cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Effects of Spanish and English Constant Time Delay Instruction on Sight Word Reading by Hispanic Learners with Mental Retardation

This study investigated the effectiveness and efficiency of a 4-second time delay instructional package and language of instruction with regard to the percentage correct of English sight words and incidental information by 4 Puerto Rican middle school students with mental retardation. A multiple probe across students with a parallel treatments design that compared Spanish and English constant time delay intervention conditions was employed to teach sight words from local grocery and department stores. Incidental information was provided contingent on correct responding during intervention. Results indicated that both Spanish and English time delay conditions were equally effective and efficient when compared with a no-treatment condition in promoting English sight word reading for 3 of the 4 participants, whereas Spanish time delay was seen to be more effective and efficient than English time delay and no-treatment conditions for the other participant. All 4 participants generalized word reading from the ...
Time to Translate: Deciphering the Codon in the Classroom

I describe and evaluate a fun and simple role-playing exercise that allows students to actively work through the process of translation. This exercise can easily be completed during a 50-minute class period, with time to review the steps and contemplate complications such as the effects of various types of mutations.
The Ontogeny of Angiotensin Dipsogenesis in the Rat

The invention of a benign method2 for verified injection of chemical agents into the anterior cerebral ventricles of the unanesthetized rat pup of any age has allowed us to describe the ontogeny of the dipsogenic effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) angiotensin.
Introduction to Least-Squares Modeling

This note, the first in a series on regression analysis, introduces the simple linear model (one X-variable), together with least squares, as a procedure for estimating the coefficients in the model. The standard error of estimate, adjusted R-square, and standard error of the coefficients are all introduced and explained. The presentation of formulas is kept to a minimum, and an illustrative example is used throughout the note.This note replaces UVA-QA-0270.
Characteristics of the Spanish- and English-Language Self-Efficacy to Manage Diabetes Scales.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of the Spanish-language diabetes self-efficacy scale (DSES-S) and the English-language version (DSES).MethodsThis study consists ...
PROGRESSIVE FAILURE ANALYSIS OF INTERNALLY PRESSURIZED NONCIRCULAR COMPOSITE CYLINDERS

A progressive failure analysis, based on the capabilities of the finite-element program STAGS, is used to study initial matrix cracking and the subsequent progression of cracking with increased pressure in a small-scale internally pressurized laminated fiber-reinforced quasi-isotropic elliptical composite cylinder. Primary interest is in whether or not a continuous path of matrix cracks occurs through the cylinder wall, thereby providing a potential leakage route for fuel. However, here there is also interest in using various material degradation schemes and a number of failure criteria to predict initial and subsequent cracking to determine how sensitive the predictions are to these variations. Specifically, comparisons are made between the case of degrading both E 2 and G 12 when matrix cracking is detected, and the case of degrading just E 2 . The degradation can be a one-time degradation, or it can occur recursively so that at each load step previously failed material is further degraded. Several levels of degradation are investigated. Additionally, predictions using the maximum stress criterion to detect failure are compared with predictions based on the Hashin and Tsai-Wu failure criteria. The various material degradation schemes used with the maximum stress criterion do not influence the progression or the number of matrix cracks. Use of the Hashin criterion results in the prediction of more initial cracking, but a very similar crack count and progression scenario as the pressure increases. Use of the TsaiWu criterion results in the same crack progression scenario, but more cracks.
A tool for creating speaking web pages: text-to-speech integrated development environment (TTS-IDE)

This paper describes an integrated development environment (IDE) which web authors may use to add synthesized speech to their browser-based presentations. Web authors use the IDE to input the text to be spoken. The IDE embeds that text within the HTML file for playback by a speech-enabled browser. Browsers currently supporting text-to-speech (TTS) are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Opera. The IDE works with either HTML files or Powerpoint Web Presentation files. Playback is controlled by a set of controls that "float" innocuously in the upper right hand corner of each page. Speaking pages can be used by online courses, training programs, or certification processes.
Petra Rivera-Rideau, Remixing reggaeton: the cultural politics of race in Puerto Rico

Remixing Reggaeton focuses on the socio-cultural implications of a popular music that coalesced as a genre in the 1990s in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Reggaeton’s origins and subsequent developments hav...
Security and Privacy in RFID

With the rapid development and wide application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), the data security and personal privacy of RFID becomes a bottleneck for the development of RFID. The comprehensive method and policy are needed to solve the problem. There are technical solutions including kill tag, Faraday cage, active jam, tag disabling, Hash lock, random Hash lock, Hash link, and re-encryption. Nowadays, it is very important to find a solution that can protect personal privacy and data security, and has low cost. Moreover, full-fledged policies of RFID security and privacy are needed to cooperate.
The Vinca Alkaloids

The vinca alkaloids are antineoplastic indole derivatives (Fig. 1) that are isolated from the leaves of the periwinkle plant, Vinca rosea L., or more correctly, Catharanthus roseus G. Don. This plant is of Madagascan origin, although its distribution is now pantropical (Stearn, 1975). Even in varieties selected for the highest alkaloid content, the concentrations of these antitumor agents are very low, as much as 1 kg of dried leaves being needed to obtain 3 mg of vincristine, for example.
The Analysis of Two-way Tables with Missing Values

SUMMARY A method is given for calculating missing values in a two-way table that conforms to a row linear model. Verification of conformance to the model and analysis of the data are explained with an example of real data.
Fulminant Hepatic Failure

Fulminant hepatic failure is a devastating complication of viral hepatitis, hepatotoxic exposures, and a variety of other acute liver diseases. Although this syndrome is associated with high mortality, liver transplantation can be life saving. This article discusses the medical management of fulminant hepatic failure and emphasizes complications, determinants of survival, and patient selection for liver transplantation.
Identification, expansion and characterization of cancer cells with stem cell properties from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major public health concern. Recent data indicate the presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) in many solid tumors, including HNSCC. Here, we assessed the stem cell (SC) characteristics, including cell surface markers, radioresistance, chromosomal instability, and in vivo tumorigenic capacity of CSC isolated from HNSCC patient specimens. We show that spheroid enrichment of CSC from early and short-term HNSCC cell cultures was associated with increased expression of CD44, CD133, SOX2 and BMI1 compared with normal oral epithelial cells. On immunophenotyping, five of 12 SC/CSC markers were homogenously expressed in all tumor cultures, while one of 12 was negative, four of 12 showed variable expression, and two of the 12 were expressed heterogeneously. We showed that irradiated CSCs survived and retained their self-renewal capacity across different ionizing radiation (IR) regimens. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses of parental and clonally-derived tumor cells revealed different chromosome copy numbers from cell to cell, suggesting the presence of chromosomal instability in HNSCC CSC. Further, our in vitro and in vivo mouse engraftment studies suggest that CD44+/CD66- is a promising, consistent biomarker combination for HNSCC CSC. Overall, our findings add further evidence to the proposed role of HNSCC CSCs in therapeutic resistance.
Barriers to Global Health Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract Background The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery includes obstetrics and gynecology as an area needing international strengthening in low- and middle-income countries. Despite interest, a majority of participants in US residency programs graduate with little exposure to global health or preparation to work abroad. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the level of interest of obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) residents in gaining global health training and to identify perceived barriers to receiving training. Methods Residents in accredited Ob/Gyn programs were identified using a national residency database. The survey was online and anonymous. Findings A total of 278 residents completed the survey. A high level of motivation to participate in a global health elective was associated with interests in preparation for future global work, desire for activism in maternal health and social determinants of health, and becoming better informed on global health policy. Eighty-two percent of respondents stated they would participate in a global health curriculum if it were offered, and 54.8% would use their vacation time. There were associations between personal safety, family, lack of resources, and lack of interest from faculty and motivational level as perceived barriers. Eighty-one percent strongly agreed that scheduling conflicts and time constraints pose barriers; more than 80% either agreed or strongly agreed that funding such endeavors and a lack of mentorship are major deterrents to pursuing global health. Conclusions Because resident motivation is clearly high and international need persists, we determined that most barriers to training abroad are related to the structure and budget of residency programs.
Primary Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the Lung.

Background: Unlike the relatively common secondary involvement of the lung in patients with widespread disease, primary lung lymphoma (PLL) is a rare disease with a few reports in the literature and information based mainly from small series of patients. We conducted a study in a large population database to improve the current knowledge of this malignancy. Methods: The SEER database was searched for primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) of the lung in patients aged 20 or older and diagnosed between 1988 and 2003. Entry criteria included lung malignancies with codes for histology 9670–9699 (mature B-cell lymphomas), 9700–9719 (mature T and NK-cell lymphomas), 9720–9729 (precursor cell lymphoblastic lymphomas) and NHL at primary sites labeled C34.0 (main bronchus), C34.1 (upper lobe), C34.2 (middle lobe), C34.3 (lower lobe), C34.8 (overlapping), and C34.9 (lung NOS). All primary lung NHLs (also including histology codes 9590–9599, malignant lymphoma, NOS or diffuse) were used in the calculation as a percentage of total NHLs and primary lung tumors, but only patients with known histology were used for further analysis. Results: There were 1,652 cases of PLL, which accounted for 5.2% of all extranodal NHL and 1.7% of all NHL. PLL represented 0.4% of all primary lung cancers, but 51% of non-carcinoma histologies. Among the PLL cases, 355 did not have histological definition, leaving 1,297 eligible for further analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 65 years, and the disease was slightly more common in males (53.2% male; male/female ratio of 1.14). Most of the patients were Caucasians (85.6%), and the most common histologies were diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) (51%), marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZL) (25.2%), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) (9.2%), and follicular lymphoma (FL) (5.3%). Stage distribution was as follows: stage IE - 45.2%, stage IIE - 18.1%, stage IIIE/IIIES - 2.7%, and stage IV - 34.0%. Most patients presented with early-stage (IE/IIE) disease (63.3%). Surgery and radiation were the initial therapy in 36.2% and 13.1% of the patients respectively. Median overall survival was 58 months, and 5-year survival was 48.5%. The 5-year survival rates for patients with early stage disease (IE and IIE) according to histology were as follows: DLBCL - 36%, MZL - 78%, SLL - 71%, and FL - 81%. Conclusions: PLL is a rare disease with limited information from the literature. Although it accounts for a small fraction of both NHLs and primary lung tumors, it is the most common pulmonary malignancy of non-carcinoma histology. It occurs most commonly in elderly patients, with a slight male predominance. Nearly two-thirds of the patients present with early-stage disease, and approximately half of the patients are alive at 5 years.
QIN DAWG Validation of Gradient Nonlinearity Bias Correction Workflow for Quantitative Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Multicenter Trials

Previous research has shown that system-dependent gradient nonlinearity (GNL) introduces a significant spatial bias (nonuniformity) in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Here, the feasibility of centralized retrospective system-specific correction of GNL bias for quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in multisite clinical trials is demonstrated across diverse scanners independent of the scanned object. Using corrector maps generated from system characterization by ice-water phantom measurement completed in the previous project phase, GNL bias correction was performed for test ADC measurements from an independent DWI phantom (room temperature agar) at two offset locations in the bore. The precomputed three-dimensional GNL correctors were retrospectively applied to test DWI scans by the central analysis site. The correction was blinded to reference DWI of the agar phantom at magnet isocenter where the GNL bias is negligible. The performance was evaluated from changes in ADC region of interest histogram statistics before and after correction with respect to the unbiased reference ADC values provided by sites. Both absolute error and nonuniformity of the ADC map induced by GNL (median, 12%; range, -35% to +10%) were substantially reduced by correction (7-fold in median and 3-fold in range). The residual ADC nonuniformity errors were attributed to measurement noise and other non-GNL sources. Correction of systematic GNL bias resulted in a 2-fold decrease in technical variability across scanners (down to site temperature range). The described validation of GNL bias correction marks progress toward implementation of this technology in multicenter trials that utilize quantitative DWI.
Examples of Repeated Significance Tests

We consider below a number of examples of repeated significance tests in order to discover the extent to which the methods of Chapter IV can be adapted to a variety of more difficult problems. Often precise development of an asymptotic theory analogous to that obtained in Chapter IV for normally distributed data of known variability is complicated, and hence we shall concentrate on the use of normal approximations to obtain a rough idea of the probabilities and expected sample sizes involved. For continuously monitored tests Brownian motion provides simple approximations. For group tests one can use a discrete time normal approximation to take into account the sometimes substantial excess over the stopping boundary.
Prevention and Treatment

In this chapter we will describe how conceptualization of addiction as a chronic disease informs (and should inform) prevention and intervention programs to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Programs targeting addiction should be multifactorial and informed by biosocial theories. We will also discuss the prevention and intervention-related implications of biosocial theory, and how biosocial theory might be better integrated into existing programs.
Mapping gluonic excitations and confinement. The GlueX/Hall D project at Jefferson Lab

One of the outstanding and fundamental questions in physics is the quantitative understanding of the confinement of quarks and gluons in quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Confinement is a unique feature of QCD. Exotic hybrid mesons manifest gluonic degrees of freedom and their spectroscopy will provide the crucial data needed to test assumptions in lattice QCD and phenomenology leading to confinement. Photoproduction is expected to be particularly effective in producing exotic hybrids but data using photon probes are sparse. At Jefferson Lab, plans are underway to use the coherent bremsstrahlung technique to produce a linearly polarized photon beam. A solenoid-based hermetic detector will be used to collect data on meson production and decays with statistics that will exceed the current photoproduction data in hand by several orders of magnitude after the first year of running. In order too reach the ideal photon energy of 9 GeV/c for this mapping of the exotic spectra, the energy of the Jefferson Lab electron accelerator, CEBAF, will be doubled from its current maximum of 6 GeV to 12 GeV. The physics and project are described.
Statistical Problems of Fitting Individual Growth Curves

A thorough-going longitudinal study of a child’s growth can produce upward of forty observations spaced over the years from birth to maturity. Such a data record is too long and inevitably too noisy (because of measurement error and short-run growth variation) to be interpreted without some sort of condensation and smoothing. The length of the record forces attention to certain critical regions or features of the curve, but the noisiness of the data makes it risky to characterize these regions or features by a few isolated measurements. The only safe approach to interpretation of individual growth data is via a statistical method capable of revealing the essential trend and concisely describing its main features.
Hirschman, Albert O. (1915–2012)

This article surveys the life and work of Albert O. Hirschman. It chronicles the major intellectual influences and his publications from the 1940s to the 1990s. He contributed to the fields of economic development, history of economic thought, methods in social science theory, and democratic theory. His range reflected a varied and complex life history.
Shareholder Litigation Risk and the Information Environment: Revisiting Evidence from Two Natural Experiments

Reducing the threat of shareholder litigation through securities class actions lowers voluntary disclosure quantity, but not the accuracy of earnings forecasts. Conversely, reducing the threat of shareholder litigation through derivative lawsuits prompts increases in voluntary disclosure quantity and decreases in both earnings forecast accuracy and mandatory disclosure quality. We reconcile these differences by showing that changes to firm operations are the economic mechanism driving changes in corporate information environments after the threat of derivative lawsuits exogenously declines. This evidence comports with the fact that, while securities class action lawsuits address disclosure decisions, derivative litigation also covers decisions about real operations.
Non-Epileptic Seizures

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are paroxysmal behaviors which resemble epileptic seizures however, unlike epilepsy, there is no electrophysiological correlate. While there is no clinical evidence for epilepsy, there is usually evidence for psychogenic factors which may have caused the seizure. The incidence of PNES is fairly low in the general population but may occur in up to 30% of patients referred to epilepsy monitoring units. PNES most commonly occur in women (80% of all cases) aged between 15–35 years. PNES lasting longer than 30 min are referred to as nonepileptic psychogenic status (NEPS) or “pseudo status” and represent the most common PNES emergency presentation. Failure to recognize PNES can result in unnecessary testing and treatment. In fact, an average of over $100,000 is spent on each patient with PNES before the diagnosis is made.
eIF1 Loop 2 interactions with Met-tRNAi control the accuracy of start codon selection by the scanning preinitiation complex

The eukaryotic 43S preinitiation complex (PIC), bearing initiator methionyl transfer RNA (Met-tRNAi) in a ternary complex (TC) with eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2)-GTP, scans the mRNA leader for an AUG codon in favorable context. AUG recognition evokes rearrangement from an open PIC conformation with TC in a “POUT” state to a closed conformation with TC more tightly bound in a “PIN” state. eIF1 binds to the 40S subunit and exerts a dual role of enhancing TC binding to the open PIC conformation while antagonizing the PIN state, necessitating eIF1 dissociation for start codon selection. Structures of reconstituted PICs reveal juxtaposition of eIF1 Loop 2 with the Met-tRNAi D loop in the PIN state and predict a distortion of Loop 2 from its conformation in the open complex to avoid a clash with Met-tRNAi. We show that Ala substitutions in Loop 2 increase initiation at both near-cognate UUG codons and AUG codons in poor context. Consistently, the D71A-M74A double substitution stabilizes TC binding to 48S PICs reconstituted with mRNA harboring a UUG start codon, without affecting eIF1 affinity for 40S subunits. Relatively stronger effects were conferred by arginine substitutions; and no Loop 2 substitutions perturbed the rate of TC loading on scanning 40S subunits in vivo. Thus, Loop 2–D loop interactions specifically impede Met-tRNAi accommodation in the PIN state without influencing the POUT mode of TC binding; and Arg substitutions convert the Loop 2–tRNAi clash to an electrostatic attraction that stabilizes PIN and enhances selection of poor start codons in vivo.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES AND KEYNOTES ON DNA REPAIR

ABSTRACT The identification and investigation of bacterial mutants and human inherited traits with repair defects have led to questions that now must be answered through painstaking biochemical research. Recent work on recA + -dependent processes is opening the way to a fuller understanding of early steps in recombinational repair and the many enzymes required for this remarkable process.
A Survey of Estimating Distributional Parameters and Sample Sizes from Truncated Samples

Suppose X1,…, XN are independent random variables with common distribution F(x;θ). We observe Xi only if it lies outside a given region R. Thus the number n of observed X’s is a binomial (N,P) variate, where P = 1 — P(X in R). Based on n and the values of the observed X’s, we want to estimate N and θ. Conditional and unconditional maximum likelihood estimators and modifications of these will be discussed. Asymptotic results of both first and second order will be considered, and small sample results also mentioned. Sequential and two stage results will receive brief coverage. A variety of applications will be given.
Zinc Mesh Anodes Cast into Concrete Pile Jackets

A sacrificial cathodic protection system has been designed to provide corrosion control to the splash area and the submerged portion of reinforced concrete bridge pilings. The system consists of a two-piece stay-in-place fiberglass form with an internal expanded zinc mesh anode. It is filled with a portland cement-sand mortar to protect the splash area. The submerged portion of the pile is protected using a standard zinc bulk anode.
Furthering Recognition of Lift, Slip, And Trip Hazards in Home Healthcare Environments: Opportunities for Virtual Simulation Training:

Home healthcare workers are exposed to numerous safety hazards within client homes. A virtual simulation training system has been developed to train home healthcare workers to recognize and remedia...
What color are emergency exit signs? Egress behavior differs from verbal report

Abstract Illuminated emergency exit signs inform building occupants about safe egress routes in emergencies. These exit signs are often found in the presence of other colored signs, which may distract occupants when searching for safe exits. Such distractions can lead to confusing and even harmful outcomes, especially if occupants misinterpret the sign colors, mistaking non-exit signs for exit signs. We studied which colored signs people were most likely to infer were exit signs in a simulated emergency evacuation using virtual reality (VR). Participants were immersed in a virtual room with two doors (left and right), and an illuminated sign with different colored vertical bars above each door. They saw all pairwise combinations of six sign colors across trials. On each trial, a fire alarm sounded, and participants walked to the door that they thought was the exit. We tested two hypotheses: a local exposure hypothesis that color inferences are determined by exit sign colors in the local environment (i.e., red) and a semantic association hypothesis that color inferences are determined by color-concept associations (i.e. green associated with “go” and “safety”). The results challenged the local exposure hypothesis and supported the semantic association hypothesis. Participants predominantly walked toward green signs, even though the exit signs in the local environment—including the building where the experiment took place—were red. However, in a post-experiment survey, most participants reported that exit signs should be red. The results demonstrated a dissociation between the way observers thought they would behave in emergency situations (red = exit) and the way they did behave in simulated emergencies (green = exit). These findings have implications for the design of evacuation systems. Observers, and perhaps designers, do not always anticipate how occupants will behave in emergency situations, which emphasizes the importance of behavioral evaluations for egress safety.
Summary of "Biomedical Acoustics and Physical Acoustics: Shock Waves and Ultrasound for Calculus Fragmentation".

This paper summarizes the special session, “Shock Waves and Ultrasound for Calculus Fragmentation,” that took place during the 176th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and 2018 Acoustics Week in Canada. The sessions were cosponsored by the Biomedical Acoustics and Physical Acoustics Technical Committees and consisted of ten talks by industry and academic researchers from institutions in the United States, France, and the Russian Federation. The sessions described basic and applied acoustic research to manage urinary stones.This paper summarizes the special session, “Shock Waves and Ultrasound for Calculus Fragmentation,” that took place during the 176th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and 2018 Acoustics Week in Canada. The sessions were cosponsored by the Biomedical Acoustics and Physical Acoustics Technical Committees and consisted of ten talks by industry and academic researchers from institutions in the United States, France, and the Russian Federation. The sessions described basic and applied acoustic research to manage urinary stones.
Transjugular Liver Biopsy: Safe Even in Patients With Severe Coagulopathies and Multiple Biopsies.

Author(s): Sue, Megan J; Lee, Edward W; Saab, Sammy; McWilliams, Justin P; Durazo, Francisco; El-Kabany, Mohamed; Kaldas, Fady; Busuttil, Ronald W; Kee, Stephen T | Abstract: OBJECTIVES:To investigate the safety profile and diagnostic efficacy of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB), with a focus on patients with severe coagulopathies and with multiple biopsies. METHODS:Clinical, laboratory, and demographic information was collected on 1,321 TJLBs in 932 patients (mean age 43.5 ± 23.2 years) performed between January 2009 and May 2017 to determine the diagnostic success rate and incidence of both major and minor complications in the 3-day and 30-day period post-biopsies. These outcomes were also analyzed for severely coagulopathic patients and a subgroup of patients who underwent multiple biopsies. RESULTS:The overall success rate (diagnostic yield) of the TJLB procedure was 97.7% (1,291/1,321). Overall, the major and minor complication rates were 1.0% (13/1,321) and 9.5% (126/1,321), respectively. In patients with multiple biopsies, the overall complication rate was similar to the entire study cohort, which was 10.4% (57/550). Patients were also stratified according to the platelet counts of 0-50, 51-100, 101-200, 201-300 and g300 × 10 platelets/μL. The overall complication rates were 8.0% (10/124), 11.6% (36/310), 9.9% (54/547), 11.9% (28/235), and 14.3% (11/77), respectively, and these were not statistically significant from each other. Patients were also stratified by international normalized ratio into 0-1, 1.1-2, 2.1-3, and g3. The overall complication rates of these patients were 8.0% (19/237), 11.8% (113/954), 16.3% (7/43), and 0% (0/9), respectively, and were not statistically significant from each other. DISCUSSION:TJLB is a highly efficacious, well-tolerated and safe procedure. It can be safely performed multiple times in the same patient or in critically ill, severely coagulopathic patients with no significant increase in the rate of complication while maintaining an extremely favorable diagnostic yield.
The Complex Spine in Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The Transforaminal Approach-A Transformative Technique.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease resulting in loss of motor function, presents from in utero to adulthood. Depending on progression and secondary scoliosis, spinal stabilization may be necessary. When planning intrathecal access in these patients, spinal anatomy is the most important factor. Therefore, when planning intrathecal nusinersen injections, we subdivided patients with spinal muscular atrophy into simple-versus-complex spine subgroups. Our purpose was to present our experience with our first 42 transforaminal intrathecal nusinersen injections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 31 consecutive patients with spinal muscular atrophy types 1–3 who presented for intrathecal nusinersen injections from March 2017 to September 2018. Nine children had complex spines (ie, spinal instrumentation and/or fusion) and required preprocedural imaging for route planning for subarachnoid space access via transforaminal or cervical approaches. RESULTS: A total of 164 intrathecal nusinersen injections were performed in 31 children 4–226 months of age, with 100% technical success in accessing the subarachnoid space. Nine patients with complex spinal anatomy underwent 45 intrathecal nusinersen injections; 42 of 45 procedures were performed via a transforaminal approach with the remaining 3 via cervical techniques. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience has resulted in a protocol-driven approach based on simple or complex spinal anatomy. Patients with simple spines do not need preprocedural imaging or imaging-guided intrathecal nusinersen injections. In contrast, the complex spine subgroup requires preprocedural imaging for route planning and imaging guidance for therapy, with the primary approach being the transforaminal approach for intrathecal nusinersen injections.
Gasoline Prices and the American Auto Industry: Repeated Environmental Shocks in a Unique Framework

Through a case study on the American automobile industry and the gasoline price shocks during 1973-1974 and 1978-1980, we explore the effects of multiple, external shocks on organizational learning. This paper provides three contributions. First, we bifurcate two components of organizational learning by separating knowledge acquisition from knowledge implementation. Second, although many papers have explored the effect of a single exogenous shock, we are the first to look at the effect of repeated, identical shocks. Third, while numerous studies have used this setting to examine consumer responses, we are the first to analyze the producers' response to gasoline shocks.
Clinical Simulation Training in Nurses Caring for Pediatric Oncology Patients

Abstract Background General nurses caring for pediatric oncology inpatients lack training and confidence to provide safe effective care. Methods Major components of pediatric oncology care were identified and a combined didactic and clinical simulation educational program was provided to 60 nurses caring for pediatric oncology inpatients in an urban academic hospital. Results Excellent response rate (96.7%, 58/60). Statistically significant improvement in nurses' self-efficacy six months after intervention on paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank tests in each care domain. Conclusions The didactic and clinical simulation program was effective for training nurses caring for pediatric oncology patients and can be used as a model for general nurses caring for vulnerable patient populations.
10.3 – Sedimentary Hydrocarbons, Biomarkers for Early Life

Molecular biological markers, or biomarkers, are natural products that can be assigned to a particular biosynthetic origin. For environmental and geological studies, the most useful molecular biomarkers are organic compounds with high taxonomic specificity and potential for preservation. This chapter introduces some of the general principles, provides examples of their use for discerning the identities and physiologies of microbes in contemporary environments and summarizes biomarker research aimed at elucidating aspects of biological and environmental evolution in the Precambrian.
Lessons learned during a 30-year experience with simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting.

Abstract Objective A simultaneous operative approach to patients with significant carotid and coronary disease has been suggested as a safe, lower cost, and more convenient alternative to a staged approach. During the last three decades, spanning the career of our senior author, our group has pursued simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in limited circumstances. We previously reported on our results in series from 1984 to 1994 and 1994 to 1999. Based on these prior results and the current literature, we liberalized our inclusion criteria. We are now reporting on a contemporary cohort of 91 patients operated on from 2006 to 2018. Methods All patients who underwent combined CEA/CABG in 2006 to 2018 were entered into the Vascular Quality Initiative database. We compared the current series of 91 patients (group 3) with the 74 patients (group 2) from 1994 to 1999 and the 100 patients (group 1) from 1984 to 1994 who also underwent combined CEA/CABG. We examined demographic and comorbid factors, presence of cerebrovascular symptoms, degree of contralateral carotid stenosis, perioperative stroke, and death. Statistical comparison was made with χ2 analysis. Results The groups had similar demographics and comorbidities. Significant differences were noted in the preoperative diagnosis of hyperlipidemia (42%, 51%, 75%; P = .005) and the proportion of patients requiring urgent operations (24%, 47%, 56%; P = .002) during successive time periods. Patients in group 3 were much less likely to have preoperative symptoms from carotid stenosis before operation (55%, 31%, 4.4%; P Conclusions Based on the favorable results of the previously reported series of CEA/CABG from our group, we continued to liberalize selection criteria for the combined procedure to essentially mirror the standard recommendations for CEA in patients without coronary disease. The current series using this treatment algorithm demonstrates the safety of this approach, with stroke and death rates equivalent to those of CABG alone. These excellent results were achieved in the face of increasingly urgent cardiac procedures. The fact that the majority of the perioperative strokes were contralateral to the carotid artery operated on reinforces the safety of our approach but underscores the significant burden of atherosclerosis in these patients.
Direct Visualization of Trimerized States in 1 T ′ − TaTe 2

Transition-metal dichalcogenides containing tellurium anions show remarkable charge-lattice modulated structures and prominent interlayer character. Using cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), we map the atomic-scale structures of the high temperature (HT) and low temperature (LT) modulated phases in $1{T}^{\ensuremath{'}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{TaTe}}_{2}$. At HT, we directly show in-plane metal distortions which form trimerized clusters and staggered, three-layer stacking. In the LT phase at 93 K, we visualize an additional trimerization of Ta sites and subtle distortions of Te sites by extracting structural information from contrast modulations in plan-view STEM data. Coupled with density functional theory calculations and image simulations, this approach opens the door for atomic-scale visualizations of low temperature phase transitions and complex displacements in a variety of layered systems.
The Radiology Resident Experience at a Large Tertiary Care Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges in healthcare including pressure to provide efficient and timely patient care while maintaining a safe environment for physicians and staff. Radiology plays a vital role as part of a multidisciplinary team in the care of these patients. We address the experiences of our radiology residency at a large urban US academic institution with an underserved population in our fight against COVID-19. The unprecedented challenges faced during this pandemic has created monumental impacts on our training and allowed for development of skills and resources in order to better handle future situations.
Developing a Residual Testing Protocol for Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), continues to be an economically important insect pest of soybean in the northcentral region of the United States since its first report in 2000. Control has traditionally relied on foliar applications of pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides; however, recent confirmed failures of pyrethroids in the region have prompted immediate management concerns. Insecticidal modes of action are limited, and there is a need for assessing residual efficacy of exisiting and new insecticides for soybean aphid. We developed a field-based protocol to evaluate the residual efficacy of treated foliage, and tested our method with two insecticides. Our residual testing protocol can be utilized for residual efficacy evaluations of other pests and in other systems.
Repair of Pulmonary Vascular Injury: A Take-Home Low Fidelity Simulator

We present a low-cost, simple simulation model of major vascular injury repair for cardiothoracic trainees. This model uses commercially available orthopedic elastic bands to allow repetitive practice of the skills necessary during these rare but critical clinical scenarios. Practicing core skills in the simulation setting will help residents be better prepared when the situation arises.
Science in the Learning Gardens: Collaboratively Designing Middle School Curriculum to Bring the Next Generation Science Standards to Life

School gardens offer culturally relevant learning opportunities for engaging children and youth in applying science and engineering to solving real-life challenges, helping teachers meet the needs of all students, including underrepresented minorities. Consistent with the Next Generation Science Standards, gardening experiences provide opportunities for students to explore topics that integrate science and engineering in depth over extended periods of time. Science in the Learning Gardens (SciLG), described in this chapter, is a middle school curriculum project that was pilot tested at two middle schools that serve predominantly low-income and ethnic and racial minority students. The curriculum provides holistic, integrated, hands-on, project-based and place-based learning experiences and embedded formative assessments.
Experimental study on the influences of pressure and flow rates in the deposition of asphaltenes in a sandstone core sample

Abstract Hydrocarbon production leads to the disturbance of several thermodynamic equilibriums including the destabilization of crude oil. Asphaltenes precipitation, aggregation and deposition inside the hydrocarbon reservoirs remains challenging issue due to the multiple factors controlling these processes. The influences of pressures and flow rates changes on the formation damage are assessed in a sandstone core sample during a set of experiments in this study. For this study, we have designed and assembled an experimental apparatus that can be used to study the asphaltene accumulation in porous media during oil and gas flow. We have used this apparatus to investigate the impact of pressure and flow rate on the asphaltene deposition process in a Berea sandstone core plug. The impacts of pressure were evaluated by injecting simultaneously crude oil and a mixture of 72% of methane and 28% of ethane at pressures of 4,500 psi, 3,570 psi and 3,150 psi, at a constant flow rate of 0.025 ml/min and temperature of 170 °F. This co-injection of crude oil and the gas mixture was also conducted at flow rate of 0.25 ml/min to evaluate the influence of flow rate on asphaltenes deposition in the core sample. The experimental results show that the permeability loss due to asphaltenes accumulation is more severe as the injection pressure approaches the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) value. At pressures lower than the MMP, a process of asphaltenes accumulation and re-solubilization is observed. We also observed that an increase of flowrate from 0.025 ml/min to 0.25 ml/min prevents the deposition of asphaltenes, indicating that formation damage by asphaltenes is a slow process which can be prevented by increasing injection or production rates.
The Key Texts of Political Philosophy: An Introduction

This book introduces readers to analytical interpretation of seminal writings and thinkers in the history of political thought, including Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, the Bible, Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Bacon, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Tocqueville, Marx, and Nietzsche. Chronologically arranged, each chapter in the book is devoted to the work of a single thinker. The selected texts together engage with 2000 years of debate on fundamental questions including: what is the purpose of political life? What is justice? What is a right? Do human beings have rights? What kinds of human virtues are there and which regimes best promote them? The difficulty of accessing the texts included in this volume is the result not only of their subtlety but also of the dramatic change in everyday life. The authors shed light on the texts' vocabulary and complexities of thought and help students understand and weigh the various interpretations of each philosopher's thought.
Radiologically Imageable Nanoparticles

Nanomaterials have been used industrially for several decades, yet it has only been in the last several years that they have been investigated for medical applications such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Engineered nanomaterials are highly attractive due the range of physical properties that can be selected based on core material and geometry. Through surface modification, nanomaterials can be made increasingly complex imparting a range of desired chemical and biological properties. In this chapter, we describe nanotechnologies that have been specifically engineered to yield significant improvements in diagnostic imaging including improved image contrast, longer imaging probe circulation time, reduced nephrotoxicity and patient discomfort, and the potential for multimodal imaging with a single administered dose. Despite the perceived promise, few nanomaterials have made their way into the clinical setting. Where possible we present here specific examples of approved and discontinued radiologically imageable nanomaterials.
Calcium accumulation and release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum of digitonin-lysed adult mammalian ventricular cardiomyocytes /

We have developed a model for characterizing calcium handling by the intact cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) that yields data consistent with both mathematical simulations of in situ SR Ca2+ uptake and deduced behavior of the Ca2(+)-induced Ca2+ efflux channels in mechanically skinned single cardiac cells. In Na(+)-based media (37 degrees C, pH 7.2, 50 mM Pi, 10 mM MgATP, pMg 3.3, 10 mM phosphocreatine), SR 45Ca2+ uptake by digitonin-lysed rat myocytes as a function of free [Ca2+] peaked at pCa 6.2, declined until pCa 5.6 and increased again at lower pCa. When Ca2(+)-induced Ca2+ efflux was inhibited with 30 microM ruthenium red and 10 mM procaine, uptake was saturable with a Vmax of 160 +/- 5 nmol.min-1.mg-1, K0.5 of 500 nM free [Ca2+] and slope factor of 1.6. In K(+)-based media, maximum Pi- and oxalate-supported uptake increased to 220 and 260 nmol.min-1.mg-1, respectively. Without phosphocreatine, 45Ca2+ uptake declined under all conditions; this was correlated with a decrease in ATP/ADP. Vmax for 45Ca2+ uptake was increased 20% in hyperthyroid myocytes but depressed 30% in myocytes from heart failure-prone rats. In canine myocytes, Vmax was the same as in normal rat cells, but K0.5 was 830 nM. Without efflux inhibitors, ryanodine caused a concentration-dependent decline in net Pi-supported 45Ca2+ uptake at pCa 6.3 (K0.5 = 1 microM), while 10 microM ryanodine depressed uptake at all pCa between 7.2 and 5.6. Ruthenium red/procaine fully reversed this effect.
A New Approach to the Real-Time Simulation of Control Systems with Discontinuities

Control systems consisting of a subsystem with discontinuities often cause problems in digital simulation. Real-time simulation of this type of system using conventional fix-step integration algorithms can lead to sizable errors for reasonable step sizes. This paper suggests a new approach which replaces the subsystems with a function table. The dynamic equations of the control subsystem with discontinuities are integrated off-line over a time interval which will be used as the step-size for the on-line integration of the whole contol system. This off-line integration uses a sufficiently small step size and the necessary algorithm to handle the discontinuities of the subsystem. The process is repeated for a matrix of initial conditions and inputs. In the on-line real-time simulation, table lookup and linear interpolation are used to update the subsystem with discontinuities while the rest of the control system is integrated with conventional real-time algorithms. By proper choice of the state variables for the system, the number of variables required in the multiple-variable function can be reduced. A practical example is used to demonstrate the implementation of the method. From the example it is shown that this new approach can lead to reasonable accuracy with a relatively large step size.
Characterization of putative mutagenesis cassettes in Sinorhizobium meliloti (927.1)

The goal of this research is to biochemically characterize chromosomal and plasmid-encoded members of Y-family DNA polymerases and putative mutagenesis cassettes from the nitrogen-fixing plant symbiotic bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. Y-family translesion polymerases are recruited to sites of DNA damage to replicate damaged DNA that may cause disruption to the replication fork. ImuC is a C family DNA polymerase with a putative function in mutagenic DNA replication; while ImuA and ImuB appear to be important for ImuC function, their roles have yet to be elucidated. S. meliloti harbors the Y family DNA polymerase dinB and the imuABC mutagenesis cassette encoded on both the chromosome and one of the symbiotic plasmids. All of the genes of the putative mutagenesis cassettes have been subcloned into two different plasmid vectors for in vivo and in vitro experiments. We are currently optimizing conditions for protein expression in E. coli. We are also carrying out assays to determine the ability of these gene...