cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phytoplankton blooms in Lake Erie impacted by both long-term and springtime phosphorus loading

Abstract Harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie have been increasing in severity over the past two decades, prompting new phosphorus loading target recommendations. We explore long-term drivers of phytoplankton blooms by leveraging new estimates of historical bloom extent from Landsat 5 covering 1984–2001 together with existing data covering 2002–2015. We find that a linear combination of springtime and long-term cumulative dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) loading explains a high proportion of interannual variability in maximum summertime bloom extent for 1984–2015 (R2 = 0.75). This finding suggests that the impacts of internal loading are potentially greater than previously understood, and that the hypothesized recent increased susceptibility to blooms may be attributable to high decadal-scale cumulative loading. Based on this combined loading model, achieving mild bloom conditions in Lake Erie (defined in recent studies as bloom areas below 600 km2 nine years out of ten) would require DRP loads to be reduced by 58% relative to the 2001–2015 average (equivalent to annual DRP loading of 240 MT and April to July DRP loading of 78 MT). Reaping the full benefits of load reductions may therefore take up to a decade due to the effects of historical loading.
Parsing disease-relevant protein modifications from epiphenomena: perspective on the structural basis of SOD1-mediated ALS.

Conformational change and modification of proteins are involved in many cellular functions. However, they can also have adverse effects that are implicated in numerous diseases. How structural change promotes disease is generally not well-understood. This perspective illustrates how mass spectrometry (MS), followed by toxicological and epidemiological validation, can discover disease-relevant structural changes and therapeutic strategies. We (with our collaborators) set out to characterize the structural and toxic consequences of disease-associated mutations and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of the cytosolic antioxidant protein Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Previous genetic studies discovered >180 different mutations in the SOD1 gene that caused familial (inherited) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS). Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange with mass spectrometry, we determined that diverse disease-associated SOD1 mutations cause a common structural defect - perturbation of the SOD1 electrostatic loop. X-ray crystallographic studies had demonstrated that this leads to protein aggregation through a specific interaction between the electrostatic loop and an exposed beta-barrel edge strand. Using epidemiology methods, we then determined that decreased SOD1 stability and increased protein aggregation are powerful risk factors for fALS progression, with a combined hazard ratio > 300 (for comparison, a lifetime of smoking is associated with a hazard ratio of ~15 for lung cancer). The resulting structural model of fALS etiology supported the hypothesis that some sporadic ALS (sALS, ~80% of ALS is not associated with a gene defect) could be caused by post-translational protein modification of wild-type SOD1. We developed immunocapture antibodies and high sensitivity top-down MS methods and characterized PTMs of wild-type SOD1 using human tissue samples. Using global hydrogen-deuterium exchange, X-ray crystallography and neurotoxicology, we then characterized toxic and protective subsets of SOD1 PTMs. To cap this perspective, we present proof-of-concept that post-translational modification can cause disease. We show that numerous mutations (N➔D; Q➔E), which result in the same chemical structure as the PTM deamidation, cause multiple diseases. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semicompatibilism: no ability to do otherwise required

In this paper, I argue that it is open to semicompatibilists to maintain that no ability to do otherwise is required for moral responsibility. This is significant for two reasons. First, it undermines Christopher Evan Franklin’s recent claim that everyone thinks that an ability to do otherwise is necessary for free will and moral responsibility. Second, it reveals an important difference between John Martin Fischer’s semicompatibilism and Kadri Vihvelin’s version of classical compatibilism, which shows that the dispute between them is not merely (or even largely) a verbal dispute. Along the way, I give special attention to the notion of general abilities, and, though I defend the distinctiveness of Fischer’s semicompatibilism against the verbal dispute charge, I also use the discussion of the nature of general abilities to argue for the falsity of a certain claim that Fischer and coauthor Mark Ravizza have made about their account (namely that “reactivity is all of a piece”).
Check twice, cut once—Improved CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing accuracy

Based on observations of the mechanism underlying target discrimination, researchers have developed highly accurate variants of CRISPR-Cas9.
Understanding the state of university web site accessibility

From brick and mortar buildings to online classes, statutes provide students with disabilities the right to engage in the educational process in a non-discriminatory manner. Accessible bathrooms and access ramps are visible indicators of legislative adherence, but what about the ever-important electronic curb cuts in an institution's digital world? The answer is critical for the students who depend on the integration of accessible design into institutional web resources. At Winthrop University, we offer a degree program that concentrates on web development. One of the many topics that students are expected to learn is developing web sites that conform to international standards for accessibility. But do our universities practice what we preach? This paper presents an analysis of how well the home pages of universities that participated in the 2016 CCSC Eastern Conference comply with accessibility standards.
Vigor of reaching movements: reward discounts the cost of effort.

Movements may be thought of as an economic transaction where the vigor of the movement represents the effort that the brain is willing to expend to acquire a rewarding state. We show that in reachi...
Development and Validation of the Foot Union Scoring Evaluation Tool for Arthrodesis of Foot Structures.

Abstract Reliable evaluation of osseous consolidation after pedal arthrodesis can be difficult, and the presence or absence of radiographic healing often dictates care. Plain radiographs remain the mainstay imaging tool owing to their cost, efficiency, and low radiation exposure. Applying radiographic parameters that can reliably determine osseous healing is essential. However, currently, no reliable or validated measures are available to determine osseous union of any joint in the foot or ankle. The purpose of the present study was to develop a radiographic healing scoring system that would enhance the diagnostic healing assessment after joint arthrodesis of the foot or ankle. We adapted several existing scales previously validated for fracture healing in the leg, because no study has attempted to apply this to a joint fusion model. A total of 150 cases were evaluated by 6 blinded assessors to test the interrater reliability of the subjective healing assessment compared with the proposed scoring system. The radiographs were classified by the postoperative period: ≤4 weeks, 5 to 12 weeks, and >12 weeks. The initial proposed scale was found to have high interrater reliability but was burdensome. Using a priori item reduction protocols, a limited 5-item scale further improved the internal consistency and reduced the burden. The result was excellent interrater reliability (α = 0.978, standard deviation 0.02, 95% confidence interval 0.96 to 0.99) among all assessors compared with the reduced reliability (α = 0.752) for subjective arthrodesis healing. Intrarater reliability was also found to be superior using a test–retest method. The reliability of this system appeared superior to the subjective assessment of arthrodesis healing, even in the absence of clinical correlates, after foot arthrodesis.
The Analysis of Liquid Crystal Mixtures

Liquid crystals have become a widely used material for information display. There have been many references to the use of liquid crystals as media for analytical investigations including use as a stationary phase in Gas Chromatography (GC)1,2,3,4,5,6 but few have mentioned the chromatography of liquid crystals themselves.7
Frontiers of Bioseparations Technology: Unsolved Problems and Novel Process Concepts

The unique properties, and formidable processing problems associated with the isolation and purification of bioactive proteins and other biologically derived substances have become a major challenge to the chemical and biochemical engineer.The extraordinarily high standards of purity demanded of such products to satisfy regulatory requirements of safety, coupled with their dependence upon precisely controlled tertiary and quarternary structure for proper biological activity, require the development and use of separation/purification techniques uncommon to traditional bioprocessing practices, and of novel processing concepts which call upon the collective expertise of life scientist and engineer.
Temporomandibular joint involvement in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a preliminary report.

Objective Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are at risk for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthritis. This can lead to pain, limited mouth opening, facial asymmetry, and malocclusion. Our objective was to characterize patients with JIA and TMJ involvement in a single center. Study Design This was a retrospective study of children with JIA evaluated at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Inclusion criteria were confirmed JIA and jaw complaints. Medical records were reviewed to document demographics, JIA information, age at first TMJ complaint, and involvement of other joints. Descriptive statistics were computed. Results Majority of patients were white (mean age 13 years; range 5-18 years) with polyarticular rheumatoid factor (RF) negative or oligoarticular persistent JIA. Some were antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive, RF positive, or human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 positive. Patients had involvement of other joints (e.g., fingers, knees, wrists). Of those with TMJ symptoms, 6 (10%) had TMJ arthritis. Conclusions In our cohort, 60 (10%) of patients were diagnosed with TMJ arthritis. In this population, patients who are female, white, RF negative, HLA-B27 negative, ANA negative, and polyarticular RF-negative subtype and have involvement of other joints have a higher likelihood of having TMJ symptoms. If a patient meets these criteria, careful evaluation of TMJs should take place.
O2 Activation by Nonheme FeII α-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Enzyme Variants: Elucidating the Role of the Facial Triad Carboxylate in FIH.

FIH [factor inhibiting HIF (hypoxia inducible factor)] is an α-ketoglutarate (αKG)-dependent nonheme iron enzyme that catalyzes the hydroxylation of the C-terminal transactivation domain (CAD) asparagine residue in HIF-1α to regulate cellular oxygen levels. The role of the facial triad carboxylate ligand in O2 activation and catalysis was evaluated by replacing the Asp201 residue with Gly (D201G), Ala (D201A), and Glu (D201E). Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy showed that the (FeII)FIH variants were all 6-coordinate (6C) and the αKG plus CAD bound FIH variants were all 5-coordinate (5C), mirroring the behavior of the wild-type (wt) enzyme. When only αKG is bound, all FIH variants exhibited weaker FeII–OH2 bonds for the sixth ligand compared to wt, and for αKG-bound D201E this is either extremely weak or the site is 5C, demonstrating that the Asp201 residue plays an important role in the wt enzyme in ensuring that the (FeII/αKG)FIH site remains 6C. Variable-temperature, variable-field (VTVH) M...
CLIMATIC CONTROL OF pH BUFFERING IN THE A AND B HORIZONS OF UNITED STATES SOILS

In previous studies, models of the climatic controls on pH in the A (pHA) and B horizons (pHB) of U.S. soils were developed which differ in the functional forms and variables incorporated into each model. This study suggests that the differences in the models are explained by climate's control over the soil properties that determine pH buffering. Climatic control of pHA and pHB buffering in most acid soils is through its control over clay mineralogy. However in very acid soils, organic matter content (OM) is a stronger buffer of pHA than is clay mineralogy because in these highly leached soils, OM contents are very high and most OM is concentrated in the A horizon. In basic soils, climate dominates buffering through its control over the chemical reactions involving calcium carbonate (CaCO3) formation. The pHA model suggests that in basic soils as moisture decreases CaCO3 content increases causing pHA buffering to increase. In contrast, the pHB model suggests that as moisture decreases pHB buffering decrea...
Planning, Tracking, and Reducing a Complex Project’s Value at Risk:

Uncertainty, risk, and rework make it extremely challenging to meet goals and deliver anticipated value in complex projects, and conventional techniques for planning and tracking earned value do no...
Supplemental ELM control in ITER through beryllium granule injection

Abstract Injection of low-Z granules into high performance discharges on DIII-D has been shown to promptly trigger Edge Localized Modes (ELMs) providing high-Z impurity control without significant plasma degradation. The ability to provide ELM triggering over a range of injection and discharge parameters suggests that the mechanical introduction of granules can be considered as an additional method of impurity control in ITER. Utilizing a spherically symmetric vapor shielding model for granule ablation, benchmarked with impurity granule injections on DIII-D, we simulate the injection of beryllium granules into ITER baseline discharges. By comparing the granule induced ELM triggering size required for deuterium and non-fuel pellets on DIII-D and cross-correlating with a previously simulated JOREK calcuation of D pellet size required for ELM triggering in ITER, we estimate that a beryllium pellet of 1.5 mm diameter should provide reliable ELM triggering on ITER. This size pellet, delivered at 200 m/s should penetrate 3.5 cm past the separatrix, solidly within the H-mode steep gradient region, a location found to be advantageous for ELM triggering with minimal pellet size.
Charter Schools and School Psychology.

Charter schools are a growing phenomenon in the contemporary educational landscape. In this article, charter schools are defined, and the various reasons that contributed to the creation of, and interest in, charter schools are briefly described. Select examples of successful, well-performing charters are profiled, along with criticisms of charter schools from various sectors. Eighty-nine trainers within school psychology programs throughout America responded to an anonymous online survey that asked their opinions on controversial topics related to charter schools, as well as indicating the extent to which their students were placed in charter schools for practica and internships within the past 5 years. Results indicated no clear imbalance of opinions on most controversial issues. However, a clear orientation against uncertified teachers working in charters, as well as an unwillingness to place students in charters without high quality services to children with disabilities, was observed. Implications of this research are then discussed.
198) Cognitive Intrusion of Pain as a Mediator of the Relationship between Pain Catastrophizing and Driving Outcomes among Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common pain conditions worldwide. Prior research has found that pain catastrophizing (a negative orientation toward pain experience) is associated with negative CLBP outcomes. Recent work has also demonstrated that pain catastrophizing is associated with negative outcomes in the context of driving among individuals with CLBP (greater pain, distractibility, and driving errors). One process by which pain catastrophizing may be related to negative outcomes while driving with CLBP is through attentional interference by pain. Accordingly, the current study examined whether cognitive intrusion by pain mediates the relationship between pain catastrophizing and driving outcomes among 315 participants with CLBP (159 female, Mean age=35.16 years, SD=10.52). Participants rated their average pain intensity and disability (Pain Disability Index), as well as how much driving escalated their pain intensity and distractibility due to pain while driving. Frequency of driving errors and violations was recorded using the Driving Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ). Participants also completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Experience of Cognitive Intrusion of Pain Scale (ECIP; modified for driving). In line with previous research, participants with higher PCS scores reported greater pain intensity and disability (r's=.26-.47, all p's
Increasing Utilization of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Multi-parametric resonance imaging (mpMRI) has emerged as a tool that may improve risk-stratification and decrease repeated biopsies in men on active surveillance. Howev...
Quantitative analysis of birth, weaning, and yearling weights and calving difficulty in Piedmontese crossbreds segregating an inactive myostatin allele.

The Piedmontese breed has a high frequency of double-muscling. Animals tested in this breed are homozygous for a guanine to adenine transition in exon 3 (C313Y) of the myostatin (MSTN) gene. This transition seems to be responsible for the double-muscling phenotype. The objective of this study was to compare effects of alternative MSTN genotypes on proportion of assisted calving and weights at birth, weaning, and 1 yr of age. Reciprocal backcross and F2 calves out of Piedmontese-Angus (PA) and Piedmontese-Hereford (PH) dams born in 1995 (n = 82), 1996 (n = 75), and 1997 (n = 144) were evaluated for birth (BWT, kg), adjusted weaning (W200, kg), and yearling (W365, kg) weights and calving difficulty expressed as a proportion of assisted calving (CD). The number of copies of C313Y was assessed in each calf. Data were analyzed with a model that included effects of year, sex, subclasses of proportion Piedmontese (.25, .5, .75) by number of C313Y copies (0 = +/+, 1 = mh/+, 2 = mh/mh), and age of dam as covariate. For BWT, heterozygous mh/+ animals were 3.2 +/- .8 kg heavier than +/+ animals. Homozygous mh/mh animals increased .19 +/- .06 in proportion of CD compared with mh/+ animals. Differences between homozygous animals (mh/mh - +/+) were 5.2 +/- 1 kg for BWT and .21 +/- .06 for CD. Heterozygous mh/+ animals were 9.1 +/- 4 kg heavier at W200 than homozygous +/+ animals. Homozygous +/+ and heterozygous animals were 20 +/- 8 and 24.5 +/- 8 kg, respectively, heavier at W365 than mh/mh animals. Differences between mh/+ and the mean of mh/mh and +/+ genotypes for W200 and W365 were 8.8 +/- 3 and 18 +/- 5 kg, respectively, suggesting dominance effects on postnatal growth. Production of heterozygous animals, to take advantage of the positive impact of one copy of C313Y on carcass traits, may be a viable option when the value of increased retail product yield is greater than the increased cost associated with calving difficulty.
Evaluation of Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency and Fellowship Program Websites.

Abstract Background The internet is a valuable resource for residency and fellowship applicants when deciding where to apply or interview, yet program websites have shown critical deficiencies in accessibility and content. No analysis of cardiothoracic surgery program websites has been performed. Methods Online databases and Google were used to identify integrated, 4 + 3, and traditional cardiothoracic surgery residency and fellowship programs. The accessibility of websites from each of these sources was assessed and the presence or absence of content that may be relevant to applicants was evaluated by two reviewers. Results Eighty-nine active programs were identified and 86 had functional websites. Website content and accessibility were overall suboptimal in all 86 of these programs. Google was the most reliable means of accessing a program's website. Fifty percent of integrated program websites and 60% of traditional fellowship websites contained less than half of the content assessed. Information on 4 + 3 programs was extremely limited. Conclusions Despite the value that a program's website could provide to applicants when making decisions during the application process, cardiothoracic surgery residency and fellowship websites remain difficult to access and are not uniformly providing information that may be important. Improving cardiothoracic website accessibility and content may have implications for attracting the most competitive applicants while limiting the financial and scheduling demands associated with the interview process. Creation of a current database containing standardized information relevant to applicants may improve applicants' ability to form an impression of a program before scheduling an interview.
Mind the Gapmer: Implications of Co-transcriptional Cleavage by Antisense Oligonucleotides

While gapmers efficiently knock down as well as terminate transcription of nascent lncRNAs and mRNAs, Lee and Mendell (2020) and Lai et al. (2020) also demonstrate that Pol II termination is not observed with gapmers targeting the 3′ terminal portions of the transcript.
Optimizing dietary levels of menhaden and soybean oils and soybean lecithin for pre-gonadal somatic growth in juveniles of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus.

Abstract Dietary lipids serve as important sources of energy and essential fatty acids for aquatic animals. Sources of animal and plant oils are increasingly limited as well as expensive, and dietary requirements associated with the inclusion of these oils must be carefully evaluated to facilitate sustainable and affordable formulations. In this study, we investigated quantities of menhaden oil (MO) with and without soybean lecithin or soybean oil (SO) to determine appropriate levels for optimal somatic growth for pre-gonadal juvenile Lytechinus variegatus . We prepared semi-purified diets that varied in neutral lipid content (0, 2, 4, or 8% dry matter) and soy lecithin (0 or 2%) and exchanged lipids reciprocally with purified starch while holding constant all other nutrients. We maintained laboratory-reared juvenile L. variegatus (average initial wet weight 82 ± 0.7 mg, mean ± SE, n = 9 treatment − 1 ) in recirculating seawater systems and fed each daily a sub-satiation ration for five weeks. We assessed wet weights and test diameters every two weeks and at the end of the experiment (5 weeks). Level of MO with or without soybean lecithin did not significantly affect wet weight gain; however, increasing levels of SO in the diet reduced wet weight gain and dry matter production efficiency and increased feed conversion ratio. Dry gut weight was positively correlated with level of MO. Lipid level in the gut increased with increasing dietary lipid level, regardless of source. These data suggest the composition of the SO is inhibitory for either nutrient absorption or metabolic processes associated with growth at this life stage. Diets containing total lipid levels of approximately 5 to 6% that include sources of n − 3 fatty acids may support optimal growth for pre-gonadal juvenile L. variegatus . Statement of relevance Soybean oil reduces growth by reducing production efficiency.
Hip Arthroplasty Following Subtotal Sacrectomy for Chordoma.

Background/aim Chordomas often affect the sacrum with a high predilection for local-regional recurrence. Patients typically retain their ability to ambulate, and the development of metastatic disease in the periacetabular region can have significant morbidity and pain with ambulation. The purpose of the study was to describe the outcome of patients undergoing a hip arthroplasty following resection of a sacral chordoma. Patients and methods From 1990 to 2015, 84 patients underwent sacrectomy for chordoma, while four of these (5%) patients underwent hip arthroplasty. The most common level of nerve root sacrifice was S2-5 (n=2). The mean time between sacrectomy and hip arthroplasty was 7 years. Indications for arthroplasty included metastatic disease (n=3) and coxarthrosis (n=1). Results Postoperatively two patients ambulated with a gait aid, and no patient had a Trendelenburg gait. The mean Harris Hip Score significantly improved from 49 to 80 postoperatively (p=0.02). Conclusion The results of this study indicate that hip arthroplasty is a durable treatment option for patients with metastatic disease or coxarthrosis following subtotal sacrectomy for chordoma.
MEASUREMENT OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL TEMPERATURE FIELDS BY HOLOGRAPHIC INTERFEROMETRY

Multi-directional holographic interferometry can be used to measure three-dimensional, asymmetric temperature or density fields in transparent fluids. Experimental and computational techniques are described and used to measure temperature distributions in interacting natural convection plumes.
Kinetic investigation of the polymerase and exonuclease activities of human DNA polymerase ε holoenzyme

In eukaryotic DNA replication, DNA polymerase e (Pole) is responsible for leading strand synthesis, whereas DNA polymerases α and δ synthesize the lagging strand. The human Pole (hPole) holoenzyme is comprised of the catalytic p261 subunit and the noncatalytic p59, p17, and p12 small subunits. So far, the contribution of the noncatalytic subunits to hPole function is not well understood. Using pre-steady-state kinetic methods, we established a minimal kinetic mechanism for DNA polymerization and editing catalyzed by the hPole holoenzyme. Compared with the 140-kDa N-terminal catalytic fragment of p261 (p261N), which we kinetically characterized in our earlier studies, the presence of the p261 C-terminal domain (p261C) and the three small subunits increased the DNA binding affinity and the base substitution fidelity. Although the small subunits enhanced correct nucleotide incorporation efficiency, there was a wide range of rate constants when incorporating a correct nucleotide over a single-base mismatch. Surprisingly, the 3′→5′ exonuclease activity of the hPole holoenzyme was significantly slower than that of p261N when editing both matched and mismatched DNA substrates. This suggests that the presence of p261C and the three small subunits regulates the 3′→5′ exonuclease activity of the hPole holoenzyme. Together, the 3′→5′ exonuclease activity and the variable mismatch extension activity modulate the overall fidelity of the hPole holoenzyme by up to 3 orders of magnitude. Thus, the presence of p261C and the three noncatalytic subunits optimizes the dual enzymatic activities of the catalytic p261 subunit and makes the hPole holoenzyme an efficient and faithful replicative DNA polymerase.
MAGIC: Machine-Learning-Guided Image Compression for Vision Applications in Internet of Things

The emergent ecosystems of intelligent edge devices in diverse Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications, from automatic surveillance to precision agriculture, increasingly rely on recording and processing a variety of image data. Due to resource constraints, e.g., energy and communication bandwidth requirements, these applications require compressing the recorded images before transmission. For these applications, image compression commonly requires: 1) maintaining features for coarse-grain pattern recognition instead of the high-level details for human perception due to machine-to-machine communications; 2) high compression ratio that leads to improved energy and transmission efficiency; and 3) large dynamic range of compression and an easy tradeoff between compression factor and quality of reconstruction to accommodate a wide diversity of IoT applications as well as their time-varying energy/performance needs. To address these requirements, we propose, MAGIC, a novel machine learning (ML)-guided image compression framework that judiciously sacrifices the visual quality to achieve much higher compression when compared to traditional techniques, while maintaining accuracy for coarse-grained vision tasks. The central idea is to capture application-specific domain knowledge and efficiently utilize it in achieving high compression. We demonstrate that the MAGIC framework is configurable across a wide range of compression/quality and is capable of compressing beyond the standard quality factor limits of both JPEG 2000 and WebP. We perform experiments on representative IoT applications using two vision data sets and show $42.65\times $ compression at similar accuracy with respect to the source. We highlight low variance in compression rate across images using our technique as compared to JPEG 2000 and WebP.
Illicit synthetic opioid consumption in Asia and the Pacific: Assessing the risks of a potential outbreak.

Abstract Background Illegally manufactured potent synthetic opioids (IMPSO) like fentanyl have contributed to rises in overdose deaths in parts of North America and Europe. While many of these substances are produced in Asia, there is little evidence they have entered markets there. We consider the susceptibility to IMPSO’s encroachment in markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Methods Our analysis focuses on Australia, China, India, and Myanmar. Using a mixed-methods approach comprising interviews, literature review, and secondary data analyses, we examine factors facilitating or impeding incursion of IMPSO. Finally, we illustrate the potential for IMPSO fatalities in Australia. Results Australia reports some signs of three facilitating factors to IMPSO’s emergence: 1) existing illicit opioid markets, 2) disruption of opioid supply, and 3) user preferences. The other three countries report only existing illicit opioid markets. While diverted pharmaceutical opioids are a noted problem in Australia and India, heroin is the dominant opioid in all four countries. There are divergent trends in heroin use, with use declining in China, increasing in India, and stable in Australia and Myanmar. If IMPSO diffused in Australia as in North America from 2014 to 2018, and our assumptions generally hold, deaths from IMPSO could range from 1500–5700 over a five-year period. Conclusions This analysis and illustrative calculations serve as an early indication for policymakers. With the exception of Australia, many countries in the region fail to properly record overdose deaths or monitor changes in local drug markets. Early assessment and monitoring can give officials a better understanding of these changing threats.
Varus-valgus constrained insert with posterior-stabilized femoral components in complex primary total knee arthroplasties.

Aims Varus-valgus constrained (VVC) devices are typically used in revision settings, often with stems to mitigate the risk of aseptic loosening. However, in at least one system, the VVC insert is c...
Zyflamend, a polyherbal mixture, inhibits lipogenesis and mTORC1 signalling via activation of AMPK

Abstract A select blend of herbal extracts, Zyflamend, inhibits tumour growth via multiple mechanisms that arise through synergistic interactions between individual components. The objective in this study was to determine if the antiproliferative effects are mediated, in part, through the activation of AMPK signalling and inhibition of its downstream targets, lipogenesis and mTORC1 complex. By increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK in CWR22Rv1 and PC3 prostate cancer cell lines, Zyflamend decreased de novo lipid biosynthesis by decreasing the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and the expressions of fatty acid synthase and SREBP-1c, with a concomitant up regulation of fatty acid oxidation. In addition, via AMPK, Zyflamend inhibited the activity of mTORC1 complex by directly phosphorylating raptor. Treatment with AICAR (activator of AMPK), siRNA knockdown, pharmacological inhibition, and overexpression of AMPK were used to confirm the up regulation of AMPK by Zyflamend. These results suggest that Zyflamend inhibited tumour cell proliferation via up regulation of AMPK signalling.
Should the Celiac Artery Be Used as an Anatomical Marker for the Descending Thoracic Aorta During Transesophageal Echocardiography

Background Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a pivotal tool for diagnosis of aortic diseases. However, there are no suitable anatomical markers to describe location of disease in the descending thoracic aorta. In the past, we have used distance from the dental incisors to report location of disease, but this has no anatomical relevance. Our recent data comparing TEE and computed tomography (CT) have shown that the celiac artery is an accurate anatomical marker where disease is described as distance relative to the celiac artery. This study was designed to determine whether utilization of the celiac artery as an anatomical marker with TEE is practically feasible. Methods A clinical trial was performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. A total of 160 patients referred for TEE were consecutively enrolled over a period of 18 months. Results The celiac artery was visualized in 97% of the patients. Conclusions The celiac artery is a reliable anatomical marker with TEE and should be routinely used to locate disease in the descending thoracic aorta.
Comparison of the Isothermal Oxidation Behavior of As-Cast Cu-17 Percent Cr and Cu-17 Percent Cr-5 Percent Al: Part 2; Scale Microstructures

The isothermal oxidation kinetics of as-cast Cu-17%Cr and Cu-17%Cr-5%Al in air were studied between 773 and 1173 K under atmospheric pressure. Details of the oxidation kinetics of these alloys were discussed in Part I. This paper analyzes the microstructures of the scale and its composition in an attempt to elucidate the oxidation mechanisms in these alloys. The scales formed on Cu-17%Cr specimens oxidized between 773 and 973 K consisted of external CuO and subsurface Cu2O layers. The total thickness of these scales varied from about 10 m at 773 K to about 450 m at 973 K. In contrast, thin scales formed on Cu-17%Cr-5%Al alloys oxidized between 773 and 1173 K. The exact nature of these scales could not be determined by x-ray diffraction but energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses were used to construct a scale composition map. Phenomenological oxidation mechanisms are proposed for the two alloys.
The new conceptual design of snakes and spin rotators in RHIC

We discuss the generalized snake configurations, which offers either the advantages of shorter total snake length and smaller horizontal orbit displacement in the compact configuration or the dual functions of a snake and a 90° spin rotation for the helicity state. The generalized snake is then applied to the polarized proton collision in RHIC. The possible schemes of obtaining high luminosity are discussed.
Frequency-selective distortion in continuous-wave radar displacement sensor

Displacement measurement based on a continuous-wave (CW) sensor suffers from frequency-dependent signal distortion that is caused by harmonics generated by nonlinear phase modulation. Analysed is the signal distortion problem in AC-coupled CW radar sensors, which may lead to false signal demodulation but has been neglected in the past. It is found that the signal distortion comes from the loss of spectrum characteristics as the signal goes through the AC-coupled receiver chain. Both simulations and experimental results show that the ribbon-like signal distortion decreases as the target motion frequency increases. Furthermore, a guideline for solving the frequency-selective distortion issue in continuous-wave radar displacement sensors is presented.
The lifetime prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid use and dependence in Americans: current best estimates.

Background and Objectives Although various surveys have tracked the prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use in American teenagers and young adults, no recent surveys have assessed the lifetime prevalence of AAS use in Americans overall. We therefore analyzed serial youth-survey data to derive estimates of the lifetime prevalence of AAS use in the current American general population. Methods We first determined the distribution of age of onset of AAS use, based on pooled data from nine studies. Using this distribution, we then developed equations to project the eventual lifetime prevalence of AAS use among young survey respondents, once they aged and completed the period of risk for initiating AAS. We similarly calculated the denominator of lifetimes of risk for AAS use in the total American population. We next applied these equations to four independent national youth datasets to derive current American general-population estimates for lifetime AAS use. Finally, using data from 10 pooled studies, we estimated the lifetime prevalence of AAS dependence among AAS users. Results Age-of-onset studies consistently showed that AAS use begins later than most drugs, with only 22% of users (95% confidence interval: 19–25%) starting before age 20. Applying the age-of-onset findings to national youth datasets, we estimated that among Americans currently age 13–50 years, 2.9–4.0 million have used AAS. Within this group, roughly 1 million may have experienced AAS dependence. Conclusions and Scientific Significance Although subject to various limitations, our estimation techniques suggest a surprisinigly high prevalence of AAS use and dependence among Americans. (Am J Addict 2014;23:371–377)
Effects of Neonatal Enzyme Replacement Therapy and Simvastatin Treatment on Cervical Spine Disease in Mucopolysaccharidosis I Dogs

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by deficient α-L-iduronidase activity, leading to the accumulation of poorly degraded glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Children with MPS I exhibit high incidence of spine disease, including accelerated disc degeneration and vertebral dysplasia, which in turn lead to spinal cord compression and kypho-scoliosis. In this study we investigated the efficacy of neonatal enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), alone or in combination with oral simvastatin (ERT+SIM) for attenuating cervical spine disease progression in MPS I, using a canine model. Four groups were studied: normal controls; MPS I untreated; MPS I ERT treated; and MPS I ERT+SIM treated. Animals were euthanized at one year-of-age. Intervertebral disc condition and spinal cord compression were evaluated from MRIs and plain radiographs, vertebral bone condition and odontoid hypoplasia were evaluated using microcomputed tomography, and epiphyseal cartilage to bone conversion was evaluated histologically. Untreated MPS I animals exhibited more advanced disc degeneration and more severe spinal cord compression than normal animals. Both treatment groups resulted in partial preservation of disc condition and cord compression, with ERT+SIM not significantly better than ERT alone. Untreated MPS I animals had significantly lower vertebral trabecular bone volume and mineral density, while ERT treatment resulted in partial preservation of these properties. ERT+SIM treatment demonstrated similar, but not greater, efficacy. Both treatment groups partially normalized endochondral ossification in the vertebral epiphyses (as indicated by absence of persistent growth plate cartilage), and odontoid process size and morphology. These results indicate that ERT begun from a very early age attenuates the severity of cervical spine disease in MPS I, particularly for the vertebral bone and odontoid process, and that additional treatment with simvastatin does not provide a significant additional benefit over ERT alone.
Culture and Commerce in a Seafood Bazaar

Tsukiji: The Fish Market at the Center of the World. Theodore C. Bestor. University of California Press, Berkeley, 2004. 440 pp. $60, £39.95. ISBN 0-520-22023-4. Paper, $24.95, £16.95. ISBN 0-520-22024-2. California Studies in Food and Culture. The author provides a detailed ethnographic account of Tokyo9s seafood market, which he places in the context of the Japanese economy, changes in fish distribution and consumption, and the globalization of the seafood trade.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium(III) in water, acetonitrile and trifluorethanol.

The spectroscopic, electrochemical and coreactant electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) properties of Ir(ppy)3 (where ppy = 2-phenylpyridine) have been obtained in aqueous buffered (KH2PO4), 50 : 50 (v/v) acetonitrile–aqueous buffered (MeCN–KH2PO4) and 30% trifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions. Tri-n-propylamine was used as the oxidative-reductive ECL coreactant. The photoluminescence (PL) efficiency (ϕem) of Ir(ppy)3 in TFE (ϕem ≈ 0.029) was slightly higher than in 50 : 50 MeCN–KH2PO4 (ϕem ≈ 0.0021) and water (ϕem ≈ 0.00016) compared to a Ru(bpy)32+ standard solution in water (Φem ≈ 0.042). PL and ECL emission spectra were nearly identical in all three solvents, with dual emission maxima at 510 and 530 nm. The similarity between the ECL and PL spectra indicate that the same excited state is probably formed in both experiments. ECL efficiencies (ϕecl) in 30% TFE solution (ϕecl = 0.0098) were higher than aqueous solution (ϕecl = 0.00092) system yet lower than a 50% MeCN–KH2PO4 solution (ϕecl = 0.0091). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pilot study of the effects of intranasal budesonide delivered by NasoNeb® on patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.

Background We investigated whether nebulization of budesonide via a NasoNeb® device would treat perennial allergic rhinitis. Methods We performed a parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study in subjects (n = 40) with perennial allergic rhinitis. After recording baseline symptoms, subjects were randomized to budesonide respules (0.25 mg) or an equivalent placebo for 26 days. Nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF) and nasal symptoms (graded on a 0–3 scale) were recorded by the subjects twice daily. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life (RQOL) as well as nasal volume, measured by acoustic rhinometry, was obtained at baseline, after 2 weeks, and at the end of treatment. Results The average change from baseline in symptoms over the treatment period was greater for the group on budesonide (−3.33) compared to placebo (−1.98) (p = 0.45). When the average change from baseline over the treatment period was compared between the groups, budesonide resulted in higher NPIF (36.4 L/min) than placebo (18.7 L/min), p = 0.094. QOL improved in both groups compared to baseline with no significant difference between the groups. Although acoustic rhinometry indicated a larger volume in the group treated with budesonide on the last trial visit, the differences between the groups were not significant when accounting for the baseline values. Conclusion Compared to placebo, administration of nebulized budesonide in subjects with perennial allergic rhinitis resulted in improvements in symptoms and objective measures of nasal congestion which approached but did not achieve statistical significance. A higher dose of active agent, a less effective placebo and a larger number of subjects might have improved statistical significance.
Measurements of Relativistic Effects in Collective Thomson Scattering at Electron Temperatures less than 1 keV

Simultaneous scattering from electron-plasma waves and ion -acoustic waves is used to measure local laser-produced plasma parameters with high spatiotemporal resolution including electron temperature and density, average charge state, plasma flow velocity, and ion temperature. In addition, the first measurements of relativistic modifications in the collective Thomson scattering spectrum from thermal electron-plasma fluctuations are presented [1]. Due to the high phase velocity of electron- plasma fluctuations, relativistic effects are important even at low electron temperatures (T/e < 1 keV). These effects have been observed experimentally and agree well with a relativistic treatment of the Thomson scattering form factor [2]. The results are important for the interpretation of scattering measurements from laser produced plasmas. Thomson scattering measurements are used to characterize the hydrodynamics of a gas jet plasma which is the foundation for a broad series of laser-plasma interaction studies [3, 4, 5, 6]. The temporal evolution of the electron temperature, density and ion temperature are measured. The measured electron density evolution shows excellent agreement with a simple adiabatic expansion model. The effects of high temperatures on coupling to hohlraum targets is discussed [7]. A peak electron temperature of 12 keV at a density of 4.7 x 10²⁰ cm⁻³ are measured 200 [mu]m outside the laser entrance hole using a two-color Thomson scattering method we developed in gas jet plasmas[8]. These measurements are used to assess laser-plasma interactions that reduce laser hohlraum coupling and can significantly reduce the hohlraum radiation temperature
Patient-Provider Interactions Affect Symptoms in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Pilot Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background It is unclear whether the benefits that some patients derive from complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) are related to the therapies recommended or to the consultation process as some CIM provider visits are more involved than conventional medical visits. Many patients with gastrointestinal conditions seek out CIM therapies, and prior work has demonstrated that the quality of the patient-provider interaction can improve health outcomes in irritable bowel syndrome, however, the impact of this interaction on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is unknown. We aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of conducting a 2x2 factorial design study preliminarily exploring the impact of the patient-provider interaction, and the effect of an over-the-counter homeopathic product, Acidil, on symptoms and health-related quality of life in subjects with GERD.
Emitter-coupled spin-transistor logic

Abstract The recent invention of magnetoresistive bipolar spin-transistors makes possible the creation of new spintronic logic families. Here we propose the first logic family exploiting these devices, extending emitter-coupled logic (ECL) to achieve a greater range of basis logic functions. By placing the wire from the output stage of ECL logic elements near spin-transistors in other logic stages throughout the circuit, additional basis logic elements can be realized. These new logic elements support greater logic minimization, resulting in enhanced speed, area, and power characteristics. A novel magnetic shielding structure provides this logic family with the crucial ability to cascade logic stages. This logic family potentially achieves a power-delay product 10–25 times smaller than conventional ECL, and can therefore be exploited to increase the performance of very high-speed logic circuits while broadening the range of design choices for a variety of electronic applications.