cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shifting Paradigms in the Approach to Footstrikes, Footwear and Treatment of the Foot

The recent rise in popularity of barefoot and minimal footwear running has led to spirited debates within the scientific, clinical and public arenas. While there are no definitive injury studies that support barefoot over shod running, there is a growing body of literature that suggests we may need to change our thinking about running mechanics, footwear and how we treat the foot. This presentation will review existing studies of the relationship between shod footstrikes, mechanics and injury. In addition, the direct effect of footwear on mechanics will be discussed. Finally, this evidence will also be used to suggest a change in our approach to common foot related pathologies. It is hoped that this presentation will be a catalyst for changing the way we view these issues.
Decision Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Comparative Effectiveness Research—A Primer

Although the analysis of real-world data is the foundation of comparative effectiveness analysis, not all clinical questions are easily approached with patient-derived information. Decision analysis is a set of modeling and analytic tools that simulate treatment and disease processes, including the incorporation of patient preferences, thus generating optimal treatment strategies for varying patient, disease, and treatment conditions. Although decision analysis is informed by evidence-derived outcomes, its ability to test treatment strategies under different conditions that are realistic but not necessarily reported in the literature makes it a useful and complementary technique to more standard data analysis. Similarly, cost-effectiveness analysis is a discipline in which the relative costs and benefits of treatment alternatives are rigorously compared. With the well-recognized increase in highly technical, costly radiation therapy technologies, the cost-effectiveness of these different treatments would come under progressively more scrutiny. In this review, we discuss the theoretical and practical aspects of decision analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis, providing examples that highlight their methodology and utility.
Race and ethnicity or racialized ethnicities? Identities within global coloniality

The traditional distinction between race and ethnicity is considered highly problematic. In the literature, ethnicity is frequently assumed to be the cultural identity of a group within a nation st...
Comparison of orally dissolving carbidopa/levodopa (Parcopa) to conventional oral carbidopa/levodopa: A single‐dose, double‐blind, double‐dummy, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial

Levodopa use in fluctuating Parkinson's disease (PD) is complicated by an inconsistent and prolonged onset to clinical improvement. An orally dissolved carbidopa/levodopa (OD C/L) preparation (Parcopa UCB Pharma) is available in the United States. This offers potential advantages to shorten the duration from ingestion to clinical improvement. Surprisingly, this has never been clinically assessed. We tested 20 patients with fluctuating PD and a Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) "off" motor score of ≥ 25 in a 2-day, single-dose, double-blind, double-dummy, crossover study. Patients arrived in the morning in the practically defined "off" state and were randomly assigned to receive identical doses of either oral C/L and OD placebo or OD C/L and oral C/L placebo on 1st day and the reverse combination on a 2nd day. After training, patients underwent bilateral hand tapping at baseline and every 5 minutes for 60 minutes after dose ingestion. Stride length (SL) was recorded at 5-minute intervals with an ambulatory gait monitor. Patients identified their subjective latency to "on" and noted drug preferences and adverse events. They also underwent a UPDRS motor examination at baseline and 60 minutes after dose. Twenty subjects [15 male, age 68.7 (9.7), PD duration 13.4 (6.8)] completed. There were no significant group differences in tapping speed, subjective time to "on," latency of increased SL, or overall preference. However, all trends did favor OD C/L. Adverse events were similar. This small pilot study did not show significant group differences favoring OD C/L; however, larger studies may be justified, and individual patients may benefit.
Some international properties of Japanese firms

Abstract This paper adopts an Aoki-type cooperative Japanese firm and examines how such an exporting firm adjusts to international shocks. The three disturbances considered are exchange rate appreciations, tariffs, and import quotas. It is shown that given a yen shock, the Japanese firm raises its export price, lowers its output, and reduces its profit. Compared with a conventional firm, the magnitudes of adjustment of prices and quantities are smaller. The exchange rate changes also have distribution consequences, hurting the employees while benefiting the shareholders. With a tariff, the firm exhibits price rigidity and the burden of adjustment occurs at the expense of the workers. For quotas, export price and firm growth increase. The distribution effects are, however, ambiguous.
The Permanence of Family Ties: Implications for Youth Transitioning From Foster Care

Research on the experiences of youth leaving foster care as they enter adulthood has noted that they often reconnect, and sometimes live with, members of their family of origin. This is often thought to be a curious finding because at some earlier point, the families were deemed unsafe, requiring removal of the child to foster care. Although this finding has been consistent, it has not been the central focus of a research study and, therefore, its implications have been largely unexamined. In this article, the authors review what is known about the extent to which young adults reunite with their families after they leave foster care. To provide guidance in thinking further about former foster youth reuniting with their families, the authors also examine research and theoretical literature on family development and family transition. Implications for research, policy, and practice are identified.
Super-Resolution Laser Scanning Microscopy through Spatiotemporal Modulation

Super-resolution optical microscopy has attracted great interest among researchers in many fields, especially in biology where the scale of physical structures and molecular processes fall below the diffraction limit of resolution for light. As one of the emerging techniques, structured illumination microscopy can double the resolution by shifting unresolvable spatial frequencies into the pass-band of the microscope through spatial frequency mixing with a wide-field structured illumination pattern. However, such a wide-field scheme typically can only image optically thin samples and is incompatible with multiphoton processes such as two-photon fluorescence, which require point scanning with a focused laser beam. Here, we propose two new super-resolution schemes for laser scanning microscopy by generalizing the concept of a spatially nonuniform imaging system. One scheme, scanning patterned illumination (SPIN) microscopy, employs modulation of the excitation combined with temporally cumulative imaging by a nondescanned array detector. The other scheme, scanning patterned detection (SPADE) microscopy, utilizes detection modulation together with spatially cumulative imaging, in this case by a nondescanned single-element detector. When combined with multiphoton excitation, both schemes can image thick samples with three-dimensional optical sectioning and much improved resolution.
Comparison of a novel bone-tendon allograft with a human dermis-derived patch for repair of chronic large rotator cuff tears using a canine model.

Purpose This study tested a bone-tendon allograft versus human dermis patch for reconstructing chronic rotator cuff repair by use of a canine model. Methods Mature research dogs (N = 15) were used. Radiopaque wire was placed in the infraspinatus tendon (IST) before its transection. Three weeks later, radiographs showed IST retraction. Each dog then underwent 1 IST treatment: debridement (D), direct repair of IST to bone with a suture bridge and human dermis patch augmentation (GJ), or bone-tendon allograft (BT) reconstruction. Outcome measures included lameness grading, radiographs, and ultrasonographic assessment. Dogs were killed 6 months after surgery and both shoulders assessed biomechanically and histologically. Results BT dogs were significantly ( P = .01) less lame than the other groups. BT dogs had superior bone-tendon, tendon, and tendon-muscle integrity compared with D and GJ dogs. Biomechanical testing showed that the D group had significantly ( P = .05) more elongation than the other groups whereas BT had stiffness and elongation characteristics that most closely matched normal controls. Radiographically, D and GJ dogs showed significantly more retraction than BT dogs ( P = .003 and P = .045, respectively) Histologically, GJ dogs had lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, tendon degeneration and hypocellularity, and poor tendon-bone integration. BT dogs showed complete incorporation of allograft bone into host bone, normal bone-tendon junctions, and well-integrated allograft tendon. Conclusions The bone-tendon allograft technique re-establishes a functional IST bone-tendon-muscle unit and maintains integrity of repair in this model. Clinical Relevance Clinical trials using this bone-tendon allograft technique are warranted.
Spectral-to-Temporal Amplitude Mapping Polarization Spectroscopy of Rotational Transients

A new implementation of pump-probe polarization spectroscopy is presented where the revivals of an impulsively excited rotational wavepacket are mapped onto a broad-band, chirped continuum pulse to measure a long temporal window without the need for delay scanning. Experimental measurements and a theoretical framework for spectral-temporal amplitude mapping polarization spectroscopy (STAMPS) as applied to impulsive rotational motion are presented. In this technique, a femtosecond laser pulse is used to prepare a rotational wavepacket in a gas-phase sample at room temperature. The rotational revivals of the wavepacket are then mapped onto a chirped continuum (400-800 nm) pulse created by laser filamentation in argon. Nearly single-shot time-resolved rotational spectra are recorded over a 65 ps time window. The transient birefringence spectra are simulated by including terms for polarization rotation of the probe as well as cross-phase modulation. Measurements and simulations are presented for the cylindrically symmetric N2, O2, and CO2 molecules. The long time window of the method allows measurement of rotational spectra for asymmetric top molecules, and here we present measurements for ethylene and methanol.
Regulatory properties of brain glutamate decarboxylase (GAD): the apoenzyme of GAD is present principally as the smaller of two molecular forms of GAD in brain

The apoenzyme of glutamate decarboxylase [enzyme without bound cofactor, pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (pyridoxal-P)] serves as a reservoir of inactive glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) that can be activated when additional GABA synthesis is required. We have investigated which of two molecular forms of GAD is present as apoenzyme in synaptosomes and in cortex, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, and cerebellum of rat brain. Endogenous glutamate apodecarboxylase (apoGAD) was labeled by incubating extracts of synaptosomes or punches of each region with 32P- pyridoxal-P, followed by reduction with NaBH4, to link covalently the 32P-pyridoxal-P to GAD. Proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE. Punches from all four brain regions and forebrain synaptosomes contained two forms of GAD with apparent Mrs of 63 and 65 kDa as identified by immunoblotting with four antiGAD sera. Punches and synaptosomes contained a major 32P-pyridoxal-P-labeled band with an apparent Mr of 63 kDa that was stained on immunoblots by the antiGAD serum 1440 and the monoclonal antibody GAD-6, and a minor labeled band at 65 kDa that was stained by the 1440, 6799, and K2 antisera. Synaptosomes contained remarkably few other strongly labeled proteins, but punches contained several other labeled bands. Three additional lines of evidence indicate that the labeled 63-kDa protein is apoGAD: (1) it was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography with the GAD-1 monoclonal antibody; (2) it yielded one major labeled peptide when digested with chymotrypsin, and that peptide appeared identical in peptide-mapping experiments to the labeled active-site peptide isolated from chromatographically prepared rat brain GAD; and (3) its labeling was selectively blocked by 4-deoxypyridoxine 5′-phosphate, a competitive inhibitor of the binding of pyridoxal-P to GAD.
Meaning, Celebrity, and the Underage Pregnancy of Jamie Lynn Spears

This article argues that the focus of previous literature on the economic and psychological aspects of the celebrity system unduly restricts our understanding of the social phenomenon of celebrity. Celebrities are commodities to be sure, but previous scholars have largely failed to explore the ways in which celebrities are also symbols. Celebrities are a locus of meaning-making in the contemporary USA. Using the case of Jamie Lynn Spears’s 2007—8 pregnancy, I demonstrate that, as a celebrity icon, her underage pregnancy raises questions and concerns about more than a single celebrity’s experience as a soon-to-be teenage mother. Her pregnancy imports a larger public discussion and debate about teen sex and how to avoid teen pregnancy. Through this study, I show that celebrities are symbols by which we narrate, negotiate, and interpret our collective experience, and establish moral boundaries.
New Unnatural Boron-Containing Amino Acids and Peptides as Potential Delivery Agents for Neutron Capture Therapy

Since Boron Neutron Capture Therapy is to be used in the treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors, it is essential that the boron compounds be capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) prior to their incorporation into tumor cells. It has been shown1 that derivatives of L-phenylalanine are transported across the BBB by neutral amino acid transport system. Recently, a method has been developed to deliver low molecular weight peptides into brain.2 These observations suggest that boronated analogues of phenylalanine itself and their peptides modified by replacing aromatic amino acids with highly lipophilic, carborane-containing amino acids might be used to reach and become incorporated into brain tumor cells protected by BBB.
A multiplex polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli from a swine processing facility and characterization of isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and antibiotic resistance profiles.

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the detection and speciation of 60 Campylobacter strains isolated from porcine rectal swabs and from different areas in a pork processing plant. The PCR assay was based on primers specific for the cadF gene of pathogenic Campylobacter species, a specific but undefined gene of Campylobacter jejuni, and the ceuE gene of Campylobacter coli. Further characterization of these isolates was established by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analyses with the restriction endonuclease SmaI. In addition to molecular discrimination, the antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates were examined by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method with 22 antibiotics. Differentiation of isolates by multiplex PCR identified 86.9% (52 of 60) as C. coli and 13.1% (8 of 60) as C. jejuni. Using the Molecular Analyst software, 60 PFGE types were identified. The percentages of relatedness among C. jejuni strains with PFGE ranged from 25 to 86%, while those among C. col...
Affinity capture elution bridging assay: A novel immunoassay format for detection of anti-therapeutic protein antibodies.

Abstract Background Increased emphasis on the development of biologics has placed a significant focus on anti-drug antibody (ADA) detection. To address this need, several immunoassay formats have been described for use in characterizing potential immune responses. Two commonly utilized methods include the affinity capture elution (ACE) and bridging formats. While these approaches have been effective in supporting many clinical initiatives, both possess potential disadvantages. Here, we compare these standard methods to a novel format that addresses these noted drawbacks. Results A novel assay format has been designed to incorporate the benefits of the ACE and bridging methods while overcoming the disadvantages incurred with each approach. The described ACE–Bridge format exhibits excellent sensitivity and precision while providing superior drug tolerance when compared to bridging formats. Further, this assay format is not susceptible to the endogenous target interference that can be an issue in the ACE format. Conclusions The ACE–Bridge format provides an often superior option as a screening method to monitor patient ADA responses. This method is unique in its ability to measure ADA in the presence of high circulating endogenous target concentrations (> 100 ng/mL) while demonstrating very high drug tolerance.
Residual thermal stresses in an unsymmetrical cross-ply graphite/epoxy laminate

This paper presents an exploratory i nvestigation of the residual stresses in AS-3502 graphitel epoxy laminates due to cool-down from their cure temperature. Emphasis is placed on the significance of time-dependent material behavior and the potential utilization of this phenomenon to reduce residual stresses by a j udicious choice of the cool down process. The analysis considers the time-dependent behavior of the material and all calculations employ recent data on the thermoviscoelastic response of the AS-3502 graphite/ epoxy system. The viscoelastic analysis is verified through curvature measurements of unsymnetric cross-ply plates fabricated from the AS-3502 graphi telepoxy material
Pressure-induced staging transition in TiS2 intercalation compounds.

Single-crystal diamond-anvil x-ray diffraction at 300 K reveals a reversible stage-1--to--stage-2 transition in ${\mathrm{Ag}}_{0.35}$${\mathrm{TiS}}_{2}$, with an onset pressure 1 kbar and coexisting stages up to 25 kbar. In contrast, no stages higher than 1 are observed in ${\mathrm{Li}}_{0.5}$${\mathrm{TiS}}_{2}$ up to 55 kbar. We argue that the different behavior of Li and Ag intercalates cannot be understood in terms of a continuum elastic model but depends instead on the different interatomic distances and atomic radii.
Routine Use of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring During ACDFs for the Treatment of Spondylotic Myelopathy and Radiculopathy Is Questionable: A Review of 15,395 Cases.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective database study. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to (1) evaluate the trends in the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (ION) for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery in the United States and (2) assess the incidence of neurological injuries after ACDFs with and without ION. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) are the commonly used ION modalities for ACDFs. Controversy exists on the routine use of ION for ACDFs and there is limited literature on national practice patterns of its use. METHODS A retrospective review was performed using the PearlDiver Patient Record Database to identify cases of spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy that underwent ACDF from 2007 to 2014. The type of ION modality used and the rates of neurological injury after surgery were assessed. RESULTS During the study period, 15,395 patients underwent an ACDF. Overall, ION was used in 2627 (17.1%) of these cases. There was a decrease in the use of ION for ACDFs from 22.8% in 2007 to 4.3% use in 2014 (P 75: 13.6%, P < 0.0001). Significant regional variability was observed in the utility of ION for ACDFs across the country (West; 21.9%, Midwest; 12.9% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION There has been a significant decrease in the use of ION for ACDFs. Furthermore, there was significant age and regional variability in the use of ION for ACDFs. Use of ION does not further prevent the rate of postoperative neurological complications for ACDFs as compared with the cases without ION. The utility of routine ION for ACDFs is questionable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Current status of excretory urography. A premature epitaph

Although there can be no doubt that the once lofty stature of the IVU in clinical urology has been gradually eroded by many forces, the study still retains an important place in urologic diagnosis. In spite of inroads made by CT, ultra-sonography, radionuclide scans, and other modalities, there is still diagnostic information that is best supplied by the IVU. It appears safe to say that the IVU will be with us for many years to come. Indeed, it seems fair to add that the practice of urology and uroradiology would be very difficult without it.
Abstract 1177: The role of nischarin in the breast tumor microenvironment

Women with denser breasts, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Breast density reflects the amount of connective tissue and collagen present. During metastasis, tumor cells move through tracks of extracellular matrix (ECM). A stiff and ordered tissue microenvironment is necessary for tumor cell invasiveness. Matrix stiffness is mediated by ECM fiber organization and cell-matrix adhesions. Our lab is investigating a tumor suppressor that contributes to ECM organization. The protein Nischarin interacts with a number of signaling proteins such as integrin α5, PAK1, LIMK1, LKB1, MLCK, ERK and Rac1 to prevent cancer cell migration. Our data shows that spontaneous breast tumors from wild-type (WT) animals have reduced ECM fiber expression and organization compared to those from homozygous Nischarin Null mice. Furthermore, we have found Nischarin to alter integrin and focal adhesion signaling, therefore affecting cell-matrix adhesions. We hypothesize that the absence of Nischarin in the breast tumor leads to increased matrix stiffness, through increased fiber organization, and altered cell-matrix adhesions. Since no breast tumor suppressors have been linked to collagen and fibronectin ECM remodeling, we present a novel role for Nischarin in organizing the ECM. By integrating cell signaling with optical and computational instrumentation, we will assess the role of Nischarin in the bidirectional cellular/matrix crosstalk, which will add to our understanding of the metastatic process in breast cancer. Citation Format: Mazvita Maziveyi, Shengli Dong, Suresh K. Alahari. The role of nischarin in the breast tumor microenvironment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1177.
Perception of Innovative Climate, Organizational Learning and Work Motivation of Employees in Small and Medium Sized IT Companies

The objective of the present study is to determine whether there is a gender difference between employees working in small and medium sized IT companies with respect to climate for innovation, organizational learning and work motivation. The study also seeks to determine the relationship between climate for innovation, organizational learning and work motivation in employees of small and medium sized IT companies. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 200 employees, aged between 25-35 years, out of whom 100 (50 men and 50 women) worked in small sized IT companies and 100 (50 men and 50 women) worked in medium sized IT companies. The DLOQ (Marsick & Watkins, 2003) was administered to measure organizational learning. The climate for innovation questionnaire (Scott & Bruce, 1994) was administered to measure the support for innovation in organizations. The WEIMS (Tremblay et al, 2009) was administered to measure work motivation. Significant differences were found between the employees of small and medium companies and also between men and women employees with respect to the dimensions of climate for innovation, organisational learning and work motivation (p<0.05). Climate for innovation, organizational learning and work motivation were found to be significantly correlated in small and medium sized companies (p<0.05). The study emphasizes the crucial importance of non-monetary factors in a company that may lead to higher job satisfaction, learning, productivity and increased performance and growth.
Kinetics of Excited Oxygen Formation in Shock-Heated O2-Ar Mixtures.

The formation of electronically excited atomic oxygen was studied behind reflected shock waves using cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy. Mixtures of 1% O2/Ar were shock-heated to 5400−7500 K and two distributed-feedback diode lasers near 777.2 and 844.6 nm were used to measure time-resolved populations of atomic oxygen’s 5S° and 3S° electronic states, respectively. Measurements were compared with simulated population time-histories obtained using two different kinetic models that accounted for thermal nonequilibrium effects: (1) a multi-temperature model and (2) a reduced collisional-radiative model. The former assumed a Boltzmann distribution of electronic energy whereas the latter allowed for non-Boltzmann populations by treating the probed electronic states as pseudo-species and accounting for dominant electronic excitation/de-excitation processes. The effects of heavy-particle collisions were investigated and found to play a major role in the kinetics of O-atom electronic excitation at the condit...
Elective primary aortic root replacement with and without hemiarch repair in patients with no previous cardiac surgery.

Abstract Objective Excellent outcomes have been established for elective aortic root replacement (ARR). It is less clear whether extending the repair into the proximal aortic arch with hypothermic circulatory arrest increases risk. We examined the early outcomes of elective, primary ARR, with and without hemiarch replacement, in patients without previous cardiac surgery. Methods Over a 4-year period, 140 non-redo patients (median age, 54 years) underwent elective, primary ARR for root aneurysms; 119 patients (85%) had hemiarch replacement, and 21 (15%) had only ascending aortic replacement. Valve-sparing ARR was performed in 41 cases (29.3%) and valve-replacing ARR in 99 (70.7%). Moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest and antegrade cerebral perfusion were used in 118 (99%) hemiarch repairs. Results There were no operative deaths or permanent strokes. Complications included temporary renal dialysis (n = 1; 4.8%), transient neurologic deficit (n = 2; 9.5%), and tracheostomy (n = 2; 9.5%) after ascending aortic repair and bleeding requiring reoperation (n = 4; 3.4%), pericardial effusion requiring drainage (n = 9; 7.6%), and tracheostomy (n = 2; 1.7%) after hemiarch replacement. No stroke was observed in the hemiarch group ( P = .022; univariate analysis). The extent of the repair into the proximal arch did not appear to be associated with any adverse effect. Conclusions In non-redo patients, elective primary ARR has excellent early outcomes, regardless of whether repair extends into the proximal arch. Additional elective hemiarch replacement with moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest and antegrade cerebral perfusion has a low risk of neurologic complications and should be performed if necessary. Long-term data are needed to compare the rates of reintervention in the aortic arch in patients with or without proximal arch replacement.
Scaling up the performance of more powerful Datalog systems on multicore machines

Extending RDBMS technology to achieve performance and scalability for queries that are much more powerful than those of SQL-2 has been the goal of deductive database research for more than thirty years. The $$\mathcal {D}e\mathcal {A}\mathcal {L}\mathcal {S}$$DeALS system has made major progress toward this goal, by (1) Datalog extensions that support the more powerful recursive queries needed in advanced applications, and (2) superior performance for both traditional recursive queries and those made possible by the new extensions, while (3) delivering competitive performance with commercial RDBMSs on non-recursive queries. In this paper, we focus on the techniques used to support the in-memory evaluation of Datalog programs on multicore machines. In $$\mathcal {D}e\mathcal {A}\mathcal {L}\mathcal {S}$$DeALS, a Datalog program is represented as an AND/OR tree, and multiple copies of the same AND/OR tree are used to access the tables in the database concurrently during the parallel evaluation. We describe compilation techniques that (1) recognize when the given program is lock-free, (2) transform a locking program into a lock-free program, and (3) find an efficient parallel plan that correctly evaluates the program while minimizing the use of locks and other overhead required for parallel evaluation. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Use of the Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale (POSS) in Pediatric Patients

The Pasero Opioid-induced Sedation Scale (POSS) is a valid, reliable tool used to assess sedation when administering opioid medications to manage pain. The POSS is endorsed by The Joint Commission and the American Society for Pain Management Nursing to help prevent adverse opioid-related respiratory events. Although the POSS is used to assess sedation in pediatric patients at some hospitals, prior to this study, it was not formally evaluated in the pediatric population. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a convenience sample of pediatric patients admitted to a large regional medical center in southeastern North Carolina. The POSS was evaluated from three perspectives. First, the study was designed to compare the documentation of sedation when opioids were administered before (n=25) and after (n=27) implementation of the POSS to assess sedation. Second, the occurrence of respiratory adverse events before and after implementation of the POSS was compared. Third, the appropriateness of using the POSS in the pediatric population was evaluated. When the POSS was used, there was an increase in both the clarity and frequency of documentation when sedation was assessed. There was no incidence of opioid-related adverse respiratory events after implementation of the POSS. Finally, the POSS was found to be appropriate and safe to use in the pediatric population. Through a survey, the majority of registered nurses who cared for the research subjects evaluated the POSS as easy, appropriate and safe to use with pediatric patients. The nurses also noted using the POSS provided standardized communication among staff regarding patients' levels of sedation. No adverse effects, concerns, or objections were reported. Coincidentally, while it was not part of the study, frequency of documentation of assessment of pain also improved with implementation of the POSS.
The Mediating Role of Meaning in the Association between Stress and Health.

Stress is a common feature of life and has routinely been linked with negative health outcomes. However, meaning has been identified as a possible buffer against stress. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether the relationship between stress and health was mediated by meaning in life. Drawing from Wave 1 of the Landmark Spirituality and Health Study, a nationally representative sample of adults, participants (N = 1871) reported their level of stress in the past 12 months, current meaning in life, health (measured as minor symptoms, major conditions, and overall health), and provided a blood sample for biomarker of immune system functioning (i.e., presence of Epstein–Barr virus antibodies). Results revealed an indirect effects model in which stress was inversely associated with meaning. Higher meaning was related to better self-reported health (across minor, major, and overall health measures), which, in turn, was associated with better immune system functioning. These findings suggest that part of the negative effect of stress on health is accounted for by reduced meaning.
Cartesian Metaphysics: The Scholastic Origins of Modern Philosophy

Part I. The Unity of Cartesian Metaphysics: 1. Descartes's essentialist metaphysics 2. Scepticism, Scholasticism and the origins of Descartes's philosophy 3. Cartesian real essences Part II. Ideas and the Road from Essence to Existence: 4. Ideas and the world in mind 5. My wax, my intellect and I 6. Essentialism and the existence of God Part III. Cartesian Substances: 7. The substantial tension 8. The essence and the existence of Cartesian substances 9. The real distinction or the body and the mind.
Decision-Making Strategy for Rectal Cancer Management Using Radiation Therapy for Elderly or Comorbid Patients

Rectal cancer predominantly affects patients older than 70 years, with peak incidence at age 80 to 85 years. However, the standard treatment paradigm for rectal cancer oftentimes cannot be feasibly applied to these patients owing to frailty or comorbid conditions. There are currently little information and no treatment guidelines to help direct therapy for patients who are elderly and/or have significant comorbidities, because most are not included or specifically studied in clinical trials. More recently various alternative treatment options have been brought to light that may potentially be utilized in this group of patients. This critical review examines the available literature on alternative therapies for rectal cancer and proposes a treatment algorithm to help guide clinicians in treatment decision making for elderly and comorbid patients.
Separating large microscale particles by exploiting charge differences with dielectrophoresis.

Abstract Dielectrophoresis (DEP), the migration of particles due to polarization effects under the influence of a nonuniform electric field, was employed for characterizing the behavior and achieving the separation of larger (diameter >5 μm) microparticles by exploiting differences in electrical charge. Usually, electrophoresis (EP) is the method of choice for separating particles based on differences in electrical charge; however, larger particles, which have low electrophoretic mobilities, cannot be easily separated with EP-based techniques. This study presents an alternative for the characterization, assessment, and separation of larger microparticles, where charge differences are exploited with DEP instead of EP. Polystyrene microparticles with sizes varying from 5 to 10 μm were characterized employing microdevices for insulator-based dielectrophoresis (iDEP). Particles within an iDEP microchannel were exposed simultaneously to DEP, EP, and electroosmotic (EO) forces. The electrokinetic behavior of four distinct types of microparticles was carefully characterized by means of velocimetry and dielectrophoretic capture assessments. As a final step, a dielectropherogram separation of two distinct types of 10 μm particles was devised by first characterizing the particles and then performing the separation. The two types of 10 μm particles were eluted from the iDEP device as two separate peaks of enriched particles in less than 80 s. It was demonstrated that particles with the same size, shape, surface functionalization, and made from the same bulk material can be separated with iDEP by exploiting slight differences in the magnitude of particle charge. The results from this study open the possibility for iDEP to be used as a technique for the assessment and separation of biological cells that have very similar characteristics (shape, size, similar make-up), but slight variance in surface electrical charge.
Does having a buddy help women with young children increase physical activity? Lessons learned from a pilot study.

A 12-week pilot controlled trial of a physical activity (PA) buddy program was designed for women with young children. Conducted in January 2015 through March 2016, 49 women (mean age = 36.4 ± 4.8 ...
Responding to Globalization and Urban Conflict: Human Rights City Initiatives

Expanding globalization and urbanization have intensified the threats to human rights for many vulnerable groups and have restricted resources available to the primary guarantors of these rights—local authorities. Human rights cities initiatives are bottom-up efforts to advance human rights implementation in local contexts. They are emerging around the world in response to the global pressures on cities that intensify urban inequality and conflict. In this article I discuss how global changes are impacting cities and their abilities to protect the basic rights of residents. I then discuss the human rights cities model as a strategic response of social movements to secure people’s basic needs and strengthen local mechanisms for addressing social conflicts. I provide detailed analysis based on participatory research with Pittsburgh’s Human Rights City Alliance between 2013 and 2016. Drawing from literature on international peacebuilding, I argue that human rights cities are an emergent model of peacebuilding and governance that can guide policy and planning at multiple levels. Human rights movements are challenging neoliberal globalization’s emphasis on economic growth and putting forward frameworks that prioritize the needs of people and communities. In their appeals to international human rights norms, human rights cities advocates both advance international law and governance while giving voice to inherent contradictions between human rights and the policies of economic globalization.
Climate shifts within major agricultural seasons for +1.5 and +2.0 °C worlds: HAPPI projections and AgMIP modeling scenarios

This study compares climate changes in major agricultural regions and current agricultural seasons associated with global warming of +1.5 or +2.0 °C above pre-industrial conditions. It describes the generation of climate scenarios for agricultural modeling applications conducted as part of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP) Coordinated Global and Regional Assessments. Climate scenarios from the Half a degree Additional warming, Projections, Prognosis and Impacts project (HAPPI) are largely consistent with transient scenarios extracted from RCP4.5 simulations of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5). Focusing on food and agricultural systems and top-producing breadbaskets in particular, we distinguish maize, rice, wheat, and soy season changes from global annual mean climate changes. Many agricultural regions warm at a rate that is faster than the global mean surface temperature (including oceans) but slower than the mean land surface temperature, leading to regional warming that exceeds 0.5 °C between the +1.5 and +2.0 °C Worlds. Agricultural growing seasons warm at a pace slightly behind the annual temperature trends in most regions, while precipitation increases slightly ahead of the annual rate. Rice cultivation regions show reduced warming as they are concentrated where monsoon rainfall is projected to intensify, although projections are influenced by Asian aerosol loading in climate mitigation scenarios. Compared to CMIP5, HAPPI slightly underestimates the CO2 concentration that corresponds to the +1.5 °C World but overestimates the CO2 concentration for the +2.0 °C World, which means that HAPPI scenarios may also lead to an overestimate in the beneficial effects of CO2 on crops in the +2.0 °C World. HAPPI enables detailed analysis of the shifting distribution of extreme growing season temperatures and precipitation, highlighting widespread increases in extreme heat seasons and heightened skewness toward hot seasons in the tropics. Shifts in the probability of extreme drought seasons generally tracked median precipitation changes; however, some regions skewed toward drought conditions even where median precipitation changes were small. Together, these findings highlight unique seasonal and agricultural region changes in the +1.5°C and +2.0°C worlds for adaptation planning in these climate stabilization targets.
MALATE DEHYDROGENASE ISOZYMES IN PLANTS: PREPARATION, PROPERTIES, AND BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

ABSTRACT. Vascular plants may have three distinct classes of isozymes of NAD malate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.37); cytosol-malate dehydrogenase, mitochondrial-malate dehydrogenase, and microbody-malate dehydrogenase. These organelle specific isozymes function in distinctly different metabolic sequences. The cytosol form has a role in non-autotrophic CO 2 fixation to form malate which may function in ionic, osmotic, or redox regulation. The mitochondrial form functions in the citric acid cycle. Two functional types of the microbody form exist: a peroxisomal form in leaf microbodies or peroxisomes functioning in photorespiration, and a glyoxysomal form in glyoxysomes functioning in the glyoxylate cycle. The kinetic properties of the isozymes are quite similar and we assume that metabolic regulation is largely effected by compartmentation of the isozymes.
SoCCR --- optimistic concurrency control for the web-based collaborative framework metafora

In this paper we present the concurrency control used in the computer-supported collaborative learning framework Metafora. Metafora is an environment that supports complex learning scenarios utilizing multiple learning tools, such as a tool for the planning of learning activities, a graphical argumentation tool and several microworlds in the domains of science and mathematics. Since Metafora is a web-based framework, specific requirements have to be fulfilled for smooth collaboration and inter-tool communication. For smooth collaboration we will describe our optimistic concurrency control approach that allows concurrent modification of shared objects in a workspace as far as possible. While move and edit actions can be performed in parallel, a So cial C oncurrency C onflict R esolution (SoCCR) protocol enables collaborative editing of text nodes in the planning space. We will illustrate this with an example of user interaction in the Metafora system involving the concurrency mechanism.
Hallervorden–Spatz Syndrome (PKAN)

Hallervorden–Spatz syndrome is a genetic disorder associated with brain iron accumulation. The features include dystonia, dysarthria, pigmentary retinopathy, and characteristic MRI changes. Mutations in the gene encoding pantothenate kinase 2 underlie this disorder, now referred to as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration or PKAN. Although treatment remains palliative, rational therapeutics are being explored.
Tissue Processing Considerations for Autologous Fat Grafting

The use of autologous fat has many benefits for the correction of contour differences. It is a plentiful, non-immunogenic, and easily manipulated substance. The purpose of fat transplantation for most indications is the correction of a contour defect with predictable and long-term volume maintenance. Manipulating harvested fat in particular ways may increase graft viability. There remains a need for standardized methodology related to adipose tissue harvest, refinement, preparation, and delivery. Several devices and systems currently exist that are designed to concentrate and wash fat after harvest, but the future is sure to bring additional strategies and improvements.
Demonstration of Patternable All-Cu Compliant Interconnections with Enhanced Manufacturability in Chip-to-Substrate Applications

Emerging 2.5D and 3D package architectures for next-generation high-performance computing and digital applications require high-performance off-chip interconnections at ultra-fine pitch of less than 20µm. All-Cu interconnections are highly desirable as they have excellent electrical and thermal properties. However, current Cu-Cu fine-pitch bonding technologies have limited manufacturability, require special bonding conditions and are mainly limited to wafer-level packaging. A novel approach to realize all-Cu interconnections for chip-to-substrate assembly, utilizing patternable nanoporous copper (np-Cu) foam caps on copper pillars is presented in this paper. The np-Cu foam caps have low modulus to provide tolerance to non-coplanarities, and have very high surface energy which enables assembly at low-temperatures and pressures. The patterned np-Cu films were fabricated by chemical dealloying of co-electroplated Cu-Zn films, using standard semi-additive processing techniques. The patterned foam films were bonded to bulk-Cu at bonding temperature of 250oC for 30min with an applied pressure of 9MPa. During assembly, the np-Cu foams densified and formed good metallurgical contact with the bulk-Cu to achieve a void-free interface.
How to Stop Mass Shootings

How to Stop Mass Shootings Mass shootings are creating unprecedented demand for action. Background-check policies and gun-violence restraining orders are supported by the vast majority of Americans and could save many lives if properly designed, widely enacted, and adequately implemented.
Carinal surgery: A single-institution experience spanning 2 decades

Abstract Objectives Complete resection of neoplasms involving the carina are technically challenging and have high operative morbidity and mortality. This study examines the last 2 decades of clinical experience at our institution. Methods Medical records were retrospectively reviewed between 1997 and 2017 to identify all patients who underwent carinal resection. Primary outcome measures include risk factors for complications and overall survival. Results In total, 45 carinal resections were performed with a median follow-up of 3.4 years (interquartile range 0.8-8.5). Procedures included 21 neocarinal reconstructions (48%), 14 right carinal pneumonectomies (30%), 9 left carinal pneumonectomies (20%), and 1 carinal plus lobar resection (2%). Age ranged from 27 to 74 years, and 23 of 45 patients were female. Eight received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 6 preoperative radiation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and cardiopulmonary bypass were intraoperatively used for 4 patients with no mortality. Four patients underwent superior vena cava resection and reconstruction. Anastomotic complications occurred in 5 patients, all of which were managed conservatively: 1 required stent placement and a second underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Postoperative events were observed in 26 patients (58%), including pneumonia (n = 11), blood transfusion (n = 8), and atrial arrhythmias (n = 8). More serious complications, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, occurred in 3 patients. Postoperative events were most closely associated with pulmonary resection (P = .040). There were 3 deaths, yielding an overall operative 30- and 90-day mortality of 6.8% and 7%, respectively. Conclusions Despite advances in perioperative management, carinal resection poses challenges for both patient and surgeon. Preoperative chemotherapy, radiation, and concomitant pulmonary resection were associated with increased risk of complications. Patient selection and meticulous surgical technique contribute to reduction in morbidity and mortality.
Wealth and the Cash Asset Proportion

I argue here that the cash asset proportion falls with increased wealth using data from the 1962 Survey of Consumer Finances. This result is at odds with what would be expected under Arrow's Increasing Relative Risk Aversion hypothesis and is also at odds with Friedman's assertions that money is a superior good.