cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of dried plum polyphenols in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells

This study presents the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of dried plum (Prunus domestica L.) polyphenols in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. We hypothesized that dried plum polyphenols have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of the pro-inflammatory markers, nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the lipid peroxidation product, malondialdehyde, in activated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. To test this hypothesis, macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with either 1 μg ml−1 (for measurement of NO production) or 1 ng ml−1 (for measurement of COX-2 expression) of LPS to induce inflammation and were treated with different doses of dried plum polyphenols (0.0, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 μg ml−1). Dried plum polyphenols at a dose of 1000 μg ml−1 was able to significantly (P < 0.05) reduce NO production by 43%. Additionally, LPS-induced expression of COX-2 was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 100 and 1000 μg ml−1 dried plum polyphenols. To investigate the antioxidant activity of dried plum polyphenols, macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with 100 μg ml−1 of FeSO4 + 1 mM ml−1 of H2O2 to induce lipid peroxidation. Dried plum polyphenols at a dose of 1000 μg ml−1 showed a 32% reduction in malondialdehyde production. These findings indicate that dried plum polyphenols are potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative agents in vitro.
Overlapping Generations and Environmental Policy: An Introduction

A small but growing body of literature uses overlapping generations (OLG) models to study environmental policy for long-lived problems such as climate change. An OLG model, unlike the infinitely lived representative agent model, dis- tinguishes between impatience with respect to one's own future utility, and attitudes toward successors' utility. I discuss the problem of time inconsistency, the role of Markov perfection, and show that a class of OLG models can be studied using me- thods developed to analyze models of non-constant discounting. An example illu- strates the techniquesanddeterminesthe conditionsunderwhich, in equilibrium,there is under-investment or over-investmentin natural capital.
Why Classical Mechanics Cannot Naturally Accommodate Consciousness but Quantum Mechanics Can

It is argued on the basis of certain mathematical characteristics that classical mechanics is not constitutionally suited to accommodate consciousness, whereas quantum mechanics is. These mathematical characteristics pertain to the nature of the information represented in the state of the brain, and the way this information enters into the dynamics.
The Ontogeny of Blister Beetles (Coleoptera, Meloidae) I. A Study of Three Species of the Genus Pyrota

Postembryonic ontogeny in the Meloidae is described briefly and a nomenclature of larval phases is proposed. Pyrota mutata Gemminger, P. niyrovittata (Haag-Rutenberg), and P. palpalis Champion were reared to the coarctate phase or beyond on a diet of honey bee provisions and larvae. First-instar Pyrota larvae can develop on pollen mixed with water or honey, but the duration of the instar is decreased by the addition of a bee larva to the diet. The first grub phase consists of 4 instars; larvae in this phase attack bee larvae readily but do not require them for growth. Larvae of P. nigrovittata and P. palpalis reached the coarctate phase in means of 38 and 32 days, respectively, at 27°C; those of P. mutata did so in a mean of 20 days, at a slightly higher temperature. All coarctate larvae of P. mutata and P. nigrovittata diapaused. The ontogeny of P. palpalis was extremely variable beyond the first grub phase. Five of 13 coarctates of this species failed to diapause; 1 larva developed directly to the pupal stage from the coarctate phase; 5 spent 2 instars in the coarctate phase; and 1 of those that reached the second grub phase subsequently reverted to the coarctate before continuing development. In addition, nearly all coarctate larvae of P. palpalis retained first grub anatomical characteristics to a greater or lesser extent. Larvae of P. palpalis (the only species reared to the adult stage) that diapaused in the coarctate phase required a mean of 212 days for complete development (excluding a period of refrigeration during diapause) ; a nondiapausing larva completed development in 57 days. Anatomical changes during ontogeny are extensive and in some cases profound. Interspecific differences in larval anatomy are relatively slight and vary in nature with the phases.
Maternal Obesity, Inflammation, and Fetal Skeletal Muscle Development

Maternal obesity coupled with Western-style high-energy diets represents a special problem that can result in poor fetal development, leading to harmful, persistent effects on offspring, including predisposition to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Mechanisms linking maternal obesity to the increased incidence of obesity and other metabolic diseases in offspring remain poorly defined. Because skeletal muscle is the principal site for glucose and fatty acid utilization and composes 40%–50% of total body mass, changes in the properties of offspring skeletal muscle and its mass resulting from maternal obesity may be responsible for the increase in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Fetal stage is crucial for skeletal muscle development because there is no net increase in the muscle fiber number after birth. Fetal skeletal muscle development involves myogenesis, adipogenesis, and fibrogenesis, which are all derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Shifting commitment of MSCs from myogenesis to adipogenesis and fibrogenesis will result in increased intramuscular fat and connective tissue, as well as reduced numbers of muscle fiber and/or diameter, all of which have lasting negative effects on offspring muscle function and properties. Maternal obesity leads to low-grade inflammation, which changes the commitment of MSCs in fetal muscle through several possible mechanisms: 1) inflammation downregulates wingless and int (WNT) signaling, which attenuates myogenesis; 2) inflammation inhibits AMP-activated protein kinase, which promotes adipogenesis; and 3) inflammation may induce epigenetic modification through polycomb group proteins. More studies are needed to further explore the underlying mechanisms associated with maternal obesity, inflammation, and the commitment of MSCs.
Scheduling tasks with precedence constraints to solicit desirable bid combinations

In our previous research we suggested an approach to maximizing agents preferences over schedules of multiple tasks with temporal and precedence constraints. The proposed approach is based on Expected Utility Theory. In this paper we address two mutually dependent questions: (a) what are the properties of the problem domain that can facilitate efficient maximization algorithms, and (b) what criteria determine attractiveness of one or another potential solution to the agent. We discuss different ways of exploring the problem domain. We show that naive optimization approaches often fail to find solutions for risk-averse agents and propose ways of using properties of the domain to improve upon naive approaches.
A high-performance single photon avalanche detector for telecom wavelengths

An In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As/InP avalanche photodiode with very high performance (dark count rate = 12 kHz and single photon detection efficiency = 45% at 1.3 /spl mu/m and 200 K) is reported.
Influenza A Exacerbates Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia by Attenuating IL-1β Production in Mice

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death worldwide. Staphylococcal aureus can be a cause of severe pneumonia alone or a common pathogen in secondary pneumonia following influenza. Recently, we reported that preceding influenza attenuated the Type 17 pathway, increasing the lung's susceptibility to secondary infection. IL-1β is known to regulate host defense, including playing a role in Th17 polarization. We examined whether IL-1β signaling is required for S. aureus host defense and whether influenza infection impacted S. aureus-induced IL-1β production and subsequent Type 17 pathway activation. Mice were challenged with S. aureus (USA 300), with or without preceding Influenza A/PR/8/34 H1N1 infection. IL-1R1(-/-) mice had significantly higher S. aureus burden, increased mortality, and decreased Type 17 pathway activation following S. aureus challenge. Coinfected mice had significantly decreased IL-1β production versus S. aureus infection alone at early time points following bacterial challenge. Preceding influenza did not attenuate S. aureus-induced inflammasome activation, but there was early suppression of NF-κB activation, suggesting an inhibition of NF-κB-dependent transcription of pro-IL-1β. Furthermore, overexpression of IL-1β in influenza and S. aureus-coinfected mice rescued the induction of IL-17 and IL-22 by S. aureus and improved bacterial clearance. Finally, exogenous IL-1β did not significantly rescue S. aureus host defense during coinfection in IL-17RA(-/-) mice or in mice in which IL-17 and IL-22 activity were blocked. These data reveal a novel mechanism by which Influenza A inhibits S. aureus-induced IL-1β production, resulting in attenuation of Type 17 immunity and increased susceptibility to bacterial infection.
OSUL2013: Fostering Organizational Change through a Grassroots Planning Process

This paper provides background on planning and organizational culture change in libraries and describes a grassroots planning process taking place at the Ohio State University Libraries. Now in its third phase, the process aims to create a long-term plan for the organization while fostering a more collaborative, innovative culture.
An intermediate representation for behavioral synthesis

This paper describes an intermediate representation for behavioral and structural designs that is based on annotated state tables. It facilitates user control of the synthesis process by allowing specification of partially design structures, and a mixture of behavior, structure and user specified bindings between the abstract behavior and the structure. The format's general model allows the capture of synchronous and asynchronous behavior, and permits hierarchical descriptions with concurrency. The format is easily translated to VHDL for simulation at each stage of the design process. It therefore complements a good simulation language (VHDL) by providing an excellent input path for behavioral and register-transfer synthesis. The format's simple and uniform syntax allows it to be used both as an intermediate exchange format for various behavioral synthesis tools, and as a graphical tabular interface for the user, thereby allowing a natural medium for automatic or manual refinement of the design.
Water molecular reorientation in ice and tetrahydrofuran clathrate hydrate from lineshape analysis of 17O spin-echo NMR spectra

Lineshape analysis of 17O spin-echo NMR spectra has been used to study water molecular reorientations in ice-Ih and THF Structure II clathrate hydrate. The kinetics was determined by the changes of...
Impact of engineering design on intraaortic balloon efficiency

Diastolic augmentation of coronary circulation has proven to be life saving for the failing heart. One circulatory assist method, intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC), employs a balloon catheter device situated in the thoracic descending aorta which is inflated during diastole and deflated during systole. This work reviews the evolution of balloon engineering design, enhancing the effectiveness of counterpulsation with the impetus of reducing complications and improving hemodynamic performance. >
Social responsibility and community development: Lessons from the Sistema de Aprendizaje Tutorial in Honduras

Abstract This article extends understanding of the connections between education, social capital, and development through a mixed-methods case study of the Sistema de Aprendizaje Tutorial, or SAT 1 , an innovative secondary-level education system. The quantitative dimension of the research used survey measures of social responsibility to compare 93 SAT students to 88 other students in conventional Honduran schools, with samples based on the naturally occurring (non-random) presence of one of these two different educational programs in each of nine nearby Honduran communities. Preliminary findings suggest that students in the SAT program held a greater sense of social responsibility than their peers in conventional schools. Students’ statements about their own educational experiences were analyzed in order to identify some of the characteristics of the SAT program that may have led to this difference. The SAT approach to developing social responsibility is contrasted to a human rights focused approach.
Making assessment projects sustainable: using mid-term class interviews to gather student feedback in an international research and design course

This paper has three primary purposes: 1) to present a classroom assessment method that has not been widely discussed by engineering educators, 2) to illustrate how this method serves as sustainable assessment, and 3) to provide a specific classroom example of the method. The mid-term class interview involves collecting and responding to student feedback during the middle of the academic term. The goal of this classroom assessment method is to gather feedback that will strengthen a course, increase communication between students and their instructor, and improve teaching and learning.
Lethal marine snow: Pathogen of bivalve mollusc concealed in marine aggregates

We evaluated marine aggregates as environmental reservoirs for a thraustochytrid pathogen, Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX), of the northern quahog or hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria. Positive results from in situ hybridization and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis confirm the presence of QPX in marine aggregates collected from coastal embayments in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where QPX outbreaks have occurred. In laboratory experiments, aggregates were observed and recorded by entering a quahogÂs pallial cavity, thereby delivering embedded particles from the water column to its benthic bivalve host. The occurrence of pathogen-laden aggregates in coastal areas experiencing repeated disease outbreaks suggests a means for the spread and survival of pathogens between epidemics and provides a specific target for environmental monitoring of those pathogens.
Risks of the oil transition

The energy system is in the early stages of a transition from conventionally produced oil to a variety of substitutes, bringing economic, strategic, and environmental risks. We argue that these three challenges are inherently interconnected, and that as we act to manage one we cannot avoid affecting our prospects in dealing with the others. We further argue that without appropriate policies, tradeoffs between these risks are likely to be made so as to allow increased environmental disruption in return for increased economic and energy security. Responsible solutions involve developing and deploying environmentally acceptable energy technologies (both supply and demand) rapidly enough to replace dwindling conventional oil production and meet growing demand for transportation while diversifying supply to improve energy security.
Data link messaging standards for NextGen data communications

Data Communications is a critical component in the FAAs NextGen Implementation Plan. Increasing controller-pilot efficiencies and enabling complex trajectory based operations are a key part of NextGen. While the benefits of the final NextGen data communications concept are often touted, the mid-term operational improvements can often be overlooked. The creation of advanced services data link messaging standards is important to the overall success of NextGen. Furthermore the development of accommodation and interoperability standards for the advanced services data link messages is a necessary step in realizing mid-term operational improvements. The use of data link standards available today can help stimulate the development and equipage of future data link standards. As more mid-term benefits are realized and the future standards are validated, the importance of the next generation data link standards will increase. This paper will outline the current data link messaging environment and identify the mid-term benefits associated with accommodating todays proven standards. These benefits include encouraging user equipage, promoting global harmonization, validation of NextGen concepts, and ensuring a smooth transition from voice only operations to NextGen data communications.
The Clinical Evaluation: A Necessary Tool for the Dysphagia Sleuth

There is controversy about the necessity of clinical (bedside) swallowing examinations. Some argue that screening provides enough information to thoroughly manage a case. In instances in which the ...
Blind and semi-blind equalization of CPM signals with the EMV algorithm

We apply the expectation-maximization Viterbi algorithm (EMVA) introduced in a previous paper to the blind or semi-blind maximum-likelihood equalization of continuous-phase modulated (CPM) signals transmitted over a noisy linear finite impulse response (FIR) channel. The EMVA is a computationally efficient technique for simultaneously performing system identification and signal detection whenever the transmission system admits a hidden Markov model (HMM) description. The convergence properties of the EMVA are examined and a method for monitoring the EMVA convergence rate online is presented. It is shown that the order of the FIR channel can be estimated by applying the order-incrementing (OI) and fixed-order (FO) methods proposed previously. A Cramer-Rao bound is derived for the channel impulse response, and it is shown via simulations that the EMVA approaches this bound as the SNR increases. Finally, an EMVA-based technique is described for estimating the error covariance matrix for the system parameters for the case of long observation blocks.
The self-destructive personality of a cell cycle in transition

The transition from G1 to S phase, sister chromatid separation in anaphase, and the exit from mitosis are driven by the destruction of cell cycle regulatory proteins by distinct ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathways. The components and targets of these key degradation pathways are now becoming clear. Genetic and biochemical dissections of these extremely specific and well regulated destruction pathways are providing fundamental insights into the mechanisms of control of the cell division cycle.
Likelihood of illegal alcohol sales at professional sport stadiums.

Background: Several studies have assessed the propensity for illegal alcohol sales at licensed alcohol establishments and community festivals, but no previous studies examined the propensity for these sales at professional sport stadiums. In this study, we assessed the likelihood of alcohol sales to both underage youth and obviously intoxicated patrons at professional sports stadiums across the United States, and assessed the factors related to likelihood of both types of alcohol sales. Methods: We conducted pseudo-underage (i.e., persons age 21 or older who appear under 21) and pseudo-intoxicated (i.e., persons feigning intoxication) alcohol purchase attempts at stadiums that house professional hockey, basketball, baseball, and football teams. We conducted the purchase attempts at 16 sport stadiums located in 5 states. We measured 2 outcome variables: pseudo-underage sale (yes, no) and pseudo-intoxicated sale (yes, no), and 3 types of independent variables: (1) seller characteristics, (2) purchase attempt characteristics, and (3) event characteristics. Following univariate and bivariate analyses, we a separate series of logistic generalized mixed regression models for each outcome variable. Results: The overall sales rates to the pseudo-underage and pseudo-intoxicated buyers were 18% and 74%, respectively. In the multivariate logistic analyses, we found that the odds of a sale to a pseudo-underage buyer in the stands was 2.9 as large as the odds of a sale at the concession booths (30% vs. 13%; p = 0.01). The odds of a sale to an obviously intoxicated buyer in the stands was 2.9 as large as the odds of a sale at the concession booths (89% vs. 73%; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Similar to studies assessing illegal alcohol sales at licensed alcohol establishments and community festivals, findings from this study shows the need for interventions specifically focused on illegal alcohol sales at professional sporting events.
The perceptions, policy, and practice of educating twins: A review

Twin births are increasing at a rapid rate, yet many educational personnel throughout the world are unaware of the needs of twins in school. Stereotypical views of twins as pathologically close or excessively dependent pervade educational policies and practices, despite the fact that twins do not differ from singletons on rates of psychological disturbance. Research shows that many schools implement strict policies for classroom placement of twins, yet the effects of such policies on twins' development and educational attainment are currently unknown. Recommendations for school personnel and future directions for this formative area are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 40: 429–438, 2003.
A Methodology For Developing And Testing The Effectiveness Of Using Entrepreneurial Skills And Supply-Side Innovations To Improve The Performance Of Small And Medium Sized Enterprise

The study identified and took stock of the supply-side resources, which can be harnessed for entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. Although there is a considerable gender gap in entrepreneurial development, the study reveals that there is a considerable desire for private sector-driven entrepreneurial development, supported by a large pool of highly educated and relatively young entrepreneurs, who may be responsible for the enormous growth in the number of new businesses formed since 1990. Future studies and government empowerment policies should be directed to addressing the problem of the limited management and technological orientations identified in this study to enable funding initiatives to be beneficial.
Negotiating “The Social” and Managing Tuberculosis in Georgia

In this paper I utilize anthropological insights to illuminate how health professionals and patients navigate and negotiate what for them is social about tuberculosis in order to improve treatment outcomes and support patients as human beings. I draw on ethnographic research about the implementation of the DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy, Short Course) approach in Georgia's National Tuberculosis Program in the wake of the Soviet healthcare system. Georgia is a particularly unique context for exploring these issues given the country's rich history of medical professionalism and the insistence that the practice of medicine is a moral commitment to society. I argue for critical attention to the ways in which treatment recipients and providers navigate what, for them, is "social" about therapeutic practices and their significance for avoiding biological and social reductionism.
Comparison of carotid baroreflex control of plasma AVP concentration in conscious and anesthetized dogs

We compared carotid sinus baroreflex control of endogenous plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) in chronically prepared conscious and acutely prepared anesthetized dogs. The carotid sinuses of both conscious and pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs were isolated bilaterally and perfused at constant pressures. Carotid sinus pressure (CSP) was changed between 200 and 50 mmHg in 25-mmHg steps in intact conscious and anesthetized dogs. Similar runs were repeated after vagotomy. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored. At each interval of CSP, blood was withdrawn for AVP analysis by radioimmunoassay. MAP responses to changes in CSP were not different in the four experimental groups. Both anesthesia and vagotomy increased the HR responses to changes in CSP. With vagi intact, AVP increased at high CSP in conscious but not in anesthetized dogs. After vagotomy, low CSP led to an increase in plasma AVP that did not differ between conscious and anesthetized dogs. The results suggest that the release of AVP is modulated by the action of the carotid baroreflex as a normal component of an integrated efferent response. The response is similar in conscious and pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs and is normally buffered by reflexes with vagal afferents.
Tube cholecystostomy before cholecystectomy for the treatment of acute cholecystitis

Background and objectives Percutaneous cholecystostomy is currently indicated for patients with cholecystitis who might be poor candidates for operative cholecystectomy. We performed a study to evaluate the long-term outcome of patients undergoing emergent tube cholecystostomy. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent tube cholecystostomy from July 1, 2005, to July 1, 2012. Results During the study period, 82 patients underwent 125 cholecystostomy tube placements. Four patients (5%) died during the year after tube placement. The mean hospital length of stay for survivors was 8.8 days (range, 1-59 days). Twenty-eight patients (34%) required at least 1 additional percutaneous procedure (range, 1-6) for gallbladder drainage. Twenty-nine patients (34%) ultimately underwent cholecystectomy. Surgery was performed a mean of 7 weeks after cholecystostomy tube placement. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted in 25 operative patients but required conversion to an open approach in 8 cases (32%). In another 4 cases, planned open cholecystectomy was performed. Major postoperative complications were limited to 2 patients with postoperative common bile duct obstruction requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, 1 patient requiring a return to the operating room for hemoperitoneum, and 2 patients with bile leak from the cystic duct stump. Conclusions In high-risk patients receiving cholecystostomy tubes for acute cholecystitis, only about one third will undergo surgical cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in this circumstance has a higher rate of conversion to open surgery and higher hepatobiliary morbidity rate.
A Comparative Study of a Series of Aphid-Feeding CoccinellidÆ

Among the beneficial insects of California as well as elsewhere, the Coccinellidae hold high rank as aphid and scale feeders. In order to determine the relative efficiency of some of the more important forms, a study of eight of the principal aphid-feeding species of this state was made at Sacramento during the season of 1913, and completed at Berkeley and Riverside in 1914. The species under observation were: Hippodamia convergens Guer., Hippodamia ambigua Lec., Coccinella californica Mann., Coccinella trifasciata Linn., Olla oculata Fabr., Olla abdominalis Say., Cycloneda sanguinea Linn., and Adalia bipunctata Linn.
Etiological identification of a bacillary dysentery outbreak caused by Shigella flexneri X

Objective:Isolation and identification of pathogens on the outbreak of bacillary dysentery to provide evidence for clinical treat and control and prevention in bacillary dysentery.Methods:According to monitoring of pathogenic bacterium of bacillary dysentery in China,we do the separation and identification of pathogenic and bacterium drug sensitive test.Results:15 samples were collected,4 strains of Shigella flexneri X were detecded from faeces and 1 strains of Shigella flexneri X from wash cloth.These isolates were resistant to ampicillin,amoxicillin,gentamicim,tetracycline,nalidixic acid,cotrimoxazole and sensitive to ciprofloxacin norfloxacin,cefalotin,cefotaxime,rifampicin.Conclusion:The bacillary dysentery outbreak was caused by food-borne Shigella flexneri X.
In-vitro, SDH5-dependent flavinylation of immobilized human respiratory complex II flavoprotein.

Mitochondrial Complex II (Succinate: ubiquinone oxidoreductase) has a covalently bound FAD cofactor in its largest subunit (SDHA), which accepts electrons from oxidation of succinate during catalysis. The mechanism of flavin attachment, and factors involved, have not been fully elucidated. The recent report of an assembly factor SDH5 (SDHAF2, SDHE) required for flavinylation (Hao et al., 2009 Science 325, 1139-1142) raises the prospect of achieving flavinylation in a completely defined system, which would facilitate elucidation of the precise role played by SDH5 and other factors. At this time that goal has not been achieved, and the actual function of SDH5 is still unknown. We have developed a procedure for in-vitro flavinylation of recombinant human apo-SDHA, immobilized on Ni-IMAC resin by a His tag, in a chemically defined medium. In this system flavinylation has a pH optimum of 6.5 and is completely dependent on added SDH5. The results suggest that FAD interacts noncovalently with SDHA in the absence of SDH5. This system will be useful in understanding the process of flavinylation of SDHA and the role of SDH5 in this process.
Monochromatic finite-power beam solutions of Maxwell's equations in vacuum

We derive exact monochromatic solutions of both Maxwell's and Poynting's equations in vacuum, finding the six electric and magnetic field components of a beam of light at angular frequency \ensuremath{\omega} directed along an arbitrary axis $z$, having its focal plane at $z=0$. The beam power $P$ (i.e., the integral over the $x\ensuremath{-}y$ plane of the $z$ component of the Poynting vector ${I}_{z}$) does not vary with $z$. Our formulas for the electric and magnetic fields, as well as for ${I}_{z}$, are simple enough to allow their numerical evaluation with a pocket scientific calculator. They contain only one (real and positive) adjustable parameter $Q$ which determines the degree of focusing of the beam. In the case of weak focusing ($Q\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\gg}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}1$) our solutions merge with the commonly used $\mathrm{TE}{\mathrm{M}}_{0,0}$ Gaussian beam fields.
The effect of in-situ decompression on ulnar nerve stability: a cadaveric study.

Ten fresh frozen right cadaver arms were placed in a motorized jig and an in-situ ulnar nerve decompression was performed in 5 mm increments distally to the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) aponeurosis t...
Drivers of hospital length of stay in 56,000 orthopaedic trauma patients: The impact of postoperative cardiac events

Abstract Purpose To determine whether postoperative cardiac complications following orthopaedic trauma treatment are associated with longer lengths of stay. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed orthopaedic trauma patients in the United States for whom data was collected in the ACS-NSQIP database between the years of 2006 and 2013. The patient population included 56,217 orthopaedic trauma patients meeting any 1 of the 89 CPT codes selected in the ACS-NSQIP database. The main outcome measure was hospital length of stay following orthopaedic trauma treatment. Result Of the 56,217 orthopaedic trauma patients, 749 (1.3%) developed postoperative adverse cardiac events. There was a significant difference in total length of stay (p Conclusion Orthopaedic trauma patients sustaining postoperative cardiac events have significantly longer hospital lengths of stay when compared to those who do not develop cardiac complications. This difference amounts to significantly higher health care costs.
Mitochondrial function and bioenergetic trade‐offs during lactation in the house mouse (Mus musculus)

Energy allocation theory predicts that a lactating female should alter the energetic demands of its organ systems in a manner that maximizes nutrient allocation to reproduction while reducing nutrient use for tasks that are not vital to immediate survival. We posit that organ-specific plasticity in the function of mitochondria plays a key role in mediating these energetic trade-offs. The goal of this project was to evaluate mitochondrial changes that occur in response to lactation in two of the most energetically demanding organs in the body of a rodent, the liver and skeletal muscle. This work was conducted in wild-derived house mice (Mus musculus) kept in seminatural enclosures that allow the mice to maintain a natural social structure and move within a home range size typical of wild mice. Tissues were collected from females at peak lactation and from age-matched nonreproductive females. Mitochondrial respiration, oxidative damage, antioxidant, PGC-1α, and uncoupling protein levels were compared between lactating and nonreproductive females. Our findings suggest that both liver and skeletal muscle downregulate specific antioxidant proteins during lactation. The liver, but not skeletal muscle, of lactating females displayed higher oxidative damage than nonreproductive females. The liver mass of lactating females increased, but the liver displayed no change in mitochondrial respiratory control ratio. Skeletal muscle mass and mitochondrial respiratory control ratio were not different between groups. However, the respiratory function of skeletal muscle did vary among lactating females as a function of stage of concurrent pregnancy, litter size, and mass of the mammary glands. The observed changes are predicted to increase the efficiency of skeletal muscle mitochondria, reducing the substrate demands of skeletal muscle during lactation. Differences between our results and prior studies highlight the role that an animals' social and physical environment could play in how it adapts to the energetic demands of reproduction.
Evaluating Molecular Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Lung Cancer: When Is a Biomarker Ready for Clinical Use? An Official American Thoracic Society Policy Statement

Background: Molecular biomarkers have the potential to improve the current state of early lung cancer detection. The goal of this project was to develop a policy statement that provides guidance about the level of evidence required to determine that a molecular biomarker, used to support early lung cancer detection, is appropriate for clinical use.Methods: An ad hoc project steering committee was formed, to include individuals with expertise in the early detection of lung cancer and molecular biomarker development, from inside and outside of the Assembly on Thoracic Oncology. Key questions, generated from the results of a survey of the project steering committee, were discussed at an in-person meeting. Results of the discussion were summarized in a policy statement that was circulated to the steering committee and revised multiple times to achieve consensus.Results: With a focus on the clinical applications of lung cancer screening and lung nodule evaluation, the policy statement outlines categories of re...
Pink, Brown, and Read All Over: Representation at the 2017 Women’s March on Washington:

In this dual-autoethnographic narrative, we examine the Women’s March on Washington in relation to critical approaches to activism. We draw upon our own unique experiences at the March, coupled wit...
Hospital-Based Clinicians' Perceptions of Geographic Cohorting: Identifying Opportunities for Improvement.

Members of the Society of Hospital Medicine were surveyed about geographic cohorting (GCh); 369 responses were analyzed, two thirds of which were from GCh participants. Improved collaboration with ...
Ohio 4-H Agents' and Volunteer Leaders' Perceptions of the Volunteer Leadership Development Program.

The subject of volunteerism has been covered In numerous studies (Boyce, 1971; Naylor, 1976). The popularity of the subject Is further reflected In the fact that today volunteers continue to plan an increaslng role In our society. The 4-H program is one of the major program areas of the Cooperative Extension Service, and, as an out-of-school youth educationa I program, relies heavily on volunteer leaders for the success of the program. These volunteers contribute their time, talent, and effort to further the goals of the extension organlzatlon. Several studies have addressed the role of 4-H volunteers In enabling the achievement of 4-H goals. Some of these studies have emphasized the reasons for volunteering and the effectiveness with which an agency may utilize its volunteer personnel (Boyce, 1976; Naylor, 1973). The considerable amount of literature on 4-H volunteers clearly indicates that the central and important role of these volunteers in the organization cannot be overemphasize d. Two pert i nent issues that need to be addressed regarding the role of volunteers include an understandIng of why people volunteer and the establishment of a systematic program for the development of volunteers. An aspect of the latter issue is the focus of this study. Basic continuing changes In society as well as changing leader roles make it imperative to have a viable program for the development of 4-H volunteers. Dol an (1969) presented a leadership development process that had seven subprocesses or phases: Leader identification, leader selection, leader orientation, leader training, leader utilization, leader recognition, and leader evaluation. Following a review of literature for this study, the authors identified and grouped the 4-H volunteer leadership development program components under six subareas, viz: (a) recruiting, (b) training, (c) motivation, (d) recognition, (e) retention, and (f) supervision. Purpose and Object I ve The main purpose of this study was to determine the level of importance of these six areas of volunteer leadership development as perceived by volunteers and by 4-H agents. The perceptions of the volunteers were seen as paramount since they were the target for the leadership development program and since their direct participation In identifying the level of importance of the development area would reflect the level of emphasis they perceived as necessary for each area. The perceptions of the agents were deemed necessary since they were responsible for plannlng, conducting, coordinating and evaluating county educational programs for 4-H and youth. Specifically, the objectives of this study Included:
Complex Dislocation of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Dislocation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is rare. Closed reduction is often impossible due to soft tissue interposition. A case is presented and the literature is reviewed with emphasis on normal and pathologic anatomy. Treatment recommendation is open reduction performed as soon as possible following injury if the dislocation cannot be reduced by closed methods.
The Partial Picture

The idea of a 4-web grid from the fourth dimension was developed in the previous chapter. Such a grid may be moved into human view with its structure preserved. While living in the fourth dimension, however, a 4-web grid may be used to capture those points where the grid meets a hyper-sphere (3-sphere). Then these captured hyper-sphere points may be moved into human view using the technique for moving the grid into human view. The result? A partial picture of a 3-sphere.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivities of Electroplated Gold

Thermal conductivity of electroplated gold at cryogenic temperatures is an important parameter for predicting the thermal behavior of ignition hohlraums that will eventually be fielded on the National Ignition Facility. We have measured the ratios between the electrical conductivities at 4.2 K and room temperature for electroplated gold as a function of bath brightener concentration and plating current density. By using the Weidemann-Franz law we predict thermal conductivities of these samples. We find that even small amounts of bath brightener drastically reduce the conductivities, and that the conductivities have a strong dependence on plating current density.
To Bury or to Burn: Optimum Use of Crop Residues to Reduce Atmospheric CO 2

We argue that sequestering of carbon waste is inherently more efficient andwill probably cost less than using the carbon for biomass burning. The ratioof carbon emitted per unit of primary energy released through combustion, C/E,favors sequestration for fundamental reasons of chemistry and engineering,strongly suggesting a low C/E strategy. This is a more direct way of analysisthan assigning dollar estimates to technologies of which we have as yet littleor no direct experience.
What Should I Do? When Patients Seek Disability Documentation

Most mental health clinicians can expect to regularly encounter requests from patients to provide documentation in support of a disability claim. At the start of the application process, clinicians should frankly discuss with patients their appraisal of their condition and its impact on their ability to work. When clinicians do not believe the symptoms are disabling, they should not avoid sharing this appraisal with the patient and utilize the discussion as an opportunity to focus on treatment goals and return to work. When clinicians do agree to provide documentation, they need to work closely with the patient to explain the process, gather the necessary information, translate it into the required format, and support the patient in responding to the determination of the disability administrator. When the patient is deemed disabled the clinician should continue to focus the patient on achieving the highest possible function. If the application is denied, the clinician should consider options with the patient including an appeal process and/or accessing other possible resources. Throughout the process clinicians need to be alert to potential biases that may affect how they respond to the request and what information they provide.
Peer observation and feedback of resident teaching during neurology rounds (P1.036)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a structure for peer observation and feedback of resident teaching on neurology rounds and to evaluate perceptions of peer feedback. Background: Peer observation and feedback of teaching have been shown to be feasible and rewarding for both residents and faculty in internal medicine. This structure has not yet been implemented or evaluated on a neurology service, which has unique challenges given the necessary focus and time dedicated to the bedside neurologic examination. Design/Methods: While leading morning rounds, senior neurology residents (n = 16) were observed by a peer. Peer observers were specifically asked to put aside the clinical content of the discussion and instead focus on the resident’s teaching style, bedside teaching techniques, and management of rounds. On the same day as the observation, peer observers provided in-person feedback to the senior resident and also received a survey to capture what they learned from observing. At the end of the study, all participants received a survey to characterize their attitudes toward peer observation and feedback. Results: According to peer observers, teaching techniques that worked well during rounds included highlighting patient examination findings at the bedside, verbally or visually summarizing cases with bulleted teaching points, and allowing for junior resident autonomy in decision-making. Preliminary results from our end-of-study survey showed that peer observation and feedback were well received. Residents felt that the initiative improved their comfort with giving and receiving peer feedback. Most residents felt that peer observation (both observing and being observed) significantly and positively impacted their teaching behavior. Conclusions: Resident peer observation and feedback on teaching was feasible and rewarding on a neurology service. It improves comfort with residents giving and receiving peer-level feedback and positively impacts teaching behavior. Several teaching skills were highlighted as “best practice” approaches, which can be shared among all residents. Disclosure: Dr. Lin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tyman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lueders has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cho has nothing to disclose.
Is There More to Resourcefulness Than Personal and Social Skills

This study examined relationships among personal and social resourcefulness and spiritual practices and their associations with perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and self-assessed health in 138 women caregivers of elders with dementia. Caregivers who rated high on personal and social resourcefulness and spiritual practices (by median splits) had the lowest perceived stress, fewest depressive symptoms, and best self-assessed health, followed in sequence by women rating high on two of the three, high on one of the three, and low on all three. Hierarchical regression analyses that introduced spiritual practices after resourcefulness showed significant increases in the R-square change by 3% and 5% for perceived stress and depressive symptoms, respectively, but no significant change for self-assessed health. Strong associations among personal and social resourcefulness and spiritual practices, and similar relationships with two health outcomes, suggest that spiritual practices may be a third dimension of resourcefulness.
Comparing the Use of Single Versus Multiple Combined Abilities in Conducting Complex Computer Tasks Hands-Free

Assistive technologies often focus on a remaining ability of their users, particularly those with physical disabilities, e.g., tetraplegia, to facilitate their computer access. We hypothesized that by combining multiple remaining abilities of the end users in an intuitive fashion, it is possible to improve the quality of computer access. In this paper, 15 able-bodied subjects completed four computer access tasks without using their hands: center-out tapping, on-screen maze navigation, playing a game, and sending an email. They used the multimodal tongue drive system (mTDS), which offers proportional cursor control via head motion, discrete clicks via tongue gestures, and typing via speech recognition simultaneously. Their performances were compared against unimodal tongue gestures (TDS), and keyboard & mouse combination(KnM), as the gold standard. Center-out tapping task average throughputs using mTDS and TDS were 0.84 and 0.94 bps, which were 21% and 22.4% of the throughput using mouse, respectively, while the average error rate and missed targets using mTDS were 4.1% and 25.5% less than TDS. Maze navigation throughputs using mTDS and TDS were 0.35 and 0.46 bps, which were 16.6% and 21.8% of the throughput using mouse, respectively. Participants achieved 72.32% higher score using mTDS than TDS when playing a simple game. Average email generating time with mTDS was $\sim 2\times $ longer than KnM with a mean typing accuracy of 78.1%. Engaging multimodal abilities helped participants perform considerably better in complex tasks, such as sending an email, compared to a unimodal system (TDS). Their performances were similar for simpler task, while multimodal inputs improved interaction accuracy. Cursor navigation with head motion led to higher score in less constrained tasks, such as game, than a highly constrained maze task.
Observation of natural background radiation during the Great American Eclipse.

Observations of photon and neutron background radiation were made in Rigby, Idaho, during the Great American Eclipse on August 21, 2017. Photon measurements were made using a mechanically-cooled, high-purity germanium gamma-ray spectrometer, segmenting the data into four energy bands of 3σ) variations in signal count rates were observed in either the photon or neutron data. This level corresponds to the lack of observed photon variations exceeding 2.1%, 12.2%, 21.6%, or 43.2% of mean values in the four photon energy groups, respectively; it corresponds to a lack of observed neutron variations exceeding 25.3%, 25.6%, or 16.1% of mean values in the three neutron detector arrays, respectively.
Abstract TP160: May-Thurner Syndrome is Associated With Stroke Due to Paradoxical Embolism

Background: May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) is a potential risk factor for cryptogenic stroke (CS). While retrospective reports have found important association with MTS in CS, prospective data has been...