cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The distribution of benthic infauna of a Texas salt marsh in relation to the marsh edge

Coastal salt marshes in the northern Gulf of Mexico are often highly fragmented, with a large amount of marsh edge, the interface between the vegetated marsh surface and shallow open water. Nekton predators, including many juvenile fishery species, aggregate near this marsh edge, and benthic infaunal populations are a primary source of prey for many of these predators. We examined the fine-scale (1–10 m) distributions of benthic infauna in relation to the edge of a Texas, USA salt marsh. Every six weeks for nearly a year, we sampled marsh sediments at five locations: on nonvegetated bottom 1 m from the marsh edge and on the vegetated marsh surface at 1, 3, 5, and 10 m from the edge. Surface-dwelling annelid worms and peracarid crustaceans were most abundant in low-elevation sediments near the marsh edge for most sampling periods. Because the marsh slope varied within the study area, we could distinguish between correlative relationships with elevation and distance from the marsh edge. Distributions of common surface-dwelling species were often unrelated to elevation but almost always negatively related to distance from the marsh edge. Abundances of near-surface direct deposit feeders and omnivores were related to both distance from edge and elevation. In contrast to surface dwellers, densities of abundant subsurface deposit feeders (mainly oligochaetes) were frequently greatest in sediments located away from the marsh edge. Surface and near-surface dwelling infauna are an important prey resource for nekton, including many juvenile fishery species that concentrate near the marsh edge. Populations of these infaunal prey fluctuated seasonally, with the greatest densities occurring during winter and early spring when predator abundances are generally low. Infaunal densities decreased dramatically near the marsh edge from the late spring through early fall, and this decrease coincides with historically high seasonal densities of nekton predators. Our data suggest that there is a strong trophic link between infauna and nekton near the marsh edge and that this relationship contributes to the high fishery productivity derived from Gulf Coast marshes.
The light microscope as an optical diffractometer.

SUMMARY The analysis of electron micrographs by optical diffraction was introduced recently by Klug & Berger (1964). Their experiments were conducted with a special diffractometer designed for use with diffracting masks up to several inches in diameter. A method is described here for using a conventional light microscope as an optical diffractometer which can accept masks up to 5 mm in diameter. A 100-/4 electron-microscope aperture is used as a pinhole source of illumination, and the micrograph to be studied is introduced above the objective. The diffraction pattern produced by the micrograph appears in the usual image plane of the microscope within the eyepiece. The technique of optical diffraction is widely used in crystallography for the analysis of proposed molecular structures (Taylor & Lipson, 1964). Recently Klug & Berger (1964) and Finch, Klug & Stretton (1964) have shown that useful information can be obtained from conventional electron micrographs by subjecting them to optical diffraction. In practice the electron micrograph is placed in a beam of coherent, monochromatic light and the focused diffraction pattern is photographed. An analysis of the resulting spots permits deductions about periodic spacings in the original micrograph. In their study Klug and co-workers demonstrated diffraction patterns from virus particles, actin filaments, and catalase crystals. Morgan & Uzman (1965) applied the technique to the analysis of ribosome-like aggregates in the Protozoan, Entamoeba. An impediment to the widespread use of this interesting technique is the complexity of existing optical diffractometers (Hughes & Taylor, 1953; Taylor & Thompson, 1957; Wyckoff, Bear, Morgan & Carlstrom, 1957). These instruments were designed with the needs of X-ray crystallography in mind, and their construction would be impracticable for the average biological laboratory. Experiments with simpler designs led to the realization that a conventional light microscope will produce optical diffraction patterns of high quality.* The only accessory needed is a 100-/4 platinum aperture from an electron microscope. Fig. 1 shows the optical system diagrammatically. The microscope is used with all • C. W. Bunn describes another way of using a microscope as an optical diffractometer in Chemical Crystallography (Oxford, 1945). In his system the pinhole was located several feet from the condenser, which consisted of a 50-mm objective screwed into the substage. The mask was placed between the source and the condenser. However, the potentiality of a microscope as a precision diffractometer has not been widely exploited.
Colorimetric Measurement, Calibration, and Characterization of Self-Luminous Displays

This chapter discusses methods and equipment for measuring, calibrating, and characterizing the color of self-luminous color displays. The basic measurement methodology that is used almost universally today is that which was introduced as the international standard by the CIE in 1931. Since that time, the CIE has made occasional, minor modifications that have necessitated periodic revisions in its published recommendations. Currently, the authoritative reference is CIE (1986). Calibration and characterization techniques, on the other hand, are not well standardized at the moment. Although some conventions exist, the development of proper procedures is still the subject of both debate and research.
Letter Report for Characterization of Biochar

On 27 November 2012, a bulk biochar sample was received for characterization of selected physical and chemical properties. The main purpose of the characterization was to help determine the degree to which biochar would be suitable as a soil amendment to aid in growth of plants. Towards this end, analyses to determine specific surface, pH, cation-exchange capacity, water retention, and wettability (i.e. surface tension) were conducted. A second objective was to determine how uniform these properties were in the sample. Towards this end, the sample was separated into fractions based on initial particle size and on whether the material was from the external surface or the internal portion of the particle. Based on the results, the biochar has significant liming potentials, significant cation-retention capacities, and highly variable plant-available moisture retention properties that, under the most favorable circumstances, could be helpful to plants. As a consequence, it would be quite suitable for addition to acidic soils and should enhance the fertility of those soils.
Kinetic modeling and isotopic investigation of isobutanol fermentation by two engineered escherichia coli strains

We constructed an Escherichia coli BL21 strain with the Ehrlich pathway (the low-performance strain for isobutanol production). We also obtained a high isobutanol-producing E. coli strain JCL260 from the James Liao group (University of California). To compare the fermentation performances of the two engineered strains, we employed a general Monod-based model coupled with mixed-growth-associated isobutanol formation kinetics to simulate glucose consumption, biomass growth, and product secretion/loss under different cultivation conditions. On the basis of both kinetic data and additional 13C-isotopic investigation, we found that the low-performance strain demonstrated robust biomass growth in the minimal growth medium (20 g/L glucose), achieving isobutanol production (up to 0.95 g/L). It utilized significant amounts of yeast extract to synthesize isobutanol when it grew in the rich medium. The rich medium also enhanced waste product secretion, and thus reduced the glucose-based isobutanol yield. In contrast...
Deposition Control Using Transpiration

An experimental and theoretical study of deposition of small particles is presented to evaluate the concept of transpiration as a deposition control strategy. The application of this work is the control of deposition of small particles (1–5μm) contributing most of the mass of the solid carryover entering turbines burning fuels derived from coal. The experimental study is carried out in a wind tunnel facility containing a flat porous transpired section. The Reynolds and Stokes numbers are chosen to be representative of the conditions found in industrial gas turbines. Measurements of the velocity profiles were conducted for high injection rates (1.5%<F<3%). A theory developed for the transpired turbulent boundary layer, which is described by an “outer boundary layer” entraining the injected flow for large injection rates, agrees well with the experimental data. Concentration profiles of glass particles of both very narrow and wide size distributions were conducted for different injection rates under the isothermal conditions. The measurements clearly indicate the conditions under which transpiration can avoid the deposition of particles and they show the effect of particle size on the concentration profiles and consequently on the arrival rates. The study also provides a clear insight into the turbulent diffusion of particles for a Stokes number of between 1 and 3.5. The Schmidt numbers obtained from the measurements are in agreement with the theoretical prediction of Tchen.Copyright © 1986 by ASME
Gallbladder torsion with acute cholecystitis and gross necrosis

A 92-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a 2-week history of worsening right-sided abdominal pain. On examination she had right mid-abdominal tenderness. Laboratory studies demonstrated leukocytosis with normal liver function tests. A CT of the abdomen was remarkable for a large fluid collection in the right abdomen and no discernible gallbladder in the gallbladder fossa. An ultrasound confirmed the suspicion of a distended, floating gallbladder. The patient was taken to the operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The gallbladder was found to have volvulised in a counter -clockwise manner around its pedicle, with gross necrosis of the gallbladder. She underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Pathological examination revealed acute necrotising calculus cholecystitis.
Hand-rearing of Wild Young Serow Capricornis sumatraensis

A wild young serow Capricornis sumatraensis was artificially fed successfully.Feed methods were discussed and some basic data of body condition,body temperature,breath,heart rhythm were recorded during the first three feeding months.Results showed that ablactation had been carried out when the young serow were two months old;it was normal that its body temperatures change within 37.9-39.6 ℃;its weight increased 177 g/d averagely,and the maximal increase was 433 g/d;calcium was needed during the feeding.The sucessful artificial breeding of wild serow provided a lot of basic data for the medium vegetarian research.
Senile tremor versus Parkinson's disease.

The incidence of senile tremor has risen sharply with the lengthening of the life span. Extensive research is needed in this area of growing clinical concern.Senile tremor is often misdiagnosed as ...
Language Identification and Language Specific Letter-to-Sound Rules

This paper describes a system that improves automatic ARPABET transcription by addressing performance issues resulting from Arabic and Russian transliteration in English text. Our system is called EAR (English, Arabic, Russian). The EAR system has two components: 1. An n-gram language identifier module which classifies an incoming unknown word as Arabic, Russian, or English, 2. Language specific letter to sound rules which output a pronunciation for a word based on its classification. Our results show overall system error reduction rates at upwards of 45% as compared to a system trained only on English.
Metal‐free Synthesis of Aryl Amines: Beyond Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution

A mild and metal-free approach to C−N coupling is described that employs diaryliodonium salt electrophiles and secondary aliphatic amine nucleophiles. This reaction results in direct ipso-substitution of the iodonium moiety and unsymmetrical aryl(TMP)iodonium salts are primarily employed. Moreover, arene substituents and substitution patterns that currently pose a challenge to classical metal-free methods are accommodated and the alicyclic amine nucleophiles used here are unprecedented in other contemporary metal-free C−N coupling reactions.
Global Environmental Governance and Treaty-Making: The Arctic’s Fragmented Voice

Analysts and policy-makers point to the importance of the Arctic as the metaphorical canary in the coalmine of global climate change and other environmental trends. Arctic countries and non-state groups therefore seek to promote an Arctic agenda in international forums. However, the success of these external efforts has been mixed at best. The variation in Arctic influence across international issue areas—and its consequences for the ability to address Arctic environmental problems—warrants more attention. This chapter examines the role of Arctic issues and actors in two global treaties on dangerous chemicals and heavy metals—the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the 2013 Minamata Convention on Mercury—and the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its related agreements.
A novel roll mechanism to increase maneuverability of autonomous underwater vehicles in shallow water

This paper presents a novel roll mechanism and an efficient control strategy for the roll and pitch of internally actuated autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) including most underwater gliders (UGs). The proposed design and approach increases maneuverability which is essential for operating in shallow water or crowded harbors. The design is implemented on Michigan Tech's research UG ROUGHIE (Research Oriented Underwater Glider for Hands-on Investigative Engineering) and the performance is validated. The experimental results demonstrate that ROUGHIE is capable of tight turn radii down to approximately twice the vehicle length in shallow water.
Equilibrium Models in Seawater: Applications and Limitations

A knowledge of chemical species is fundamental to understanding the behavior of substances in environmental processes. Thermodynamic data provide a basis for predicting the equilibrium state of a chemical system. There are three basic steps in formulating an equilibrium model for trace constituents in seawater. The composition of the medium with respect to the major ions must be specified on a conventional concentration scale such as molality. The interactions among the major ions must be considered in order to determine the free-ligand concentrations or activities which are available to interact with the trace constituents. Finally, the complexation of a trace element by the ligands in seawater can be calculated. This procedure is illustrated using an ion-pair model for the major ions and considering copper, iron(II), iron(III), cadmium, and lead as examples of trace elements. Equilibrium models have been particularly successful in accounting for the chemical behavior of many solution-phase reactions such as ionic interactions, weak acid dissociation, and some aspects of trace-metal complexation. Caution must be used in applying this approach to redox reactions and heterogeneous phase reactions because kinetic factors often limit the attainment of equilibrium. Biological systems are inherently far from equilibrium. Nevertheless, considerations of the equilibrium state can be useful even in systems that are not in equilibrium; departures from equilibrium indicate the important role of kinetic factors. Substantial advances have been made in recent years in obtaining a suitable base of thermodynamic data for marine systems, but limitations exist because data are lacking for many trace-element reactions involving some of the important oxyanions in seawater. The existing equilibrium data base is inadequate to prediet the effects of temperature and pressure on most reactions in the marine environment. A variety of analytical methods are available to test the predictions of equilibrium models.
Abstract 10: The Matrix Crosslinking Enzyme Lysyl Oxidase Like-2 as a Target to Reverse Vascular Stiffness

Introduction: Stiffening of the central vasculature is a strong and independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Vascular stiffening is a complex process that involves changes in the ves...
Insights into Research Computing Operations using Big Data-Powered Log Analysis

Research computing centers provide a wide variety of services including large-scale computing resources, data storage, high-speed interconnect and scientific software repositories to facilitate continuous competitive research. Efficient management of these complex resources and services, as well as ensuring their fair use by a large number of researchers from different scientific domains are key to a center's success. Almost all research centers use monitoring services based on real time data gathered from systems and services, but often lack tools to perform a deeper analysis on large volumes of historical logs for identifying insightful trends from recurring events. The size of collected data can be massive, posing significant challenges for the use of conventional tools for this kind of analysis. This paper describes a big data pipeline based on Hadoop and Spark technologies, developed in close collaboration between TACC and Georgia Tech. This data pipeline is capable of processing large volumes of data collected from schedulers using PBSTools, making it possible to run a deep analysis in minutes as opposed to hours with conventional tools. Our component-based pipeline design adds the flexibility of plugging in different components, as well as promotes data reuse. Using this data pipeline, we demonstrate the process of formulating several critical operational questions around researcher behavior, systems health, operational aspects and software usage trends, all of which are critical factors in determining solutions and strategies for efficient management of research computing centers.
Foundations of Online Learning and Instructional Design

The remaining four foundational areas of the Web-Based Instructional Design (WBID) Model are learning theories, systems theories, communication theories, and instructional design (ID) models. Principles within each of the learning paradigms provide the theoretical basis for the integrated, multi-theoretical approach to learning used in the WBID Model. Systems theories identify aspects of systematic and systemic processes that underlie most ID models. Communication theories provide general principles related to message and visual design. Conventional and Alternative ID models are fundamental to the stages within the WBID Model.
Psychosocial and demographic factors influencing pain scores of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Background Pain levels in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee are commonly assessed by using a numeric scoring system, but results may be influenced by factors other than the patient's actual physical discomfort or disease severity, including psychosocial and demographic variables. We examined the possible relation between knee-pain scores and several psychosocial, sociodemographic, disease, and treatment variables in 355 patients with knee OA. Methods The pain-evaluation instrument was a 0- to 10-point rating scale. Data obtained retrospectively from the patients' medical records were demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), concomitant disorders, illicit and prescription drug use, alcohol use, smoking, knee OA treatment, and severity of knee OA indicated by Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) radiographic grade. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether these variables correlated with reported pain scores. Results On univariate analysis, higher pain scores were significantly associated with Native American or Hispanic ethnicity; a higher BMI; current prescription for an opioid, antidepressant, or gabapentinoid medication; depression; diabetes mellitus; fibromyalgia; illicit drug use; lack of health insurance; smoking; previous knee injection; and recommendation by the clinician that the patient undergo knee surgery. Neither the patient's sex nor the KL grade showed a correlation. On multivariate analysis, depression, current opioid prescription, and Native American or Hispanic ethnicity retained a significant association with higher pain scores. Conclusions and implications Our results in a large, ethnically diverse group of patients with knee OA suggest that psychosocial and sociodemographic factors may be important determinants of pain levels reported by patients with knee OA.
Training for digital government

The era of digital government is upon us. Are government officials and employees prepared for this paradigm shift? The use of digital government applications has increased exponentially in the past decade but the training that should accompany it has not. This article seeks to offer insight into the current need for and state of training for digital government, as well as to highlight key models at each level of government. Additionally, it attempts to outline a training methodology for Federal, state and local employees and officials in order to reduce the information asymmetry that occurs within the context of digital government.
Genetik der Eukaryonten: Ein Überblick über die Humangenetik

Das Studium der Humangenetik ist dadurch erschwert, das man Menschen im Gegensatz zu Tieren und Pflanzen nicht zuchten kann. Man kann also die bisher besprochenen genetischen Techniken nicht anwenden. Trotzdem hat man gefunden, das viele menschliche Erbgange durch ein einziges Paar segregierender Allele bestimmt sein musten. Wir werden nun kurz besprechen, wie die genetische Grundlage menschlicher Erbmerkmale durch Familienstudien erschlossen wurde. Solche Familienstudien beruhen auf Stammbaumanalysen, in denen phanotypische Beschreibungen von Familienmitgliedern uber mehrere Generationen hinweg zusammengetragen werden, so das man ein mogliches Erbschema aufstellen kann. Je vollstandiger solch eine Stammbaumanalyse ist, umso genauer ist die genetische Analyse. Wie wir sehen werden, ist die Stammbaumanalyse sehr nutzlich beim Studium von Erbmerkmalen, die auf autosomalen oder gonosomalen, auf dominanten oder rezessiven Einfachmutationen beruhen. Die genetische Grundlage einiger dieser Krankheiten wird spater besprochen werden. In diesem Kapitel werden wir auch auf chromosomale Aberrationen wie das Down-oder Turner-Syndrom eingehen.
PRIMARY STANDARDIZATION OF THE MASSIC ACTIVITY OF A PROTACTINIUM-233 SOLUTION.

Protactinium-233 (233Pa) is used as a tracer for radiochemical analysis and is of particular interest as an isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) spike for 231Pa/235U radio-chronometry. To this end, we present massic activity determinations by two methods for a 233Pa solution, which was prepared at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and is being characterized at multiple labs as part of a 231Pa reference material production project. One activity determination method was 4πβ-γ anti-coincidence counting in a multi-dimensional extrapolation model, with Monte Carlo corrections. An independent massic activity determination was completed by $$\gamma$$ -ray spectrometry using 5 high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors using 5 $$\gamma$$ -ray lines. The anti-coincidence and $$\gamma$$ -ray spectrometry results agree and have combined standard uncertainties of about 0.33% and 1.0% respectively. In addition, the two methods were combined to derive $$\gamma$$ -ray emission probabilities from 233Pa decay.
Model-based direction of arrival estimations for sound sources using a spherical microphone array

In many room acoustics and noise control applications, it is often challenging to identify the directions of arrivals (DoAs) of incoming sound sources. This work seeks to solve this problem reliably by beamforming, or spatially filtering, incoming sound data with a spherical microphone array via a probabilistic method. When estimating the DoA, the signal under consideration may contain one or multiple concurrent sound sources originating from different directions. This leads to a two-tiered challenge of first identifying the correct number of sources, followed by determining the directional information of each source. To this end, a probabilistic method of model-based Bayesian analysis is leveraged. This entails generating analytic models of the experimental data, individually defined by a specific number of sound sources and their locations in physical space, and evaluating each model to fit the measured data. Through this process, the number of sources is first estimated, and then the DoA information of those sources is extracted from the model being the most concise to fit the experimental data. This paper will present the analytic models, the Bayesian formulation, and preliminary results to demonstrate the potential usefulness of this model-based Bayesian analysis for complex noise environments with potentially multiple concurrent sources.
Survival benefit of accepting livers from deceased donors over 70 years old.

Livers from older donors (OLDs; age ≥70) are risky and often declined; however, it is likely that some candidates will benefit from OLDs versus waiting for younger ones. To characterize the survival benefit of accepting OLD grafts, we used 2009-2017 SRTR data to identify 24 431 adult liver transplant (LT) candidates who were offered OLD grafts eventually accepted by someone. Outcomes from the time-of-offer were compared between candidates who accepted an OLD graft and matched controls within MELD ± 2 who declined the same offer. Candidates who accepted OLD grafts (n = 1311) were older (60.5 vs. 57.8 years, P < .001), had a higher median MELD score (25 vs. 22, P < .001), and were less likely to have hepatitis C cirrhosis (14.9% vs. 31.2%, P < .001). Five-year cumulative mortality among those who accepted versus declined the same OLD offer was 23.4% versus 41.2% (P < .001). Candidates who accepted OLDs experienced an almost twofold reduction in mortality (aHR:0.45 0.520.59 , P < .001) compared to those who declined the same offer, especially among the highest MELD (35-40) candidates (aHR:0.10 0.240.55 , P = .001). Accepting an OLD offer provided substantial long-term survival benefit compared to waiting for a better organ offer, notably among candidates with MELD 35-40. Providers should consider these benefits as they evaluate OLD graft offers.
Evaluation of a unique approach to high-resolution climate modeling using the Model for Prediction Across Scales – Atmosphere (MPAS-A) version 5.1

Abstract. We present multi-seasonal simulations representative of present-day and future environments using the global Model for Prediction Across Scales – Atmosphere (MPAS-A) version 5.1 with high resolution (15 km) throughout the Northern Hemisphere. We select 10 simulation years with varying phases of El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and integrate each for 14.5 months. We use analyzed sea surface temperature (SST) patterns for present-day simulations. For the future climate simulations, we alter present-day SSTs by applying monthly-averaged temperature changes derived from a 20-member ensemble of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) general circulation models (GCMs) following the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 emissions scenario. Daily sea ice fields, obtained from the monthly-averaged CMIP5 ensemble mean sea ice, are used for present-day and future simulations. The present-day simulations provide a reasonable reproduction of large-scale atmospheric features in the Northern Hemisphere such as the wintertime midlatitude storm tracks, upper-tropospheric jets, and maritime sea-level pressure features as well as annual precipitation patterns across the tropics. The simulations also adequately represent tropical cyclone (TC) characteristics such as strength, spatial distribution, and seasonal cycles for most Northern Hemisphere basins. These results demonstrate the applicability of these model simulations for future studies examining climate change effects on various Northern Hemisphere phenomena, and, more generally, the utility of MPAS-A for studying climate change at spatial scales generally unachievable in GCMs.
Baseline-Free Quantitative Absorption Spectroscopy Based on Molecular Free Induction Decay

We demonstrate baseline-free, quantitative absorption spectroscopy based on modifications to the free induction decay signal of molecules in the time domain. We apply the technique to a broad-absorbing mixture to retrieve concentrations with unprecedented accuracy. © 2019 The Author(s)
E-cigarette Use, Tobacco Product Polyuse, and Motivations for Use among Baltimore Young Adults.

Objective We examined reasons for e-cigarette use, tobacco product polyuse, and tobacco cessation interest among tobacco-using young adults from an urban setting. Methods Participants (N = 97) completed a risk factor survey. Descriptive statistics and prevalence estimates of polytobacco use patterns, motivations for tobacco use, tobacco cessation interest, and beliefs and risk perceptions about tobacco use were explored. Results All participants had a history of polyuse, and 85% were current polyusers. Stress was the primary reason reported for tobacco use. Compared to single-product users, current polyusers also were more likely to mention environment and cheap cost as reasons for use. Most participants perceived cigarettes to be as addictive as cocaine or heroin, although this perception was less common among e-cigarette users than non-users. Among study participants, 59% reported wanting to stop using tobacco completely. Among current polyusers, those that used e-cigarettes were more likely to report cessation attempts during the past year and express interest in enrolling in a quit smoking text messaging program. Conclusion In our sample there was a high prevalence of polytobacco product use and complex tobacco use patterns among young adults, both in and out of college, from an urban community.
(Z)-3-[(E)-3-Phenyl-allyl-idene]indolin-2-one.

The title compound, C17H13NO, synthesized to be tested for neuroprotective activities, consists of an indoline and a phenyl­allyl­idene unit with a dihedral angle of 9.0 (1)° between the two ring systems. There are two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit which are connected into a dimer by inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.
Benzodiazepine Use Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Neurocognitive Impairment in People Living With HIV.

Objective:Despite potential for dependence and adverse neurological effects, long-term benzodiazepine (BZD) use is common among people living with HIV (PLWH). As PLWH are at risk for central nervous system dysfunction, we retrospectively examined the association between BZD use and HIV-associated ne
Remember Evil: Remaining Assumptions In Autonomy-based Accounts Of Conscience Protection

Discussions of the proper role of conscience and practitioner judgement within medicine have increased of late, and with good reason. The cost of allowing practitioners the space to exercise their best judgement and act according to their conscience is significant. Misuse of such protections carve out societal space in which abuse, discrimination, abandonment of patients, and simple malpractice might occur. These concerns are offered amid a backdrop of increased societal polarization and are about a profession (or set of professions) which has historically fought for such privileged space. There is a great deal that has been and might yet be said about these topics, but in this paper I aim to address one recent thread of this discussion: justification of conscience protection rooted in autonomy. In particular, I respond to an argument from Greenblum and Kasperbaur (2018) and clarify a critique I offered (2016) of an autonomy-based conscience protection argument which Greenblum and Kasperbaur seek to improve and defend. To this end, I briefly recap the central contention of that argument, briefly describe Greenblum and Kasperbaur’s analysis of autonomy and of my critique, and correct what appears to be a mistake in interpretation of both my work and of autonomy-based defenses of conscience protection in general.
Comparison of cardiovascular effects of tiletamine-zolazepam, pentobarbital, and ketamine-xylazine in male rats

We allocated 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats into 7 groups and anesthetized each by using one of the following regimens: ketamine 50 mg+xylaxine 5 mg; ketamine 75 mg+xylazine 5 mg; pentobarbital 45 mg; and Telazol 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg/kg; supplemental doses were used as required. Respiratory rate, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, and stroke index were measured every 30 min for 4 h. The Telazol groups showed a dose-dependent increase in duration of anesthesia. Duration of anesthesia was significantly shorter for the ketamine and pentobarbital groups than for any of the Telazol doses. Heart rate showed a dose-dependent decrease among the Telazol groups, but overall heart rate in these groups was higher than in the ketamine and pentobarbital groups. Mean arterial pressure in the Telazol 40 and 50 groups was significantly higher than the pentobarbital and higher ketamine groups yet lower than that of the Telazol 60 group. Overall animals anesthetized with Telazol showed the highest cardiac index, ketamine intermediate, and pentobarbital the lowest; cardiac index was higher in the Telazol 50 group than in either the Telazol 30 or pentobarbital groups. The pentobarbital group exhibited the lowest stroke index, whereas ketamine-treated animals had an intermediate stroke index. These differing effects of anesthetics on cardiovascular parameters must be considered when choosing an anesthesia regimen or comparing data from different studies. In our model, the Telazol 40 and 50 groups appeared to exhibit the fewest adverse cardiovascular effects.
Realistic Transport Simulation with Open Data

This poster aims to conduct a transportation simulation on MATSim, the state-of-the-art open source software for agent-based transportation simulation, for the region of Birmingham, AL, where a synthetic population is generated from a survey of 451 people with their day-plans of traveling. To tackle the small data problem, we seek the assistance of abundant open data such as US Census data, OpenStreetMap, OpenAddresses and Birmingham Business Alliance to complete the fine details realistically. We also utilize data science and machine learning techniques as well as iterative proportional fitting to build models that utilize these open data to generate a realistic population. Good accuracy of the simulation is achieved; see https://youtu.be/ZIm0WsmKB4E for a demo.
Why language matters: Shaping public risk tolerance during deterrence crises

Despite the obvious the risks involved in deterrence bargaining, we know surprisingly little about how the public evaluates risk during a crisis. A limited deterrence scholarship considers domestic...
Unionization, public school reform, and teacher professionalism

Effective schooling requires teachers to have professional discretion; yet in the twentieth century, bureaucratization enhanced administrative control of teaching. Teacher unionization offered one response to bureaucratization, intended in part to protect teacher professional discretion. More recently, the charter school movement offered a second means to protect teacher professionalism, though some scholars argue that charters fail to empower teachers since few charter teachers have union representation. We describe the conceptual links between unionization, charter schooling, and teacher professionalism. We then use the nationally-representative 2011–2012 School and Staffing Survey data to empirically examine the extent to which unionization and charter schooling influences teacher professionalism, measured as teachers’ perceptions of control over school policies and aspects of teaching and learning. OLS regressions indicate that unionized teachers report lower levels of control, while charter teachers report somewhat greater levels of control over school policies and curricula than other public school teachers.
Predictive Model and Online Calculator for Discharge Disposition in Brain Tumor Patients

Background In the era of value-based payment models, it is imperative for neurosurgeons to eliminate inefficiencies and provide high-quality care. Discharge disposition is a relevant consideration with clinical and economic ramifications in brain tumor patients. We developed a predictive model and online calculator for postoperative non-home discharge disposition in brain tumor patients that can be incorporated into preoperative workflows. Methods We reviewed all brain tumor patients at our institution from 2017 to 2019. A predictive model of discharge disposition containing preoperatively available variables was developed using stepwise multivariable logistic regression. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping with 2000 samples. Results Our cohort included 2335 patients who underwent 2586 surgeries with a 16% non-home discharge rate. Significant predictors of non-home discharge were age >60 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.02), African American (OR, 1.73) or Asian (OR, 2.05) race, unmarried status (OR, 1.48), Medicaid insurance (OR, 1.90), admission from another health care facility (OR, 2.30), higher 5-factor modified frailty index (OR, 1.61 for 5-factor modified frailty index ≥2), and lower Karnofsky Performance Status (increasing OR with each 10-point decrease in Karnofsky Performance Status). The model was well calibrated and had excellent discrimination (optimism-corrected C-statistic, 0.82). An open-access calculator was deployed ( https://neurooncsurgery.shinyapps.io/discharge_calc/ ). Conclusions A strongly performing predictive model and online calculator for non-home discharge disposition in brain tumor patients was developed. With further validation, this tool may facilitate more efficient discharge planning, with consequent improvements in quality and value of care for brain tumor patients.
Effect of nanoscale surface roughness on transverse energy spread from GaAs photocathodes

High quantum yield, low transverse energy spread, and prompt response time make GaAs activated to negative electron affinity an ideal candidate for a photocathode in high brightness photoinjectors. Even after decades of investigation, the exact mechanism of electron emission from GaAs is not well understood. We show that a nanoscale surface roughness can affect the transverse electron spread from GaAs by nearly an order of magnitude and explain the seemingly controversial experimental results obtained so far. This model can also explain the measured dependence of transverse energy spread on the wavelength of incident light.
Reference Ranges, Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Native T1 Mapping and Extracellular Volume for Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Meta-Analysis.

Background Cardiac MRI is central to the evaluation of cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Native T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) are novel MR techniques with evolving utility in cardiovascular diseases, including CA. Purpose To perform a meta-analysis of the diagnostic and prognostic data of native T1 mapping and ECV techniques for assessing CA. Study type Systematic review and meta-analysis. Population In all, 3520 patients including 1539 with CA from 22 studies retrieved following systematic search of Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase. Field strength/sequence 1.5T or 3.0T/modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) or shortened MOLLI (shMOLLI) sequences. Assessment Meta-analysis was performed for all CA and for light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) subtypes. Thresholds were calculated to classify native T1 and ECV values as not suggestive, indeterminate, or suggestive of CA. Statistical analysis Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUCs) and hazards ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were pooled using random-effects models and Open-Meta(Analyst) software. Results Six studies were diagnostic, 16 studies reported T1 and ECV values to determine reference range, and six were prognostic. Pooled AUCs (95% CI) for diagnosing CA were 0.92 (0.89-0.96) for native T1 mapping and 0.96 (0.93-1.00) for ECV, with similarly high detection rates for AL- and ATTR-CA. Based on the pooled values of native T1 and ECV in CA and control subjects, the thresholds that suggested the absence, indeterminate, or presence of CA were identified as 1073 msec, respectively, for native T1 at 1.5T. Pooled HRs (95% CI) for predicting all-cause mortality were 1.15 (1.08-1.22) for native T1 mapping as a continuous parameter, 1.19 (1.01-1.40) for ECV as a continuous parameter, and 4.93 (2.64-9.20) for ECV as a binary threshold. Data conclusion Native T1 mapping and ECV had high diagnostic performance and predicted all-cause mortality in CA. Level of evidence 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.
The Power of Power Politics: Evaluation: the adequacy of the realist paradigm

This book opened with the claims that the realist paradigm has dominated the field since the early 1950s and that the realist paradigm has not been very effective in explaining behavior. Through a review of the literature and the use of quantitative techniques, it has been found that the realist paradigm has indeed been the major guiding force directing scholarly inquiry in each of the three major scientific activities of theory construction, data making, and research. These findings support the first claim and the interpretation of the field provided in chapter 2. The findings also lend credence to the general interpretation of all scientific work provided by Thomas Kuhn (1970a). However, the findings do not indicate whether the power of the realist paradigm to dominate the field has been beneficial for attaining the purpose of the field – the creation of knowledge. The second claim maintains that up to this time the realist paradigm has not been very beneficial, because it has failed to demonstrate any significant ability to pass tests. The present chapter will attempt to establish the validity of this claim. The chapter is divided into five sections. The first specifies three criteria – accuracy, centrality, and scientific importance – that can be used to evaluate the adequacy of any paradigm. The second, third, and fourth sections operationally define each of the criteria respectively and apply them in an empirical “test” to determine the adequacy of the realist paradigm.
Changes in student behaviors and policy opinion regarding E-cigarettes at a Kentucky University from 2014 to 2018.

The behaviors and opinions regarding e-cigarette use and campus policies prohibiting vaping vary greatly among college students nationally. Kentucky is one of the four U.S. states with the highest tobacco use prevalence, and characterizing e-cigarette use, trends and policy opinions among Kentucky undergraduates may inform interventions. To characterize population-level differences in e-cigarette-related behaviors and policy opinions among undergraduates from 2014 to 2018, results from two cross-sectional surveys (2014 and 2018) from a public regional university in south-central Kentucky were analyzed. Students from randomly selected undergraduate general studies courses completed a 5-minute in-class survey. Data were obtained from 514 and 519 respondents in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Mean age did not differ (19.9 and 20.1 years; p = 0.41) nor did class rank (p = 0.30) by survey year. Chi-square analysis indicated previous 30-day e-cigarette use was higher in 2018 than 2014 (28% vs. 18%; p < 0.001), and current cigarette use was lower in 2018 than 2014 (13% vs. 25%; p < 0.001). When current smoking and recent e-cigarette use were combined as a use variable, there was no significant difference between 2018 (29%) and 2014 (30%). Fraternity/sorority affiliation, being under 22 years old, male gender, out-of-state residency, and having a smoking parent were associated with recent e-cigarette use in multivariable logit models. Support for the on-campus vaping prohibition was lower among 2018 respondents (68% approval) compared to 2014 respondents (74% approval), respectively (p = 0.022). Overall, these findings may inform policy, population-specific health communications, and future research.
Forward Neutrino Fluxes at the LHC

With the upcoming Run 3 of the LHC, the FASERv and SND@LHC detectors will start a new era of neutrino physics using the far-forward high-energy neutrino beam produced in collisions at ATLAS. This emerging LHC neutrino physics program requires reliable estimates of the LHC's forward neutrino fluxes and their uncertainties. In this paper we provide a new fast-neutrino flux simulation, implemented as a RIVET module, to address this issue. We present the expected energy distributions going through the FASERv and SND@LHC detectors based on various commonly used event generators, analyze the origin of those neutrinos, and present the expected neutrino event rates.
Utility of an EHR alert and tool to increase brain tumor awareness in the pediatric emergency department setting

PURPOSE: We sought to determine the utility of an EHR alert and screening tool to identify children presenting to the pediatric emergency department with signs and symptoms that could possibly be related to a brain tumor. METHODS This was a prospective non-randomized cohort study of …
The possibility of short-term hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression with high-volume, high-dose nasal mometasone irrigation in postsurgical patients with chronic rhinosinusitis

Background Medically refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is often treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and high-volume steroid nasal irrigation. While budesonide is the most common steroid irrigation for this indication, mometasone has a superior pharmacokinetic profile, which may allow dose escalation. The safety and efficacy of mometasone at higher concentrations than previously used in treating CRS have not been explored. Methods Patients were recruited from a tertiary level clinic between June 2018 and December 2019. Inclusion criteria included adults (>18 years); CRS diagnosis; previous FESS; pre-treatment morning cortisol within normal range; minimum of twice daily high-volume sinonasal mometasone irrigations (total dose of 4 mg) for 12 weeks; and post-treatment morning cortisol measured within 2 weeks following the study period. Patients with potential for endogenous or exogenous disruption of the HPA axis were excluded. Results 14 patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. In all but one patient, pre- and post-treatment morning cortisol levels were not significantly different and were within normal limits (6.7-25.4 μg/dL). Following an uninterrupted 12-week treatment course, no evidence of HPA axis suppression was found (P = 0.915). The single patient who was found to have a low (1.3 μg/dL) post-treatment morning serum cortisol level reportedly received an intraarticular steroid shot several days prior to the blood draw. She remained asymptomatic and her rechecked serum cortisol was within normal limits at 12.3 μg/dL. Conclusions High-volume 2 mg twice daily sinonasal mometasone irrigations did not cause HPA axis suppression in a representative sample of patients with refractory CRS post-FESS with normal baseline cortisol levels.