cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colonization and establishment of red maple (Acer rubrum) in a southern Appalachian wetland.

We characterized the post-disturbance recruitment window for red maple (Acer rubrum )i n a southern Appalachian wetland using size-class distributions and forest stand models. The DBH and core age of understory and overstory trees were measured in 108 plots in forested (closed) and unforested (open) fen and floodplain sites at the Tulula Creek wetland complex (a southern Appalachian wetland in Graham County, North Carolina) in 1994 and 2001 as part of a larger ecological study. In addition, the heights of red maple seedlings were measured in 379 quadrats in an unforested floodplain in 1996 and 2001. We examined the temporal patterning of wetland recruitment using red maple size-class data in order to determine (1) the recruitment window for seedling colonization and (2) temporal recruitment patterning based on the size/age structure of established tree stands. Diameter and height distributions were compared with power function, negative exponential and quadratic models in order to determine goodness of fit using the coefficient of determination (R 2 ). Diameter distributions and stand models showed that recruitment continued (at a diminishing rate) at sites that were last cleared 7, 14, and approximately 30 years earlier and ceased at a fourth site cleared approximately 45 years earlier. While there were minor recruitment fluctuations that possibly coincided with water-level changes, the unimodal size class distributions indicated that recruitment did not pulse subsequent to initial canopy disturbance. These results show that red maple readily colonized wetland habitats and that the recruitment window lasts at least twice as long as that reported in terrestrial systems. In addition, size-class distribution and regression analysis indicate that the colonization window is directly impacted by canopy disturbance and only indirectly influenced by water levels.
Contractor Equipment-Management Practices

A survey of the current equipment practices and policies of heavy construction contractors having annual contract volumes between $20 and $200 million was performed. Information on selected equipment management decision factors, record-keeping practices, tax depreciation methods, obsolescence, and cost of capital is discussed. Contractors proved to be aware of many factors affecting the machine replacement question but are in doubt as to the magnitude of affect and the values that should be assigned to several of the factors.
The Demand for Branded and Unbranded Products—An Econometric Method for Valuing Intangible Assets

In this chapter I consider the economic value of certain intangible assets such as trademarks and brand values. Specifically I develop an economic analysis to estimate the values for five trademarks of the Carnation Company circa 1985—Coffee-mate, Carnation Evaporated Milk, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Mighty Dog (dog food), and Fancy Feast (cat food). These five brands were among Carnation’s best known brands; each has a relatively large market share, and each commands a price premium relative to its unbranded competitors.
FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN NORMATIVE VALUES AND VALIDITY IN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES: CAN THE FMS™ BE USED AS A PREDICTOR OF INJURY?

BACKGROUND: Limited information exists regarding injury risk factors for high school athletes. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) has been used to identify functional movement impairments and asymmetries, making it a potential predictor of injury. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: To determine if the FMS™ is a valid predictor of injury in high school athletes and to identify a potential new FMS™ cutoff score for this population. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Cohort. METHODS: 167 high school athletes among several sports were scored using the FMS™ and were monitored for injury during a single season. Likelihood ratios were calculated to determine how much a subject's total FMS™ score influenced the post-test probability of becoming injured. RESULTS: Of the 167 participants, 39 sustained a musculoskeletal injury. Of all component scores, the in-line lunge scores were significantly higher for injured players. For shoulder mobility, scores were significantly lower for injured players. No statistically significant associations were found between total FMS™ scores and injury status. CONCLUSION: The FMS™ may be useful for recognizing deficiency in certain movements, however this data suggests that the FMS™ should not be used for overall prediction of injury in high school athletes throughout the course of a season. Normative data from a large sample size is now available in the high school athlete demographic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3. Language: en
Performance analysis of low-complexity adaptive frequency-domain equalization and MIMO signal processing for compensation of differential mode group delay in mode-division multiplexing communication systems using few-mode fibers

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) transmission systems utilizing few-mode fibers (FMF) have been intensively explored to sustain continuous traffic growth. The key challenges of MDM systems are inter-modal crosstalk due to random mode coupling (RMC), and largely-accumulated differential mode group delay (DMGD), whilst hinders mode-demultiplexer implementation. The adaptive multi-input multi-output (MIMO) frequency-domain equalization (FDE) can dynamically compensate DMGD using digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. The frequency-domain least-mean squares (FD-LMS) algorithm has been universally adopted for high-speed MDM communications, mainly for its relatively low computational complexity. However, longer training sequence is appended for FD-LMS to achieve faster convergence, which incurs prohibitively higher system overhead and reduces overall throughput. In this paper, we propose a fast-convergent single-stage adaptive frequency-domain recursive least-squares (FD-RLS) algorithm with reduced complexity for DMGD compensation at MDM coherent receivers. The performance and complexity comparison of FD-RLS, with signal-PSD-dependent FD-LMS method and conventional FD-LMS approach, are performed in a 3000 km six-mode transmission system with 65 ps/km DMGD. We explore the convergence speed of three adaptive algorithms, including the normalized mean-square-error (NMSE) per fast Fourier transform (FFT) block at 14–30 dB OSNR. The fast convergence of FD-RLS is exploited at the expense of slightly-increased necessary tap numbers for MIMO equalizers, and it can partially save the overhead of training sequence. Furthermore, we demonstrate adaptive FD-RLS can also be used for chromatic dispersion (CD) compensation without increasing the filter tap length, thus prominently reducing the DSP implementation complexity for MDM systems.
Transmutation of high-level radioactive waste by a charged particle accelerator

Transmutation of minor actinides and long-lived fission products using a proton accelerator has many advantages over a transmutor operated in a critical condition. The energy required for this transmutation can be reduced by multiplying the spallation neutrons in a subcritical assembly surrounding the spallation target. Study was done on the relation between the energy requirements and the multiplication factor k of the subcritical assembly, while varying the range of several parameters in the spallation target. A slightly subcritical reactor is superior to a reactor with large subcriticality in the context of the energy requirement of a small proton accelerator, the extent of radiation damage, and other safety problems. To transmute the long-lived fission products without consuming much fissile material, the transmutor reactor must have a good neutron economy, which can be obtained by using a transmutor operated by a proton accelerator. Consideration is given to the use of minor actinides to improve neutronic characteristics, such as achieving a long fuel burnup rather than simply transmuting this valuable material.
YAP Induces Human Naive Pluripotency

The human naive pluripotent stem cell (PSC) state, corresponding to a pre-implantation stage of development, has been difficult to capture and sustain in vitro. We report that the Hippo pathway effector YAP is nuclearly localized in the inner cell mass of human blastocysts. Overexpression of YAP in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced PSCs (iPSCs) promotes the generation of naive PSCs. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) can partially substitute for YAP to generate transgene-free human naive PSCs. YAP- or LPA-induced naive PSCs have a rapid clonal growth rate, a normal karyotype, the ability to form teratomas, transcriptional similarities to human pre-implantation embryos, reduced heterochromatin levels, and other hallmarks of the naive state. YAP/LPA act in part by suppressing differentiation-inducing effects of GSK3 inhibition. CRISPR/Cas9-generated YAP(-/-) cells have an impaired ability to form colonies in naive but not primed conditions. These results uncover an unexpected role for YAP in the human naive state, with implications for early human embryology.
The Influence of Dose Rate on the Formation of CrSi2 by Ion Mixing

The relationship between growth rate of CrSi 2 and dose rate during Xe ion irradiation at 500K is investigated. Dose raies difffering by up to a factor of 40 have been utilized to study the relationship. For a fixed total dose, a lower dose rate results in a thicker silicide layer compound to a higher dose rate. The results are explained from radiation-enhanced diffusion theory.
Factors influencing consumer receptivity to the nurse practitioner. A systems analysis.

This paper describes a methodology to delineate factors associated with consumer acceptance of the medical nurse practitioner (MNP). The MNP is a category of new health practitioners with proficiency in medical/health care functions traditionally performed only by physicians. A process model approach was developed to study the significance of selected sociodemographic cognitive, attitudinal, and clinical/medical factors that are expected to predispose consumer acceptance of the MNP. The survey population consists of predominantly elderly and indigent ambulatory patients to an inner-city primary care clinic. The data were collected from 156 primary care patients before and after the introduction of the MNP program. The results clearly demonstrate consumer support for the new health practitioner concept. This finding is further substantiated in the “after” study. From an analysis of symptoms experience, symptom severity, and type of symptoms, symptoms experience emerged as the strongest indicator of consumer receptivity to MNP concept. Additionally, exposure to MNP caused the consumer to become more aware of proper consumption and increased the demand for physician care and specialty care where appropriate.
Second-Order Animals: Cultural Techniques of Identity and Identification

This paper explores the thesis that the concept of cultural techniques should be strictly limited to symbolic technologies that allow for self-referential recursions. Writing enables one to write about writing itself; painting itself can be depicted in painting; films may feature other films. In other words, cultural techniques are defined by their ability to thematize themselves; they are second-order techniques as opposed to first-order techniques like cooking or tilling a field. To illustrate his thesis, Macho discusses a sequence of historical examples, from body signs and death masks to digital code and ID papers. These examples serve to reiterate another basic proposal that is already announced in the paper’s title. The recursive, self-observing qualities of cultural techniques make them a ‘technology of the self’ and thus render them indispensable for the generation, repetition and maintenance of identity.
Script Templates: A Practical Approach to Script Training in Aphasia.

PURPOSE Script training for aphasia involves repeated practice of relevant phrases and sentences that, when mastered, can potentially be used in other communicative situations. Although an increasingly popular approach, script development can be time-consuming. We provide a detailed summary of the evidence supporting this approach. We then describe a method in which scripts at various levels of difficulty are created by systematically manipulating readability and grammatical and semantic components. We assess the appropriateness of using these template-based scripts with persons with aphasia of differing severities. METHOD We evaluated the oral reading performance of eight individuals with chronic non-fluent aphasia on scripts developed from the templates. Scripts were either of high or low difficulty relative to their aphasia severity, and personalized by inserting the participant's town and the name of an acquaintance. Oral reading probes were taken on three separate days within a week and performance within and across participants was examined. RESULTS Regardless of the participant's aphasia severity, scripts in the low-difficulty condition were read with significantly greater accuracy than scripts in the high-difficulty condition. DISCUSSION These findings support the use of graded script templates to ensure that appropriately challenging scripts are delivered to persons with aphasia for both clinical practice and research.
Effect of grading intervention on diabetes high risk group in Songjiang District of Shanghai City

[Objective]To analyze the effect of grading intervention on diabetes high risk group in Songjiang District of Shanghai City,so as to establish a new mode for diabetes management in community.[Methods]Randomized controlled trial in community was conducted,and the intervention effect was observed via comparison of indicator changes in the 2 groups before and after intervention.[Results] After 24 months of intervention,the overall awareness of diabetes increased 14.73% in average,BMI decreased 1.1 kg / m2,body weight decreased 2.31 kg,risk score increased 2.61 in intervention group.The increase in fasting blood glucose of intervention group was 0.22 mmol / L less than control group,while the decrease of OGTT in intervention group was 0.15 mmol / L more than control group.[Conclusion]The new diabetes management mode in community of grading intervention can help to increase awareness of diabetes knowledge,to reduce weight,and decrease the risk factors scoring,but not in lowering blood glucose levels.
Effect of genetically obese on inflammation and fibrosis of lung

Objective: To explore the effect of obesity on lung inflammation and fibrosis observed in leptin gene( ob/ob)knockout obesity mice. Methods: C57 mice of ob / ob gene knockout as obese group,eight wild-type C57 mice as normal group,feeding to 5 months. With hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue,the masson staining and the immunohistochemical of alpha smooth muscle actin were used to detect the deposition of collagen around bronchial,and Western blot was used to detect the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9( MMP-9) in lung tissue respectively. Results:( 1) The infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue were obviously increased in obesity mice compared to normal mice( P = 0. 015),but there was no significant around alveolar( P = 0. 266).( 2) Masson staining and immunohistochemical of α-SMA were shown that the collagen deposition around bronchial in obesity mice significantly higher than normal mice( α-SMA: P = 0. 003; masson: P = 0. 002).( 3) The expression of MMP-9 in lung tissue was significantly increased in obesity mouse than normal mouse( P = 0. 006). Conclusion: We speculate obesity may increase inflammation and the degree of lung tissue fibrosis through the experiment to ob / ob gene knockout obesity mice.
Central sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in heart failure: prevalence, impact, and treatment

Despite recent advances in its treatment, congestive heart failure associated with depressed left ventricular function continues to be associated with excess morbidity and mortality. Multiple factors may contribute to the progressively declining course of heart failure. Nocturnal arterial oxyhemoglobin desaturation caused by sleep-disordered breathing could be a contributing factor, particularly because it has been associated with excess mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cheyne and Stokes were the first to observe periodic breathing in patients with heart failure (Cheyne-Stokes respiration). However, relatively large-scale systematic studies have been performed only recently. We studied 42 patients with stable, optimally treated heart failure, without other co-morbid disorders: 19 patients (45%) had an apnea-hypopnea index of more than 20/hour. These episodes were associated with an excess number of arousals and arterial oxyhemoglobin desaturation. Treatment options include nocturnal administration of oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and medications such as theophylline. Large-scale studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these treatment options on quality of life, morbidity, and mortality of patients with heart failure.
Impact of Hyperparasitoids onCotesia glomeratain Southwestern Virginia

Abstract This study was initiated to determine the impact of hyperparasitism on Cotesia glomerata (L.) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an established gregarious endoparasitoid of Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). C. glomerata pupae were sampled in field crops of cabbage and broccoli to determine rates of hyperparasitization for each hyperparasitoid species. Two of the principal parasitoids recovered were Conura torvina (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) and Tetrastichus ( Aprostocetus ) galactopus (Ratzeburg) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). The impact of hyperparasitoids was measured per clutch as well as per individual C. glomerata. This may provide insight into the potential impact of existing hyperparasitoids on closely related solitary parasitoids like Cotesia rubecula (Marshall) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Both C. torvina and T. galactopus had little effect on the overall C. glomerata population. The impact of hyperparasitoids per clutch appears to be more appropriate for estimating a hyperparasitoid's potential impact on solitary hosts. The threat from C. torvina was minor, but T. galactopus may affect the establishment of a newly introduced population of C. rubecula.
Rational B-spline curves

Rational B-splines provide a single precise mathematical form capable of representing the common analytical shapes—lines, planes, conic curves including circles, free-form curves, quadric, and sculptured surfaces—that are used in computer graphics and computer-aided design. Currently, NonUniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) curves and surfaces are the standard for curve and surface description in computer graphics. (NURBS are incorporated into most of the current geometric modeling systems. Rational B-spline basis functions and curves are a generalization of nonrational B-spline basis functions and curves. Thus, they carry forward nearly all the analytic and geometric characteristics of their nonrational B-spline counterparts. Rational B-spline curves are used to represent all the conic sections, and they provide a single mathematical description capable of blending the conic sections into free-form curves.
PATH-INTEGRAL METHODS

In Chapters 7 and 8 we applied the canonical quantization operator formalism to derive the Feynman rules for a variety of theories. In many cases, such as the scalar field with derivative coupling or the vector field with zero or non-zero mass, the procedure though straightforward was rather awkward. The interaction Hamiltonian turned out to contain a covariant term, equal to the negative of the interaction term in the Lagrangian, plus a non-covariant term, which served to cancel non-covariant terms in the propagator. In the case of electrodynamics this non-covariant term (the Coulomb energy) turned out to be not even spatially local, though it is local in time. Yet the final results are quite simple: the Feynman rules are just those we should obtain with covariant propagators, and using the negative of the interaction term in the Lagrangian to calculate vertex contributions. The awkwardness in obtaining these simple results, which was bad enough for the theories considered in Chapters 7 and 8, becomes unbearable for more complicated theories, like the non-Abelian gauge theories to be discussed in Volume II, and also general relativity. One would very much prefer a method of calculation that goes directly from the Lagrangian to the Feynman rules in their final, Lorentz-covariant form. Fortunately, such a method does exist. It is provided by the path-integral approach to quantum mechanics. This was first presented in the context of non-relativistic quantum mechanics in Feynman's Princeton Ph. D. thesis, as a means of working directly with a Lagrangian rather than a Hamiltonian. In this respect, it was inspired by earlier work of Dirac.
Social Work Practice and Technology: Ethical Issues and Policy Responses

With the growing use of technology in social work practice, social workers and their agencies need to update and enhance their policies to promote the highest standards of practice and to manage ri...
Book Review: Chinese Law on SARS by Chenglin Liu

Chinese Law on SARS, by Chenglin Liu, is a marvelous example of fresh scholarship about a new and important feature of the Chinese legal system. The book analyzes the Chinese response to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (“SARS”) epidemic in 2003. Most notably, it examines the government’s passing of two new laws and the implementation of other legal steps to bolster the nation’s public health system. Liu’s scholarly examination of the SARS legislation is instructive, not merely because it explains the current laws in China relating to SARS, but also because it offers insight into what a country should (and should not) do when faced with the problem of an unprecedented, deadly, and potentially devastating threat to public health. Chinese Law on SARS is a valuable addition to English-language literature about the Chinese legal system, and deserves to be read, considered, and debated.
Pain in the Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Patient

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common source of injury that can result in a multitude of nociceptive and neuropathic pain syndromes. Impairments in cognition and communication complicate diagnosis and treatment, and a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to patient care. Treatment paradigms generally follow the specific causal etiologies, but span a wide variety of pharmacologic, physical, psychological, interventional, and surgical treatments. A combination is often required for adequate analgesia and improvement in functional outcomes.
Application of Legendre Polynomials in Solving Volterra Integral Equations of the Second Kind

A nu merical method is presented in this paper to solve linear Vo lterra integral equations of the second kind. In this proposed method, orthogonal Legendre polynomials are employed to approximate a solution for an unknown function in the Volterra integral equation and convert the equation to system o f linear algebraic equations. The accuracy and efficiency of this method are illustrated through some numerical examp les.
A high-efficiency 5G K/Ka-band stacked power amplifier in 45nm CMOS SOI process supporting 9Gb/s 64-QAM modulation with 22.4% average PAE

This paper presents a 3-FET stacked K/Ka-band class-AB power amplifier (PA) implemented in the GLOBALFOUNDRIES 45nm SOI process that is particularly optimized for future high-performance energy-efficient 5G mm-Wave transceiver front-ends. With a 2.9V power supply, the PA achieves 13.1dB power gain and a saturated output power (P sat ) of 16.2dBm with a maximum power-added efficiency (PAE) of 41.5% at 24GHz continuous-wave (CW). The output 1dB compression point (P1dB) is 14.2dBm with 37.4% PAE. The Psat 1dB frequency range is 18GHz–29GHz. With a 9Gb/s 64-QAM modulated signal, 22.4% average PAE and −25.1dB EVM are achieved with 9.9dBm average output power. With a 960Mb/s 64-QAM signal, 22.5% average PAE, −29.6dB EVM, and −30.5dBc ACLR are achieved with 9.5dBm average output power. No digital pre-distortion is employed in both modulation tests. The total PA area is only 550μm × 750μm.
Co-cracking of bio-oil distillate bottoms with vacuum gas oil for enhanced production of light compounds

Abstract Seamless co-processing of pyrolysis bio-oil within existing petroleum refineries is the most synergistic and economic way to improve biorefinery output. Coprocessing bio-oil with vacuum gas oil (VGO) is one logical pathway. Bio-oil has a viscosity and molecular weight range similar to that of VGO, and the hydrogen-rich nature of VGO can chemically complement the bio-oil hydrogen deficiency. Distillation of biomass pyrolysis oils produces solid residues with a significant fraction of fixed carbon and heavy volatiles. Maximization of yields of light compounds like olefins and gasoline-range aromatics are crucial for both attainment of desired product output levels as well as to follow methods that mimic petroleum-based methods and chemistries. Herein we discuss a systematic study on the additive coprocessing of specific bio-oil distillation bottoms with VGO. Tail-gas reactive pyrolysis (TGRP) bio-oils from spirulina, switchgrass, and guayule biomasses were distilled, and their bottoms were subject to analytical experiments in mixtures with VGO over different zeolite catalysts (no catalyst, HZSM-5, Y-zeolite). Switchgrass-based bottoms exhibit greater hydrogen deficiency and higher oxygen content compared with that of spirulina or guayule. Switchgrass-based bottoms, with or without VGO, produced more aromatics and less olefins and alkanes, compared with spirulina or guayule bottoms. When compared across different mixing ratios, thermal cracking of a 10:1 guayule/VGO mixture resulted in higher aromatics yields than even the VGO by itself. Addition of more VGO up to a 1:1 ratio of VGO/switchgrass bottoms nearly tripled the production of BTEX compounds. For hydrogen-rich bottoms spirulina and guayule, LPG-range olefins yields increased nearly 50% for 1:1 VGO/bottoms blends, compared with theoretical yields.
Antimicrobial agent triclosan disrupts mitochondrial structure, revealed by super-resolution microscopy, and inhibits mast cell signaling via calcium modulation.

Abstract The antimicrobial agent triclosan (TCS) is used in products such as toothpaste and surgical soaps and is readily absorbed into oral mucosa and human skin. These and many other tissues contain mast cells, which are involved in numerous physiologies and diseases. Mast cells release chemical mediators through a process termed degranulation, which is inhibited by TCS. Investigation into the underlying mechanisms led to the finding that TCS is a mitochondrial uncoupler at non-cytotoxic, low-micromolar doses in several cell types and live zebrafish. Our aim was to determine the mechanisms underlying TCS disruption of mitochondrial function and of mast cell signaling. We combined super-resolution (fluorescence photoactivation localization) microscopy and multiple fluorescence-based assays to detail triclosan's effects in living mast cells, fibroblasts, and primary human keratinocytes. TCS disrupts mitochondrial nanostructure, causing mitochondria to undergo fission and to form a toroidal, “donut” shape. TCS increases reactive oxygen species production, decreases mitochondrial membrane potential, and disrupts ER and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels, processes that cause mitochondrial fission. TCS is 60 × more potent than the banned uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol. TCS inhibits mast cell degranulation by decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, disrupting microtubule polymerization, and inhibiting mitochondrial translocation, which reduces Ca2+ influx into the cell. Our findings provide mechanisms for both triclosan's inhibition of mast cell signaling and its universal disruption of mitochondria. These mechanisms provide partial explanations for triclosan's adverse effects on human reproduction, immunology, and development. This study is the first to utilize super-resolution microscopy in the field of toxicology.
THE MAZON CREEK FLORA: REVIEW OF RESEARCH AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

ABSTRACT The Pennsylvanian Mazon Creek Flora is as diverse as any of similar age in North America. Plants from the Mazon Creek nodules have been assigned to over four hundred specific and one hundred and thirty generic names. The Mazon Creek Flora is of Allegheny Age and is contained within the Desmoinesian Series of the North American midcontinental marine succession and the Westphalian D of the European succession.
Comparison of Two Heated Gutta Percha and Sealer Obturation Techniques in Canine Teeth of Dogs

The overall endodontic fill and apical seal achieved using two different obturation methods were compared. Twenty-six adult dog canine teeth were instrumented and obturated using either a warm vertical or heated lateral technique. Zinc oxide-eugenol sealer was applied by paper point in the warm vertical technique and by syringe injection in the heated lateral technique. The cadaver jaws were warmed to 35-37 degrees C (95-98.6 degrees F) during obturation using a circulating warm water bath. Obturation times were recorded and ventrodorsal, lateral, and oblique dental radiographs were taken of all teeth for comparison. Twenty-two of the canine teeth were extracted and an apical dye study was performed using a clearing technique. Apical dye leakage was linearly measured to evaluate the furthest ink penetration into the root canal. Although radiographically the heated lateral method appeared to have a better endodontic fill, there was significantly greater apical dye leakage in teeth obturated with that combination of sealer and gutta percha. There was also extrusion of sealer and root fracture associated with the heated lateral technique. The method of sealer application was different for each technique; this variable should be taken into consideration when interpreting our results, which suggest that the warm vertical compaction technique may provide a better apical seal in canine teeth of dogs in a shorter period of time, with fewer obturation complications when compared to the heated lateral technique.
Description and Factors Associated With Missed Nursing Care in an Acute Care Community Hospital.

OBJECTIVE The aims of this study are to describe and evaluate the factors associated with missed nursing care in an acute care community hospital. BACKGROUND Despite RNs' accountability for high-quality patient care in hospitals, missed nursing care is widespread, jeopardizing patient safety and health system costs. Better understanding of the factors associated with missed nursing care may provide nurse leaders with opportunities for improvement. METHODS Using a cross-sectional correlational study design, 138 RNs were randomly sampled during May-June 2017. RESULTS The extent of missed nursing care is consistent with other studies, was greater on medical-surgical and telemetry units compared with specialty units, and was negatively associated with staffing/resources, satisfaction with current position, and collegial nurse-physician relationships. CONCLUSION Findings suggest urgent nurse leader action and future research.
Acetylcholine in human placenta. Identification by pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and tissue levels following different modes of delivery.

Extracts from human term placentae were analyzed by pyrolysis gas chromatography (GC) combined with mass spectrometry. The only choline ester of carbonic acid whose presence could be unequivocally established was acetylcholine (ACh). The mass spectrum of its demethylated tertiary derivative dimethylaminoethyl acetate (nor-ACh) agreed entirely with that of authentic pyrolyzed ACh.
Why the evolution of vaccine resistance is less of a concern than the evolution of drug resistance

Vaccines and antimicrobial drugs both impose strong selection for resistance. Yet only drug resistance is a major challenge for 21st century medicine. Why is drug resistance ubiquitous and not vaccine resistance? Part of the answer is that vaccine resistance is far less likely to evolve than drug resistance. But what happens when vaccine resistance does evolve? We review six putative cases. We find that in contrast to drug resistance, vaccine resistance is harder to detect and harder to confirm and that the mechanistic basis is less well understood. Nevertheless, in the cases we examined, the pronounced health benefits associated with vaccination have largely been sustained. Thus, we contend that vaccine resistance is less of a concern than drug resistance because it is less likely to evolve and when it does, it is less harmful to human and animal health and well-being. Studies of pathogen strains that evolve the capacity to replicate and transmit from vaccinated hosts will enhance our ability to develop next-generation vaccines that minimize the risk of harmful pathogen evolution.
Modeling organic carbon loss from a rapidly eroding freshwater coastal wetland

Shoreline erosion can transition freshwater coastal wetlands from carbon sinks to carbon sources. No studies have explored the impacts of coastal geomorphic processes on freshwater wetland carbon budgets. To do so, we modified a saltmarsh carbon budget model for application in freshwater coastal wetlands. We validated the model with data from a shoreline wetland in the Laurentian Great Lakes. The model generates the carbon budget by differencing carbon export and carbon storage. The inputs for carbon storage are the carbon inventory and maximum wetland age. Inputs for carbon export include erosion rates and overwash extent. The model demonstrates that the wetland examined in this study transitioned to a source of carbon during periods of erosion. In fact, the net carbon export between 2015 and 2018 was 8.1% of the wetland’s original carbon stock. This study indicates that geomorphic change can dictate whether and how freshwater coastal wetlands serve as sources or sinks for terrestrial carbon, and that carbon stocks can fluctuate on a geologically rapid timescale. We recommend that such geomorphic processes be considered when developing carbon budgets for these marginal environments. Furthermore, the carbon budget model refined in this study can be used to prioritize wetlands in land management and conservation efforts.
Colour polymorphism and protective coloration in coconut crabs

Phenotypic colour polymorphisms are common in nature but their adaptive significance is often difficult to interpret. Terrestrial coconut crabs Birgus latro have cohabiting distinct red and blue co...
Prescribing Patterns and Costs Associated with Postoperative Eye Drop Use in Medicare Beneficiaries Undergoing Cataract Surgery.

Abstract Purpose To determine costs and prescribing patterns of postoperative eye drops for cataract surgery and to estimate potential savings of generic or therapeutic drug substitutions. Design Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis Subjects Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with Part D coverage and undergoing cataract surgery in 2016 Methods Medicare Part D claims were used to extract information on eye drop prescriptions that were filled during the postoperative period of cataract surgery. Savings from generic or therapeutic drug substitutions were estimated for brand medications. Main Outcome Measures Total cost of postoperative eye drops for cataract surgery and physician and patient factors associated with medication cost. Results Postoperative eye drops were prescribed in 2016 to 88% of 591,733 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent cataract surgery during that calendar year, with brand medications accounting for 57.5% of prescription volume. The overall cost totaled over $167 million, 76.5% of which was attributable to use of brand medications. Approximately 43% of patients underwent 1 and 57% underwent 2 cataract surgeries in that year. The mean cost of medications for patients undergoing 1 surgery was $228 and $324 for those undergoing 2 surgeries. Topical antibiotics (89%) were the most commonly prescribed drug class by volume, followed by topical steroids (86%) and NSAIDS (66%) and accounted for 26%, 37% and 36% of the total cataract surgery eye drop cost, respectively. Use of therapeutic and generic alternatives could have resulted in cost savings of as much as $118 million, or 70 % of the total cost of postoperative eyedrops. In adjusted analysis, patient factors associated with increased eye drop cost included older age, female sex, and race/ethnicity. Physician characteristics associated with increased eye drop cost included female sex, greater years in practice, practicing in metropolitan vs. non-metropolitan areas, practicing in the Northeast vs. the South and in the South vs. the Midwest. Conclusions The cost to CMS for eyedrops prescribed for postoperative use for cataract surgery in 2016 was approximately $170 million. In the absence of evidence of clinical superiority of expensive versus less costly options, there is substantial opportunity to improve the value of care delivered to Medicare beneficiaries.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Suture Tape Augmentation: A Surgical Technique.

Abstract The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common ligamentous knee injury and often is encountered in those participating in multidirectional sports. ACL reconstruction is the most commonly performed knee ligament reconstruction and employs a variety of surgical techniques but still is challenged by residual laxity and graft rupture. To help address and prevent future ACL failures, new repair and reconstruction techniques have been employed that incorporate suture augmentation (InternalBrace; Arthrex, Naples, FL), which protects the graft during healing and ligamentization. Our goal of this article is to provide a surgical technique of suture augmentation with ACL reconstruction.
Embracing Vulnerability: Religious Education, Embodiment, and the Ecological Affections

AbstractReligious education for ecological consciousness requires attention to bodily and emotional vulnerability. This selection, excerpted from Inhabitance: Religious Ecological Education (Waco: ...
Evaluating the impact of social deprivation on Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey Scores

BACKGROUND Social deprivation has been shown to affect access to health care services, and influences outcomes for a variety of physical and psychological conditions. However, the impact on patient satisfaction remains less clear. The objective of this study was to determine if social deprivation is an independent predictor of patient satisfaction, as measured by the Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey (PGOMPS). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed unique new adult patient (≥ 18 years of age) seen at a tertiary academic hospital and rural/urban outreach hospitals/clinics between January 2014 and December 2017. Satisfaction was defined a priori as achieving a score above the 33rd percentile. The 2015 Area Deprivation Index (ADI) was used to determine social deprivation (lower score signifies less social deprivation). Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to determine the impact of ADI on PGOMPS total and provider sub-scores while controlling for variables previously shown to impact scores (wait time, patient age, sex, race, specialty type, provider type, and insurance status). RESULTS Univariate analysis of PGOMPS total scores revealed a 4% decrease in odds of patient satisfaction per decile increase in ADI (p < 0.001). Patients within the most deprived quartile were significantly less likely to report satisfaction compared to the least deprived quartile (OR 0.79, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that the odds of achieving satisfaction decreased 2% for each decile increase in ADI on the Total Score (p < 0.001), independent of other variables previously shown to impact scores. For PGOMPS Provider Sub-Score, univariate analysis showed that patients in the lowest ADI quartile were significantly less likely be satisfied, as compared to the least deprived quartile (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.70-0.86; p < 0.001). A 5% decrease in a patient being satisfied was observed for each decile increase in ADI (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.94-0.96; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Social deprivation was an independent predictor of outpatient visit dissatisfaction, as measured by the Press Ganey® Outpatient Medical Practice Survey. These results necessitate consideration when developing health care delivery policies that serve to minimize inequalities between patients of differing socioeconomic groups.
Reflections on student power: An absurdist viewpoint:

This exploration takes a look at how students in higher education are disempowered through regimes of social power that are always already extant and ubiquitous within educational regimes. Moreover...
Facial mucosal level of single immediately placed implants with either immediate provisionalization or delayed restoration: An intermediate-term study.

Background Immediately placed single implants with either immediate provisionalization (test) or delayed restoration (control) were followed for up to 1 year in our previous randomized clinical trial. Peri-implant tissues continue to remodel after implants are in function. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the facial mucosal level changes in the intermediate term between the 2 groups and to study potential factors influencing the mucosal level change. Methods Patients who had already completed the previous clinical trial by receiving a single immediately placed implant were re-invited to this study. The facial mucosal level as well as the other peri-implant hard and soft tissue dimensions and conditions were measured clinically, radiographically and with ultrasound. These data were compared between the test and control implants. The mucosal level change as the function of the final crown contour, measured as the abutment-crown angle (ACA), was estimated with a linear regression model. Results Twenty-eight patients (N of test/control = 16/12) with a mean 30-month follow-up were recruited. The mean mucosal level change was -0.38 mm (control) and 0.06 mm (test), without statistically difference between the two groups. The other clinical, radiographic, and ultrasound parameters were not statistically different. ACA was statistically significant associated with the recession (p=0.02). The estimate effect was 0.25 mm per 10° increase (adjusted R2 = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.02-0.49 mm). After adjusting for vertical implant position, implant abutment angle and the group, the effect became borderline significant ((p=0.09). Conclusions Peri-implant tissues, including the mucosal level change of immediately placed implants with either immediate provisionalization or delayed restoration remained stable and did not differ between the groups in the intermediate term. The final crown angle, influenced by implant position and abutment angle, might be associated with mucosal margin level change. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Meat Animals, Humane Standards and Other Legal Fictions

Law and food are distinct concepts, though the discipline (Law and Food) implies a relationship worthy of study. The conjunction (“and”) creates meaning. However, its absence also conveys meaning. ...
Common-Mode EMI Cancellation in Full-Bridge Based Isolated DC-DC Converters

This paper introduces an approach to substantially reduce common-mode (CM) electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by isolated DC-DC converters using full-bridge inverters and/or rectifiers. By minimizing CM noise, CM chokes can be miniaturized and converters can achieve higher power density. The proposed technique is applicable to all isolated converter topologies having at least one full-bridge that is operated with 180⁰ phase-shift between its two legs. In this paper, a capacitor-inductor-inductor-inductor-capacitor (CLLLC) converter is used to demonstrate the approach. First, the CM noise model of the CLLLC converter is developed. Then, capacitors with values derived from closed-form expressions are added at appropriate locations to make the CM noise current generated by one leg of the full bridge inverter and rectifier cancel with that generated by the other leg. Finally, the proposed cancellation scheme is validated on the Texas Instruments reference design TIDM-02002. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can achieve about 17dB noise reduction at fundamental switching frequency and as much as 30dB noise reduction at higher frequencies.
Impacts of Decentralized Environmental Governance on Andean Bear Conservation in Colombia

Decentralized environmental governance has become increasingly common across much of Latin America and in developing countries more generally, yet the impacts of decentralization on wildlife conservation remain unclear. Decentralized environmental governance is thought to improve efficiency, local compliance, and democratic potential of natural resource management. However, wildlife conservation, especially that of large mammals, poses unique challenges in the context of decentralized governance: wildlife conservation is often expensive, requires large expanses of contiguous habitat, and often offers few economic benefits. We analyzed Colombia’s decentralized environmental governance and its performance in conserving a contentious and border-crossing wildlife species, the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). We considered both decentralized institutions and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This analysis is informed by 67 semi-structured interviews with conservation practitioners in Colombia. We found inconsistent program implementation across the country and little information exchange among institutions. These issues quite likely contribute to exacerbated human–bear conflict and thus more Andean bear deaths suggesting that the successful coordination of large-scale wildlife conservation may yet require the leadership of strong central institutions. A few international NGOs were working to improve Andean bear conservation in Colombia, but we saw little involvement at the national level of Colombian NGOs—some of whom felt they were being unfairly outcompeted by international elites. We recommend a greater engagement with Colombian NGOs (by both donors and international NGOs) as a means through which to ensure the integrity of Andean bear conservation into the future.
28 km Open Path Dual-Comb Spectroscopy

Dual-comb laser absorption spectroscopy is demonstrated over a 28 km open path over an urban environment. Path averaged concentrations of CO2, H2O and CH4 are retrieved despite significant turbulence induced link loss.
Place and Crime

The object of Place and Crime is to develop policy tools for crime control based on community social organization theory. This article uses the work of Clifford Shaw and Henry McKay, which emphasizes the importance of community structure -- features of place -- to crime as a foundation. According to this view, the strength of formal and informal social networks significantly affects the level of crime in a place independent of other factors such as state enforcement or poverty. The article uses this theory to examine the claims of two groups of criminal law scholars, "Cheerleaders" and the "Skeptics." Law enforcement cheerleaders emphasize the importance of individual incentives to commit criminal acts and the ability of government to affect those incentives through more certain and especially severe sentences for offending. Law enforcement skeptics focus on the racial asymmetry in law enforcement outcomes and question the legitimacy and effectiveness of enforcement as a solution to crime. Skeptics often seek less law enforcement as a solution to the problem they identify. This article critiques each view, arguing that Skeptics underestimate the importance of law enforcement to the residents of disadvantaged communities, but Cheerleaders ignore the way that government enforcement, depending on its form, can either enhance or undermine the community structures that are crucial to crime control. The article concludes by using social organization theory to evaluate particular enforcement strategies, rejecting, for example, severe sanctions for low-level drug offenders but defending "reverse stings" and juvenile curfews, in each case based on their effect on community structures.