cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why OO Programming Some Parallels with Things at Large

This chapter contains sections titled: What is object-oriented programming? What good does OO do? How do I master it?
Abstract 18318: Percutaneous Epicardial Access for Mapping and Ablation is Feasible in Patients With Prior Cardiac Surgery, Including Coronary Bypass Surgery

Introduction: Prior cardiac surgery, especially the presence of coronary bypass grafts, is thought to preclude percutaneous epicardial access (EpiAcc) and, due to limited catheter maneuverability, mapping and ablation. The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of EpiAcc in patients with prior cardiac surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent EpiAcc as part of an ablation procedure between 01/01/2004-06/30/2013 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. All had documented VT or recurring, symptomatic PVCs. Baseline clinical characteristics and procedural characteristics were collected. Results: Of 162 patients that underwent EpiAcc, 18 had prior cardiac surgery (mean age 61 years, all male). This included 10 CABG, 2 epicardial ICD placement, 5 valve surgery (3 aortic valve, 2 mitral valve), 2 septal myectomy, 1 aortic arch replacement, 1 myocardial bridge unroofing and 1 myocardial perforation repair (3 patients had multiple procedures). Access was successful in 12 patients (66.7%); the inferior approach was utilized in 78%. Of patients with prior CABG, successful access was attained in 6 (60%). The average procedural time was 441.6 ± 141.3 minutes. Adhesiolysis was required in 10 patients with the sheath, access wire, pigtail catheter or ablation catheter. Intra-procedural coronary angiography was performed in 8 patients. There were a total of 45 VTs/PVCs ablated in 18 patients (average 2.5 ± 1.7), mean cycle length 463.6 ± 95.9ms. Ultimately, 12 patients (66.7%) underwent endocardial only ablation, 1 (5.5%) had epicardial only ablation while 5 (27.8%) had endocardial/epicardial ablation. The procedure was deemed successful in 13 patients (72.2%). Four patients had bleeding complications (pericardial effusion, pericardial hematoma, hemoperitoneum and pericardial tamponade [the latter required repair of the RV wall]). In patients with coronary grafts, there was no evidence of acute graft disruption. Conclusions: Percutaneous epicardial access is feasible in patients with previous cardiac surgery, including CABG. However, adhesiolysis is frequently required. Although the risk of coronary graft injury is low, life-threatening complications may occur.
The financial reporting and tax aggressiveness implications of schedule utp

In 2010, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the requirement to disclose uncertain tax positions (UTPs) on a new schedule (Schedule UTP) to be filed with federal corporate income tax returns. Schedule UTP requires companies to report line-item detail to the IRS of the aggregate disclosure requirement of uncertain tax benefits (UTBs) established by FIN 48 (KPMG 2010a). I examine firms’ change in reporting UTBs subsequent to the announcement of Schedule UTP. Deterrence theory suggests with the increased scrutiny of Schedule UTP, firms will be motivated to reduce reported UTBs. Additionally, I examine whether the announcement of Schedule UTP impacts other proxies for tax aggressive behavior.
The semantics of syntax: The grounding of transitive and intransitive constructions

Embodied theories of language maintain that brain areas associated with perception and action are also involved in the processing and representation of word meaning. A number of studies have shown that sentences with action verbs elicit activation within sensory-motor brain regions, arguing that sentence-induced mental simulations provide a means for grounding their lexical-semantic meaning. Constructionist theories argue, however, that form-meaning correspondence is present not only at the lexical level but also at the level of constructions. We investigated whether sentence-induced motor resonance is present for syntactic constructions. We measured the BOLD signal while participants read sentences with ditransitive caused motion or intransitive constructions that contained either action or abstract verbs. The results showed a distinct neuronal signature for caused motion and intransitive syntactic frames. Caused motion frames activated regions associated with reaching and grasping actions, including the left anterior intraparietal sulcus and the parietal reach region. Intransitive frames activated lateral temporal regions commonly associated with abstract word processing. The left pars orbitalis showed an interaction between the syntactic frame and verb class. These findings show that sensory-motor activation elicited by sentences entails both motor resonance evoked by single words as well as at the level of syntactic constructions.
Psychiatry Departments Under Constrained Funding Mechanisms or What Is a Chairperson to Do

Objective The authors surveyed academic departments of psychiatry to examine what effect decreases in funding levels may be having.
L'illusione dei test di intelligenza svincolati dalla cultura

The Illusion of Culture-free intelligence Testing The birth and circulation of IQ tests have been motivated by the necessity of creating objective modes, context-free, by which to measure intellectual abilities. Historically the progressive diffusion of these methods has been contrasted with the thought of academics, who stemmed from various fields of knowledge. These authors demolished the illusion of a culture-free “mind”, as intended by the academicians that have arranged the institution and divulgation of IQ testing. After briefly describing the layout of the foundation upon which these tests have been established, it will be proposed a “thought experiment,” in order to demonstrate that the ideas of “intelligence” and “ability” cannot exist outside the cultural context which generates them.
Approach – related results after acetabular fractures

Acetabular fractures are severe injuries. Making a diagnosis and deciding on therapy are difficult because of the complexity of the anatomic structure and because of the soft tissues. Choosing the most suitable approach is the most important problem when deciding on the operative treatment. Besides standard approaches (Kocher/Langenbeck, ilioinguinal and extended iliofemoral), the "Maryland approach" has been established in the last few years. Modifying the steps of preparation, it is possible to begin the operation with a Kocher/Langenbeck approach (with variation on where the skin incision is made) and to extend the approach step by step to achieve optimal exposure. Here we describe the results of acetabular fractures treated between 1989 and 1994 (n = 159) in our clinic related to the surgical approach. The "modified Maryland approach" as used in our clinic, starts with exposure of the dorsal column, offering the possibility of a universal exposure.
Synthesis, bonding, and reactivity of a cerium(IV) fluoride complex.

Oxidation of Ce[N(SiMe3)2]3 in the presence of PF6– or BF4– afforded isolation of CeF[N(SiMe3)2]3. Structural and electrochemical characterization shows that this compound is in its tetravalent oxidation state and contains a terminal fluoride ligand. Spectroscopy and density functional theory have been used to characterize the Ce–F bond as ionic, which is reinforced by an initial reactivity study that demonstrates the nucleophilicity of the fluoride ligand.
Female Violence and Gender Gap Trends in Taiwan: Offender-Behavioral Changes or Net-Widening Enforcement Explanations?:

Two long-standing explanations of converging violence gender gap trends in the United States are net-widening enforcement and offender-behavioral changes. We examine these explanations in an Asian context, democratic Taiwan. We use sex-specific arrests, conviction, and imprisonment statistics for violent offenses, 1989 to 2012, to identify whether Taiwanese gender gaps are converging across the criminal justice system. This study did not identify a female violent crime “wave” but mainly stability, failing to support the offender-behavioral change hypothesis. There is limited evidence of net-widening enforcement of felony assault and domestic violence, where disparate impacts on female arrest trends are identified solely for domestic violence.
Design of Network System for Ministries and Commissions

The development of information technology is the technical origin of e-government. The application of information technology may break the regional boundary, and thus the user could acquire the information released by the government, including the related network service. The establishment of system network is the foundation for informatization construction, the design prior to the network establishment has direct influence on the protracted nature and extendibility of informatization construction. Therefore, a comprehensive and detailed planning of the overall network structure must be conducted before the network construction. This paper provides a reference plan in establishing the network systems for ministries and commissions.
Effect of Molecular Structure on Mesomorphism. 101. Design of Materials having Smectic-Isotropic Maxima in Binary Mixtures

Use of liquid crystalline materials for display devices demands a vide mesomorphic temperature existence range, above and below ambient temperatures.3,4 There are, numerous specifications of physical properties such as birefringence, viscosity, dielectric anisotropy, etc. which must be met, but the temperature range of nematic or smectic A materials is among the most crucial. Most binary liquid crystalline (mesomorphic) mixtures exhibit eutectic melting behavior and mesophase-isotropic transition temperatures which are linearly dependent on composition. Eutectic melting lowers the temperature of entry into the mesomorphic phase. If, however, the mesophase-isotropic temperature could be enhanced (increased) in mixed systems this would permit operation of the device at higher temperatures. Numerous recent papers5 have been devoted to experimental and/or theoretical investigation of enhanced mesophases and several models dealing with intermolecular interactions at the molecular level have been proposed to account for this non-ideal mixture behavior. In this paper we will report data on the effect of alkoxy chain length on mesophase enhancement. There have been previous reports5a,s,t of similar studies with a rather limited scope but none as extensive as that described here.
An Overview of Current Approaches Toward the Treatment and Prevention of West Nile Virus Infection

The persistence of West Nile virus (WNV) infections throughout the USA since its inception in 1999 and its continuous spread throughout the globe calls for an urgent need of effective treatments and prevention measures. Although the licensing of several WNV vaccines for veterinary use provides a proof of concept, similar efforts on the development of an effective vaccine for humans remain still unsuccessful. Increased understanding of biology and pathogenesis of WNV together with recent technological advancements have raised hope that an effective WNV vaccine may be available in the near future. In addition, rapid progress in the structural and functional characterization of WNV and other flaviviral proteins have provided a solid base for the design and development of several classes of inhibitors as potential WNV therapeutics. Moreover, the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies demonstrate an excellent efficacy against WNV in animal models and represent a promising class of WNV therapeutics. However, there are some challenges as to the design and development of a safe and efficient WNV vaccine or therapeutic. In this chapter, we discuss the current approaches, progress, and challenges toward the development of WNV vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and antiviral drugs.
Compassion Predictors in Undergraduates: A Catholic College Example

Compassion is sorely needed in contemporary society, including within faith-based colleges. Past research has examined the prevention of compassion fatigue in healthcare professions, but relatively little research exists on the predictors of compassion, particularly among student populations. This study examines the factors associated with higher compassion levels in graduating college seniors, revealing demographic, experiential, and belief-related factors contributing to compassion. Results suggest that the general profile of a highly compassionate graduating college senior is a student who is female, politically liberal, religious, studying the natural or social sciences, actively involved in community service or volunteering, and who has undergone workshops on racial/cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Thomson scattering at 250 kHz

Several upgrades have been applied to the high-repetition-rate Thomson scattering diagnostic on the MST experiment, having increased the rate and number of electron temperature measurements. The detector portion of the Thomson scattering system requires 1.5-2.0 J, 10-20 ns laser pulses at 1064 nm. A high-repetition-rate laser produces suitable pulses for short 3-4 pulse bursts with only 3 μs pulse spacing. Alternatively, the laser timing can be optimized to maximize the number of pulses in a single burst, producing up to 44 pulses at a rate of 100 kHz. The laser follows a master oscillator, power amplifier architecture. Upgrades to the laser include: a new acousto-optic modulator chopped CW laser based master oscillator, a sixth power amplifier, optimized Nd doping within Nd:glass amplifiers via optical modeling of the pump chamber, and a yet to be installed new cavity reflector. Additionally, a new long wavelength filter has been added to the Thomson scattering diagnostic's polychromator based detector, allowing possible detection of net electron drift.
Business positioning through advanced materials

In the effort to increase their market share, manufacturing companies are increasingly making use of 'advanced' materials. This article considers advanced applications of metals, ceramics and polymers from the different perspectives of the aerospace and automotive markets. Consideration is given to factors determining the strategy of companies using advanced materials in their products.
Offshore extent of Gondwanan Paleozoic strata in the southeastern United States: The Suwannee suture zone revisited

Abstract The recognition of the Suwannee terrane in southeastern North America was a critical step in advancing our current understanding of the tectonic evolution of ocean basins. Unfortunately, further clarification of the boundaries of the Suwannee terrane has proven difficult due to the thick coastal plain cover, limited well log analyses, and a paucity of seismic reflection data onshore. We present the results from a new compilation and analysis of legacy marine seismic reflection, refraction and well data from offshore the southeastern United States, which reveals in the subsurface a previously unmapped lower Paleozoic sedimentary section spanning the continental shelf from Florida to North Carolina. Previously only identified in two deep offshore wells (COST GE-1 and Transco 1005-1), this Paleozoic platform sequence is identified in seismic reflection profiles as a package of low-frequency, sub-horizontal, laterally-continuous reflectors which are clearly discordant with and distinct from the overlying Mesozoic and Cenozoic stratigraphy above the post-rift unconformity (PRU). The inferred base of the Paleozoic sequence is marked by the downward diminution of parallel seismic reflectors, as well as an increase in seismic velocities to > 6 km/s observed on numerous offshore seismic refraction surveys. While clearly deformed in some areas, these Paleozoic strata are generally sub-horizontal, range in thickness from 4 to 6 km, and can be mapped continuously over an area in excess of 130,000 km 2 . Similar sedimentary rocks have been recognized from onshore exploration wells in Florida since the 1930s, and were subsequently identified to be part of the Suwannee basin within the larger exotic Suwannee terrane of Gondwanan affinity. Recognition of the presence and extent of these Gondwanan strata offshore implies: (1) the inferred position of the Suwannee suture zone offshore lies > 200 km further north, approximately along the boundary between the Carolina terrane and the Charleston terrane; (2) previously identified terranes (Brunswick, Charleston, Suwannee, Northern Florida) are likely distinct crustal blocks, but their amalgamation predates deposition of the overlying Paleozoic section of the Suwannee basin; (3) collectively, this crust represents the Gondwanan continent based on the size and presence of a stable platform stratigraphy, nominally doubling the size of the last sutured terrane, the Suwannee terrane.
Solvation Shell Structure of Small Molecules and Proteins by IR-MCR Spectroscopy

The flexibility of the hydrogen-bonded network of water is the basis for its excellent solvation properties. Accordingly, it is valuable to understand the properties of water in the solvation shell surrounding small molecules and biomolecules. Recent high-quality Raman spectra analyzed with Self-Modeling Curve Resolution (SMCR) have provided Raman spectra of small-molecule solvation shells. Here we apply SMCR to the complementary technique of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflection (ATR) configuration to extract the IR spectra of solvation shells. We first illustrate the method by obtaining the IR-MCR solvation shell spectra of tert-butanol (TBA), before applying it to antifreeze protein type III. Our results show that IR-SMCR spectroscopy is a powerful method for studying the solvation shell structure of small molecules and biomolecules. Given the wide availability of FTIR-ATR instruments, the method could prove to be an impactful tool for studying solvation and ...
How Often and How Much? Differences in Dietary Intake by Frequency and Energy Contribution Vary among U.S. Adults in NHANES 2007–2012

The objective of this study was to determine the top frequently reported foods or beverages and the top foods or beverages grouped by broad and specific What We Eat In America (WWEIA) categories for adult age groups of 19 to 35 years, 36 to 55 years, and ≥65 years (n = 16,399) using data drawn from the cross-sectional, WWEIA, National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012 and to compare intake of broad WWEIA categories ranked by frequency and by energy contribution among these adult age groups. Ranking, unadjusted and weighted frequencies, and the proportion of reported foods or energy out of all reported foods or energy were determined and stratified by age. The Rao–Scott modified chi-square was used to test for significant differences among age groups. Results support dietary quality differences by age; intake of broad WWEIA categories was significantly different among age groups by frequency for alcohol, water, and condiment/sauces. Energy contributions significantly differed among age groups for protein foods, snacks/sweets, and beverages. Frequently reported foods and beverages may be used to inform the creation of search tools used for automatic and user-verified identification of foods and beverages in mobile- or technology-based dietary assessment.
Racial/ethnic differences in the healthcare experience (coverage, utilization, and satisfaction) of US adults with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To examine racial/ethnic differences in healthcare coverage, utilization, and satisfaction, among US adults with diabetes. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among 9443 adults with diabetes who participated in the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a telephone survey of the civilian non-institutionalized US population aged > or = 18 yrs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We compared healthcare coverage, utilization, and satisfaction across 4 race/ethnicity categories: non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), Hispanics (HSP), and others, and examined whether these factors were associated with self-rated health status. RESULTS By self-report, more NHB (14.8%), HSP (20.7%), and members of other races (21.8%) were uninsured, compared to NHW (6.4%). Similarly, cost was a barrier to visiting a doctor for 23.9% of HSP, 19.5% of NHB, and 13.4% of members of other races; however, only 8.2% of non-Hispanic Whites reported cost as a barrier. More NHW (90.1%) and NHB (90.7) reported having had a check-up in the past year, compared to HSP (84.5%) or others (84.1%). All 3 variables exhibited significant differences by race or ethnicity (all P<.01). After adjustment for age, sex, income, education, and insulin use, the association with race/ethnicity persisted for health insurance coverage (P<.001), and for cost as a barrier (P<.003). Reporting cost as a barrier to visiting a doctor (P=.013), and rating one's overall health care as fair or poor (P=.001), were associated with poorer health status. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that ethnic minorities with diabetes report less healthcare coverage and more cost-related barriers to utilization, compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Persons with fair/poor health status were more likely to report cost barriers and poor satisfaction. Future research should focus on the reasons for such differences and on interventions to improve health care for minority populations.
Automated Photoreceptor Cell Identification on Nonconfocal Adaptive Optics Images Using Multiscale Circular Voting

Purpose Adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) has enabled quantification of the photoreceptor mosaic in the living human eye using metrics such as cell density and average spacing. These rely on the identification of individual cells. Here, we demonstrate a novel approach for computer-aided identification of cone photoreceptors on nonconfocal split detection AOSLO images. Methods Algorithms for identification of cone photoreceptors were developed, based on multiscale circular voting (MSCV) in combination with a priori knowledge that split detection images resemble Nomarski differential interference contrast images, in which dark and bright regions are present on the two sides of each cell. The proposed algorithm locates dark and bright region pairs, iteratively refining the identification across multiple scales. Identification accuracy was assessed in data from 10 subjects by comparing automated identifications with manual labeling, followed by computation of density and spacing metrics for comparison to histology and published data. Results There was good agreement between manual and automated cone identifications with overall recall, precision, and F1 score of 92.9%, 90.8%, and 91.8%, respectively. On average, computed density and spacing values using automated identification were within 10.7% and 11.2% of the expected histology values across eccentricities ranging from 0.5 to 6.2 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between MSCV-based and histology-based density measurements (P = 0.96, Kolmogorov-Smirnov 2-sample test). Conclusions MSCV can accurately detect cone photoreceptors on split detection images across a range of eccentricities, enabling quick, objective estimation of photoreceptor mosaic metrics, which will be important for future clinical trials utilizing adaptive optics.
Contributions of the intestinal microbiome in lung immunity

The intestine is a critical site of immune cell development that not only controls intestinal immunity but extra-intestinal immunity as well. Recent findings have highlighted important roles for gut microbiota in shaping lung inflammation. Here, we discuss interactions between the microbiota and immune system including T cells, protective effects of microbiota on lung infections, the role of diet in shaping the composition of gut microbiota and susceptibility to asthma, epidemiologic evidence implicating antibiotic use and microbiota in asthma and clinical trials investigating probiotics as potential treatments for atopy and asthma. The systemic effects of gut microbiota are partially attributed to their generating metabolites including short chain fatty acids, which can suppress lung inflammation through the activation of G protein-coupled receptors. Thus, studying the interactions between microbiota and immune cells can lead to the identification of therapeutic targets for chronic lower respiratory diseases.
Collegiate Athletes' Expectations and Experiences with Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement.

Although mindfulness training for athletes is an area of increasing interest, few studies have focused on the qualitative experiences of athletes in such programs. Before beginning six sessions of mindful sport performance enhancement (MSPE) training, 45 mixed-sport collegiate athletes reported what they hoped and expected to get from the training, and responded afterward to open-ended questions about their experiences. Participants’ responses were coded for themes, with high interrater reliability. Athletes initially hoped to gain psychological benefits in both sport and everyday life, such as relaxation and less stress or anxiety, better emotion regulation, mental toughness, and self-awareness, as well as sport performance improvement. Overall, they found MSPE to be a positive experience and reported many of the same benefits that they expected. Participants also provided constructive feedback and recommendations for future MSPE training. Finally, there was evidence to suggest that athletes’ expectation...
Cultural Change Over Time: Why Replicability Should Not Be the Gold Standard in Psychological Science

By continuing to focus on the necessity for replication, psychological science misses an important and all-pervasive psychological phenomenon: the impact of social and cultural change on behavior. Or put otherwise, our discipline misinterprets failure to replicate behavioral results if we do not consider that social and cultural change can produce systematic shifts in behavior. Data on the connection between social change and behavioral change point to a new role for "replication": not to show that results can be duplicated, but to reveal behavioral effects of sociodemographic and cultural change in the intervening years between original and replicated procedure, whether those be surveys, standardized behavioral procedures, or intelligence tests.
Managing Childhood Asthma as a Strategy to Break the Cycle of Poverty.

An editorial is presented which addresses the author's views about how to manage asthma in children and break a cycle of poverty in America, and it mentions another article which appears in the same issue of the journal and deals with pediatric asthma treatment programs that target trigger abatement through home visits. Childhood diseases and asthma treatment-related costs in the U.S. are examined, along with clinical care needs and medical care-based changes.
Incompressible Viscous Flows

The incompressible Navier—Stokes equations which govern the motion of viscous fluids are among the most important partial differential equations in engineering. The Navier—Stokes equations are derived from the mass and momentum conservation laws and the linear stress—strain relation. While the physical model leading to the Navier—Stokes equations is simple, the mathematical theory and the numerical solution are challenging. The major difficulties in the study and the solution of these equations are related to incompressibility and nonlinearity.
A Primer on Farm Mortgage Debt Relief Programs during the 1930s

This paper describes New Deal farm mortgage debt relief programs, implemented through the Federal Land Banks and the Land Bank Commissioner. Along with the Home Owners' Loan Corporation, the analogous program for nonfarm residential mortgage borrowers, these were the first large-scale mortgage debt relief programs in US history.
Assessment of a critical limit protocol for point-of-care glucose testing.

A critical limit protocol requiring that all point of care glucose meter readings > 22.2 mmol/L (400 mg/dL) and 22.2 or 50% discordance between glucose meter/central lab with three (27%) glucose meter errors, emphasizing the need to confirm critically high/low glucose meter results to avoid potential errors. The critical limit protocol now requires that only the initial critically high/low glucose meter reading be confirmed by the lab and that these patients now be followed with lab values until glucose levels are between 5.6-16.7 mmol/L (100-300 mg/dL) before the glucose meter can again be used.
End users and GIS: a demonstration is worth a thousand words

Publisher Summary Geographic information systems (GISs) are in wide use by city planners, landscape architects, natural resource managers, and other specialists who have the expertise or the trained staff to use them. Many non-specialists also like to be able to use GIS. However, GIS software is not accessible to them, because, in its current incarnation, it requires knowledge of geography, cartography, and database systems. Despite an enormous pool of potential non-specialist users, GIS is not at this time a mainstream, mass marketed application. This chapter presents a programming-by-demonstration (PBD) approach to geographic information systems (GISs). The aim of this approach is to enable non-specialist users to avail themselves of the software without having to resort to the help of expert users. The chapter outlines the problem faced by non-specialist users with GIS software. It then summarizes the findings of a study highlighting why GIS software is hard for non-specialist users to use. Finally, the chapter explains the PBD approach for GIS and explains how this component may be integrated into a GIS.
Facilitators and Barriers to Reducing Emergency Department Admissions for Chest Pain: A Qualitative Study.

Background Chest pain of possible cardiac etiology is a leading reason for emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations nationwide. Evidence suggests outpatient management is safe and effective for low-risk patients; however, ED admission rates for chest pain vary widely. To identify barriers and facilitators to outpatient management after ED visits, we performed a multicenter qualitative study of key stakeholders. Methods and results We identified Massachusetts hospitals with below-average admission rates for adult ED chest pain visits from 2010 to 2011. We performed a qualitative case study of 27 stakeholders across 4 hospitals to identify barriers and facilitators to outpatient management. Clinicians cited ability to coordinate follow-up care, including stress testing and cardiology consultation, as key facilitators of ED discharge. When these services are unavailable, or inconsistently available, they present a barrier to outpatient management. Clinicians identified pressure to maintain throughput and the lack of observation units as barriers to ED discharge. At 3 of 4 hospitals without observation units, clinicians did not use clinical protocols to guide the admission decision. At the site with a dedicated ED observation unit, low ED admission rates were attributed to clinician adherence to clinical protocols. Conclusions In conclusion, most participants have not adopted protocols focused on reducing variation in ED chest pain admissions. Robust systems to ensure follow-up care after ED visits may reduce admission rates by mitigating the perceived risk of discharging ED patients with chest pain. Greater use of observation protocols may promote adoption of clinical guidelines and reduce admission rates.
Influence of Temperature on Generator Current and Magnetic Field of a Proximity Detection System

Electromagnetic-based proximity detection systems (PDSs) are utilized on mining machinery to protect workers from being pinned or struck. These systems generate magnetic fields covering the space around a machine, and a miner-wearable component (MWC) detects the field. The PDS determines the distance of miners relative to the machine based on the detected magnetic flux density in the magnetic field. This information is used to establish warning and shutdown zones around the machine. Maintaining a stable magnetic field is essential for system accuracy. However, components used to generate magnetic fields can be influenced by temperature changes. Depending on ventilation conditions and seasonal alternation, a PDS can be subject to significant temperature fluctuation. To better understand and quantify this phenomenon, researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed an experimental apparatus to study the influence of temperature on magnetic field generator circuits used in PDSs. Results from the study show that the electric current through a generator can be influenced by both ambient and internal temperatures, modifying the magnetic field that is produced. These findings show that temperature can significantly influence the ability of PDSs, used in underground coal mines, to accurately determine a worker’s position in relation to mining machine.
Phase I Study of Lentiviral-Transduced Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Modified T Cells Recognizing Mesothelin in Advanced Solid Cancers.

This phase I study investigated the safety and activity of lentiviral-transduced chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified autologous T cells redirected against mesothelin (CART-meso) in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, ovarian carcinoma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Fifteen patients with chemotherapy-refractory cancer (n = 5 per indication) were treated with a single CART-meso cell infusion. CART-meso cells were engineered by lentiviral transduction with a construct composed of the anti-mesothelin single-chain variable fragment derived from the mouse monoclonal antibody SS1 fused to intracellular signaling domains of 4-1BB and CD3zeta. Patients received 1–3 × 107 or 1–3 × 108 CART-meso cells/m2 with or without 1.5 g/m2 cyclophosphamide. Lentiviral-transduced CART-meso cells were well tolerated; one dose-limiting toxicity (grade 4, sepsis) occurred at 1–3 × 107/m2 CART-meso without cyclophosphamide. The best overall response was stable disease (11/15 patients). CART-meso cells expanded in the blood and reached peak levels by days 6–14 but persisted transiently. Cyclophosphamide pre-treatment enhanced CART-meso expansion but did not improve persistence beyond 28 days. CART-meso DNA was detected in 7/10 tumor biopsies. Human anti-chimeric antibodies (HACA) were detected in the blood of 8/14 patients. CART-meso cells were well tolerated and expanded in the blood of all patients but showed limited clinical activity. Studies evaluating a fully human anti-mesothelin CAR are ongoing.
A framework for modeling radiation induced lymphopenia in radiotherapy.

Abstract Introduction Associations between radiation-induced lymphopenia (RIL) and survival have been extensively reported. However, the immune system is not considered as an organ-at-risk (OAR) in radiotherapy. This study aimed to develop the framework of an immune OAR model that may be utilized to predict and minimize RIL. Methods A dynamic model was first developed for lymphocyte trafficking among 5 compartments of the immune system. Radiation dose to the circulating lymphocytes in each compartment was calculated based on the doses to fixed structures of each immune compartment and blood flow patterns. A RIL model was developed based on lymphocyte dynamics, lymphocyte radiosensitivity and reproductivity, and the dose to the lymphocytes. The model was tested in 51 patients by fitting it to weekly-measured absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) for each patient, considering lymphocyte radiosensitivity and reproductivity as patient-dependent fitting parameters. Results The fitting was almost perfect for 20 patients, with sum of square of errors (SSE) between measured and predicted ALCs 4.0. The fitting also provided a method of in vivo estimation of radiosensitivity (α) for each patient. The median α was 0.40 Gy−1 for the 51 patients, consistent with in vitro measured data of 0.41 Gy−1 in the literature. Conclusion We have presented a framework of developing an immune OAR model that has the potential to predict and minimize RIL in radiotherapy.
Functional analysis in clinical treatment: Twelve years of progress, current status, and future directions

Abstract Applied Behavior Analysis has a long history of application to understanding psychopathology and changing psychopathology-related behavior. Over the last twelve years the field has gradually expanded to address a larger range of problems, to continue to develop the technology of functional assessment and analysis and to address chronic health problems. Some measurement problems may be solved by use of web-based technology to measure behavior in real time outside the therapy room and closer integration of third wave therapies into Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound in diagnosis of vaginal foreign bodies in girls

Objective To summarize the ultrasonographic features and specificity of transabdominal and transperineal ultrasound in the diagnosis of vaginal foreign bodies in girls. Methods 21 cases of vagina foreign bodies diagnosed at our hospital from January, 2017 to May, 2018 were reviewed. 5 of them had been diagnosed with foreign bodies. The other 16 patients were treated because of irregular vaginal bleeding, thick odor secretion, and pruritus. Results The children with vaginal foreign bodies visited the doctor because of irregular vaginal bleeding, thick odor secretion, pruritus, and other clinical manifestations. The sonographic findings were mainly vaginal hyperechoic mass and partly mixed echo or hypoechoic mass. Conclusion Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound has obvious superiority and specificity in the diagnosis of vaginal foreign bodies in girls, and is of high clinical value. Key words: Vagina; Foreign body; Girl; Ultrasound
Examining relations of polytraumatization typologies with positive memory count and phenomenology.

Background and Objectives: Most individuals experience multiple potentially traumatizing events (PTEs); hence, it is important to consider count and types of PTEs (polytraumatization) in relation t...
A Scalable Algorithm for Large-scale Unsupervised Multi-view Partial Least Squares

We present an unsupervised multi-view partial least squares (PLS) by learning a common latent space from given multi-view data. Although PLS is a frequently used technique for analyzing relationships between two datasets, its extension to more than two views in unsupervised setting is seldom studied. In this paper, we fill up the gap, and our model bears similarity to the extension of canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to more than two sets of variables and is built on the findings from analyzing PLS, CCA and its variants. The resulting problem involves a set of orthogonality constraints on view-specific projection matrices, and is numerically challenging to existing methods that may have numerical instabilities and offers no orthogonality guarantee on view-specific projection matrices. To solve this problem, we propose a stable deflation algorithm that relies on proven numerical linear algebra techniques, can guarantee the orthogonality constraints, and simultaneously maximize the covariance in the common space. We further adapt our algorithm to efficiently handle large-scale high-dimensional data. Extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the algorithm through performing two learning tasks, cross-modal retrieval and multi-view feature extraction. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the baselines and is scalable for large-scale high-dimensional datasets.
A Noninvasive Approach to Optogenetics Using Focused Ultrasound Blood Brain Barrier Disruption for the Delivery of Radioluminescent Particles

Abstract Optogenetics, the genetic incorporation of light-sensitive proteins such as Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) into target mammalian neurons, has enabled activation, silencing, and receptor subtype specific neuromodulation with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, the essential components of the ontogenetic system require invasive procedures with very few non-invasive alternatives preventing its use as a translational tool. The implantation of light emitting fibers deep within brain structures is both technically demanding and causes tissue scarring in target brain regions. To overcome these limitations, while maintaining the highly-tuned components of optogenetics we have developed a novel noninvasive alternative. Our approach replaces fibers with light-emitting radioluminescent particles (RLPs) that can be activated non-invasively with X-ray exposure. Here, we report successful noninvasive delivery of RLPs to target brain regions using MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) blood brain barrier opening. In addition, FUS BBBO can be used to deliver viral vectors for light sensitive channel expression. Combined, these components can provide a completely non-invasive optogenetic system.
Applying the Own it, Learn it, Share it framework to the flexible Pink Time assignment to scaffold student autonomy online and in person

This response to Lee and Hannafin’s A design framework for enhancing engagement in student-centered learning: own it, learn it, and share it (OLSit) (Lee and Hannafin, Educational Technology Research and Development 64:707–734, 2016) discusses its helpful design guidelines from a practitioner’s perspective. OLSit provides a blueprint for chance-taking with student-centered learning. Here, I apply this blueprint to a flexible assignment colleagues and I designed to promote intrinsic motivation and engagement, called Pink Time (PT), which asks students to “skip class, do whatever you want, and grade yourself.” Together, OLSit and PT are well suited for this moment of disruption and pivot to remote learning. Students’ stereotypes about what is “valid” in the classroom may be important limitations. But iterative and effective communication can shape students’ perceptions and scaffold their efforts. In the future, scholars and practitioners should consider how grades undermine online SCL strategies like OLSit and PT.
The Unequal Tax Treatment of Intellectual Property

The tax treatment of intellectual property receives surprisingly little attention despite intellectual property's important role in the economy. In this article, Maine and Nguyen evaluate the fairness of the intellectual property tax system, identifying differences in the tax treatment of what appear to be similar transactions.
Conservation Tillage Techniques for Mixed Vegetable Production in Southern New England

Vegetable farming is an intensive practice that typically relies on several tillage passes to prepare fields for production. Repeatedly tilling the soil, however, is unsustainable and has been shown to decrease soil structure and organic matter while increasing erosion rates. A 3-year experiment was conducted in a mixed vegetable production system in southern New England to determine how crop yield, weed abundance, and soil health were affected by conservation tillage practices. Three conservation tillage systems were compared to conventional tillage to determine the effects on yields of six vegetable crops, weed abundance, and soil health. Six 50 m planting beds were created within each treatment with the four middle rows planted to vegetable crops. In every treatment group, six vegetable crops were grown. These included tomato, cabbage, carrot, melon, cucumber, and lettuce. Two of the four rows were planted with the tomato and cabbage crops while melon / cucumbers, and lettuce / carrots were planted together in the remaining rows. Drip tape, with 30 cm emitter spacing, was used to irrigate to each crop in each treatment at a rate of 2.54 cm per week. All vegetables received one line of drip tape except the carrot / lettuce row, in which two lines were used. Crops were fertilized at recommended rates using organic fertilizers applied at planting and through fertigation. To determine the conservation tillage treatments effects on yield, marketable yields were harvested throughout the season. Marketable yield totals were used to establish kg·ha estimates for all crops in all years. These
The effect of heavy metals on plants: II. Net photosynthesis and transpiration of whole corn and sunflower plants treated with Pb, Cd, Ni, and Tl

Abstract Corn and sunflower plants were grown in hydroponic culture and treated with various levels of Pb, Cd, Ni, and Tl salts. Net photosynthesis, transpiration and toxic metal ion concentration of leaf material and total plant biomass was measured. T1 was found to be the most toxic to net photosynthesis and growth of both species followed in order by Cd, Ni, and Pb.
Distinct Random Sampling from a Distributed Stream

We consider continuous maintenance of a random sample of distinct elements from a massive data stream, whose input elements are observed at multiple distributed sites that communicate via a central coordinator. At any point, when a query is received at the coordinator, it responds with a random sample from the set of all distinct elements observed at the different sites so far. We present the first algorithms for distinct random sampling from a distributed stream. We also present a lower bound on the expected number of messages that must be transmitted by any distributed algorithm, showing that our algorithm is message optimal to within a factor of four. We present extensions to sliding windows, and experimental results showing the performance of our algorithm on real-world data sets.
[16] In vitro transcription of cRNA from PCR-generated DNA fragments

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a method that provides a simple approach for the synthesis of a DNA template, containing RNA polymerase promoter sites, by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A general schemata for the synthesis of a template with promoters at each end is shown in the chapter. Several RNA polymerases will transcribe from these DNA fragments, yielding complementary RNA (cRNA) probes of high quality. It is, thus, possible to generate a cRNA probe for any gene for which the sequence is known. Transcription from a PCR-generated DNA fragment has several advantages. Primers can be designed from any genes for which the sequence is known, enabling an investigator to prepare any probe of interest. There is no need to clone the fragment; both T7 and T3 polymerases transcribe efficiently from the PCR product containing specific promoter sequences. The probes of any length can be designed by varying the primer choices. It has been found that cRNA probes between 200 and 500 nucleotides are optimal for in situ hybridization. Both sense and antisense cRNA probes can be generated from the same construct, containing different promoter sequence at each end, by varying the RNA polymerase used for transcription.
Scanning Acoustic Microscopy

This article is an overview of scanning acoustic microscopy, which is one of the more advanced ultrasonic imaging technologies. The scanning acoustic microscope (SAM) uses ultrasound to produce enlarged images of the microscopic structures of materials. In other words, the SAM is an instrument that subjects an object to ultrasound and detects the variations of the elastic properties of the object. The elastic properties are determined by the molecular arrangement of the material, molecule size, intermolecular force or the like, and each material has its unique characteristics. Accordingly, each object reacts in its own peculiar way when subjected to ultrasonic waves. The waves received from the object can be converted into an image. Because ultrasonic waves can penetrate into an object's interior, the surface and also the interior can be visualized. The contents of this article are as follows: First, the need in industry for this process is described. Second, the history of the development of the SAM is illustrated in brief. Third, the basic theory of ultrasonic imaging used in the SAM is depicted, as well as the basic theory of the implements used in the SAM. Furthermore, the V(z) curve method for material characterization is described. Selected images are given for a better understanding of the sections. Keywords: scanning acoustic microscopy (sam); history; principles; acoustic lens; contrast; application; modification; quantitative data acquisition