cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound in children with stroke and cerebrovascular disorders.

Purpose of reviewA major advantage of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is its ability to measure cerebral hemodynamics noninvasively at the patient's bedside. This article summarizes the basic physics and variables used during TCD, recent pediatric data published on the use of TCD in stroke and
Impact of caring for children with medical complexity on parents’ employment and time

ABSTRACTObjectives: This study examined parental care of children with medical complexity (CMC) in terms of time spent providing care and impacts on employment and career.Methods: We recruited caregivers of 153 CMC in a tertiary center complex care program to participate in a cross-sectional mail survey.Results: Among 95 respondents (62% of eligible), 75% of primary caregivers and 53% of spouses experienced employment losses and one-third experienced negative career outcomes attributed to care for CMC. On weekdays during the day (6 a.m.–6 p.m.), 55% of caregivers provided care for 8 hours or more. On weekday evenings and nights, half of caregivers provided care for at least 6 hours, including 53% of caregivers who provided care from midnight to 6 a.m.; these proportions were higher on weekends. Compared to employed caregivers, non-employed caregivers reported spending more time providing care on weekdays (P = .001), but less time providing care on weekend evenings (P = .019). On weekend days and weekday e...
The impact of genotype calling errors on family-based studies

Family-based sequencing studies have unique advantages in enriching rare variants, controlling population stratification, and improving genotype calling. Standard genotype calling algorithms are less likely to call rare variants correctly, often mistakenly calling heterozygotes as reference homozygotes. The consequences of such non-random errors on association tests for rare variants are unclear, particularly in transmission-based tests. In this study, we investigated the impact of genotyping errors on rare variant association tests of family-based sequence data. We performed a comprehensive analysis to study how genotype calling errors affect type I error and statistical power of transmission-based association tests using a variety of realistic parameters in family-based sequencing studies. In simulation studies, we found that biased genotype calling errors yielded not only an inflation of type I error but also a power loss of association tests. We further confirmed our observation using exome sequence data from an autism project. We concluded that non-symmetric genotype calling errors need careful consideration in the analysis of family-based sequence data and we provided practical guidance on ameliorating the test bias.
Hispanic and White Children’s Judgments of Perceived and Ideal Body Size in Self and others

Male and female children, 189 in number, ages 7, 10 or 13 from white and Hispanic ethnic groups participated. Children selected their perceived and desired ideal body size, using figure line drawings of children of varying sizes. They made judgments for both same sex and opposite sex children. Boys perceive their body as larger than girls, although no differences in size existed. Only girls want to be smaller than their perceived size. Both boys and girls rate other children of the same sex as larger than their ideal size. Neither boys nor girls think the opposite sex should change size to be an ideal size. Girls chose a smaller ideal size for themselves as compared to other girls. Girls’ perceived ideal size for themselves was smaller than what boys rated as ideal for girls. There were no significant ethnic differences on perceived or ideal body size nor on body dissatisfaction. However, gender differences within ethnic groups were found.
Tissue engineering for ligament and tendon repair

Abstract: Tendon and ligament injuries are one of the most common injuries of the knee with chronic or acute pain conditions. This chapter reviews functional tissue engineering approaches for ligament and tendon reconstruction focusing on various cell sources, biomaterial scaffolds, and biochemical/mechanical environments mimicking the normal ligaments and tendons. This chapter then reviews biological and functional performance of regenerated ligaments and tendons.
Travel: ‘Location Location Location’ – A Practitioner’s Perspectives on Diaspora Jewish Travel

For many years Jewish educational travel has been heavily Israel-centred, both as a destination and the basis of the core narrative. This chapter discusses the possibilities of a broader range of Diaspora locations and sites for Jewish travel as well as the educational implications contained therein. Typically, travel sites invite an engagement with ‘the past’, the interconnected realms of history and memory. Consideration must be given to the politics of interpreting the past, with particular emphasis on dialogical relationships between the past (represented by the site) and the present (the student). In addition, travel offers a rich opportunity to engage with many core values (e.g. ‘place’; community; culture; mutuality and self-awareness) and their meaning for contemporary Jews. Finally, the chapter discusses an expanded understanding of what are conventionally referred to as sites, including ‘people as sites’ and ‘invisible’ locations. Relying on anecdotal observation, the chapter presents a practitioner’s reflection on educational travel built up over many years.
Communicated Meaning-Making in Foster Families: Relationships Between Foster Parents’ Entrance Narratives and Foster Child Well-Being

Guided by narrative theorizing, the present study analyzed the ways foster parents create and tell foster entrance narratives (FENs) to their foster child. Thematic and content analyses of 101 foster parents’ FENs illuminated nine emergent themes—birth parent consequences, deep connection, special, untold, birth parent learning, temporary, pragmatic, forever, and better off. Structural equation modeling revealed significant relationships between FEN themes and foster parents’ perceptions of foster child adjustment and foster parent–child relational closeness. Findings demonstrate the way foster parents narratively manage birth parent identity, how FENs clarify family boundaries, and the impact of (not) telling FENs on relationships outside the family.
Constructing ρ/μ approximations from input/output snapshots for systems over finite alphabets

We consider discrete-time plants that interact with their controllers by sending and receiving binary valued sensor signals and finite valued control signals, respectively. In the absence of exogenous inputs, we propose a general procedure for constructing (finite state) ρ/μ approximations, starting from finite length sequences of input and output signal pairs. We show that the proposed construction satisfies desirable properties, thus leading to a hierarchy of finite state models that can be used for certified-by-design control synthesis.
Theoretical analysis of 1D resonant tunneling behavior in ion-enhanced cold field and thermo-field emission

In cold field and thermo-field emission, positive ions or adsorbates very close to the cathode surface can enhance emission current by both resonant and non-resonant processes. In this paper, resonant tunneling behavior is investigated by solving the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation in the presence of an ion, and the enhancement due to resonant processes is evaluated. Results shows that as the applied electric field increases, the resonant states move from higher to lower energies as the ion energy levels are shifted down. Conversely, as the ion position moves closer to the cathode, the resonant states shift up in energy. Further, through a simplified perturbation analysis, the general scaling of these trends can be predicted. These shifts of resonant states directly impact the emission current density, and they are especially relevant when the applied field is on the order of a few volts per nanometer (∼0.5–3 V/nm) and the ion is a few nanometers (∼0.5–3 nm) away from the cathode. Further, when the e...
LMP decomposition with three-phase DCOPF for distribution system

This paper presents a three-phase iterative direct current optimal power flow (DCOPF) algorithm with fictitious nodal demand. Power losses and realistic distribution system operating constraints such as line flow limits and phase imbalance limits are carefully modeled in the DCOPF formulation. The definition of locational marginal prices (LMPs) is extended to three-phase distribution systems. The three-phase LMP decomposition is derived based on the Lagrangian function. The proposed algorithm is implemented in an IEEE test case and compared with three-phase alternating current optimal power flow (ACOPF) algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed DCOPF algorithm is effective in coordinating the operations of distributed energy resources (DERs) and managing phase imbalance and thermal overloading. The proposed iterative three-phase DCOPF algorithm provides not only a computationally efficient solution but also a good approximation to the ACOPF solution.
Differential expression of VEGFR2 protein in HER2 positive primary human breast cancer: potential relevance to anti-angiogenic therapies

Clinically relevant predictive biomarkers to tailor anti-angiogenic therapies to breast cancer (BRC) patient subpopulations are an unmet need. We analyzed tumor vascular density and VEGFR2 protein expression in various subsets of primary human BRCs (186 females; Mean age: 59 years; range 33–88 years), using a tissue microarray. Discrete VEGFR2+ and CD34+ tumor vessels were manually scored in invasive ductal, lobular, mixed ductal-lobular and colloid (N = 139, 22, 18, 7) BRC cores. The observed CD34+ and VEGFR2+ tumor vascular counts in individual cases were heterogeneous. Mean CD34+ and VEGFR2+ tumor vessel counts were 11 and 3.4 per tumor TMA core respectively. Eighty-nine of 186 (48%) cases had >10 CD34+ tumor vessels, while 97/186 (52%) had fewer CD34+ vessels in each TMA core. Of 169 analyzable cores in the VEGFR2 stained TMA, 90 (53%) showed 1–5 VEGFR2+ tumor vessels/TMA core, while 42/169 (25%) cores had no detectable VEGFR2+ tumor vessels. Thirteen of 169 (8%) cases also showed tumor cell (cytoplasmic/membrane) expression of VEGFR2. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) appeared to be less vascular (Mean VD = 9.8, range 0–34) than other breast cancer subtypes. Overall, VEGFR2+ tumor vessel counts were significantly higher in HER2+ as compared to HR+ (p = 0.04) and TNBC (p = 0.02) tissues. Compared to HER2− cases, HER2+ breast cancers had higher VEGFR2+ tumor vessel counts (p = 0.007). Characterization of pathologic angiogenesis in HER2+ breast cancer provides scientific rationale for future investigation of clinical activity of agents targeting the VEGF/VEGFR2 axis in this clinically aggressive breast cancer subtype.
Space weather research: Earth's radiation belts

Fundamental research on Earth's space radiation environment is essential for the design and the operations of modern technologies—for communications, weather, navigation, and national security—that fly in the hostile space weather conditions above Earth's atmosphere. As the technologies become ever more advanced, more sophisticated understanding—and even predictability—of the environment is required for mission success.
Directions of DNA Replication in Yeast and Mammalian Cells

Importance of determining directions of DNA replication. Because replication forks move outwards from chromosomal origins, and because replication terminates when adjacent converging replication forks collide, locations of origins and termini can be deduced when direction(s) of replication are measured through long stretches of DNA. In addition, measurement of direction(s) of both replication and transcription through a chromosomal region permits testing the hypothesis that replication and transcription are likely to proceed in the same direction (Seidman et al., 1979; Brewer, 1988).
Issues Related to the Use of Fish Models in Toxicologic Pathology: Session Introduction

Ready or not, fish models are here to stay. No longer are fish confined to a few specialized laboratories, nor are they exclusively the purview of zoologists or environmental toxicologists. In fact, the institution that does not house at least 1 fish facility is probably not at the forefront of cutting edge research. In toxicologic pathology, fish models are increasingly being used to provide high animal numbers at relatively low cost in carcinogenicity testing and developmental research, and to provide mechanistic information on fundamental cellular processes. In this session, we attempt to provide some perspective for the pathologist that is faced with planning or performing experiments or testing protocols using fish models, or with reading or interpreting fish studies. First, we cover how to approach fish studies from the contract laboratory standpoint, including sectioning, quality control, and GLP considerations. Then, we discuss specifics on the use of the rainbow trout, zebrafish, and Japanese medaka models. The rainbow trout has a rich history in carcinogenicity and mechanistic cancer research. Similarly, the 2 workhorses in the small fish category, zebrafish and medaka, have found their way into many laboratories doing developmental biology and genomics research as well as carcinogenicity testing. Some fascinating genetically altered fish models have been developed with both of these species. This manuscript provides a session overview of the use of small fish models in toxicologic pathology, along with some historical perspective on how these models have played a role in the current state of the science.
Geologic Carbon Storage: Understanding the Rules of the Underground

Publisher Summary The geologic sequestration (GS) of carbon dioxide (CO2) is emerging as an option for carbon management. Few studies have explored the regulatory needs of GS or compared these needs with regulations governing underground injection. This chapter reviews the technical and regulatory history of deep underground injection in the United States and focuses on the technical and regulatory aspects that are most likely to be important for GS. The use of CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) is emerging as a potentially important tool for managing carbon. The CO2 could be captured from electric power plants, hydrogen production, or other industrial processes and sequestered in geologic formations or in the ocean. Because of its compatibility with the current fossil energy infrastructure, CCS may prove an important tool for achieving significant reductions in emissions at reasonable cost. The process of injecting CO2 into deep (greater than about 1 km) geologic formations for the explicit purpose of avoiding atmospheric emission of CO2 has been defined. Many studies have explored the technological and scientific aspects of GS, but few have assessed the regulatory environment for GS. In the United States, an extensive regulatory framework for underground injection already exists, and the research agenda for GS is now being set. Efforts to understand and adapt the regulatory environment for GS cannot wait until the technology is ready for large-scale application.
Evaluation of the Pig-Tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina) as a Model of Human Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Carriage

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage is a common condition affecting both healthy and immunocompromised populations and provides a reservoir for dissemination of potentially infectious strains by casual contact. The factors regulating the onset and duration of nasal S. aureus colonization are mostly unknown, and a human-relevant animal model is needed. Here, we screened 17 pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) for S. aureus carriage, and 14 of 17 animals tested positive in the nose at one or both screening sessions (8 weeks apart), while the other 3 animals were negative in the nose but positive in the pharynx at least once. As in humans, S. aureus colonization was densest in the nose, and treatment of the nostrils with mupirocin ointment effectively cleared the nostrils and 6 extranasal body sites. Experimental nasal S. aureus colonization was established with 104 CFU/nostril, and both autologous and nonautologous strains survived over 40 days without any apparent adverse effects. A human nasal S. aureus isolate (strain D579, sequence type 398) was carried in 4 of 6 animals for over 3 weeks. Nostrils that did eradicate experimentally applied S. aureus exhibited neutrophilic innate immunity marked by elevated nasal interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 levels and a 10-fold decreased IL-1 receptor antagonist/IL-1β ratio within 7 days postinoculation, analogous to the human condition. Taken together, pig-tailed macaques represent a physiological model of human S. aureus nasal carriage that may be utilized for testing natural colonization and decolonization mechanisms as well as novel classes of anti-S. aureus therapeutics.
Once Versus Twice-Daily Oral Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy for Prevention of Peptic Ulcer Rebleeding: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Background After inpatient management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) due to peptic ulcer disease (PUD), oral proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is recommended at discharge to decrease rebleeding risk and improve ulcer healing. Our aim is to determine whether once-daily oral PPI dosing at hospital discharge is associated with inferior 30-day rebleeding outcomes as compared to twice-daily dosing. Methods We retrospectively identified 233 patients admitted with signs and symptoms of upper GIB found to be due to PUD on upper endoscopy. After inpatient management, patients discharged on once-daily oral PPI were compared to those discharged on twice-daily therapy. We utilized propensity score matching based on Rockall scores to ensure the two groups were closely matched in terms of their baseline rebleeding risk. Primary outcome was the incidence of rebleeding within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, blood transfusion requirement, requirement for interventional radiology or surgery. Results Overall, 49 patients were discharged on once-daily and 184 on twice-daily PPI. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 18 patients (7.7%) within 30 days. There was no statistically significant difference in recurrent bleeding rates between once-daily (n = 7, 14.3%) as compared to twice-daily PPI (n = 11, 6%) (P = 0.053). In a 1:1 propensity score matched analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in 30-day recurrent bleeding rate between groups (14% once-daily vs. 4% twice-daily, P = 0.159). There were no differences in secondary outcomes. Conclusions Once-daily oral PPI dosing at hospital discharge was not associated with inferior outcomes compared to twice-daily dosing in patients hospitalized for upper GIB due to PUD.
Correcting On-Site Sampling Bias: A New Method with Application to Recreation Demand Analysis

Collecting data via on-site surveys is convenient and can be cost-effective. However, the on-site sampling scheme over-samples frequent site visitors and omits nonvisitors, which can result in biased and inconsistent estimation of population parameters. A common empirical approach to addressing the sampling issues is to make adjustments directly to the assumed population distribution. We propose an alternative empirical strategy that utilizes the sample distribution and treats endogenous stratification and truncation separately. Monte Carlo simulation shows this proposed empirical strategy has merit. A case study of recreation demand for coastal beaches using on-site survey data is presented.
The ecology of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) meats

viii CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Dissertation Organization 2 Literature Review 2 References 40 CHAPTER 2. SURVIVAL AND RECOVERY OF VIABLE BUT NONCULTURABLE (VBNC) LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES CELLS IN A NUTRITIONALLY DEPLETED MEDIUM Abstract 66 Introduction 67 Materials and Methods 69 Results and Discussion 71 Conclusions 74 Acknowledgments 7 5 References 7566 Introduction 67 Materials and Methods 69 Results and Discussion 71 Conclusions 74 Acknowledgments 7 5 References 75 CHAPTER 3. ATTACHMENT OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES ON READY-TO-EAT (RTE) MEATS Abstract 84 Introduction 85 Materials and Methods 86 Results and Discussion 92 Conclusions 95 Acknowledgments 97 References 97 CHAPTER 4. REDUCTION AND SURVIVAL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT (RTE) MEATS AFTER IRRADIATION84 Introduction 85 Materials and Methods 86 Results and Discussion 92 Conclusions 95 Acknowledgments 97 References 97 CHAPTER 4. REDUCTION AND SURVIVAL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT (RTE) MEATS AFTER IRRADIATION Abstract 106 Introduction 107 Materials and Methods 109 Results and Discussion 111106 Introduction 107 Materials and Methods 109 Results and Discussion 111
Shakespeare in Blackface: Black Shakespeareans versus Minstrel Burlesques, 1821–1844, or Othello versus Otello

Shakespeare’s complicated influence on cultural understandings of racial stereotypes across the Atlantic is the focus of this chapter, which looks in detail at the development of so-called early blackface in what was actually a very late period in the history of blackface comic traditions, that of antebellum America. In an era in which Shakespeare’s plays accounted for a quarter of those performed in America and in which Othello was spoofed in more minstrel parodies than any other play, Renaissance English again became contested ground for the representation of “blackness.” The African Theatre, comprised of free black actors, was attacked when its stagings of eloquence threatened white attempts to reify stereotypes of black inferiority. Minstrel burlesques and satiric accounts of the company’s endeavors, and particularly the use of broken English to mimic–and stereotype–them, recall the proto-racist strategies uncovered in previous chapters. Yet, the contrast between “white-washed,” light-complexioned Othellos in serious drama, a more stereotypically “black” Othello in minstrel parodies, and the African Theatre’s employment of Othello’s eloquence as an assertion that, as its abolitionist star performer put it, “Shakespeare is our Bard as well as yours,” poignantly underscores Postcolonial criticism’s finding that “Shakespeare” has meant different things in different contexts. Though Othello may seem unabashedly racist to many modern scholars and actors, Othello’s eloquence long presented a challenge to white supremacist assumptions.
Wasp Size and Prey Load in Cerceris fumipennis (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae): Implications for Biosurveillance of Pest Buprestidae.

The relationship between predator and prey size was studied in the buprestid hunting wasp Cerceris fumipennis Say in eight widely distributed nesting aggregations in North Carolina, USA. Initial work indicated a significant linear relationship between wasp head width and wasp wet weight; thus, head width was used to estimate wasp body mass in subsequent studies. Prey loads of hunting females was studied by measuring the head width of the wasp, then identifying and weighing the prey item brought back to the nest. There was significant variation in wasp size among nesting aggregations; the average estimated wasp body mass in one site was double that in another. Prey weight varied with wasp weight, but larger wasps had a slight tendency to carry proportionally larger prey. Beetles captured by large wasps (≥120 mg) were significantly more variable in weight than those taken by small wasps (<80 mg). All but the smallest wasps could carry more than their own body weight. Prey loads ranged from 4.8–150.2% of wasp weight. Evidence suggests that small wasps bring back more of the economically important buprestid genus Agrilus and thus would be most efficient in biosurveillance for pest buprestids.
Expanding the phenotype for the recurrent p.Ala391Glu variant in FGFR3: Beyond crouzon syndrome and acanthosis nigricans.

Background Craniosynostosis, or premature fusion of the skull sutures, is a group of disorders that can present in isolation (nonsyndromic) or be associated with other anomalies (syndromic). Delineation of syndromic craniosynostosis is confounded due to phenotypic overlap, variable expression as well as molecular heterogeneity. We report on an infant who presented at birth with multisuture synostosis, turribrachycephaly, midface hypoplasia, beaked nose, low set ears, a high palate and short squat appearing thumbs, and great toes without deviation. The additional MRI findings of choanal stenosis and a Chiari I malformation suggested a diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome. First tier molecular testing did not reveal a pathogenic variant. Methods Whole exome sequencing on DNA samples from the proband and her unaffected parents was utilized to delineate the variant causative for the Pfeiffer syndrome diagnosis. Results On whole exome sequencing, a de novo NM_000142.4:c.1428C>A missense variant causing a p.Ala391Glu amino acid change in FGFR3 has been identified. The p.Ala391Glu change has been predominantly identified in patients with Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans. Conclusions This finding illustrates the first reported case of a child with an overlap with Pfeiffer syndrome to have the p.Ala391Glu variant.
Race and prostate imaging: implications for targeted biopsy and image-based prostate cancer interventions

Purpose For men with an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA), there is a strong evidence for prostate MRI to assess the risk of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC) and guide targeted-biopsy interventions. Prostate MRI is assessed using the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS), which is scored from 1 to 5. Equivocal or suspicious findings (PI-RADS 3–5) are recommended for subsequent targeted biopsy, for which the risk of infection and sepsis is increasing. However, PI-RADS was developed primarily in men of European descent. We sought to elucidate PI-RADS and MRI-targeted biopsy outcomes in Asian men, a rapidly growing population in the USA, Europe, Australia and internationally. Materials and methods A prospective cohort of 544 men with elevated PSA without a diagnosis of prostate cancer who underwent MRI-targeted biopsy at our institution from January 2012 to December 2018 was analyzed. We categorized the cohort by self-designated race then used a validated algorithm which uses surname lists to identify a total of 78 (14%) Asian-Americans. The primary outcome was the likelihood of diagnosing CSPC (Gleason grade group >1) in Asian-Americans versus non-Asian-Americans. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association of demographic and other characteristics with CSPC. Results Overall, MRI-targeted biopsy identified CSPC in 17% of Asian-American men versus 39% of non-Asian-American men (p Conclusion We found that PI-RADS underperforms in Asian-American men. For instance, only 2 of 35 (6%) Asian-American men with PI-RADS 3 were diagnosed with CSPC on MRI targeted biopsy. This has significant implications for overuse of diagnostic and image-guided interventional approaches in Asian-Americans, given the increasing risk of infectious complications from biopsy. Additional validation studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Risk factors and associated complications of acute kidney injury in adult patients undergoing a craniotomy

Abstract Objective Understanding the risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after craniotomy may help clinicians identify perioperative patients at risk for AKI and lead clinicians to institute preventive measures. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with AKI after craniotomy and understand whether patients who develop AKI after craniotomy have worse clinical outcomes. Patients and methods We performed a retrospective, propensity score matched cohort study consisting of 344 patients who developed an AKI or required renal dialysis post-operatively versus those who did not. An AKI was defined using a composite of two NSQIP variables: progressive renal insufficiency and acute renal failure. All data were derived from the American College of Surgeons National Safety Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) between 2009-2017. Results Of the 50,691 patients who underwent a craniotomy, 202 developed post-operative AKI or required post-operative renal dialysis. Male gender, black race, age 65 and older, and a body mass index 30 or greater were associated with AKI. Patients with hypertension (OR [95 % CI] 4.41 [3.21–6.06]; p Conclusion AKI is associated with significantly worse clinical outcomes after craniotomy. Perioperative strategies for prevention, management and supportive care of AKI for patients undergoing craniotomy may improve clinical outcomes.
Validation of PLASMIC score: an academic medical center case series (2012‐present)

BACKGROUND The PLASMIC score is a rapid and inexpensive tool for predicting severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (activity <10%) in patients with suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) by analyzing seven parameters (platelet count; combined hemolysis variable; absence of active neoplasia; absence of an organ or stem-cell transplant; mean corpuscular value; international normalized ratio; and serum creatinine). The purpose of this study was to validate the PLASMIC score at a large multi-institutional academic medical center. METHODS An internal database of consultations to the transfusion medicine service, which oversees therapeutic apheresis at our institution, was reviewed to identify patients who were evaluated for and/or received plasma exchange for suspected TTP. These consultations covered the time period of January 2012 to February 2019. PLASMIC scoring criteria and ADAMTS13 assay results were abstracted from the electronic medical record, the PLASMIC score was calculated, and cases stratified into risk categories (low, intermediate, high risk) based on the score value. RESULTS Of 58 patients identified, 46 met inclusion criteria, and 27 demonstrated ADAMTS13 activity <10%. Correlation of severe ADAMTS13 deficiency with risk-stratified groups resulted in 78% sensitivity, 63% specificity, 75% positive predictive value (PPV), and 67% negative predictive value (NPV). DISCUSSION These findings paralleled those from validation studies performed at other institutions. They provided insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of the PLASMIC score to rule out TTP among patients at our hospitals. Nonetheless, these results reinforce the importance of early ADAMTS13 testing as a diagnostic triage tool for patients with suspected TTP.
A method for estimating coherence of molecular mechanisms in major human disease and traits.

Phenotypes such as height and intelligence, are thought to be a product of the collective effects of multiple phenotype-associated genes and interactions among their protein products. High/low degree of interactions is suggestive of coherent/random molecular mechanisms, respectively. Comparing the degree of interactions may help to better understand the coherence of phenotype-specific molecular mechanisms and the potential for therapeutic intervention. However, direct comparison of the degree of interactions is difficult due to different sizes and configurations of phenotype-associated gene networks. We introduce a metric for measuring coherence of molecular-interaction networks as a slope of internal versus external distributions of the degree of interactions. The internal degree distribution is defined by interaction counts within a phenotype-specific gene network, while the external degree distribution counts interactions with other genes in the whole protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. We present a novel method for normalizing the coherence estimates, making them directly comparable. Using STRING and BioGrid PPI databases, we compared the coherence of 116 phenotype-associated gene sets from GWAScatalog against size-matched KEGG pathways (the reference for high coherence) and random networks (the lower limit of coherence). We observed a range of coherence estimates for each category of phenotypes. Metabolic traits and diseases were the most coherent, while psychiatric disorders and intelligence-related traits were the least coherent. We demonstrate that coherence and modularity measures capture distinct network properties. We present a general-purpose method for estimating and comparing the coherence of molecular-interaction gene networks that accounts for the network size and shape differences. Our results highlight gaps in our current knowledge of genetics and molecular mechanisms of complex phenotypes and suggest priorities for future GWASs.
A Data-Driven Transcriptional Taxonomy of Adipogenic Chemicals to Identify Emerging Metabolic Health Threats

Background: Growing evidence suggests that chemicals in disparate structural classes activate specific subsets of PPAR{gamma}'s transcriptional programs to generate adipocytes with distinct phenotypes. Objectives: Our objectives were to 1) establish a novel classification method to predict PPAR{gamma} interacting and modifying chemicals, and 2) create a taxonomy to group chemicals based on their effects on PPAR{gamma}'s transcriptome and downstream metabolic functions. We tested the hypothesis that environmental ligands highly ranked by the taxonomy, but that segregated from the therapeutic ligands, would induce white but not brite adipogenesis. Methods: 3T3-L1 cells were differentiated in the presence of 76 chemicals (negative controls, synthetic nuclear receptor ligands known to influence adipocyte biology, suspected environmental PPAR{gamma} ligands). Differentiation was assessed by measuring lipid accumulation. mRNA expression was determined by highly multiplexed RNA-Seq and validated by RT-qPCR. A novel classification model was developed using an amended random forest procedure tailored to the experimental design. A subset of environmental contaminants identified as strong PPAR{gamma} agonists were characterized further for lipid handling, mitochondrial biogenesis and cellular respiration in 3T3-L1 cells and primary human preadipocytes. Results: The 76 chemicals generated a spectrum of adipogenic differentiation. We used lipid accumulation and RNA sequencing data to develop a classification system that 1) identified PPAR{gamma} agonists, and 2) sorted agonists into likely white or brite adipogens. Expression of Cidec was the most efficacious indicator of strong PPAR{gamma} activation. Two known environmental PPAR{gamma} ligands, tetrabromobisphenol A and triphenyl phosphate, which sorted distinctly from therapeutic ligands, induced white but not brite adipocyte genes and induced fatty acid uptake but not mitochondrial biogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, two chemicals were identified as highly ranked PPAR{gamma} agonists, tonalide and quinoxyfen, induced white adipogenesis without the concomitant health-promoting effects in 3T3-L1 cells and primary human preadipocytes. Discussion: A novel classification procedure accurately identified environmental chemicals as PPAR{gamma}-modifying chemicals distinct from known PPAR{gamma}-modifying therapeutics. The developed computational and experimental framework has general applicability to the classification of as-yet uncharacterized chemicals.
Efficient Clinical Counseling for Sickle Cell Disease.

Abstract Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a chronic illness that requires frequent health care visits for preventative management. Adherence to national guidelines such as the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Expert Panel Report on the Evidence-Based Management of Sickle Cell Disease can be challenging to both the clinician and the patient. Utilizing effective communication strategies with patients and their families can improve clinician/patient relationships, as well as adherence to national guidelines. Aims of this overview are to review challenges faced in outpatient subspecialty medicine and describe evidence-based techniques for more effective communication for patients with sickle cell anemia.
Boys' visuospatial abilities compensate for their relatively poor in-class attentive behavior in learning mathematics.

Abstract The mathematics and reading achievement of 322 adolescents (159 boys) was assessed in seventh and eighth grades, as were their intelligence, working memory, and spatial abilities. Their seventh- and eighth-grade mathematics and English language arts teachers reported on their in-class attentive behavior. The latter emerged as an important predictor of achievement, but more so for mathematics than for reading. Boy were less attentive in classroom settings than girls (d = −.34) and performed better than expected in mathematics given their level of engagement in the classroom. Boys’ better-than-expected mathematics achievement was related to advantages on visuospatial measures (ds = .28–.56), which fully mediated a sex difference in mathematics (ds = .27–.28) but not in reading achievement, with control of in-class attentive behavior. The results suggest that boys’ advantages in visuospatial skills compensate for lower levels of classroom engagement in the learning of mathematics but not in reading competencies.
An Analysis of Afterschool Programs in the United States

This study shows the effectiveness of afterschool programs in the United States. The beginning of this paper shows why afterschool programs have not been effective in academic improvement. It then leads to the conclusion that now we know what our goals are to achieve better results in academics. This is proven through multiple specific examples of improving academic achievement, establishing positive relationships, and exploring individual goals. My project describes specific afterschool programs and how they may achieve these goals in an effective way. In addition, my research cites statistics and quotes from teachers and students who have been a part of these programs. Concluding this paper, I show the benefits of having these effective programs and how they will help the student in the classroom.
Postmortem changes in strength of gastropod shells: evolutionary implications for hermit crabs, snails, and their mutual predators

Calliostoma ligatum shells inhabited by hermit crabs were weaker than shells inhabited by snails collected at the same locality. When shells of C. ligatum were loaded repetitively to 80% of their predicted failure load, hermit crab-inhabited shells showed an immediate drop in shell strength followed by a progressive further loss of shell strength over the next 18 days. Snail- inhabited C. ligatum shells exhibited a decrease in strength after 9 days, but returned to initial values within 18 days of loading. Hermit crabs thus bear shells significantly weaker than they were when borne by the gastropods that produced them. Reported similarities in vulnerability of gastropods and hermit crabs to shell- crushing predators may be artifacts of the metric (critical size) used to compare vulnerabilities. Hermit crabs probably were a significant factor in the diversification of durophagous predators in the Mesozoic, supplying a prey base identical in size and shape to gastropods but with significantly lower resistance to crushing. The unpredictability of strength in hermit-crab inhabited shells may maintain the apparently inefficient indiscriminate attacks common among durophagous predators.
Solute transport in divergent radial flow with multistep pumping

[1] An efficient approach is developed to analytically evaluate solute transport in a horizontal, divergent radial flow field with a multistep injection flow rate and an arbitrary input concentration history. By assuming a piecewise steady state flow and transforming the time domain to the cumulative injected flow domain, the concentration distribution is found to be completely determined by the total volume of injected flow and independent of specific flow rates. Thus, on the cumulative flow domain, the transport problem with a temporally varying velocity field can be transformed into a steady state flow problem. Linear convolution can then be applied on the cumulative injected flow domain to evaluate the solution for an arbitrarily time-dependent input concentration. Solutions on the regular time domain can be conveniently obtained by mapping the solution on the cumulative injected flow domain to the time domain. Furthermore, we theoretically examine the conditions for the assumption of piecewise steady state flow to be valid. On the basis of the critical time scale of the “pseudosteady state condition,” defined as when velocity changes accomplish 99% of their steady state differences, and the relative error in the mean travel time of plume front, we obtain conditions for neglecting the transitional period between two pumping steps. Such conditions include the following: (1) the duration of a pumping step, tp, must be longer than the critical time scale, tc, i.e., tp ≥ tc = 25r2S/T, where r is the radial distance, S is the storage coefficient, and T is the transmissivity, or similarly, a maximum problem domain needs to be defined for a given pumping strategy. (2) the maximum well pumping rate, qmax, should satisfy qmax ≤ πθT/25S, where θ is the effective porosity. When both conditions are satisfied, transitional periods may be neglected.
A Review of “Working in the Virtual Stacks: The New Library and Information Science”

Working in the Virtual Stacks was written to address the changes wrought by advances in information technology in the field of librarianship and information science during the past 8 years. In 2003...
Photo-thermal probing of Si-SiO2 surface centers—I: Theory

Abstract A detailed theoretical analysis is performed to establish identifiable features of the constant capacitance photovoltage time response resulting from carrier emission within a monochromatically illumiated deeply depleted MOS-capacitor maintained at liquid nitrogen temperatures. Generalized photo-voltage relationships are derived for the response associated with surface center photoemission, and specific model dependent predictions are examined to provide photoresponse insight and a reference framework for further considerations. An evaluation is also made of competing emission processes; namely, thermal emission and bulk center photoemission. Suggested experimental procedures are developed for controlling thermal emission and for detecting the existence of carrier photoemission from bulk centers.
The impact of a change in commitment procedures on the character of involuntary psychiatric patients.

The statutory requirements for involuntary civil psychiatric confinement have become increasingly restrictive. In the jurisdiction under investigation, patients were originally admitted under an Order to Apprehend (OTA) procedure simply on the petition of two affiants who indicated the patient was in need of care. A newly elected judge instituted changes requiring affiants to claim the subject was “dangerous” to self or others and asking for a clinical assessment and recommendation before signing the petitioned request for involuntary confinement. It might be expected that the more restrictive procedures would have produced a population of more assaultive patients. A study of petitions signed under in the earlier (N = 133) and later, more restrictive (N = 218) procedures indicated that the proportion of assaultive or dangerous patients was virtually identical. Further investigation, using hospital data an OTA patients from this area in both time periods, suggested that while patients were not more assaultive, they appeared to be more seriously ill or psychiatrically impaired. Apparently, movement to a dangerousness standard that allows clinical discretion in interpreting its presence may result in involuntary commitments for more seriously ill, although not necessarily more assaultive, patients.
Snap array CSP/sup TM/. Ceramic CSPs for high performance and high reliability applications

Chip Scale Package (CSP) adaptation has been drastically increasing as the key component to facilitate miniaturization for portable electronic devices such as Cellular phone, Camcorder, PDA, etc. which are mainly consumer electronics devices. In addition, high I/O count CSP are predicted to support high performance IC devices for Workstation and Mainframe, and high reliability CSP is also demanded for broadening the application for high-end market such as satellite communication application. Ceramic has been a leading material for the rigid interposer style of CSP. Ceramic technology has many advantages such as design flexibility with fine design rule, buried and blind via holes, high thermal conductivity, and stability of material properties at high temperature and harsh environment. Ceramic technology is considered to be the most suitable for CSP application where high performance and high reliability are required. Kyocera has been developing Snap Array CSP/sup TM/ technologies utilizing ceramic technology and optimized assembly materials. Productivity at assembly process has been drastically improved by using an array format carrier. Specification of an array format carrier is optimized for utilizing current assembly equipment designed for PBGA and PQFP. Through continued development and optimization, a wide variety of Snap Array CSP/sup TM/ have been realized.
The Effects of Aging on Information-Processing Channels in the Sense of Touch: III. Differential Sensitivity to Changes in Stimulus Intensity

Detection thresholds and difference limens were measured for 16 subjects ranging from 19 to 91 years of age. The stimuli were 250-Hz bursts of vibration applied through a 3.0-cm2 contactor to the thenar eminence of the right hand. Detection thresholds were higher in older than in younger subjects, as were the absolute values of difference limens. When the difference limen was expressed in relative terms as the proportion by which two stimuli had to differ in amplitude to be discriminated (δA/A), discriminative capacities were unaffected by aging except for stimuli slightly above the detection threshold, in which case the difference limens of older subjects were significantly higher than those of younger subjects. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that elevations in the detection thresholds of older subjects are the results of reduced afferent input to central brain centers that, with regard to their capacity to detect the presence of threshold-level stimuli and to discriminate differences amo...
Efficacy of Training and fidelity of implementation of the Life Skills Training Program

This study assessed the effectiveness of a model for diffusing the Life Skills Training (LST) Program into middle schools, examined implementation fidelity, and explored factors associated with involvement in training and program implementation. A convenience sample of master trainers (n = 44) and teachers (n = 45) from 16 Kentucky counties participated. Teachers were observed for content and process fidelity, and trainers and teachers completed questionnaires to assess factors related to training and program implementation. More than one-fourth (27%) of master trainers conducted training sessions, and 60% of teachers taught the curriculum. While implementation fidelity was relatively high, teachers were less likely to use the more innovative elements of the program. Trainers and teachers who conducted training and/or taught the LST Program were more enthusiastic toward the program than those who did nothing beyond being trained.