cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Similarity of Bookmark Cut Scores With Different Response Probability Values

Standard setting is a method used to set cut scores on large-scale assessments. One of the most popular standard setting methods is the Bookmark method. In the Bookmark method, panelists are asked to envision a response probability (RP) criterion and move through a booklet of ordered items based on a RP criterion. This study investigates whether or not it is possible to end up with the same cut scores if one were to apply the Bookmark method with two different RP values. Analytical formulas and two hypothetical examples from a large-scale state testing program indicate that it is rarely possible to obtain the same cut score estimates with two different RP values because of the presence of item difficulty gaps present when applying the procedure in practice. Results indicate that if the same group of panelists applied the Bookmark procedure as it is traditionally explained, then cut scores should be lower with the second chosen RP value than they were with the first RP value. This result holds whether or n...
Simulations of Aerodynamic Damping for MEMS Resonators

Aerodynamic damping for MEMS resonators is studied based on the numerical solution of Boltzmann-ESBGK equation. A compact model is then developed based on numerical simulations for a wide range of Knudsen numbers. The damping predictions are compared with both Reynold equation based models and several sets of experimental data. It has been found that the structural damping is dominant at low pressures (high Knudsen numbers). For cases with small length-to-width ratios and large vibration amplitudes, the threedimensionality effects must be taken into account. Finally, an uncertainty quantification approach based on the probability transformation method has been applied to assess the influence of pressure and geometric uncertainties. The output probability density functions (PDF) of the damping ratio has been studied for various input PDF of beam geometry and ambient pressure.
Life Under Wainwright v. Witt: Juror Dispositions and Death Qualification

The current standard for determining juror qualification in cases in which the prosecution is seeking the death penalty was formulated by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1985 inWainwright v. Witt. This standard differs importantly from its predecessor, and requires that prospective jurors be dismissed if their views would prevent or substantially impair their ability to perform their functions as jurors. We assessed respondents according to the criteria imposed byWitt. We also measured independently prospective juror's abilities to perform the various specific tasks of a capital juror and their disposition to impose the death penalty automatically upon defendants convicted of murder punishable by death. Data from 148 respondents, selected randomly from juries on previously tried felony cases, indicated that 28.2% of those includable by theWitt standard would automatically impose the death penalty. Considering all respondents who would be erroneously included or excluded, a total of 36% of the sample showed inconsistencies with theWitt criterion. These findings are discussed in terms of jurors' difficulties in anticipating their roles as capital jurors.
Building a better virus trap

The concept of ecological ‘traps’ is based in theory from ecology and conservation biology that has now found application to infectious diseases with a study from Paul Turner's group. This study is important because it offers a mathematical model of ecological traps, applies this model to viruses, and tests the model in a bacteria–phage system. Although there will be technical hurdles to overcome, this concept might lead to benefits for both health and industry.
Co-worker social support in a worksite smoking control program.

Abstract We evaluated the effects of adding a social support component to a worksite controlled smoking treatment program. Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to either a controlled smoking or a controlled smoking plus partner support condition. Within a multiple baseline across behaviors design, smokers in both conditions made efforts to achieve sequential 50% reductions in: nicotine content of brand smoked, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and percentage of each cigarette smoked. Self-monitoring records, laboratory analyses of spent cigarette butts, and carbon monoxide determinations indicated that both conditions were effective in producing significant reductions in each of the three target behaviors and in carbon monoxide levels. All participants who quit smoking during the program maintained their abstinence at a 6-month follow-up, and those who did not quit were smoking less at follow-up than they had at pretest on all dependent variables. However, few differences were observed between controlled smoking and controlled smoking plus partner support conditions either during treatment or at the 6-month follow-up. Results are discussed with regard to previous worksite studies, future directions for research on social support, and variables that may have mediated treatment outcome.
Evaluation of toosendanin as a botulinum neurotoxin antagonist

Toosendanin (TSN), a tetranortriterpenoid compound from the plant Melia toosendan, has been reported to protect rats and non-human primates from the lethal actions of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A). TSN was tested in isolated mouse phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations against BoNT serotypes A, B and E. When added prior to toxin, TSN was found to delay the onset of muscle paralysis with all 3 BoNT serotypes. TSN had little or no effect on BoNT-induced muscle paralysis when applied 30 min after BoNT. It is suggested that the antagonist activity of TSN may result from inhibition of BoNT translocation.
Adaptive frequency divers filtering techniques for ultrasonic analysis

Ultrasonic nondestructive testing of large grained materials is limited by the ability of the detection process to distinguish the flaw signals from the backscattered grain noise. This noise often masks the flaw signal, leading to difficulties in its detection and identification. Similar problems exist in other applications such as radar and sonar, where clutter interferes with the detection of targets. In order to enhance the flaw visibility, the frequency diverse statistic filter has been developed. In the past, considerable success has been reported in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) enhancement using this technique. However, the frequency diverse statistic filter is fairly sensitive to the filtering parameters which may cause the processing to be very intolerant. In the paper, two adaptive techniques for the frequency diverse statistic filtering are discussed. Ultrasonic flaw detection experiments are presented to demonstrate the performance of these techniques. >
Further Observations on Utilization of Urea by Lactating Cows

Abstract Two experiments measured utilization of urea by lactating cows by intake, milk production, nitrogen balance and related characteristics. In each experiment, 36 cows were in a factorial arrangement of treatments. In Experiment 1, concentrates containing 12, 17, and 22% crude protein equivalent were fed both with and without 1.5% urea (4.2% crude protein). Concentrate was fed at one unit per three units of milk produced and corn silage ad libitum during 2-week pretreatment. Milk production averaged 19.7 kg/day. Fat-corrected milk production as per cent of pretreatment milk production was lower with urea (85 versus 91, P In Experiment 2, rations were corn silage plus a 17% crude protein concentrate, without urea (A) and with 1.5% urea (B); corn silage containing .5% urea plus a 12% crude protein concentrate, without (M) and with 1.5% urea (N); and corn silage plus 12% crude protein concentrate, without (X) and with 1.5% urea (Y). Average fat-corrected milk (kg/day) for AB, MN, and XY was 24.3, 23.7 and 20.3. Silage with urea resulted in greater milk production (P
Carotid Endarterectomy or Stenting Before Coronary Surgery

THEROSCLEROSISTYPIcallyaffectsmultiple arteries in the same individual,soitisnot surprisingthatmany patients undergoing coronary artery bypassgrafting(CABG)alsohavecarotidatherosclerosis.Theage-olddilemma has been which stenotic vessels should be corrected first in an individualwhohassignificantatherosclerosis in the carotid as well as the coronaryarteries.IfCABGisperformed inapatientwithsignificantcarotidstenosis, is that individual subjected to agreaterriskofintraoperativestroke? Isitevensafetoperformacarotidendarterectomyinanindividualwhohas significant coronary artery disease? Whilenoclinicaltrialshavespecifically addressedthesequestions,thereisevidencethatthestrokeriskduringCABG
El Niño and La Niña

Abstract El Nino and La Nina are the two complementary phase of the Southern Oscillation. During E1 Nina, the area of high sea surface temperatures increases, while the atmospheric convection zones of the tropical Pacific expand and merge so that there is a tendency toward spatially homogeneous conditions. La Nina is associated with low sea surface temperatures near the equator, with atmospheric convergence zones that are isolated from each other, and with spatial wales smaller than those of El Nina. It is proposed that both phases of the Southern Oscillation can be attributed to unstable interactions between the tropical ocean and atmosphere. During El Nina, the increase release of latent heat to the atmosphere drives the instability. During La Nina, when the heating of the atmosphere decreases, the compression of the convection into smaller and smaller areas permits an instability that intensifies the trade winds and the oceanic currents. The unstable air-sea interactions are modulated by the seasonal m...
Weight-Cycling Decreases Incidence and Increases Latency of Mammary Tumors to a Greater Extent Than Does Chronic Caloric Restriction in Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus- Transforming Growth Factor-α Female Mice

Multiple periods of caloric restriction (or fasting)/refeeding in rodents have had inconsistent effects on mammary tumor (MT) development. In the present study, the consequence of intermittent caloric restriction/refeeding resulting in weight-cycling was evaluated using an oncogene-induced MT mouse model. Hybrid mouse MT virus-transforming growth factor α (MMTV-TGF-α)/ Lep + Lep ob female mice were used. Ad libitum -fed mice ( n = 30) were fed American Institute of Nutrition (AIN)-93M diet. Beginning at 10 weeks of age, weight-cycled mice ( n = 30) were fed an AIN-93 modified diet (2-fold increase in protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral contents) at 50% of ad libitum for 3-week intervals followed by 3-week intervals of ad libitum feeding using AIN-93M diet. Pair-fed mice ( n = 33), were fed a 2:1 mixture of AIN-93M:AIN-93 modified diets to match the caloric intake of weight-cycled mice for each 6-week age-matched caloric restriction/refeeding interval. Food intakes were determined daily and body weights weekly. Mice were euthanized when MTs exceeded 20 mm in length or at 80 weeks of age. Final body weights were similar, but cumulative food intake of ad libitum -fed mice was 21% greater than that of the other groups. Ad libitum -fed mice had a 77% MT incidence versus 3% for weight-cycled and 44% for pair-fed mice. MTs were detected earlier for ad libitum -fed mice, 64.1 weeks versus 73.5 weeks for pair-fed mice. The only MT in one weight-cycled mouse was excised at necropsy (80 weeks of age) and weighed only 0.063 g. Average MT weight for ad libitum -fed mice was 1.034 g and for pair-fed mice was 0.667 g. Intervals of caloric restriction/refeeding resulting in weight-cycling were protective against MT development in this mouse model. Future studies should address the application of this intervention to additional transgenic mice as well as other MT models.
Disparities in the Conduct of the Medical Encounter: The Effects of Physician and Patient Race and Gender

The U.S. health care system continues to struggle to meet the needs of all members of society. Health disparities are a major concern of the health care system. There are differences in health outc...
Induction of c-fos expression in spinal neurons by nociceptive and nonnociceptive stimulation of LUT

Expression of c-fos gene in spinal neurons was detected with an immunocytochemical technique to study the spinal processing of nociceptive and nonnociceptive input from the lower urinary tract (LUT) of the urethan-anesthetized rat. Two preparations were used to activate afferent pathways in the LUT: 1) the urinary bladder was exposed through an abdominal incision, and saline or 1% acetic acid solution was infused directly into the bladder lumen and expelled through the urethra; and 2) the bladder was catheterized through the urethra, and the urethral outlet was ligated to allow distension and reflex contractions to occur under isovolumetric conditions. The first preparation mimicked the physiological changes occurring during normal voiding, whereas the second preparation generated high (presumably nociceptive) pressures when the bladder contracted against a closed outlet. The results indicate that distension-induced voiding increased c-fos expression largely in the region of the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (52% of the total number of cells/L6 section) and the dorsal commissure (25% of the total number of cells), whereas nociceptive stimuli markedly increased the number of c-fos-positive cells in the dorsal commissure (3.5 x increase above the number induced by distension, representing 50% of the total number of cells/L6 section). Bladder contractions against a closed outlet elicited a distribution of c-fos-positive cells similar to that induced by chemical irritation. Drugs that suppressed bladder reflexes did not reduce c-fos induced by distension, indicating that voiding reflexes do not contribute to c-fos expression.
Microbial Ribosomal Vaccines

Ribosomal vaccines have been prepared from several different bacterial, fungal, and protozoan microorganisms. Most of these preparations offer a higher degree of protection than do vaccines made from the homologous whole cells, but the mode of protection is controversial. All of the reported ribosomal vaccines are contaminated with cell surface determinants. Antisera raised to ribosomal preparations are directed to innate ribosomal components as well as to surface antigens. Several hypotheses exist for the reported protection from disease: the cell surface contaminants serve as the protective moieties; ribosomes act as potent adjuvants for contaminating cell surface determinants; ribosomes innately contain antigenic determinants that cross-react with cell surface antigens; recently translated cell surface polypeptides are still attached to the ribosomal RNA in the ribosomes; ribosomes migrate from the cytoplasm of the microbe to the periphery of the cell, and ribosomal antigens are exposed on the cell surface; or ribosomes contain messenger RNA and produce microbial cell surface polypeptides in immunized individuals. A short description of the biochemical, biophysical, and structural characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes is presented, followed by a discussion of the ability of various ribosomal vaccines to protect against infectious agents.
Impact of standardization of antimicrobial prophylaxis duration in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Abstract Objectives The optimal duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis following pediatric cardiac surgery is still debated. Adult studies suggest that shorter durations are adequate, but there is a paucity of data on pediatric patients. Methods This quasi-experimental study reviewed the charts of patients 18 years and younger who underwent cardiac surgery from April 2011 to November 2014 at a single institution. Starting in April 2013, a protocol was implemented to limit antimicrobial prophylaxis to 48 hours following sternal closure. Two analyses were performed: (1) identification of risk factors for surgical site infections from the entire cohort, and (2) comparison of surgical site infection incidence in the pre- and postprotocol groups. Results In the entire cohort, delayed sternal closure (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-17.9) and younger age (adjusted OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.8) were associated with incidence of surgical site infection. Following the protocol change, duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis decreased from 4.2 ± 2.7 to 1.9 ± 1.3 days ( P Conclusions Restricting antimicrobial prophylaxis to 48 hours following pediatric cardiac surgery did not increase the incidence of surgical site infection at our institution. Further study is needed to validate this finding and to identify practices that reduce surgical site infections in those with delayed sternal closure.
Assessing Fatigability in the Lab and in Daily Life in Older Adults With Osteoarthritis Using Perceived, Performance, and Ecological Measures

Background Fatigue in older adults is associated with functional decline and reduced participation in daily life; however, it is not well characterized. Examining fatigue within activity performance, or "fatigability," is a recommended approach to begin to understand fatigue and its underlying mechanisms. This study examined the construct validity of lab-based measures of fatigability and compared these measures with fatigability in daily life (termed ecological fatigability). Methods Participants with osteoarthritis and fatigue (n = 163) underwent laboratory assessments, completed questionnaires, and wore accelerometers for 7 days while tracking symptoms and behaviors. Lab-based fatigability measures were quantified using the 6-minute walk test. Perceived fatigability was assessed by asking participants before and after the test to report: (i) fatigue severity and (ii) perceived exertion. Performance fatigability was calculated using change in walking speed divided by total distance walked. Ecological fatigability was calculated from the 7-day assessment in which fatigue severity was reported five times a day and physical activity was continuously measured. Additional ecological measures (eg, self-pacing) were examined. Results Lab-based perceived and performance fatigability measures were highly inter-correlated, moderately correlated with gait speed and metabolic measures, and weakly correlated with physical activity. Although ecological fatigability was weakly correlated with lab-based measures, participants with high fatigability on lab-based measures demonstrated more self-pacing behaviors than participants with low fatigability. Conclusion Lab-based fatigability measures are related to physical capacity measured both in the lab and daily life. Lab-based fatigability measures provide important information regarding daily life fatigability useful for future intervention development.
The influence of hormone replacement therapy on mating psychology among post-menopausal women

Abstract Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a popular treatment for menopause-related symptoms and is associated with increased well-being and sexual function. Researchers have investigated the effects of synthetic hormones within hormonal contraceptives on preferences for masculine men, and on behaviors directed towards male partners. Yet, no studies have examined the impact of synthetic hormones in HRT on mate preferences or mate-directed behavior among post-menopausal women. Here we tested the influence of HRT on women's reported sexual motivation, partner-directed behaviors (i.e., jealousy and mate retention behaviors), and mate preferences. Post-menopausal women (N = 213) responded to an online survey and completed a two-alternative, forced-choice face preference task where they rated the attractiveness of male images manipulated in sexual dimorphism. We found that HRT use was positively associated with sexual satisfaction, attitudes towards unrestricted sex, and sexual interest towards extra-pair men. There were no differences between users versus non-users in partner-directed behavior or masculinity preferences. This study highlights the need for further investigations into hormonal influences on mate preferences and behavior among post-menopausal women.
Identification of Vape Shops in Two North Carolina Counties: An Approach for States without Retailer Licensing.

Stores that sell electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as their primary product are a new phenomenon and often termed “vape shops”. While vape shops are now regulated by state and federal agencies, not all states maintain lists of vape shops in operation. Standard ways of identifying tobacco retailers through off-premise alcohol permits and business listing services may not identify vape shops. We used four online business listing services (i.e., Google Maps, ReferenceUSA, YellowPages.com, Yelp) to identify vape shops in two counties in North Carolina (NC). In one county, we also assessed four vaping web sites. We drove primary and secondary roads to physically validate the identified stores and attempt to identify stores not listed online. To assess the accuracy of the online searches, we calculated sensitivity and positive predictive values (PPVs). This research was conducted in spring and summer 2016 and identified 28 vape shops online. We confirmed 16 vape shops (seven in Pitt County, NC, USA, and nine in Durham County, NC, USA). Online searches ranged in sensitivity, 62.5%–81.3%, and PPVs ranged from 73.3% to 92.3%. Because of the range of sensitivity found among the business listing services, state policymakers should consider uniform licensing requirements for vape and tobacco retailers to more easily track retailers and ensure compliance with regulations.
Rationale, Procedures, and Response Rates for the 2015 Administration of NCI's Health Information National Trends Survey: HINTS-FDA 2015.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) to monitor population trends in cancer communication practices, information preferences, health risk behaviors, attitudes, and cancer knowledge. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized HINTS as a unique data resource for informing its health communication endeavors and partnered with NCI to field HINTS-FDA 2015. HINTS-FDA 2015 was a self-administered paper instrument sent by mail May 29 to September 8, 2015, using a random probability-based sample of U.S. postal addresses stratified by county-level smoking rates, with an oversampling of high and medium-high smoking strata to increase the yield of current smokers responding to the survey. The response rate for HINTS-FDA 2015 was 33% (N = 3,738). The yield of current smokers (n = 495) was lower than expected, but the sampling strategy achieved the goal of obtaining more former smokers (n = 1,132). Public-use HINTS-FDA 2015 data and supporting documentation have been available for download and secondary data analyses since June 2016 at http://hints.cancer.gov . NCI and FDA encourage the use of HINTS-FDA for health communication research and practice related to tobacco-related communications, public knowledge, and behaviors as well as beliefs and actions related to medical products and dietary supplements.
LEAVING POLITICS: WHAT BURMESE GENERALS CAN LEARN FROM SOUTH KOREAN AND INDONESIAN EXPERIENCES

The Burmese generals’ five-year liberalisation project has allowed only modest steps towards real democracy. Which model of post-military rule transition is most instructive to Burma’s opposition activists? This article argues that they should look most seriously at the Indonesian experience though, given the great power of the Burmese military, they are likely to be at the beginning of a long and arduous road toward democracy.
Two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks for selective separation of CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2

Two two-dimensional (2D) microporous metal–organic frameworks, [Zn2(TMTA)(DMF)2]·NO3·2H2O·3DMF (1, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) and [Zn3(TETA)2(DMF)4]·3DMF (2), were synthesized via a solvothermal reaction, where H3TMTA and H3TETA are 4,4′,4′′-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tribenzoic acid and 4,4′,4′′-(2,4,6-triethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tribenzoic acid, respectively. Crystallographic studies, including powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, reveal that compound 1 features a 2D microporous framework composed of paddle-wheel Zn2(RCOO)3 clusters and TMTA3− ligands, while the 2D double-layered structure 2 is assembled by discrete trinuclear Zn3(RCOO)6 clusters and TETA3− ligands. Both activated frameworks of 1 and 2 show permanent porosities with Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface areas of 788 and 421 m2 g−1, respectively. Desolvated 1 exhibits a considerable carbon dioxide adsorption of 94.2 cm3 g−1 at 1 bar and 273 K, which is higher than that of 42.0 cm3 g−1 for 2. Furthermore, both materials show selective carbon dioxide adsorption over methane and nitrogen at ambient temperature.
The Search for Meaning and Connection

This paper examines the growing communication gap across social classes. It suggests some ways in which schools might enliven studies and help students gain genuine meaning pertaining to vocational and community life and, through critical thinking aimed at understanding, promote the quest for connection.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of proton versus photon therapy with respect to risk of growth hormone deficiency.

e17553 Background: Proton therapy has been endorsed as a radiotherapy (RT) modality with the potential to avert many RT associated comorbidities. Currently, few proton centers exist, and no evidence-based data as yet adequately informs allotment of care. Childhood cancer survivors of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies have high prevalences of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) after hypothalamic exposure, notable for its cost of treatment greater than $10,000/year. We propose methodology to help guide proton referral of pediatric patients with CNS tumors through cost-effective analysis comparisons for proton and photon hypothalamic received dose. Methods: A Markov cohort model was designed to assess the expected costs and effectiveness for specific RT doses to the hypothalamus. Patients entered the model receiving proton or photon RT for CNS tumors at four and twelve years of age and were followed for 60 more years of life. Patients could experience two health states: GHD or healthy. Risk of GHD was b...
Saving out of Remittances: Evidence from Ethiopia and Kenya

This article examines the saving behaviour of remittance recipients in Ethiopia and Kenya. The few existing estimates of savings from remittances, often obtained indirectly using expenditure analysis, vary widely. The analysis presented here relies on ordinal saving categories reported in response to a direct survey question. The results reveal that the savings rate is higher in Kenya than Ethiopia, in the raw data and the multivariate model, although in both countries it rises with receipt size. Interestingly, gender is a robust predictor of differential savings, albeit with a contrasting pattern: women save more than men in Ethiopia, while the reverse is true in Kenya. In other results, a pre-migration agreement about remittances has a strong positive effect on savings. Savings rates are also positively associated with financial inclusion in Ethiopia and formal channel flows in Kenya. Many of these results are confirmed by analysis of broader forms of saving/investment.
Free Flap Reconstruction Monitoring Techniques and Frequency in the Era of Restricted Resident Work Hours

Importance Free flap reconstruction of the head and neck is routinely performed with success rates around 94% to 99% at most institutions. Despite experience and meticulous technique, there is a small but recognized risk of partial or total flap loss in the postoperative setting. Historically, most microvascular surgeons involve resident house staff in flap monitoring protocols, and programs relied heavily on in-house resident physicians to assure timely intervention for compromised flaps. In 2003, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandated the reduction in the hours a resident could work within a given week. At many institutions this new era of restricted resident duty hours reshaped the protocols used for flap monitoring to adapt to a system with reduced resident labor. Objectives To characterize various techniques and frequencies of free flap monitoring by nurses and resident physicians; and to determine if adapted resident monitoring frequency is associated with flap compromise and outcome. Design, Setting, and Participants This multi-institutional retrospective review included patients undergoing free flap reconstruction to the head and/or neck between January 2005 and January 2015. Consecutive patients were included from different academic institutions or tertiary referral centers to reflect evolving practices. Main Outcomes and Measures Technique, frequency, and personnel for flap monitoring; flap complications; and flap success. Results Overall, 1085 patients (343 women [32%] and 742 men [78%]) from 9 institutions were included. Most patients were placed in the intensive care unit postoperatively (n = 790 [73%]), while the remaining were placed in intermediate care (n = 201 [19%]) or in the surgical ward (n = 94 [7%]). Nurses monitored flaps every hour (q1h) for all patients. Frequency of resident monitoring varied, with 635 patients monitored every 4 hours (q4h), 146 monitored every 8 hours (q8h), and 304 monitored every 12 hours (q12h). Monitoring techniques included physical examination (n = 949 [87%]), handheld external Doppler sonography (n = 739 [68%]), implanted Doppler sonography (n = 333 [31%]), and needle stick (n = 349 [32%]); 105 patients (10%) demonstrated flap compromise, prompting return to the operating room in 96 patients. Of these 96 patients, 46 had complete flap salvage, 22 had partial loss, and 37 had complete loss. The frequency of resident flap checks did not affect the total flap loss rate (q4h, 25 patients [4%]; q8h, 8 patients [6%]; and q12h, 8 patients [3%]). Flap salvage rates for compromised flaps were not statistically different. Conclusions and Relevance Academic centers rely primarily on q1h flap checks by intensive care unit nurses using physical examination and Doppler sonography. Reduced resident monitoring frequency did not alter flap salvage nor flap outcome. These findings suggest that institutions may successfully monitor free flaps with decreased resident burden.
Critical Mode Identification and its Application to Load Frequency Control in Power Systems

Abstract Based on the theoretical results in [1] and [2], a load frequency control problem in multi-area power system has been modeled including its full order and two reduced order models. The ranking indices proposed are shown to be very useful for identifying the critical modes. The methods employed in this paper may be applied to large scale system mode ranking and model order reduction generally.
Regulatory Reforms and EMNEs

This empirical paper studies how EMNEs may learn through their choice of mode of entry and international subsidiary network configuration as means to increase their responsiveness to regulatory ref...
Role of the Fyn-PKCδ signaling in SE-induced neuroinflammation and epileptogenesis in experimental models of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Status epilepticus (SE) induces neuroinflammation and epileptogenesis, but the mechanisms are not yet fully delineated. The Fyn, a non-receptor Src family tyrosine kinase (SFK), and its immediate downstream target, PKCδ are emerging as potential mediators of neuroinflammation. In order to first determine the role of Fyn kinase signaling in SE, we tested the efficacy of a SFK inhibitor, saracatinib (25mg/kg, oral) in C57BL/6J mouse kainate model of acute seizures. Saracatinib pretreatment dampened SE severity and completely prevented mortality. We further utilized fyn-/- and fyn+/+ mice (wildtype control for the fyn-/- mice on same genetic background), and the rat kainate model, treated with saracatinib post-SE, to validate the role of Fyn/SFK in SE and epileptogenesis. We observed significant reduction in SE severity, epileptiform spikes, and electrographic non-convulsive seizures in fyn-/- mice when compared to fyn+/+ mice. Interestingly, significant reductions in phosphorylated pSrc-416 and PKCδ (pPKCδ-507) and naive PKCδ were observed in fyn-/- mice as compared to fyn+/+ mice suggesting that PKCδ signaling is a downstream mediator of Fyn in SE and epileptogenesis. Notably, fyn-/- mice also showed a reduction in key proinflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS mRNA expression; serum IL-6 and IL-12 levels; and nitro-oxidative stress markers such as 4-HNE, gp91phox, and 3-NT in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry revealed a significant increase in reactive microgliosis and neurodegeneration in the hippocampus and hilus of dentate gyrus in fyn+/+ mice in contrast to fyn-/- mice. Interestingly, we did not observe upregulation of Fyn in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus during post-SE in fyn+/+ mice, but it was upregulated in hilar neurons of the dentate gyrus when compared to naive control. In reactive microglia, both Fyn and PKCδ were persistently upregulated during post-SE suggesting that Fyn-PKCδ may drive neuroinflammation during epileptogenesis. Since disabling the Fyn kinase prior to SE, either by treating with saracatinib or fyn gene knockout, suppressed seizures and the subsequent epileptogenic events, we further tested whether Fyn/SFK inhibition during post-SE modifies epileptogenesis. Telemetry-implanted, SE-induced, rats were treated with saracatinib and continuously monitored for a month. At 2h post-diazepam, the saracatinib (25mg/kg) or the vehicle was administered orally and repeated twice daily for first three days followed by a single dose/day for the next four days. The saracatinib post-treatment prevented epileptogenesis in >50% of the rats and significantly reduced spontaneous seizures and epileptiform spikes in the rest (one animal did not respond) when compared to the vehicle treated group, which had >24 seizures in a month. Collectively, the findings suggest that Fyn/SFK is a potential mediator of epileptogenesis and a therapeutic target to prevent/treat seizures and epileptogenesis.
Advanced Sleep Phase Type

Advanced sleep phase type or advanced sleep phase disorder (ASPD) is a subtype of circadian rhythm sleep disorder. Individuals with ASPD have difficulty remaining awake in the evening hours and difficulty remaining asleep beyond the early morning hours. For example, the major sleep period for a person with ASPD may be from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Circadian rhythms other than the sleep/wakefulness rhythm (e.g., body temperature, melatonin) are also advanced to an earlier clock time relative to normal in ASPD. The disorder is rare, affecting approximately 1% of the population. It appears to have a strong genetic component, as 40–50% of those with ASPD report having a relative with the disorder. It is more often diagnosed in middle-aged and older individuals. The pathophysiology of ASPD is not known, but may include a short endogenous circadian period ( tau ), an altered phase response curve to light, and/or an altered sensitivity of the circadian timing system to light. Mutations in the hPer2 gene have been identified in pedigrees who exhibit familial advanced sleep phase syndrome. Treatments that have been clinically tested include chronotherapy, evening bright-light exposure, exogenous melatonin, melatonin agonists, and vitamin B12.
Educational content and the use of social media at US departments of surgery.

Abstract Background The growth of the social media platform Twitter has prompted many to consider its potential as an educational tool. Little is known about how surgery training programs are utilizing this resource and whether this platform can provide educational content effectively. We sought to determine national utilization of Twitter by departments of surgery in the United States and evaluate if educationally driven content heightened engagement with the Twitter followers. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of social media presence for all Accreditation Council for Graduation Medical Education accredited general surgery training programs between October 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Each tweet was characterized as either promotional or educational. Metrics related to account engagement, including impressions (number of times a tweet is seen) and retweets (number of times a tweet is shared), were compared. These results were compared against a single departmental account focused primarily on educational content. Results Thirty-two departmental Twitter accounts were identified from the 272 programs approached associated with accredited general surgery training programs. Training programs posted a median of 1.0 unique tweets (interquartile range: 0.6–2.3) per week. Tweets were primarily promotional (81% of posts) and generated marginal engagement with followers (3.4 likes/tweet; 1.5 retweets/tweet). In contrast, a single, resident-run departmental account at our institution (University of Michigan) focused on educational content generated consistent, educational content (19.6 unique tweets/week, 48% of which were educational), which resulted in increased engagement with followers (11.4 likes/tweet; 5.9 retweets/tweet) compared to other accounts. Conclusion Though Twitter is being widely adopted widely by departments of surgery, it is primarily utilized for promotional content. Use of educational content may improve engagement from followers.
Seeing double in Indra Sinha’s Animal’s People: Local toxins, global toxicity and the universal Bhopal

This article explores the way in which Indra Sinha’s (2007) novel Animal’s People showcases the challenges of evidencing mass suffering in an increasingly global arena. Finding that the globalized ...
The impact of changes in radiographic sarcopenia on overall survival in older adults undergoing different treatment pathways for pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Objective Sarcopenia is associated with poor outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, few studies have assessed changes in sarcopenia during multimodality therapy or its effect on overall survival (OS). Methods Computed tomography (CT) total psoas area index (TPAI) and weighted average Hounsfield units (HU) were measured at each treatment interval in patients with resectable PDAC. Four cohorts were compared: 1. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy (“NSA”; n = 20); 2. surgery plus adjuvant chemotherapy (“SA”; n = 20); 3. neoadjuvant chemotherapy with intent to perform surgery (“Chemotherapy”; n = 24); and 4. treated with palliative intent (“Palliative”; n = 21). Results Fifty-nine deaths were identified. Median OS was 15.7 months (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 12.7–20.2). Patients who underwent surgery had a higher OS (p Conclusions In patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, there was a significant decrease in TPAI and HU during treatment. Prospective studies are warranted to assess the impact of TPAI loss and HU changes on clinical outcomes to better individualize treatment pathways based on a patient's fitness.
The Gift of Education: How Indigenous Knowledges Can Transform the Future of Public Education

This article advocates for the necessity of Indigenous Knowledges in furthering Indigenous self-determination in public schools, as well as furthering the broad aims of public education. Drawing attention to past efforts across the United States to transform the public school curriculum and analyzing data from testimonies given at Oregon State Legislature Hearings, we argue that Indigenous Knowledges offer an important resource for educating all students responsibly and improving relationships within and across communities. Framing these ideas as gift-giving logic, we argue that if educators and policy-makers are open, they can learn a great deal from Indigenous Knowledges and advocacy efforts.
High School Clubs Participation and Earnings

This paper estimates the effect of participation in high school extracurricular activities on future earnings, making three important contributions to the existing literature: 1) it compares the earnings effects of participation in different types of clubs; 2) it investigates whether the effect of clubs participation is constant over time; and 3) it employs an instrumental variables approach in order to identify a causal link between clubs participation and wages. Using the NLSY79 dataset, I find that participation in high school clubs leads to higher future earnings. While previous studies have focused on athletics, I show that participation in both athletics and academic clubs have positive earnings effects. These results are robust to various estimation routines and robustness checks.
The membron: a functional hypothesis for the translational regulation of genetic expression.

Although the operon concept advanced by Jacob and Monod (1961) argued that all regulation of genetic expression should be at the transcriptional level, a quantity of evidence has now accumulated, from both microbial systems and higher organisms, demonstrating that the amount of enzyme present in a cell or tissue may be controlled at the translational level. As seen by Berman (1967a,b), such control may occur at several levels, including post-transcriptional or “prepolysomal,” which involves the temporal and spatial interval separating mRNA synthesis and its incorporation into the polysome; the “polysomal” level wherein decodement of mRNA is directly regulated; and “postpolysomal” level which may include the phenomenon of dynamic turnover or degradation of specific protein molecules in vivo.
Approaches to Studying Reasoning

More than 85 years ago, Charles Peirce (1903), in a speech at Harvard, criticized a fellow logician for “the fundamental mistake of confounding the logical question with the psychological question. The psychological question is what processes the mind goes through. The logical question is whether the conclusion that will be reached, by applying this or that maxim, will or will not accord with the “fact.” Historically, philosophers analyzing reasoning have fixed their attention on procedures for getting conclusions that accord with the facts. Thus, as Bruner (1986) points out, “There was no psychology of thought, only logic and a catalogue of logical errors” (p. 107).
Prospective Evaluation for Hypoattenuated Leaflet Thickening Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Prospective investigations for the frequency of hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) and its clinical implications in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients are limited. We initiated a prospective screening program of TAVI patients for HALT beginning in July 2015. Eligible patients were evaluated with gated, contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography within 30 days of TAVI, and examined for HALT and clinical outcomes. During the study period, 287 patients (81 ± 8 years; 53% men) who underwent TAVI with commercially approved devices were examined. Overall, 26 patients (9.1%) had occurrence of HALT, and only one of these patients had detectable hemodynamic changes on echocardiography at diagnosis. Notably, 9 of 26 HALT patients had been receiving warfarin, however, the HALT patients more often had subtherapeutic international normalized ratio whereas using warfarin than patients without HALT on index multidetector computed tomography imaging (p = 0.01). Patients who developed HALT had lower baseline aortic gradient, valvuloarterial impedance, and peak aortic velocity, and more commonly had been treated with balloon-expandable valves (73% of all HALT cases) with a higher incidence among those who received larger prostheses. All patients with HALT were placed on anticoagulation at diagnosis, and valvular function remained unchanged at follow-up. Two patients with HALT (7.7%) experienced ischemic stroke. A statistical trend for more major adverse clinical events was present in HALT patients. In conclusion, HALT was detected in 9% of TAVI cases in this prospective observational cohort, with a greater frequency in patients with large, balloon-expandable prostheses. Prospective screening may be considered as early HALT is reversible by timely therapeutic anticoagulation.
Implementation of Only Blastocyst Stage Embryo Transfers Among All Age Groups of Patients UndergoingIn Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Treatment Cycles: An Approach to Improve IVF Outcome

Objective To evaluate IVF treatment cycle outcomes before and after implementing only blastocyst stage embryo transfers among patients of all age groups. Design IRB approved retrospective study at an academic hospital based IVF clinic. Materials and Methods After controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation and fertilization in vitro, zygotes produced were cultured under standard embryo culture conditions. Under ultrasound guidance, Day 3 or Day 5 embryos were transferred in appropriately prepared uterus. Our study included 2874 patients of all age groups from two different time periods (P1 = 1/1/2007-9/5/2014; P2 = 9/6/2014-12/31/2017). During P2, all patients regardless of their age, diagnosis, and number of embryo(s) in culture were offered embryo transfer only at blastocyst stage. Also, patients having only morulae and/or early blastocysts did not have embryo transfer during P2. These slow developing embryos were cultured to D6 and were cryopreserved if developed to more advanced stage. Patients using donor gametes, testicular/epididymal sperm, or undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) were excluded from this study. Means and standard deviations were computed for continuous measures and frequency distributions for categorical variables. For univariable comparisons of study groups (day-3 transfers vs. day-5 transfers), Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to compare study groups on categorical outcomes. T-tests were used to compare study groups on continuous outcomes. Results P-1 P-2 P-Value Number of Retrievals 2121 753 − Number of Transfers 2016 508 − D3 (%) 64.7 4.1 D5 (%) 35.3 95.9 Mean (±SD) patient age 35.0±4.7 35.3±4.2 0.18 Mean (±SD) embryos transferred 2.1±1.1 1.3±0.5 eSET (%) 28.1 58.3 Implantation rate (heartbeats/embryo ­transferred) 30.1 44.0 Ongoing pregnancy 42.1 45.9 0.127 Ongoing multiple gestations (%) 14.2 4.2 No transfer due to slow development Not tracked 17.7% − Conclusions 1) Transfer of only blastocyst stage embryo(s) in patients of all ages may result in high ongoing pregnancy rate even with fewer number of embryos transferred. 2) Ongoing multiple gestation rate may be reduced among patients of all age groups by transferring only blastocyst stage embryo(s). 3) Transfer of only blastocyst stage embryos allowed us to select embryos with better implantation potential, perform more eSETs and not transfer embryos evaluated with less prognostic value. 4) Transfer of only blastocyst stage embryo(s) may be a less invasive yet effective strategy to improve IVF outcomes. Disclosures Nothing to disclose. Funding None.