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Females are typically underserved in cardiovascular medicine. The use of sex as a dichotomous variable for risk stratification fails to capture the heterogeneity of risk within each sex. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence-enhanced electrocardiography (AI-ECG) model to investigate sex-specific cardiovascular risk. more...

The transition of the chemical industry to net-zero CO2emissions presents several significant challenges, due to the presence of carbon as material feedstock, the capital-intensive nature of plants, the interdependence of multiple processes within industrial clusters, and the availability of low-carbon electricity, hydrogen, and CO2transport and storage. To obtain an effective plan for reducing emissions, a comprehensive modeling approach that accounts for the dynamics of clusters and their interactions with the broader energy system is needed. In light of the aforementioned considerations, the present study develops and applies a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model with a one-year hourly resolution to optimize technology selection and operation in two existing ammonia-ethylene clusters. The findings show that significant emission reduction is possible with close-to-market technologies that bridge electrification, green hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage, yet reaching zero emission is not possible. Moreover, the optimal CO2reduction strategies are highly cluster-specific and contingent upon the availability of a critical infrastructure. For instance, emissions can increase by up to 118% in the absence of a CO2transport and storage infrastructure, because separated CO2from reformer syngas cannot be stored or further utilized. While process integration can improve cost-effective CO2mitigation, reducing costs by 9–%11% and emissions by 29%–54%, it also limits operational flexibility. The developed framework offers a valuable tool for identifying cluster designs and robust CO2emission reduction strategies. more...

For decades, antigen presentation on major histocompatibility complex class I for T cell-mediated immunity has been considered the primary function of proteasome-derived peptides1,2. However, whether the products of proteasomal degradation play additional parts in mounting immune responses remains unknown. Antimicrobial peptides serve as a first line of defence against invading pathogens before the adaptive immune system responds. Although the protective function of antimicrobial peptides across numerous tissues is well established, the cellular mechanisms underlying their generation are not fully understood. Here we uncover a role for proteasomes in the constitutive and bacterial-induced generation of defence peptides that impede bacterial growth both in vitro and in vivo by disrupting bacterial membranes. In silico prediction of proteome-wide proteasomal cleavage identified hundreds of thousands of potential proteasome-derived defence peptides with cationic properties that may be generated en route to degradation to act as a first line of defence. Furthermore, bacterial infection induces changes in proteasome composition and function, including PSME3 recruitment and increased tryptic-like cleavage, enhancing antimicrobial activity. Beyond providing mechanistic insights into the role of proteasomes in cell-autonomous innate immunity, our study suggests that proteasome-cleaved peptides may have previously overlooked functions downstream of degradation. From a translational standpoint, identifying proteasome-derived defence peptides could provide an untapped source of natural antibiotics for biotechnological applications and therapeutic interventions in infectious diseases and immunocompromised conditions. more...

Forschung und Lehre gehören zu den grundlegenden Kernbereichen des Hochschulbetriebs. Dabei stellt der Lehrbetrieb für viele Forschende eine nicht selten wenig wertgeschätzte Zusatzbelastung im universitären Forschungsalltag dar. Von Studierendenseite werden mitunter die fehlenden Verbindungen von Lehrinhalten und angewandter Forschungspraxis kritisiert. Der Ansatz des Forschenden Lernensversucht, Forschung und Lehre enger miteinander zu verknüpfen und plädiert für einen Lehrbetrieb, der Studierende an allen wesentlichen Phasen eines Forschungsprozesses als ko-kreative Peers beteiligt. Zwar findet der Ansatz bereits Beachtung im laufenden Forschungs- und Lehrbetrieb, zur allgemeinen Norm ist er allerdings noch nicht geworden. Dabei bietet das Forschende Lernen oft gerade für die bisweilen als defizitär eingeschätzte (politikwissenschaftliche) Methodenausbildung viele Vorteile. Der Beitrag legt Erfahrungen aus einem Methodenseminar am Institut für Politikwissenschaft (IfPol) Münster (Deutschland) dar, in dem die Grounded Theory Methodology als Forschungsstil im Rahmen eines laufenden Promotionsprojekts zur nachhaltigen Mobilität vermittelt und angewendet wurde. more...

Differential disease control may contribute to racial disparities in outcomes of childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). We evaluated associations of race and individual‐ or neighborhood‐level social determinants of health (SDoH) with achievement of low lupus disease activity state (LLDAS), a clinically relevant treatment target. In this cSLE cohort study using the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry, the primary exposure was self‐reported race and ethnicity, and collected SDoH included insurance status and area deprivation index (ADI). Outcomes included LLDAS, disease activity, and time‐averaged prednisone exposure. Associations among race and ethnicity, SDoH, and disease activity were estimated with multivariable regression models, adjusting for disease‐related and demographic factors. Among 540 children with cSLE, 27% identified as Black, 25% identified as White, 23% identified as Latino/a, 11% identified as Asian, 9% identified as more than one race, and 5% identified as other. More Black children (41%) lived in neighborhoods of highest ADI compared to White children (16%). Black race was associated with lower LLDAS achievement (adjusted odds ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38–0.82) and higher disease activity (adjusted β 0.94, 95% CI 0.11–1.78). The highest ADI was not associated with lower LLDAS achievement on adjustment for renal disease and insurance. However, renal disease was found to be a significant mediator (P= 0.04) of the association between ADI and prednisone exposure. Children with cSLE who identified as Black are less likely to achieve LLDAS and have a higher disease activity. Living in areas of higher ADI may relate to renal disease and subsequent prednisone exposure. Strategies to address root causes will be important to design interventions mitigating cSLE racial disparities. more...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased health care costs; however, comprehensive data on the financial burden of AF remain limited.

A single photoexcited electron–hole pair within a polar semiconductor nanocrystal (SNC) alters the charge screening and shielding within it. Perturbations of the crystal lattice and of the valence and conduction bands result, and the quantum-confinement states in a SNC shift uniquely with a dependence on the states occupied by the carriers. This shifting is termed quantum-state renormalization (QSR). This Perspective highlights QSR in semiconductor quantum wires and dots identified in time-resolved transient absorption and two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy experiments. Beyond the interest in understanding the principles of QSR and energy-coupling mechanisms, we pose the contributions of QSR in time-resolved spectroscopy data must be accounted for to accurately identify the time scales for intraband relaxation of the carriers within SNCs. more...

To synthetically target a specific material with select performance, the underlying relationship between structure and function must be understood. For targeting magnetic properties, such understanding is underdeveloped for a relatively new class of layered hexagonal perovskites, the 12R-Ba4MMn3O12family. Here, we perform a detailed magnetostructural study of the layered hexagonal perovskite materials 12R-Ba4MMn3O12, where M= diamagnetic Ce4+or paramagnetic Jeff≈ 1/2 Pr4+. The material with M= Ce4+is an antiferromagnet below TN≈ 7.75 K, while the material with M= Pr4+exhibits more complex behavior, with a net moment below 200 K and a sharp peak in the susceptibility at TN≈ 12.15 K. Guided by the susceptibility data, we conduct variable-temperature powder neutron diffraction measurements to determine the magnetic structure of these two materials. The introduction of a magnetic interlayer cation cants the spins in the Mn3O12trimers out of plane. We further characterize the crystal and electronic structures in these compounds using powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements coupled with first-principles theoretical calculations. The resulting detailed picture of the magnetic, crystal, and electronic structure will be useful for understanding the magnetism in similar 12R hexagonal perovskites and related materials. more...

Fructose consumption has increased considerably over the past five decades, largely due to the widespread use of high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener1. It has been proposed that fructose promotes the growth of some tumours directly by serving as a fuel2,3. Here we show that fructose supplementation enhances tumour growth in animal models of melanoma, breast cancer and cervical cancer without causing weight gain or insulin resistance. The cancer cells themselves were unable to use fructose readily as a nutrient because they did not express ketohexokinase-C (KHK-C). Primary hepatocytes did express KHK-C, resulting in fructolysis and the excretion of a variety of lipid species, including lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs). In co-culture experiments, hepatocyte-derived LPCs were consumed by cancer cells and used to generate phosphatidylcholines, the major phospholipid of cell membranes. In vivo, supplementation with high-fructose corn syrup increased several LPC species by more than sevenfold in the serum. Administration of LPCs to mice was sufficient to increase tumour growth. Pharmacological inhibition of ketohexokinase had no direct effect on cancer cells, but it decreased circulating LPC levels and prevented fructose-mediated tumour growth in vivo. These findings reveal that fructose supplementation increases circulating nutrients such as LPCs, which can enhance tumour growth through a cell non-autonomous mechanism. more...

The article focuses on navigating the challenges of organizing heritage month celebrations in Texas libraries under the restrictions of Senate Bill 17. Topics include the impact of the law on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, the cautious approach institutions have taken to ensure compliance, and the successful implementation of a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration within legal boundaries. more...

This work reports an acoustic solidly mounted resonator (SMR) at 18.64 GHz, among the highest operating frequencies reported. The device is built in scandium aluminum nitride (ScAlN) on top of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) Bragg reflectors on silicon (Si) wafer. The stack is analyzed with X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD). The resonator shows a coupling coefficient ( $k^{2}$ ) of 2.0%, high series quality factor ( $Q_{s}$ ) of 156, shunt quality factor ( $Q_{p}$ ) of 142, and maximum Bode quality factor ( $Q_{max}$ ) of 210. The third-order harmonics at 59.64 GHz is also observed with $k^{2}$ around 0.6% and Q around 40. Upon further development, the reported acoustic resonator platform can enable various front-end signal-processing functions, e.g., filters and oscillators, at future frequency range 3 (FR3) bands.[2024-0120] more...

Parental time with children varies across cultures but has mostly been studied in a European context. In this paper we estimate whether the association of work and gender with parental allocation of time is different in South Korea and the United States. We suggest that household level characteristics are associated with the time parents spend with their children, but that these associations are more gendered in South Korea than in the United States. We used data from the 2003–2018 American Time Use Survey (n= 38,562) and 2004–2014 Korean Time Use Survey (n= 12,828). Using ordinary least squares, we estimated the association of the intersection of gender and work in predicting parental time with children. Gender is an important factor in time allocation in South Korea, where education was positively associated and working hours were negatively associated with mothers', but not fathers', time spent with their children. In the United States, resources and work have a dominant role, as both parents tend to spend more time with their children if they have higher education and income and work fewer hours. In South Korea, a gendered regime is associated with the allocation of parental time only; mothers are influenced by their spouses' time allocation and resources. The United States follows a trade‐off regime, where resources are associated with time spent with children, whereas gender plays a smaller role in parental time allocation. Studying parental time allocation should account for the intertwined relationship of culture, resources, and gender. more...

For more than two decades, a burgeoning “right-to-repair” movement has been underway in the United States, evolving from a nascent effort to democratize automobile repair into a cultural and legal force with ramifications in numerous industries. At the highest level, the right-to-repair movement aims to require manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair providers with replacement parts, repair manuals, and other such materials used to fix products they own. Although activists have lobbied for the right to repair automobiles since at least 2001, right-to-repair legislation began to gain momentum over the past decade and has expanded from automobiles to other consumer goods, including cell phones, appliances, and other electronic devices, as well as agricultural and medical equipment. more...

About 37 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease, a disease that encompasses multiple causes. About 10% or more of kidney diseases in adults and as many as 70% of selected chronic kidney diseases in children are expected to be explained by genetic causes. Despite the advances in genetic testing and an increasing understanding of the genetic bases of certain kidney diseases, genetic testing in nephrology lags behind other medical fields. More understanding of the benefits and logistics of genetic testing is needed to advance the implementation of genetic testing in chronic kidney diseases. Accordingly, the National Kidney Foundation convened a Working Group of experts with diverse expertise in genetics, nephrology, and allied fields to develop recommendations for genetic testing for monogenic disorders and to identify genetic risk factors for oligogenic and polygenic causes of kidney diseases. Algorithms for clinical decision making on genetic testing and a road map for advancing genetic testing in kidney diseases were generated. An important aspect of this initiative was the use of a modified Delphi process to reach group consensus on the recommendations. The recommendations and resources described herein provide support to nephrologists and allied health professionals to advance the use of genetic testing for diagnosis and screening of kidney diseases. more...

IMPORTANCE: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasing cause of cirrhosis. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are effective in improving liver inflammation in patients with MASLD. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether use of GLP-1 RAs is associated with lower risk of developing cirrhosis and its complications, including decompensation and hepatocellular cancer (HCC), among patients with MASLD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective cohort study with an active comparator, new-user design used data from the national Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse and Central Cancer Registry. Patients with MASLD and diabetes who were seen at 130 Veterans Health Administration hospitals and associated ambulatory clinics and who initiated either a GLP-1 RA or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) between January 1, 2006, and June 30, 2022, were included. Patients were followed up from baseline until one of the study outcomes or the end of the study period (December 31, 2022), whichever came first. EXPOSURES: Each GLP-1 RA new user was propensity score matched in 1:1 ratio to a patient who initiated a DPP-4i during the same month. Separate analyses were conducted among patients without and with cirrhosis at baseline. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: For patients without cirrhosis, the primary outcome was progression to cirrhosis defined by validated diagnoses codes or a noninvasive marker of liver fibrosis, and secondary outcomes were cirrhosis complications defined both as a composite and individual complications, including decompensation, HCC, or liver transplant, and all-cause mortality. For patients with cirrhosis, the primary outcome was a composite outcome of cirrhosis complications, and secondary outcomes were decompensation, HCC, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Of 16 058 patients who initiated GLP-1 RAs, 14 606 did not have cirrhosis (mean [SD] age, 60.56 [10.31] years; 13 015 [89.1%] male), and 1452 had cirrhosis (mean [SD] age, 66.99 [7.09] years; 1360 [93.7%] male) at baseline. These patients were matched to an equal number of patients who initiated a DPP-4i. In patients without cirrhosis, GLP-1 RA use, compared with DPP-4i use, was associated with a lower risk of cirrhosis (9.98 vs 11.10 events per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.98). Similar results were seen for the secondary outcomes. GLP-1 RA use, compared with DPP-4i use, was associated with a lower risk of the composite outcome of cirrhosis complications (1.89 vs 2.55 events per 1000 person-years; HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59-1.04) and mortality (21.77 vs 24.43 events per 1000 person-years; HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.98). There were no associations between GLP-1 RA use and outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study, GLP-1 RA use was associated with a lower risk of progression to cirrhosis and mortality among patients with MASLD and diabetes. The protective association was not seen in patients with existing cirrhosis, underscoring the importance of treatment earlier in the disease course. more...

Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled electrocardiography (ECG) can be used to predict risk of future disease and mortality but has not yet been adopted into clinical practice. Existing model predictions do not have actionability at an individual patient level, explainability, or biological plausibi. We sought to address these limitations of previous AI-ECG approaches by developing the AI-ECG risk estimator (AIRE) platform. more...

Hintergrund: L‑Thyroxin ist eines der am häufigsten verordneten Arzneimittel in Deutschland. Es wird hauptsächlich zur Behandlung der Hypothyreose eingesetzt. Aufgrund von Verordnungsdaten ist davon auszugehen, dass L‑Thyroxin häufiger verordnet wird als es medizinisch indiziert ist. Ziel der Arbeit: Sind hausärztlich Tätige bereit, Dosisreduktionen oder Absetzversuche von L‑Thyroxin vorzunehmen? Methodik: Auf der Jahrestagung der Sächsischen Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin erfolgte eine Querschnittserhebung mittels Fragebogen. Dieser beinhaltete 3 konstruierte Fälle, deren L‑Thyroxin-Therapie auf Änderungspotenzial zu bewerten war. Es erfolgte eine deskriptive Analyse der quantitativen Daten sowie eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt nahmen 33 hausärztlich Tätige an der Befragung teil. Am häufigsten wurde eine Beibehaltung der Dosis oder sogar eine Dosiserhöhung favorisiert. Dies wurde mit guter Therapieeinstellung, mutmaßlich fehlendem Nachteil einer geringen Dosis oder der Vermeidung von Komplikationen begründet. Selten wurde eine Reduktion oder ein Absetzen vorgeschlagen. Für das Absetzen oder Dosisreduktion wurde sich mit Verweis auf die fehlende medizinische Indikation ausgesprochen. Diskussion: Auch bei fehlender medizinischer Indikation waren die Teilnehmenden zurückhaltend, eine bestehende Therapie zu verändern. Dies deckt sich mit Angaben aus der existierenden Literatur. Die Annahme der Vermeidung von Folgeerkrankungen, begrenzte Zeit für Beratungsgespräche und mangelnde Kommunikation zwischen Verordnenden wurden in anderen Studien als Ursachen identifiziert. Dabei gibt es Hinweise auf den Nutzen von Deprescribing. Es besteht diesbezüglich im deutschen primärärztlichen Bereich noch großer Forschungsbedarf. more...

Introduction: Influenza-associated excess mortality and morbidity is commonly estimated using statistical methods. In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) uses the relative mortality distribution method (RMDM) to estimate influenza-associated excess mortality without reporting age-specific values. In order to better differentiate the distribution of the disease burden, a distinction by age is of high relevance. Therefore, we aimed to revise the existing excess mortality model and provide age-specific excess mortality estimates over multiple seasons. We also used the model to determine influenza-associated excess hospitalizations, since the RKI excess hospitalization model is currently based on another approach (i.e., combination of excess physician visits and hospitalized proportion). Methods: This study was a retrospective data analysis based on secondary data of the German population from 1996–2018. We adapted the RKI’s method of estimating influenza-associated excess mortality with the RMDM and also applied this approach to excess hospitalizations. We calculated the number of excess deaths/hospitalizations using weekly and age-specific data. Results: Data available in Germany are suitable for addressing the restrictions of the RKI’s mortality model. In total, we estimated 175,858 (176,482 with age stratification) influenza-associated excess all cause deaths between 1995–1996 and 2017–2018 ranging from 0 (17 with age stratification) in 2005–2006 to 25,599 (25,527 with age stratification) in 2017–2018. Total influenza-associated excess deaths were comparable to RKI’s estimates in most seasons. Most excess deaths/hospitalizations occurred in patients aged ≥ 60 years (95.42%/57.49%) followed by those aged 35–59 years (3,80%/24,98%). Compared with our model, the RKI hospitalization model implies a substantial underestimation of excess hospitalizations (828,090 vs. 374,200 over all seasons). Conclusion: This is the first study that provides age-specific estimates of influenza-associated excess mortality in Germany. The results clearly show that the main burden of influenza is in the elderly, for whom prevention and control measures should be prioritized. more...

The growing literature on meeting science has begun to offer numerous best practices for designing and facilitating team meetings. However, similar considerations are limited for meetings that take place within multiteam systems (MTSs). These MTSs require meetings to occur both within and between teams to achieve both proximal and distal goals. Accordingly, the unique attributes of and challenges faced by MTSs may impact meeting inputs, processes, outcomes, and performance in these complex systems. In this review, we integrate core theoretical and empirical evidence from the meeting science, teaming, and MTS literature to inform the development of key propositions. Specifically, these propositions address how the design, facilitation, and effectiveness of MTS meetings may be influenced and impacted by core linkage attributes of MTSs. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications as well as of future avenues for research that further explores and refines our understanding of meetings in MTS contexts. more...

Mineral metabolism is critical for proper development of hard tissues of the skeleton and dentition. The dentoalveolar complex includes the following 4 mineralized tissues: enamel, dentin, cementum, and alveolar bone. Developmental processes of these tissues are affected by inherited disorders that disrupt phosphate and pyrophosphate homeostasis, although manifestations are distinct from those in the skeleton. more...

Little is known about the ultrastructure of Piedraia hortae.

Structural details of the proposed solid–liquid phase transition of carbon have remained elusive, despite years of study. While it is theorized that novel carbon materials form from a liquid precursor, experimental studies have lacked the temporal and spatial resolution necessary to fully characterize the purported liquid state. Here we utilize megaelectronvolt-ultrafast electron diffraction (MeV-UED) to study laser irradiated submicron diamond thin films in a pump–probe scheme with picosecond time resolution to visualize potential structural changes of excited diamond. We probe the structure of diamond using a combination of fluences (13, 40 J/cm2) and time delays (10, 25, 100 ps), but observe negligible changes in the static diffraction pattern of diamond and an overall decrease in diffraction intensity up to 100 ps after the excitation pulse. We thus conclude that no appreciable amount of liquid or graphitized carbon is present and highlight the structural resilience of bulk diamond to intense 800 nm ultrafast laser pulses. more...

ABSTRACT:A small but growing number of design firms are pursuing research activities that extend beyond project-based work, and even large and established firms are seeking new ways to integrate research more formally, and more meaningfully, into their practice. Now experiencing a moment of particular momentum, the complex relationship between research and professional practice in landscape architecture, and the role of research in professional design offices, has increasingly figured in discussions in academic literature and popular forums. This article contributes to this dialogue and body of knowledge by several means: first, through impassioned, personal statements from the authors about the purpose and importance of research in practice; second, through interviews and surveys with 21 design firms about their approaches, accompanied by practical advice for firms seeking to enhance their research efforts; and finally, through a proposition and call to action from the authors addressed to the discipline of landscape architecture. Collectively, these contributions confirm and shed further light on how professional landscape architecture firms are utilizing creative and diverse models for research, from significant resource commitments and dedicated staff to decentralized models and one-off, opportunistic efforts. Two new primary motivations and two new models for research in practice are described, along with new drivers, mechanisms, approaches, and outcomes. The article concludes with the authors’ proposition for what is needed to expand research in practice and strengthen its connections to academia, extending an invitation for further dialogue and community-building around practice-based research. more...

Since their introduction into agriculture, the toxicity of organophosphate (OP) pesticides has been widely studied in animal models. However, next generation risk assessment (NGRA) intends to maximize the use of novel approach methodologies based on in vitro and in silico methods. Therefore, this study describes the development and evaluation of a generic physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model for acute exposure to OP pesticides in rats and humans using quantitative structure property relationships and data from published in vitrostudies. The models were evaluated using in vivo studies from the literature for chlorpyrifos, diazinon, fenitrothion, methyl-parathion, ethyl-parathion, dimethoate, chlorfenvinphos, and profenofos. Evaluation was performed by comparing simulated and in vivo observed time profiles for blood, plasma, or urinary concentrations and other toxicokinetic parameters. Of simulated concentration–time profiles, 87 and 91% were within a 5-fold difference from observed toxicokinetic data from rat and human studies, respectively. Only for dimethyl-organophosphates further refinement of the model is required. It is concluded that the developed generic PBK model provides a new tool to assess species differences in rat and human kinetics of OP pesticides. This approach provides a means to perform NGRA for these compounds and could also be adopted for other classes of compounds. more...

Abstract:In 1986, Bernard Lewis published a highly influential book, Semites and Anti-Semites: An Inquiry into Conflict and Prejudice. For Lewis, who was then the pre-eminent British-American historian of the Islamic world, the book represented a departure from his prior research agenda. Although Lewis was Jewish, his scholarly work had touched little on Jews. In this book (and its companion, The Jews of Islam), Lewis portrayed the legacy of Islam as one of broad toleration of Jews, tinged with contempt but void of hatred. He traced the outbreak of virulent antisemitism among Arabs not to the tradition of Islam, but to the influence of European and especially Nazi antisemitism. This interpretation may have been inspired and reinforced by Lewis's own personal exposure to Arab antisemitism during the Second World War and in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. more...

•Combining CAR-T cells targeting CD19 & CD22 with a recombinant, polymer-conjugated IL15 receptor agonist (NKTR-255) was safe and feasible.•NKTR-255 was associated with increases in cytokines (IL15 and interferon-γ) and related chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10). more...

In this work, we demonstrate a C-band shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) resonator with high electromechanical coupling ( ${k}_{\mathbf {t}}^{\mathbf {2}}$ ) of 22% and a quality factor (Q) of 565 based on a thin-film lithium niobate (LN) on silicon carbide (SiC) platform, featuring an excellent figure-of-merit (FoM $= {k}_{\mathbf {t}}^{\mathbf {2}}\cdot Q_{max}$ ) of 124 at 6.5 GHz, the highest FoM reported in this frequency range. The resonator frequency upscaling is achieved through wavelength ( $\lambda $ ) reduction and the use of thin aluminum (Al) electrodes. The LN/SiC waveguide and synchronous resonator design collectively enable effective acoustic energy confinement for a high FoM, even when the normalized thickness of LN approaches a scale of $0.5\lambda $ to $1\lambda $ . To perform a comprehensive study, we also designed and fabricated five additional resonators, expanding the $\lambda $ studied ranging from 480 to 800 nm, in the same 500 nm-thick transferred Y-cut thin-film LN on SiC. The fabricated SH-SAW resonators, operating from 5 to 8 GHz, experimentally demonstrate a ${k}_{\mathbf {t}}^{\mathbf {2}}$ from 20.3% to 22.9% and a Q from 350 to 575, thereby covering the entire C-band with excellent performance. [2024-0070] more...

This work reports the procedure for modeling piezoelectric acoustic resonators and filters at millimeter wave (mmWave). Different from conventional methods for lower frequency piezoelectric devices, we include both acoustic and electromagnetic (EM) effects, e.g., self-inductance, in both the circuit-level fitting and finite element analysis, toward higher accuracy at higher frequencies. To validate the method, thin-film lithium niobate (LiNbO3) first-order antisymmetric (A1) mode devices are used as the testbed, achieving great agreement for both the standalone resonators and a fifth-order ladder filter. Upon further development, the reported acoustic and EM co-modeling could guide the future design of compact piezoelectric devices at mmWave and beyond.[2024-0074] more...

Abstract: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a common neonatal condition in newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). PPHN has still a high mortality and morbidity. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is the first line vasodilator therapy for PPHN in high income countries. In low-to-middle income countries (LMICs), availability of iNO remains scarce and expensive. The purpose of this scoping review was to evaluate the current existing literature for milrinone therapy in PPHN and to identify the knowledge gaps in milrinone use in infants with PPHN. The available evidence for milrinone remains limited both as monotherapy and as an adjuvant to iNO. The studies were heterogeneous, conducted in different settings, with different populations and more importantly the endpoints of these trials were short-term outcomes such as changes in oxygenation and blood pressure. Large prospective studies investigating long-term outcomes, mortality, and the need for Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are warranted. Randomized controlled trials with milrinone as monotherapy are needed in LMICs where iNO availability remains limited. Impact: more...

Milrinone has a potential role in the management of PPHN both as an adjuvant to iNO as well as a monotherapy.

This scoping review identified the problems existing in the published literature on milrinone and the barriers to generalization of these results.

Multi-centre randomized controlled trials on milrinone, especially involving centers from low- and middle-income countries are needed, where it can be evaluated as first-line pulmonary vasodilator therapy.

Beliefs are a complex research construct with deep connections to innumerable different research areas and agendas. Engineering education researchers are increasingly studying beliefs, and synergy across these efforts can lead to a greater impact in translating beliefs research into educational practice. Our purpose was to enable any researcher in engineering education to productively research beliefs as a construct. Specifically, we aimed to synthesize the different purposes for studying beliefs, and the extent to which researchers have operationalized beliefs. We conducted a systematic scoping review of beliefs following the PRISMA protocol. We extracted and mapped data from the 79 academic included manuscripts. We performed additional analysis using both inductive and deductive coding methods to synthesize how beliefs have been researched. We included studies about the beliefs of engineering students in post‐secondary education beyond the four most popular types of beliefs (i.e., self‐efficacy, mindset, epistemic, and goal orientation beliefs). Given the diverse nature of beliefs in engineering education, we found that the findings of the included studies could not be coherently synthesized. Instead, we present (1) a synthesis of researchers' purpose(s) for studying beliefs, and (2) a detailed representation of the many ways in which researchers have operationalized beliefs using different theories and methodological approaches. We recommend that researchers studying beliefs work to align their stated purpose for studying beliefs with their research contribution and build understanding of how beliefs ultimately relate to behavior. We also identified an opportunity for researchers to carefully and explicitly operationalize beliefs as a research construct. more...

The prevalence of celiac disease (CeD) is increasing, yet it is still underdiagnosed, in part because of its heterogeneous presentation. Diagnostic criteria are evolving and management with strict adherence to a gluten‐free diet is challenging for many. We aimed to characterize the clinical presentation of CeD among a large multicenter cohort of pediatric patients and to identify factors associated with gluten‐free diet adherence. Patients with CeD aged 0–18 years were recruited from 11 United States health centers. Parents completed surveys about gluten‐free diet adherence and patient electronic health records were reviewed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with gluten exposure. Charts were reviewed for 460 children with a median age of 6.4 years. Abdominal pain was reported in 57% of the cohort, but diverse symptoms were identified. Parent surveys were completed for 455 participants. Sixty‐five (14%) participants were at high risk for gluten exposure based on parental reports of weekly or daily gluten exposure or eating gluten by choice in the past year. Participants under the age of 5 years had a lower risk of gluten exposure, while participants without repeat serology testing 18 months after initial diagnosis were at higher risk of gluten exposure. In a large, multicenter cohort of pediatric CeD patients, clinical presentation is highly variable, necessitating a high index of suspicion to make a diagnosis. Parent surveys indicate that 14% of patients are at high risk of gluten exposure, with patient age and lack of close follow‐up associated with gluten‐free diet adherence. Variable presentation, including a complete lack of symptoms or symptoms involving diverse body systems, results in the underdiagnosis of celiac disease (CeD).Adherence to a strict gluten‐free diet remains the cornerstone of treatment. Variable presentation, including a complete lack of symptoms or symptoms involving diverse body systems, results in the underdiagnosis of celiac disease (CeD). Adherence to a strict gluten‐free diet remains the cornerstone of treatment. Nearly 14% of children in the cohort were at high risk of gluten exposure based upon parental reports of weekly or daily gluten ingestion or intentional gluten ingestion in the past year. Increased risk of gluten exposure was associated with a lack of repeat serology testing at least 18 months postdiagnosis.Clinicians in all specialties should maintain a high index of suspicion for CeD given the wide range of presentations.Follow‐up with gastroenterologists may improve adherence to a gluten‐free diet. Nearly 14% of children in the cohort were at high risk of gluten exposure based upon parental reports of weekly or daily gluten ingestion or intentional gluten ingestion in the past year. Increased risk of gluten exposure was associated with a lack of repeat serology testing at least 18 months postdiagnosis. Clinicians in all specialties should maintain a high index of suspicion for CeD given the wide range of presentations. Follow‐up with gastroenterologists may improve adherence to a gluten‐free diet. more...

Patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries may require left ventricular training before the double switch operation. We evaluated the effects of combined pressure and volume loading. more...

The last national estimates of US ICU physician staffing are 25 years old and lack information about interprofessional teams.

This document examines screening and assessment for physical and mental health conditions that impact Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients' ability to work. The document begins by defining screening and assessment and discussing their relevance for agencies serving TANF recipients. The next section answers policy questions pertaining to the following assessment-related issues: (1) objectives of screening and assessing for disabilities; (2) the best uses of exemptions or deferments; (3) TANF agencies' responsibilities to screen for disabilities; (4) kinds of disabilities that should be considered in screening and assessment; (5) appropriate times for screening; (6) appropriate screening tools for TANF settings and for use by frontline TANF staff; (7) ways TANF agencies can use outside experts to screen/assess TANF clients; (8) systematic administrative processes that can support individual screening techniques; (9) work assignments and workplace accommodations that can be considered for TANF recipients with physical or mental health issues; and (10) considerations in sharing information with employers. Pertinent research findings are presented along with profiles of innovative programs in Maine, Vermont, Maryland, Florida, Missouri, Oregon, and Tennessee. Concluding the document are the addresses (including World Wide Web sites, when available) of 9 resource contacts and sources for 24 publications. (MN) more...

This publication is designed to help TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] agencies create specific program interventions to serve TANF recipients in place-based (in particular, housing-based) programs that help welfare recipients find and keep jobs. TANF programs increasingly serve welfare recipients with multiple barriers to steady employment, who may require many types of services and interventions. The brief provides an overview of the following topics: supportive work environment, effective use of community connections, support services, staffing, space, and funding. Examples from successful programs are provided. A list of 25 references and 8 resource contacts is included. (KC) more...

Volume 12 of the Mid-Western Educational Researcher contains four issues. The first issue includes kick-off, keynote, luncheon, and presidential addresses from the annual meeting of the Mid-Western Educational Research Association (MWERA), held in Chicago, Illinois, in October 1998. Issue 3 is the program for MWERA's annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois, October 1999. Issue 4 focuses on teacher mentoring in the Midwest. Articles are: "Policy Research in Higher Education: Data, Decisions, Dilemmas, and Disconnect" (Edward R. Hines); "Western Governors University: University of the Future" (Robert C. Albrecht); "Academic Careers in the Twenty First Century: New Options for Faculty" (Judith M. Gappa); "Free Market Policies and Public Education: At What (Opportunity) Cost?" (Kim K. Metcalf); "Conference Highlights" (Jeffrey B. Hecht); "Electronic or Paper? Comparing Submissions to MWERA-98" (Jeffrey B. Hecht); "The History of MWERA and the Role and Scope of Its Historian" (Thomas S. Parish); "The Use of Tests of Statistical Significance" (Thomas R. Knapp); "The Value of Multimethod Qualitative/Quantitative Research Methodology in an Educational Program Evaluation: A Case Study" (Catherine C. Knight, Walter J. Kuleck); "Multimethod Analysis of Mathematics Achievement Tests" (Dimiter M. Dimitrov); "Review of 'Conducting Survey Research in the Social Sciences'" (John M. Linacre); "The Status of High School Scheduling in Illinois" (Donald G. Hackman); "Time Spent on Higher-Order Tasks in Two Teacher-Apprentice Options" (Elizabeth A. Wilkins-Canter, Audrey T. Edwards);"The Relationship between Culture and Cognitive Style: A Review of the Evidence and Some Reflections for the Classroom" (Joan Thrower Timm); "Mentoring: An Introduction" (Mary K. Bendixen-Noe); "Issues in Mentoring Programs for Teachers" (Deborah L. Bainer); "Mentor Accountability: Varying Responses to the New Jersey Provisional Teacher Certification Program and Their Implications for Proposed Changes in Wisconsin Licensure" (Anne D'Antonio Stinson); "Leading the Way...State Initiatives and Mentoring" (Carmen Giebelhaus); "Mentoring: Aim and Assess" (Charles K. Runyan); "The Principals' Role in Mentor Programs" (Barbara L. Brock); "Mentoring and the Impact of Local Teacher Organizations" (Mary K. Bendixen-Noe); "With a Little Help from My Friends: A Course Designed for Mentoring Induction-Year Teachers" (James A. Salzman); and "Extending the Vision: Mentoring through University-School Partnerships" (Connie Bowman). An index of 1999 articles is included. (SV) more...

This document examines strategies for promoting job retention and career advancement for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The document begins by considering the problems faced by less-skilled TANF recipients in finding, retaining, and advancing in jobs. Section 2 examines the following policy issues: (1) the aims of retention and advancement strategies; (2) the issue of whether retention and advancement strategies are separable; (3) recipients who should be targeted for services; (4) situations where services should be offered; (5) ways services should be delivered; and (6) program options (providing traditional support services; providing a broader range of services for the hard-to-place; using extended case management; mentoring; providing employer support; expanding access to good jobs; creating good jobs by filling niches; transforming job cyclers into strategic job movers; creating employer consortia; combining literacy, other basic education, and continued skills training with work; using public service employment and community work experience programs). Section 3 reviews the findings of research about ways of expanding employment for welfare recipients. Section 4 profiles 21 innovative programs in the following categories: supporting new workers; supporting employers; and finding market niches and targeting high-wage jobs. The bibliography lists 10 resource contacts and 44 publications. (MN) more...

This publication, one of a series designed to help policymakers and TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] agency personnel, offers a baseline for understanding the challenge of serving persons who are being forced off welfare roles but who are hard to place in employment. The following topics are covered: (1) policy issues (who should be considered hard to place?; interaction of work requirements and time limits for the hard-to-place; effect of sanctions policies on the hard-to-place; and use of exemptions and other work alternatives for the hard-to-place); (2) research findings (prevalence of potential employment barriers; relationship to work); (3) program options (assessment tools; staffing; service options; funding options); and (4) innovative practices (special needs; post-employment strategies; and comprehensive models). A list of 14 resource contacts and 18 publications is included. (KC) more...

•Using HLA-EMMA, a subgroup of 9/10 HLA-mismatched transplants with a permissible mismatch can be identified with favorable EFS.•Permissibly mismatched transplants have EFS rates similar to those of 10/10 MUD transplants. more...

Driving is challenging for older adults, especially those with cognitive impairments. This paper systematically reviewed 39 peer-reviewed studies to examine the impact of cognitive deficits on older adults’ driving abilities, focusing on the discussion of neuropsychological assessments including Trail Making Tests, Useful Field of View, Maze Test, and Mini-Mental Status Exam. The study proposed the concept of Road Safety Cognitive Health, which encompasses the cognitive processes crucial for safe driving, aiming to inform future driver training, licensing regulations, roadway designs, and vehicle technology innovations. Concussively, this research advances understanding of road safety challenges for cognitively impaired older adults and advocates for an integrative approach to ensure their driving safety. more...