cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased photoluminescence from single-mode microwave annealing of N-type Ge-on-Si

Microwave annealing is shown to heal the damage in the crystal lattice and activate the dopants in Ge-on-Si at a lower temperature than rapid thermal annealing, enabling easier integration with other components that have ultra-shallow junctions or tight profile pocket regions. Maximum photoluminescence was achieved by microwave annealing Ge-on-Si samples at a temperature lower by 75 °C to 80 °C than rapid thermal annealing. Furthermore, for Ge implanted with P at energy of 90 keV and dose of 6 × 1014 cm−2, and Sb at energy of 65 keV and dose of 6 × 1014 cm−2, microwave annealing of samples resulted in stronger photoluminescence than rapid thermal annealing of samples. We also observe a reduction in defects with E-mode microwave annealing that could be explained with the ponderomotive force.
Effects Of Risks On Online Consumers Purchasing Behavior: Are They Risk-Averse Or Risk-Taking?

Since the beginning of e-commerce, trustworthiness of commercial web sites has been a constant issue, and, very likely, it will continue to be. When an online shopper cannot trust a web site where he or she intends to make a purchase, the online shopper would perceive a risk of transactional security and a risk of privacy of personal information. In regard to this perceived risk in online transactions, this study is set out to find the change in the level of perceived risk in Business-to-Consumer (B2C) e-commerce and to test whether or not consumers trust a web-centric company at their first visit to the companys web site. Two major findings of this study are that about one third of those surveyed for the study feel an increased risk in B2C online transactions over the previous year, and that absolute majority of them have never or rarely shopped on a web site they are not familiar with. It is further found that even an attractive deal cannot affect the risk-averse behavior of online shopping. From the findings of the study, it is concluded that risk-averse online shopping behavior is a manifestation of increased perceived risk in B2C online transactions.
Mass Resolving Power Requirement for Molecular Formula Determination of Fossil Oils

Ultrahigh-resolution Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) has been demonstrated to be capable of resolving doublets with mass difference of an electron. However, ...
Systolic Strain Abnormalities to Predict Hospital Readmission in Patients With Heart Failure and Normal Ejection Fraction

Background: Despite intensive investigation, the pathogenesis of heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) remains unclear. We hypothesized that subtle abnormalities of systolic function might play a role, and that abnormal systolic strain and strain rate would provide a marker for adverse outcomes. Methods: Patients of new CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction > 50% were included. Exclusion criteria were recent myocardial infarction, severe valvular heart disease, severe left ventricular hypertrophy (septum >1.8 cm), or a technically insufficient echocardiogram. Average peak systolic strain and strain rate were measured using an off-line grey scale imaging technique. Systolic strain and strain rate for readmitted patients were compared with those who remained readmission-free. Results: One hundred consecutive patients with a 1st admission for HFNEF from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2007, inclusive, were analyzed. Fifty two patients were readmitted with a primary diagnosis of heart failure. Systolic strain and strain rates were reduced in both study groups compared to controls. However, systolic strain did not differ significantly between the two groups (-11.7% for those readmitted compared with -12.9% for those free from readmission, P = 0.198) and systolic strain rates also were similar (-1.05 s -1 versus -1.09 s -1 , P = 0.545). E/e’ was significantly higher in readmitted patients compared with those who remained free from readmission (14.5 versus 11.0, P = 0.013). E/e’ (OR 1.189, 95% CI 1.026-1.378; P = 0.021) was found to be an independent predictor for HFNEF readmission. Conclusions: Among patients with new onset HFNEF, SS and SR rates are reduced compared with patients free of HFNEF, but do not predict hospital readmission. Elevated E/e’ is a predictor of readmission in these patients. Cardiol Res. 2011;2(6):274-281 doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/cr104w
Palliative care: renaming as supportive care and integration into comprehensive cancer care

See also page [E217][1] and [www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.151171][2], and page [707][3] and [www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.160547][4] Early palliative care for patients with advanced cancer was shown to improve quality of life, symptom management and satisfaction with care in three
Malnutrition Increases With Obesity and Is a Stronger Independent Risk Factor for Postoperative Complications: A Propensity-Adjusted Analysis of Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients.

Abstract Background Obesity is frequently associated with complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and is often concomitant with malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent morbidity risk of malnutrition relative to obesity. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2005 to 2013 was queried for elective primary THA cases. Malnutrition was defined as albumin Results A total of 40,653 THA cases were identified, of which 20,210 (49.7%) had preoperative albumin measurements. Propensity score adjustment successfully reduced potential selection bias, with P > .05 for differences between those with and without albumin data. Malnutrition incidence increased from 2.8% in obese I to 5.7% in obese III patients. With multivariable propensity-adjusted logistic regression, malnutrition was a more robust predictor than any obesity class for any postoperative complication(s) (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-2.08), major complications (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.21-2.19), respiratory complications (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.27-4.37), blood transfusions (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.44-2.03), and extended length of stay (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.59). Conclusion Malnutrition incidence increased significantly from obese I to obese III patients and was a stronger and more consistent predictor than obesity of complications after THA.
The Application and Determination of Multi-grade Remnant Grey Model in Oil and Gas Pipeline

We usually use the traditional GM(1,1)model to forecast the corrosion velocity in oil and gas pipelines,but the model has not a high precision.This paper gave a new multi-grade remnant GM(1,1)model to forecast the corrosion velocity,based on the newly modified GM(1,1)model and the conception of multi-grade remnant.Furthermore,we used this new model to forecast and simulate the corrosion velocity in an oil and gas pipeline.So we draw a conclusion that the multi-grade remnant GM(1,1)model could give a higher simulated and forecasted precision than the traditional one.
The pathophysiology of concussion

Concussion is a significant issue in medicine and the media today. With growing interest on the long-term effects of sports participation, it is important to understand what occurs in the brain after an impact of any degree. While some of the basic pathophysiology has been elucidated, much is still unknown about what happens in the brain after traumatic brain injury, particularly with milder injuries where no damage can be seen at the structural level on standard neuroimaging. Understanding the chain of events from a cellular level using studies investigating more severe injuries can help to drive research efforts in understanding the symptomatology that is seen in the acute phase after concussion, as well as point to mechanisms that may underlie persistent post-concussive symptoms. This review discusses the basic neuropathology that occurs after traumatic brain injury at the cellular level. We also present the pathology of chronic traumatic encephalopathy and its similarities to other neurodegenerative diseases. We conclude with recent imaging and biomarker findings looking at changes that may occur after repeated subconcussive blows, which may help to guide efforts in understanding if cumulative subconcussive mechanical forces upon the brain are detrimental in the long term or if concussive symptoms mark the threshold for brain injury.
Shoulder EMG during depression raise in men with spinal cord injury: the influence of lesion level.

Background & objective The depression-style raise maneuver is commonly performed by persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) to relieve skin pressures and avoid skin ulceration. The demands of this critical activity, however, are not fully documented for individuals with higher spinal cord lesions. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of SCI lesion level on shoulder muscle activity during a depression raise maneuver. Experimental design Sample of convenience, group comparison. Methods Fine-wire intramuscular electrodes recorded electromyographic (EMG) activity from 12 shoulder muscles in 57 men with SCI while they performed depression raises (C6 tetraplegia, n = 10; C7 tetraplegia, n = 18; high paraplegia, n = 16; low paraplegia, n = 13). EMG intensity was normalized to a manual muscle test (MMT) effort. Results For persons with paraplegia and C7 tetraplegia, dominant EMG activity was recorded from latissimus dorsi, sternal pectoralis major, and triceps muscles (31%-69% MMT). Tetraplegic groups had significantly greater anterior deltoid activity (C6 = 53%, C7 = 22% MMT) than that recorded in paraplegic groups (high paraplegia = 10%, low paraplegia = 3% MMT). Participants with tetraplegia also had increased infraspinatus activity (C6 = 50%, C7 = 32% MMT) compared with participants with low paraplegia (7% MMT). All other muscles had low or very low EMG activity during the depression raise. Conclusions Persons with tetraplegia lack normal strength of the primary muscles used by participants with paraplegia for the depression raise (ie, latissimus dorsi, sternal pectoralis major, and triceps muscles). Although increased anterior deltoid activation assisted with elbow extension, it potentially contributes to glenohumeral joint impingement. Alternate methods of pressure relief should be considered for persons with tetraplegia.
Human tracking and activity monitoring using 60 GHz mmWave: poster abstract

We propose human mobility tracking and activity monitoring using 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave). We discuss the benefits of using mmWave signals for the purpose over existing 2.4/5 GHz based techniques. We also identify related challenges of determining human's initial location and tracking, and demonstrate the feasibility of activity monitoring using an example of walking activity.
On Hadamard Difference Sets

This chapter discusses Hadamard difference sets. The difference set is a subset D of size k of a group G of order v such that every nonidentity element of G can be expressed as a product d 1 d 2 -1 of elements of D in exactly λ ways. A difference set D is said to be cyclic, Abelian, non-Abelian, if the group G has the corresponding property. A difference set with λ= 1 is sometimes called planar or simple. If G is an abelian group written in additive notation, the defining condition is that every nonzero element of G can be written as a difference of elements of D in exactly λ ways.
Neuropathology Associated With Diffuse Excessive High Signal Intensity Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Very Preterm Infants

Abstract Background Diffuse excessive high signal intensity abnormality is the most common finding on term-equivalent age magnetic resonance imaging in extremely preterm infants. Yet its clinical significance remains a matter of debate, in part because of a lack of prior imaging–pathology correlational studies. Patient Presentations We present two 24-week-gestation infants with complicated clinical courses who died at 33 and 46 weeks postmenstrual age with magnetic resonance imaging evidence of diffuse excessive high signal intensity. Two patients with periventricular leukomalacia and two without injury were examined for comparison. Immunohistochemistry characterized the presence of reactive astrocytes, microglia, myelin, and axons. Infants with periventricular leukomalacia demonstrated the typical microscopic necrosis with spheroids, gliosis/microgliosis with reduction in stainable myelin and axons. Infants with diffuse excessive high signal intensity showed vacuolated regions with increased reactive astrocytes and microglia and fewer oligodendroglial cell bodies/processes and dramatic reduction in axon number. Conclusion These two individuals with diffuse excessive high signal intensity exhibited pathologic characteristics that were overlapping but distinct from those of periventricular leukomalacia.
Robust detection under Bhattacharyya metric

In a variety of detection applications, robust techniques are used to cope with the uncertainty in the statistical model assumed for the data. Traditional methods using /spl epsiv/-contamination classes are often too restrictive. Other techniques require that the nominal densities be Gaussian. This paper proposes Bhattacharyya balls around arbitrary nominal distributions as a flexible yet realistic alternative in uncertainty modeling. We derive probability densities that are least discriminable in the Bhattacharyya metric.
Cost-effectiveness of palbociclib in hormone receptor-positive advanced breast cancer

ABSTRACT Background Palbociclib (PAL), a novel small-molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, has demonstrated significant efficacy in prolonging progression-free survival when added to existing therapies. Considering the high cost of PAL, we assessed cost-effectiveness of adding PAL to usual care in treatment of advanced breast cancer. Methods We developed a discrete event simulation model to simulate time to cancer progression and to compare life time clinical benefit and cost of alternative treatment strategies for patients with metastatic disease from societal perspective. Per approved indication, endocrine treatment naive patients were assigned to PAL plus letrozole (PAL + LET) or letrozole alone (LET). Patients with prior endocrine therapy were assigned to PAL plus fulvestrant (FUL) (PAL + FUL) or FUL alone. The model assumptions were informed based on published clinical trial data and other peer reviewed studies. We carried out one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our results to the changes in model assumptions. Results In treatment-naive patients, the addition of PAL to LET cost an estimated $768 498 per additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The addition of PAL to FUL in patients with prior endocrine therapy cost an estimated $918 166 per QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated adding PAL has a 0% chance of being cost-effectiveness in either patient groups at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000 per QALY. Conclusion From a societal perspective, PAL treatment of both patient groups (with and without prior endocrine therapy) is highly unlikely to be cost-effective compared with the usual care in the USA.
Structural biology: An ion-transport enzyme that rocks.

Previous crystal structures of membrane-spanning enzymes called ATPases have revealed that the enzymes undergo complex movements. The movements, it now emerges, involve rocking in place in the membrane. See Article p.193 Conventional X-ray crystallography is unable to visualize cellular membrane phospholipids,so atomic models for transmembrane proteins are usually refined by pretending no lipid bilayer exists. Chikashi Toyoshima and colleagues have developed a solvent contrast modulation method to include phospholipid head groups in four atomic models of a calcium pump and reveal for the first time how the lipid bilayer actively participates in the successive conformational switches of the pump. They define a belt of Tryptophan residues, which functions as a 'membrane float' that allows the whole pump axis to dramatically tilt with respect to the membrane bilayer during transport, and a class of arginine and lysine residues, which function as 'membrane anchors' that provide leverage for subunit movements.
When critical multiculturalism meets mathematics: a mixed methods study of professional development and teacher identity

In this book, Marshall and her colleagues merged critical lenses, and in particular, culturally-relevant pedagogy, with mathematics teachers’ development. This book empirically integrates culturall...
RECENT RESULTS FOR WAVE EQUATIONS OF RAYLEIGH AND VAN DER POL TYPE

Publisher Summary This chapter presents results for Rayleigh and Van der Pol type wave equations. It presents an assumption wherein there is a simple electronic circuit, where L is a linear inductor and C a linear capacitor, and where G is a tunnel diode with some specific characteristic. The chapter presents a continuous analog in which the lumped circuit elements are replaced by distributed ones. Batteries are added at the input and load ends. The chapter discusses derivation in the discrete case. The chapter also focuses on two global results, existence and boundedness, and on the existence and stability of periodic solutions. It presents a result that establishes the existence of a weak omega limit set.
Advanced three‐dimensional culture of equine intestinal epithelial stem cells

SummaryBackground Intestinal epithelial stem cells are critical to epithelial repair following gastrointestinal injury. The culture of intestinal stem cells has quickly become a cornerstone of a vast number of new research endeavours that range from determining tissue viability to testing drug efficacy for humans. This study aims to describe the methods of equine stem cell culture and highlights the future benefits of these techniques for the advancement of equine medicine. Objectives To describe the isolation and culture of small intestinal stem cells into three-dimensional (3D) enteroids in horses without clinical gastrointestinal abnormalities. Study design Descriptive study. Methods Intestinal samples were collected by sharp dissection immediately after euthanasia. Intestinal crypts containing intestinal stem cells were dissociated from the underlying tissue layers, plated in a 3D matrix and supplemented with growth factors. After several days, resultant 3D enteroids were prepared for immunofluorescent imaging and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to detect and characterise specific cell types present. Intestinal crypts were cryopreserved immediately following collection and viability assessed. Results Intestinal crypts were successfully cultured and matured into 3D enteroids containing a lumen and budding structures. Immunofluorescence and PCR were used to confirm the existence of stem cells and all post-mitotic, mature cell types, described to exist in the horse intestinal epithelium. Previously frozen crypts were successfully cultured following a freeze-thaw cycle. Main limitations Tissues were all derived from normal horses. Application of this technique for the study of specific disease was not performed at this time. Conclusions The successful culture of equine intestinal crypts into 3D “mini-guts” allows for ex vivo studies of the equine intestine. Additionally, these results have relevance to future development of novel therapies that harness the regenerative potential of equine intestine in horses with gastrointestinal disease (colic). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The relative influence of individual risk factors for attempted suicide in patients with bipolar I versus bipolar II disorder.

Abstract Objectives To compare the relative influence (RI) of individual predictors for lifetime attempted suicide between adults with bipolar I (BDBD-I) and bipolar II disorder (BDBD-II). Methods We conducted an analysis of data from 1465 enrollees in the Mayo Clinic Bipolar Disorder Biobank. Demographic and clinical variables and history of attempted suicide were ascertained using standardized questionnaires. Height and weight were assessed to determine body mass index (BMI); obesity was defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 . The frequencies of these variables were compared between persons with and without self-reported lifetime suicide attempts both overall, and within BD-I and BD-II subgroups. Gradient boosting machine (GBM) models were used to quantify the RI of study variables on the risk of lifetime attempted suicide. Results Nearly one-third of patients reported having a lifetime suicide attempt. Attempted suicide rates were higher in patients with BD-I than BD-II, but absolute differences were small. Lifetime attempted suicide was associated with female sex, BD-I subtype, psychiatric and substance use comorbidities, binge eating behavior, lifetime history of rapid cycling, other indicators of adverse illness course, and early age of bipolar illness onset in the entire cohort. Differences in the rank-ordering of RI for predictors of attempted suicide between BD-I and BD-II patients were modest. Rapid cycling was a strong risk factor for attempted suicide, particularly in men with BD-I. Limitations Actively psychotic or suicidal patients needing psychiatric hospitalization were initially excluded, but were approached after these acute psychiatric problems resolved. Conclusions The prevalence of lifetime attempted suicide was significantly higher in BD-I than BD-II in this large, cross-sectional cohort. Predictors of attempted suicide were similar in BD-I and BD-II subgroups.
Distributionally Robust Stochastic Programming

In this paper we study distributionally robust stochastic programming in a setting where there is a specified reference probability measure and the uncertainty set of probability measures consists of measures in some sense close to the reference measure. We discuss law invariance of the associated worst case functional and consider two basic constructions of such uncertainty sets. Finally we illustrate some implications of the property of law invariance.
Urinary Obstruction, Stone Disease, and Infection

Urinary tract infections are a common urologic ailment which affects 150 million people worldwide every year. Even though the diagnosis can be made based upon the patient’s clinical symptoms and the laboratory results in most cases, diagnostic imaging can play a role in the assessment of patients who don’t respond to medical therapy. Ultrasound and multidetector CT are useful imaging modalities in the evaluation of patients with both acute and chronic urologic infection such as either pyelonephritis or renal abscess. MDCT also plays a vital role in the evaluation of patients with symptomatic stone disease. Struvite stones or infection stones develop in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. Potential complications can arise from chronic infection stones, such as chronic obstructive pyelonephritis, pyonephrosis, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, and end-stage renal replacement lipomatosis. In this section, we discuss urologic infections such as pyelonephritis, pyonephrosis, renal abscess, pyelonephritis, emphysematous pyelonephritis, and renal tuberculosis as well as complications of infected renal stones.
An AMIA perspective on proposed regulation of privacy of health information.

As part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Congress set a deadline for itself of Aug 21, 1999, to pass comprehensive confidentiality legislation. Because Congress failed to meet this deadline, according to the provisions of HIPAA, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is required to issue final regulations by Feb 21, 2000. On Nov 3, 1999, the HHS published a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) entitled “Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information” (45 CFR 160-164) pursuant to the requirements of Section 264 of HIPAA. Usually, the public has 60 days from the issuance of the NPRM to comment on the proposed rules. Because of the complex nature of this issue and the large number of anticipated comments from the public, the Secretary extended the deadline of the comment period an additional 45 days. Consequently, it is unlikely that final regulations will be issued by the original Feb 21 deadline. AMIA developed and submitted a formal response to the NPRM, which is published on the AMIA Web site (www.amia.org). This editorial comment summarizes some of the key points contained in the comments to the NPRM. AMIA has been a strong advocate for enactment of comprehensive federal legislation to protect the confidentiality of personal health information. We believe that routine use of computer-based patient record (CPR) systems holds great promise for improving the quality of health care delivery in the United States while decreasing its costs, consistent with the Institute of Medicine's 1991 recommendation that the United States adopt the CPR as an essential technology for health care.1 However, the potential of this information management tool can be realized only if the public is confident that safeguards can be put in place to protect the confidentiality of individually …
Picometer level stability of a mounted mirror assembly

For internal coronagraph options on the LUVOIR or HabEx mission concepts, the stated challenge of 10 picometers RMS wavefront stability over 10 minutes will govern the performance of every structure that connects the focal plane assembly to each optical surface. This paper interrogates wavefront stability of a mounted mirror assembly for a primary mirror segment assembly, and stability of the optical surface. Analysis describes stability of each element in a primary mirror segment assembly (PMSA) to understand the impact of each component of the PMSA on surface figure error (SFE) over short time periods.
Freeze-out properties from net-Kaon fluctuations at RHIC

We calculate the net-kaon mean-over-variance in the hadron resonance gas model and compare it to the experimental data by the STAR collaboration. We show that it is not possible to match the experimental values using the freeze-out parameters obtained from a combined fit of net-proton and net-electric charge mean-over-variance. At the highest collision energies, kaons need about 10-15 MeV higher freeze-out temperatures than the light hadrons. We also predict the variance-over-mean and skewness-times-variance for net-Λ particles at the light and strange chemical freeze-out parameters. It turns out that these Λ fluctuations are sensitive to the difference in the freeze-out temperatures observed in our analysis.
Romantic Breakup: Difficult Loss for Some but Not for Others

A 32-item survey (completed by 286 undergraduates) identified factors associated with positive (feeling happy, less anxious, sense of relief, freedom) and negative (sadness, jealousy, loss of self-...
UNITARY TREATMENT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF SYSTEMS IN STABILITY-THEORY

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on unitary treatment of various types of systems in stability theory. It presents a flexible technique of finding criteria of stability, especially of the frequency-domain type. With a systematic procedure for obtaining criteria of stability, the principal creative step in applications consists in finding suitable index functions that satisfy the conditions of boundedness and positivity. The positivity can often be obtained by using a Fourier transform and Parseval formula. The boundedness is usually established by a direct investigation of the system. In the approach presented in the chapter, to facilitate this step, it is aimed to introduce the mildest requirements of boundedness that secure the property of stability. A specific application normally necessitates the use of various auxiliary results from system theory, the theory of the integral, harmonic analysis, etc.
Fever in the Neuro-ICU

Fever is defined by elevation in core body temperature above the daily range for an individual. It is a characteristic feature of a number of noninfectious diseases such as inflammatory, autoimmune, and autoregulatory disorder, as well as numerous infectious conditions. Fever is a recognized disorder in the setting of acute brain and nervous system disorders. The pathogenesis of fever, etiology, evaluation, and management are discussed in this chapter.
Analysis of the symptom response to esomeprazole 20 mg over days 1-4 of a 14-day course of treatment for frequent heartburn: results of two randomised controlled trials

Background Drug exposure and corresponding antisecretory effects increase over the first 4–5 days of esomeprazole treatment. To date, this effect has not been correlated with symptomatic improvement. Therefore, the efficacy of esomeprazole was evaluated on days 1–4 and 5–14 using pooled data from two identical randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted in subjects with frequent heartburn who are likely to self-treat with over-the-counter medications. Methods Adults without confirmed diagnoses of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease experiencing heartburn 2 or more days per week in the past 4 weeks were randomly assigned to treatment with esomeprazole 20 mg or placebo once daily for 14 days following a 1-week placebo run-in period (esomeprazole: n=330; placebo: n=321). Heartburn episodes were documented in daily diaries. The current analyses evaluated the change in baseline percentage of heartburn-free days across days 1–4 and 5–14. Results Change in the percentage of heartburn-free days from the run-in was significantly greater with esomeprazole compared with placebo (p Conclusions Frequent heartburn sufferers treated with esomeprazole 20 mg had significantly more heartburn-free days relative to placebo throughout the studies. Maximal clinical benefits coincided with the estimated timing of maximal pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects and duration of acid control on days 5–14. Trial registration number NCT01370525; NCT01370538
Use of intrauterine devices and risk of human immunodeficiency virus acquisition among insured women in the United States

Concerns have been raised about progestin-containing contraceptives and the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Based on health insurance data from women in the United States with intrauterine device (IUD) insertions during 2011-2018, there was no increased risk of incident HIV diagnosis for levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs versus copper IUDs.
Epicardial Conduction Speed, Electrogram Abnormality, and Computed Tomography Attenuation Associations in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Objectives This study sought to evaluate the association between contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (CE-MDCT) attenuation and local epicardial conduction speed (ECS) and electrographic abnormalities in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Background CE-MDCT is a widely available and fast imaging technology with high spatial resolution that is less prone to defibrillator generator−related safety issues and image artifacts. However, the association between hypoattenuation on MDCT and VT substrates in ARVC remains unknown. Methods Patients with ARVC who underwent CE-MDCT followed by endocardial (n = 30) and epicardial (n = 21) electroanatomical mapping (EAM) and VT ablation were prospectively enrolled. Right ventricular (RV) mid-myocardial attenuation was calculated from 3-dimensional MDCT images and registered to EAM. Local ECS was calculated by averaging the ECS between each point and 5 adjacent points with concordant wave front direction. Results A total of 17,311 epicardial and 5,204 endocardial points were included. In multivariable regression analysis clustered by patient, RV myocardial attenuation was associated with epicardial bipolar voltage amplitude (2.5% decrease in amplitude per 10 HU decrease in attenuation; p Conclusions CE-MDCT attenuation distribution is associated with regional ECS and electrographic amplitude in ARVC. Regions with low attenuation likely reflect fibro-fatty involvement in the RV and may serve as important VT substrates in patients with ARVC who are undergoing VT ablation.
Diversified Application of Barcoded PLATO (PLATO-BC) Platform for Identification of Protein Interactions

Proteins usually associate with other molecules physically to execute their functions. Identifying these interactions is important for the functional analysis of proteins. Previously, we reported the parallel analysis of translated ORFs (PLATO) to couple ribosome display of full-length ORFs with affinity enrichment of mRNA/protein/ribosome complexes for the "bait" molecules, followed by the deep sequencing analysis of mRNA. However, the sample processing, from extraction of precipitated mRNA to generation of DNA libraries, includes numerous steps, which is tedious and may cause the loss of materials. Barcoded PLATO (PLATO-BC), an improved platform was further developed to test its application for protein interaction discovery. In this report, we tested the antisera-antigen interaction using serum samples from patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM). Tripartite motif containing 21 (TRIM21) was identified as a potentially new IBM autoantigen. We also expanded the application of PLATO-BC to identify protein interactions for JQ1, single ubiquitin peptide, and NS5 protein of Zika virus. From PLATO-BC analyses, we identified new protein interactions for these "bait" molecules. We demonstrate that Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) binds to JQ1 and their interactions may interrupt the EWSR1 association with acetylated histone H4. RIO kinase 3 (RIOK3), a newly identified ubiquitin-binding protein, is preferentially associated with K63-ubiquitin chain. We also find that Zika NS5 protein interacts with two previously unreported host proteins, par-3 family cell polarity regulator (PARD3) and chromosome 19 open reading frame 53 (C19orf53), whose attenuated expression benefits the replication of Zika virus. These results further demonstrate that PLATO-BC is capable of identifying novel protein interactions for various types of "bait" molecules.
Fundamental mode emission in tapered quantum cascade lasers for high brightness

Currently, the highest power quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) profit from (i) the efficient active region design, minimizing the energy fraction transferred into heat, (ii) relatively high number (40) of cascades, increasing the mode confinement factor, Γ, and (iii) narrow buried-heterostructure (BH) waveguides, which cool efficiently the active region due to the high lateral heat ow. This combination allows Watt-level continuous wave (cw) emission powers at room temperature. Moreover, narrow waveguides often support the fundamental TM00 lateral mode, resulting into a nearly Gaussian laser beam. Power scaling is possible in this configuration only by laser length, which is limited by the needs for robust construction and transparent anti-reflection coatings. Broad-area (BA) QCLs with a small number of cascades can also deliver a Watt-level cw powers at room temperature, profiting from the enhanced vertical heat flow. Power can also be scaled for these lasers via the laser width, and is nearly unlimited. The usual drawback of the BA lasers is poor beam quality. In this paper we report on the first demonstration of the room temperature cw operation of the BA QCL at the fundamental TM00 mode. The stable and reproducible transverse mode selection is achieved by the double-taper waveguide geometry. The laser emits at 4.6 μm and has demonstrated room-temperature cw power of 100 mW.
Engaging students in computing using GameSalad: a pilot study

GameSalad is a visual programming tool that can be used to develop computer games for various platforms including mobile devices such as iPad and iPhone. To create an active and engaging learning environment, and to increase students' interest in the computing field, we proposed and implemented mobile game development using GameSalad in a general education Information Technology (IT) course. Quizzes and surveys were used to measure student learning outcomes and attitudes towards computing. This paper discusses the results of this pilot study, which shows that student engagement was higher as compared to the traditional sections of the same course. Students also indicated high interest in computing, and formed a "better" understanding of IT.
Case report: vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to a dental abscess.

Vertebral osteomyelitis can be attributed to many factors including immunosuppression, diabetes, malignancy, collagen disease, periodontal disease, open fractures, and endoscopic procedures. Anaerobic bacteria, such as Veillonella species, are found in the oral cavity and are rarely implicated in the infection. This report describes vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to a dental abscess with positive Veillonella cultures. A 76-year-old man presented to the hospital due to back pain with a four-day history of fever and chills. CT scans revealed several abscesses in the lumbar region as well as indications of vertebral osteomyelitis. After a psoas drain, the patient began antibiotics with a combination of ampicillin-sulbactam, metronidazole, and levofloxacin, but due to the patient’s penicillin allergy, he was initially desensitized to this antibiotic for a significant period of time. Laminectomies, foraminotomies, and facetectomies were performed, but the infection spread to vertebral levels. The patient was then switched to a combination of vancomycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin which eliminated the infection. Final laminectomy was performed with posterior segmental instrumentation and arthrodesis. Post-operatively, there were no signs of infection. The patient recovered well and regained mobility. Deeper examination of the patient’s medical history revealed a severe tooth abscess immediately before the onset of bacteremia. We believe that a delay in the onset of antibiotic treatment is what led to the initial bacteremia that ultimately took root in the lower lumbar vertebrae. To the best of our ability, we could identify only one other case that linked vertebral osteomyelitis to the oral cavity.
COVID-19 Preparedness in US Home Health Care Agencies.

Abstract Objectives In the United States, home health agencies (HHAs) provide essential services for patients recovering from post-acute care and older adults who are aging in place. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HHAs may face additional challenges caring for these vulnerable patients. Our objective was to explore COVID-19 preparedness of US HHAs and compare results by urban/rural location. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting/Participants Using a stratified random sample of 978 HHAs, we conducted a 22-item online survey from April 10 to 17, 2020. Methods Summary statistics were computed; open-ended narrative responses were synthesized using qualitative methods. Results Similar to national data, most responding HHAs (n = 121, 12% response rate) were for-profit and located in the South. Most HHAs had infectious disease outbreaks included in their emergency preparedness plan (76%), a staff member in charge of outbreak/disaster preparedness (84%), and had provided their staff with COVID-19 education and training (97%). More urban HHAs had cared for confirmed and recovered COVID-19 patients than rural HHAs, but urban HHAs had less capacity to test for COVID-19 than rural HHAs (9% vs 21%). Most (69%) experienced patient census declines and had a current and/or anticipated supply shortage. Rural agencies were affected less than urban agencies. HHAs have already rationed (69%) or implemented extended use (55%) or limited reuse (61%) of personal protective equipment (PPE). Many HHAs reported accessing supplemental PPE from state/local resources, donations, and do-it-yourself efforts; more rural HHAs had accessed these additional resources compared with urban HHAs. Conclusions/Implications This survey reveals challenges that HHAs are having in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among urban agencies. Of greatest concern are the declines in patient census, which drastically affect agency revenue, and the shortages of PPE and disinfectants. Without proper protection, HHA clinicians are at risk of self-exposure and viral transmission to patients and vulnerable family members.
Investigating generational disparities in attitudes toward automated vehicles and other mobility options

Abstract This paper presents a study in investigating the generational gaps between Millennials and Generation X in terms of their mobility attitudes. A comprehensive analytical framework was proposed in this study and applied to data obtained from an SP survey in the U.S. Four modeling steps were involved, to measure the attitudes, identify generational gaps, recognize potential contributors to the attitudes, and decompose the contributions into Endowment, Coefficient, and Interaction effects. The Endowment effects measure how much of the generational differences can be attributed to socioeconomic and demographic variables, while the Coefficient effects reflect the gap that is due to actual behavioral changes or attitudinal shifts between the generations. The findings of this study confirmed the existence of generational gaps in mobility attitudes and revealed that a dominant portion of the gaps stemmed from the different perspectives between the generational cohorts. This indicates that these attitudinal disparities are likely to persist and remain at significant magnitudes, reflecting the unique views and values of the Millennials. Particularly, the preferences for transit and alternative modes and less reliance on private vehicles among Millennials were more of a reflection of their preferences in lifestyle choices and not so much constrained by their socioeconomic status as the previous generation. This study provides empirical evidence of the generational gaps between Millennials and the previous generation in terms of their mobility preferences. The findings provide valuable inputs for policy development in promoting sustainable transportation and community design.
What Should Have Happened in Today’s Nigeria: An Empirical and Post-Independence Analysis

Nigeria became a sovereign and independent nation from the British colonial government in 1960 ending the British occupation spanning over one hundred years in the former amalgamated colonial state. Prior to independence, there were lots of intrigues both in the political, social and economic space of the former colonial state. Most especially, the memories and the impacts of colonialism in most of the African states by the Europeans can never be easily forgotten. While many people believe that the colonial periods brought a lot of good developments to most of the peasant Africans and the States, some assume that the period spent in Africa by the colonialists were mere wastages. While many African countries became independent right from the late 1950s, the successes made out of those independence till today were mere but nothing when we look at the high expectations right from independence. As far as Nigeria is concerned, the new independent nation that was handed down was nothing but a neo-colonial state to the citizenry. Nigeria has failed to live up to the expectations of her founding fathers due to issues of coups and counter coups, election rigging, corruption, bad governance and economic policies. How the development of the independent country called Nigeria would have evolved still look like a mirage. One of the schools of thoughts have submitted that if the first sets of politicians that rule over the country after independence have been left to rule uninterrupted without the military coup and counter coups beginning in 1966, Nigeria would have been favourably compared to some emerging nations such as China, South Africa and Singapore; both in infrastructural developments and industrialisation. Also, the early civil war confronted by the new nation has been flagged off as a great impediment for development. This study seeks to measure the facts in these observations. It also seeks to guess what would have happened in today’s Nigeria while birthing a new social, economic and political model for the nation.
Why SRE Documents Matter: How documentation enables SRE teams to manage new and existing services

SRE (site reliability engineering) is a job function, a mindset, and a set of engineering approaches for making web products and services run reliably. SREs operate at the intersection of software development and systems engineering to solve operational problems and engineer solutions to design, build, and run large-scale distributed systems scalably, reliably, and efficiently. A mature SRE team likely has well-defined bodies of documentation associated with many SRE functions. If you manage an SRE team or intend to start one, this article will help you understand the types of documents your team needs to write and why each type is needed, allowing you to plan for and prioritize documentation work along with other team projects.
Does the 'Make-Take' Structure Dominate the Traditional Structure? - Evidence from the Options Markets

The ubiquity of a market structure which compensates liquidity suppliers and charges liquidity demanders in equity markets suggests that such a 'make-take' structure dominates other alternatives. We test this proposition using the context of the options markets where the make-take structure competes directly with a market structure which charges exchange market-makers and uses payment for order flow ('traditional' structure). We find that the traditional structure trades a significantly broader range of options, while the make-take structure focuses on high volume options. Make-take markets are less likely to set the best quotes in the market but are more likely to narrow existing quotes. Traditional markets are more likely to get to the best quotes by improving on the quoted sizes. We find significant differences in the order flow directed at the two markets, with the more informed order flow trading in the make-take structure. These informed trades are placed strategically when quoted spreads are narrower leading to lower effective spreads for the make-take structure. In keeping with theoretical predictions, make-take markets perform relatively better in option series with lower tick sizes than those with higher tick sizes. Finally, we examine the channels affecting the performance of make-take markets and find that make rebates potentially attract new liquidity supplying participants. In summary, there are important differences across the two market structures, but neither market structure dominates the other across all market quality dimensions.
mil-benchmarks: Standardized Evaluation of Deep Multiple-Instance Learning Techniques.

Multiple-instance learning is a subset of weakly supervised learning where labels are applied to sets of instances rather than the instances themselves. Under the standard assumption, a set is positive only there is if at least one instance in the set which is positive. This paper introduces a series of multiple-instance learning benchmarks generated from MNIST, Fashion-MNIST, and CIFAR10. These benchmarks test the standard, presence, absence, and complex assumptions and provide a framework for future benchmarks to be distributed. I implement and evaluate several multiple-instance learning techniques against the benchmarks. Further, I evaluate the Noisy-And method with label noise and find mixed results with different datasets. The models are implemented in TensorFlow 2.4.1 and are available on GitHub. The benchmarks are available from PyPi as mil-benchmarks and on GitHub.