cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperparathyroidism in high-risk surgical patients: evaluation with double-phase technetium-99m sestamibi imaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of technetium-99m sestamibi as a single agent in the detection and localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in patients who underwent prior neck exploration or who otherwise are high surgical risks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with hyperparathyroidism underwent 40 double-phase Tc-99m sestamibi studies. Histopathologic correlation was obtained for all studies. RESULTS: Thirty patients had solitary adenomas, and nine had hyperplastic glands. One developed recurrent hypercalcemia after five-gland resection and underwent repeat imaging and operation. Double-phase sestamibi imaging prospectively enabled localization of 46 (77%) of 60 abnormal glands. Twenty-eight (93%) of 30 adenomas were correctly localized, whereas 18 (60%) of 30 hyperplastic glands were localized. The overall specificity of the study was 98% with one false-positive study. Gland weight and vascularity were statistically significant predictors of uptake of sestamibi. CONCLUSION: Dou...
An estimate of an upper bound for the entropy of English

We present an estimate of an upper bound of 1.75 bits for the entropy of characters in printed English, obtained by constructing a word trigram model and then computing the cross-entropy between this model and a balanced sample of English text. We suggest the well-known and widely available Brown Corpus of printed English as a standard against which to measure progress in language modeling and offer our bound as the first of what we hope will be a series of steadily decreasing bounds.
Microcontact printing of multicolor quantum dots light emitting diode on silicon

A novel inorganic quantum dot based light emitting diode is fabricated by microcontact printing of a well defined-geometry of CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles films onto p type silicon substrate that acts as the hole transporting layer.
An All-Volunteer Army? Recruitment and its Problems

The current condition of Army manpower, like the situation in Iraq, is grave and deteriorating. The January 2007 decision by the George W. Bush administration to send additional ground combat and support troops to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has thrown the Army's manpower shortages into stark relief. This latest escalation, however, not only runs the risk of breaking the all-volunteer Army but also undermines our national security. Several questions must therefore be addressed: Is an all-volunteer Army desirable? What are the current difficulties facing Army recruitment and retention? What consequences have the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan had on the service? Before engaging a more substantive discussion which includes the present demographics of the force and the recruitment process, one point should be made clear. We believe the all-volunteer model is the right one and should be maintained if at all possible.
Malnutrition, Dehydration, and Starvation in the Midst of Plenty: The Political Impact of Qualitative Inquiry

The author presents findings from studies investigating the factors that influence the quality of care in nursing homes. The findings disclose that multiple factors, such as lack of individualized care, inattention to problems such as dysphagia and oral health care, and especially inadequate staffing and lack of professional supervision contribute to malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss among nursing home residents. She describes how these qualitative studies had a significant impact on long-term health care policy. She urges investigators to publish research in the public realm accessible to those who can effect change and thus prevent pain and suffering among nursing home residents. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of publishing qualitative findings in a language understandable by the media, policy makers, governmental agencies, politicians, and the lay public.
Isolation of Microbes from Lake Vostok Accretion Ice

Bacteria from seven Lake Vostok accretion and two deep glacial Vostok ice core sections were characterized. The cell concentrations were low, but many of the cells were viable. From the hundreds of cultures, 18 unique bacterial rRNA gene phylotypes were determined. Lake Vostok may contain a complex microbial ecosystem.
Integrating Theory and Method in the Study of Positive Youth Development: The Sample Case of Gender-Specificity and Longitudinal Stability of the Dimensions of Intention Self-Regulation (Selection, Optimization, and Compensation)

The study of positive youth development (PYD) rests on the integration of sound developmental theory with rigorous developmental methods, To illustrate this link, we focused on the Selection (S), Optimization (O), and Compensation (C; SOC) model of intentional self regulation, a key individual-level component of the individual context relations involved in the PYD process, and assessed the dimensional structure of the SOC questionnaire, which includes indices of Elective Selection, Loss-Based Selection, Optimization, and Compensation. Using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from Grades 10 and 11 of the 4-H Study of PYD, we estimated three models through bifactor data analysis, a procedure that allows indicators to load both on their specific latent variables and on a superordinate factor that comprises the construct under study. The first model estimated was a standard bifactor model, computed separately for the 10th and 11 graders. In both samples, the same model described the hypothesized structure well. The second model, proposed for the first time in this chapter, compared multiple groups in their bifactor structure. Results indicated only minimal gender differences in SOC structure in Grade 10. The third model, also proposed for the first time in this chapter, involved an autoregression-type model for longitudinal data, and used data from the 609 participants present in both grades. Results suggested that the SOC bifactor structure was temporally stable.
RESEARCH FOCUS: Connections between fault roughness, dynamic weakening, and fault zone structure

An enduring question in fault mechanics is that of how to read slip history from the information recorded in fault rocks and fault zone structure (e.g., [Rowe and Griffith, 2015][1]). Fault rocks routinely record slip direction, which is written in the form of slip-parallel scratches, tool marks,
A comparison of five high-resolution spatially-explicit, fossil-fuel, carbon dioxide emission inventories for the United States

The quantification of fossil-fuel-related emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere is necessary in order to accurately represent carbon cycle fluxes and to understand and project the details of the global carbon cycle. In addition, the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of carbon dioxide emissions is necessary for the success of international agreements to reduce emissions. However, existing fossil-fuel carbon dioxide (FFCO2) emissions inventories vary in terms of the data and methods used to estimate and distribute FFCO2. This paper compares how the approaches used to create spatially explicit FFCO2 emissions inventories affect the spatial distribution of emissions estimates and the magnitude of emissions estimates in specific locales. Five spatially explicit FFCO2 emission inventories were compared: Carbon Dioxide Information and Analysis Center (CDIAC), Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR), Fossil Fuel Data Assimilation System (FFDAS), Open-source Data Inventory for Anthropogenic CO2 (ODIAC), and Vulcan. The effects of using specific data and approaches in the creation of spatially explicit FFCO2 emissions inventories, and the effect of resolution on data representation are analyzed using graphical, numerical, and cartographic approaches. We examined the effect of using top-down versus bottom-up approaches, nightlights versus population proxies, and the inclusion of large point sources. The results indicate that the approach used to distribute emissions in space creates distinct patterns in the distribution of emissions estimates and hence in the estimates of emissions in specific locations. The different datasets serve different purposes but collectively show the key role of large point sources and urban centers and the strong relationship between scale and uncertainty.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter associated with cyclophosphamide therapy for benign disease: a case report.

AbstractCyclophosphamide-induced uroepithelial tumors of the bladder and renal pelvis have been reported previously. We present the first case of transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter associated with cyclophosphamide therapy.
13C dynamic nuclear polarization using isotopically enriched 4-oxo-TEMPO free radicals

The nitroxide-based free radical 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) is a widely used polarizing agent in NMR signal amplification via dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). In this study, we have thoroughly investigated the effects of 15 N and/or 2 H isotopic labeling of 4-oxo-TEMPO free radical on 13 C DNP of 3 M [1-13 C] sodium acetate samples in 1 : 1 v/v glycerol : water at 3.35 T and 1.2 K. Four variants of this free radical were used for 13 C DNP: 4-oxo-TEMPO, 4-oxo-TEMPO-15 N, 4-oxo-TEMPO-d16 and 4-oxo-TEMPO-15 N,d16 . Our results indicate that, despite the striking differences seen in the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectral features, the 13 C DNP efficiency of these 15 N and/or 2 H-enriched 4-oxo-TEMPO free radicals are relatively the same compared with 13 C DNP performance of the regular 4-oxo-TEMPO. Furthermore, when fully deuterated glassing solvents were used, the 13 C DNP signals of these samples all doubled in the same manner, and the 13 C polarization buildup was faster by a factor of 2 for all samples. The data here suggest that the hyperfine coupling contributions of these isotopically enriched 4-oxo-TEMPO free radicals have negligible effects on the 13 C DNP efficiency at 3.35 T and 1.2 K. These results are discussed in light of the spin temperature model of DNP. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of Ebola Virus by Anti-Ebola miRNAs in silico

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate transcriptional and posttranscriptional gene regulation of the organisms. miRNA provides immune defense when the body is faced with challenges intracellular agents. miRNA molecules trigger gene silencing in eukaryotic cells. More than 3,000 different human miRNAs (hsa-miRs) have been identified thus far. During ontogenesis, viral or intracellular parasitic infections, miRNAs are differentially expressed to protect the host from intracellular invaders. In a viral infection context, miRNAs have been connected with the interplay between host and pathogen, and occupy a major role in pathogenesis. Methodology: An in silico approach was used to analyze the four major Ebola Virus genome sequences including the recently characterized Ebola virus responsible for West African epidemic that has killed over 10,000 people. All totaled, 2,543 mature human miRNA sequences were retrieved through an miR-database, and the identification of mature miRNAs were aligned with full length sequences of the four major Ebola viruses via computational tools. Results: We identified 32 miRNAs that exhibited significant inhibitory capacity to block more than one EBV strains. miR-607 showed capacity to quell all four major EBVs. Ten putative miRNAs were found to have near perfect identity at seed sequences with numerous targets of Ebola virus that may completely degrade the viral transcripts. Conclusion: We hypothesize that a miRNA-based vaccine can quell Ebola virus infection. Future approaches will focus on validation of these miRNAs in quelling the Ebola virus to further elucidate their biological functions in primate and other animal models.
Competency models for assessing strategic thinking

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the competency models used by organizations to assess the strategic thinking ability of their leaders, managers, and other employees. Design/methodology/approach – A basic interpretive study was conducted with human resource executives across a broad range of large organizations. Participants were interviewed, and competency models in use were shared, reviewed, and discussed. The model development process was also explored in depth. Findings were verified via member checks and triangulation. Findings – Models in use either identify strategic thinking as a stand-alone competency, or embed it under three different areas. Most cover one or more executive levels, stating varying expectations for strategic thinking by job title or level, or differentiating strategic thinking performance levels. The models include descriptions of strategic thinking behaviors that cross seven categories of strategy development, implementation, and organizational alignment. Re...
Assessing Effectiveness of Mnemonics for Tertiary Students in a Hybrid Introductory Statistics Course.

ABSTRACTMnemonics (memory aids) are often viewed as useful in helping students recall information, and thereby possibly reducing stress and freeing up more cognitive resources for higher-order thinking. However, there has been little research on statistics mnemonics, especially for large classes. This article reports on the results of a study conducted during two consecutive fall semesters at a large U.S. university. In 2014, a large sample (n = 1487) of college students were asked about the usefulness of a set of 19 published statistics mnemonics presented in class, and in 2015, the students (n = 1468) were presented 12 mnemonics related to inference and then asked whether or not they used mnemonics on that exam. This article discusses how students assess the usefulness of mnemonics and evaluates the relationship between using mnemonics and reducing anxiety. Additionally, the relationship between mnemonic usage and learning outcomes achievement will be discussed, along with this study's limitations and i...
Tolerability of lacosamide or zonisamide in elderly patients with seizures.

Abstract Purpose The prevalence of seizures in the elderly will increase as populations age. Data is currently limited regarding treatment and especially tolerability of newer antiseizure medications (ASMs). In the current study we aimed to investigate the tolerability of lacosamide (LCS) and zonisamide (ZNS). Method We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with seizures older than 60 treated with LCS or ZNS in the outpatient setting. We examined seizure variables, medical comorbidities, and concomitant medications. Primary outcomes were the retention rates at last follow up, and the discontinuation rate due to side effects. Results Seventy-one (71) LCS and 39 ZNS patients were identified. Average age at LCS initiation was 71.0±7.0 years and 49% were medically refractory. Average duration of follow up was 23.1±21.2 months. At last follow up, the retention rate was 60% and seizure freedom rate 52%. Of the 19 discontinuations due to side effects, 7 (37%) were due to dizziness/gait instability. No predictors of discontinuation were identified. Average age at ZNS initiation was 69.7±6.9 years and 51% were medically refractory. Average duration of follow up was 46.3±38.3 months. At last follow up, the retention rate was 64% and seizure freedom rate was 67%. Of the 12 discontinuations due to side effects, 4 (33%) were due to cognitive or behavioral side effects. Predictors of discontinuation included a lower starting dose. Conclusions Lacosamide and zonisamide are viable options for the treatment of epilepsy in the elderly and have similar retention rates.
Monitoring osseointegration and developing intelligent systems (Conference Presentation)

Effective monitoring of structural and biological systems is an extremely important research area that enables technology development for future intelligent devices, platforms, and systems. This presentation provides an overview of research efforts funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to establish structural health monitoring (SHM) methodologies in the human domain. Basic science efforts are needed to utilize SHM sensing, data analysis, modeling, and algorithms to obtain the relevant physiological and biological information for human-specific health and performance conditions. This overview of current research efforts is based on the Monitoring Osseointegrated Prosthesis (MOIP) program. MOIP develops implantable and intelligent prosthetics that are directly anchored to the bone of residual limbs. Through real-time monitoring, sensing, and responding to osseointegration of bones and implants as well as interface conditions and environment, our research program aims to obtain individualized actionable information for implant failure identification, load estimation, infection mitigation and treatment, as well as healing assessment. Looking ahead to achieve ultimate goals of SHM, we seek to expand our research areas to cover monitoring human, biological and engineered systems, as well as human-machine interfaces. Examples of such include 1) brainwave monitoring and neurological control, 2) detecting and evaluating brain injuries, 3) monitoring and maximizing human-technological object teaming, and 4) closed-loop setups in which actions can be triggered automatically based on sensors, actuators, and data signatures. Finally, some ongoing and future collaborations across different disciplines for the development of knowledge automation and intelligent systems will be discussed.
Sustainability in Train Rail Systems

Numerous sustainability initiatives have proliferated throughout mass transit. New systems have the best opportunity to incorporate sustainable initiatives right from the beginning of a project to maximize efficiency. Sustainability assessments are used to determine what elements should be included within an existing infrastructure. Train operation sustainability initiatives that help reduce electricity include regenerative braking, and both wayside and on-board energy storage, including batteries and capacitors.
Collaborative Strategies for Management of Obstetric Hemorrhage

Obstetric hemorrhage is a significant cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality that requires prompt recognition and collaborative intervention to prevent poor outcomes. Medical and surgical management goals include controlling bleeding, supporting tissue oxygenation and perfusion, and monitoring for coagulopathies and complications.
Pharmacokinetic drug evaluation of paliperidone in the treatment of schizoaffective disorder

Introduction: This paper reviews the pharmacokinetics, receptor binding, clinical efficacy and safety of paliperidone in the treatment of patients with schizoaffective disorder.Areas covered: We reviewed the literature using keywords ‘paliperidone’, ‘schizoaffective disorder’ and ‘clinical trials’ with a focus on seminal data papers and information that is clinically relevant to the treatment of schizoaffective disorder. The purpose of this paper is to provide a clinically oriented review of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of paliperidone including receptor binding, clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability.Expert opinion: Paliperidone is currently the only medication FDA approved specifically for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder. Paliperidone is an active metabolite of risperidone, is minimally metabolized in the liver and is primarily known to be cleared through the kidneys. For this reason, paliperidone could be considered for some patients with schizoaffective diso...
On the Application of Systems Methodology to Economic and Organizational Management of Integrated Industrial Complexes

Abstract The combined use of interpretive structural modeling and decision analysis within an appropriate methodological framework offers much promise for the economic and organizational management of large integrated industrial complexes. A symbiotic blending of technical, administrative, political and societal concerns is necessary for the determination and incorporation of direct and indirect benefits and costs and nonquantifiable societal impacts into a hoped for standard normative procedure for assessing the worth of policies for technological innovations in industrial complexes. This paper surveys recent progress relative to these issues and discusses possible directions for future efforts directed at this needed synthesis.
The Liver in Oncology

Gastroenterologists and hepatologists will encounter oncology patients who develop abnormal liver tests, patients with hepatic malignancies, and patients with acute and chronic liver disease who require chemotherapy or immediate evaluation. Chemotherapy can cause liver injury owing to toxic effects or idiosyncratic reactions. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may be associated with autoimmune-mediated liver toxicities. Venoocclusive disease requires immediate evaluation. Nodular regenerative hyperplasia is a chronic progressive disorder. Screening and prophylaxis for reactivation of hepatitis B is important to minimize complications in patients receiving chemotherapy. Patients with metastatic lesions can undergo resection or ablation. Hepatic injury may occur in those receiving radiation-based therapies.
Who Benefits from Confusion Induction during Learning? An Individual Differences Cluster Analysis

Recent research has indicated that learning environments that intentionally induce confusion to promote deep inquiry can be beneficial for learning if students engage in confusion resolution processes and if relevant scaffolds are provided. However, it is unlikely that these environments will benefit all students, so it is necessary to identify the student profiles that most benefit from confusion induction. We investigated how individual differences (e.g., prior knowledge, interest, attributional complexity) impacted confusion and learning outcomes in an environment that induced confusion via false system feedback (e.g., negative feedback after a correct response). A k-means cluster analysis revealed four clusters that varied on cognitive ability and cognitive drive. We found that students in the high cognitive ability + high cognitive drive cluster reported more confusion after receiving false feedback compared to the other clusters. These students also performed better on tasks requiring knowledge transfer, but only when they were meaningfully confused.
Triplet Transfer Mediates Triplet Pair Separation during Singlet Fission in 6,13‐Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)‐Pentacene

Triplet population dynamics of solution cast films of isolated polymorphs of 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-Pn) provide quantitative experimental evidence that triplet excitation energy transfer is the dominant mechanism for correlated triplet pair (CTP) separation during singlet fission. Variations in CTP separation rates are compared for polymorphs of TIPS-Pn with their triplet diffusion characteristics that are controlled by their crystal structures. Since triplet energy transfer is a spin-forbidden process requiring direct wavefunction overlap, simple calculations of electron and hole transfer integrals are used to predict how molecular packing arrangements would influence triplet transfer rates. The transfer integrals reveal how differences in the packing arrangements affect electronic interactions between pairs of TIPS-Pn molecules, which are correlated with the relative rates of CTP separation in the polymorphs. These findings suggest that relatively simple computations in conjunction with measurements of molecular packing structures may be used as screening tools to predict a priori whether new types of singlet fission sensitizers have the potential to undergo fast separation of CTP states to form multiplied triplets.
Developing deeply intersectional environmental justice scholarship

When first discussing this special issue in 2015, we had no idea that by press time environmental justice activism, regulation, and research would be so vulnerable in the United States, where the m...
Prämedikationsvisite und Prämedikation

Die Vorbereitung eines Kindes auf eine Anasthesie unterscheidet sich nicht grundsatzlich von der eines Erwachsenen. Dennoch gibt es einige Besonderheiten. Die Anamnese stammt meistens von den Eltern. Die bei Erwachsenen haufigen kardiovaskularen Erkrankungen sind selten. Dagegen sind klinisch noch nicht manifeste Erkrankungen, wie Muskelerkrankungen, gefurchtet, obwohl sie eine Raritat darstellen. In diesem Kapitel wird auf Anamnese (z. B. aktuelle Impfungen, akuter Atemwegsinfekt). korperlichen Befund sowie Zusatzuntersuchungen (z. B. Labor, EKG, Rontgenthorax) eingegangen, ebenso wie auf praoperative Nuchternheit und medikamentose Pramedikation.
Unilateral Blastomyces dermatitidis endophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis. A case report and literature review.

Abstract Purpose The authors report the clinical, cytologic, and histopathologic findings of a unique presentation of concomitant unilateral endophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis secondary to Blastomyces dermatitidis . Design Case report. Methods A 29-year-old healthy woman with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis presented with a painful right eye and rapidly decreasing vision. Fundus examination showed a diffuse elevated choroidal lesion at the posterior pole. With an otherwise unremarkable systemic work-up, the patient was treated with systemic antibiotics and corticosteroids for a presumed diagnosis of choroidal tuberculous granuloma. After an initial response to the treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly with visual acuity decreasing from 20/25 to no light perception in 3 months. Ipsilateral proptosis developed with magnetic resonance imaging showing a poorly defined orbital mass. Surgical enucleation and an orbital biopsy were performed. Results Histopathologic examination of the orbital specimen and an intact enucleated globe showed a diffuse necrotizing granulomatous process with the presence of numerous yeasts consistent with B. dermatitidis . This subsequently was confirmed by positive culture of B. dermatitidis from the orbital specimen. Conclusions This is a unique case of concurrent unilateral endophthalmitis and orbital cellulitis secondary to B. dermatitidis . Intraocular dissemination of blastomycosis should be suspected in the differential diagnosis of endophthalmitis in patients with previous or active pulmonary lesions of equivocal nature. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antifungal medications are essential.
Bogdanov’s Red Star: An Early Bolshevik Science Utopia

In 1905 an unsuccessful political revolution occurred in Russia. Shortly after this bloody event, Alexander Bogdanov, a Russian revolutionary, wrote a utopian novel entitled Red Star in which he tried to encourage the defeated Russian proletariat by depicting what he thought a future socialist society would look like (1). Bogdanov’s novel fits exactly the description of utopias given by specialists on the genre: it was a counter-picture and it was anticipatory (2). Red Star as a counter-picture opposed socialist humanity and cooperation to capitalist cruelty and individualism, and as an anticipation of the future it held out the hope that socialism could be created in Russia within the lives of the members of the current generation. Published almost ten years before the Russian Revolution of 1917, the book was very popular among Russian radicals both before and after that date (3).
Recreation cyclists, drivers, and challenges to sharing the road : an analysis of an online exchange in the United States about rights to the road

The purpose of this study was to combine an analysis of 550 on-line responses with a review of the literature to gain insight about issues important for cyclists, motorists, and recreation practitioners. The comments, when analyzed provided a range of popular arguments about whether cyclists should have the right to the road and revealed attitudes that continue to be issues for city planners and the bicycling community. The arguments also revealed a lack of awareness about legal rights and responsibilities of cyclists and drivers. The findings from our analysis along with information from the literature suggest not only the need for improved communication and instruction regarding existing laws, but also suggest the need for better communication to the public by recreation agencies who promote bicycling. Keywords : Bicycling, attitudes, safety, legislation.
Adjuvant therapy is associated with improved survival in pT1N1 gastric cancer in a heterogeneous western patient population.

36Background: Two recent South Korean studies showed adjuvant therapy (AT) was not associated with improved survival in pT1N1 gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). We aimed to establish the prognostic util...
STROKE RISK VERSUS FALL RISK: A GROWING CONUNDRUM IN THE ANTICOAGULATION OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

The decision to initiate oral anticoagulation (AC) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) requires a careful risk/benefit analysis. Bleeding risk calculators (HAS-BLED, HEMORR2HAGES, and ATRIA) fail to quantify fall risk. Validated measures of future fall risk (ie, Berg Balance Test) are
Lysosomal storage disease overview

The lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of inherited metabolic disorders that are caused for the most part by enzyme deficiencies within the lysosome resulting in accumulation of undegraded substrate. This storage process leads to a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations depending on the specific substrate and site of accumulation. Examples of LSDs include the mucopolysaccharidoses, mucolipidoses, oligosaccharidoses, Pompe disease, Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, the Niemann-Pick disorders, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. This review summarizes the main clinical features, diagnosis, and management of LSDs with an emphasis on those for which treatment is available.
Formal Physical Therapy Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Incurs Additional Cost Without Improving Outcomes

Abstract Background Recent evidence has demonstrated that formal physical therapy (PT) may not be required for most patients undergoing total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty. This study compared the differences in costs and functional outcomes in patients receiving formal PT and those who did not follow primary THA and TKA. Methods We queried claims data from a single private insurer identifying patients who underwent primary THA or TKA from 2015 to 2017 in our practice. Demographics, comorbidities, number, and cost of PT visits in a 90-day episode of care were recorded. Outcomes were compared between patients using self-directed home exercises, home PT, outpatient PT, or both home and outpatient PT. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify significant predictors of outcomes. Results Of the 2971 patients included in analysis, patients using both services had higher 90-day PT costs (mean $2091, P Conclusion Participation in formal PT accounts for up to 8% of the episode of care following THA and TKA. The role of formal PT for most patients should take into account the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.
Crop rotation, but not cover crops, influenced soil bacterial community composition in a corn-soybean system in southern Wisconsin

Abstract Crop rotation, the successive cultivation of different crops on the same field, has been practiced for centuries, and it is often associated with increased crop yields. Cover cropping is a less ubiquitous farming practice that also increases plant biodiversity over time. Cover crops are a soil conservation tool; they are grown between harvest and planting of the main crop to protect and enrich the soil. Increasing crop diversity with crop rotation and cover cropping may contribute to shifts in soil bacterial communities. Our first objective was to investigate the soil bacterial communities associated with growing corn (Zea mays L.) or soybean (Glycine max L.) continuously versus annually rotating these crops. Our second objective was to determine if the first season of cover cropping had an impact on soil bacteria in a corn-soybean system. Soil was collected from a long-term crop rotational study with continuous corn, continuous soybean, and annually rotated corn-soybean treatments. These rotation treatments had various cover crops established within each plot, which were sampled individually. Bacterial communities were estimated in each sample by extracting DNA and sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. We found that soil pH, organic matter, and certain macronutrients were essential drivers in determining the composition of bulk soil bacterial communities. Continuously cropped corn and soybean had distinct bacterial communities, while annually rotated communities were similar in both crop phases. The incorporation of cover crops into the rotation system did not result in significant changes to the bulk soil bacterial community. This result was probably due to limited cover crop growth in the first year of establishment, and a limited amount of time for soil communities to respond to this change.
Exploring the Object-Sourced Transmodal Practices of an Emergent Bilingual Child in Sociodramatic Play.

This case study explores how an emergent bilingual preschooler used transmodal practices to engage with objects and compose narratives in sociodramatic play. Video recordings and field notes were c...
Call me maybe: Using incentives and follow-ups to increase principals’ survey response rates

Educational researchers regularly collect survey data from educators, but struggle to encourage survey completion in this busy population, particularly when surveys are web-based. In this study we ...
Extracellular Vesicles in Virus Infection and Pathogenesis

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that usurp cellular signaling networks to promote pathogen spread and disease progression. Signaling through extracellular vesicles (EVs) is an emerging field of study in the virus-host interaction network. EVs relay information both locally and distally through incorporated contents, typically without tripping innate immune sensors. Therefore, this extracellular signaling axis presents itself as a tantalizing target for promoting a favorable niche for the pathogen(s) takeover of the host, particularly for chronic infections. From the incorporation of virus-encoded molecules such as micro RNAs and proteins/enzymes to the envelopment of entire infectious particles, evolutionary distinct viruses have shown a remarkable ability to converge on this means of communication. In this review, we will cover the recent advances in this field and explore how EV can be used as potential biomarkers for chronic, persistent, or latent virus infections.
Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Classification of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Diagnosis, classification, and requisite ancillary studies (flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics) of acute myeloid leukemia, critical to optimal patient care, have changed dramatically in the last 15 years and continue to evolve at a rapid pace. We present in this chapter background information for understanding these changes to date, review current diagnosis and classification of these diseases, and provide insights into future possible evolution of our understanding of the biology of this set of diseases.
DeCoAR 2.0: Deep Contextualized Acoustic Representations with Vector Quantization

Recent success in speech representation learning enables a new way to leverage unlabeled data to train speech recognition model. In speech representation learning, a large amount of unlabeled data is used in a self-supervised manner to learn a feature representation. Then a smaller amount of labeled data is used to train a downstream ASR system using the new feature representations. Based on our previous work DeCoAR and inspirations from other speech representation learning, we propose DeCoAR 2.0, a Deep Contextualized Acoustic Representation with vector quantization. We introduce several modifications over the DeCoAR: first, we use Transformers in encoding module instead of LSTMs; second, we introduce a vector quantization layer between encoder and reconstruction modules; third, we propose an objective that combines the reconstructive loss with vector quantization diversity loss to train speech representations. Our experiments show consistent improvements over other speech representations in different data-sparse scenarios. Without fine-tuning, a light-weight ASR model trained on 10 hours of LibriSpeech labeled data with DeCoAR 2.0 features outperforms the model trained on the full 960-hour dataset with filterbank features.
Getting at the Root Instead of the Branch: Extinguishing the Stereotype of Black Intellectual Inferiority in American Education, a Long-Ignored Transitional Justice Project

Education provides a window into the state of racial inequality in the United States. And the view from that window is bleak, revealing the reemergence of de facto segregated schools that convey the same stigma and stereotypes of intellectual inferiority as the de jure segregated schools declared unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education (“Brown I”). And consequently, sixty-five years after that monumental decision Brown I’s promise of educational equity is as elusive today as it was in 1954. This article advances a theory about the elusiveness of Brown I’s promise using the analytical framework of transitional justice to connect the quest for educational equity in the United States to the struggle for international human rights. Its central premise is that the sociopolitical shift from Jim Crow segregation announced in Brown I was a radical, paradigmatic one triggering transitional justice. Once triggered, transitional justice creates an imperative for comprehensive government sanctioned remedial efforts to eradicate societal stereotypes and biases that justified massive human rights violations. However, unlike the South African government’s endorsement of transitional justice practices such as truth and reconciliation commissions in its transition from apartheid, the United States government underutilized the array of transitional practices at its disposal. And this under-utilization caused profound deficiencies in the transition from segregation. This article is the first to validate the applicability of transitional justice principles to the desegregation of American schools using criteria established by noted transitional justice scholars. After substantiating the validity of the comparison, the article advances a preliminary framework of transitional practices that leverages the public’s interest in and awareness of transitional justice as the impetus for federally endorsed reconciliatory initiatives acknowledging the inter-generational impact of nine decades of de jure school segregation.
Photoneutron Detection in a Pulsed High Photon Field using Helium-4 Scintillators

Photon active interrogation techniques offer improved detection of shielded special nuclear material (SNM). Shielded SNM detection is challenging due to limited passive emissions, especially by highly-enriched uranium. Photon active interrogation can improve detection capabilities because a high-energy photon beam can penetrate shielding materials and induce photonuclear reactions in SNM, greatly increasing radiation emissions. The University of Michigan is developing economical active interrogation techniques for homeland security applications using an off-the-shelf medical linear accelerator (linac) and economical detector technology. The linac produces a bremsstrahlung spectrum with a 9-MeV endpoint, which is sufficient to induce photonuclear reactions in actinides. To detect the neutrons produced in the photonuclear reactions with high confidence, detectors with robust gamma-rejection abilities must be employed. For this work, we use a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) 4He scintillation detector developed by Arktis to detect photoneutrons during photon active interrogation of depleted uranium. 4He gas is inert, abundant, and has desirable gamma rejection capabilities. We first show measurements of isotopic photon sources, then several isotopic neutron sources in addition to two neutron generator experiments. Lastly, we show results from the photon active interrogation experiments.
Fluency Training a Writing Skill: Editing for Concision.

The goal of this study was to design and evaluate fluency-based training units to help students eliminate inconcision. Participants first completed a 1.5-hr lesson on writing concisely and then a 5-min test during which they edited sentences containing inconcise text from the training units. Subsequently, participants were randomly assigned to an intervention package that included fluency training or an intervention package that included control activities. After about 5 weeks, all participants retook the test. In 2 such experiments, relative to their initial rates, fluency-trained participants improved more than did control participants; the improvement for fluency-trained participants was often maintained for 5 weeks. The findings' limitations are discussed, as well as their implications for enhancing student writing and further research.
Modeling cables, cords, and coils for electric component assembly

This paper will focus on the inclusion of representations of the cables, cords, and coils that make up electrical component assemblies. Some short historical approaches will be presented, followed by a discussion of what new solid modeling technology is having on the process.
Finite element modeling of plasma initiation by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as cold cathode in pseudospark switch

In this research the behavior of a novel carbon nanotube (CNT) cold cathode plasma switch is investigated via a finite element simulation. The model is based on an experimental 10-mTorr Argon plasma switch using a 500 V DC power supply. The novelty of the switch is the use of CNTs as a cold cathode electron trigger. CNTs have very low turn-on voltage and a relatively high saturation current density making them ideal for cathode materials. A room temperature fluids model of the plasma is used that simultaneously solves Maxwell's equations, the continuity equation, and the Navier-Stokes equations. The sensitivity of the electron density profile to chamber geometry is also investigated and optimized design dimension of pseudospark switch presented.
Oxygen isotopic systematics of an open-system magma chamber:: An example from the Freetown Layered Complex of Sierra Leone

Abstract The Freetown Layered Complex of Sierra Leone is a 7-km thick, rift-related tholeiitic intrusion that formed ∼193 Ma ago during the opening of the middle Atlantic Ocean. The Complex was emplaced above Archean basement gneisses, granulites, and schists of the Kasila Group at pressures of 2.8 to 5.1 kbar. The δ18O values of bulk cumulates (5.5–6.7), separated plagioclase (5.7–6.0), olivine (5.0–5.7), and clinopyroxene (5.1–5.8) spanning the entire stratigraphic section indicate that the Complex has preserved its primary magmatic oxygen isotopic composition. The δ18O values of whole-rocks are uniform in Zone 1 (average = 5.74 ± 0.01) but vary widely in Zones 2 and 3 (average = 6.18 ± 0.52 and 5.71 ± 0.32, respectively). Variations in whole-rock δ18O with stratigraphic height correlate well with plagioclase mode, with δ18O values being highest in the strongly laminated anorthosites of Zones 2 and 3, and lowest in olivine gabbro from the cyclically layered subzone of Zone 3. The overall pattern of oxygen isotopic variation with stratigraphic height in the intrusion appears to the related to the accumulation of high-δ18O, plagioclase-rich rocks that are overlain by low-δ18O, olivine or pyroxene-rich rock types. Fractional crystallization in combination with mineral accumulation can explain the observed oxygen isotopic variations in the Complex. Oxygen isotopic thermometry yields equilibration temperatures of 1040 to 1290°C, which are similar to temperatures (1045 to 1381°C) estimated from the plagioclase-liquid thermometer applied to the Freetown bulk magma for each zone obtained by geochemical summation. The oxygen isotopic temperatures are highest where major influxes of new magmas have occurred, indicating negligible subsolidus resetting of mineral compositions. Contemporary diabase dikes intruding the Complex have whole-rock and plagioclase δ18O values of 6.6 and 6.7, respectively, suggesting minimal interaction of the dikes with hydrothermal fluids. Archean gneisses from the Kasila Group have widely varying δ18O values of 6.2 to 11.4 for whole rocks and ∼6.8 for quartz. The whole-rock δ18O values for the gneisses suggest that the Kasila Group may have been selectively altered by hydrothermal fluids during retrograde (M3) metamorphism associated with the Pan African event. However, the Kasila appears not to have significantly exchanged oxygen with the Freetown magma. The calculated average δ18O value for the original Freetown magma is 6.0 ± 0.2, which is similar to the values reported for magmas parental to the Kiglapait, Stillwater, and Duluth Complex intrusions.
Big Physics At Small Places: The Mongol Horde Model Of Undergraduate Research

A model for engaging undergraduates in cutting-edge experimental nuclear physics research at a national user facility is discussed. Methods to involve students and examples of their success are presented.
Multiple Regulator Gene Control of the Galactose Operon in Escherichia coli K-12

Previous studies showed that nonsense mutations in either of two genes (capR or capS) or an undefined mutation in a third gene (capT) led to pleiotropic effects: (i) increased capsular polysaccharide synthesis (mucoid phenotype); (ii) increased synthesis of enzymes specified by at least four spatially separated operons involved in synthesis of capsular polysaccharide including the product of the galE gene, UDP-galactose-4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.2) in capR mutants. The present study demonstrated that the entire galactose (gal) operon (galE, galT, and galK) is derepressed by mutations in either the capR or the capT genes, but not by mutation in capS. Double mutants (capR9 capT) were no more derepressed than the capR9 mutant, indicating that capR9 and capT regulate the gal operon via a common pathway. Isogenic double mutants containing either galR(+), galR(-), galR(s), or galO(c) in combination with either capR(+) or capR9 were prepared and analyzed for enzymes of the gal operon. The results demonstrated that capR9 caused derepression as compared to capR(+) in all of the combinations. Strains with a galR(s) mutation are not induced, for the gal operon, by any galactose compound including d-fucose, and this was confirmed in the present study using d-fucose. Nevertheless, the derepression of galR(s) capR9 compared to galR(s) capR(+) was four- to sixfold. The same derepression was observed when galR(+)capR9 was compared to galR(+)capR(+). The data eliminate the explanation that internal induction of the gal operon by a galactose derivative was causing increased gal operon enzyme synthesis in capR or capT mutants. Furthermore, the same data suggest that the galR and capR genes are acting independently to derepress the gal operon. A modified model for the structure of the gal operon is proposed to explain these results. The new feature of the model is that two operator sites are suggested, one to combine with the galR repressor and one to combine with the capR repressor.