Identifying Causal Effects Under Functional Dependencies.

We study the identification of causal effects, motivated by two improvements to identifiability that can be attained if one knows that some variables in a causal graph are functionally determined by their parents (without needing to know the specific functions). First, an unidentifiable causal effect may become identifiable when certain variables are functional. Secondly, certain functional variables can be excluded from being observed without affecting the identifiability of a causal effect, which may significantly reduce the number of needed variables in observational data.

Racial Disparities in Newborn Drug Testing After Implementation of Question-Based Screening for Prenatal Substance Use.

Objective: To examine the association of universal question-based screening for prenatal substance use on racial inequities in prenatal and newborn drug testing.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 32,802 live births of patients receiving prenatal care at an academic medical center in the midwestern United States from 2014 to 2022, before and after implementation of question-based screening in 2018. Primary outcomes included prenatal and newborn drug test orders.

An Explainable Artificial Intelligence Software Tool for Weight Management Experts (PRIMO): Mixed Methods Study.

Background: Predicting the likelihood of success of weight loss interventions using machine learning (ML) models may enhance intervention effectiveness by enabling timely and dynamic modification of intervention components for nonresponders to treatment. However, a lack of understanding and trust in these ML models impacts adoption among weight management experts. Recent advances in the field of explainable artificial intelligence enable the interpretation of ML models, yet it is unknown whether they enhance model understanding, trust, and adoption among weight management experts.

Stabilization of lithium anode with ceramic-rich interlayer for all solid-state batteries.

The deposition of thin layers of polymer/ceramic on a lithium surface to produce a strong barrier against dendrites was demonstrated. Different forms (needle, sphere, rod) and types of ceramic (AlO, MgBO) were tested and polymer/ceramic interlayers of a few micrometers (4 μm minimum) between the lithium and the PEO-based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) were deposited. Interlayers with high amounts of ceramic up to 85 wt% were successfully coated on the surface of lithium foil.

Open reduction and tunneled suspensory fixation for lateral end of clavicle fractures: surgical technique.

Unstable distal end clavicle fractures are associated with significant rates of nonunion and poor functional outcomes. Surgical treatment is paramount for unstable fracture patterns; however, treatment options are various, with each having its advantages and drawbacks. Recently, suture-based coracoclavicular fixation techniques using suture buttons have been implemented with high union rates, satisfactory shoulder function, and low rates of complications.