cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fracture size effect in ultrananocrystalline diamond : Applicability of weibull theory

An analysis of size effects and doping on the strength of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) thin films is presented. The doping was achieved by the addition of nitrogen gas to the Ar/CH4 microwave plasma. The strength data, obtained by means of the membrane deflection experiment (MDE) were interpreted using Weibull statistics. The validity and predictive capability of the theory were examined in conjunction with detailed fractographic and transmission electron microscopy microstructural analysis. The Weibull parameters were estimated nonlinear regression based on 480 tests when the specimen volume varied from 500 to 16,000 μm3. Both undoped and doped UNCD films exhibited a decrease in strength with an increase in specimen size. A significant drop in strength was measured when the films were doped with nitrogen. Such a drop was almost independent of the percentage of doping. The results also showed that one can predict the fracture strength of a component possessing any arbitrary volume to within ±3%. Moreover, the failure mode of UNCD was found to be volume controlled. We also report changes in Young’s modulus as a function of doping for n-doped UNCD thin films.
Scaling theory of continuum dislocation dynamics in three dimensions: Self-organized fractal pattern formation

Abstract We focus on mesoscopic dislocation patterning via a continuum dislocation dynamics theory (CDD) in three dimensions (3D). We study three distinct physically motivated dynamics which consistently lead to fractal formation in 3D with rather similar morphologies, and therefore we suggest that this is a general feature of the 3D collective behavior of geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) ensembles. The striking self-similar features are measured in terms of correlation functions of physical observables, such as the GND density, the plastic distortion, and the crystalline orientation. Remarkably, all these correlation functions exhibit spatial power-law behaviors, sharing a single underlying universal critical exponent for each type of dynamics.
Senegal's Health Data Retention Strike: Performing Global Citizenship

In July 2010, two of Senegals health worker unions launched a health data retention strike, which requires that health workers on every level of the national program withhold from the Senegalese Ministry of Health routine patient data. As the workers have continued to provide health services, the government has managed to remain at a stalemate for almost three years. This strike illustrates the ways in which government health workers engage in politics that are on a simultaneously national and global scale. The withheld health data has been thought to be critical for the advancement of the health system on the part of international and private health partners, whether for evaluating existing programs or implementing new ones, and may eventually impact the funding of Senegals health programs. Like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Senegal receives a large amount of external aid to support its health system; for example, the National Malaria Control Program receives 95% of its funds from external aid. I argue that, by participating in a data retention strike, government health workers are performing simultaneously their national citizenship and their citizenship to a distinctly global network of funders and non-governmental organizations in order to materially impact their daily lives.
Deletion of tumor progression locus 2 attenuates alcohol-induced hepatic inflammation

Background: The pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) involves the interaction of several inflammatory signaling pathways. Tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2), also known as Cancer Osaka Thyroid (COT) and MAP3K8, is a serine-threonine kinase that functions as a critical regulator of inflammatory pathways by up-regulating production of inflammatory cytokines. The present study aims to fill the gap in knowledge regarding the involvement of TPL2 in the mechanism of alcohol-induced hepatic inflammation. Methods: Male TPL2 −/− knockout (TPL2KO) mice and TPL2 +/+ wild-type (WT) mice were group pair-fed with Lieber-DeCarli liquid ethanol diet (EtOH diet, 27% energy from EtOH) or control diet (ctrl diet) for 4 weeks. Both histological and molecular biomarkers involved in the induction of hepatic inflammation by alcohol consumption were examined. Results: Consumption of the EtOH diet in WT mice lead to a significant induction of TPL2 mRNA expression as compared with WT mice fed ctrl diet. A significant induction in inflammatory foci and steatosis was also observed in WT mice fed EtOH diet. The deletion of TPL2 significantly reduced inflammatory foci in the liver of mice consuming both ctrl and EtOH diets as compared to their respective WT controls. This reduction was associated with suppression of hepatic inflammatory gene expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and macrophage marker F4/80. In addition, histological analysis of livers revealed that TPL2 deletion resulted in reduced steatosis in both ctrl (significant) and EtOH (non-significant) diet-fed mice as compared to their respective WT controls. Conclusions: The demonstration that TPL2 deletion attenuates alcohol-induced hepatic inflammation provides evidence of a novel role for TPL2 in the pathogenesis of ALD.
Argonne Bubble Experiment Thermal Model Development III

This report describes the continuation of the work reported in “Argonne Bubble Experiment Thermal Model Development”. The experiment was performed at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) in 2014. A rastered 35 MeV electron beam deposited power in a solution of uranyl sulfate, generating heat and radiolytic gas bubbles. Irradiations were performed at three beam power levels, 6, 12 and 15 kW. Solution temperatures were measured by thermocouples, and gas bubble behavior was observed. This report will describe the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model that was developed to calculate the temperatures and gas volume fractions in the solution vessel during the irradiations. The previous report described an initial analysis performed on a geometry that had not been updated to reflect the as-built solution vessel. Here, the as-built geometry is used. Monte-Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) calculations were performed on the updated geometry, and these results were used to define the power deposition profile for the CFD analyses, which were performed using Fluent, Ver. 16.2. CFD analyses were performed for the 12 and 15 kW irradiations, and further improvements to the model were incorporated, including the consideration of power deposition in nearby vessel components, gas mixture composition, and bubble size distribution. The temperature results ofmore » the CFD calculations are compared to experimental measurements.« less
Layered LixNiyMnyCo1-2yO2 Cathodes for Lithium Ion Batteries: Understanding Local Structure via Magnetic Properties

The magnetic properties of layered LiNiyMnyCo1-2yO2 (y = 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, and 1/3) compounds are studied in order to understand the transition metal ion distributions via their magnetic interactions. In LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2, an increase of magnetization is found below 100 K with ac magnetic susceptibility revealing broad peaks at 96, 40, 13, and 7 K. The low-temperature neutron diffraction and heat capacity studies do not reveal long-range magnetic ordering; the magnetic component of heat capacity shows a broad peak at 10 K. This behavior is explained by assuming a nonrandom distribution of transition metals. The 96 K transition is attributed to the ordering of clusters of Ni2+ spins in the transition metal and lithium layers, which are coupled by a 180° superexchange mechanism. The wide 40 K peak is explained by an increase of the cluster size due to intralayer Ni and Mn spin ordering, by analogy with antiferromagnetic ordering transitions in Li2MnO3 at 36.5 K and in NaNi0.5Mn0.5O2 at 55 K. The continuing incre...
Introduction to lisinopril-hydrochlorothiazide combination.

Two combinations of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide (L/HCTZ, 20 mg/12.5 mg and 20 mg/25 mg) are currently marketed. The licences are based primarily on a dose ratio study and a parallel titration study. In the former randomized study of 209 patients with sitting DBP of 90-115 mm Hg, the antihypertensive effects of L/HCTZ 20 mg/12.5 mg and 20 mg/25 mg were significantly greater than either lisinopril or hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy (P less than or equal to 0.01), while the effect of L/HCTZ 20 mg/6.25 mg, was greater than hydrochlorothiazide but not lisinopril monotherapy. In the latter study, 394 patients with sitting DBP of 90-120 mm Hg received lisinopril 20 mg, HCTZ 12.5 mg, or L/HCTZ 20 mg/12.5 mg once daily for 12 weeks of double-blind therapy. All of the dose regimens could be doubled at 4 and 8 weeks for adequate BP control. The L/HCTZ group had significantly greater effect than either monotherapy (P less than or equal to 0.01). Thus, concomitant therapy with lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide provides BP reduction beyond that of either monocomponent. Studies on new combinations of lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide are under way to increase prescribing options for practitioners.
Synergistic effect of Ce and Zn co-doped on antibacterial activity of TiO_2

Ce and /or Zn doped TiO 2 nano-materials were prepared by sol-gel. The antibacterial activity of the as-prepared materials under visible light irradiation was evaluated on candida albicans,escherichia coli and staphylococcus. X-ray diffraction( XRD),transmission electron microscopy( TEM),brunauer-emmett-teller surface area( BET) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy( FT-IR) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra( DRS) methods were employed to characterize the as-prepared materials. It has been shown that the role of proper amount of Ce in doped materials played as to inhibit grain growth and extend the light response to the visible region have a favorable effect on the photocatalysis. The role of proper amount of Zn in doped materials played as to enhance the photocatalytic antibacterial activity of as-prepared materials. Zinc and cerium co-doped TiO 2 nano-materials exhibit significant synergistic antibacterial effect and the synergistic effect factor was greater than 0.
Increased door to admission time is associated with prolonged throughput for ED patients discharged home

Abstract Background Emergency Department (ED) service evaluations are typically based on surveys of discharged patients. Physicians/administrators benefit from data that quantifies system-based factors that adversely impact the experience of those who represent the survey cohort. Objective While investigators have established that admitted patient boarding impacts overall ED throughput times, we sought to specifically quantify the relationship between throughput times for patients admitted (EDLOS) versus discharged home from the ED (DCLOS). Methods We performed a prospective analysis of consecutive patient encounters at an inner-city ED. Variables collected: median daily DCLOS for ED patients, ED daily census, left without being seen (LWBS), median door to doctor, median room to doctor, and daily number admitted. Admitted patients divided into 2 groups based on daily median EDLOS for admits ( Results We analyzed 24,127 patient visits. ED patient DCLOS was longer for patients seen on days with prolonged EDLOS (193.7 minutes, 95%CI 186.7–200.7 vs. 152.8, 144.9–160.5, P P = 0.01), room to doctor time ( P P P Conclusion Prolonged ED stays for admitted patients were associated with prolonged throughput times for patients discharged home from the ED.
The effect of alignment on the electric mobility of soot

ABSTRACTThe effect of an aligning electric field on the mobility of both flame generated smoke and smolder generated smoke was studied. A pulsed differential mobility analyzer was used to study the alignment without changing the DMA flows. No detectable change in the mobility was observed for the smolder smoke, while a small but detectable effect of up to 5% decrease in the mobility diameter with increasing field was observed for the largest aggregates with a mobility diameter of 200 nm. We modeled the friction coefficient tensor of soot fractal aggregates as an equivalent prolate spheroid to obtain the field induced mobility as a function of aspect ratio. The alignment probability distribution function was determined by computing the polarizability tensor for simulated fractal aggregates. One interesting result was the smallness of the prolate sphere aspect ratio of 1.2 to 1.3 compared to the much larger aspect ratio from TEM analysis and from the polarizability ratio. An explanation for the low value ba...
Soils of the Rocky Mountain and Inland Pacific Northwest Region: LRRs B and E

The Rocky Mountain and Inland Pacific Northwest Region is made up of two Land Resource Regions (LRRs)—the Rocky Mountain Range and Forest Region (LRR E) and the Northwestern Wheat and Range Region (LRR B). Soils of these LRRs encompass 694,130 km2 in eight western states and have formed in an extremely wide range of parent materials, vegetation, climate, and terrain attributes. As a result, soil properties across the region vary considerably. The climate throughout much of this region is generally dry but can change dramatically with elevation. Overall, precipitation is limited during the growing season and most soils have aridic, xeric, or ustic soil moisture regimes. Temperature regimes are also closely tied to elevation and range from mesic to gelic. Because of the extreme climatic variations, grassland, shrubland, and forest communities may all be found across a relatively small geographic area. This region is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes found in the USA including lava flows, high plateaus, deep canyons, foothills, and rugged mountains. Many of the landscapes were glaciated or affected by periglacial processes and are therefore relatively young. Holocene volcanic eruptions have influenced many soils of the region as well. Mollisols and Aridisols are the dominant soil orders, but Alfisols, Andisols, Entisols, and Inceptisols are also well represented. This chapter describes the general distribution of soils across the Rocky Mountain and Inland Pacific Northwest Region and their characteristics. The role of the soil-forming factors—parent material, climate, organisms, relief, and time—in the development of the region’s soils is emphasized along with the soil and environmental factors influencing land use and management.
Performance enhanced multi-rate iLBC

The internet Low Bit-rate Codec (iLBC) inherently possesses high robustness to packet loss which is one of the essential properties of Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) applications. Another important feature is the rate flexibility, which allows the speech codec to adapt its bit rate to constantly changing network condition. Previously, the multi-rate operation of the iLBC was enabled by utilizing the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) and entropy coding. In this paper, various approaches to improve performance are presented. The simulation results show that when all the improvement schemes are combined, the performance is improved at all the bit rates compared to the previous results despite the fact that the Huffman table structure is significantly simplified.
PRONUNCIATION IN FACE-TO-FACE AND AUDIO-ONLY SYNCHRONOUS COMPUTER-MEDIATED LEARNER INTERACTIONS

Studies of learner-learner interactions have reported varying degrees of pronunciation-focused discourse, ranging from 1% (Bowles, Toth, & Adams, 2014) to 40% (Bueno-Alastuey, 2013). Including first language (L1) background, modality, and task as variables, this study investigates the role of pronunciation in learner-learner interactions. Thirty English learners in same-L1 or different-L1 dyads were assigned to one of two modes (face-to-face or audio-only synchronous computer-mediated communication) and completed three tasks (picture differences, consensus, conversation). Interactions were coded for language-related episodes (LREs), with 14% focused on pronunciation. Segmental features comprised the majority of pronunciation LREs (90%). Pronunciation LREs were proportionally similar for same-L1 and different-L1 dyads, and communication modality yielded no difference in frequency of pronunciation focus. The consensus task, which included substantial linguistic input, yielded greater pronunciation focus, although the results did not achieve statistical significance. These results help clarify the role of pronunciation in learner-learner interactions and highlight the influence of task features.
Retroviral integrase protein and intasome nucleoprotein complex structures.

Retroviral replication proceeds through the integration of a DNA copy of the viral RNA genome into the host cellular genome, a process that is mediated by the viral integrase (IN) protein. IN catalyzes two distinct chemical reactions: 3’-processing, whereby the viral DNA is recessed by a di- or trinucleotide at its 3’-ends, and strand transfer, in which the processed viral DNA ends are inserted into host chromosomal DNA. Although IN has been studied as a recombinant protein since the 1980s, detailed structural understanding of its catalytic functions awaited high resolution structures of functional IN-DNA complexes or intasomes, initially obtained in 2010 for the spumavirus prototype foamy virus (PFV). Since then, two additional retroviral intasome structures, from the α-retrovirus Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and β-retrovirus mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), have emerged. Here, we briefly review the history of IN structural biology prior to the intasome era, and then compare the intasome structures of PFV, MMTV and RSV in detail. Whereas the PFV intasome is characterized by a tetrameric assembly of IN around the viral DNA ends, the newer structures harbor octameric IN assemblies. Although the higher order architectures of MMTV and RSV intasomes differ from that of the PFV intasome, they possess remarkably similar intasomal core structures. Thus, retroviral integration machineries have adapted evolutionarily to utilize disparate IN elements to construct convergent intasome core structures for catalytic function.
Gender Issues in Chronic Kidney Disease

Gender influences the incidence, prevalence and progression of CKD. In numerous experimental models of renal disease, progression is accelerated in male animals. This disparity in the course of renal disease is replicated by hormonal manipulation, suggesting that the actions of sex hormones, rather than structural differences between the sexes, are responsible for gender dimorphism in renal disease progression. Selective estrogen receptor modulators, which lack the detrimental effects of estrogen on reproductive tissue, have a beneficial effect on the course of CKD in animal models. Sex hormones influence many of the processes known to mediate progressive renal injury including cell proliferation, mesangial matrix synthesis and degradation, generation of reactive oxygen species as well as expression of pro-fibrotic pro-inflammatory cytokines, hormones and vasoactive agents. In humans the progression of non-diabetic and diabetes-related chronic kidney disease is arguably more rapid in men than in women, a finding which parallels observations in experimental animals.
Nutrient-Dependent Impact of Microbes on Drosophila suzukii Development

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura is an invasive species of vinegar fly that has become a prominent pest of berries and other soft-skinned fruits. Unlike most other Drosophila species, female D. suzukii flies lay their eggs in ripening and ripe fruits and larvae develop within the fruit. To understand how D. suzukii larvae utilize ripe and ripening fruits, which usually have low levels of protein, we investigated the microbiota of field-captured and laboratory-reared D. suzukii flies and further examined the combined influence of diet and microbes on host fitness. Field-captured flies were associated with diverse microbiota, which varied significantly with sampling location and season. In contrast, laboratory-reared flies possessed strikingly lower bacterial abundance and diversity. A comparison of conventionally reared (CR) and germ-free (GF) flies revealed that the microbiota of D. suzukii does not alter its development significantly but decreases its life span under conditions of a nutrient-sufficient diet. However, the microbiota is essential for D. suzukii development on strawberry-based or blueberry-based fruit diets. This developmental failure could be rescued by reassociation with single bacterial or fungal species or by the addition of a high quantity of heat-killed microbes. In addition, we found that proteins are limiting with respect to fly development on fruit-based diets and that GF flies show signs of protein starvation. Taken together, our study results demonstrate that the microbiota provides key proteins required for the development of D. suzukii reared on fresh fruit. Our work shows that the impact of microbes on fly fitness depends strongly on nutritional conditions.IMPORTANCE Animals are commonly associated with specific microbes, which play important roles in host development and fitness. However, little information about the function of microbes has been available for the important invasive pest Drosophila suzukii, also known as Spotted wing drosophila. Our study results demonstrate that the abundance and structure of microbiota in D. suzukii are strongly affected by the environment, where microbes have variable roles depending on the nutritional situation. For instance, we found that the presence of microbes is deleterious for flies growing on a protein-rich diet and yet is beneficial for flies growing on a diet of protein-poor fruits. Additionally, germ-free flies must feed on microbes to obtain the necessary protein for larval development on strawberries and blueberries. Our report validates the complexity seen in host-microbe interactions and may provide information useful for D. suzukii pest control.
Automating the Creation of Shape Grammar Rules

Shape grammars have the potential to be used in many design applications. One of the most limiting factors is that, currently, a shape grammar must be created by an expert trained in the creation and usage of shape grammars. In this paper we describe how the rules for a shape grammar can be derived automatically. A statistical analysis of the design language produces fundamental shape chunks. These chunks then form the basis for the shape grammar rules. These rules are created objectively and automatically and fewer rules are needed to create a completed design. Additionally, the form of the rules encourages divergent designs. Unique concept vehicles are given as an example.
Generalized Entropy Generation Expressions in Gases.

In this study, we generalize our previous methods for obtaining entropy generation in gases without the need to carry through a specific expansion method, such as the Chapman–Enskog method. The generalization, which is based on a scaling analysis, allows for the study of entropy generation in gases for any arbitrary state of the gas and consistently across the conservation equations of mass, momentum, energy, and entropy. Thus, it is shown that it is theoretically possible to alter specific expressions and associated physical outcomes for entropy generation by changing the operating process gas state to regions significantly different than the perturbed, local equilibrium or Chapman–Enskog type state. Such flows could include, for example, hypersonic flows or flows that may be generally called hyper-equilibrium state flows. Our formal scaling analysis also provides partial insight into the nature of entropy generation from an informatics perspective, where we specifically demonstrate the association of entropy generation in gases with uncertainty generated by the approximation error associated with density function expansions.
School health class associated with reduced odds of eating disorder symptoms in American adolescents.

Objective Eating disorder symptoms, including eating disorder diagnosis, binge eating, and unhealthy weight loss, are associated with health risks, and adolescence may be an optimal time to provide education on healthy alternatives. This research explored whether in-school health information during adolescence is associated with eating disorder symptoms in young adulthood. Method Data were used from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative study of American youth, including information from Wave I, when participants were in Grades 7-12, and from Wave III, when participants were aged 18-26. Logistic regression analyses predicted eating disorder symptoms from in-school health information, adjusting for demographic and educational covariates. In-school health information and eating disorder symptoms were based on participant self-report. Results In-school health information about both diet (the foods you should and should not eat) and the importance of exercise compared to no health information reduced the odds of youth-reported eating disorder history odds ratio ((OR) = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.11-0.48). Individuals who received information on exercise alone compared to no health information were also less likely to use weight pills to control weight (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.11-0.61). There was no difference in binge-eating symptoms based on school health class. Discussion Findings from this exploratory research study indicate that in-school receipt of information on diet and exercise has modest associations with eating disorder symptoms, including lower odds of a self-reported eating disorder and lower odds of using weight loss pills. Further research is needed to definitely test the role of school health class on eating disorder symptoms.
Camera as weapon: ways of seeing in Kashmir

ABSTRACTThis article considers amateur images that came out of Indian occupied Kashmir during the summer of 2016. These pictures, circulated on Facebook and Twitter, documented the human cost of In...
Mentoring is an intellectual pillar of ethnobiology

Ethnobiology relies on community partnerships and relationships between elders or other knowledge keepers and students. Our Society of Ethnobiology, like all academic organizations, has its own issues with discrimination and abuses of power. But more than other academic disciplines, contemporary ethnobiology is practiced with and strengthened by close, respectful working relationships. As such, we offer our thoughts on the lessons ethnobiology brings to mentorship and accountability while outlining some of the specific steps we are taking as an academic and practicing community.
Integrating photoacoustic microscopy, optical coherence tomography, OCT angiography, and fluorescence microscopy for multimodal imaging.

We have developed a multimodal imaging system, which integrated optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomography angiography, and confocal flu...
Review of 189 Consecutive Female Genital Skin and Mucosal Biopsies Submitted to an Academic Dermatopathology Practice.

OBJECTIVES To describe consecutive vulvar biopsy cases and to create an educational template for pathology trainees and practicing pathologists. METHODS We reviewed 189 consecutive biopsies from the female genital area skin and mucosa. We classified them based on etiologies and examined limited clinical information. RESULTS We classified diagnoses as squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (21.5%), melanocytic neoplasia (17.9%), lichenoid dermatoses (15.9%), nonlichenoid dermatoses (11.3%), infectious (6.2%), reparative (4.6%), or miscellaneous (22.6%). The miscellaneous diagnoses included common entities (polyps and cysts) and rarer entities (calcinosis cutis, adnexal neoplasms, or basal cell carcinoma) and nonspecific descriptive diagnoses. Clinicians most often included the actual diagnosis in their differential for melanocytic lesions (83%) and least often for inflammatory lesions (32%). However, some cases included a clinical description without a differential diagnosis (14%) or no helpful clinical information (4%). The distribution of whether correct diagnoses were included in the clinical differential was similar between submitting physicians and midlevel providers. CONCLUSIONS Understanding squamous and melanocytic pathology and the various lichenoid and other inflammatory diagnoses is critical for signing out female genital tract skin pathology. The cases examined in this report can serve as an educational template for trainees and practicing pathologists.
Males Have Higher Rates of Peri-operative Mortality Following Surgery for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture.

In this study, we evaluated the association between sex and the incidence of postoperative mortality in the peri-operative period following surgical intervention for OVCF. We found no statistical association between surgical complications and patient sex. However, males exhibited higher rates of mortality and 30-day readmissions relative to females. Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) contribute substantially to the financial burden of the US healthcare system. As the size of the elderly population grows, the number of fractures attributed to osteoporosis is expected to increase. Studies have shown that osteoporotic patients are at an increased risk for medical and surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between sex and the incidence of postoperative mortality in the peri-operative period following surgical intervention for OVCF. A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2007 to 2014 identified 1979 patients. Patients were grouped as male or female. Mortality within 30 days of surgery due to any cause, incidence of surgical complications, and 30-day readmission rates following surgery were tabulated. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) with corresponding p values and 95% confidence intervals. In total, 1979 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Mortality within the 30 days following surgery for OVCF was statistically greater in men than in women (OR = 1.58; p = 0.050). The 30-day readmission rate was also statistically higher in men (OR = 1.41; p = 0.017). Neither minor (OR = 0.90; p = 0.560) nor major (OR = 1.14; p = 0.569) complications were statistically correlated with sex. On average, men underwent surgery for OVCF at a younger age than women. Male patients undergoing surgery for OVCF have higher rates of peri-operative mortality and 30-day readmissions following surgery. Sex was not found to be associated with postoperative complications. Level of evidence: III
THE MOSDEF SURVEY: DETECTION OF [O III]λ4363 AND THE DIRECT-METHOD OXYGEN ABUNDANCE OF A STAR-FORMING GALAXY AT z = 3.08*

Author(s): Sanders, RL; Shapley, AE; Kriek, M; Reddy, NA; Freeman, WR; Coil, AL; Siana, B; Mobasher, B; Shivaei, I; Price, SH; Groot, LD | Abstract: We present measurements of the electron-temperature-based oxygen abundance for a highly star-forming galaxy at z = 3.08, COSMOS-1908. This is the highest redshift at which [O iii]λ4363 has been detected and the first time that this line has been measured at z g 2. We estimate an oxygen abundance of 12 + log(O/H) = 8.00-0.14+0.13. This galaxy is a low-mass (109.3 M⊙), highly star-forming (∼50M⊙ yr-1) system that hosts a young stellar population (∼160 Myr). We investigate the physical conditions of the ionized gas in COSMOS-1908 and find that this galaxy has a high ionization parameter, little nebular reddening (E(B-V)gas l 0.14), and a high electron density (ne ∼ 500 cm-3). We compare the ratios of strong oxygen, neon, and hydrogen lines to the direct-method oxygen abundance for COSMOS-1908 and additional star-forming galaxies at z=0-1.8 with [O iii]λ4363 measurements and show that galaxies at z ∼ 1-3 follow the same strong-line correlations as galaxies in the local universe. This agreement suggests that the relationship between ionization parameter and O/H is similar for z∼0 and high-redshift galaxies. These results imply that metallicity calibrations based on lines of oxygen, neon, and hydrogen do not strongly evolve with redshift and can reliably estimate abundances out to Z ∼ 3, paving the way for robust measurements of the evolution of the mass-metallicity relation to high redshift.
Shifting States: Secession and Self-Determination as Subsidiarity

Subsidiarity is one of the central doctrinal devices for devolving authority, but debates about subsidiarity play out within a frame whose most important units - states - are largely fixed. There is a legal language for thinking about how, when and why to form new states - self-determination - yet it rarely appears in discourse on subsidiarity. This is unfortunate, because self-determination could provide a powerful normative justification for subsidiarity, which is notoriously poor at actually justifying allocations of authority. Talking about self-determination can more richly inform debate about how exactly we locate governance functions in complex, multi-layered environments - and can provide good reasons for why we should.
The Latest Advances in Imaging Crosstalk Between the Immune System and Fibrosis in Cardiovascular Disease

Inflammation and fibrosis are hallmarks of tissue repair processes and organ failure progression in cardiovascular diseases. Paradigm-shifting research on diverse immune cell populations within the cardiovascular system have enabled discovery of new biomarkers fostering development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents at the molecular level to better manage cardiovascular diseases. To date, a variety of molecular imaging agents have been developed to visualize the biomarkers expressed on immune cells and fibroblasts within their crosstalk network, which drives the pathogenesis of fibrosis triggered by both innate and adaptive immunity. Herein, key biomarkers upregulated in the immune-fibrosis axis are discussed. The promising molecular imaging agents to reveal this critical pathologic process are summarized.
The Catecholaldehyde Hypothesis for the Pathogenesis of Catecholaminergic Neurodegeneration: What We Know and What We Do Not Know

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) is the focus of the catecholaldehyde hypothesis for the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and other Lewy body diseases. The catecholaldehyde is produced via oxidative deamination catalyzed by monoamine oxidase (MAO) acting on cytoplasmic dopamine. DOPAL is autotoxic, in that it can harm the same cells in which it is produced. Normally, DOPAL is detoxified by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-mediated conversion to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), which rapidly exits the neurons. Genetic, environmental, or drug-induced manipulations of ALDH that build up DOPAL promote catecholaminergic neurodegeneration. A concept derived from the catecholaldehyde hypothesis imputes deleterious interactions between DOPAL and the protein alpha-synuclein (αS), a major component of Lewy bodies. DOPAL potently oligomerizes αS, and αS oligomers impede vesicular and mitochondrial functions, shifting the fate of cytoplasmic dopamine toward the MAO-catalyzed formation of DOPAL-destabilizing vicious cycles. Direct and indirect effects of DOPAL and of DOPAL-induced misfolded proteins could "freeze" intraneuronal reactions, plasticity of which is required for neuronal homeostasis. The extent to which DOPAL toxicity is mediated by interactions with αS, and vice versa, is poorly understood. Because of numerous secondary effects such as augmented spontaneous oxidation of dopamine by MAO inhibition, there has been insufficient testing of the catecholaldehyde hypothesis in animal models. The clinical pathophysiological significance of genetics, emotional stress, environmental agents, and interactions with numerous proteins relevant to the catecholaldehyde hypothesis are matters for future research. The imposing complexity of intraneuronal catecholamine metabolism seems to require a computational modeling approach to elucidate clinical pathogenetic mechanisms and devise pathophysiology-based, individualized treatments.
Gene Therapy to Modulate Alpha-Synuclein in Synucleinopathies.

The protein alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) is a key contributor to the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) with aggregation, trans-neuronal spread, and/or depletion of α-Syn being viewed as crucial events in the molecular processes that results in neurodegeneration. The exact succession of pathological occurrences that lead to neuronal death are still largely unknown and are likely to be multifactorial in nature. Despite this unknown, α-Syn dose and stability, autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction, and inflammation, amongst other cellular impairments, have all in been described as participatory events in the neurodegenerative process. To that end, in this review we discuss the logical points for gene therapy to intervene in α-Syn-mediated disease and review the preclinical body of work where gene therapy has been used, or could conceptually be used, to ameliorate α-Syn induced neurotoxicity. In this review, we discuss gene therapy in the traditional sense of modulating gene expression, as well as the use of viral vectors and nanoparticles as methods to deliver other therapeutic modalities.
Ambulatory Endocrine Surgery

In the last three decades, we have witnessed a gradual shift from the traditional inpatient endocrine surgery to ambulatory endocrine surgery. This paradigm shift was inspired by the need to reduce healthcare costs. However, the cumulative innovations in medicine have sustained this change and ensured a safe same-day discharge after surgery. While there are logistical and safety challenges inherent in the adoption of ambulatory endocrine surgery, surgical staff and hospital institutions have continued to adopt measures to identify the patients that are most likely to benefit from it. However, appropriate patient selection and patient education are the most critical factors that predict success in any ambulatory endocrine surgery practice.
A Field Evaluation of Jalapeño and Non-Jalapeño Chile Pepper Resistance to Phytophthora Blight Caused by Phytophthora capsici

Phytophthora capsici is a destructive soilborne pathogen, which causes Phytophthora blight in many vegetable crops including chile pepper (Capsicum sp.). Our research was aimed at evaluating the re...
Perforated Meckel's diverticulum causing in utero small bowel obstruction

Abstract Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly involving a true diverticulum of the ileum. These diverticula can present in a variety of ways. They can be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally or can present with symptoms of infection, bleeding or obstruction. Typically, patients present around age 2. We present a case of an in utero perforation of a Meckel's diverticulum causing a small bowel obstruction diagnosed on prenatal imaging.
Crim1 and Kelch-like 14 exert complementary dual-directional developmental control over segmentally specific corticospinal axon projection targeting

The cerebral cortex executes highly skilled movement, necessitating that it connects accurately with specific brainstem and spinal motor circuitry. Corticospinal neurons (CSN) must correctly target specific spinal segments, but the basis for this targeting remains unknown. In the accompanying report, we show that segmentally distinct CSN subpopulations are molecularly distinct from early development, identifying candidate molecular controls over segmentally specific axon targeting. Here, we functionally investigate two of these candidate molecular controls, Crim1 and Kelch-like 14 (Klhl14), identifying their critical roles in directing CSN axons to appropriate spinal segmental levels in the white matter prior to axon collateralization. Crim1 and Klhl14 are specifically expressed by distinct CSN subpopulations and regulate their differental white matter projection targeting-Crim1 directs thoracolumbar axon extension, while Klhl14 limits axon extension to bulbar-cervical segments. These molecular regulators of descending spinal projections constitute the first stages of a dual-directional set of complementary controls over CSN diversity for segmentally and functionally distinct circuitry.
Three Trends in the History of Life: An Evolutionary Syndrome

The history of life seems to be characterized by three large-scale trends in complexity: (1) the rise in complexity in the sense of hierarchy, in other words, an increase in the number of levels of organization within organisms; (2) the increase in complexity in the sense of differentiation, that is, a rise in the number of different part types at the level just below the whole; and (3) a downward trend, the loss of differentiation at the lowest levels in organisms, a kind of complexity drain within the parts. Here, I describe the three trends, outlining the evidence for each and arguing that they are connected with each other, that together they constitute an evolutionary syndrome, one that has recurred a number times over the history of life. Finally, in the last section, I offer an argument connecting the third trend to the reduction at lower levels of organization in “autonomy”, or from a different perspective, to an increase in what might be called the “machinification” of the lower levels.
The first cloned and identified lysophospholipid (LP) receptor gene, vzg-1: implications for related receptors and the nervous system.

In this piece I present some of the biological issues and technical approaches that led to the cloning and functional identification of the first lysophosphlipid receptor gene, named “ventricular zone gene-1” or “vzg-1” that serves as a receptor for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Based on its prominent expression in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), it is likely that this and related receptor-ligand interactions represent a novel signaling system for brain development and function. Moreover, this identity has provided a rationale for examining the same and/or structurally similar ligands on homologous orphan receptors either published or in the databases, and indicates that lysophosphlipid receptors form a distinct subfamily of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily.
Uniform vs. Discretionary Regimes in Reporting Information with Unverifiable Precision and a Coordination Role

We examine uniform and discretionary regimes for reporting information about firm performance from the perspective of a standard setter, in a setting where the precision of reported information is difficult to verify and the reported information can help coordinate decisions by users of the information. The standard setter's task is to choose a reporting regime to maximize the expected decision value of reported information for all users at all firms. The uniform regime requires all firms to report using the same set of reporting methods regardless of the precision of their information, and the discretionary regime allows firms to freely condition their sets of reporting methods on the precision of their information. We show that when unverifiable information precision varies across firms and users' decisions based on reported information have strong strategic complementarities, a uniform regime can have a beneficial social effect as compared to a discretionary reporting regime. Our analysis generates both normative and positive implications for evaluating the necessity and effectiveness of reporting under standards.
A hydrodynamic model of an outer hair cell

On the model it is possible to measure the force and the force direction for each individual hair as a function of the flow direction and velocity. Measurements were made at the man flow velocity .01 m/s, which is equivalent to a flow velocity in the real ear of about 1 micrometer/s. The kinematic viscosity of the liquid used in the model was 10,000 times higher than the viscosity of perilymph to attain hydrodynamic equality. Two different geometries for the sterocilia pattern were tested. First the force distribution for a W-shaped sterocilia pattern was recorded. This is the sterocilia pattern found in all real ears. It is found that the forces acting on the hairs are very regular and perpendicular to the legs of the W when the flow is directed from the outside of the W. When the flow is reversed, the forces are not reversed, but are much more irregular. This can eventually explain the half wave rectification of the nerve signals. As a second experiment, the force distribution for a V-shaped sterocilia pattern was recorded. Here the forces were irregular both when the flow was directed into the V and when it was directed against the edge of the V.
The powertrain, fuel economy and the environment

By using a fuel economy index (the product of fuel economy and vehicle mass) to characterize the efficiency of the powertrain, the historical growth in average powertrain efficiency of the US passenger–car fleet is reviewed. Imposition of emission control caused a temporary retreat, but with the introduction of the catalytic converter, growth was restored. A dramatic decrease in exhaust emissions has accompanied this improvement. The status of such powerplant alternatives as the Stirling, gas turbine, advanced diesel, and stratified–charge engine is considered. None is currently in a position to replace today's gasoline engine. Meanwhile both that dominant engine and its transmission are being continually improved. Gains in engine efficiency are coming from faster burning rates, reduced friction and pumping losses, higher specific output, and better powertrain matching. The advent of on–board electronic control is facilitating these advancements.
Accountability in Networked Governance: Learning from a case of landscape-scale forest conservation

Despite incredible strides in transboundary collaborative conservation, many challenges remain. A networked governance approach recognizes a diverse pool of participants, linkages across multiple levels of organization and the diffusion of authority horizontally across spatial scales. Much is understood about the basic form and function of networked governance, namely the ways in which it overcomes weaknesses of traditional hierarchical structures, but less is known about the democratic quality of newer forms of governance. There are implications for traditional forms of accountability for the practice of network governance. They are not lost but their dimensions are changed, hinging less on punishment and more on reward. To examine this dynamic, we use a mixed-methods approach and grounded theory to explore the social relationships that make up a conservation network in the United States and Canada. Interview analysis from the Roundtable on the Crown of the Continent suggests that accountability comes through authentic engagement, is based on a ‘logic of appropriateness’ rooted in normative persuasion and still draws from traditional hierarchy. Social network analysis shows positions of brokerage and bridging help to maintain network connections between actors. Leveraging these characteristics of the network and the relationships formed through the process of landscape forest governance, we suggest there may be an overall net gain in accountability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment