cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SALT DIFFUSION THROUGH A BENTONITE-POLYMER COMPOSITE

Bentonites are commonly used as chemical containment barriers to minimize liquid flow and contaminant transport. However, chemicals can adversely affect bentonite performance to the extent that modified bentonites have been developed to improve chemical resistance relative to traditional (unmodified) bentonites. The present study focused on the diffusion of potassium chloride (KCl) through a bentonite-polymer composite, or BPC, that was known to behave as a semipermeable membrane. Specifically, the effective diffusion coefficients, D *, for chloride (Cl−) and potassium (K+) were measured and correlated with previously measured membrane efficiency coefficients, ω, for the BPC. The values of D * at steady-state for chloride ![Formula][1] and potassium ![Formula][2] decreased as the ω values increased. The decrease in ![Formula][3] and ![Formula][4] was approximately a linear function of (1 − ω), which is consistent with previous research performed on unmodified Na-bentonite contained within a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL). In contrast to the previous GCL tests, however, ![Formula][5] values for the BPC generally were greater than the ![Formula][6] values, and the differences between ![Formula][7] and ![Formula][8] decreased as KCl concentration increased. The apparent discrepancy between ![Formula][9] and ![Formula][10] is consistent with excess sodium (Na+) in the BPC prior to testing and the requirement for electroneutrality during testing. Also, despite an apparent linear trend in diffusive mass flux for K+, lack of agreement between the ratio of the diffusive mass flux of K+ relative to that for Cl− as required on the basis of electroneutrality at steady state suggested that steady-state diffusive mass flux for K+ had probably not been achieved due to continual K+-for-Na+ cation exchange. Nonetheless, the excess Na+ and bentonite modification did not affect the fundamental correlation between D * and ω, which requires that D * approaches zero as ω approaches unity ( D * → 0 as ω → 1). [1]: /embed/mml-math-1.gif [2]: /embed/mml-math-2.gif [3]: /embed/mml-math-3.gif [4]: /embed/mml-math-4.gif [5]: /embed/mml-math-5.gif [6]: /embed/mml-math-6.gif [7]: /embed/mml-math-7.gif [8]: /embed/mml-math-8.gif [9]: /embed/mml-math-9.gif [10]: /embed/mml-math-10.gif
Salvadoran martyrs: a love that does justice

Who are today's martyrs? Many Salvadorans call Archbishop Romero and the Jesuits and the two women killed at Central American University martyrs. Should they be numbered among the martyrs of the church? The author contends that it would be fitting for the Catholic Church to do so, based on the contemporary church teaching on martyrdom. Tracing the origin and development of the notion of Christian martyrdom from the New Testament to the present day, the author shows how Thomas Aquinas, the Second Vatican Council, Karl Rahner, and Pope John Paul II have contributed to the enlargement of the concept of the Christian martyr that fittingly describes the Salvadoran witnesses. Moved by love of God and neighbor, the martyr courageously endures death for bearing witness to the Christian faith that includes speaking the truth and doing justice.
LRRK2 mutations and neurotoxicant susceptibility

Interactions between genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of the majority of Parkinson's disease (PD) cases. However, our understanding of these interactions is at an early stage. Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common cause of hereditary PD. Penetrance of LRRK2 mutations is incomplete and variable, suggesting that other environmental or genetic factors may contribute to the development of the disorder. Recently, using animal models, several attempts have been made to understand if LRRK2 may mediate sensitivity to environmental neurotoxicants. Here, we critically review the most current data on how LRRK2 mutations influence neurotoxicity in PD models.
Determination of O139 Vibrio cholera in stool samples from patients with acute diarrhea aided by blood plate

Objective To study the method of separating and culturing Vibrio cholerae O139 from feces of patients with acute diarrhea after antibiotic treatment. Methods The samples of feces from patients with acute diarrhea after antibiotic treatment were inoculated on alkaline peptone water,TCBS plate,gentamicin plate for the regular separating and culturing of bacteria,at the same time which was also inoculated on the blood palate for assistant culturing. And under 37 ℃,10 h- 12 h later,the possible bacterial colony were selected and transfered on alkaline agar plate to continue nurturing. Results 10 h later,the suspicious colonies formed on blood plate with diameter of about 2 mm,and 10 h later,Vibrio cholerae O139 was obtained from alkaline agar plate,but no bacterium grew on alkaline peptone water,TCBS plate,and gentamicin plate after 12 h. Conclusion Aided by blood plate can help improve the success rate of isolation and culture of Vibrio cholerae O139 from feces of patients with acute diarrhea after antibiotic treatment,and reduce mistakes caused by antibiotics antibacterial.
Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with comparable weight loss in all obese groups: a VA hospital experience.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is gaining popularity as a standalone procedure for the surgical treatment of obesity in the superobese because of higher failure with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass...
Cocaine Profiling Methodology - Recent Advancesk.

The rationale for developing cocaine profiling methodology is described. Current cocaine signature procedures in use at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Special Testing and Research Laboratory are reviewed. Newer selective and sensitive methodology, recently developed, is described. That methodology detects more alkaloidal impurities in refined illicit cocaine than heretofore reported. The alkaloidal impurities were isolated from the bulk cocaine matrix by alumina column chromatography and detected using capillary gas chromatography-mass selective detection in the selected ion mode. Fifty-one refined illicit cocaine samples were subjected to this methodology for the determination of 15 selected alkaloids. Reproducibility data are reported. Methodology for the isolation, detection, and characterization of coca alkaloids in South American coca leaf, a commercial coca-leaf extract, and a large seizure of refined illicit cocaine is reviewed.
Phonological universals are core knowledge

This chapter examines the representation of grammatical phonological universals by pursuing an in-depth analysis of a single case study – the sonority restrictions on complex onsets (e.g., bl in block ). Across languages, syllables like iblock are reliably favored over syllables like lbock . Of interest is whether these preferences reflect universal grammatical restrictions. We address this question in two steps. We first show that sonority restrictions are plausible candidates for a grammatical universal – they are amply evident in productive phonological processes and supported by typological data. We next proceed to examine whether this putative universal constrains people’s behavior in psychological experiments. Results from numerous experiments demonstrate that people are sensitive to sonority restrictions concerning onsets that they have never heard before. Sonority preferences, moreover, cannot be explained by several non-grammatical sources, including the phonetic properties of the experimental materials and their similarity to onsets that are attested in participants’ languages. By elimination, then, I conclude that people’s behavior is shaped by grammatical restrictions on sonority, and these restrictions extend broadly, perhaps universally, even to structures that are unattested in a speaker’s language. These conclusions suggest that universal grammatical restrictions might be active in the brains and minds of individual speakers. Grammatical universals and experimental results: The results described in the previous chapter suggest that people’s performance in psychological experiments mirrors putative universal grammatical constraints: Unmarked phonological structures – those that are systematically preferred across languages – are the ones learned more readily by individual speakers. While the correlation between human performance and grammatical constraints is suggestive, correlation is not evidence for causation. And indeed, the agreement between the typological and behavioral data could be due to various sources external to the grammar. The learning advantage of unmarked structures might reflect not existing universal knowledge that favors unmarked structures, but rather the fact that such structures are independently easier to process. The question then remains whether grammatical principles are, in fact, universally active in the brains of all speakers. More generally, our question is whether grammatical principles form part of a phonological system of core knowledge.
Efficiency of RBC Antibody Detection Methods: Comparison of Manual Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT) to a Method Using Very Low Ionic Strength Conditions (vLIS/IAT).

Abstract Abstract 2276 Is has long been known that RBC antibody detection is enhanced following a decrease in the ionic concentration. In the past we added into our routine pre-transfusion antibody screen a new test, which employs ionic strength conditions between 15 to 17% of the ionic strength of 0.9% NaCl (vLIS/IAT): 2 drops of patient's plasma and one drop of 3% RBC are incubated for 15 minutes in 0.5 mL of 5% mannitol, pH 6.0 with phosphate buffer, containing 8mM EDTA. The RBCs are washed with normal saline and tested for agglutination by an anti-IgG reagent. Other published low ionic strength methods decrease the ionic concentration less, up to about 50%. In the process of pre-transfusion testing we found 711 patients with one, two or more blood group antibodies. The following table shows the specificities and quantities of clinically significant antibodies detected by these two methods. The following antibody specificities were not included: those that were present only in small quantities, directly agglutinating IgM antibodies and anti-Lea and Lebantibodies which are usually considered to be clinically insignificant. Antibody specificity Total Number detected % Detected by IAT % Detected by vLIS/IAT C 71 71.8% 93.0% c 36 80.5% 92.0% D 147 68.7% 97.3% E 220 40.3% 95.5% Fya 44 70.5% 95.5% Jka 60 60.0% 96.7% K 154 89.0% 76.0% M 23 34.8% 87.0% S 18 50.0% 100% Total 773 Avg. 62.8% Avg. 92.6% Overall, vLIS/IAT detected an increase in clinically relevant antibodies compared to IAT. This is clearly seen in the case of anti-E, anti-D, anti-Jka, anti-M and anti-S antibodies. Anti-K antibodies, however, were detected preferably by IAT. It should be noted that more anti-Le antibodies, although not shown here, were detected either by IAT or by direct agglutination (IgM antibodies). In summary, these data show that vLIS/IAT improved antibody detection when incorporated into routine pre-transfusion tests. They also indicate that one method does not detect all clinically significant antibodies; therefore it is beneficial to use two methods which in combination cover the varying spectra of RBC antibodies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Water Level Loggers as a Low-Cost Tool for Monitoring of Stormwater Control Measures

Stormwater control measures (SCMs) are a key component of watershed health in urbanized areas. SCMs are used to increase infiltration and reduce discharge to streams or storm sewer systems during rain events. Monitoring is important for the evaluation of design and causes of failure in SCMs. However, the expense of monitoring means it is not always included in stormwater control planning. This study shows how low-cost water level loggers can be used to answer certain questions about SCM performance. Five case studies are presented that use water level loggers to evaluate the overflow of basins, compare a traditional stormpipe trench with an infiltration trench, monitor timing of blue roof storage, show the effects of retrofitting a basin, and provide long term performance data. Water level loggers can be used to answer questions about the timing and location of stormwater overflows, which helps to evaluate the effectiveness of SCMs. More expensive monitoring and modeling can be used as a follow up if needed to more thoroughly assess a site. Nonetheless, low-cost monitoring can be a first step in identifying sites that need improvement or additional monitoring.
Neurophysiology of Itch

The finding that histamine-induced itch is conducted by mechano-insensitive nerves has suggested the presence of itch-specific neuronal pathways. Itch is suppressed by painful stimuli and increased by inhibition of pain. Peripheral and central neuronal sensitization plays a significant role in pruritic diseases like atopic dermatitis. Tryptase, acetylcholine, bradykinin and leu-kotriene B4 belong to possible pruritogens other than histamine. Pruritus can originate from neuronal disorders as well as systemic diseases. Targets of antipruritic therapies include pruri-togens, inflammation, opioids, neuronal sensi-tization, neurotransmission.
Wide versus narrow margins after partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Balancing recurrence risk and liver function.

Abstract Background The goal of this study was to compare the outcome after partial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in which a margin less than or equal to 5 mm or greater than 5 mm was achieved. Methods A review of our 3300-patient prospective HPB database was performed from 12/2002 to 4/2015. Patients were stratified into two groups: resection margins ≤5 (“narrow”) and >5 mm (“wide”) as measured on final pathologic assessment. Results One-hundred thirty patients were included in the analysis (margin ≤5 mm, n = 41 and margin >5 mm, n = 89). At the time of analysis 54 patients had developed 56 recurrences, 15 (37%) in the narrow margin group and 41 (46%) in the wide margin group, p = 0.45. The pattern of recurrence was similar in the two groups: intrahepatic 11 (79%) versus 30 (75%), p = 1, and extra-hepatic 6 (43%) versus 17 (43%), p = 1. Median disease-free survival was similar in both groups, 18.1 versus 19.5 months (p = 0.85). Conclusions A narrow resection margin (5 mm or less) does not detract from oncologic outcomes after partial hepatectomy for HCC. Tailoring resection margins may lead to greater preservation of hepatic parenchyma. Factors other than margin status represent the driving forces for local and systemic recurrence.
Demonstration Results on Advanced Amine Solvents, Packings and Process at IHI's AIOI PILOT PLANT

Abstract IHI has been developing Post Combustion Capture (PCC) technology using a chemical absorption process which is applied to coal-fired power plants. To reduce the costs of CO 2 capture, we have been investigating advanced amine solvents, packings, and process. The 2 nd IHI packing and new process were evaluated at a 20 ton-CO 2 /d pilot plant. The absorption performance of the 2 nd IHI packing was 1.8 times higher than a conventional packing with almost the same pressure loss per unit height. As a result of process performance tests, the regeneration energy of new IHI process achieved less than 2.4 GJ/t-CO 2 exluding the radiation heat.
Effects of serum phosphorus on vascular calcification in a healthy, adult population: A systematic review.

Cardiovascular disease has been associated with elevated serum phosphorus levels, which have been associated with cardiovascular mortality. This is commonly seen in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population where studies have shown that high phosphorus levels cause coronary artery calcification. Although studies have independently associated vascular stiffness and serum phosphorus in those with and without CKD, there are fewer data in individuals without CKD. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to analyze whether serum phosphorus levels are associated with cardiovascular calcification in healthy individuals. A systematic review of the literature that was conducted revealed 10 articles, all cross-sectional studies, that met eligibility criteria. These criteria were peer-reviewed studies on a healthy, adult population written in the English language. Studies lacking data on serum phosphorus and measured to assess its association with vascular calcification were excluded. Studies on subjects with CKD, other chronic diseases, or on children were also excluded. Of the 10 studies located, 8 indicated an association between serum phosphorus and vascular calcification. One study did not indicate an association. One study indicated a statistically significant association between serum phosphorus and vascular calcification prevalence, but not incidence. Studies were limited since no randomized controlled trials were available. This systematic review generates gaps in research. Due to considerable amounts of phosphorus additives in the food supply, there may be a connection to dietary phosphorus and vascular calcification. Additionally, phosphorus binders may assist in the prevention of vascular calcification but have not been studied in a healthy population. Further study on both dietary phosphorus restriction and phosphorus binders is needed. While 8 out of 10 cross-sectional studies found an association in this systematic review, the topic of vascular calcification and serum phosphorus needs further study if a cause and effect relationship is to be detected.
Potential for gulls to transport bacteria from human waste sites to beaches

Contamination of recreational beaches due to fecal waste from gulls complicates beach monitoring and may pose a risk to public health. Gulls that feed at human waste sites may ingest human fecal microorganisms associated with that waste. If these gulls also visit beaches, they may serve as vectors, transporting fecal microorganisms to the beach where they may subsequently contaminate sand and water. In this study, samples collected from landfills, treated wastewater storage lagoons, and public beaches demonstrated a spatial and temporal overlap of markers for gull and human-associated microorganisms. In addition, markers for gull, fecal indicator bacteria, and the human-associated marker, HF183, were detected in gull feces and cloacae samples. Further, HF183 was detected in cloacae samples from gulls that were documented by radio-telemetry traveling between human waste sites and public beaches. This study highlights the potential for gulls that visit human waste sites to disperse human-associated microorganisms in the beach landscape.
Market Information: Agricultural Statistics, Grading and Inspection, Market News, and Other Information Sources

Information as accurate and up-to-date as possible on supply, demand, and prices is essential for anyone directly or indirectly involved in the business of marketing fresh fruits and vegetables. Obtaining such information for these commodities is especially challenging because of the way they fluctuate in production, vary in quality, rapidly deteriorate, and also because many sales are made to buyers located long distances from production areas who are unable to physically examine the product. Most commodities are also produced in many different areas and sold in many markets, and supplies, demands, and prices are all interrelated.
Low yield for non-targeted biopsies of the stomach and esophagus during elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Background and study aims Biopsies of non-specific mucosal findings are often performed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We sought to determine the prevalence and clinical utility of non-targeted biopsies of the stomach and esophagus. Patients and methods We conducted a retrospective review of 949 outpatient EGDs performed at a US tertiary referral center. Non-targeted biopsies of the stomach were defined as either “normal” or “mild” to “moderate” “erythema” or “inflammation” without other endoscopic features. Non-targeted biopsies of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) were defined as endoscopically “normal” mucosa. The primary outcome was the proportion of non-targeted biopsies resulting in “definite management change.” Secondary outcomes included histopathologic diagnoses of Helicobacter pylori, intestinal metaplasia and esophageal eosinophilia. Results Of 949 EGDs, 332 (35.0 %, 95 % CI 31.9 – 38.1 %) had a non-targeted biopsy taken at any site. Erythema in the gastric body and antrum was biopsied at a rate of 83 – 86 %, while biopsies of “normal”-appearing mucosa occurred at rates from 3 % (GEJ) to 15 % (body and antrum). The percentage of non-targeted biopsies that led to definite management change ranged from 5 % in the GEJ and esophagus to 9 % in the antrum, but did not significantly differ by mucosal appearance. Multivariable regression analyses suggested associations of language and age > 50 with management change from non-targeted gastric biopsy. Conclusions Non-targeted biopsies of the stomach and esophagus led to definite management change in a small proportion of patients. Further studies are needed to identify patient and/or endoscopic characteristics and techniques to improve the yield of this practice.
Peer Victimization and Sexual Risk Taking Among Adolescents.

Background Research indicates that victimization exposures are associated with sexual risk-taking behaviors, but there is a relative lack of research on the relation between peer victimization and sexual risk taking among adolescents. This study fills this gap through examining how bullying, cyberbullying, and dating violence victimization at baseline are related to sexual risk-taking behaviors 1 year later. Methods Participants were a convenience sample of 220 sexually active high school students who were drawn from a larger sample of 2205 adolescents attending 6 high schools in Illinois. Adolescents completed Wave 1 surveys in Spring 2015 and Wave 2 surveys in Spring 2016. Results Latent difference score models indicated that bullying victimization was not related to sexual risk-taking behaviors. Baseline levels of cyberbullying and verbal teen dating violence, however, were both associated with more sex under the influence of alcohol at Wave 2. Further, findings revealed that changes over time in verbal teen dating violence victimization were associated with changes over time in sex under the influence of alcohol. Conclusions Given links between peer victimization exposures and sexual risk-taking behaviors, school-based prevention and intervention efforts should address these in concert with one another.
Stacked metal complexes: Structures and properties

We discuss the structural aspects of crystals that contain molecular stacks and are comprised of two components, at least one of which is a planar transition-metal chelate complex. One of the components may be viewed as an electron donor, D, or its cation, D+p, the other an acceptor, A, or its anion, A−q. In these crystals either one or both components tend to form stacks, and we employ a classification scheme whose first major division is structural: crystals either contain stacks that integrate the D and A units, or the D and A units can be segregated with D or A stacking, or both. The second major division is physical. In an integrated stack crystal the metal-ligand complex is either neutral or ionic; in a segregated stack crystal it either has an integral oxidation state or a non-integral oxidation state. The non-integral oxidation state is sometimes referred to as “partial oxidation”, “mixed valence”, or “incomplete charge transfer”.
Impacted Particulate Allograft for Femoral Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty In vitro Mechanical Stability and Effects of Cement Pressurization

The initial migration and micromotion of the revision femoral stem stabilized with morselized impacted cancellous allograft and bone-cement and the influence of cement pressurization on fixation of the cement/allograft composite to the host were examined with human cadaver femurs. The stability of the allograft/cemented reconstruction was found to be intermediate between those of conventional cemented and cementless stems. In most cases, the stability of the reconstruction was closer to that of cemented than to that of cementless stems. This may account for histologic findings of graft incorporation in experimental and retrieved specimens reported by other authors. Although increased cement pressurization led to greater penetration of cement into the graft bed, greater cement penetration did not increase fixation strength of the cement/allograft composite to the host.
Surveillance for World Trade Center Disaster Health Effects Among Survivors of Collapsed and Damaged Buildings

PROBLEM/CONDITION: Survivors of collapsed or damaged buildings from the attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) were among those most exposed to injury hazards, air pollution, and traumatic events. REPORTING PERIOD: This report summarizes data from health outcomes collected during interviews conducted from September 5, 2003, to the close of the World Trade Center Health Registry (WTCHR) enrollment on November 20, 2004. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: WTCHR will be used to monitor periodically the mental and physical health of 71,437 enrollees for 20 years. The analysis is limited to 8,418 adult survivors of collapsed buildings (n = 5,095) and buildings with major or moderate damage (n = 3,323), excluding those who were involved in rescue and recovery. RESULTS: A total of 62.4% of survivors of collapsed or damaged buildings were caught in the dust and debris cloud that resulted from the collapse of the WTC towers, and 63.8% experienced three or more potentially psychologically traumatizing events. Injuries were common (43.6%), but few survivors reported injuries that would have required extensive treatment. More than half (56.6%) of survivors reported experiencing new or worsening respiratory symptoms after the attacks, 23.9% had heartburn/reflux, and 21.0% had severe headaches. At the time of the interview, 10.7% of building survivors screened positive for serious psychological distress (SPD) using the K6 instrument. After multiple adjustments, data indicated that survivors caught in the dust and debris cloud were more likely to report any injuries (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.9; p Language: en
Towards Quantifying Depth and Size Perception in 3D Virtual Environments

With the rapid advance of real-time computer graphics, head-mounted displays HMDs have become popular tools for 3D visualization. One of the most promising and challenging future uses of HMDs, however, is in applications where virtual environments enhance rather than replace real environments. In such applications, a virtual image is superimposed on a real image. The unique problem raised by this superimposition is the difficulty that the human visual system may have in integrating information from these two environments. As a starting point to studying the problem of information integration in see-through environments, we investigate the quantification of depth and size perception of virtual objects relative to real objects in combined real and virtual environments. This starting point leads directly to the important issue of system calibration, which must be completed before perceived depth and sizes are measured. Finally, preliminary experimental results on the perceived depth of spatially nonoverlapping real and virtual objects are presented.
Artistic Practices and the Artistic Dispositif – A Critical Review*

This article explores several different ways that art has been integrated into and rearticulated by various disciplines over the last few decades. In the face of a new trend —a steady increase in t...
Divergence in Diversity and Composition of Root-Associated Fungi Between Greenhouse and Field Studies in a Semiarid Grassland

Investigations of plant-soil feedbacks (PSF) and plant-microbe interactions often rely exclusively on greenhouse experiments, yet we have little understanding of how, and when, results can be extrapolated to explain phenomena in nature. A systematic comparison of microbial communities using the same host species across study environments can inform the generalizability of such experiments. We used Illumina MiSeq sequencing to characterize the root-associated fungi of two foundation grasses from a greenhouse PSF experiment, a field PSF experiment, field monoculture stands, and naturally occurring resident plants in the field. A core community consisting 50% of total sequence abundance occurred in plants from all study types, demonstrating the ability of field and greenhouse experiments to capture the dominant component of natural communities. Fungal communities were plant species-specific across the study types, with the core community showing stronger host specificity than peripheral taxa. Roots from the greenhouse and field PSF experiments had lower among sample variability in community composition and higher diversity than those from naturally occurring, or planted monoculture plants from the field. Core and total fungal composition differed substantially across study types, and dissimilarity between fungal communities did not predict plant-soil feedbacks measured in experiments. These results suggest that rhizobiome assembly mechanisms in nature differ from the dynamics of short-term, inoculation studies. Our results validate the efficacy of common PSF experiment designs to test soil inoculum effects, and highlight the challenges of scaling the underlying microbial mechanisms of plant responses from whole-community inoculation experiments to natural ecosystems.
Nerve Conduction Studies in Surgical Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Patients

Background: Electrodiagnostic studies (EDX) serve a prominent role in the diagnostic workup of cubital tunnel syndrome (CBTS), but their reported sensitivity varies widely. The goals of our study were to determine the sensitivity of EDX in a cohort of patients who responded well to surgical cubital tunnel release (CBTR), and whether the implementation of the Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) criteria improves the sensitivity. Methods: We identified 118 elbows with clinical CBTS who had preoperative EDX and underwent CBTR. The EDX diagnoses were CBTS, ulnar neuropathy (UN), and normal ulnar nerves. We divided the 118 elbows into those that received above-elbow stimulation (XE group) and those that did not (non-XE group). We calculated the sensitivities for all groups and reinterpreted the results according to the AANEM guidelines. Results: Cubital tunnel release provided significant relief in 93.6% of the elbows. Based on the EDX reports, 11% patients had clear CBTS, 23% had UN, and 66% showed no UN. The sensitivities were 11.7% for CBTS and 34.2% for any UN. In the XE group, the sensitivity of the EDX reports for CBTS and UN climbed to 33.3% and 58.3%, respectively. When we calculated the across-elbow motor nerve conduction velocity, the sensitivity for CBTS and UN was 87.5% and 100%, respectively. The XE and non-XE groups showed no difference except for sex, bilaterality, concomitant carpal tunnel release, and obesity (P < .05). Conclusion: Implementing AANEM guidelines results in significant improvement in correlation of clinical and electrodiagnostic findings of CBTS.
Highs and lows of cannabinoid-dopamine interactions: effects of genetic variability and pharmacological modulation of catechol-O-methyl transferase on the acute response to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans.

The catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) enzyme has been implicated in determining dopaminergic tone and the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the human brain. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of (1) a functional polymorphism and (2) acute pharmacological inhibition of COMT on the acute response to THC in humans. Sub-study I: The effect of intravenous (IV) THC (0.05 mg/kg) was investigated in 74 healthy subjects genotyped for the COMT rs4680 (Val/Met) polymorphism in a 2-test-day double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Sub-study II: COMT rs4680 homozygous subjects (Val/Val and Met/Met) from sub-study I received the COMT enzyme inhibitor tolcapone (200 mg) followed by IV THC or placebo on two additional test days. Subjective, behavioral, and cognitive data were obtained periodically on each test day. Sub-study I: Val/Val individuals were most sensitive to THC-induced attention and working memory deficits. In contrast, the psychotomimetic and subjective effects of THC were not influenced by COMT genotype. Sub-study II: Tolcapone reduced THC-induced working memory deficits, but not THC’s psychotomimetic effects. Tolcapone and COMT genotype (met/met) were associated with an increased report of feeling “mellow.” The interaction between COMT rs4680 polymorphisms and tolcapone on the cognitive, but not on the psychotomimetic and overall subjective effects of THC, suggests that modulation of dopaminergic signaling may selectively influence specific cannabinoid effects in healthy individuals. The role of dopaminergic signaling in the cognitive effects of cannabinoids should be considered in drug development efforts targeting these effects. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00678730?term=NCT00678730&rank=1 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00678730.
Gamifying psychological assessment: insights from gamifying the thematic apperception test

Gamification and serious games have the capacity to increase engagement in often non-engaging contexts such as a test. In this study, we gamified a psychological test, the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), with the player motivation concepts of achievement, exploration, and social interactions. We used the platform Study-Crafter to implement our games and ran a study to test the effectiveness of this gamified psychological assessment. All participants completed both the standard version of the TAT and our gamified versions and rated their experience in each setting through self-reports. Our results show that the gamified versions of the TAT provided a more enjoyable and motivating experience than the standard version. We conclude that gamifying psychological tests has potential for increasing motivation in psychological assessments while questions of validity remain to be addressed.
Room‐Temperature Active Modulation of Valley Dynamics in a Monolayer Semiconductor through Chiral Purcell Effects

Spin-dependent contrasting phenomena at K and K' valleys in monolayer semiconductors have led to addressable valley degree of freedom, which is the cornerstone for emerging valleytronic applications in information storage and processing. Tunable and active modulation of valley dynamics in a monolayer WSe2 is demonstrated at room temperature through controllable chiral Purcell effects in plasmonic chiral metamaterials. The strong spin-dependent modulation on the spontaneous decay of valley excitons leads to tunable handedness and spectral shift of valley-polarized emission, which is analyzed and predicted by an advanced theoretical model and further confirmed by experimental measurements. Moreover, large active spectral tuning (≈24 nm) and reversible ON/OFF switching of circular polarization of emission are achieved by the solvent-controllable thickness of the dielectric spacer in the metamaterials. With the on-demand and active tunability in valley-polarized emission, chiral Purcell effects can provide new strategies to harness valley excitons for applications in ultrathin valleytronic devices.
Developing a Culture of Successful Communication in Acute Care Settings: Part I. Solving Patient-Specific Issues.

Purpose Establishing services for hospitalized patients with complex communication needs requires identifying and addressing both patient-based and institutional barriers. In this 1st article, we f...
Wave Runup Loading Behind a Semipermeable Obstacle

Abstract This paper describes an investigation of the interaction of breaking solitary wave runup with a two-dimensional semipermeable (vegetated) obstacle and the resulting wave loading on a downs...
Research Progress of SCN9A Gene

SCN9A,encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit type Ⅸ,is predominanfly expressed in sensory and sympathetic neurons,with strikingly high levels in DRG.In 2004,Yang-yong and others firstly found out that the mutations in SCN9A caused primary erythermalgia(IEM),and then researchers found out that SCN9A mutations also caused paroxysmal extreme pain disorder(PEPD)and congenital indifference to pain(CIP).The pathogenic mechanism of SCN9A mutations and the relationship between SCN9A and pain have gradually become a hot spot of today's research.Up till now.there are many studies on SCN9A gene either on molecular level based on patch clamp technique or on global level based on gene knock-out technique.In this article we make a review of these studies. Key words: SCNgA; Primary erythermalgia; Paroxysmal extreme pain disorder; Congenital in difference to pain
Self-Efficacy Practices That Impact Effective Reading Instruction for Young Learners

In this chapter, Minicozzi and Dardzinski examine the extent to which teacher candidates understand the multifaceted nature of reading instruction that it is requisite to become confident and knowledgeable teachers. This chapter addresses the challenges that early childhood teachers face when enacting a comprehensive literacy plan which adheres to the development of all learning domains: physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive. The co-authors discuss implications for practice such as improving the quality of teacher education programs by creating thoughtful, evidence-based effective reading instruction, including mastery experiences—a lively theory-to-practice synergy to engage with content and effectively apply it in extended long-term placements. These are the underpinnings of developing teacher candidates’ nascent self-efficacy. Mastery experiences include assuming the duties of a “real” English language arts teacher and providing literacy instruction through modeled, shared, guided, and independent practice.
Building Design Thinking into Content Strategy

This experience report demonstrates how to build design thinking into content strategy practices. Design thinking is an innovation process of empathizing, ideating, and prototyping for the optimal user experience. Content strategy is a process of analyzing and strategizing for optimal content that meets user goals and business objectives. This report compares the processes of design thinking and content strategy. It reports two approaches, user journey mapping and storyboarding, which effectively apply the advantages of design thinking to enrich content strategy.
SMARCA4 (BRG1) and SMARCB1 (INI1) expression in TTF-1 negative neuroendocrine carcinomas including merkel cell carcinoma

SMARCA4 and SMARCB1 loss of function has been implicated in many different tumors. The objective of this study was to investigate the loss of BRG1 and INI1 expression in TTF-1 negative neuroendocrine carcinomas to see if they are analogous to small-cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type. The potential role of these tumor suppressor genes in high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma largely remains unknown. Cases of previously diagnosed Small cell carcinoma (SmCC), Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) were selected. Immunohistochemical expression patterns for BRG1 and INI1 were interpreted as: intact, hybrid and complete loss of nuclear staining. SmCC and LCNEC cases were divided as TTF-1 positive and TTF-1 negative subsets. One case of TTF-1 negative SmCC (lung) showed loss of SMARCA4(BRG1) expression. Amongst TTF-1 negative LCNEC, one case (lung) showed complete loss of SMARCA4(BRG1) and partial loss of SMARCB1(INI1) and one case (lymph node) had hybrid expression of SMARCA4(BRG1) with intact SMARCB1(INI1) expression. All TTF-1 positive cases and all MCC cases showed intact expression of SMARCA4(BRG1) and SMARCB1(INI1). Our study highlights that SMARCA4(BRG1) is deficient in a subset of NEC. Inactivation of SMARCA4 in a subset of TTF-1 negative neuroendocrine carcinomas especially of pulmonary site can be further studied for their therapeutic response to targeted therapy e.g. EZH2 inhibitors. In addition, our study is the first to show that BRG1 and INI1 expression are intact in MCC and hence the biology of MCC might be completely exclusive of these two tumor suppressor genes.
Reverse-engineering country risk ratings: a combinatorial non-recursive model

The central objective of this paper is to develop a transparent, consistent, self-contained, and stable country risk rating model, closely approximating the country risk ratings provided by Standard and Poor’s (S&P). The model should be non-recursive, i.e., it should not rely on the previous years’ S&P ratings. The set of variables selected here includes not only economic-financial but also political variables. We propose a new model based on the novel combinatorial-logical technique of Logical Analysis of Data (which derives a new rating system only from the qualitative information representing pairwise comparisons of country riskiness). We also develop a method allowing to derive a rating system that has any desired level of granularity. The accuracy of the proposed model’s predictions, measured by its correlation coefficients with the S&P ratings, and confirmed by k-folding cross-validation, exceeds 95%. The stability of the constructed non-recursive model is shown in three ways: by the correlation of the predictions with those of other agencies (Moody’s and The Institutional Investor), by predicting 1999 ratings using the non-recursive model derived from the 1998 dataset applied to the 1999 data, and by successfully predicting the ratings of several previously non-rated countries. This study provides new insights on the importance of variables by supporting the necessity of including in the analysis, in addition to economic variables, also political variables (in particular “political stability”), and by identifying “financial depth and efficiency” as a new critical factor in assessing country risk.
Ensemble-level energy transfer measurements can reveal the spatial distribution of defect sites in semiconductor nanocrystals

Energy transfer measurements are widely used to measure the distance between donors and acceptors in heterogeneous environments. In nanocrystal (NC)-molecule donor–acceptor systems, NC defects can participate in electronic energy transfer (EnT) in a defect-mediated EnT process. Here, we explore whether ensemble-level spectroscopy measurements can quantify the distance between the donor defect sites in the NC and acceptor molecules. We studied defect-mediated EnT between ZnO NCs and Alexa Fluor 555 (A555) because EnT occurs via emissive NC defect sites, such as oxygen vacancies. We synthesized a size series of ZnO NCs and characterized their radii, concentration, photoluminescence (PL) lifetime, and defect PL quantum yield using a combination of transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis, and time-resolved PL spectroscopy. The ZnO defect PL decay kinetics were analyzed using the stochastic binding (SB) and restricted geometry (RG) models. Both models assume the Forster point dipole approximation, but the RG model considers the geometry of the NC donor in the presence of multiple acceptors. The RG model revealed that the emissive defect sites are separated, on average, 0.5 nm from the A555 acceptor molecules. That is, the emissive defect sites are predominantly located at or near the surface of large NCs. The SB model revealed the average number of A555 molecules per NC and the equilibrium binding constant but did not provide meaningful information regarding the defect–acceptor distance. We conclude that ensemble-level EnT measurements can reveal the spatial distribution of defect sites in NCs without the need for interrogating the sample with a microscope.
Effect of soybean variety and systemic induction on herbivore feeding guilds

Plants are attacked by a variety of herbivores and respond with localized or systemic defenses. Plant defense against one feeding guild (e.g. chewing, piercing/sucking) may also affect alternate feeding guilds. To optimize host plant resistance, interactions between feeding guilds must be understood. Aphids are plant virus vectors whose vector efficiency can be altered by plant defenses. To determine if systemic induction influences aphid feeding behaviors related to virus transmission, three soybean varieties, Davis, Lyon, and Progeny 4906RR, were induced by subjecting plants to soybean looper (SBL) herbivory, or exogenous applications of either jasmonic acid (JA) or salicylic acid (SA). Green peach aphid (GPA) apterae feeding behavior was recorded on induced and control plants using the Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique. SBL growth bioassays were used to assess systemic induction. Previous SBL herbivory reduced SBL larval weights when fed Progeny 4906RR. JA reduced larval weights on Progeny 4906RR and Davis. SA increased SBL larval weights on Lyon. SBL herbivory decreased behaviors associated with nonpersistent virus transmission in Davis and Progeny 4906RR. JA altered behaviors associated with virus transmission in Davis and increased behaviors associated with virus acquisition in Progeny 4906RR. SA delayed probing in Davis, but increased behaviors associated with virus transmission in Progeny 4906RR and Lyon. Inducing host plant resistance with JA may reduce herbivore performance and increase nonpersistent virus transmission. Previous chewing herbivory may decrease nonpersistent virus transmission by aphids but is variety dependent.
Lies, Damned Lies, and Bioethicists.

The opening sentence of Christopher Meyers’ Target Article is “Lying to one’s patient is wrong” (Meyers 2021). The author continues, “This truism is one that bioethicists have heartedly endorsed fo...
Reactions to reduced nicotine content cigarettes in a sample of young adult, low-frequency smokers

Reducing nicotine content in cigarettes to ≤ 2.4 mg per g of tobacco [mg/g] reduces smoking behavior and toxicant exposure among adult daily smokers. However, cigarettes with similar nicotine content could support continued experimentation and smoking progression among young adults who smoke infrequently. This study evaluated the threshold for nicotine in cigarettes that produces reactions associated with smoking progression in a sample of young adults who smoke infrequently. Young adults (n = 87, 18–25 years, 49% female) using tobacco products ≤ 15 days per month completed three counterbalanced, double-blinded sessions, each measuring positive and negative subjective reactions to fixed doses of smoke from investigational cigarettes containing one of three different nicotine contents: normal (NNC; 15.8 mg/g); very low (VLNC; 0.4 mg/g); and intermediate (INC; 2.4 mg/g). In a final session, participants chose one of the cigarettes to self-administer. Post-cigarette breath carbon monoxide was greater for VLNC than for NNC (p < 0.001). Positive reactions were greater for NNC than INC (p < 0.001) and for INC than VLNC (p = 0.001). Negative reactions were greater for NNC than INC and VLNC (both p < 0.001); INC and VLNC did not differ. Cigarette choices did not differ from an even distribution (43% NNC, 25% INC, 32% VLNC), but choice for NNC or INC was associated with higher ratio of positive to negative reactions during the NNC and INC fixed dose sessions, respectively (p < 0.001). Reducing nicotine content will likely lower the abuse liability of cigarettes for most young, low-frequency smokers. Additional work is needed to determine if compensatory smoking may lead to increased toxicant exposure, and if a subset of individuals choosing lower nicotine cigarettes may continue to smoke regardless of nicotine content.
Psychological Distress as a Primer for Sexual Risk Taking Among Emerging Adults

Emerging adults experience increased morbidity as a result of psychological distress and risky sexual behavior. This study examines how sexual behaviors (e.g., condom use inconsistency and past yea...