cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Is the Reference? An Examination of Alternatives to the Reference Sources Used in IES TM-30-15

ABSTRACTThis article documents the role of the reference illuminant in the IES TM-30-15 method for evaluating color rendition. TM-30-15 relies on a relative reference scheme; that is, the reference illuminant and test source always have the same correlated color temperature (CCT). The reference illuminant is a Planckian radiator, model of daylight, or combination of those two, depending on the exact CCT of the test source. Three alternative reference schemes were considered: (1) either using all Planckian radiators or all daylight models, while maintaining the CCT match of the test and reference; (2) using only one of 10 possible illuminants (Planckian, daylight, or equal energy), regardless of the CCT of the test source; (3) using an off-Planckian reference illuminant (that is, a source with a negative Duv). No reference scheme is inherently superior to another, with differences in metric values largely a result of small differences in gamut shape for the reference alternatives. Though using any of the a...
Comorbidities limiting recruitment of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in early-phase trials.

791Background: With the surge of drug development in the past decade, early phase clinical trials (EPCT) have gained value evaluating the potential benefits of new therapies. The inclusion/exclusion criteria in EPCT are usually rigorous and may exclude many patients (pts) commonly seen in clinical practice. Our objective was to identify the most common comorbidities excluded in EPCT for CRC. Methods: ClinicalTrials.gov was queried on December 1stof 2015. We reviewed the characteristics and eligibility criteria of 369 phase I/II interventional drug trials including: experimental arm therapy, location, and exclusion/inclusion criteria. Logistic regressions were completed and exclusion was studied as a binary variable. Results: Of the 369 trials, 68% were phase II and 32% phase I. 46% were conducted in the United States, 30% in Europe, 15% in Asia and 9% in other locations. 74 (20%) trials excluded pts > 70 years of age. 142 (39%) trials required creatinine levels < 1.5 mg/dl, liver enzymes (AST/ALT) < 2.5 a...
Border Injuries: An Analysis of Prehospital Demographics, Mechanisms, and Patterns of Injuries Encountered by USBP EMS Agents in the El Paso (Texas USA) Sector.

Study Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate Emergency Medical Services (EMS), use, injury mechanisms, prehospital assessments, and injuries among those receiving aid from the United States Border Patrol (USBP) in the El Paso (Texas USA) Sector. Design This is a time-series, retrospective analysis of all prehospital data for injuries among patients receiving care from USBP EMS on the US Mexico border in the El Paso sector from February 6, 2014 to February 6, 2016. Results A total of 473 documented EMS encounters occurred in this two-year period and demonstrated a male gender predominance (male 63%; female 37%) with the most prominent ages between 22-40 years old. The most prevalent EMS call types were medical (55%) and trauma (42%). The most common chief complaints were an injured or painful extremity (35%) and rash (13%). The most common USBP EMS provider primary impression was traumatic injury (34%), followed by fever/infection (17%) and extremity injury (7%); however, the most common secondary impression was also extremity injury (20%). The most common mechanism of injury was fall (26%) and motor vehicle accident (MVA; 22%). The USBP EMS was the first provider on scene in 96% of the MVAs. Conclusion: The author reports on injury patterns, mechanisms, chief complaints, EMS impressions, as well as demographics of patients reporting to USBP EMS. A knowledge of these injury patterns will be useful to EMS administrators and physicians along the US Mexico border. Baker RA . Border Injuries: An Analysis of Prehospital Demographics, Mechanisms, and Patterns of Injuries Encountered by USBP EMS Agents in the El Paso (Texas USA) Sector. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(4):431–436.
Estimating multiple time‐fixed treatment effects using a semi‐Bayes semiparametric marginal structural Cox proportional hazards regression model

Marginal structural models for time-fixed treatments fit using inverse-probability weighted estimating equations are increasingly popular. Nonetheless, the resulting effect estimates are subject to finite-sample bias when data are sparse, as is typical for large-sample procedures. Here we propose a semi-Bayes estimation approach which penalizes or shrinks the estimated model parameters to improve finite-sample performance. This approach uses simple symmetric data-augmentation priors. Limited simulation experiments indicate that the proposed approach reduces finite-sample bias and improves confidence-interval coverage when the true values lie within the central “hill” of the prior distribution. We illustrate the approach with data from a nonexperimental study of HIV treatments.
Comprehensive analysis of tumor mutational load, genomic alterations, and PD-L1 status in gastrointestinal cancers using a multiplatform molecular profiling tool.

93Background: Tumor mutational load (TML) has been proposed as a biomarker of responsiveness to novel immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) due its association with increased neoantigen formation and tumor immunogenicity. Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) are generally insensitive to ICIs; therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the TML, clinically relevant genomic alterations (CRGAs), and PDL-1 status of GIC patients (pts). Methods: We analyzed samples of pts with GICs using a multiplatform profiling tool (Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ). TML and CRGAs were calculated based on next generation sequencing and mutational load was stratified as high (≥17 mut/Mb), intermediate (8-16 mut/Mb), and low (≤ 7 mut/Mb). PD-L1 status was determined by IHC. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression were used for analysis. Results: A total of 85 pts with GICs were analyzed. The median pt age was 65. 53% were males and 47% were females. Tumors were colorectal 51%, pancreatic 13%, esophageal 13%, gastric ...
Exploring the effect of supportive teacher evaluation experiences on U.S. teachers’ job satisfaction

Teacher satisfaction is a key affective reaction to working conditions and an important predictor of teacher attrition. Teacher evaluation as a tool for measuring teacher quality has been one source of teacher stress in recent years in the United States. There is a growing body of evidence on how to evaluate teachers in ways which support their growth and development as practitioners. For this study, we inquired: What is the relationship between supportive teacher evaluation experiences and U.S. teachers’ overall job satisfaction? To answer this question, we employed a multilevel regression analysis to multiply-imputed data on U.S. lower-secondary teachers’ experiences from the 2013 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS). We found a small, positive relationship between the perceptions of supportive teacher evaluation experiences and U.S. secondary teachers’ satisfaction after controlling for other important teacher and school characteristics and working conditions. Further, teachers who felt their evaluation led to positive changes in their practice had higher satisfaction. Teachers whose primary evaluator was a fellow teacher as opposed to the principal also had higher satisfaction on average. We discuss the implications of these findings for school leaders as well as future teacher evaluation policy.
A Two-Field Finite Element Solver for Poroelasticity on Quadrilateral Meshes

This paper presents a finite element solver for linear poroelasticity problems on quadrilateral meshes based on the displacement-pressure two-field model. This new solver combines the Bernardi-Raugel element for linear elasticity and a weak Galerkin element for Darcy flow through the implicit Euler temporal discretization. The solver does not use any penalty factor and has less degrees of freedom compared to other existing methods. The solver is free of nonphysical pressure oscillations, as demonstrated by numerical experiments on two widely tested benchmarks. Extension to other types of meshes in 2-dim and 3-dim is also discussed.
Dendritic-Like Cells from relB Mutant Mice

Mice deficient in the NF-κB transcription factor relB appear to have defects in the production of mature dendritic cells, as secondary lymphoid tissues are absent, and spleen cells show a significant loss of antigen presenting function. Moreover, the thymus appears to be impaired in negative selection, and immune responses in vivo are poor. Since dendritic cell precursors such as skin Langerhans cells appear to be normal, we sought information on the nature of the dendritic cell defect in these mice. Cultures of mutant bone marrow in the presence of GM-CSF revealed a delay in the accumulation of cells with dendritic cell features relative to controls; however, these cells were nearly as potent on a per cell basis as wild type cells in the stimulation of allogeneic mixed lymphocyte cultures. Similarly, skin Langerhans cells from mutant mice also showed significant ability to stimulate allogeneic T cells in culture. Since these findings cannot explain the defect in immune responses and the absence of secondary lymphoid tissues, we also looked at the ability of the relB mutant dendritic-like cells to form aggregates in vitro with naive syngeneic T cells. In this case, while wild type dendritic cells generated compact aggregates with T cells, relB mutant cells only formed irregular small aggregates. Thus, while relB mutant dendritic-like cells have some functions of mature dendritic cells, other functions are deficient. Understanding the role of relB in regulation of these functions should lead to a greater understanding of the molecular basis of dendritic cell development and function.
Wheat Grain Protein Content Estimation Based on Multi-temporal Remote Sensing Data and Generalized Regression Neural Network

Monitoring grain protein content in large areas by remote sensing is very important for guiding graded harvest, and facilitates grain purchasing for processing enterprises. Wheat grain protein content (GPC) at maturity was measured and multi- temporal Landsat TM and Landsat ETM + images at key stages in 2003, 2004 growth stages were acquired in this study. GPC was estimated with multi-temporal remote sensing data and generalized regression neural network (GRNN) method. Results show that the GPC prediction accuracy of the GRNN model is higher, with the average relative deviation of self-modeling, average relative deviation of cross-validation as 0.003%, 0.321%; 4.300%, 7.349% for 2003 and 2004 respectively. GRNN method proves to be reliable and robust to monitoring GPC in large areas by multi-temporal and multi-spectral remote sensing data.
Dynamics and Embodiment in Language Comprehension

Rather than a sequence of logical operations performed on discrete symbols, real-time language comprehension may be better described as continuously changing patterns of neuronal activity in sensory and motor cortices, i.e., a trajectory through state space. The continuity in these dynamics indicates that, in between describable states of mind, much of our linguistic processing does not lend itself to the category labels relied on by classical cognitive science. I will discuss eye-tracking and computer-mouse-tracking evidence for this temporal continuity in spoken word recognition, sentence comprehension, and question answering. In this continuity framework, the embodiment of language falls naturally out of the fact that linguistic processing emerges from the real-time interaction between domain-general perception and action systems - rather than from a domain-specific language module.
On Fitting a Continuous-Time Stochastic Process Model in the Bayesian Framework

Process models can be viewed as mathematical tools that allow researchers to formulate and test theories on the data-generating mechanism underlying observed data. In this chapter we highlight the advantages of this approach by proposing a multilevel, continuous-time stochastic process model to capture the dynamical homeostatic process that underlies observed intensive longitudinal data. Within the multilevel framework, we also link the dynamical processes parameters to time-varying and time-invariant covariates. However, estimating all model parameters (e.g., process model parameters and regression coefficients) simultaneously requires custom-made implementation of the parameter estimation; therefore we advocate the use of a Bayesian statistical framework for fitting these complex process models. We illustrate application to data on self-reported affective states collected in an ecological momentary assessment setting.
32 – Wound Care Models

Tissue repair is essential for all surgical procedures that one performs. If an incision breaks down, such as after fascial dehiscence, then the patient is at risk for evisceration. If a bowel anastomosis breaks down, then the resulting leakage leads to an abscess and potentially the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In essence, the ultimate result of impaired tissue repair is multiple organ failure and death. If healing occurs promptly and completely, then sepsis and multiple organ failure may not occur. Inadequate healing is one of the first components of complications such as sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Models have been designed to examine all forms of healing. The greatest weakness in the models is in the evaluation of scar formation. With the development of modern molecular biological techniques, one now has the capability of influencing the genes that control tissue repair. These techniques will eventually help to have a better control of healing failures and excessive scar formation.
San Francisco Slaughterhouses and American Proto-zoning:

Historians generally attribute the title of first municipal proto-zoning ordinance in the United States to a restriction on the locations of Chinese Laundries from Modesto, California, in 1885. Yet...
Firefighters’ Strategies for Processing Spatial Information During Emergency Rescue Searches

Firefighters face a unique wayfinding situation when they are in emergency situations. This study aims to examine the strategies that firefighters use when in an emergency situation to provide insights for future research. In this study, we interview 12 firefighters from three regions of the US to understand the navigation strategies they use during rescue missions.
Attosecond Phase Retrieval by Deep Neural Network

A deep neural network is used for attosecond pulse phase retrieval. Combination of supervised and unsupervised learning show potential for a fast and accurate phase retrieval method without making the central momentum approximation. © 2019 The Author(s)
A Multidimensional Profile of Dyspnea in Hospitalized Patients

Background Dyspnea is prevalent among hospitalized patients but little is known about the experience of dyspnea among inpatients. We sought to characterize the multiple sensations and associated emotions of dyspnea in patients admitted with dyspnea to a tertiary care hospital. Methods We selected patients who reported breathing discomfort of at least 4/10 on admission (10 = unbearable). Research staff recruited 156 patients within 24 hours of admission and evaluated daily patients' current and worst dyspnea with the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile; patients participated in the study 2.6 days on average. The Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile assesses overall breathing discomfort (A1), intensity of five sensory qualities of dyspnea, and 5 negative emotional responses to dyspnea. Patients were also asked to rate whether current levels of dyspnea were "acceptable." Results At the time of the first research interview, patients reported slight to moderate dyspnea (A1 median 4); however, most patients reported experiencing severe dyspnea in the 24 hours before the interview (A1 mean 7.8). A total of 54% of patients with dyspnea ≥4 on day 1 found the symptom unacceptable. The worst dyspnea each day in the prior 24 hours usually occurred at rest. Dyspnea declined but persisted through hospitalization for most patients. "Air hunger" was the dominant sensation, especially when dyspnea was strong (>4). Anxiety and frustration were the dominant emotions associated with dyspnea. Conclusions This first multidimensional portrait of dyspnea in a general inpatient population characterizes the sensations and emotions dyspneic patients endure. The finding that air hunger is the dominant sensation of severe dyspnea has implications for design of laboratory models of these sensations and may have implications for targets of palliation of symptoms.
Effect of Polysilicon Grain Size on Gate Leakage in CMOS Manufacturing

The effect of polysilicon grain size on gate leakage is investigated and the impact on yield is presented. Wafers with larger polysilicon grains show higher yield loss associated with gate leakage. One possible mechanism is that polysilicon with larger grain sizes owns higher interface roughness due to polysilicon grain protrusion into gate oxide layer during post annealing, which will reduce the effective thickness of gate oxide and cause gate oxide breakdown.
A Gas Lift Optimization System with Variable Choke and Action Constraints

Gas lift systems are multi-scale industrial systems involving downhole actuators, surface equipment, processing facilities, and control systems connecting them. Gas lifting oil wells works by injecting high pressure gas into the flow stream, decreasing bottom-hole pressure, and increasing oil flow to the surface. From there, fluids move through pipelines, separators, compressors, and other components in the facility. If the gas available for injection is insufficient to optimize every well, then the available gas needs to be optimally allocated to maximize field production — this is the gas lift optimization problem. This paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming formulation using gas injection and wellhead choke as optimization variables. Surrogate well performance and choke models are piecewise linear. New constraints called action constraints and an enumeration procedure are introduced to make the solutions more easily implemented in the field. Recently published precedence constraints are also included. Numerical results demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, which has been successfully implemented in the field.
Reported Weight Change in Older Adults and Presence of Frailty

A 5% change in weight is a significant predictor for frailty and obesity. We ascertained how self-reported weight change over the lifespan impacts rates of frailty in older adults. We identified 4,984 subjects ≥60 years with body composition measures from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. An adapted version of Fried’s frailty criteria was used as the primary outcome. Self-reported weight was assessed at time current,1 and 10 years earlier and at age 25. Weight changes between each time point were categorized as ≥ 5%, ≤5% or neutral. Logistic regression assessed the impact of weight change on the outcome of frailty. Among 4,984 participants, 56.5% were female, mean age was 71.1 years, and mean BMI was 28.2kg/m2. A weight loss of ≥ 5% had a higher association with frailty compared to current weight, age 25 (OR 2.94 [1.72,5.02]), 10 years ago (OR 1.68 [1.05,2.69]), and 1 year ago (OR 1.55 [1.02,2.36]). Weight gain in the last year was associated with increased rate of frailty (1.59 [1.09,2.32]). There is an association between frailty and reported weight loss over time while only weight gain in the last year has an association with frailty.
Current Applicant Perceptions of the Ophthalmology Residency Match.

Importance The ophthalmology residency application process is critical for applicants and residency programs, and knowledge about the preferences of applicants would assist both groups in improving the process. Objective To evaluate the experiences and preferences of ophthalmology residency applicants. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional, nonvalidated survey was conducted online. All applicants to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute ophthalmology residency program during the 2018-2019 application cycle were invited to complete the survey. Data collection occurred from April 1, 2019, to April 30, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Applicant demographics, application submissions, interview experiences, financial considerations, match results, and suggestions for improvement of the application process. Results Responses were received from 185 applicants (36.4%), including 77 women (41.6%). A successful match into an ophthalmology residency was achieved by 172 respondents (93.0%). There was a mean (SD) US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score of 245.8 (13.3) points. Respondents applied to a mean (SD) of 76.4 (23.5) ophthalmology residency programs, received 14.0 (9.0) invitations to interview, and attended 10.3 (4.4) interviews. Choices regarding applications and interviews were based mostly on program reputation, location, and advisor recommendation. A usual lead time of at least 3 weeks between the invitation and interview was reported by 126 respondents (69.2%), which was reduced to 14 respondents (15.1%) when a wait-list was involved. The ophthalmology residency application process cost a mean (SD) of $5704 ($2831) per applicant. Respondents reported that they were most able to reduce costs through housing choices (hotel stays or similar arrangements) and least able to reduce costs by limiting the number of programs to which they applied or at which they interviewed. Conclusions and Relevance The ophthalmology residency application process is complex and poses substantial challenges to applicants and residency programs. These findings suggest that many current applicants have difficulty selecting programs to apply to, and most respondents desired changes to the current system of interview invitations and scheduling.
Building a Model of Collaboration between Historically Black and Historically White Universities.

Despite increases over the last two decades in the number of degrees awarded to students from underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, enhancing diversity in these disciplines remains a challenge. This article describes a strategic approach to this challenge—the development of a collaborative partnership between two universities: the historically Black Elizabeth City State University and the historically White University of New Hampshire. The partnership, a type of learning organization built on three mutually agreed upon principles, strives to enhance opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue careers in the STEM disciplines. This article further describes six promising practices that framed the partnership, which resulted in the submission of nine proposals to federal agencies and the funding of four grants that led to the implementation, research, learning, and evaluation that followed.
Whole blood viscosity and red blood cell adhesion: Potential biomarkers for targeted and curative therapies in sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a recessive genetic blood disorder exhibiting abnormal blood rheology. Polymerization of sickle hemoglobin, due to a point mutation in the β-globin gene of hemoglobin, results in aberrantly adhesive and stiff red blood cells (RBCs). Hemolysis, abnormal RBC adhesion, and abnormal blood rheology together impair endothelial health in people with SCD, which leads to cumulative systemic complications. Here, we describe a microfluidic assay combined with a micro particle image velocimetry technique for the integrated in vitro assessment of whole blood viscosity (WBV) and RBC adhesion. We examined WBV and RBC adhesion to laminin (LN) in microscale flow in whole blood samples from 53 individuals with no hemoglobinopathies (HbAA, N = 10), hemoglobin SC disease (HbSC, N = 14), or homozygous SCD (HbSS, N = 29) with mean WBV of 4.50 cP, 4.08 cP, and 3.73 cP, respectively. We found that WBV correlated with RBC count and hematocrit in subjects with HbSC or HbSS. There was a significant inverse association between WBV and RBC adhesion under both normoxic and physiologically hypoxic (SpO2 of 83%) tests, in which lower WBV associated with higher RBC adhesion to LN in subjects with HbSS. Low WBV has been found by others to associate with endothelial activation. Altered WBV and abnormal RBC adhesion may synergistically contribute to the endothelial damage and cumulative pathophysiology of SCD. These findings suggest that WBV and RBC adhesion may serve as clinically relevant biomarkers and endpoints in assessing emerging targeted and curative therapies in SCD.
Variable extended depth of field imaging using freeform optics

Increasing depth of field in imaging systems can be beneficial, particularly for systems with high numerical apertures and short depth of field, such as microscopy. Extending depth of field has been previously demonstrated, for example, using non-rotationally symmetric (freeform) components such as cubic and logarithmic phase plates. Such fixed phase plates are generally designed for a specific optical system, so a different phase plate is required for each system. Methods that enable variable extended depth of field for multiple optical systems could provide benefits by reducing the number of required components and costs. In this paper, we explore the design of a single pair of transmissive freeform surfaces to enable extended depth of field for multiple lenses with different numerical apertures through relative translation of the freeform components. This work builds on the concept of an Alvarez lens, in which one pair of transmissive XY-polynomial freeform surfaces generates variable optical power through lateral relative shifts between the surfaces. The presented approach is based on the design of multiple fixed phase plates to optimize the through-focus Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) for imaging lenses of given numerical apertures. The freeform surface equation for the desired variable phase plate pair is then derived and the relative shift amounts between the freeform surfaces are calculated to enable extended depth of field for multiple imaging lenses with different numerical aperture values. Design approaches and simulation results will be discussed. © (2020) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only. Citation Download Citation Sara Moein and Thomas J. Suleski "Variable extended depth of field imaging using freeform optics", Proc. SPIE 11483, Novel Optical Systems, Methods, and Applications XXIII, 114830G (21 August 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2568723
Revised Reporting (Issuing Addenda and Amendments) in Pathology.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to align the current experiences and best practices in revised reporting (issuing of addenda and amendments) in pathology. Pathology specialties explored in the survey include anatomic pathology, surgical pathology, cytopathology, and hematopathology. Methods The study used a cross-sectional design in which an online revised reporting survey was deployed to a large national sample represented by pathologists, pathology residents, pathology fellows, pathology managers, and laboratory directors. Results Qualitative and quantitative results from this survey highlight significant variation in standards for creating, issuing, and tracking quality indicators related to addenda and amendments. The most notable findings were a lack of standardization and the potential for widespread adoption of revised reporting best practices within and between pathology services. Conclusions Survey insight provides the potential for improving patient safety outcomes, engaging with consumers of our reports, providing a current state view of revised reporting, and assessing the attitudes of pathologists and laboratory professionals on how their individual approaches and team-based workflows achieve revised reports. The data generated from this survey will provide patient safety opportunities associated with accurate pathology reporting and will encourage further development of optimal pathology revised reporting guidelines.
The Impact of Information Processing Costs on Firm Disclosure Choice: Evidence from the XBRL Mandate

This paper examines the effect of market participants’ information processing costs on firms’ disclosure choice. Using the recent eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) regulation, I find that firms increase their quantitative footnote disclosures upon implementation of XBRL detailed tagging requirements designed to reduce information users’ processing costs. These results hold in a difference-in-difference design using matched non-adopting firms as controls, as well as two additional identification strategies. Examination of the disclosure increase by footnote type suggests that both regulatory and non-regulatory market participants play a role in monitoring firm disclosures. Overall, these findings suggest that the processing costs of market participants can be significant enough to impact firms’ disclosure decisions.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the current standard neuroimaging modality for patients with high-grade gliomas (HGG). A valuable addition to the morphologic information obtained from MRI is magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which provides information regarding the metabolic status of the brain and tumor. In the clinical setting, MRS can be obtained during the same session as the MRI examination, therefore providing both morphological and metabolic imaging with minimal additional time.
Decreasing Unplanned Extubations in the Neonatal ICU.

BACKGROUND: Unplanned extubation (UE) is a preventable adverse event and may lead to additional complications such as cardiovascular resuscitation or respiratory compromise in a critically ill neonate during an emergent re-intubation. A quality improvement project to reduce unplanned endotracheal tube dislodgement would reduce these morbidities. We aimed to reduce UEs in the NICU to 1 UE/100 ventilator days by October 2018. METHODS: As of the baseline period (March 2017 to November 2017), our level 4 NICU had 950 annual admissions and a baseline rate of 9.9 UEs/100 ventilator days. We formed an inter-professional task force consisting of a neonatologist, 2 respiratory therapists, and the NICU nurse educator. We tracked all of our UE events and required the staff involved to file an electronic safety report. PDSA (plan-do-study-act) cycles consisted of staff attitude survey, development of a data collection tool, protocol of 2 staff members for all transfers of intubated patients, staff education around securement device, and daily retaping of endotracheal tubes to securement device. UE events and ventilator days were extracted from a respiratory database and the electornic medical record. RESULTS: A special cause variation was noted via control chart rules for the mean UE rate from a baseline of 9.9 UEs/100 ventilator days in the baseline period compared to a post-intervention mean of 1.6 UEs/100 ventilator days for the period of August 2018 to March 2019). During the intervention phase of the project (December 2017 to July 2018), a special cause variation was noted with a UE rate of 5/100 ventilator days. CONCLUSIONS: Development of a quality improvement project by a multidisciplinary taskforce, along with several PDSA cycles including education and staff awareness, reduced the UE rate by 84% in a level 4 NICU. Ongoing surveillance, education, and review of UE cases will be key to maintaining UE events at a goal of 1 UE/100 ventilator days.
Changes in Pectin and Cellulose during Processing

Polysaccharides provide much of the structure which gives a wide variety of foods desirable textural properties. Cellulose, pectin, and hemicellulose are the major polysaccharide components in the cell wall of all plant foods. Due to the complexities of these polysaccharides, the even greater complexity of the plant cell wall, and numerous experimental difficulties in working with these polysaccharides, much remains to be learned in establishing detailed structure-function relationships both for biological and technological functions. However, there has been rapid progress in understanding the physical and chemical properties of polysaccharides in recent years. As new information and new techniques are applied more intensively to problems of interest to food technologists, we are likely to see considerable progress in our understanding of the chemistry of food texture. The purpose of this chapter is to review recent developments in the chemistry of plant cell wall polysaccharides, particularly pectin and cellulose, as they may relate to the texture of fruits and vegetables.
Large-Scale Aerosol Modeling and Analysis

Abstract : The long-term goal of this research is to develop a practical predictive capability for visibility and weather effects of aerosol particles for the entire globe for timely use in planning and executing DoD operations and activities. The fundamental predicted variables are the concentrations of atmospheric aerosol particles responsible for degradation of Electro-Optical (EO) propagation in regions of DoD interest. Post-processors calculate the optical parameters useful in strategic and tactical planning, training, and operational activities. This forecast and simulation capability is also used in theoretical studies of the Earth's atmosphere and has operational usefulness in scientific field campaigns.
Postpartum Depression and Help Seeking Behaviors in Immigrant Hispanic Women

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe perceptions of immigrant Hispanic women experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) and to identify barriers to seeking mental health services. Design Qualitative descriptive. Setting Community health clinic. Participants Twenty immigrant Hispanic women scoring positive for symptoms of PPD receiving health care at a community health clinic who declined mental health services participated in audiotaped interviews held in their homes. Methods Following Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent, interviews were conducted with study participants. Transcribed data were analyzed as appropriate for qualitative inquiry. Results Some of the women did not recognize and/or denied their symptoms attributing their sadness to financial concerns, family relationships, and/or work stressors. Study participants articulately described their symptoms and identified personal barriers including beliefs about emotional health, the perceived stigma of mental illness, hesitancy to seek treatment for symptoms of PPD, and cultural beliefs about motherhood and the role of women. Social barriers included inadequate social support, immigration status, and limited English proficiency. Health care delivery barriers included financial and time constraints and lack of child care and transportation. Conclusion Limited social networks and barriers to health care should be addressed to foster positive outcomes. Mental health services should be embedded with primary health care or obstetric care clinics to facilitate access. Personal and professional support can make a significant contribution to the reduction of symptoms of PPD.
High temperature enhances host pathology in a snail–trematode system: possible consequences of climate change for the emergence of disease

Summary 1. Disease severity may be altered by the differential responses of hosts and parasites to rising temperatures leading to an increase or reduction in disease. The net effect of climate change on emerging diseases will reflect the effects of temperature on all life history stages of both hosts and parasites. 2. To explore how climate change differentially influences hosts and parasites, we studied the effect of increasing temperatures on different life stages of the multi-host trematode parasite Ribeiroia ondatrae, which has been linked to the emerging phenomenon of amphibian limb malformations, and its snail intermediate host Planorbella trivolvis. We determined the effects of temperature on the development of R. ondatrae eggs and redia larvae and the effects of parasite exposure (exposed and sham-exposed), temperature (13, 20, and 26 °C) and their interaction on snail host vital rates, including growth, mortality and reproduction. 3. Ribeiroia eggs developed four times faster at 26 °C than at 17 °C and did not develop at 12 °C. Higher temperatures increased snail growth, egg production and mortality. Infection interacted with temperature to enhance the growth of infected snails while reducing their fecundity at 26 °C. These results suggest that pathology associated with infection is amplified at higher temperatures. 4. The timing of interactions between R. ondatrae and P. trivolvis may be influenced by their physiological responses to temperature. Temperature-driven increases in the growth of infected snails coupled with the cessation of parasite development at lower temperatures suggest that warming temperatures will change host–parasite dynamics. Taken together, these results indicate that future climate change could alter parasite abundance and pathology by creating a ‘phenological mismatch’ between snail hosts and parasites, potentially leading to infection of both snail and amphibian hosts in earlier and, in the case of amphibians, more vulnerable stages of development.
Cocaine plasma concentrations in persons admitted to outpatient treatment: relationship to treatment outcome.

Nine (9) of 23 (39.1%) consecutive persons who sought outpatient treatment for chronic cocaine dependence had detectable plasma cocaine concentrations on admission which ranged from 10.0 to 639 ng/ml (mean 146.9 +/- 202.2). Subjects with cocaine in their plasma demonstrated at least partial tolerance to acute cocaine effects in that there was no consistent presence of hypertension, tachycardia, accelerated speaking rate, hyperreflexia, or dilated pupil. Subjects who were admitted with cocaine in their plasma retained in treatment only 4.6 +/- 4.0, compared to 13.0 +/- 13.4 days among those admitted with cocaine in their plasma (P less than .05). In addition, 11 of 14 (78.6%) subjects without cocaine in plasma compared to 2 of 9 (22.2%) with cocaine in plasma produced a urine void of cocaine metabolite during treatment. (P less than .01)
Identification of six new Gaucher disease mutations.

Abstract The four most common mutations account for 97% of the Gaucher disease-producing alleles in Jewish patients and 75% of the alleles in non-Jewish patients. Although at least 15 other mutations and some examples of gene conversion and/or fusion genes have been described, a number of mutations remain unidentified. We have now identified six new mutations, a deletion of a C at the 72 position of the cDNA, a 481C → T mutation (122Pro → Ser), a 751T → C (212Tyr → His), a 1549G → A (478Gly → Ser), a 1604G → A (496Arg → His), and a 55-bp deletion. All but one of these were found in single families. The 1604A mutation, however, was observed in four unrelated individuals.
Hyaluronic acid hydrogel stiffness and oxygen tension affect cancer cell fate and endothelial sprouting.

Three-dimensional (3D) tissue culture models may recapitulate aspects of the tumorigenic microenvironment in vivo, enabling the study of cancer progression in vitro. Both hypoxia and matrix stiffness are known to regulate tumor growth. Using a modular culture system employing an acrylated hyaluronic acid (AHA) hydrogel, three hydrogel matrices with distinctive degrees of viscoelasticity—soft (78 ± 16 Pa), medium (309 ± 57 Pa), and stiff (596 ± 73 Pa)—were generated using the same concentration of adhesion ligands. Oxygen levels within the hydrogel in atmospheric (21%), hypoxic (5%), and severely hypoxic (1%) conditions were assessed with a mathematical model. HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells, encapsulated within the AHA hydrogels in high densities, generated nonuniform oxygen distributions, while lower cell densities resulted in more uniform oxygen distributions in the atmospheric and hypoxic environments. When we examined how varying viscoelasticity in atmospheric and hypoxic environments affects cell cycles and the expression of BNIP3 and BNIP3L (autophagy and apoptosis genes), and GLUT-1 (a glucose transport gene), we observed that HT1080 cells in 3D hydrogel adapted better to hypoxic conditions than those in a Petri dish, with no obvious correlation to matrix viscoelasticity, by recovering rapidly from possible autophagy/apoptotic events and alternating metabolism mechanisms. Further, we examined how HT1080 cells cultured in varying viscoelasticity and oxygen tension conditions affected endothelial sprouting and invasion. We observed that increased matrix stiffness reduced endothelial sprouting and invasion in atmospheric conditions; however, we observed increased endothelial sprouting and invasion under hypoxia at all levels of matrix stiffness with the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoeitin-1 (ANG-1). Overall, HT1080 cells encapsulated in the AHA hydrogels under hypoxic stress recovered better from apoptosis and demonstrated greater angiogenic induction. Thus, we propose that oxygen tension more profoundly influences cell fate and the angiogenic potential of 3D cultured HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells than does matrix stiffness.
A computer-assisted electrocardiographic analysis system: methodology and potential application to cardiovascular toxicology

An automated analysis of electrocardiographic (ECC) waveforms, based on a precise one‐dimensional analysis of features within a generalized computer‐enhanced ECC waveform, has been developed in our laboratory. ECC signals are monitored, amplified, and recorded using standard techniques. The recorder output signal is distributed to a microcomputer system. Software developed for the microcomputer slows the signal playback rate and permits operator review of the slowed signal for arrhythmia analysis. The analysis program identifies and superimposes 10–40 individual ECC complexes, depending on the heart rate, and generates an “ensembled” waveform. Operator interaction permits delineation of specific points on the displayed waveform and calculation of heart rate and duration of components within the ECC complex. The primary advantages of this system include (1) extensive automation—computer support decreases analytical time, increases precision, and permits rapid screening of large numbers of animals; (2) enha...
Investigation of the Stereodynamics of Axially Chiral 1,8-Bis(2,2‘-diphenyl-4,4‘-dipyridyl)naphthalene and Cryogenic Separation of Its syn/anti-Isomers

The kinetics of the syn/anti-isomerization of 1,8-bis(2,2‘-diphenyl-4,4‘-dipyridyl)naphthalene, 1, was investigated over a wide temperature range using variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with dynamic HPLC and computer simulation. Rate constants obtained utilizing both methods between −65.0 and 40.3 °C were found to be in excellent agreement and allowed for the determination of the Gibbs standard activation energy ΔG°⧧ for the diastereoisomerization of 1 as 70.4 kJ/mol. The rotational activation enthalpy ΔH⧧ and the rotational activation entropy ΔS⧧ were calculated from the Eyring plot as 57.5 kJ/mol and −43.4 J/K mol, respectively. Cryogenic chromatography using an achiral HPLC column at −70 °C allowed the first separation of a stereolabile perisubstituted diarylnaphthalene into its syn- and anti-diastereoisomers, which interconvert at room temperature.
Effects of amines on the carotenogenesis in Blakeslea trispora

Abstract Six amines profoundly affected carotenogenesis in Blakeslea trispora . When cultures were treated with the amines, namely 4-[β-(diethylamino)-ethoxy]-benzaldehyde, 4-[β-(diethylamino)-ethoxy]-acetophenone hydrochloride, 4-β-(diethylamino)-ethoxy]-benzophenone hydrochloride, triethylamine hydrochloride, α-diethylaminopropiophenone hydrochloride and tributylamine hydrochloride, an increase in the lycopene accumulation was observed. The modes of action of these amines appear to be similar to that of 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)triethylamine hydrochloride (CPTA); however, they difrer in relative effectiveness.
Apoptosis induced by aspirin and 5-fluorouracil in human colonic adenocarcinoma cells.

Various biochemical, clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that aspirin (ASA) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) demonstrate antineoplastic properties, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, inhibiting the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. The mechanism of action may be prostaglandin mediated through inhibition of the COX enzymatic system. This includes two iso-enzymes, COX-I and COX-II, working in concert with the activation of apoptosis, activation of immune surveillance, inhibition of proliferation, and inhibition of carcinogen activation. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has demonstrated activity against colorectal cancer, leading to apoptosis of neoplastic cells. We evaluated the effects of varying doses of ASA (0.5, 1, 1.5 mM), both as a single agent and in combination with 5-FU (50 μg) in HT-29, a colon adenocarcinoma cell line. Proliferation assays showed that aspirin at a concentration of 1 mM inhibits cell growth. Cells treated with ASA, both alone and in combination with 5-FU, demonstrated apoptotic activity with the up-regulation of Bax protein, which is consistent with 5-FU anticancer treatment. Furthermore, there was synergistic cell death with ASA and 5-FU. DNA fragmentation, TUNEL, and trypan blue exclusion methods indicated that a combination of ASA and 5-FU induces apoptosis in cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. This study serves to further elucidate the mechanism of action of ASA, and ASA in combination with 5-FU, in colorectal cancer as evidenced by its effect on the HT-29 cell line.
Muscarinic receptor-dependent activation of phospholipase C in human fetal central nervous system organotypic tissue culture

Abstract The coupling of muscarinic-cholinergic receptors (mAchR) with the phospholipase C (PLC) second messenger system has been demonstrated in central nervous system (CNS) tissue of many animal species. However, little information exists regarding this association in the developing human CNS. Due to the suggested role of acetylcholine in the regulation of development and differentiation of neural cells, the knowledge of these relationships during human fetal development acquires singular importance. Because of this, we examined the cholinergic stimulation of PLC in human fetal CNS organotypic tissue cultures. Agonist treatment of cultures, in the presence of lithium, resulted in a 4–6-fold increase in inositol phosphates formation. This increase was caused principally by the formation of inositol phosphate (IP). However, kinetic studies demonstrated that the levels of IP 2 , IP 3 and IP 4 also increased rapidly after stimulation reaching maximum levels before IT. These results support the hypothesis that muscarinic receptor activation results in an increase in the hydrolysis of PIP 2 . The inositol phosphate formation was dependent on agonist concentration. The obtained EC 50 values were approximately 57 ± 15 μM for carbachol, 8 ± 2 μM for acetylcholine and 49 ± 15 μM for oxotremorine. The agonist-dependent formation of inositol phosphates was inhibited by the muscarinic antagonists atropine and pirenzepine. Pirenzepine inhibited carbachol stimulation with high affinity ( K i = 2.90 ± 1.15 nM), indicating that PLC activation is the result of activation of the m1 subtype of muscarinic receptors. Treatment of cultures with pertussis toxin did not result in inhibition of agonist-dependent activation of PLC. This result suggests that the m1 muscarinic receptor is coupled to PLC through G q .