cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
T cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic contributions of the IFNAR/STAT1-axis to thymocyte survival.

STAT1 is an essential part of interferon signaling, and STAT1-deficiency results in heightened susceptibility to infections or autoimmunity in both mice and humans. Here we report that mice lacking the IFNa/b-receptor (IFNAR1) or STAT1 display impaired deletion of autoreactive CD4 + CD8 + -T-cells. Strikingly, co-existence of WT T cells restored thymic elimination of selfreactive STAT1-deficient CD4 + CD8 + -T cells. Analysis of STAT1-deficient thymocytes further revealed reduced Bim expression, which was restored in the presence of WT T cells. These results indicate that type I interferons and STAT1 play an important role in the survival of MHC class I-restricted T cells in a T cell intrinsic and non-cell intrinsic manner that involves regulation of Bim expression through feedback provided by mature STAT1-competent T cells.
Pitfalls in Seismic Processing: Part 1 Groundroll Sourced Acquisition Footprint

Whether it is in reference to the limitations of interpretation or associated with seismic processing, usage of the phrase acquisition footprint is never in a positive context. Footprint contaminates both time structure map and impedance inversion. Although common, footprint is often poorly understood. Footprint is more common in older, lower fold surveys. Part of this mystery is due to the division of labor in most exploratory companies. Processing is usually conducted by specialists in a service company, while attribute analysis is conducted by interpreters (often geologists) in an oil company. Often, younger interpreters have never processed 3D seismic data, while younger processors have never analyzed attributes. As a part of a reprocessing effort for quantitative interpretation analysis, Cahoj (2015) encountered severe footprint masking his shallow exploration target. We attempt to modify his processing workflow to ameliorate the footprint lead to an effort to understand its cause, at least for this survey. Upon completion of seismic processing we are left with a stacked version of our synthetic data in which we can compute seismic attributes. We show that the subsequent attribute interpretation is greatly affected by footprint caused by residual groundroll. Lastly, we show an attribute interpretation corresponding to real 3D seismic dataset and conclude that many artifacts seen in the dataset, often labeled under the broad category of acquisition footprint, are actually residual groundroll not properly removed during the processing flow. Because out of plane groundroll can have hyperbolic moveout common noise removal techniques, such as F-K filtering, that operate under the assumption of modeling noise with different linear moveouts, fail.
I Can See Clearly Now

An important challenge in microscopy is the development of high-resolution light microscopy methods to label and image cell populations in three dimensions. The ability to achieve this deep into intact specimens is limited by light scattering. Modern technologies, such as two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy, allow examination of structures at distances of hundreds of micrometers below the surface but are insufficient to image and reconstruct large cell populations that are millimeters in scale and deeper below the surface. Whereas light scattering can be reduced by optical clearing, most of these reagents exhibit limitations such as the quenching of fluorescence. Recently, a clearing agent that spectacularly alleviates these major limitations was developed by Hiroshi Hama, Hiroshi Kurokawa, Hiroyuki Kawano, Ryoko Ando, Tomomi Shimogori, Hisayori Noda, Kiyoko Fukami, Asako Sakaue-Sawano, and Atsushi Miyawaki. They developed a clearing reagent called Sca l e that renders mouse brains and embryos transparent while completely preserving fluorescent signals from labeled cells!
HIGH DATA RATE RADIO LANS

There is an exploding demand for higher capacity air interfaces that enable wireless connectivity to fixed wired infrastructures. This demand is still driven by voice communication but the interest in data communication is growing with the popularity of email. Ultimately multimedia traffic will dominate. This paper describes wireless standards which were designed for wireless LAN applications but are of special interest because the problems tackled in their design will be revisited in the design of future multimedia mobile radio standards. In addition to this, if UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) evolves into a networking standard, these air interfaces may be used for high transmission rate wireless links to the UMTS infrastructure. These air interfaces may even become the wireless versions of ATM (asynchronous transfer mode). The spectrum, requirements and design of the PHY (physical) and MAC (medium access control) layers of these air interfaces are discussed. The potential for future systems is also explored. (8 pages)
Durability Maintenance Effect of Migrating Corrosion Inhibitor on Carbonized Concrete

Based on the known properties of surface-applied migrating corrosion inhibitor(MCI),including basic concept,physical performance,penetration mechanism and effectiveness,protection mechanism and effectiveness,and the influence on concrete material,the test of protection effectiveness of MCI on steel in carbonized concrete was designed and performed.Based on the test data,durability maintenance effects of MCI in the situation of carbonization and carbonization as well as chloride intrusion were discussed,influences of MCI on carbonization speed and alkalinity of concrete pore solution were also discussed,protection mechanism of MCI on steel in the situation of carbonization was analyzed,and effectiveness comparisons of different application methods of MCI were made.The test results show that MCI effects by forming protection layer around steel,the effectiveness concerns depth of carbonization,chloride content and application method.MCI applied at early stage of carbonization can effectively protect steel in long-term.MCI has nothing to do with carbonization rate of concrete.
Abstract A10: Community navigators for breast and cervical cancer screening and follow up

Purpose: Recent multi-site trials evaluating the efficacy of patient navigation programs have found only modest effects on reducing follow-up time among patients with abnormal breast and cervical cancer screening tests. However, patient navigators in these efficacy trials have primarily been situated within a hospital or clinic – not nested within the community. We sought to further elucidate the potential impact of patient navigation by exploring how patient navigation initiatives in various community settings can address complex barriers to care. Methods: We present four case studies to provide insight on the value of community-nested navigators in increasing breast and cervical cancer screening and follow-up. Case studies include: (1) a community-level adaptation of patient navigation to Chicago9s Chinatown; (2) a community navigation and outreach program in the racially/ethnically diverse Chicago Lawn; (3) a county-wide dissemination of navigation in suburban DuPage County; and (4) a state-wide scaling of a patient navigation model to the Illinois Department of Health and Family Services. Case study data were derived from focus groups, key informant interviews, medical records review, and patient surveys. Results: Case studies describe the roles of community navigators and the challenges of navigating immigrant, non-English proficient patients in particular. Translating clinic-based patient navigators into community navigators to guide women through clinics, specialty referrals, diagnostic/testing sites, and wrap around services (e.g., transportation, housing, support groups, legal counseling) may help alleviate complex barriers to care in resource-thin environments. Conclusion: Community navigators are promising connectors and advocates for health care services delivery and prevention for culturally and linguistically isolated populations as well as communities with limited health care safety net systems. The community, county, and state-wide scaling of patient navigation described in these case studies serve as viable models for future patient navigation initiatives in low-resource settings to reduce cancer disparities. Citation Format: Melissa A. Simon, Laura S. Tom, Erika E. de la Riva, Emily L. Malin. Community navigators for breast and cervical cancer screening and follow up. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A10.
Technical aspects of branched graft aortic reconstruction in patients with connective tissue disorders

Connective tissue disorders (CTDs) predispose patients to dilation of the entire aorta, resulting in the development of extensive aneurysms. Aortic reconstruction in CTD patients can be challenging and demands specific approaches to ensure initial success and lasting stability of aortic repair. Herein, we describe technical approaches to aortic reconstruction in patients with CTDs and briefly report our outcomes on the use of branched grafts for reconstruction in this unique population of patients. We conclude that aortic reconstruction in CTD patients with branched grafts can be performed safely, with a low morbidity and mortality and excellent branch patency. Branched surgical grafts should be used preferentially over the inclusion patch technique during open repair to minimize the late development of patch aneurysms.
Is RNA Binding in the Rossmann Fold Essential for GAPDH Intranuclear Functions

In addition to its prominent enzymatic activity, GAPDH is an enigmatic component of multiple unrelated biochemical entities. In this study, we explored a series of mutated GAPDH and fusion EGFP-GAPDH polypeptides and compared nuclear accumulation, intranuclear mobility and RNA binding properties of the wild type and variant GAPDH proteins. Our results revealed that RNA binding to T99I-mutated GAPDH with non-functional NAD+ binding center occurred outside the Rossmann fold. At the cellular level, wild type and mutated EGFP-GAPDH demonstrated distinct intranuclear localization in unstressed cells versus cells exposed to genotoxic stress. Wild type EGFP-GAPDH protein localized in the cytoplasm of untreated cells and accumulated in the nucleus following araC treatment (11.8±2.72% vs. 27.4±4.28% nuclear EGFP-GAPDH, % of total EGFP-GAPDH, p = 0.0007). Mutated T99I EGFP-GAPDH accumulated at high level in the nuclei of untreated and araC-treated cells (34.3±8.49% vs. 41.3±16.0% nuclear EGFP-GAPDH, % of total EGFP-GAPDH, p = 0.21). Mutated T99I EGFP-GAPDH lost its ability to form tight interactions with intranuclear macromolecules. After araC treatment, immobile fraction (1-Mf) of wild type EGFP-GAPDH in the nuclei of SW48-297 cells was three times higher (0.75±0.127 vs. 0.26±0.133%, p<0.0001), recovery half-time was three times higher (0.84±0.075 vs. 0.3±0.085 s, p<0.0001) and diffusion coefficient D was five times lower (4.6±0.85 vs. 23.3±13.79 μm2/s, p = 0.0001) compared to cells expressing T99I variant. Our results suggest that the switch between RNA and NAD+ binding to GAPDH could be a regulatory mechanism governing participation of GAPDH in NAD+-dependent complexes and could serve a depot to supply diverse biochemical processes with NAD+.
Toll-like receptor responses are suppressed in trauma ICU patients.

Abstract Background Inflammation and activation of the innate immune system are often associated with traumatic injury and may involve alterations in toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated responses. Methods A prospective observational study was designed and conducted. Twenty-one severely injured (ISS = 16-41) trauma intensive care unit (ICU) patients and six healthy volunteers that served as controls were enrolled. Anticoagulated whole blood was collected at 2-12 d after ICU admission and incubated in the presence of media alone (baseline), zymosan (TLR2 agonist) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS; TLR4 agonist) for 3 h. Supernatant levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα) were determined. Results TLR2-mediated and TLR4-mediated activation of whole blood cell cultures from both healthy volunteers and subjects-induced elevated cytokine levels over that observed in unstimulated cultures. Baseline values of IL-6 were significantly elevated in subject cultures as compared to healthy volunteers. Healthy volunteer cultures had 2-3-fold greater levels of IL-6 and TNFα than subject cultures when stimulated with zymosan (TLR2 agonist) or LPS (TLR4 agonist). IL-1β and IL-10 levels did not differ significantly between healthy volunteers and subjects. Conclusions The ability of circulating leukocytes from trauma ICU patients to be activated by TLR agonists is markedly suppressed and may play a role in the development of subsequent infectious complications.
Analysis of 585 burn patients hospitalized over a 6-year period Part III: psychosocial data☆

We have examined the physical and psychosocial aberrations found in a series of 585 hospitalized burn patients. The implications of this data have been discussed as they apply to identifying persons at high risk for burn injury, and as they apply to estimation of the prognosis in severe burn injury. This is a step towards identifying a psychosocial profile for the evaluation of burned patients.
Spatial spread of the West Africa Ebola epidemic

Controlling Ebola outbreaks and planning an effective response to future emerging diseases are enhanced by understanding the role of geography in transmission. Here we show how epidemic expansion may be predicted by evaluating the relative probability of alternative epidemic paths. We compared multiple candidate models to characterize the spatial network over which the 2013–2015 West Africa epidemic of Ebola virus spread and estimate the effects of geographical covariates on transmission during peak spread. The best model was a generalized gravity model where the probability of transmission between locations depended on distance, population density and international border closures between Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries. This model out-performed alternative models based on diffusive spread, the force of infection, mobility estimated from cell phone records and other hypothesized patterns of spread. These findings highlight the importance of integrated geography to epidemic expansion and may contribute to identifying both the most vulnerable unaffected areas and locations of maximum intervention value.
RFLP maps of bread wheat

Trticum aestivum (bread wheat, 2n = 6x = 42, genomes A, B and D) is poorly genetically mapped in comparison to most of the other important crop plant species. The characteristics that are the most significant causes of this are polyploidy, a large genome, and autogamy. Due to polyploidy, most genes of T. aestivum are triplicated or at least duplicated. Consequently, the potential morphological and physiological effects of many recessive or inactive alleles are not expressed because they are masked by the effects of dominant or active alleles at paralogous loci. The large number of chromosomes in wheat do not pose a significant hindrance to genetic mapping because the numerous and diverse aneuploid stocks that are available allow the chromosome and chromosome-arm locations of genes and RFLPs to be readily determined. However, the large amount of DNA in the wheat genome (about 18 pg per haploid nucleus) makes the techniques for study of DNA polymorphisms more difficult to perform than with most crop plant species. Autogamy is a major cause of the difficulty experienced in genetically mapping wheat; the low level of DNA restriction-fragment-length polymorphism and allozyme variation that exists among wheat varieties is the most serious impediment to mapping the species.
Gene Expression Profile Signatures to Predict Survival in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis of Early Results.

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most common lymphoma in adults. Although responsive to chemotherapy, less than half of patients are currently cured. In an effort to better assess prognosis, several investigators have attempted to define gene expression signatures based on their prediction of survival. The preliminary analysis reported here is part of an ongoing effort to systematically review and catalogue classes and test performance characteristics of reported gene expression signatures in patients with DLBCL. Methods: All reports of gene expression profiling in patients with DLBCL were sought through an extensive search of the published literature including MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and hand searching of references. Eleven reported studies in patients with DLBCL were identified which reported the relationship between a gene expression signature and overall survival. Weighted summary measures of test performance were estimated including sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, posttest probability (PP) and the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) as an overall measure of test discrimination. An inconsistency index (I 2 ) was used to reflect the proportion of variation in estimates due to heterogeneity. Seven studies also provided signature results stratified by International Prognostic Index (IPI). Results: Reported series included 1027 patients ranging from 22 to 240 per study. Five studies utilized cross validation techniques while six were based on independent cohorts. Five-year survivals were 28% and 69% among the 501 high-risk profile and 525 low-risk patients, respectively. Summary gene expression signature performance characteristics for survival are shown: The estimated I 2 was 43%. The false negative rate and false positive rate were over 20% in 7 (64%) and 9 (82%) of studies, respectively. Although not reaching statistical significance, test performance measures were generally poorer in studies with independent validation. The number of genes in the assay correlated inversely with the DOR [r sp =0.59, p=.05], the likelihood ratio negative [r sp =0.70, p=.02] and the posttest probability negative [r sp =.78, p Discussion: Gene expression profiling based on microarray analysis shows early promise for improving clinical estimation of survival in patients with DLBCL. However, the use of these assays in therapeutic decision-making must consider both the limitations of assay test performance and the specific patient population being evaluated.
Describing theoretical underpinnings in juvenile justice diversion: A case study explicating Teen Court program theory to guide research and practice

Abstract In light of evidence that justice system involvement contributes to poor social, economic, and health consequences for youth, many jurisdictions have begun to implement diversion programs for first-time or low-level juvenile offenders. While Teen Court—a program in which youth are judged by their peers and assigned development-oriented sentences—is a prevalent model of juvenile justice diversion, its theoretical basis has not been empirically examined. This in-depth case study sought to describe current practice and characterize theoretical assumptions of the Los Angeles County Teen Court program. Methods included: 1) structured observations of Teen Court hearings ( n = 12); and 2) key informant interviews with youth processed through Teen Court ( n = 10). Case findings illustrate the Los Angeles County Teen Court program's focus on hierarchical decision-making, procedural consistency, and deterrence paired with development-oriented supports and services. Practices reflect a combination of retributive and rehabilitative theoretical perspectives, with limited alignment to the reparative perspective. Results from qualitative interviews support the possible positive impacts of Teen Court on program participants; however, given the potentially competing theoretical assumptions that influence local practice, additional work is needed to better understand the relative value of this approach. The practice-grounded logic model developed through this case study provides a foundation for future research and practice locally, including outcome evaluation. The processes and tools described in this study provide an example for other jurisdictions seeking to conduct theory-informed planning and assessment of juvenile diversion efforts.
Neutral Molten Salt-Bath Carburizing of Ti6Al4V Alloy with Nanocrystalline Surface Layer at Low Temperature Assisted by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment

Nanocrystalline surface layer about 10~15μm thick was fabricated on the surface of Ti6Al4V sheet by means of the surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). The average grain size was about 10nm and the grain characteristic presented equiaxed morphology. The nanocrystalline surface layer could be perfectly maintained below 550°C in the following thermal stability analysis. Neutral salt mixture was about 21% NaCl, 31% BaCl2 and 48% CaCl2 and additionally 5% Na2CO3 of total was utilized. After carburizing process, a continuous charcoal grey carburized layer was composed of TiC and carbon supersaturated solid solution, the hardening layer was about 10~15μm thick. The hardness of the outermost surface reached 1000HV, which was much higher than its coarse-grained counterpart in the same carburizing condition. The experimental result indicated that the carburizing kinetics was obviously enhanced by nanocrystalline surface layer assistance. Furthermore, the neutral molten salt-bath carburizing was verified that it could be performed in a relatively low temperature of 650°C.
Wang Yangming on Spontaneous Action, Mind as Mirror, and Personal Depth

The intention of this paper is to reveal how Wang Yangming's account of spontaneous action includes the development of a sense of personhood and world that both involve historical depth. This will require me to demonstrate how Wang's use of the mirror metaphor does not necessitate a strictly empty account of the human person and their experienced world. I will first elucidate how it is possible to interpret Wang as suggesting that the latter two are poor in depth and identity. Then I will go on to demonstrate that the latter reading does not do justice to Wang's insistence on the rectification and hence stabilization of the person and things across time, past and future.
Stroke Administrative Severity Index: using administrative data for 30-day poststroke outcomes prediction.

Aim Current stroke severity scales cannot be used for archival data. We develop and validate a measure of stroke severity at hospital discharge (Stroke Administrative Severity Index [SASI]) for use in billing data. Methods We used the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) as the theoretical framework and identified 285 relevant International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision diagnosis and procedure codes, grouping them into 23 indicator variables using cluster analysis. A 60% sample of stroke patients in Medicare data were used for modeling risk of 30-day postdischarge mortality or discharge to hospice, with validation performed on the remaining 40% and on data with NIHSS scores. Results Model fit was good (p > 0.05) and concordance was strong (C-statistic = 0.76-0.83). The SASI predicted NIHSS at discharge (C = 0.83). Conclusion The SASI model and score provide important tools to control for stroke severity at time of hospital discharge. It can be used as a risk-adjustment variable in administrative data analyses to measure postdischarge outcomes.
Effects of speed difference on accelerating target imagery signatures for broadside SAR

Recent analyses have showed that moving target smears in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery are not constrained to have the shapes of simple parabolas but instead can have a wide variety of two-dimensional (2D) shapes, including self-crossing signatures. The current study investigates the properties of the central smear contour under the conditions of varying the target speed difference for targets which transition from lower to higher speed. This investigation reveals that these theoretical predictions of the signature contour shapes yield excellent agreement with the SAR image formation imagery results applied to simulated radar data.
Prognosis for Accommodative Esotropia Treated with Bifocals

Bifocal glasses are a common form of therapy for accommodative esotropia with a high AC/A ratio. Patients who respond to bifocal therapy show a reduced deviation with fusion, when using the bifocal...
[305-POS]: Plasma concentrations of midregional pro-adrenomedullin are blunted in women with severe preeclampsia

Objectives Plasma levels of adrenomedullin (AM), an anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory peptide hormone, are physiologically elevated during a healthy pregnancy, but it is uncertain whether these levels are altered during complications of pregnancy like preeclampsia. A byproduct of the preprohormone of AM, midregional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), is produced in a one-to-one ratio with mature AM and can be measured as a surrogate analyte for AM. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that MR-proADM can serve as a biomarker for preeclampsia. Methods We selected 30 women with preeclampsia and 30 normotensive controls from a prospective study that collected blood and tissue samples as patients presented to Duke University Hospital for delivery. Exclusion criteria were: mild preeclampsia ( n = 5), postpartum plasma collection ( n = 12), twin pregnancies ( n = 3), and smokers ( n = 7). Endoglin, placental growth factor (PlGF), and MR-proADM concentrations were quantified in plasma using a commercial ELISA kit or immunofluorescent assay. Endoglin, PlGF, and MR-proADM were then analyzed as biomarkers of severe preeclampsia by comparing the areas under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves generated by logistic regression models of these analytes. Results MR-proADM concentrations were blunted in plasma from women with severe preeclampsia (Matson et al., 2014). In our dataset, endoglin (AUC = 0.73) and MR-proADM (AUC = 0.69) were similarly effective at classifying women with severe preeclampsia and controls, while PlGF was more informative (AUC = 0.85). Endoglin and MR-proADM together (AUC = 0.80) discriminate patients from controls better than they do individually, as do PlGF and MR-proADM together (AUC = 0.87). Conclusions MR-proADM can classify women with severe preeclampsia and controls and may provide a biomarker for severe preeclampsia. However, analysis of MR-proADM levels at earlier gestational ages is needed to determine whether MR-proADM can predict the development of preeclampsia later in pregnancy. Disclosures B. Matson: Research Support Recipient: Ferring Innovation Fellowship. N. Karpinich: None. A. Murtha: None. W. Valdar: None. C.A. Grotegut: None. K.M. Caron: Research Support Recipient; Commercial Interest: Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Evaluation of High-Functioning Autism

The presence of a developmental disorder is considered when an individual’s abilities are not consistent with developmental or chronological age expectancy. In effect, there may be a significant departure from normal development in the onset and progression of speech, language, motor, cognitive, social, or self-help abilities. A wide range of severity, diverse symptom patterns, and functioning levels characterize individuals with developmental disorders. The course of development of these functions may be significantly delayed and/or erratic compared with normal variation in development. Developmental disorders are to be distinguished from acquired disorders which are related secondarily to a known medical condition, illness, trauma, or other causative agent. The causes of the developmental disorders are diverse and may be associated with chromosomal, metabolic, perinatal, pregnancy, or postnatal factors. Although often identified in the period of childhood and adolescence, impairments are usually chronic, are lifelong, and affect aspects of educational, social, and vocational functioning.
Resin-coated, controlled-release fertilizer as a pre-plant alternative to nitrogen enrichment of stem core in soilless media containing ground stem core of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

SummaryGround stem xylem “core” of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) has served successfully as a component of soilless growth media, but to avoid the growth suppression probably associated with microbial immobilization of nitrogen (N) within the kenaf, media containing kenaf require N enrichment. The present study was undertaken to determine tomato plant growth in response to preplant N enrichment of peat-based kenaf media either by soaking the kenaf in N solutions (up to 15,000 mg N l–1) or by incorporation of resin-coated, controlled release fertilizer (Osmocote 14N-6P-11.6K at 3.5, 7.0 or 10.5 kg m–3) in media containing 35% to 80% volume of kenaf. All media received weekly post-transplanting solution fertilization with 0 or 300 mg N l–1 from 21N-2.2P-16.6K. Pre-plant incorporation of Osmocote at 3.5 kg m in media containing 35% to 80% kenaf in peat that received solution fertilization resulted in similar shoot dry weights of ‘Toy Boy’ tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) at 35 d after transplanting as...
Equation-Based Models of Wound Healing and Collective Cell Migration

Wound healing is a complex process of repair of disrupted connectivity and functionality of a tissue caused by an injury. A wound is considered healed once tissue functionality is restored, often requiring the migration of cells into the wounded region and the proliferation of new cells to reestablish the original density of the tissue. Observations from multiple experimental and clinical wound scenarios have shown that cell migration, proliferation, and overall wound healing time are affected by factors such as wound geometry, tissue type, and cell–cell interactions. Various mathematical models of the mechanisms governing wound healing have been developed to quantify and analyze the effects of these factors on cell migration and proliferation. In this chapter, we review wound healing models based on mathematical equations, including ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations. While these various types of models differ in scope and applicability, the mechanical and mathematical principles underlying all of the models are related and can be used to accomplish three main objectives: to track the cell response and position following the induction of a wound, to understand the role of tissue growth factors in the healing process, and to predict the time required for a wound to heal.
Fixing health care on the front lines.

Most grand solutions for improving health care delivery are fantasies. Organizations must redesign themselves-and some already are doing so.
Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Adjacent Segment Disease: An illustrative Case of The Transforaminal Approach (MIS-TLIF)

Abstract The scope of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) strategies for management of spinal pathology continues to expand. MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is an attractive alternative for the management of adjacent level disease. It minimizes approach related morbidities and provides anterior column support at a location where all 3 columns are affected by the adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). Our surgical technique involves the cannulation of the pedicles with K-wires. This is followed by a facetectomy and foraminal decompression with subsequent discectomy and endplate preparation. The cage is inserted followed by pedicle screw placement. To illustrate this technique, we present to you a case of a 56-year-old Female with previous L2–S1 successful arthrodesis, treated with MIS TLIF of L1–L2 for new adjacent segment disc herniation. This chapter describes the effective use of MIS TLIF in the treatment of adjacent segment disease and offers a unique strategy in management of this problem.
Yogurt and other fermented foods as sources of health-promoting bacteria

Increased consumption of yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods has been driven, in part, by the health benefits these products may confer. Epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of fermented foods is associated with reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease, along with improved weight management. The microorganisms present in these foods are suggested to contribute to these health benefits. Among these are the yogurt starter culture organisms Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus as well as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains that are added for their probiotic properties. In contrast, for other fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso, fermentation is initiated by autochthonous microbes present in the raw material. In both cases, for these fermentation-associated microbes to influence the gut microbiome and contribute to host health, they must overcome, at least transiently, colonization resistance and other host defense factors. Culture and culture-independent methods have now clearly established that many of these microbes present in fermented dairy and nondairy foods do reach the gastrointestinal tract. Several studies have shown that consumption of yogurt and other fermented foods may improve intestinal and extraintestinal health and might be useful in improving lactose malabsorption, treating infectious diarrhea, reducing the duration and incidence of respiratory infections, and enhancing immune and anti-inflammatory responses.
Late-Stage Conversion of Diphenylphosphonate to Fluorophosphonate Probes for the Investigation of Serine Hydrolases

Summary Diphenylphosphonates (DPPs) have been used for 50 years to inactivate serine hydrolases, creating adducts representative of tetrahedral intermediates of this important class of enzymes. Failure to react at active site serine residues, however, can thwart their usefulness. Here, we describe a facile route and allied mechanistic studies to highly reactive, structurally complex organofluorophosphonates (FPs) by direct fluorinative hydrolysis of DPPs. Advantages over current preparations of FPs are exemplified by the synthesis of a β-lactam-containing peptide substrate analog capable of modifying the C-terminal, dual-function thioesterase involved in nocardicin A biosynthesis. Although this serine hydrolase was found to resist modification by classic DPP inhibitors, active site selective phosphonylation by the corresponding FP occurs rapidly to form a stable adduct. This simple, late-stage method enables the ready preparation of FP probes that retain important structural motifs of native substrates, thus promoting efforts in mechanistic enzymology by accessing biologically relevant enzyme-inhibitor co-structures.
Clinical Decision Support to Improve Dosing Weight Use in Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

Introduction Opioid abuse in the United States is a public health emergency. From 2000 to 2009, prenatal maternal opiate use increased from 1.19 to 5.63 per 1,000 births, with up to 80% of in utero opioid-exposed infants requiring pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to increase the percentage of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) medication orders based on birth weight (BW) in neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit with a principal diagnosis of NAS from 29% to 90%, within 4 months of project initiation, and to sustain this for 6 months. Methods This project occurred at an academic medical center with 5,000 deliveries per year and a 49-bed Level III neonatal intensive care unit. We used the Institute for Healthcare Improvement methodology, largely focusing interventions on clinical decision support (CDS) tools. We plotted all measures on Shewhart charts, and Nelson rules differentiated special versus common cause variation. Results The percent of orders based on BW increased from 29% to 78% after implementing multiple interventions focused primarily on CDS. However, this later decreased to 48% as workarounds began. There was also a significant decrease in the length of stay variability, which persisted throughout the project. Discussion CDS is a helpful tool to guide prescribing behavior; however, workarounds can negate its usefulness. Standardized use of BW for weight-based NAS medication prescribing can decrease the length of stay variability. Further studies are needed using a human factors approach to minimize workarounds in CDS and potentially decrease the length of stay in neonates with NAS.
Unique songbird communities in mature riparian spruce forest compared with upland forest in southern Yukon

There has been limited study of songbird communities in different habitats of the lowland boreal forests of southern Yukon, including the mature forest valued for timber harvest. Our goal was to de...
A Bayesian group sequential small n sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial

A small n, sequential, multiple‐assignment, randomized trial (called ‘snSMART’) is a small sample multistage design where participants may be rerandomized to treatment on the basis of intermediate end points. This design is motivated by the ‘A randomized multicenter study for isolated skin vasculitis’ trial (NCT02939573): an on‐going snSMART design focusing on the evaluation of three drugs for isolated skin vasculitis. By formulating an interim decision rule for removing one of the treatments, we use a Bayesian model and the resulting posterior distributions to provide sufficient evidence that one treatment is inferior to the other treatments before enrolling more participants. By doing so, we can remove the worst performing treatment at an interim analysis and prevent the subsequent participants from receiving the removed treatment. On the basis of simulation results, we have evidence that the treatment response rates can still be unbiasedly and efficiently estimated in our new design, especially for the treatments with higher response rates. In addition, by adjusting the decision rule criteria for the posterior probabilities, we can control the probability of incorrectly removing an effective treatment.
Plasma phospholipid very-long-chain SFAs in midlife and 20-year cognitive change in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC): A cohort study

Background Very-long-chain SFAs (VLSFAs) have recently gained considerable attention as having beneficial effects on health and aging. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the associations of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs [arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), tricosanoic acid (23:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0)] with 20-y cognitive decline in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) participants. Furthermore, this study compared the associations of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs with 5 common groups of fatty acids [i.e., total SFAs, total MUFAs, total ω-3 (n-3) PUFAs, total marine-derived ω-3 PUFAs, total ω-6 PUFAs]. Methods This study used a cohort study design of 3229 ARIC participants enrolled at the Minnesota field center. Fatty acids were measured at visit 1 (1987-1989); and cognition was assessed at visits 2 (1990-1992), 4 (1996-1998), and 5 (2011-2013) using 3 tests: the Delayed Word Recall Test (DWRT), the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Word Fluency Test (WFT). Results Higher proportions of plasma phospholipid total VLSFAs and each individual VLSFA were associated with less decline in WFT, a test of verbal fluency. For example, 1 SD higher in total VLSFAs at baseline was associated with 0.057 SD (95% CI: 0.018, 0.096, P = 0.004) less cognitive decline over 20 y as measured by WFT score. None of the 5 common fatty acid groups were associated with change in WFT, but a higher proportion of plasma phospholipid total MUFAs was associated with greater decline in DWRT; higher total ω-6 PUFAs with less decline in DWRT; and higher total ω-3 and total marine-derived ω-3 PUFAs with less decline in DSST. Conclusions This study suggests that higher proportions of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs in midlife may be associated with less 20-y cognitive decline.
Bright Flight: Desegregating Boston’s Elite Public Schools, 1960-2000:

This article uses Boston as a case study to examine how elite, public schools that admitted students on the basis of “merit” perpetuated segregation and inequity in urban school systems. Merit just...
Artistic Expression and Material Limitations: An Iterative Process of Porcelain Making

This paper explores the iterative process of striving for artistic expressivity and developing crafting techniques in a porcelain-making project. The paper is about mitigating the tensions and flaws in porcelain bodies by trying out technical solutions while searching for genuine porcelaneous expressivity in artmaking. The paper presents examples of a working process of material-based art, from the first samples of material collapse to an exhibition of finished works in an art gallery, allowing the reader to see how faults and failures contribute to this development. The paper advocates that craft science and artistic research are closely integrated and intertwined.
Maternal-infant bonding for the opioid exposed dyad: A rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis.

Aim This concept analysis aimed to offer insight into how opioid exposure affects the quality and construction of the maternal-infant bond. Background Maternal-infant bonding can be influenced by maternal opioid use disorder and the neonatal intensive care unit environment. Many interventions for mothers with opioid use disorder focus on enhancing parental skills, but often the emotional and relational features of the maternal-infant bond have been overlooked. Data source Literature from Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO published from January 2011 to June 2021 using "attachment theory," "mother-infant attachment," "maternal-infant bonding," "neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome," and "neonatal abstinence syndrome" as key terms. Review methods Rodgers' method of concept analysis was used to determine the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of maternal-infant bonding. Results The key attributes of bonding for the opioid-exposed mother-infant dyad are engaged mothering, recognition of risk, affection, and respectful maternity care. The antecedents are closeness, selflessness, and purposeful touch. The consequences are sobriety, custody, love, and security.
Functional challenges among late effects cancer survivors: a preliminary report on work engagement issues.

BACKGROUND While the cancer survivor rate is nearly 68% now, intervention regimens may leave residual conditions that impact engagement in work and various life tasks. Survivors are underemployed and report stigmatizing attitudes among co-workers. When late effects from cancer arise over 10 years later, the impact on individuals in the prime of their productive employment life is evident. Assisting these individuals begins with awareness of late effects in order to create work-related, adaptive strategies. METHODS Sixteen adult cancer survivors experiencing late effects completed the Occupational Self Assessment (Version 2.2) and the Quality of Life-Cancer Survivors (QOL-CS). Knowledge of functional problems secondary to recognized late effects medical conditions reported in the literature was utilized to sort items according to professional definitions of work, performance skills and performance patterns. RESULTS Late effects survivors reported that cancer illness and treatment has negatively impacted their employment. Individual response to the impact of late effects is highly variant. "Getting things done" and physical energy limitations are most pronounced. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors report lower competence in significant work-related skills and patterns. Quality of life associated with the aftereffects of fatigue, aches and pain, and sleep changes are the lowest. Responses range across the 16 survivors to both performance skills and performance patterns. Cancer survivorship has clearly interfered with employment. An interdisciplinary focus on meaningful engagement in life activities, particularly work is crucial to support survivors through advocacy, adaptation and positive change to focus on engaging the work talents and gifts for all cancer survivors.
A comparison of how generalists and fellowship-trained geriatricians provide "geriatric" care.

Objectives To determine whether outpatient care by fellowship-trained geriatricians is distinguishable from that of generalists caring for older patients.
Dynamic presentation of phrasally-based document abstractions

Summarisation technologies today work, in essence, by performing data reduction over the original document source. Document fragments, identified as particularly representative of content, are extracted and offered to the user. Typically, such fragments are sentence-sized, and the summary is nothing more than a concatenation of these sentences. We argue that, for content characterisation, phrasal units with certain discourse properties are more representative than sentences. From such a position, we outline a model of document content abstraction based on a notion of topically prominent topic stamps. For such abstractions to be useful, they need to retain contextual highlights of their occurrences in the documents; to be usable, they further need to be able to function as windows into the full documents, with suitably designed interfaces for navigation into areas of particular interest. This paper proposes a method for contextualizing document highlights, relates this to our model of salience-based content characterization, and demonstrates how the document abstractions derived from such principles facilitate dynamic document content presentation. We argue that dynamic document abstractions effectively mediate different levels of granularity analysis, from terse document highlights to fully contextualized foci of particular interest. We close by describing a range of dynamic document viewers which embody novel presentation metaphors for the delivery of document content.
A Story of Post‐Fordist Exploitation: Financialization and Small‐Scale Maize Farmers in Turkey

After the implementation of economic restructuring policies in Turkish agriculture, farming communities experienced significant changes in the patterns of agricultural production over the last decade. The dramatic shift from labor-intensive field crops to maize farming represents such a change, particularly for small-scale farmers, since high-yield maize farming is driven by private agrifood corporate demand. In this article, I explore how this shift influences the relations of production in agriculture through a commodity-system analysis of the maize sector in Turkey. Through the qualitative analysis of the semistructured in-depth interviews and secondary data, I find that small-scale farmers are able to participate in maize farming, even as their dependence on production credits to participate in industrial maize farming crucially reduces their bargaining power with private industry. I argue that the traditional Marxist approach, accumulation by dispossession, is not sufficient to explain the participation of small-scale farmers. Instead, I propose a new concept, entrepreneurial exploitation, to describe the participation of small-scale investors in the post-Fordist regime. Thereby, I point to the important role of expansion of credit markets as a consequence of financialization.
The development of a masking device for tinnitus patients

Over 60 million Americans suffer from "ringing-in-the-ears" or tinnitus. This disorder ranges from mildly annoying to debilitating, and at the moment there is no known effective medical treatment. Acoustic masking of the subjective tinnitus sound does provide a measure a relief for many patients. A narrow band masking device that is tunable and potentially portable is described in this report.