Previous research supports the efficacy of a 6-month DVD-delivered program for enhancing physical activity (PA) in older adults. In the current study, we examined the degree to which intervention-related increases in PA were maintained after a 6-month, no-contact follow-up. Methods: Follow-up assessments of PA via accelerometry and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) were collected in a sample of older adults (N = 238). Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted to examine changes in PA over the course of the follow-up period. Results: For accelerometer measured PA, there was a significant time × treatment × age group interaction, F1,203 =11.319, P = .001, η2 = .053, such that younger (≤70 years) intervention participants maintained high levels of PA across the follow-up period, while PA in older intervention and young control participants declined significantly. Rates of PA in older control participants remained low over the course of the follow-up period. Analyse...
Abstract A71: Studying cancer in minorities: A look at the numbers

Inclusion of minorities is an important aspect of epidemiologic studies in the U.S. This is of particular concern for diseases, including some cancers, for which age-adjusted incidence rates are higher in blacks than in whites. We set out to examine whether in addition to other varied and complicated barriers to including minorities in clinical and epidemiological cancer research, what role do the actual numbers play in minority recruitment? Are there enough minority cancer cases, in SEER areas where such studies are likely to be conducted, available to participate in research studies to allow researchers to make meaningful statements about the risks of cancer in this population? To address this question we began by determining the most common cancers in the U.S. and focused on those with at least 20,000 cases in 2003 that have higher age-adjusted incidence rates in blacks. Based on these criteria a total of 7 cancers were further studied, including: prostate, lung/bronchus, colorectal, kidney, pancreas, stomach and oral cavity and pharynx. We used statistics from the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) to find the actual number of cases who were black or white in eleven SEER Registries and used census data to determine the race and age characteristics of the population in those areas. For the most common of these cancers (prostate, lung and bronchus, and colorectal), there were large numbers of blacks in most of the Registry areas, but for the less common cancers (kidney, pancreas, oral cavity/ pharynx, stomach), in nearly all Registry areas the average annual number of cases was Our data suggest that among the cancers we focused on, where the median age at diagnosis is in the 609s and 709s, the small number of blacks in older age groups presents a constraint to enrollment in this population. In each area we studied, the proportion of the population that is black was lower in older age groups than in younger age groups: for example, in Atlanta, with the largest overall proportion of blacks, 23% of those aged ≥85 are black, compared to 43% of those aged 20–24. We were also curious how this pattern could impact future research efforts to include blacks. Population projections for the total U.S. through 2030 suggest that the proportion of blacks in older age groups will show small increases in this time period, between 2–3 percentage points. The pattern of older age groups having a lower proportion of the population that is black will continue based on these estimates. Efforts to increase enrollment of blacks and other minorities in epidemiologic studies should continue, with the realization that among other factors, the actual number of cases is often quite small and can present unique challenges to ensuring that minorities are adequately represented in epidemiologic research.
Etiological characteristics of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus in Beijing

Objective To analyze the results of detection on influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus in Beijing from May 2009 to December 2009 and to understand the epidemiologic characteristics during the pandemic period. Methods The study was conducted from the May 1 to December 27,2009. A total of 101 852 throat swab samples were detected with the real-time RT-PCR assay by the Beijing Network Laboratory. Data was statistically analyzed. Results 9843 samples showed influenza A (H1N1) 2009 positive, with an overall positive rate as 9.66%. In terms of the positive rates, they were 2.85% from May to June, 3.32% from July to August and 8.35% from September to October. The peak month fell in November (29.67%) and December (24.33%). The positive rates among the following subpopulations were: 8.40% among the suspected cases, 4.75% among close contact cases, 11.46% among the influenza-like illness cases and 7.33% among the cluster cases with fever. Positive cases mainly fell in age groups 5-14 and 15-24. The ratio of male to female was 1.5:1.Conclusion During the pandemic period of influenza A (H1N1) 2009, positive cases gradually increased during May to November but slowly decreasing in December. Key words: InfluenzaA(H1N1)2009; Real-time PCR; Etiology
Genetic and Proteomic Interrogation of Lower Confidence Candidate Genes Reveals Signaling Networks in β-Catenin-Active Cancers

Genome-scale expression studies and comprehensive loss-of-function genetic screens have focused almost exclusively on the highest confidence candidate genes. Here, we describe a strategy for characterizing the lower confidence candidates identified by such approaches. We interrogated 177 genes that we classified as essential for the proliferation of cancer cells exhibiting constitutive β-catenin activity and integrated data for each of the candidates, derived from orthogonal short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9-mediated gene editing knockout screens, to yield 69 validated genes. We then characterized the relationships between sets of these genes using complementary assays: medium-throughput stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)-based mass spectrometry, yielding 3,639 protein-protein interactions, and a CRISPR-mediated pairwise double knockout screen, yielding 375 combinations exhibiting greater- or lesser-than-additive phenotypic effects indicating genetic interactions. These studies identify previously unreported regulators of β-catenin, define functional networks required for the survival of β-catenin-active cancers, and provide an experimental strategy that may be applied to define other signaling networks.
Food as a supplementary cue triggers seasonal changes in aggression, but not reproduction, in Siberian hamsters

Animals living in temperate regions prepare for harsh winter conditions by responding to environmental cues that signal resource availability (e.g., food, day length). Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) breed in long, summer-like days (LD, > 14 h light), i.e., photoperiods, and undergo robust gonadal regression and become more aggressive when exposed to short, winter-like photoperiods that signal impending limited resources (SD, < 10 h light). When hamsters are reared within an intermediate photoperiod (ID, 13.5 h light), they are reproductively active, but undergo gonadal regression in response to mild food restriction (FR) over 6–12 weeks. We hypothesized that short-term (1–2 weeks) FR in an ID photoperiod would provide a signal of impending limited resources and initiate the seasonal increase in aggression typical of SD photoperiods, as well as alter reproductive behaviors in advance of gonadal regression. To test this, we housed male and female hamsters in LD or ID photoperiods, with ad libitum (AL) access to food or a 90%-AL ration. We tested aggressive behavior after one week and reproductive behavior after two weeks, and subsequently monitored females for pregnancy and litter production. Both sexes displayed increased aggression in the ID-FR treatment. Untreated male intruders were less likely to ejaculate when paired with ID females during reproductive encounters. ID-FR males were undergoing gonadal regression after two weeks, but were more likely to have ejaculated. Female pregnancy and litter characteristics were unaltered by treatment: females were equally likely to achieve pregnancy and produce comparable litters across treatment groups. Collectively, we demonstrate that a signal of diminishing resources in an ID photoperiod is sufficient to trigger seasonal aggression, but that hamsters are reproductively resilient to inhibitory environmental cues in the short term. Broadly, our findings provide an important context for exploring seasonal changes in behavior and physiology from an ultimate perspective.
Eco-driving for transit: An effective strategy to conserve fuel and emissions

Abstract Eco-driving is one of the many options to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from transit operations. However, it is not yet clear how effective eco-driving is for different transit service and fuel types. As policymakers consider implementing eco-driving, they also need comparisons of eco-driving against other fuel-conserving strategies, such as purchasing alternative fuel vehicles. Using a case study of transit operations in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, this paper evaluated eco-driving for two very different service types – local urban service and express service. The authors simulated the implementation of transit eco-driving strategies using an innovative, streamlined algorithm designed to minimize fuel consumption by limiting instantaneous vehicle specific power while maintaining average speed and conserving total distance. Fuel consumption and fuel-cycle emissions were compared across the monitored driving cycles and their modified eco-driving cycles. The savings from eco-driving were also compared to fuel and emissions reductions expected via the conversion of the transit fleets to compressed natural gas (CNG), another popular fuel conservation strategy. The results showed that eco-driving would be a potentially very cost-effective strategy for local and express bus transit operations.
Dosimetry of regressing tumors in 131 I internal emitter therapy using patient data from multiple, integrated CT-SPECT images 1

Accurate tumor dosimetry in internal emitter therapy requires modeling both the spatial and temporal variation of absorbed dose rates in tumor volumes. Generally, 3D absorbed dose distributions can be computed only under the approximation that the time dependence of tumor activity is spatially uniform, since 3D, time-varying patient measurement data is not available. However, in a pilot study at our clinic involving follicular lymphoma patients being treated with 131I tositumomab, registered SPECT and CT images are acquired with an integrated scanner at multiple times after both tracer and therapy administration, thus providing the extensive data required for detailed absorbed dose computations. In a previous work we described a method for the Monte Carlo computation of 3D absorbed dose distributions with spatially varying time-activity distributions in tumors. Multiple time point CT images were registered to a reference CT image which was used to define a fixed patient geometry, and voxel-based time-activity curves were derived from the registered SPECT images and numerically integrated to yield a 3D integrated activity map. Because this method relies on a single CT image to define the patient, it is not applicable for regressing, proliferating, or deforming tumor volumes. In the current work, we present results using a new method for computing absorbed dose that accounts for tumor deformation. Absorbed dose rate maps are calculated via Monte Carlo at each time point using the registered SPECT images to describe the activity distribution and the CT images to define the patient volume. These time-dependent 3D absorbed dose rate maps are then registered using transformation variables determined by a mutual information registration computation applied to the CT images. Time-integrated absorbed dose distributions are then computed by modeling the time dependence of dose rate between time steps and the tumor volume in the presence of deformation.
Risk Assessment for Cooperative Automated Driving

Global investment and recent advancements in vehicle automation are making autonomous and cooperative automated driving (AD) a reality. Not only will automated vehicles incorporate more electronics and connectivity than ever before, but also, notably, they will transfer control and responsibility of monitoring the environment from a human driver to a robotic system. While prior work has assessed and provided security solutions for non-automated vehicles, there is much to understand regarding the security implications of AD. In this work, we begin to address this gap in understanding. This paper reports on a risk assessment framework for autonomous and cooperative AD. We aggregate the state of the art in AD research to define a reference architecture for automated vehicles, describing the new attack surfaces and data flow. Employing existing automotive threat models, we propose a novel application-based threat enumeration and analysis approach that is able to address different AD applications across all levels of automation. We demonstrate this framework with an example application assessment and summarize the results and security insights from analyses of other applications. The results of our risk assessment and future assessments with this framework will inform on the design of security solutions and secure architectures for production AD systems.
Ensemble Averaging Methods for Quantifying Uncertainty Sources in Modeling Climate Change Impact on Runoff Projection

AbstractThe study discusses future runoff projection and uncertainty arising from different choices of global circulation models (GCMs), different scenarios of future emission, and different statis...
Global Economics and Religion

(1985). Global Economics and Religion. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 240-243.
Expiratory muscle strength training evaluated with simultaneous high-resolution manometry and electromyography.

Objective To examine feasibility of a simultaneous high-resolution pharyngeal manometry (HRM) and electromyography (EMG) experimental paradigm to detect swallowing-related patterns of palatal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal muscle activity during expiratory training. Study Design Technical report. Methods Simultaneous HRM, surface submental, and intramuscular EMG were acquired in two healthy participants during five tasks: 10-cc water swallow, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) testing, and expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) at three pressure levels (sham, 50%, and 75% MEP). Results Experimental conditions were feasible. Velopharyngeal closing pressure, palate EMG activity, and pharyngeal EMG activity increased as expiratory load increased. In contrast, thyroarytenoid EMG activity was low during the expiratory task, consistent with glottic opening during exhalation. Submental EMG patterns were more variable during expiratory tasks. Intraluminal air pressures recorded with HRM were correlated with measured expiratory pressures and target valve-opening pressures of the EMST device. Conclusion Results suggest that a simultaneous HRM/EMG/EMST paradigm may be used to detect previously unquantified swallowing-related muscle activity during EMST, particularly in the palate and pharynx. Our approach and initial findings will be helpful to guide future hypothesis-driven studies and may enable investigators to evaluate other muscle groups active during these tasks. Defining mechanisms of action is a critical next step toward refining therapeutic algorithms using EMST and other targeted treatments for populations with dysphagia and airway disorders. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 127:797–804, 2017
Spinal Cord Injury, Psychological Stress of

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is generally due to a sudden blow to the spine resulting in vertebral fractures and dislocations. This type of trauma can result in varying degrees of paraplegia and quadriplegia. Paraplegia refers to the paralysis of the lower extremities as the result of an injury below the first thoracic vertebrae, whereas quadriplegia is caused by an injury above the thoracic vertebrae and results in a paralysis of all four extremities. Consequently, SCI victims may endure problems with breathing and bowel or bladder control. Vulnerability to secondary medical problems such as chronic pain, respiratory problems, heart failure, and decubitus ulcers are also very common among SCI patients.
Resonant pitch and roll silicon gyroscopes with sub-micron-gap slanted electrodes: Breaking the barrier toward high-performance monolithic inertial measurement units.

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a novel high quality factor (Q) resonant pitch/roll gyroscope implemented in a 40 μm (100) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate without using the deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE) process. The featured silicon gyroscope has a mode-matched operating frequency of 200 kHz and is the first out-of-plane pitch/roll gyroscope with electrostatic quadrature tuning capability to fully compensate for fabrication non-idealities and variation in SOI thickness. The quadrature tuning is enabled by slanted electrodes with sub-micron capacitive gaps along the (111) plane created by an anisotropic wet etching. The quadrature cancellation enables a 20-fold improvement in the scale factor for a typical fabricated device. Noise measurement of quadrature-cancelled mode-matched devices shows an angle random walk (ARW) of 0.63° √h−1 and a bias instability of 37.7° h−1, partially limited by the noise of the interface electronics. The elimination of silicon DRIE in the anisotropically wet-etched gyroscope improves the gyroscope robustness against the process variation and reduces the fabrication costs. The use of a slanted electrode for quadrature tuning demonstrates an effective path to reach high-performance in future pitch and roll gyroscope designs for the implementation of single-chip high-precision inertial measurement units (IMUs). A low-cost technique for fabricating high-precision microscale gyroscopes could lead to personal navigation devices that do not require GPS (global positioning system). The small size and low cost of silicon microscale gyroscopes has enabled their use in various applications, from gaming to the automotive industry. However, the assembly of high-performance triaxial gyroscopes that are required for navigation systems drives up the cost of manufacturing and increases alignment inaccuracies. By using an anisotropic wet-etching technique to fabricate the planar pitch/roll gyroscope, Haoran Wen and Farrokh Ayazi at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and their colleagues avoided the need for expensive deep reactive-ion etching and three-dimensional chip assembly, reducing both manufacturing costs and the errors that result from the fabrication process. The team’s work facilitates the production of robust single-chip multiaxial gyroscope units that have potentially navigation-grade performance.
Readmissions After Revascularization Procedures for Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background Limited data suggest high rates of unplanned rehospitalization after endovascular and surgical revascularization for peripheral arterial disease. However, the overall burden of readmissions has not been comprehensively explored. Objective To evaluate nationwide readmissions after peripheral arterial revascularization for peripheral arterial disease and to assess whether readmission risk varies among hospitals. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting 1085 U.S. acute care hospitals participating in the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients 61 969 unweighted hospitalizations of patients with peripheral arterial disease who had peripheral arterial revascularization and were discharged alive between 1 January and 30 November 2014. Measurements 30-day readmission rates, causes, and costs of unplanned rehospitalizations after peripheral arterial revascularization; 30-day risk-standardized readmission rates (RSRRs), calculated using hierarchical logistic regression, to assess for heterogeneity of readmission risk between hospitals. Results Among 61 969 hospitalizations of patients with peripheral arterial disease who were discharged alive after peripheral arterial revascularization, the 30-day nonelective readmission rate was 17.6%. The most common cause of readmission was procedural complications (28.0%), followed by sepsis (8.3%) and complications due to diabetes mellitus (7.5%). Among rehospitalized patients, 21.0% underwent a subsequent peripheral arterial revascularization or lower extremity amputation, 4.6% died, and the median cost of a readmission was $11 013. Thirty-day RSRRs varied from 10.0% to 27.3% (interquartile range, 16.6% to 18.8%). Limitation Inability to distinguish out-of-hospital deaths after discharge and potential misclassification bias due to use of billing codes to ascertain diagnoses and interventions. Conclusion More than 1 in 6 patients with peripheral arterial disease who undergo peripheral arterial revascularization have unplanned readmission within 30 days, with high associated mortality risks and costs. Procedure- and patient-related factors were the primary reasons for readmission. Readmission rates varied moderately between institutions after hospital case mix was accounted for, suggesting that differences in hospital quality may only partially account for readmission. Primary funding source Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The Task Ahead: Six Levels of Integration of Christianity and Psychology:

While the integration of Christianity with psychology has made some notable progress in recent years, there has been relatively little growth in psychological research relevant to integration. This...
Abundant Nonprotonated Aromatic and Oxygen-Bonded Carbons Make Humic Substances Distinct from Biopolymers

The nature of humic substances (HSs) extracted from soil organic matter and their distinction from degrading plant material has recently been called into question. Quantitative solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses, in good agreement with elemental analysis, show that HSs are distinct from common biopolymers, refuting claims to the contrary made based on 1H-detected NMR spectra of the same standard peat humic acid as studied here. Aromatic carbons not bonded to hydrogen or oxygen, which are rare (≤10%) in common biomolecules, constitute a large fraction (28%–33%) of prairie soil and peat humic acids. Oxygen-bonded nonprotonated carbons such as aryl ketones, nonprotonated alkyl C–O, and abundant COOH groups are also characteristic of humic and fulvic acids but not observed in plant biopolymers. These distinctive structural differences between HSs and biopolymers challenge the recent proposal that HSs are unremarkable intermediates in a continuum of degrading biomolecules.
Facial processing abilities and social functioning in pediatric brain tumor survivors, children with autism spectrum disorder, and typically developing children.

157Background: Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) often experience late effects in social functioning that mirror those seen in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study evaluate...
“Life Savers”: Technology and White Masculinities in Twitter-Based Superhero Film Promotion:

Drawing from social media studies and the literature on American economic decline and conceptualizations of gender and sexuality, this article asks how Twitter’s medium-specific features can be und...
Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the Primates and the Scandentia

The coccidia (protistan phylum Apicomplexa Levine, 1970) comprise a large group of obligate intracellular parasites commonly found in all classes of vertebrate hosts and in some invertebrates. This review focuses on the largest family in this group, Eimeriidae Minchin, 1903, because its members are among the most prevalent and specious of all parasite groups. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of information regarding the eimeriid coccidia of Primates and their close relatives, and no taxonomic summation is currently available. We review all published descriptions of species of Cyclospora, Eimeria and Isospora that infect Scandentia and Primates. Some of the names of eimeriid species from hosts in these orders are invalid, either because rules concerning the naming of new species (International Code of Zoological Nomenclature) were not followed and/or because the original description was so incomplete and of such little use that the name must be relegated to a species inquirendae. In the Scandentia, only Tupia and Ptilocercus have valid coccidian species described from them:Eimeria ferruginea, E. modesta, and E. tupaiae in Tupaia and E. ptilocerci in Ptilocercus. Of the 60 genera of Primates only 14 (Alouatta, Aotus, Ateles, Cacajao, Callimico, Callithrix, Cebus, Galago, Homo, Macaca, Nycticebus, Saguinus, Saimiri, and Tarsius) have 6 Eimeria (E. coucangi, E. galago, E. lemuris, E. nycticebi, E. otolicini, E. pachylepyron), 7Isospora (I. arctopitheci, I. belli, I. callimico, I. cebi, I. endocallimici, I. saimiriae, I. natalensis) and 1 Cyclospora (C. cayetanensis) described from them. In addition, one new name, an Eimeria sp., is included. We identify eight junior synomyms and note 4 species inquirendae. Primatologists should be more receptive to multidisciplinary approaches by working with parasitologists to use comparative parasite data that might provide insights into primate sociality and habitat use. The coccidia are ideal specimens for such cooperative efforts because they can be collected easily by noninvasive fecal collections. We describe methods to collect and preserve oocysts, noting that formalin and PVA, preservatives used to collect helminth stages (worms, worm eggs), will destroy the structural integrity of coccidian oocysts and make their identification impossible.
Advanced Vision Chips and Systems

Resistive networks for computer vision can be used in object-related applications. In addition to the basic photoreceptor-resistor network, additional circuitry is required for implementing some specific functions.
In the Pursuit of Hypothalamic Hormones

As this book goes to press, several hypothalamic regulatory peptide hormones—thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), growth hormone release inhibiting hormone (GHRIH or somatatostatin) and Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2, proposed as melanocyte-stimulating hormone release inhibiting factor (MIF)—have been isolated, structurally elucidated, and synthesized. These hormones, as well as about one dozen analogues of LHRH and several analogues of somatostatin, are being evaluated clinically for diagnostic and therapeutic uses. This is a reflection of the progress made in this field in the last three decades. Furthermore, during the next few years additional hypothalamic hormones will probably be obtained in a form pure enough to permit determination of their structure and synthesis. Thus the ability to exert a clinical type of control over the endocrine system not previously possible appears to be within our grasp. These practical clinical diagnostic and therapeutic advances and a new field of medical research came into being as a result of endeavors of a few scientists to discover the secrets of the hypothalamus. Thus, in a short span of time, a purely basic research effort has yielded results which bid fair to contribute to the conquest of disease and relief of human suffering, and provide other benefits to humanity, including the development of new methods of birth control.
Development of a Pediatric Balance Center: A Multidisciplinary Approach

The growing evidence of the need for pediatric vestibular evaluation, as well as the availability of successful treatment options for children, is attracting the attention of many professionals and sparking much interest in the development of pediatric balance centers in North America. Complete balance function assessment and rehabilitation in children requires specialized knowledge and practices of professionals in multiple disciplines. While individual specialists provide useful test information and recommendations for patients, the collaboration of specialists working in a multidisciplinary fashion allows the information to become more powerful, providing the patients and their families with a comprehensive plan. Currently, there are only a handful of pediatric balance centers in North America and most of the centers have been in existence less than 10 years. Thus, this new initiative is in its infancy. Educating oneself, administrators, referral sources, and interdisciplinary colleagues is crucial for gathering support for the enormous endeavor of developing such a center. There are many resources one can draw from, including the works found in this issue. Our hope is that this special Seminars in Hearing may serve as a companion guide to anyone interested in performing pediatric vestibular evaluations and/or developing a multidisciplinary pediatric balance center.
Advance Care Planning for Patients with Cirrhosis in a Structured Inpatient/Outpatient Hepatology Program

Abstract Background: Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have high mortality, but low utilization of palliative care. A transitional care liver clinic (TCLC), bridging inpatient hepatology...
Special Relativity in Immersive Learning

In this paper, we discuss our development, implementation and evaluation of an interactive, real-time, and real-scale virtual reality application used to understand the theory of special relativity. Since special relativity deals with non-trivial counter-intuitive subjects such as the twin paradox and the Lorentz contraction, we utilize an immersive VR experience to visualize these phenomena. In doing so, we attempt to teach the theory of special relativity in a manner different than conventional abstract methods. In this study, we tested a set of participants and examined their understanding of special relativity theory before and after engaging with the VR experience. Using the results, we inspected for any correlations between their perceived immersion during and after the simulation and their acquisition of special relativity theory.
SAVIZ: interactive exploration and visualization of situation labeling classifiers over crisis social media data

Due to climate change and the effects of geopolitical and social challenges like the refugee crisis in Europe, the world is facing an unprecedented set of humanitarian problems. According to the United Nations, there is a projected funding shortfall of more than 20 billion dollars in addressing these needs. Technology can play a vital role in mitigating this burden, especially with the advent of real-time social media and advances in areas like Natural Language Processing and machine learning. An important problem addressed by machine learning in current crisis informatics platforms is situation labeling, which can be intuitively defined as semi-automatically assigning one or more actionable labels (such as food, medicine or water) to tweets or documents from a controlled vocabulary. Despite multiple advances, current situation labeling systems are noisy and do not generalize very well to arbitrary crisis data. Consequentially, consumers of these outputs (which include humanitarian responders) are unwilling to trust these outputs without due diligence or provenance. In this paper, we demonstrate an interactive visualization platform called SAVIZ that provides non-technical first responders with such capabilities. SAVIZ is completely built using open-source technologies, can be rendered on a web browser and is backward-compatible with several pre-existing crisis intelligence platforms. We use two real-world scenarios (the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, and the unfolding Ebola crisis in Africa) to illustrate the potential of SAVIZ.
CS*: Approximate Query Processing on Big Data using Scalable Join Correlated Sample Synopsis

Complex join queries are expensive to process on big data. Providing fast and accurate approximations to join queries with common aggregate functions can bring tremendous benefits in many fields such as data management, data mining, and machine learning. The state-of-the-art methods mainly focus on generating non-reusable samples during query time which can be costly for big data applications. In this research, we develop a scalable sample-based synopsis, called Scalable Join Correlated Sample Synopsis (or CS*), which can be pre-computed and doesn’t rely on any index structure. CS* only needs to be generated once and can be used to answer all future queries on the same database. It efficiently maintains join relationships between sampled tuples thanks to the introduced scheme of scalable join correlated sampling and a unique numerical value called join ratio (or JR). We further introduce two novel data structures, namely count trace and join correlated histogram, to optimize the calculation of JR values in map-reduce. For query estimations, multiple unbiased estimators are developed on CS* to provide fast and accurate approximations for join queries with common aggregate functions, acyclic or cyclic join graphs, and dangling tuples. The experimental study on large datasets demonstrates that CS* can be efficiently generated and provides accurate join query estimations with small sampling fractions.
Male Genital Tract

The male genital tract is a complex set of pelvic anatomic structures. In recent years, MR imaging has assumed an important role as a primary or problem-solving tool for evaluating various congenital and acquired male genital tract disorders in the pediatric population. In this chapter, relevant embryology, anatomy, and variants of male genital tract disorders are described, followed by up-to-date MR imaging techniques and protocols including pediatric patient preparation. In addition, clinically important male genital tract disorders that occur in infants and children are also discussed with emphasis on characteristic MR imaging findings. A clear understanding of MR imaging techniques and characteristic imaging findings of male genital tract disorders has great potential for the optimal pediatric patient care.
A plethora of K3 metrics.

We extend our recent study of K3 metrics near the $T^4/Z_2$ orbifold locus to the other torus orbifold loci. In particular, we provide several new constructions of K3 surfaces as hyper-Kahler quotients, which yield new formulae for K3 metrics. We then relate these to the construction of arXiv:1810.10540. As a corollary, we derive infinitely many constraints on the (as yet unknown) BPS spectra of the Minahan-Nemeschansky SCFTs with $E_n$ global symmetry. Specifically, we find linear combinations of $E_n$ characters (evaluated at different points) hiding within K3 metrics and we compute their second order Taylor expansions. We also find novel strong relationships between the BPS spectra of these SCFTs, as well as with that of the $SU(2)$ $N_f = 4$ SCFT. Finally, we provide a new derivation of the class S constructions of these SCFTs and state some experimental observations regarding their BPS spectra.
Longitudinal assessment of quantitative ultra-widefield ischaemic and vascular parameters in sickle cell retinopathy

Purpose To evaluate longitudinal quantitative ischaemic and vasculature parameters, including ischaemic index, vessel area, length and geodesic distance in sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA). Methods Optimal UWFA images from two longitudinal timepoints of 74 eyes from 45 patients with SCR were aligned and a common region of interest was determined. A deep-learning augmented ischaemia and vascular segmentation platform was used for feature extraction. Geodesic distance maps demonstrating the shortest distance within the vascular masks from the centre of the optic disc were created. Ischaemic index, vessel area, vessel length and geodesic distance were measured. Paired t-test and linear mixed effect model analysis were performed. Results Overall, 25 (44 eyes) patients with HbSS, 14 (19 eyes) with HbSC, 6 (11 eyes) with HbSthal and other genotypes were included. Mean age was 40.1±11.0 years. Mean time interval between two UWFA studies was 23.0±15.1 months (range: 3–71.3). Mean panretinal ischaemic index increased from 10.0±7.2% to 10.9±7.3% (p Conclusion Longitudinal ischaemic index and retinal vascular parameter measurements demonstrate statistically significant progression in SCR. The clinical significance of these relatively small magnitude changes remains unclear but may provide insights into the progression of retinal ischaemia in SCR.