cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microwave and Millimeter wave Processing of Polymer-Derived Silicon Nitride

Chemical methods of processing ceramics have the potential to overcome many of the processing-related obstacles that have hindered widespread commercialization. The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has focused on the development of polymeric precursors to silicon nitride (Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}). One such precursor, perhydropolysilazane (or PHPS), has been shown to be a useful binder for Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} powder processing, a useful matrix precursor for the polymer infiltration/pyrolysis (PIP) processing of fiber-reinforced Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}, and a useful ceramic coating precursor for the repair of oxidation protection coatings on carbon-carbon composites. While conventional, thermal pyrolyses of these preceramics has been sufficient to demonstrate their potential, substantial cost savings could be realized if the polymer-to-ceramic conversion could be instigated with electromagnetic energy. The authors have investigated the use of millimeter wave heating as a means of converting PHPS into Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}, and report here the results of the efforts to produce bulk compacts, coatings, and fiber-reinforced ceramics.
Kidney Function of Pullets and Laying Hens During Outbreaks of Urolithiasis

Abstract Renal function evaluations were conducted on pullets and laying hens during outbreaks of urolithiasis. The following parameters were measured: kidney weights; hematocrits; plasma concentrations of uric acid, calcium, inorganic phosphate, magnesium, sodium, and potassium; urine flow rates; glomerular filtration rates; renal plasma flow rates; urine pH; and relative clearances of inorganic phosphate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and para-amino hippuric acid. The adequacy of renal portal perfusion was estimated by timed phenol red extraction. Considerable interindividual variability was noted, presumably due to differences in age and reproductive status. Intraindividual left versus right kidney comparisons also were made, since urolithiasis often is associated with macroscopic lesions of one kidney but not the other. The results indicate that even when gross lesions of only one kidney were present, specific tubular transport processes were similar in both kidneys. Urolithiasis did cause significant alterations in urine flow rates, glomerular filtration rates and renal plasma flow rates. It was concluded that the changes associated with urolithiasis reflect the expected compensatory hypertrophic responses of surviving kidney tissue to a reduction of renal mass. The physiological impact of this form of kidney damage appears to arise from reduced renal mass rather than from inappropriate renal handling of minerals or electrolytes.
It's not all black and white: A propensity score matched, multilevel examination of racial drug sentencing disparities

ABSTRACTThis study aims to alleviate some of the mixed findings throughout the literature on racial disparities in sentencing outcomes by utilizing propensity score matching and multilevel modeling to assess racial drug sentencing disparities in state courts from 2000–2012. The findings illustrate the effect of race on sentencing varies significantly across states, and aggregate factors impact this relationship. Specifically, although differential offending, minority population, and arrests do not alleviate disparities, they are moderators that explain variance across states. Finally, aggregate socioeconomic factors such as poverty and education are also significant moderators that indicate the importance of structural disadvantage in sentencing outcomes.
Hypotension-induced neuropraxia in the cat facial nerve.

Pressure short of producing neuropraxia was applied to the facial nerve in 12 cats. In over half, a neuropraxia promptly developed when the animals were rendered hypotensive with nitroprusside. In six other animals, pressure was applied to the nerve following circulatory collapse. No added effect of the pressure on nerve conduction decay could be demonstrated. Pressure-induced neuropraxia appears to be dependent to some extent on ischemia.
Sustained increases in sympathetic outflow during prolonged lower body negative pressure in humans.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether prolonged unloading of cardiopulmonary baroreceptors with lower body negative pressure (LBNP) causes constant increases in sympathetic outflow to skeletal muscles. Eight healthy subjects underwent a 20-min control period followed by 20 min of 15-mmHg LBNP. This pressure was selected because it did not cause any significant change in mean arterial blood pressure (sphygmomanometry) or heart rate, suggesting that the cardiopulmonary baroreceptors were selectively unloaded and the activity of the arterial baroreceptors was unchanged. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity in the peroneal nerve (MSNA, microneurography) increased from an average of 21.8 +/- 1.7 bursts/min over the last 5 min of control to 29.0 +/- 2.9 bursts/min during the 1st min of LBNP (P less than 0.05 LBNP vs. control). The increase in MSNA observed during the 1st min was sustained throughout LBNP. Forelimb blood flow (plethysmography) decreased abruptly at the onset of the LBNP from a control value of 4.3 +/- 0.5 ml.min-1.100 ml-1 to 2.5 +/- 0.2 at the 1st min; the flow then increased and remained significantly above this value, but below the control value, throughout LBNP. Similar blood flow findings were obtained in additional studies, when the hand circulation was excluded during the flow measurements. Forearm skin blood flow (laser Doppler) also decreased abruptly at the onset of LBNP and was followed by partial recovery, but these changes were too small to account for all the increases in limb blood flow over the course of LBNP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Observation of coupling between vibrational and configurational entropy in a supercooled molecular chalcogenide glass-forming liquid

Abstract The temperature dependence of the line widths and frequencies of the vibrational modes of As4S3 molecules is studied in the Ge3As52S45 molecular glass and supercooled liquid at temperatures ranging from ~ Tg − 189 K to up to ~ Tg + 111 K, using Raman spectroscopy. The results reveal the presence of strong dynamical coupling between vibrational and configurational degrees of freedom of the molecules such that both the phonon lifetime and the density of states are affected by the rotational (and possibly translational) molecular dynamics in the supercooled liquid. The physical origin of such coupling is discussed within the framework of the potential energy landscape model of the glass transition.
Sex-Dependent Effects of Dietary Genistein on Echocardiographic Profile and Cardiac GLUT4 Signaling in Mice.

This study aimed to determine whether genistein diet resulted in changes in cardiac function, using echocardiography, and expression of key proteins involved in glucose uptake by the myocardium. Intact male and female C57BL/6J mice (aged 4–6 weeks) were fed either 600 mg genistein/kg diet (600 G) or 0 mg genistein/kg diet (0 G) for 4 weeks. Echocardiography data revealed sex-dependent differences in the absence of genistein: compared to females, hearts from males exhibited increased systolic left ventricle internal dimension (LVIDs), producing a decrease in function, expressed as fractional shortening (FS). Genistein diet also induced echocardiographic changes in function: in female hearts, 600G induced a 1.5-fold ( ) increase in LVIDs, resulting in a significant decrease in FS and whole heart surface area when compared to controls (fed 0 G). Genistein diet increased cardiac GLUT4 protein expression in both males (1.51-fold, ) and females (1.76-fold, ). However, no effects on the expression of notable intracellular signaling glucose uptake-regulated proteins were observed. Our data indicate that consumption of genistein diet for 4 weeks induces echocardiographic changes in indices of systolic function in females and has beneficial effects on cardiac GLUT4 protein expression in both males and females.
Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial with interaction between genetics, immune and environmental factors.Areas covered: We review the role of prenatal exposures, irritants and pruritogens, pathogens, climate factors, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, outdoor and indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke exposure, water hardness, urban vs. rural living, diet, breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics on AD.Expert commentary: The increased global prevalence of AD cannot be attributed to genetics alone, suggesting that evolving environmental exposures may trigger and/or flare disease in predisposed individuals. There is a complex interplay between different environmental factors, including individual use of personal care products and exposure to climate, pollution, food and other exogenous factors. Understanding these complex risk factors is crucial to developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease in millions. Moreover, patients require cou...
High temperature mechanics of nanomoulded amorphous metals

AbstractHigh temperature mechanics of nanomoulded amorphous metals was investigated by in situ nanomechanical testing. Nanopillars of Pd43Cu27Ni10P20 metallic glass were synthesized by thermoplastic forming and their stress–strain response was obtained concurrent with direct observation of their deformation behaviour. This allowed the measurement of mechanical behaviour from nanopillars and the corresponding bulk substrate with identical thermal history. A rise in elastic modulus was seen with increase in temperature for both the nanopillars and substrate, which was explained by diffusive rearrangement of atomic-scale viscoelastic units. The results provide fundamental insights into structural rearrangement in metallic glasses.
One-time injection of AAV8 encoding urocortin 2 provides long-term resolution of insulin resistance

Using mice rendered insulin resistant with high fat diets (HFD), we examined blood glucose levels and insulin resistance after i.v. delivery of an adeno-associated virus type 8 encoding murine urocortin 2 (AAV8.UCn2). A single i.v. injection of AAV8.UCn2-normalized blood glucose and glucose disposal within weeks, an effect that lasted for months. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps showed reduced plasma insulin, increased glucose disposal rates, and increased insulin sensitivity following UCn2 gene transfer. Mice with corticotropin-releasing hormone type 2-receptor deletion that were rendered insulin resistant by HFD showed no improvement in glucose disposal after UCn2 gene transfer, indicating that the effect requires UCn2's cognate receptor. We also demonstrated increased glucose disposal after UCn2 gene transfer in db/db mice, a second model of insulin resistance. UCn2 gene transfer reduced fatty infiltration of the liver in both models of insulin resistance. UCn2 increases Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane in skeletal myotubes in a manner quantitatively similar to insulin, indicating a mechanism through which UCn2 operates to increase insulin sensitivity. UCn2 gene transfer, in a dose-dependent manner, is insulin sensitizing and effective for months after a single injection. These findings suggest a potential long-term therapy for clinical type-2 diabetes.
Clinical predictors of length of stay in adults with congenital heart disease

Objective Length of stay (LOS) is a major driver of inpatient care costs. To date, few studies have investigated risk factors associated with increased LOS in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). In the present work, we sought to address this knowledge gap. Methods We conducted an analysis of the State Inpatient Databases from Arkansas, California, Florida, Hawaii, Nebraska and New York. We analysed data on admissions in patients with ACHD and constructed a series of hierarchical regression models to identify the clinical factors having the greatest effects on LOS. Results We identified 99 103 inpatient hospitalisations meeting criteria for inclusion. Diagnoses associated with the longest LOS were septicaemia (LOS=14.2 days in patients atrial septal defect, and 11.7 days among all other ACHD) and pericarditis, endocarditis and myocarditis (LOS=13.6 days and 10.0 days, respectively). When separated by underlying anatomy, the variables most consistently associated with longer LOS were bacterial infection, complications of surgeries or medical care, acute renal disease and anaemia. Conclusions In the present study, we identified risk factors associated with longer LOS in ACHD. These data may be used to identify at-risk patients for targeted intervention to decrease LOS and thereby cost.
The effect of prevalence of disease on performance of residents and fellows during training for interpreting DBT in a test-train-test observer study

There are no data on the effect of disease prevalence during training for interpreting digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) based screening examinations on the performance of residents and fellows. We assessed the performance of six residents (four after one breast imaging rotation and two after two rotations) and two fellows in breast imaging when interpreting DBT screening examinations in a multi-case, mode balanced, test- train-test retrospective reader study (127 training and 160 testing cases). Half were trained with feedback of verified truth after reviewing each case with low prevalence of disease (13/127) and half with high prevalence (52/128). The pre- and post- training dataset was the same. Performance measures were compared (sensitivity, specificity and AUC). Readers trained with the low prevalence set decreased the overall recall rate of non-cancer cases (FPF from 0.21 to 0.13, 0.07). Both residents with two rotations experience had significant changes in sensitivity and specificity (highest p<0.028), but not in AUC. Early training with low disease prevalence of “what not to recall” should be included during training.
The History of American Higher Education: Learning and Culture from the Founding to World War II

(2016). The History of American Higher Education: Learning and Culture from the Founding to World War II. The Journal of Higher Education: Vol. 87, No. 2, pp. 300-302.
The Effects of Placental Transfusion on Placental Residual Blood Volume and 24 to 48-hour Hemoglobin and Serum Bilirubin in Term Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose To determine if newborns who receive a full placental transfusion at birth differ in placental residual blood volume (PRBV) and 24 to 48-hour hemoglobin (Hb) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels compared to newborns who receive no placental transfusion. Research Question Will newborns who receive a full placental transfusion have less PRBV, a higher 24 to 48-hour Hb, and no difference in peak TSB compared to newborns who receive no placental transfusion? Significance The usual maternity care practice in the United States is to immediately clamp the umbilical cord (immediate cord clamping [ICC]) at the time of birth. When ICC occurs, 20% to 40% of the fetal-placental blood volume (containing iron-rich red blood cells) is left behind in the placenta, potentially leading to lower iron stores in infancy. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Seventy-three healthy term pregnant women with singleton fetuses were enrolled. At birth, they were randomized to either ICC (<20 seconds; n = 36) or delayed cord clamping (DCC) (≥5 minutes; n = 37) and then placed skin-to-skin. The primary endpoints were PRBV in mL/kg, Hb (g/dL), and peak TSB at 24 to 48 hours of age. Primary analyses were conducted by intention-to-treat and secondary analyses by actual treatment. Results Maternal and newborn demographics were not significantly different between groups. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) cord clamping time was 303 (121) seconds (DCC) versus 10 (6) (ICC) seconds (P = .001). Eleven newborns received cord milking as a proxy for DCC at the time of cesarean birth or when resuscitation measures were indicated. There were 9 protocol violations. Newborns randomized to DCC left behind less PRBV (20.0 vs 30.8 mL/kg, P < .001). At 24 to 48 hours of age, newborns exposed to DCC had significantly higher Hb levels (19.5 vs 17.7 g/dL, P = .002) without a difference in peak TSB levels (DCC = 8.5 vs ICC = 9.0 mg/dL, P = .45) compared to infants with ICC. Two newborns in each group had phototherapy. Discussion Newborns with ICC left behind more PRBV and had lower Hb levels at 24 to 48 hours. There was no difference between the groups on peak TSB levels or other indicators of hyperbilirubinemia. The results support the early hematological advantage of DCC while demonstrating no association with an increase in hyperbilirubinemia.
Exploratory study of impact of cancer-related posttraumatic stress symptoms on diabetes self-management among cancer survivors.

Objective Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) can be triggered by a diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening illness such as cancer. Little is known about the impact of cancer-related PTSS symptoms on self-management behaviors for comorbid chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods We recruited patients with DM and a recent diagnosis of early-stage cancer from two medical centers in New York City. Cancer-related PTSS were assessed using the Impact of Events scale (IES, score ≥26). DM self-management behaviors (medication adherence, exercise, healthy diet, and glucose testing) were measured 3 months later. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between cancer-related PTSS symptoms and DM self-management behaviors, adjusting for gender, marital status, and anxiety symptoms. Results Of 56 participants recruited, 33% reported cancer-related PTSS symptoms. Elevated cancer-related PTSS symptoms were associated with lack of healthy diet (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.62). Conclusions Early-stage cancer survivors with cancer-related PTSS symptoms were less likely to adhere to some DM self-management behaviors. Providers should recognize the impact of cancer-related PTSS symptoms to better support comorbid disease management in cancer survivors.
Differential Levels of Cecal Colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis in Chickens Triggers Distinct Immune Kinome Profiles.

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis are facultative intracellular bacteria that cause disease in numerous species. Salmonella-related infections originating from poultry and/or poultry products are a major cause of human foodborne illness with S. Enteritidis the leading cause worldwide. Despite the importance of Salmonella to human health and chickens being a reservoir, little is known of the response to infection within the chicken gastrointestinal tract. Using chicken-specific kinome immune peptide arrays we compared a detailed kinomic analysis of the chicken jejunal immune response in a single line of birds with high and low Salmonella loads. Four-d-old chicks were challenged with S. Enteritidis (105cfu) and cecal content and a section of jejunum collected at three times: early (4-7 days post-infection [dpi]), middle (10-17 dpi), and late (24-37 dpi). Salmonella colonization was enumerated and birds with the highest (n=4) and lowest (n=4) loads at each time were selected for kinomic analyses. Key biological processes associated with lower loads of Salmonella clustered around immune responses including: cell surface receptor signaling pathway, positive regulation of cellular processes, defense response, innate immune response, regulation of immune response, immune system process, and regulation of signaling. Further evaluation showed specific pathways including chemokine, Jak-Stat, MAPK, and T cell receptor signaling pathways were also associated with increased resistance. Collectively, these findings demonstrate it is possible to identify key mechanisms and pathways that are associated with increased resistance against S. Enteritidis cecal colonization in chickens. Therefore, providing a foundation for future studies to identify specific proteins within these pathways that are associated with resistance, which could provide breeders additional biomarkers to identify birds naturally more resistant to this important foodborne pathogen.
Relationship Between Citation-Based Scholarly Activity of United States Radiation Oncology Residents and Subsequent Choice of Academic Versus Private-Practice Career

PURPOSE To assess h-index data and their association with radiation oncology resident choice of academic versus private-practice career, using a recent resident graduating class. METHODS AND MATERIALS A list of 2016 radiation oncology resident graduates (163 residents from 76 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-certified programs) and their postresidency career choice (academic vs private practice) was compiled. The Scopus bibliometric citation database was then searched to collect h-index data for each resident. Demographics included in analyses were gender and PhD degree status. RESULTS Mean h-index score for all resident graduates was 4.15. Residents with a PhD had significantly higher h-index scores (6.75 vs 3.42; P < .01), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in h-index scores between male and female residents (4.38 vs 3.36; P = .06). With regard to career choice, residents choosing academic careers had higher h-index scores than those choosing private practice (5.41 vs 2.96; P < .01). There was no significant difference in mean h-index scores between male and female residents regardless of private-practice (3.15 vs 2.19; P = .25) or academic (5.80 vs 4.30; P = .13) career choice. CONCLUSIONS The average radiation oncology resident graduate published a minimum of 4 manuscripts cited at least 4 times. Graduates with a PhD are significantly more likely to have higher h-index scores, as are residents who choose academic over private-practice careers. There is no significant difference in h-index score between male and female residents, regardless of career choice. These results offer up-to-date benchmarks for evaluating radiation oncology resident productivity and have potential utility in predicting postresidency career choices.
The evidence in a Bentall procedure with Valsalva graft: is this standard of care?

Background: Biologic valved-conduits avoids the need for anticoagulation and can exploit the excellent hemodynamic performance of stentless valves. Incorporation of the sinuses of Valsalva into the neoaortic root can improve the function and longevity of stentless valves. We report our experience in performing the Bentall procedure with a self-prefabricated composite valved-conduit and review the published experience with the Valsalva graft. Methods: From Feb 2005 through Sep 2017, 428 patients underwent aortic root replacement utilizing a composite graft constructed from a 27–29-mm Freestyle MS valve (Medtronic) sutured into a 28–30-mm Gelweave Valsalva prosthesis (Sulzer Vascutek, Renfrewshire, Scotland). Data were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Mean age was 58±13 years, with a male predominance (337, 79%). Additional surgical procedures included a mitral valve repair/replacement in 10 patients (2%), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in 114 patients (27%), and aortic arch (hemi or total) replacement in 252 patients (59%). Average cardiopulmonary bypass, cross-clamp, and circulatory arrest times were 210±57, 180±44, and 29±15 min, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 7% (31 patients). Mean echocardiography follow-up was 27.2±29.0 months (range, 1–138 months). Pressure gradients (mean, peak) across the aortic valve on latest echocardiography were 5.59, 10.57 mmHg respectively. Freedom from >2+ aortic insufficiency (AI) at 6 and 9 years was 96%, and 87% respectively. Freedom from aortic valve replacement (AVR) at 6 and 9 years was 99%, and 95% respectively. To date, 4 (1%) patients required an additional aortic valve intervention secondary to structural valve degeneration. Conclusions: Use of the Valsalva graft combined with the Freestyle valve for Bentall procedures is associated with favorable results. Clinical outcomes are excellent and in longitudinal follow-up, valve-related complications are minimal.
Gel-Based and Gel-Free Sample Preparation for LC-MS/MS Analysis

To understand the biological processes in health and disease, it would be useful to profile all the nucleic acids, glycans, lipids, proteins, and metabolites in a particular system. Unfortunately, no single analytical approach exists that is capable of analyzing all of these elements simultaneously. Rather, each unique sample type requires distinct methods for preparation and analysis: genomics for nucleic acids, glycomics for glycans, lipidomics for lipids, proteomics for proteins, and metabolomics for metabolites. In proteomic analyses, unique experimental designs frequently apply various degrees of fractionation, diverse gel-based or gel-free separation techniques, and a host of mass spectrometric analytical approaches. These issues are discussed in the introduction to encourage the broad community of scientists to develop a specific method for each unique experiment. At the same time, this chapter describes several special sample preparation methods for LC-MS/MS using electrospray ionization and a linear ion-trap mass spectrometer. The methods are optimized, reproducible, and as simple as possible, and they are capable of generating excellent results. However, optimization for each unique experiment is always a good idea.
Mixed-Sex Settings and the Perception of Competence

This study examines the association of self-perceptions with sixth to eighth graders' exposure to mixed-sex and dating contexts. It contrasts two hypotheses: the stress hypothesis, which suggests that the transition to romantic relationships will be associated with declines in self-esteem, especially for girls, and the leisure hypothesis, which suggests that movement into a desired role in an emotionally positive social context will be associated with positive emotions and higher self-esteem. Results indicate that adolescents experience mixed-sex settings positively, and that comfort with the other sex (for girls) and more time spent with the other sex (for boys) are predictive of more positive self-perceptions. Activity diary data suggest that these differences are due to differences in the emotional climate of same- and mixed-sex settings, rather than to the activities adolescents engage in with same- and mixed-sex groups. Dating boys who are less interested in dating experience lower self-esteem. Results are discussed in light of the transitional nature of mixed-sex relationships in early adolescence and the preparatory role played by same-sex friendships.
Mineral Metabolism of Aging Female Rats Fed Various Commercially Available Calcium Supplements or Yogurt

The utilization of calcium from commercially available calcium supplements and yogurt and the effects of these calcium supplements on the utilization of other minerals were evaluated. Moderate and high levels (4 and 8 mg Ca/g diet) of calcium from four different sources of dietary calcium (yogurt, calcium phosphate dibasic, calcium magnesium chelate, and oyster shells) were fed to retired female breeder rats. Rats absorbed calcium equally efficiently from all four sources but ingestion of calcium phosphate dibasic tended to cause abnormal accumulation of calcium in kidneys. Ingestion of the calcium magnesium chelate improved calcium retention in bone but depressed the digestibility of the total diet. The elevation of dietary calcium did not affect tissue calcium levels or fecal β-glucuronidase activity but depressed the apparent absorption of phosphorus, increased kidney phosphorus levels, decreased tibia iron levels, and decreased the digestibility of the total diet.
Using Motion Sensing for Learning: A Serious Nutrition Game

A mixed reality game was created to teach middle and high school students about nutrition and the USDA My Plate icon. This mixed reality game included both digital components (projected graphics on the floor) and tangible, physical components (motion tracking wands that were handheld). The game goal was to feed the alien the healthiest food item from a pair of items. Students learned about the amount of nutrients and optimizers in the digital food items and practiced making rapid food decisions. In the final level of the game players interacted with My Plate and each food item filled the appropriate quadrant in real time. Nineteen 4th graders played through the game in one 1.5 hour session. Significant learning gains were seen on a pretest and posttest that assessed nutrition knowledge, pairedt (18) = 4.13, p < .001. We support the need for call for more embodied games that challenge children to practice making quick food choice decisions and we explore how motion capture games can affect engagement, health behaviors, and knowledge outcomes.
Older Adult Falls in Emergency Medicine: 2019 Update.

"Standing-level falls represent the most frequent cause of trauma-related death in older adults and a common emergency department (ED) presentation. However, these patients rarely receive guideline-directed screening and interventions during or following an episode of care. Reducing injurious falls in an aging society begins with prehospital evaluations and continues through definitive risk assessments and interventions that usually occur after ED care. Although ongoing obstacles to ED-initiated, evidence-based older adult fall-reduction strategies include the absence of a compelling emergency medicine evidence basis, innovations under way include validation of pragmatic screening instruments and incorporation of contemporary technology to improve fall detection rates."
Building Digital Libraries: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians

The second edition of this well-known guide to issues surrounding open educational resources (OERs), digital asset management systems (DAMs), digital libraries, and institutional repositories (IRs)...
Introduction: Women, Gender, and Terrorism: Gendering Terrorism

The study of terrorism by a range of scholarly disciplines has enjoyed “explosive growth … in the past two decades” (LaFree & Freilich, 2017, p. 3) and has generated associated research in fields s...
EFFECTS OF SCAVENGING ON ASSUMPTIONS OF MORTALITY ANALYSES OF RADIO-MARKED GAMEBIRDS

Survival estimation is critical to studies of wildlife population biology, and recent model developments allow for temporal covariates on mortality risk. To test model assumptions that scavengers do not influence either perceived mortality cause or location, we randomly placed 24 radio-marked Chukar (Alectoris chukar) carcasses over gradients of grassland habitat conditions in eastern Montana in both April 2017 and July 2018, and monitored scavenging activity at intervals relevant to gamebird telemetry studies. High rates of scavenging (12.5–78%, depending on season and relocation interval) suggest that scavenging activity could confound determination of cause-specific mortality, but that its influence varies with season. Scavenging activity did not significantly influence perceived mortality locations regardless of season or local habitat conditions with a relocation interval of 3 d (8% of carcasses moved), but mortality locations may be biased over longer periods (50% of carcasses moved in 7-d period), particularly in warm seasons or regions.
Biomarkers in acute graft-versus-host disease: new insights.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for hematologic malignancies that relies on the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect to eradicate malignant cells. GVL is ti...
Paget-Schroetter Syndrome: a case report of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome in a healthy 18-year-old athletic swimmer

Paget-Schroetter Syndrome is a rare condition in the spectrum of deep vein thromboses involving spontaneous upper extremity venous thrombosis in the axillary-subclavian vein. The syndrome usually occurs in young, healthy individuals and is a progressive, anatomic manifestation of venous thoracic outlet syndrome. Thrombosis is secondary to repetitive overuse of the arm, leading to compression, microtrauma, and local inflammation of the particularly vulnerable subclavian vein in the thoracic outlet at the junction of the first rib and clavicle. The condition is often misdiagnosed because of its rarity and can lead to significant disability and morbidity if treatment is delayed. In this case report, Paget-Schroetter Syndrome, causing significant pain and dysfunction, is presented in an 18 year-old female freestyle-swimmer that was successfully treated with anticoagulation, thrombolysis, thoracic outlet decompression and first rib resection, scalenectomy, venolysis, and venoplasty. Early suspicion of this condition can lead to prompt diagnosis, and subsequent aggressive interventional treatment with catheter-directed thrombolysis and thoracic outlet decompression, in addition to anticoagulation, demonstrated success in achieving complete resolution of symptoms in this case.
Where Religion and Education Meet in Africa

This chapter will analyze the historical movements of ideas and beliefs that people shape and that give shape to people’s present-day conceptions of education and religion in contemporary Africa. Following an overview that broadly conceptualizes religion and education as overlapping, complementary, and mutually constitutive fields of knowing and believing, the chapter looks first at qualities of discernment and assessment associated with Indigenous knowledge. Next, the chapter examines histories of Islamic schooling and ritual practices connected with trans-Saharan and trans-Indian Ocean trade. A third section describes colonial-era Christian mission schools and illustrates how these schools were incorporated into independent, post-colonial systems of nation-state education. The final section points to the interconnectedness of Indigenous, Islamic, Christian, Judaic, Hindu, and transnational approaches to one another, focusing on how religion and education meet and are centrally made in Africa as connected with the wider world today.
Variational learning of individual survival distributions

The abundance of modern health data provides many opportunities for the use of machine learning techniques to build better statistical models to improve clinical decision making. Predicting time-to-event distributions, also known as survival analysis, plays a key role in many clinical applications. We introduce a variational time-to-event prediction model, named Variational Survival Inference (VSI), which builds upon recent advances in distribution learning techniques and deep neural networks. VSI addresses the challenges of non-parametric distribution estimation by (i) relaxing the restrictive modeling assumptions made in classical models, and (ii) efficiently handling the censored observations, i.e., events that occur outside the observation window, all within the variational framework. To validate the effectiveness of our approach, an extensive set of experiments on both synthetic and real-world datasets is carried out, showing improved performance relative to competing solutions.
Targeting the HuR Oncogenic Role with a New Class of Cytoplasmic Dimerization Inhibitors

The development of novel therapeutics that exploit alterations in the activation state of key cellular signaling pathways due to mutations in upstream regulators has generated the field of personalized medicine. These first-generation efforts have focused on actionable mutations identified by deep sequencing of large numbers of tumor samples. We propose that a second-generation opportunity exists by exploiting key downstream "nodes of control" that contribute to oncogenesis and are inappropriately activated due to loss of upstream regulation and microenvironmental influences. The RNA-binding protein HuR represents such a node. Since HuR functionality in cancer cells is dependent on HuR dimerization and its nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling, we developed a new class of molecules targeting HuR protein dimerization. A structure-activity relationship algorithm enabled development of inhibitors of HuR multimer formation that were soluble, had micromolar activity, and penetrated the blood-brain-barrier (BBB). These inhibitors were evaluated for activity validation and specificity in a robust cell-based assay of HuR dimerization. SRI-42127, a molecule that met these criteria, inhibited HuR multimer formation across primary patient-derived glioblastoma (PDGx) xenolines, leading to arrest of proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of colony formation. SRI-42127 had favorable attributes with central nervous system penetration and inhibited tumor growth in mouse models. RNA and protein analysis of SRI-42127-treated PDGx xenolines across glioblastoma molecular subtypes confirmed attenuation of targets upregulated by HuR. These results highlight how focusing on key attributes of HuR that contribute to cancer progression, namely cytoplasmic localization and multimerization, has led to the development of a novel, highly effective inhibitor.
Opportunities for Interventions That Address Socioeconomic Barriers to Type 2 Diabetes Management: Patient Perspectives.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to explore patient perspectives on socioeconomic barriers related to diabetes self-management and interventions to address these barriers.MethodsFocus groups (n ...
The Cyclical Growth of Public Firms and the COVID Crisis

We document a significant but declining size effect and cyclicality in sales growth within U.S. public firms, including the COVID crisis. The patterns differ significantly from those documented in prior studies which focus on samples dominated by private firms. Small public firms grow faster than large public firms since the start of our sample period in 1974, especially during expansions, but the gap declines significantly starting in early 2000s and closes entirely during the 2020 recession. Contrary to the prevailing view in the literature, financing constraints do not explain the size effect, and the effect is stronger in 2020 than in the Great Recession during which constraints were, arguably, more severe. We examine alternative explanations for the size effect, including diversification, fallen angels, demand effects, and overinvestment. Preliminary analysis shows evidence inconsistent with the first two hypotheses. The size effect increases market shares of large firms in recession, but this is counteracted by new entry, thus, mitigating the effects on industry structures across business cycles.
The Effects of Choice-Based Design and Management on the Behavior and Space Use of Zoo-Housed Amur Tigers (Panthera tigris altaica).

Choice-based design allows animals in human care opportunities to move at will between multiple interconnected spaces. Some evidence suggests providing environmental choice confers benefits to anim...
Enhanced AMPA Receptor Trafficking Mediates the Anorexigenic Effect of Endogenous Glucagon Like Peptide-1 in the Paraventricular Hypothalamus

Glucagon Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) positive neurons in the hindbrain Nucleus Tractus Solitarius (NTS) send robust projections to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), which is involved in the regulation of food intake. However, it is unclear whether this pathway is sufficient and necessary to control feeding behavior, or how the GLP-1 neurons affect synaptic function to modulate food intake. Here, we found that specific stimulation of GLP-1 afferent fibers within the PVN is sufficient to suppress food intake independent of glutamate release. GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation augments excitatory synaptic strength in PVN corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons. Moreover, a protein kinase A (PKA) dependent signaling cascade is initiated by GLP-1R activation, which results in the phosphorylation of serine S845 of GluA1 AMPA receptors and subsequently promotes GluA1 trafficking to the plasma membrane. Finally, we show that postnatal depletion of GLP-1R in the PVN increases food intake and causes obesity. This study provides a comprehensive multi-level (circuit-, synaptic-, and molecular-) explanation of how food intake behavior and body weight are regulated by endogenous central GLP-1.
Stability of Olfactory Behavior Syndromes in the Drosophila Larva

Individuals of any animal population exhibit idiosyncratic behaviors. One measure of idiosyncratic behavior is a behavior syndrome, which is defined as stability of one or more behavior traits in an individual across different situations. While behavior syndromes have been described in different animal systems, their properties and the circuit mechanisms that generate them are not well understood. Here, we study olfactory behavior syndromes in Drosophila larvae. We show that olfactory behavior syndromes are stable within a short developmental timescale. However, stability of individual traits depends upon a larva’s odor environment or its satiety state and is influenced by activity of specific olfactory neurons. These findings reveal previously unsuspected influences on behavior syndromes. They further affirm the idea that idiosyncrasies are not simply statistical phenomena but manifestations of neural mechanisms. Determining how behavior structures are affected by neural mechanisms is critical to understanding how behaviors are generated by the nervous system.
A Modular Three-Phase Diode Rectifier with High-Frequency Isolation and Sinusoidal Input Currents

This paper proposes a modular three-phase diode rectifier with high frequency isolation and sinusoidal input currents. The proposed system consists of modular AC-AC converters with 20 kHz transformer isolation on the primary side. A new hybrid pulse width modulation scheme is proposed that combines the high frequency 20kHz with a low frequency selective elimination of 5th, 7th, 11th and 13th current harmonics in the input such that the resulting utility current is nearly sinusoidal. The secondary side consists of a standard three-phase diode rectifier for a high quality dc output voltage suitable for ev-charging/switch mode power supplied in data centers etc. The proposed approach is modular and the output voltage is regulated via simple duty cycle control. Simulation results are discussed in the summary. Experimental results are presented on laboratory 208 V three phase, 1kW prototype hardware.
Advanced Group Theoretical Techniques and Their Application to Magnetic Circular Dichroism

High symmetry coupling coefficients and the equations derived from them using the powerful methods of Racah algebra greatly simplify quantum mechanical calculations in high symmetry systems. All possible information based on symmetry alone is quickly obtained and thus the essential physical problem to be solved is uncovered. While the equations at first glance may have a horrifying complexity, they are actually quite simple to use. Wave functions need not be constructed and results may frequently be obtained by looking up a few coefficients in the appropriate tables.
Minimally invasive orthopaedic trauma surgery: a review of the latest techniques.

Abstract Computer assisted fluoroscopic surgery is at the forefront of the ability to continue and pursue minimally invasive surgical options in orthopaedic surgery. Many systems afford the surgeon three-dimensional views and biplanar imaging for placement of orthopaedic implants in difficult areas. The current literature regarding these techniques is limited. The indications are poorly defined. The common thread of all techniques, however, is the preservation of the soft tissue attachments and the biology of the fracture hematoma. Currently we are using first generation implants. It appears that malalignment is the biggest problem with any of these techniques and long-term prospective studies will be required to evaluate whether or not these theoretical advantages become clinically viable and functional for patient care.
Adaptive and evolvable analog electronics for space applications

Development of analog electronic solutions for space avionics is expensive and lengthy. Lack of flexible analog devices, counterparts to digital Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), prevents analog designers from rapid prototyping, and forces them to expensive custom design, fabrication, and qualification of application specific integrated circuits (ASIC). The limitation come from two directions: first, commercial Field Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAA) have little variability in the components offered on-chip; and second, these are only qualified for military grade temperatures, at best. However, more variability is needed for covering many sensing and control applications. Furthermore, in order to save mass, energy and wiring, there is strong interest in developing extreme environment electronics and avoiding thermal and radiation protection altogether. This means electronics that maintain correct operation while exposed to temperature extremes e.g., on Moon (-180°C to +125°C). This paper describes a recent version of a FPAA design, the JPL Self-Reconfigurable Analog Array (SRAA). It overcomes both limitations, offering a variety of analog cells inside the array together with the possibility of self-correction at extreme temperatures. A companion digital ASIC designed for algorithmic control, including a genetic algorithm implementation, is currently under fabrication.
Camouflage of network traffic to resist attack (CONTRA)

The CONTRA system camouflages traffic among a set of collaborating hosts, and camouflages critical hosts by spreading the identity of each across multiple IP addresses. One realization of this system comprises a virtual network topology and supporting protocols that operate on top of the network transport layer. The protocol employs a synergistic combination of multipath relay transmissions, K-out-of N message encoding, packet encryption, heteromorphic packet relay and dynamically assignable IP addresses. The characteristics of the virtual network topology and protocols together impede the attacker's ability to analyze traffic patterns, limit the visibility of real IP addresses to those cooperating hosts that are topologically adjacent to a host whose traffic is being monitored, and allow hosts to spread their IP identities and to modify the IPs associated with a host. These system characteristics will reduce the ability of a hostile entity to mount a successful denial-of-service attack against the operations among the set of hosts.
AI in real time: is this feasible?

The paper tackles the problem from the real-time engineer's perspective. It analyses, first, AI requirements of real-time control systems, then presents available solutions and discusses their suitability. Finally, it outlines two preferable approaches: advance computations and triggered computations, illustrated by an implementation of the radiation detection system. >
A STEREOCHEMICAL APPROACH TO SELF QUENCHING STUDIES IN SOME BRIDGED p-QUATERPHENYL SYSTEMS*

Abstract The relative pulse height curves for two bridged p -quaterphenyls in both racemic and optically active forms have been measured. Examination of molecular models indicates that the optically active system could be more susceptible to self quenching due to preferential excimer formation. This effect has not been observed in the measurements made thus far. The synthesis of these compounds is also described.
Daptomycin non-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus at a US medical centre

Abstract Daptomycin non-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was rarely encountered at our medical centre until 2010, when 10 isolates (0.4% of S. aureus ) were confirmed by E -test as non-susceptible. These isolates were not of the same strain type and there was no link between the 10 patients. Daptomycin non-susceptibility may be increasing.