cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How do elevated [CO2], warming, and reduced precipitation interact to affect soil moisture and LAI in an old field ecosystem?

Soil moisture content and leaf area index (LAI) are properties that will be particularly important in mediating whole system responses to the combined effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2], warming and altered precipitation. Warming and drying will likely reduce soil moisture, and this effect may be exacerbated when these factors are combined. However, elevated [CO2] may increase soil moisture contents and when combined with warming and drying may partially compensate for their effects. The response of LAI to elevated [CO2] and warming will be closely tied to soil moisture status and may mitigate or exacerbate the effects of global change on soil moisture. Using open-top chambers (4-m diameter), the interactive effects of elevated [CO2], warming, and differential irrigation on soil moisture availability were examined in the OCCAM (Old-Field Community Climate and Atmospheric Manipulation) experiment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in eastern Tennessee. Warming consistently reduced soil moisture contents and this effect was exacerbated by reduced irrigation. However, elevated [CO2] mitigated the effects of warming and drying on soil moisture. LAI was determined using an AccuPAR ceptometer and both the leaf area duration (LAD) and canopy size were increased by irrigation and elevated [CO2]. Changes in LAI were closely linked to soil moisture status. The climate of the southeastern United States is predicted to be warmer and drier in the future, and this research suggests that although elevated [CO2] will ameliorate the effects of warming and drying, losses of soil moisture will cause declines in the LAI of old field ecosystems in the future.
In situ stabilized carbon nanofiber (CNF) reinforced epoxy nanocomposites

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) suspended epoxy resin nanocomposites and the corresponding polymer nanocomposites are fabricated. The surface of CNFs is introduced a functional amine terminated groups via silanization, which in situ react with epoxy monomers. This in situ reaction favors the CNFs dispersion and improves the interfacial interaction between CNFs and monomers. Effects of particle loading, surface treatment and operating temperatures of rheological tests on the complex viscosity, storage modulus and loss modulus are systematically studied. Unique rheological phenomena “a decreased viscosity with a better dispersion” are observed and explained in terms of the improved filler dispersion quality. Meanwhile, significant increase in the tensile property and storage modulus is observed and related to the better dispersion and the introduced strong interfacial interaction as revealed by SEM imaging. Finally, electrical conductivity is investigated and an unusual deficiency of surface treatment to improve the electrical conductivity is explained by an insulating coating layer.
Curriculum-Based Measurement of Oral Reading: Quality of Progress Monitoring Outcomes

Curriculum-based measurement of oral reading (CBM-R) is frequently used to set student goals and monitor student progress. This study examined the quality of growth estimates derived from CBM-R progress monitoring data. The authors used a linear mixed effects regression (LMER) model to simulate progress monitoring data for multiple levels of progress monitoring duration (i.e., 6, 8, 10 … 20 weeks) and data set quality which was operationalized as residual/error in the model (σe = 5, 10, 15, and 20). The number of data points, quality of data, and method used to estimate growth all influenced the reliability and precision of estimated growth rates. Results indicated that progress monitoring outcomes are sufficient to guide educational decisions if (a) ordinary least-squares regression is used to derive trend lines estimates, (b) a very good progress monitoring data set is used, and (c) the data set comprises a minimum of 14 CBMs-R. The article discusses implications and future directions.
Facility Locations with the Manhattan Metric in the Presence of Barriers to Travel

This paper considers the optimal location of p facilities in the plane, under the assumption that all travel occurs according to the Manhattan or rectilinear or I1 metric in the presence of impenetrable barriers to travel. Facility users are distributed over a finite set of demand points, with the weight of each point proportional to its demand intensity. Each demand point is assigned to the closest facility. The objective is to locate facilities so as to minimize average Manhattan travel distance to a random demand. We show that an optimal set of facility locations can be drawn from a finite set of candidate points, all of which are easy to determine.
Demonstrating the Influence of Sample Size and Reliability on Study Outcome

This article describes the w e of a BASlC program for demonstrating the influence of sample size and reliability on study outcome. The program generates a random sample of size N from a population defined by the user. In one option, a correlation between two variables is computed based on a single sample. In the second option, the program generates sample correlations between the two variables for reliability values ranging from 0 to 1. The program is useful for demonstrating variability in parameter estimates imposed by small samples and for demonstrating the limits that unreliable measures place on estimates of population correlations.
Is Patient Age Associated with Perioperative Outcomes After Surgical Resection of Benign Cranial Nerve Neoplasms

Objective Previous studies have demonstrated that increasing age is associated with decreased rates of operative management and gross total resection in patients with vestibular schwannomas. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data registry was used for this retrospective cohort analysis. Patients enrolled in the registry from 2007 to 2013 with a diagnosis of a benign neoplasm of a cranial nerve were included. The association between age and postoperative morbidity and mortality was evaluated by the use of multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results Of 565 patients included for analysis, the mean (median) age was 51 (53) years. Three clusters were evaluated: P = 0.012), stroke (0% vs. 0.69% vs. 6.82%, P P = 0.014) increased with age. Mean age was significantly greater among patients who died (70.60 vs. 50.87 years, P = 0.002) or had a stroke (68.00 vs. 50.89 years, P = 0.006), cardiac arrest (71.50 vs. 50.89 years, P = 0.038), or coma (74.00 vs. 50.96 years, P = 0.020) and those who failed ventilator weaning (62.55 vs. 50.82, P = 0.006). Age as both a continuous (odds ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.03−1.18) and categorical variable (age 70+ years odds ratio 78.88, 95% confidence interval 3.41−1825.57) was associated with an increased odds of composite morbidity. Conclusions In patients undergoing surgery for benign cranial nerve neoplasms, increasing age is associated with increased mortality, stroke, coma, and ventilator weaning failure. Composite complication rates are significantly greater in patients ≥70 years, with a near 80-fold increased risk of complications.
Drought modulated by North Atlantic sea surface temperatures for the last 3,000 years along the northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract In 2012 the most severe United States drought since the 1930's occurred, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the climate factors driving droughts. Spatial-temporal analysis of United States precipitation data from 1900 to 1999 indicates that the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) primarily modulates drought frequency. Tree rings provide the highest resolution and most spatially distributed drought records beyond secular time-series; however, as most tree-ring records only extend to ca. 1000 years before present (BP), a new broadly distributed, quantitative, multi-millennial, proxy of past drought is needed to determine if the AMO modulated drought across North America through the late Holocene. In this study, we develop a new quantitative drought proxy from a transfer function between X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) derived elemental data from a Texas playa and a tree-ring drought record. Using this transfer function, a 954-year tree-ring drought record was extended to ca. 3000 BP. Changes in the extended drought record correspond with timing of the Roman Climate Optimum, Medieval Warm Period, Little Ice Age, and changes in the AMO as recorded in a proxy record derived from North Atlantic ice-rafted debris. These results indicate that lacustrine-derived XRF element data can be used as a quantitative tool to reconstruct past drought records, and suggest that AMO modulated drought in southern Texas for the last 3000 years. Additional studies using XRF-derived element data as a drought proxy are needed to determine the utility of this proxy in non-playa lacustrine systems.
The Renal Response to Acute Injury and Sepsis

Clinical and functional studies have determined distinct differences between the renal and systemic response to trauma with hypovolemia and severe sepsis. Renal response to insult is discussed separately in both injured and septic patients.
Automatic registration of FDG_CT and FLT_CT images integrating Genetic Algorithm, Powell method and wavelet decomposition

This paper describes a novel mutual information-based registration method that integrates the use of a Genetic Algorithm (GA), the Powell method (PM), and Wavelet decomposition in order to register in an optimal fashion the fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)_CT and fluorodeoxythymidine (FLT)_CT image modalities. By registering these two computed tomography (CT) modalities, we combine the strengths of the two radiotracers knowing that FDG uptake is higher in cancerous lesions, while FLT uptake is closely correlated with cellular proliferation. Registration through these tracers, FDG and FLT, increase both sensitivity and specificity for imaging cancer, and is essential for optimizing the results of the diagnosis. In this study, this integrated approach, we refer to as GPW, focuses on solving three problems: (1) Reducing the computational time of GA when it is searching for the best global solution; (2) Preventing the PM method to fall into a local solution for image registration; (3) Providing the necessary image pre-processing steps for enhanced feature analysis of FDG_CT and FLT_CT images. After registration, the location of the cancerous lesions on the liver could be observed directly on the FLT_CT image. When registering wavelet decomposition images, the GA is applied for determining the maximal value of the normalized mutual information between a reference image and a moving image. The Powell method (PM) is implemented in search for the best solution starting from an initial set of registration points.
Book Review. Courts and Transition in Russia: The Challenge of Judicial Reform, by Peter H. Solomon, Jr. and Todd S. Foglesong

This is a book review applauding Peter H. Solomon and Todd S. Foglesong’s book Courts and Transition in Russia: The Challenge of Judicial Reform, written by Professor Stephen C. Thaman. Professor Thaman provides his thoughts on the possibility of Russian reform success.
Differences in the Binding of Human Norovirus to and from Romaine Lettuce and Raspberries by Water and Electrolyzed Waters

Food contamination by human norovirus (hNoV) is a major cause of gastrointestinal disease. We evaluated the effectiveness of removing inoculated hNoV from the surfaces of raspberries and romaine lettuce by a simple wash in tap water and in different forms of electrolyzed water (EW), including acidic EW (AEW), neutral EW (NEW), and basic EW (BEW). A simple rinsing or soaking in water was able to remove >95% of hNoV from surface-inoculated raspberries. In contrast, only 75% of hNoV was removed from surface-inoculated romaine lettuce by rinsing in tap water. An AEW wash enhanced the binding of hNoV to raspberries and lettuce. Only 7.5% (±10%) and 4% (±3.1%) of hNoV were removed by AEW wash from surface-inoculated raspberries and lettuce, respectively. When raspberries and lettuce were prewashed with NEW or BEW prior to surface inoculation, an AEW wash likewise resulted in significantly less removal of hNoV compared with untreated samples. A prewash with AEW significantly decreased the removal of hNoV from raspberries and lettuce when they were washed with NEW, from 90.6 to 51% and from 76 to 51.3% , respectively. There are minimal or no improvements gained by use of any of the EWs instead of a regular tap water wash in removal of hNoV from produce. However, use of AEW shows a significant decrease in the removal of hNoV from contaminated produce compared with other water rinses. The ability to remove hNoV from different types of produce varies, possibly due to differences among types of ligand-like molecules that bind hNoV. The distribution of hNoV on raspberries and lettuce was studied using recombinant Norwalk-like particles (rNVLP). By immunofluorescence microscopy, we were able to observe binding of rNVLP only to vein areas of romaine lettuce, suggesting that the virus was binding to specific molecules in these areas. Random binding of rNVLP occurred only with raspberries prewashed with AEW or washed with AEW.
The Impact of Bleeding Avoidance Strategies on Hospital-Level Variation in Bleeding Rates Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to explore whether the use of bleeding avoidance strategies (BAS) explains variability in hospital-level bleeding following percutaneous coronary intervention. Background Prior studies have reported that bleeding rates following percutaneous coronary intervention vary markedly among hospitals, but the extent to which use of BAS explains this variation is unknown. Methods Using the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registry’s CathPCI Registry, estimated hospital-level bleeding rates from 2,459,686 procedures at 1,358 sites were determined. A series of models were fit to estimate random-effect variance, adjusting for patient risk (using the validated CathPCI bleeding risk model, C statistic = 0.77) and various combinations of BAS (transradial access, bivalirudin, vascular closure device use). The rate of any BAS use was also estimated for each hospital, and the association between percentage BAS use and predicted bleeding rates was determined. Results In total, 125,361 bleeding events (5.1%) were observed; patients experiencing bleeding events had lower rates of radial access (5.0% vs. 11.2%; p Conclusions A modest proportion of the variation in hospitals’ rates of bleeding following percutaneous coronary intervention is attributable to differential use of BAS. Further analyses are required to determine the remaining approximately 70% causes of variation in percutaneous coronary intervention bleeding seen among hospitals.
Work and leisure in an academic environment: relationships between selected meanings.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine selected meanings of work and leisure as they were perceived by workers comprising three different occupational classifications at the University of Georgia. Subjects were chosen by the process of systematic random sampling of occupational classifications. The sample included 48 teaching faculty, 46 office workers, and 39 physical plant employees. A pilot investigation was conducted to develop a valid and reliable semantic differential instrument. The final instrument, the Work-Leisure Attitude Inventory, asked the subjects to use 11 evaluative bipolar adjective scales to rate 13 concepts identified in the pilot investigation as important aspects of both the work and leisure domains. Significant positive correlations were found in each of the three occupational classifications (nine among teaching faculty, four among office workers, and five among physical plant employees), indicating that workers satisfied with a concept in their work were also satisfied ...
Perinephric Abscess Due to a Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus: Case Report and Review of the Literature

AbstractPerinephric abscess is an uncommon urinary tract infection that usually is caused by Staphylococcus aureus as a single pathogen or gram-negative bacilli as part of a polymicrobial process. We describe a man who presented with a right perinephric abscess due to coagulase-negative Staphylococcus as the only pathogen. The patient had bilateral nephrolithiasis, and he was treated successfully with percutaneous drainage of the abscess and parenteral antibiotics. Coagulase-negative staphylococci are increasingly reported to cause serious infections. This organism can no longer be routinely dismissed as a contaminant or colonizer. Repeated isolation of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in the absence of other pathogens must be considered a high risk situation.
Dynamic Interplay of Calmodulin and Fibroblast Growth Factor Homologous Factors in Regulating NA Channels

In recent years, the ubiquitous Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin (CaM), and the non-canonical intracellular fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHF) have emerged as two potent modulators of voltage-gated sodium channels with profound implications for the excitability of neuronal, cardiac, and skeletal muscle cells. Curiously, both regulatory molecules associate with the Na channel through a well-conserved channel carboxy-terminus with CaM preassociating to a canonical IQ motif and FHF interacting with the closely apposed preIQ - EF hand surface. Even so, the interaction of these auxiliary proteins is thought to evoke distinct and independent channel regulatory effects. CaM interaction with the Na channel confers a rapid Ca2+-dependent feedback regulation (Cell 157(7):1657) while FHF appear to alter various voltage-dependent properties of the canonical channel fast inactivation gate (Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 59:1067). Here, we demonstrate a novel role of FHF to allosterically suppress Ca2+/CaM-dependent regulation of skeletal muscle Na channels (NaV1.4). In the absence of FHF, the wild-type NaV1.4 channels exhibit rapid and robust Ca2+-dependent inhibition mediated by a resident CaM. However, co-expression of FHF1 entirely abolishes Ca2+-dependent inhibition of these channels. Similarly, co-expression of various isoforms of FHF (FHF2-4) with NaV1.4 results in a graded suppression of Ca2+/CaM regulation. These results argue that Ca2+-regulation of Na channels can be potently tuned by differential expression of various FHF isoforms, as are often associated with various pathophysiological conditions. Overall, the dynamic interplay of CaM and FHF identified here vastly enriches the modulatory landscape of Na channels and highlights the sophisticated mechanisms by which cytosolic proteins can tune cellular excitability.
Spatial-temporal stochasticity of electric vehicles in an integrated traffic and power system

Penetration of a large number of electric vehicles in the grid can have a negative impact to the grid. To prevent a negative effect to the grid, the behavior of electric vehicles must be accurately modeled and their charging schedules must be coordinated. Therefore, it is necessary to determine where and how much charge is available in electric vehicles in the distribution system. In this paper, a state transition algorithm is designed to determine a stochastic model of electric vehicles to simulate electric vehicle movement in an integrated traffic and power network. Dijkstra's algorithm is used to determine the shortest distance between end-user residential and office areas. A naive charging technique is used to charge electric vehicles at different time intervals at different charging stations based on their driving patterns. The probability of finding electric vehicles at different charging stations and available charge using information on driving behavior is determined.
3G UMTS man in the middle attacks and policy reform considerations

MAN IN THE MIDDLE ATTACKS ON 3G UMTS HAVE BEEN A KNOWN VULNERABILITY SINCE AT LEAST 2004. MANY EXPERTS HAVE PRESENTED SOLUTIONS TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO MITIGATE THE ISSUE IN THE FORM OF MUTUAL AUTHENTICATION FELL SHORT. IT IS NOW PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE FBI HAVE USED THIS MAN IN THE MIDDLE STYLE ATTACK TO COLLECT INTELLIGENCE WITHIN THE UNITED STATES. IT IS IMPERATIVE WE OPENLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WHILE THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE ATTACK HAS IMMEDIATE BENEFITS, THERE ARE ALSO INHERENT RISKS TO MAINTAINING A LOWER STANDARD OF SECURITY. THERE HAS BEEN NO OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION FROM THESE AGENCIES ON THE PROTOCOL USED TO CONDUCT THESE COLLECTIONS. THIS PAPER WILL OUTLINE THE DEFICIENCY IN GSM AND UMTS, SHOW HOW A MAN IN THE MIDDLE STYLE ATTACK WOULD WORK AND WHAT IS KEEPING THE ATTACK STILL POSSIBLE AFTER SO MANY YEARS. FINALLY, THERE WILL BE FOUR POINTS TO CONSIDER FOR PRELIMINARY POLICY REFORM; CONSTITUTIONALITY, OVERSIGHT, VULNERABILITY, AND
A Method of Using a Pelvic C-Clamp for Intraoperative Reduction of a Zone 3 Sacral Fracture.

It is challenging to properly reduce pelvic ring injuries that involve a zone 3 sacral fracture. Several open and closed reduction methods have been described. Percutaneous reductions are challenging, and improper reductions can have poor long-term outcomes. The pelvic C-clamp is a tool designed to provide emergency stabilization to patients suffering from c-type pelvic ring injuries. We describe a case in which a patient’s open book pelvic ring injury with a zone three sacral fracture is reduced intraoperatively with the use of a pelvic C-clamp and stabilized with transsacral screws.
Floodpath: The Forgotten History of the 1928 St. Francis Dam Disaster

This article recounts the disastrous collapse of the St. Francis Dam north of Los Angeles on March 12, 1928, its toll in human lives, and how quickly it was forgotten. The author also reviews the causes of the tragedy.
Comparing Pointing Performance of Mouse and Eye-Gaze Input System

The purpose of this study is to identify strengths and weaknesses of an eye-gaze input system. The pointing performance of an eye-gaze input, such as reaction time and accuracy, were compared to the performance of a mouse input. Operator’s sensitivity (d’), bias (β) and NASA-TLX were used as metrics for performance assessment during a gauge monitoring task. The results indicated that there was a significant difference in reaction time between a mouse input and eye-gaze input system. The participants who used a mouse as their input device showed more miss responses. However, the eye-gaze device users had more false-alarm responses. For workload, there was no significant difference between the eye-gaze input system and the mouse input system. The findings from this study showed that an eye-gaze system is favorable to the operations requiring fast human reactions and less sensitivity on false. The study provided deeper insight into user behavior regarding an eye-gaze input system.
Finding Mirror Symmetry via Registration and Optimal Symmetric Pairwise Assignment of Curves: Algorithm and Results

We demonstrate that the problem of fitting a plane of mirror symmetry to data in any Euclidian space can be reduced to the problem of registering two datasets, and that the exactness of the solution depends entirely on the registration accuracy. This new Mirror Symmetry via Registration (MSR) framework involves (1) data reflection with respect to an arbitrary plane, (2) registration of original and reflected datasets, and (3) calculation of the eigenvector of eigenvalue -1 for the transformation matrix representing the reflection and registration mappings. To support MSR, we also introduce a novel 2D registration method based on random sample consensus of an ensemble of normalized cross-correlation matches. We further demonstrate the generality of MSR by testing it on a database of 3D shapes with an iterative closest point registration back-end.
Mitochondrial Transport Processes

The chief functions of mitochondria are to supply the cell with ATP made via oxidative phosphorylation, to regulate the level of reduced pyridine nucleotides in the cytoplasm, to supply the cytoplasm with sufficient carbon precursor for fatty acid and sterol biosyntheses, and to catalyze certain of the reactions involved in gluconeogenesis and ureogenesis. In order for mitochondria to perform these processes, a high-magnitude flux of numerous metabolites must occur across their membranes. Movement of metabolites, as large as 6–8 kDa, occurs across the outer mitochondrial membrane primarily via diffusion through a channel protein known as the voltage-dependent anion channel.1,2 In contrast to the broad specificity of the outer membrane channel, the inner mitochondrial membrane maintains a highly selective permeability resulting from the existence of specific membrane transport proteins. To date, at least 13 major inner membrane metabolite transporters have been identified and extensively characterized (see Table 15.1).
New Measurements with Optical Molasses

The principle of laser cooling was first set forth in 1975 [1] and was demonstrated, for trapped ions, in 1978 [2], Nevertheless, only recently [3,4] was it appreciated that the very strong damping of atomic velocity provided by three dimensional laser cooling would lead to diffusive atomic motion and relatively long confinement times, even in the absence of restoring forces. Because of the similarity of the diffusive atomic motion to the Brownian motion of particles in a viscous fluid, the phenomenon has been called “optical molasses.”
Economic Analysis of Rapid Prototyping Systems

Considering the large sums of money required to implement advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), management must carry out appropriate evaluations and then make critical decisions. Traditional justification methods are insufficient by themselves because they cannot cope with benefits, such as flexibility and enhanced quality, offered by AMT. Selection and justification processes for AMT involve complex problems and require extensive analysis of a large number of criteria. An appropriate decision-making procedure for justification of AMT requires consideration of both economic and non-economic investments. An analytical model is presented for the selection of a rapid prototyping (RP) system from a set of mutually exclusive decision alternatives. The proposed model is based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) along with the Expert Choice software and it provides the means for integrating economic with non-economic benefits. A numerical example illustrates an application of the proposed model.
Matter radii of N 16 − 23

I have used a simple model to compute matter radii for $^{16--23}\mathrm{N}$, paying special attention to the configurations of the valence neutron(s). I compare results with recent predictions and with earlier matter radii extracted from measurements of interaction cross sections. The present calculations are closer to the experimental radii than any of the results from the other procedures.
Scoliosis vertebral growth plate histomorphometry: Comparisons to controls, growth rates, and compressive stresses

Scoliosis progression in skeletally immature patients depends on remaining growth. Relationships between vertebral growth plate histomorphometry, growth rates, and mechanical stresses have been reported in several animal studies. Hypertrophic zone heights and chondrocyte heights have been used to assess treatments that aim to modulate growth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether human vertebral physeal hypertrophic zone and cell heights differed between two groups: Severe scoliosis and autopsy controls. Severity was defined at time of surgical planning by curve magnitude and curve stiffness. Physeal samples were obtained from the convex side apex, and from the concave side when feasible. Histologic sections were prepared, and digital images were used to measure hypertrophic zone height, cell height, and cell width. Thirteen spinal deformity patients were included, mean curve magnitude 67° (±23). Etiologies were juvenile and adolescent idiopathic, congenital, neurofibromatosis, neuromuscular, and Marfan syndrome. Five age-matched autopsy specimens without scoliosis served as controls. Results were presented by etiology, then all convex scoliosis specimens were combined and compared to controls. Zone heights for scoliosis, convex side, and controls were 152 µm (±34) and 180 µm (±42) (p = 0.21), cell heights 8.5 µm (±1.1) and 12.8 µm (±1.2) (p < 0.0005), and cell widths 14.9 µm (±1.5) and 15.0 µm (±2.5), respectively. Human values were compared to published animal models and to a quantitative theory of a stress growth curve. This quantification of vertebral physeal structures in scoliosis may be expected to help assess theories of progression and potential treatments using growth modulation. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2450-2459, 2018.
Private and Public Differences? Examining the Meaning of Sector in Motivation and Leadership

The purpose of this symposium is to facilitate and inspire research to investigate whether sector is an unimportant boundary variable or whether sector should play a meaningful role in shaping theo...
Analyses of Unbalanced Groups-Versus-Individual Research Designs Using Three Alternative Approximate Degrees of Freedom Tests: Test Development and Type I Error Rates

University of North Florida University of Florida Three approximate degrees of freedom quasi-F tests of treatment effectiveness were developed for use in research designs when one treatment is individually delivered and the other is delivered to individuals nested in groups of unequal size. Imbalance in the data was studied from the prospective of subject attrition. The results indicated the test that best controls the Type I error rate depends on the number of groups in the group-administered treatment but does not depend on the subject attrition rates included in the study. Key words: Groups versus-individuals, approximate degrees of freedom, unbalanced designs, Type I error rate Introduction In the simplest groups-versus-individuals research design, two treatments are compared, one of which is administered to
The Missing Piece: Domestic Civil Society Access to Human Rights Treaty Bodies

Since 2009, the United Nations has been engaged in a process of ‘strengthening’ the human rights treaty body system which monitors the implementation of the core international human rights treaties. The number of human rights treaty bodies has, over time, expanded to ten, with each treaty body independently tasked with monitoring an increasing number of States Parties’ compliance with human rights treaties and optional protocols. This proliferation has in turn precipitated the need for a process to improve the overall functioning of the system. While significant attention has been dedicated in the treaty body strengthening process to the issue of States Parties’ under-reporting and capacity deficits, comparatively little attention has been directed towards accessibility issues, capacity building, and technical assistance for domestic civil society organizations (CSOs) - groups whose informed and active participation are essential to the proper functioning of the entirety of the treaty body system. In light of this lack of attention, an ecosystem of intermediary non-government organizations (NGOs) has emerged organically to provide much needed capacity building, advisory services, and technical assistance to domestic CSOs looking to engage with treaty bodies. However, the ad hoc nature in which these intermediary NGOs have emerged and the lack of formalized institutional relationships with treaty bodies has resulted in a number of systemic issues that desperately need to be addressed in the treaty body strengthening process. This paper will discuss the ongoing process of treaty body strengthening, current services provided by intermediary NGOs to assist domestic CSOs in engaging with human rights treaty bodies (as well as the Universal Periodic Review), gaps within the current framework, and recommendations to improve access for domestic CSOs within the current treaty body strengthening process.
Utilization of high-fidelity simulation to address challenges with the basic science immunology education of preclinical medical students.

Immune function and dysfunction are highly complex basic science concepts introduced in the preclinical medical school curriculum. A challenge for early learners is connecting the intricate details and concepts in immunology with clinical manifestations. This impedes relevance and applicability. The impetus in medical education reform is promoting consolidation of basic science and clinical medicine during the first two years of medical school. Simulation is an innovation now widely employed in medical schools to enhance clinical learning. Its use in basic science curriculums is largely deficient. The authors piloted simulation as a novel curricular approach to enhance fundamental immunology knowledge and clinical integration. The authors introduced a Primary Immunodeficiency Disease (PIDD) simulation during a basic science immunology course for second-year medical students at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. The simulation tasked small groups of students with evaluating, diagnosing and managing an infant with previously undiagnosed immunodeficiency. Joint facilitation by clinical and science faculty during terminal debriefings engaged students in Socratic discussion. Debriefing aimed to immerse basic science content in the context of the clinical case. Students completed a post-simulation Likert survey, assessing utility in reinforcing clinical reasoning, integration of basic science and clinical immunology, enhanced knowledge and understanding of immunodeficiency, and enhanced learning. A summative Immunodeficiency Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) question was created by faculty to assess students’ recognition of a PIDD and clinical reasoning. The simulation was well received by students with > 90% endorsing each of the objectives on the post-simulation survey. The authors also determined a statistically significant score variance on the summative OSCE question. Higher scores were achieved by the cohort of students completing the OSCE post-simulation versus the cohort completing the OSCE pre-simulation. The innovative use of simulation in a highly complex basic science immunology course provides relevance and consolidation for preclinical learners. Additional data will be collected to continuously assess application of concepts and proficiency stemming from this novel curricular intervention. The authors advocate the initiation and/or expansion of simulation in non-clinical basic science courses such as immunology to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The SIFK score: a validated predictive model for arthroplasty progression after subchondral insufficiency fractures of the knee

The purpose of this study was to create a predictive model utilizing baseline demographic and radiographic characteristics for the likelihood that a patient with subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee will progress to knee arthroplasty with emphasis on clinical interpretability and usability. A retrospective review of baseline and final radiographs in addition to MRIs were reviewed for evaluation of insufficiency fractures and associated injuries. Patient and radiographic factors were used in building predictive models for progression to arthroplasty with Train: Validation: Test subsets. Multiple models were compared with emphasis on clinical utility. Total of 249 patients with a mean age of 64.6 (SD 10.5) years were included. Knee arthroplasty rate was 27% at mean of 4 years of follow-up. Lasso Regression was non-inferior to other models and was chosen for ease of interpretability. In order of importance, predictors for progression to arthroplasty included lateral meniscus extrusion, Kellgren–Lawrence Grade 4, SIFK on MFC, lateral meniscus root tear, and medial meniscus extrusion. The final SIFK Score stratified patients into low-, medium-, and high-risk categories with arthroplasty rates of 8.8%, 40.4%, and 78.9% (p < 0.001) and an area under the curve of 82.5%. In this validated model, lateral meniscus extrusion, K-L Grade 4, SIFK on MFC, lateral meniscus root tear, and medial meniscus extrusion were the most important factors in predicting progression to arthroplasty (in that order). This model assists in patient treatment and counseling in providing prognostic information based on patient-specific risk factors by classifying them into a low-, medium-, and high-risk categories. This model can be used both by medical professionals treating musculoskeletal injuries in guiding patient decision making. Level III.
Biocompatibility and Hydraulic Function of Tenckhoff and Life Cath@ Catheters:

Different peritoneal catheters are compared in terms of their biocompatibility and in vivo functional characteristics.
The role of investor sentiment in the valuation of bitcoin and bitcoin derivatives

Bitcoin is the currency of the blockchain, which promises cost reductions for businesses. This paper develops models to value bitcoin, bitcoin futures, and bitcoin options. It provides the theoretical basis for bitcoin pricing. Optimal bitcoin prices are derived at the intersection of an aberrancy utility function, a hyperbolic cosine utility function, and a Bessel utility function with price distributions. Rational investors value bitcoin on the basis of blockchain applications, while irrational investors' value bitcoin based on personal recommendations.
COVID-19 and Overall Mortality Inequities in the Surge in Death Rates by Zip Code Characteristics: Massachusetts, January 1 to May 19, 2020.

Objectives. To address evidence gaps in COVID-19 mortality inequities resulting from inadequate race/ethnicity data and no socioeconomic data.Methods. We analyzed age-standardized death rates in Ma...
Porphyromonas gingivalis infection alters Nrf2-Phase II enzymes and nitric oxide in primary human aortic endothelial cells

BACKGROUND Periodontal disease (PD) is known to be associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery and/or cardiovascular disease. In our study, we sought to explore the virulence of P. gingivalis (Pg) affecting glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β)/nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)/tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4 )/ nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression in primary human aortic endothelial cells (pHAECs). METHODS pHAECs were infected for 48 hours with Pg in vitro using the Human oxygen-Bacteria anaerobic coculture technique. Cell viability was determined, and target gene expression changes were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction at the end of each incubation period. RESULTS Pg impaired pHAEC viability 24 hours post-infection. Pg infection reduced mRNA expression levels of endothelial NOS (eNOS), Nrf2, and Phase II enzymes (heme oxygenase-1, catalase, superoxide dismutase-1) in a time-dependent manner. Significant (P <0.05) increase in the inflammatory markers (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were observed in the medium as well as in the infected cells. Interestingly, inducible NOS mRNA levels showed a significant (P <0.05) increase at 12 hours and 24 hours and were reduced at later time points. BH4 (cofactor of eNOS) biosynthesis enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR, salvage pathway) mRNA levels showed a significant (P <0.05) decrease, while mRNA levels of GSK-3β were elevated. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that periodontal bacterial infection may cause significant changes in the endothelial GSK-3β/BH4 /eNOS/Nrf2 pathways, which may lead to impaired vascular relaxation. Greater understanding of the factors that adversely affect endothelial cell function could contribute to the development of new therapeutic compounds to treat PD-induced vascular diseases.
The King’s Jasper Quarry, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania:

The King’s Quarry site (36LH2), located in the Reading Prong region of eastern Pennsylvania, is one of six remaining jasper quarries mapped by the late James Hatch and reported in 1994. Several arc...
NELA-GT-2020: A Large Multi-Labelled News Dataset for The Study of Misinformation in News Articles

In this paper, we present an updated version of the NELA-GT-2019 dataset, entitled NELA-GT-2020. NELA-GT-2020 contains nearly 1.8M news articles from 519 sources collected between January 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2020. Just as with NELA-GT-2018 and NELA-GT-2019, these sources come from a wide range of mainstream news sources and alternative news sources. Included in the dataset are source-level ground truth labels from Media Bias/Fact Check (MBFC) covering multiple dimensions of veracity. Additionally, new in the 2020 dataset are the Tweets embedded in the collected news articles, adding an extra layer of information to the data. The NELA-GT-2020 dataset can be found at this https URL.
College Students Training Law Enforcement Officers: The Officer Charlie Get Fit Project

While most law enforcement agencies recognize the importance of physical fitness for their officers and encourage them to maintain an adequate level of fitness, many find it difficult to implement a fitness program successfully. Prior studies and literature support the implementation of community-centered fitness initiatives. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe participant outcomes from the service- learning project Officer Charlie Get Fit Project and (2) delineate Kolb’s experiential learning model implemented by undergraduate kinesiology majors when applied in an exercise setting. Students were charged with working directly with police officers over an 8-week program with the goal of lowering health-risk factors for the participants. Additionally, the project provided an opportunity for students to assess their own learning style and infuse it in a real-world professional application. Participants included 16 police officers (M = 44.6, SD = 10.7 years of age) and one elected city administrative official. Paired sample t tests revealed nonsignificant differences between the pretest and posttest scores on the 10 fitness measures. Descriptive statistics revealed improvements in categories of body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, sum of skinfolds, and overall body fat percentage. Participant exit interviews indicated positive qualitative results. The student reflection piece indicated that the frequent writing helped with (1) the myriad of planning and preparation issues, (2) selecting a community partner and recruiting participants, and (3) data collection and analysis. This study was an important assessment of immersive learning opportunities provided through classroom lecture and development of community partnerships.Subscribe to TPE
The functional organization of excitatory synaptic input to place cells.

Hippocampal place cells contribute to mammalian spatial navigation and memory formation. Numerous models have been proposed to explain the location-specific firing of this cognitive representation, but the pattern of excitatory synaptic input leading to place firing is unknown, leaving no synaptic-scale explanation of place coding. Here we used resonant scanning two-photon microscopy to establish the pattern of synaptic glutamate input received by CA1 place cells in behaving mice. During traversals of the somatic place field, we found increased excitatory dendritic input, mainly arising from inputs with spatial tuning overlapping the somatic field, and functional clustering of this input along the dendrites over ~10 µm. These results implicate increases in total excitatory input and co-activation of anatomically clustered synaptic input in place firing. Since they largely inherit their fields from upstream synaptic partners with similar fields, many CA1 place cells appear to be part of multi-brain-region cell assemblies forming representations of specific locations. Hippocampal place cells contribute to navigation and memory formation. Here, the authors use in vivo glutamate imaging to reveal patterns of excitatory input received by place cell dendrites and find more spatially tuned and functionally organized inputs arriving in the place field.
The books are alive with biological data: an introduction to the field of biocodicology and its implications for historical health sciences collections

Recent global events have underscored the need for broad access to digitized library special collections. At the same time, a burgeoning field of scientific and historical inquiry is finding a goldmine of data in the physical old books and manuscripts stored for centuries on library shelves. This article gives an overview of some of the interesting studies employing library materials in the new field of biocodicology, which expands the field of codicology (learning about book history through studying a copy’s physical attributes, sometimes referred to as “archaeology of the book”) to interrogate physical books with proteomic, genomic, and microbiomic tools. Historical health sciences collections provide rich, new research avenues for budding biocodicologists, and biocodicology and other interdisciplinary fields focused on material culture present an unforeseen justification for institutions’ continued preservation and access to individual physical copies.
Enabling circularity in grain production systems with novel technologies and policy

Abstract Introduction There is an urgent need to transform unsustainable “linear” grain production systems in the United States (U.S.) and other countries like China, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Russia, Australia and Europe, into more circular and sustainable systems to address the simultaneous challenges of resource depletion, environmental degradation, and the growing global demand for food under the threat of climate change. Objectives In this perspective, we survey the current state of circularity of U.S. grain production, and discuss how we can transform the systems into more circular systems. Results Specifically, we lay out a vision of circular grain production enabled by novel digital, mechanical, and biological technologies that allow closing loops of nutrient and energy flows within the farm, through the optimization of land-use choices and crop management. We also examine market- and policy-based mechanisms that could incentivize the widespread adoption of these key technologies.
Multidisciplinary Planning for Treatment of Chordoma

Chordoma is a locally aggressive neoplasm primarily affecting the axial skeleton including the skull base, mobile spine, and sacrum. Given its low-grade nature, slow growth, and tumor location relative to critical neurologic and vascular structures, diagnosis and treatment can be difficult with high rates of recurrence, morbidity, and poor survival. When treating patients with chordoma, multidisciplinary involvement and coordination is essential from the time of diagnosis to final follow-up. Treatment teams are dependent on tumor location but often include pathologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and surgical subspecialists, as well as a variety of patient support structures. Using a coordinated approach, multidisciplinary teams can develop patient-specific treatment algorithms that limit potential morbidity while ensuring the best opportunity for recurrence-free tumor control. As diagnostic and treatment options continue to evolve with the emergence of new technologies and research, so will the need for multidisciplinary coordination in treating chordoma.
Microarray analysis: genome-scale hypothesis scanning.

Microarrays are used to survey the expression of thousands of genes in a single experiment. Applied creatively, they can be used to test as well as generate new hypotheses. As the technology becomes more accessible, microarray analysis is finding applications in diverse areas of biology. Microarrays are simply a method for visualizing which genes are likely to be used in a particular tissue at a particular time under a particular set of conditions. The output of a microarray experiment is called a “gene expression profile.”