cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification of Recorded Musical Instruments Sounds Based on Neural Networks

Neural networks have found profound success in the area of pattern recognition. The purpose of this paper is to classify automatically musical instrument sounds on the basis of a limited number of parameters. And this involves issues like feature extraction and development of classifier using the obtained features. As for feature extraction, a 5 second audio file stored in WAVE format is passed to a feature extraction function. The feature extraction function calculates more than 20 numerical features both in time-domain and frequency-domain that characterize the sample. Regarding the task of classification, we designed a two-layer feed-forward neural network (FFNN) using back-propagation training algorithm. The FFNN is trained in a supervised manner - the weights are adjusted based on training samples (input-output pairs) that guide the optimization procedure towards an optimum. After training, the neural network is validated by analyzing its response to unknown data in order to evaluate its generalization capabilities. Then, the sequential forward selection method is adopted to choose the best feature set to achieve high classification accuracy. Our goal is mainly to classify the sound into five different musical instrument families, such as the Strings, the Woodwinds and the Brass
Neurite outgrowth involves adenomatous polyposis coli protein and β-catenin

Neuronal morphogenesis involves the initial formation of neurites and then differentiation of neurites into axons and dendrites. The mechanisms underlying neurite formation are poorly understood. A candidate protein for controlling neurite extension is the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein, which regulates membrane extensions, microtubules and β-catenin-mediated transcription downstream of Wnt signaling. APC is enriched at the tip of several neurites of unpolarized hippocampal neurons and the tip of only the long axon in polarized hippocampal neurons. Significantly, APC localized to the tip of only one neurite, marked by dephospho-tau as the future axon, before that neurite had grown considerably longer than other neurites. To determine whether neurite outgrowth was affected by β-catenin accumulation and signaling, a stabilized β-catenin mutant was expressed in PC12 cells, and neurite formation was measured. Stabilized β-catenin mutants accumulated in APC clusters and inhibited neurite formation and growth. Importantly, these effects were also observed was independently of the gene transcriptional activity of β-catenin. These results indicate that APC is involved in both early neurite outgrowth and increased growth of the future axon, and that β-catenin has a structural role in inhibiting APC function in neurite growth.
Quantitative Assessment of Glenohumeral Joint Forces in Positions of Overhead Activities: Effects of Shoulder Arthroplasty

Glenohumeral arthroplasty as well as hemiarthroplasty, although providing adequate pain relief, has not shared in the success of similar joint replacement procedures such as total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty. Short comings of this procedure include a decreased range of motion postoperatively as well as increased incidents of glenoid component loosening in total shoulder procedures. This is especially a problem in the end ranges of motion where eccentric loading of the glenoid component are thought to occur. The purpose of this study was to quantify the glenohumeral joint forces before and after bipolar shoulder hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty for positions simulating overhead activities and commonly relied upon by the wheelchair dependent individual.© 2002 ASME
Histological and Radiological Analyses of Hydroxyapatite Orbital Implants in Rabbits

To date, only anectodal clinical data exist pertaining to the histological changes of hydroxyapatite within an enucleated socket. This study was conducted to determine the histological and radiological changes in a coralline hydroxyapatite sphere placed into the central socket, in a controlled fashion. Rabbits underwent simple enucleation with implantation of an autologous sclera-wrapped hydroxyapatite spheres with extraocular muscle reattachment. Preoperatively, the mineral density of each sphere was determined using quantitative computed tomography (CT) that was repeated 2- and 6 weeks postoperatively. The implants were harvested at 2- and 6 weeks and submitted for light and electron microscopic analysis. The results demonstrated a uniform influx of fibrovascular tissue that did not reach the center of the implant, even at 6 weeks. A marked mixed-cell inflammatory response was noted at the interface between the fibrovascular tissue and the hydroxyapatite. Giant cells were noted only at the scleral windows. This study demonstrated that the early response to hydroxyapatite implants was fibrovascular ingrowth with mixed-cell inflammation. These histological observations correlated with findings observed with quantitative CT. Quantitative CT appears to be an ideal modality for observing the early temporal tissue density changes in hydroxyapatite implants.
Functionalization by Reductive Alkylation and Mapping of a Subbituminous Coal by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy

Reduction of a subbituminous coal by lithium in liquid ammonia yields a coal salt that can be reacted with 1-iodododecane to yield dodecylated coal that is partially soluble in organic solvents. The coal salt also acts as an initiator for the in situ oligomerization of alkenes onto the surface of the coal nanoplatelets. Atomic force microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of this material have been recorded. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy has been used to identify minerals that occur in the coal.
Demographic dreams, institutional realities: election design and Latino representation in American education

Structural elements of the political process can influence whether the interests of racial and ethnic minorities are accounted for by policy-making organizations. This study focuses on these elements by analyzing how the institutional design of local elections impacts the representation of the Latino demographic. We use an original, nationally representative survey of the 1800 largest U.S. school districts conducted over several years to assess the consequences of at-large elections, election timing, and partisanship for Latinos’ political footing within an increasingly salient venue of local politics. A contemporary study of the politics of Latino education is warranted given that Latinos comprise nearly 17% of the general population, and now account for nearly a quarter of all students enrolled in public school districts. Our findings reveal that the institutional arrangement of local elections contributes to Latinos’ persistently low levels of representation on urban school boards throughout the country.
Group contribution method for multicomponent evaporation with application to transportation fuels

Abstract Transportation fuels consist of a large number of species that belong to different families of compounds. Predictions of physical and chemical properties of such multicomponent fuels require the accurate description of evaporation rates of all species initially contained in the liquid phase. Existing computational approaches are yet to do this without difficulty due to the lack of experimental data for physical properties of fuel components. In addition, a vast number of assumptions, which include idealized compositions and interpolation equations calibrated using experiments, are being introduced to make the problem tractable. By addressing this issue, an approach based solely on functional groups that are present in the components of the fuel is developed. This formulation is coupled to a multicomponent evaporation model to account for non-ideal behavior of mixtures and the consideration of pressure and temperature variations. This is done by using the fuel composition to evaluate the acentric factor and critical properties of each fuel component followed by the evaluation of certain physical properties using a group contribution method. This procedure thus allows the evaluation of evaporation rates of practical fuels based only on the intrinsic functional groups and their relative abundance. Studies of common fuel blends including those belonging to the Jet-A and JP-8 classes related to evaporation rates, distillation characteristics and speciation are presented. A discussion of the effect of polar species on evaporation properties utilizing the UNIFAC approach for non-ideal mixtures is presented. Due to the generalized nature of this approach, the proposed method provides an effective alternative to existing computational techniques dedicated to multicomponent droplet evaporation.
Current-driven interface magnetic transition in complex oxide heterostructure

The interfacial spin state of n-type BaTiO3/La0.5Ca0.5MnO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 heterojunction and its dependence on gate voltage is investigated with magnetic second-harmonic generation at 78 K. The injection of minority spins alters the interface magnetization of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic exchange coupled, while the bulk magnetization remains unchanged. The emergent interfacial antiferromagnetic interactions are attributed to modulations of the strong double-exchange interaction between conducting electron spins and local magnetic moments. The results will help promote the development of new interface-based functionalities and device concepts.
Electroplating in the Electronics Industry

SummaryThe application of electroplating technology to the electronics industry has resulted in a revised interest into both plating formulations and novel engineering technology. This paper attempts to describe the methods by which conventional plating technology is revised when used in the electronics industry. After a brief review of electroplated metals and alloys used in electronic technology a number of specific applications are discussed in more detail. Areas covered include contact materials, printed circuitry, soldering and various specialist applications where novel methods are used.
Histologic and cytologic bone marrow findings in dogs with suspected precursor-targeted immune-mediated anemia and associated phagocytosis of erythroid precursors

Background Precursor-targeted immune-mediated anemia (PIMA) has been suspected in dogs with nonregenerative anemia and bone marrow findings varying from erythroid hyperplasia to pure red cell aplasia. Phagocytosis of erythroid precursors/rubriphagocytosis (RP) reported in some affected dogs suggests a destructive component to the pathogenesis of PIMA. Objectives The purpose of the study was to characterize laboratory and clinical findings in dogs with suspected PIMA and RP, with emphasis on cytologic and histologic bone marrow findings. Methods Dogs with PIMA and RP were identified by review of paired bone marrow aspirate and core biopsy slides collected over a 4-year period. Samples were systematically assessed and characterized along with other pertinent laboratory data and clinical findings. Results Twenty-five dogs met criteria for PIMA and had RP that was relatively stage-selective. Erythropoiesis was expanded to the stage of erythroid precursors undergoing most prominent phagocytosis, yielding patterns characterized by a hypo-, normo-, or hypercellular erythroid lineage. A 4th pattern involved severe collagen myelofibrosis, and there was a spectrum of mild to severe collagen myelofibrosis overall. Evidence of immune-mediated hemolysis was rare. Immunosuppressive therapy was associated with remission in 77% of dogs treated for at least the median response time of 2 months. Conclusions Bone marrow patterns in dogs fulfilling criteria for PIMA were aligned with stage-selective phagocytosis of erythroid precursors and the development of collagen myelofibrosis, common in dogs with PIMA. Recognition of these patterns and detection of RP facilitates diagnosis of PIMA, and slow response to immunosuppressive therapy warrants further investigation into its pathogenesis.
Behaviorism and the New Science of Cognition

The “cognitive revolution” has produced the “new science” of cognition. The new cognition has profoundly altered our conceptions of the human mind and has had a significant impact in applied areas such as classroom instruction and psychopathology. Corresponding to the rise in influence and dominance of the new cognition has been the demise of the dominance of behaviorism. Behaviorists, such as Skinner, have repeatedly and persistently criticized cognitive psychology for premature neurologizing and speculation about internal processes, for inventing inaccessible explanatory systems, and for being more metaphysical than scientific. With the development of the new connectionist models of the mind and the concept of parallel distributed processing, however, the new cognition seems increasingly able to respond to the criticisms of behaviorism. As such models mature and become more sophisticated, it can only be expected that their influence will increase further.
New-onset, postoperative tachyarrhythmias in critically ill surgical patients

Tachyarrhythmias in critically ill surgical patients can have varying effects, from minimal consequence to lifetime sequelae. Atrial fibrillation can be common in the post-operative period, often a result of fluctuations in volume status and electrolyte derangements. While there is extensive literature regarding the critically ill medical or cardiac patient, there is less focusing on the critically ill surgical or trauma patient. More specifically, there is minimal regarding tachyarrhythmias in burn patients. The latter population tends to have frequent and wide variations in volume status given initial resuscitation and after major excisions, concomitant with acute blood loss anemia, which can contribute to cardiac disturbances. A literature review was conducted to investigate the incidence and consequences of tachyarrhythmias in critically ill surgical and trauma patients, with a focus on the burn population. While some similarities and conclusions can be drawn between these surgical populations, further inquiry into the unique burn patient is necessary.
Exploratory Multi-media Environments

This chapter describes an on-going research and development project, funded by a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, that is attempting to bring insights from the design of exploratory environments in museums to bear upon the design of multimedia environments that can be integrated into classrooms. Features of exploratory environments observed in interactive museums are described, with the identification of features that can guide attempts at translating these environments into forms compatible with classroom constraints. Such an exploratorium differs from other applications of computer technology in being deliberately designed to invite exploration, evoke curiosity, and stimulate further exploration. We describe “rooms” that have been created in this computer-based “exploratorium” and the experience of testing these environments. The exploratory environment seeks to give children the feeling of freedom to run, roam, pause, poke, and play with images, ideas, and “objects” at their own pace and as they wish. The goal is to create an enclave in the corner of the classroom that allows children’s imaginations to roam the universe.
Interaction of the Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus matrix protein with cellular adaptor protein complex 3 plays a critical role in trafficking

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) is a leading cause of bronchopneumonia in infants and the elderly. To date, knowledge of viral and host protein interactions within HRSV is limited and are critical areas of research. Here, we show that HRSV Matrix (M) protein interacts with the cellular adaptor protein complex 3 specifically via its medium subunit (AP-3Mu3A). This novel protein-protein interaction was first detected via yeast-two hybrid screen and was further confirmed in a mammalian system by immunofluorescence colocalization and co-immunoprecipitation. This novel interaction is further substantiated by the presence of a known tyrosine-based adaptor protein MU subunit sorting signal sequence, YXXФ: where Ф is a bulky hydrophobic residue, which is conserved across the related RSV M proteins. Analysis of point-mutated HRSV M derivatives indicated that AP-3Mu3A- mediated trafficking is contingent on the presence of the tyrosine residue within the YXXL sorting sequence at amino acids 197-200 of the M protein. AP-3Mu3A is up regulated at 24 hours post-infection in infected cells versus mock-infected HEp2 cells. Together, our data suggests that the AP-3 complex plays a critical role in the trafficking of HRSV proteins specifically matrix in epithelial cells. The results of this study add new insights and targets that may lead to the development of potential antivirals and attenuating mutations suitable for candidate vaccines in the future.
Integrating Obstetrical Care and WIC Nutritional Services to Address Maternal Obesity and Postpartum Weight Retention

This pilot study evaluated a cost neutral, integrated Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC) and obstetrical service model designed to prevent postpartum weight retention in obese women. A sample of women who received benefits from the Johns Hopkins (JH) WIC program and prenatal care from the JH Nutrition in Pregnancy Clinic, which provides obstetrical care for women with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, participated in the WICNIP randomized clinical trial. Intervention participants received enhanced nutrition services and education at five visits and during one phone call between delivery and 6 months postpartum. Control participants received standard WIC services. Weight data was collected for all participants at multiple time points: pre-pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum at 4, 6 weeks, 4, and 6 months. Maternal socio-demographic factors, obesity class and the number of education contacts received were also recorded. Fifty-three African-American women were randomized into the intervention and control groups. Intervention participants retained significantly less gestational weight gain than control participants (3.0 ± 11.8 vs. 12.6 ± 20.4, p < 0.05). In both groups, participants with Class III obesity retained significantly less weight than participants in Classes I and II (p = 0.02). An integrated WIC and obstetrical service model is feasible and can limit postpartum weight retention in obese women. Weight retention at 6 months postpartum between intervention and control participants was statistically significant. Further research should explore targeted interventions by obesity class to address weight retention for low-income, African American women who participate in WIC.
Demography of Race and Ethnicity

One of the most permanent features of many societies, especially the United States, is racial and ethnic stratification. Many immigrant groups have been integrated into the different dimensions of American life, while others have remained relatively marginalized. The road toward inclusion is particularly difficult for groups that initially gained entrance to the United States through involuntary means (e.g., warfare and conquest) and for those with more pronounced racial and cultural distinctions compared to the dominant group (McLemore and Romo 1998). Such patterns set apart the experiences of African Americans, American Indians, Mexican Americans, and Puerto Ricans, groups that have been labeled as ‘‘colonized groups’’ due to the aggression surrounding their initial incorporation into the United States, their racial and cultural distinctions, and their long-term location on the lower rungs of the American social and economic hierarchy. The unique experience of these and other minority groups has major implications for the United States population. Race and ethnicity are important dimensions in understanding the demography of the United States, for racial and ethnic groups vary tremendously with respect to population composition, population processes, as well as their life chances and access to opportunity structures. Referring to the social world of African Americans, Weeks (2002:411) notes that ‘‘being of black-African origin in the United States is associated with higher probabilities of death, lower levels of education, lower levels of occupational status, lower incomes, and higher levels of marital disruption than for the non-Hispanic white population.’’ The inequality of groups in American society along racial and ethnic lines has important implications for the future of the United States because of the major demographic transformations already underway in this country. Of the 75.8 million inhabitants that the United States is projected to add to
Cognitive reappraisal of low-calorie food predicts real-world craving and consumption of high- and low-calorie foods in daily life.

Abstract In an increasingly obesogenic environment, an individual's regulatory capacity to pursue nutrient-rich, low-calorie foods over palatable, energy-dense items is essential to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing the detrimental health risks of obesity. Cognitive reappraisal, the process by which one changes the meaning of a stimulus by altering its emotional impact (or in this case, its appetitive value) demonstrates promise as a regulatory strategy to decrease obesogenic food consumption, but little research has directly addressed the relationship between cognitive reappraisal of food cravings and real-world eating behaviors. Additionally, research examining self-regulation of eating has typically focused exclusively on diminishing cravings and consumption of unhealthy, high-calorie foods, rather than examining, in tandem, ways to strengthen (or, up-regulate) cravings for healthier, low-calorie alternatives. In the present study, fifty-seven college aged participants first completed a cognitive reappraisal task in the laboratory in which they practiced regulating their craving responses to high- and low-calorie food items by focusing on the long-term health consequences of repeatedly consuming the pictured foods. Next, for a week following the laboratory session, participants reported daily eating behaviors via ecological momentary assessment. Participants who reported greater up-regulatory success during the reappraisal task also reported increased craving strength for low-calorie foods as well as decreased consumption of high-calorie foods in their daily lives. Greater overall regulation success also predicted more frequent consumption of craved low-calorie foods. These findings substantiate the association between cognitive reappraisal ability and real-world appetitive behaviors, and suggest that future interventions may benefit from specifically targeting individuals' evaluations of low-calorie foods.
Risk factors for Luminal A ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study

Purpose Invasive breast cancers are thought to arise from in situ lesions, but some ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are indolent with low likelihood of progressing to invasive carcinoma. Comparison of risk factor associations between DCIS and invasive disease may elucidate which factors influence early versus late stages of carcinogenesis. Therefore, we determined whether there were differences in risk factor profiles for screen-detected DCIS and invasive breast cancer among Luminal A lesions. Methods We conducted a case-control analysis using data from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study (1993-2001). Analyses were restricted to Luminal A tumors and screen-detected tumors among mammography-eligible women, to limit confounding by mode of detection (N = 108 DCIS; N = 203 invasive). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between risk factors and lesion type. Results In stratified analyses, we observed qualitative differences in the direction of association for ever smoking, obese BMI, high waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR), and ≥10 years of oral contraceptive use between DCIS and invasive disease. Breastfeeding was inversely associated with invasive disease and was not associated with DCIS. Interaction tests for risk factor associations between Luminal A DCIS and invasive breast cancer were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions Among Luminal A tumors, established breast cancer risk factors may exert stronger effects on progression of early lesions to invasive disease, with lesser effects on risk of DCIS.
Multi-x-ray source array for stationary tomosynthesis or multi-cone angle cone beam CT

Field-emission x-ray source arrays have been studied for both tomosynthesis and CT applications, however these arrays tend to have limited output. We propose the use of multi-source x-ray arrays using thermionic cathodes, contained within a single vacuum housing. A prototype 3-source x-ray array has been fabricated and tested, and the utility of multi-x-ray-source arrays has been demonstrated using physical simulations in both tomosynthesis and in cone beam CT. The prototype x-ray tube made use of a cylindrical molybdenum anode, machined to have 3 specific focal tracks. Grid-controlled cathode assemblies were fabricated and aligned to each focal tract, and the individual x-ray focal spots were evaluated with a star pattern at 35 kV and 40 mA. The 3-source assembly was used to physically simulate tomosynthesis imaging geometry, and tomosynthesis images of a lemon were obtained. Physical simulations using a cone beam breast CT scanner were also performed, by vertically moving the single x-ray source into 5 different locations – simulating 5 different source positions. A new geometry for cone beam CT imaging is proposed, where each source of a multi-x-ray source array is individually collimated to eliminate rays involving large cone angles. This geometry also allows three sources to be simultaneously pulsed onto a single flat panel detector, achieving better duty cycle and view sampling in cone beam CT. A reconstruction algorithm was written to accommodate the different source positions, and phantoms designed to demonstrate cone beam artifacts were imaged. The tomosynthesis images illustrate appropriate depth resolution in the test object. Analysis of the CT data demonstrate marked improvement compared to one source. We conclude that multi-source x-ray arrays using thermionic cathodes will have important applications in medical imaging, especially breast tomosynthesis and cone beam computed tomography.
Understanding the Practices and the Products of Creativity: Making and Tinkering Family Program at Informal Learning Environments

This study investigates how families' sociomaterial experiences influence the creative practices of novel idea generation and feasible solution generation and the products during family workshops using littleBits as prototyping tools. We conceptualize creativity as a distributed and materially-grounded activity. Methods are interaction analysis on video-based accounts of 31 families' activities and creativity assessment metrics to analyze the novelty scores of families' products. We take an exploratory approach to understand families' sociomaterial interactions in high and low novelty score groups. Findings illustrate that collaborative idea exchange and ongoing generative tinkering with materials support the emergence of novel ideas and feasible solutions.
Abstract 2033: Bidirectional paracrine IL-33-TGF-beta signaling underlies a tumor-promoting stem cell niche

Malignant tumor progression and aggressive tumor recurrence after treatment are driven by subsets of cancer stem cells (CSCs), but targeting CSCs remains a major challenge due to their plasticity. CSCs in squamous cell carcinoma reside at the tumor-stromal interface, a paramount tumor microenvironment (TME) for interactive crosstalk between cancer cells and various other cells via soluble mediators, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells are pivotal regulators of tumor progression. However, the molecular link between tumor-associated immune-inflammatory responses and the regulation of CSCs are largely unknown. To define a framework of the CSC niche, we have been focusing on crosstalk between TGF-beta-activated CSCs and their neighboring immune cells. By transcriptomic analysis, we identify interleukin-33 (IL-33) as the most upregulated cytokine in TGF-beta-activated CSCs. We find that IL-33 is secreted in response to the activation of antioxidant responses, and IL-33 mobilizes a subset of tumor-promoting macrophages that express the IL-33 receptor in the adjacent stroma. Tumor-specific IL33 knockdown in vivo dampens both invasive carcinogenesis and paracrine TGF-beta signaling in tumor cells, indicating that IL-33 has a crucial role in the formation of TGF-beta-rich tumor-promoting TME by affecting tumor-infiltrating bone marrow-derived monocytes. Together, these findings on a bidirectional paracrine signaling axis provide novel insights into mechanisms of the formation a CSC privilege niche, which may hold great potential to drastically improve the therapeutic efficacy of current and future cancer treatments. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Naoki Oshimori, Sachiko Oshimori, Ajit Elhance, Justin Leitenberger, Sushil Kumar. Bidirectional paracrine IL-33-TGF-beta signaling underlies a tumor-promoting stem cell niche [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2033.
Association of Discretionary Hospital Volume Standards for High-risk Cancer Surgery With Patient Outcomes and Access, 2005-2016.

Importance Various clinical societies and patient advocacy organizations continue to encourage minimum volume standards at hospitals that perform certain high-risk operations. Although many clinicians and quality and safety experts believe this can improve outcomes, the extent to which hospitals have responded to these discretionary standards remains unclear. Objective To evaluate the association between short-term clinical outcomes and hospitals’ adherence to the Leapfrog Group’s minimum volume standards for high-risk cancer surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants Longitudinal cohort study using 100% of the Medicare claims for 516 392 patients undergoing pancreatic, esophageal, rectal, or lung resection for cancer between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2016. Data were accessed between December 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019. Exposures High-risk cancer surgery in hospitals meeting and not meeting the minimum volume standards. Main Outcomes and Measures Patients having surgery in hospitals meeting the volume standard and 30-day and in-hospital mortality and complication rates. Results Overall, a total of 516 392 procedures (47 318 pancreatic resections, 29 812 esophageal resections, 116 383 rectal resections, and 322 879 lung resections) were included in the study, and patient mean (SD) age was 73.1 (7.5) years. Outcomes improved over time in both hospitals meeting and not meeting the minimum volume standards. Mortality after pancreatic resection decreased from 5.5% in 2005 to 4.8% in 2016 (Pfor trend Conclusions and Relevance Although volume remains an important factor for patient safety, the Leapfrog Group’s minimum volume standards did not differentiate hospitals based on mortality for 3 of the 4 high-risk cancer operations assessed, and few hospitals were able to meet these standards. These findings highlight important tradeoffs between setting effective volume thresholds and practical expectations for hospital adherence and patient access to centers that meet those standards.
Changes in benthic community composition associated with the outbreak of the corallimorph, Rhodactis howesii, at Palmyra Atoll

Few studies have documented the spatial and temporal dynamics of highly invasive species in coral reef benthic communities. Here, we quantified the ecological dynamics of invasion by a corallimorph, Rhodactis howesii, at Palmyra Atoll in the central Pacific. A localized outbreak of this species was first observed following a shipwreck at Palmyra in 1991 and has subsequently spread across hectares, reaching 100% cover in some areas. We examined the spatial and temporal dynamics of this invasion, and its impact on the benthic community, using a combination of permanent photoquadrats and large-scale photomosaic imagery. Our data revealed two distinct patterns in the spatial dynamics of R. howesii on the reef. First, following the removal of the shipwreck in 2013, the cover of the corallimorph in the immediate vicinity of the wreck decreased markedly, with crustose coralline algae (CCA), an important reef-builder, dominating the newly available substrate. However, in contrast to the decline at the epicenter of the invasion, the corallimorph has spread to additional sites around the atoll where increases in abundance have been associated with decreases in hard coral cover. Reductions in percent cover and corallimorph patch size near the epicenter of the outbreak, coupled with increases in cover and patch size and appearance of the corallimorph at other locations around Palmyra, demonstrate the dynamic nature of this “invasion.” Further, we found that the corallimorph settled disproportionately often on patches of turf or CCA cover, but can then overgrow all benthic competitors following establishment. This study provides evidence that R. howesii has the capacity to be highly invasive on coral reefs and highlights the importance of large-scale, long-term monitoring efforts to capture the dynamic nature of such invasions.
Accuracy of Parent Perception of Comprehension of Discharge Instructions: Role of Plan Complexity and Health Literacy

Abstract Objective Inpatient discharge education is often suboptimal. Measures of parents’ perceived comprehension of discharge instructions are included in national metrics given linkage to morbidity; few studies compare parents’ perceived and actual comprehension. We 1) compared parent perceived and actual comprehension of discharge instructions and 2) assessed associations between plan complexity and parent health literacy with overestimation of comprehension (perceive comprehension but lack actual comprehension). Methods Prospective cohort study of English/Spanish-speaking parents (n = 192) of inpatients ≤12 years old and discharged on ≥1 daily medication from an urban public hospital. We used McNemar's tests to compare parent perceived (agree/strongly agree on 5-point Likert scale) and actual comprehension (concordance of parent report with medical record) of instructions (domains: medications, appointments, return precautions, and restrictions). Generalized estimating equations were performed to assess associations between low parent health literacy (Newest Vital Sign score ≤3) and plan complexity with overestimation of comprehension. Results Medication side effects were the domain with lowest perceived comprehension (80%), while >95% of parents perceived comprehension for other domains. Actual comprehension varied by domain (41%–87%) and was lower than perceived comprehension. Most (84%) parents overestimated comprehension in ≥1 domain. Plan complexity (adjusted odds ratio 3.6; 95% confidence interval 2.9–4.7) and low health literacy (adjusted odds ratio 1.9; 1.3–2.6) were associated with overestimation of comprehension. Conclusions Parental perceived comprehension of discharge instructions overestimated actual comprehension in most domains. Plan complexity and low health literacy were associated with overestimation of comprehension. Future interventions should incorporate assessment of actual comprehension and standardization of discharge instructions.
Understanding the Motivations of Final-year Computing Undergraduates for Considering Accessibility

We investigate the degree to which undergraduate computing students in a United States university consider accessibility several years after instruction. Prior work has found that cultural and ethical norms become ingrained early in STEM professionals’ careers; so, we focus on students approaching graduation and after an internship experience, who are just getting started in their career. In semi-structured interviews, a majority of these final-year computing students (14 of 16) indicated that they were not motivated to improve their skills in accessibility, attributing this to not being required to consider accessibility in subsequent work or classes, not seeing accessibility as an essential skill in their profession, and challenges due to a learn-it-on-your-own approach in computing. Participants suggested instructional methods and topics that they believed would have better prepared them for considering accessibility. A survey of 114 additional final-year students revealed similar themes, including that students did not personally view accessibility training as essential career preparation. Prior research has largely focused on evaluating short-term changes in students’ knowledge after an educational intervention. Therefore, by focusing on students several years after an intervention, this work highlights lingering barriers for university programs in promoting accessibility among rising computing professionals.
On the equivalence between the LRT and F-test for testing variance components in a class of linear mixed models

For the special case of balanced one-way random effects ANOVA, it has been established that the generalized likelihood ratio test (LRT) and Wald’s test are largely equivalent in testing the variance component. We extend these results to explore the relationships between Wald’s F test, and the LRT for a much broader class of linear mixed models; the generalized split-plot models. In particular, we explore when the two tests are equivalent and prove that when they are not equivalent, Wald’s F test is more powerful, thus making the LRT test inadmissible. We show that inadmissibility arises in realistic situations with common number of degrees of freedom. Further, we derive the statistical distribution of the LRT under both the null and alternative hypotheses $$H_0$$ and $$H_1$$ where $$H_0$$ is the hypothesis that the between variance component is zero. Providing an exact distribution of the test statistic for the LRT in these models will help in calculating a more accurate p-value than the traditionally used p-value derived from the large sample chi-square mixture approximations.
Aerosolizable siRNA-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles prepared by thin-film freeze-drying for potential pulmonary delivery

Lipid nanoparticles are increasingly used for drug and gene delivery, including the delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA). Pulmonary delivery of drug molecules carried by lipid nanoparticles directly into the lung may improve the treatment of certain lung diseases. The present study was designed to test the feasibility of engineering aerosolizable dry powder of lipid nanoparticles by thin-film freeze-drying (TFFD). Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) comprised of lecithin, cholesterol, and a lipid-polyethylene glycol conjugate were prepared by solvent evaporation. Dry powders of the SLNs were prepared by TFFD, spray drying, or conventional shelf freeze-drying. The physical and aerosol properties of the dry powders as well as the physical properties of the SLNs reconstituted from the dry powders were evaluated. The particle size, polydispersity index, and the zeta potential of the SLNs were preserved after they were subjected to TFFD and reconstitution, but not after they were subjected to conventional shelf freeze-drying and reconstitution, and the dry powder prepared by TFFD showed better aerosol performance properties than that prepared by spray drying. SLNs encapsulated with siRNA can also be successfully transformed into aerosolizable dry powder by TFFD, and subjecting the siRNA-encapsulated SLNs to TFFD did not negatively affect the function of the siRNA. It is concluded that TFFD represents a promising method to prepare aerosolizable dry powder of lipid nanoparticles.
Renato Chiarizia: Contributions to Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange (The Journal and the Science)

Volume 1, 1983 SX&IX: Co-founding editors Phil Horwitz and Jim Navratil, and Coordinating Editor, Calvin Giddings develop a plan for a replacement journal for the discontinued Journal of Inorganic ...
What To Do with World Religions

This essay describes an approach to the Religions of the World course that incorporates the critique of the World Religions Paradigm and teaches the Paradigm as a set of discourses that are open to analysis. The focus of the course is teaching the critical analysis of representations, which i argue is more important than teaching religious literacy, though this course also provides some religious literacy while acknowledging that those terms and ideas are contested and incomplete.
Impact of pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy on adjuvant therapy decisions and patient outcomes in gastrointestinal cancers.

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is frequently used in gastrointestinal cancers (GIC), and pathological, radiological, and tumor marker responses are assessed during and after NAC. Aim To evaluate the relationship between pathologic, radiologic, tumor marker responses and recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) decisions, and the impact of changing to a different AC regimen after poor response to NAC. Methods and results Medical records of GIC patients treated with NAC at Mount Sinai between 1/2012 and 12/2018 were reviewed. One hundred fifty-six patients (58.3% male, mean age 63 years) were identified. Primary tumor sites were: 43 (27.7%) pancreas, 62 (39.7%) gastroesophageal, and 51 (32.7%) colorectal. After NAC, 31 (19.9%) patients had favorable pathologic response (FPR; defined as College of American Pathologists [CAP] score 0-1). Of 107 patients with radiological data, 59 (55.1%) had an objective response, and of 113 patients with tumor marker data, 61 (54.0%) had a ≥50% reduction post NAC. FPR, but not radiographic or serological responses, was associated with improved RFS (HR 0.28; 95% CI 0.11-0.72) and OS (HR 0.13; 95% CI 0.2-0.94). Changing to a different AC regimen from initial NAC, among all patients and specifically among those with unfavorable pathological response (UPR; defined as CAP score 2-3) after NAC, was not associated with improved RFS or OS. Conclusions GIC patients with FPR after NAC experienced significant improvements in RFS and OS. Patients with UPR did not benefit from changing AC. Prospective studies to better understand the role of pathological response in AC decisions and outcomes in GIC patients are needed.
Introduction to the Ray Meyn memorial Special Edition.

This special issue of the International Journal of Radiation Biology was developed as a tribute to the late Raymond (Ray) E. Meyn, Ph.D. Nearly all of the senior authors within this special issue w...
Development and Evaluation of Computable Phenotypes in Pediatric Epilepsy:3 Cases.

Introduction:Computable phenotypes allow identification of well-defined patient cohorts from electronic health record data. Little is known about the accuracy of diagnostic codes for important clin...
The logic of typed feature structures : with applications to unification grammars, logic programs, and constraint resolution

This book develops the theory of typed feature structures, a data structure that generalizes both first-order terms and feature structures of unification-based grammars to include inheritance, typing, inequality, cycles and intensionality. The resulting synthesis serves as a logical foundation for grammars, logic programming and constraint-based reasoning systems. A logical perspective is adopted which employs an attribute-value description language along with complete equational axiomatizations of the various systems of feature structures. At the same time, efficiency concerns are kept in mind and complexity and representability results are provided. The application of feature structures to phrase structure grammars is described and completeness results are shown for standard evaluation strategies. Definite clause logic programs are treated as a special case of phrase structure grammars. Constraint systems are introduced and an enumeration technique is developed for solving arbitrary attribute-value logic constraints. This book, with its innovative approach to data structure, will be essential reading for researchers in computational linguistics, logic programming and knowledge representation. Its self-contained presentation makes it flexible enough to serve as both a research tool and a text book.
Transverse myelitis and neuralgic amyotrophy

Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), a lower motor neuron (LMN) lesion, presents a flaccid monoplegia of the upper extremity in children. Transverse myelitis (TM) may present with either an LMN or an upper motor neuron (UMN) injury, depending on areas affected on the cord. Both entities are inflammatory and autoimmune in nature. Diagnosis is with MRI and serological studies as well as nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG). Treatment varies slightly, but includes immunosuppression with steroids, replacement of antibodies with plasmapheresis in addition to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), immunosuppressant, and antineoplastic agents. Further management includes rehabilitation measures with stretching, strengthening, range of motion, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, patient and family education, and equipment evaluation. Children with persistent LMN deficits and limited recovery (6–8 months after onset of disease) may warrant surgical considerations for peripheral nerve surgery. This may include the use of nerve transfers. Secondary surgery, including muscle and tendon transfers, can be considered 1–2 years after disease onset, if persistent residual deficits are present. Most children with NA have good outcomes with resolution of symptoms and improvement in function. Children with TM have a less favorable outcome with one third resolution rate.
Cochrane in context: Hypothermia for neuroprotection in children after cardiopulmonary arrest

Cochrane Review: Hypothermia for neuroprotection in children after cardiopulmonary arrest Scholefield B, Duncan H, Davies P, Gao Smith F, Khan K, Perkins GD, Morris K. Hypothermia for neuroprotection in children after cardiopulmonary arrest. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD009442. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009442.pub2 This companion piece to the review, “Hypothermia for neuroprotection in children after cardiopulmonary arrest,” contains the following pieces: The abstract of the review A commentary from one or more of the review authors, explaining why the review team felt the review was an important one to produce A review of clinical practice guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Canadian Paediatric Society and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), United Kingdom Some other recently published references on this topic Editor's note on this review, by Ricardo Fernandes: The Editorial Board's rationale for selecting this review was that this is a “classical” case of an important uncertainty in child health. There is a relatively strong rationale for this practice in adults but in pediatrics the underlying condition differs, so extrapolation is controversial. The authors highlight in the abstract that there are ongoing trials, and also mention nonrandomized evidence, all of which is helpful to the reader.