cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medidas de autocuidado y genotipificación del virus papiloma humano en mujeres de la unidad de patología cervical, Hospital Carlos Van Buren

Objetivo: Identificar las caracteristicas biosociales, medidas de autocuidado y genotipoficacion del virus papiloma humano en mujeres con papanicolaou alterado en la primera consulta de la Unidad Patologia Cervical, Hospital Carlos Van Buren, Valparaiso, 2013. Material y metodo: Cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal. Aprobada por Comite Etico-Cientifico. Muestra de 50 mujeres que previa firma de consentimiento informado, se les aplico un cuestionario y se les tomo muestras cervicales para genotipificacion VPH con tecnica PCR e Hibridacion. Resultados: 26% con edad entre 25-34 anos, 58% tiene a lo menos cuarto medio, 66% tuvieron primera relacion sexual entre los 15-19 anos, 48% presentaron test positivos para VPH alto riesgo, 26% tiene antecedentes de otras infecciones de transmision sexual, 26% no se realiza el Pap de forma regular y 90% no utiliza preservativo. Discusion: Conocer algunas caracteristicas biosociales de la poblacion permite examinar estrategias gubernamentales en la prevencion de la adquisicion del VPH y por ende del desarrollo de cancer cervicouterino, como son: educacion sexual, estilos de vida saludables, estrategias para adhesion a la toma del Pap, entre otras. Ademas se hace necesario ampliar estudios e investigaciones en estos temas que permitan contribuir en la vida sexual de la mujer y de la sociedad.
High energy nuclear collisions from QCD at small Bjorken x

A hadron or nucleus at high energy is a dense many-body system of gluons. The Color Glass Condensate (CGC) is an effective theory of QCD at small Bjorken x which incorporates the high gluon density effects. After a brief introduction to the Color Glass Condensate formalism we apply it to high energy collisions.
Hyperbolic 3-manifolds in the 2000's

The first decade of the 2000’s has seen remarkable progress in the theory of hyperbolic 3-manifolds. We report on some of these developments. Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 57M50; Secondary 20F65, 30F40, 51M10, 51M25, 57N10, 57S05.
Promoting the value of precision medicine to the public: the power of story telling

The Genetics Home Reference has defined ‘precision medicine’ as ‘an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment, and ...
Hemodialysis Requirements of CAPD Patients

A restrospective review of the need for hemodialysis among 97 patients treated by CAPD was undertaken. After 1 year, 36% had required hemodialysis, after 2 years 52%, and after 3 years 76%, 25% permanently transferring to hemodialysis. Older and Black patients required hemodialysis more often than others. The most frequent reasons for instituting hemodialysis were peritonitis, catheter tunnel infections, technical catheter problems and dialysate leaks. Vascular access was usually achieved by percutaneous catheters but it is recommended that patients who require two or more periods of acute hemodialysis should have a permanent angioaccess.
Geographic Variation and Subspecific Status of the Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus)

There has been some debate in the scientific literature on whether or not two subspecies of the swamp rabbit, Sylvilagus aquaticus aquaticus and S. a. littoralis, exist. The latter subspecies is believed to be restricted to habitats along the coast line of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The objectives of this research were to record a standard set of cranial measurements from voucher specimens of the swamp rabbit that are housed in natural history collections and use multivariate statistics to assess the degree of geographic variation among populations throughout Louisiana. Morphological variation was assessed by taking 26 cranial measurements with a digital caliper and rounded to the nearest 0.01 mm. We performed analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the extent of secondary sexual variation and a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to detect differences in morphological variation among sampling units. Our results indicated no significant secondary sexual variation between male and...
A novel perineal shield for low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To study the impact on radiation exposure to staff through the use of an original perineal shield during low-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a 1 mm thick stainless steel shield that duplicates and is able to slide directly over a standard commercialized prostate brachytherapy grid. We then analyzed the post-procedure exposure in 15 consecutive patients who underwent Iodine-125 seed placement. Measurements were performed with and without the shield in place at fixed locations relative to the grid template. Endpoints were analyzed using the paired two-sample t-test, with statistical significance defined as a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: The exposure at the midline grid template ranged from 0.144-0.768 mSv/hr without the shield, and 0.038-0.144 mSv/hr with the shield (p < 0.0001). The exposure 10 cm left of the grid template was 0.134-0.576 mSv/hr without the shield, and 0.001-0.012 mSv/hr with the shield (p < 0.0001). The exposure 10 cm right of the grid template was 0.125-0.576 mSv/hr without the shield, and 0.001-0.012 mSv/hr with the shield (p < 0.0001). The median reduction of exposure at the grid was 76% midline, 98.5% left, and 99% right. Similarly, each individual dose rate was recorded at 25 cm from the perineum, both with and without shield. The median reduction of exposure 25 cm from the perineum was 73.7% midline, 77.7% left and 81.6% right (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our novel shield took seconds to install and was non-restrictive during the procedure, and provided at least a four-fold reduction in radiation exposure to the brachytherapist.
Extracting and analyzing ejection fraction values from electronic echocardiography reports in a large health maintenance organization

The left ventricular ejection fraction value is an important prognostic indicator of cardiovascular outcomes including morbidity and mortality and is often used clinically to indicate severity of heart disease. However, it is usually reported in free-text echocardiography reports. We developed and validated a computerized algorithm to extract ejection fraction values from echocardiography reports and applied the algorithm to a large volume of unstructured echocardiography reports between 1995 and 2011 in a large health maintenance organization. A total of 621,856 echocardiography reports with a description of ejection fraction values or systolic functions were identified, of which 70 percent contained numeric ejection fraction values and the rest (30%) were text descriptions explicitly indicating the systolic left ventricular function. The 12.1 percent (16.0% for male and 8.4% for female) of these extracted ejection fraction values are <45 percent. Validation conducted based on a random sample of 200 reports yielded 95.0 percent sensitivity and 96.9 percent positive predictive value.
Handling bad or missing smart meter data through advanced data imputation

Smart meters and other the modern distribution measurement devices provide new and more data, but usually they are subject to longer delays and lower reliability than transmission system SCADA. Accurate and robust use of the modern distribution system measurements will be a cornerstone of the future advanced distribution management systems. This paper presents a novel and computationally efficient data processing method for imputing bad and missing load power measurements to create full power consumption data sets. The imputed data periods have a continuous profile with respect to the adjacent available measurements, which is a highly desirable feature for time-series (power flow) analyses. The method is shown to be superior in accuracy to a utility best practice approach. Our simulations use actual AMI data collected from 128 smart meters on the Georgia Tech campus.
Anti-aging drugs reduce hypothalamic inflammation in a sex-specific manner.

Summary Aging leads to hypothalamic inflammation, but does so more slowly in mice whose lifespan has been extended by mutations that affect GH/IGF-1 signals. Early-life exposure to GH by injection, or to nutrient restriction in the first 3 weeks of life, also modulate both lifespan and the pace of hypothalamic inflammation. Three drugs extend lifespan of UM-HET3 mice in a sex-specific way: acarbose (ACA), 17-α-estradiol (17αE2), and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), with more dramatic longevity increases in males in each case. In this study, we examined the effect of these anti-aging drugs on neuro-inflammation in hypothalamus and hippocampus. We found that age-associated hypothalamic inflammation is reduced in males but not in females at 12 months of age by ACA and 17αE2 and at 22 months of age in NDGA-treated mice. The three drugs blocked indices of hypothalamic reactive gliosis associated with aging, such as Iba-1-positive microglia and GFAP-positive astrocytes, as well as age-associated overproduction of TNF-α. This effect was not observed in drug-treated female mice or in the hippocampus of the drug-treated animals. On the other hand, caloric restriction (CR; an intervention that extends the lifespan in both sexes) significantly reduced hypothalamic microglia and TNF-α in both sexes at 12 months of age. Together, these results suggest that the extent of drug-induced changes in hypothalamic inflammatory processes is sexually dimorphic in a pattern that parallels the effects of these agents on mouse longevity and that mimics the changes seen, in both sexes, of long-lived nutrient restricted or mutant mice.
Left ventricular assist device support as destination therapy in pediatric patients with end-stage heart failure

Abstract The development of ventricular assist devices to sustain the circulation represents one of the great achievements in the treatment of heart failure. Though early (1st generation) pulsatile devices required that patients remain hospitalized while on support, newer 2nd and 3rd generation continuous-flow (CF) devices have allowed for hospital discharge, expanding their use beyond bridge to transplantation to include permanent support. This indication, referred to as “destination therapy” is emerging as a viable alternative to heart transplantation in adults, and more recently, children. Though no formal indications exist for destination therapy in children, it may be considered in lieu of transplantation in patients with non-cardiac life-limiting comorbidities, severe pulmonary hypertension, obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m 2 ), recurrent malignancy, or if it is their preference. One group for whom DT may be most appropriate is those with advanced dystrophinopathies for whom post-transplant outcomes remain poor. Outpatient management of the pediatric destination therapy patient requires close monitoring by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, nutritionists, and psychologists. Because destination therapy in children remains quite rare, little is known about long-term outcomes in this population, though studies of children supported as outpatients as a bridge to transplantation suggest that survival is excellent and functional status improves post-implantation. As ventricular assist devices continue to develop, the future will not only include application of this technology to a more diverse group of patients, but the additional challenge of supporting patients for increasingly longer durations, managing late complications, and facilitating improvements in quality of life.
Understanding literature reviews: Implications for music therapy

ABSTRACTSocial science and health care researchers, including music therapy researchers, have conducted various types of literature reviews; these types have largely been understood as either traditional or systematic reviews. However, authors, both within and outside of music therapy, have used mixed terminology, provided questionable rationales for categorization, disagreed about categorization, or used ambiguous language to describe broad review methodologies. As an alternative to categorization, one could view literature review processes and methodologies from the standpoint of historical development and methodological value; each methodology answers different types of questions through review’s characteristics. The purpose of this article is to present a comprehensive overview of literature review processes and methodologies by (a) describing the general purposes of narrow and broad literature reviews, (b) providing a historical overview of broad reviews, and (c) describing broad review methodologies...
Identification of regenerative roadblocks via repeat deployment of limb regeneration in axolotls

Axolotl salamanders are powerful models for understanding how regeneration of complex body parts can be achieved, whereas mammals are severely limited in this ability. Factors that promote normal axolotl regeneration can be examined in mammals to determine if they exhibit altered activity in this context. Furthermore, factors prohibiting axolotl regeneration can offer key insight into the mechanisms present in regeneration-incompetent species. We sought to determine if we could experimentally compromise the axolotl's ability to regenerate limbs and, if so, discover the molecular changes that might underlie their inability to regenerate. We found that repeated limb amputation severely compromised axolotls' ability to initiate limb regeneration. Using RNA-seq, we observed that a majority of differentially expressed transcripts were hyperactivated in limbs compromised by repeated amputation, suggesting that mis-regulation of these genes antagonizes regeneration. To confirm our findings, we additionally assayed the role of amphiregulin, an EGF-like ligand, which is aberrantly upregulated in compromised animals. During normal limb regeneration, amphiregulin is expressed by the early wound epidermis, and mis-expressing this factor lead to thickened wound epithelium, delayed initiation of regeneration, and severe regenerative defects. Collectively, our results suggest that repeatedly amputated limbs may undergo a persistent wound healing response, which interferes with their ability to initiate the regenerative program. These findings have important implications for human regenerative medicine.
Night-Roosting Behaviors for the Northern Long-Eared Myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) Under a Bridge Revealed by Time-Lapse Photography

The northern long-eared myotis (Myotis septentrionalis) occurs across much of eastern North America and is listed as federally threatened in the United States due to pervasive population declines. Limited data are available about roosting behaviors for this imperiled species. We report on night-roosting behaviors for the northern long-eared myotis under a bridge in northwestern Nebraska. Grooming, short visits, and feeding were the most frequently observed behaviors. Grooming, inactivity, and nursing had the longest durations, albeit all averaged <15 min per event. We also documented movement and urination infrequently. Prey manipulation associated with feeding was a frequent behavior and consisted of individuals facing upward or downward, culling wings, elytra, and legs of large prey items. When facing upward wing and tail membranes formed a cup against the abutment wall that likely limited loss of prey. Individuals used the bridge throughout the night but roosted most frequently at 4 and 8 h after sunset (00:15 and 04:15 h, respectively), with early morning activity dominated by feeding/prey manipulation. Our study showed night roosts were used frequently for many reasons, especially for grooming and consumption of large prey. Our observations represent the first description of night-roosting behaviors for the northern long-eared myotis.
Permeability problems encountered when treating conidia of neurospora crassa with RNA synthesis inhibitors.

Abstract Conidia of Neurospora crassa were treated with three inhibitors of RNA synthesis. These cells are impermeable to actinomycin D and alpha-amanitin. To overcome this problem, the cells were treated with EDTA. It was found that EDTA prevents the uptake of radioactive RNA precursors, resulting in an apparent inhibition of RNA synthesis. Evidence is also presented that the inhibitor, proflavine, may alter permeability of conidia.
In Vivo Voltammetric Evidence that D-Amphetamine and Phenethylamine Release Ascorbic Acid into Striatal Extracellular Fluid

Our laboratory uses the techniques of in vivo voltammetry and in vivo brain dialysis to measure changes in the extracellular concentrations of brain neurotransmitters, neurotransmitter metabolites and other compounds of interest. A typical in vivo striatal, linear sweep voltammogram consists of four distinct current peaks. The first peak, occurring at an applied voltage of about +0.12 volts vs an Ag/AgCl reference, results primarily from the oxidation of ascorbic acid with a smaller contribution from 3,4,-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid and still less from the oxidation of dopamine. The height of the peak reflects the concentrations of these molecules at the tip of the graphite-paste working electrode. Changes in the height of this peak are proportional to changes in the extracellular concentrations of one or more of these unresolved constituants. in vivo brain dialysis, while employing a larger and less biocompatible probe, does not have the same problem with resolving these or other compounds since the probe physically removes a sample of extracellular fluid for laboratory analysis by whatever assay method is appropriate.
Budget Impact Analysis

Budget impact analysis is designed to determine affordability of new healthcare interventions or as an implementation tool for newly reimbursed interventions. There are three main methods that have been used to estimate the budget impact: (1) the cost calculator approach; (2) Markov or state transition models; and (3) simulation models. For all methods, the primary estimate is the change in annual population costs associated with adding the new healthcare intervention to the treatment mix. Annual changes in resource use or population health outcomes may also be estimated.
Narrow Bandgap Semiconductor Devices

A review of past and current research on electronic devices based on the modulation of the surface potential of depletion, accumulation or inversion layers of bulk or thin film elemental or compound semiconductors whose fundamental bandgaps, Eg < 1 eV, reveals that the characteristics of the semi conductor-gate insulator interfaces determine, to a large extent, their charge carrier transport properties; in the case of metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures the energy levels, density and capture cross-sections of interface states as well as the type, density and spatial distribution of traps within the iasulator affect their DC drain current stability, their transconductance and their gain-bandwidth products. At this time, semiconductor-quasi-insulator-semiconductor heterostructures have superior properties compared to MIS structures and most of the MIS-related problems are also absent in modulation-doped two-dimensional electron gas heterojunction structures.
Molecular dynamics investigation of grain boundaries and surfaces in U3Si2

Abstract Uranium-silicide (U-Si) fuels are being pursued as a possible accident tolerant fuel (ATF). This uranium alloy benefits from higher thermal conductivity and higher fissile density compared to uranium dioxide (UO2). In order to perform engineering scale nuclear fuel performance simulations, the material properties of the fuel must be known. Currently, the experimental data available for U-Si fuels is rather limited. Thus, multi-scale modeling efforts are underway to address this gap in knowledge. Interfaces play a critical role in the microstructural evolution of nuclear fuel under irradiation, acting both as sinks for point defects and as preferential nucleation sites for fission gas bubbles. In this study, a semi-empirical modified Embedded-Atom Method (MEAM) potential is utilized to investigate grain boundaries and free surfaces in U3Si2. The interfacial energy as a function of temperature is investigated for ten symmetric tilt grain boundaries, eight unique free surfaces and voids of radius up to 35 A. The point defect segregation energy for both U and Si interstitials and vacancies is also determined for two grain boundary orientations. Finally, the entropy change and free energy change for grain boundaries is calculated as a function of temperature. This is the first study into grain boundary properties of U-Si nuclear fuel.
CHAPTER 23 – Dendritic cells in the context of skin immunity

This chapter focuses on morphological aspects, phenotype, and functions of the population of Langerhans cells and dendritic cells (DCs) resident in the skin. Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) are leukocytes, originated from bone marrow progenitors that colonize the skin after leaving the peripheral blood circulation. Upon entering the skin, resident epidermal LCs and DDCs remain as resting cell populations until a “danger signal” induces their activation and mobilization to draining lymph nodes. LCs and DDCs constitute migratory cell populations. They arrive in the dermis possibly as an immature precursor from peripheral blood and reside as immature cells in the epidermis or in dermis until a stimulatory signal is able to induce their migration. During this migratory cycle, LCs differentially modulate adhesion molecules that allow their interaction with other cells or with extracellular matrix proteins. DCs or their precursors need to attach to endothelial cells and then migrate through the endothelial wall to migrate from peripheral blood into the skin. Some adhesion molecules such as ICAM-2 are expressed constitutively by endothelial cells, but most of the molecules related to leukocyte migration are upregulated by proinflammatory cytokines.
Classics Revisited: “The evolution of nests and nest-building in birds”, by Dr Nicholas E Collias (1964) American Zoologist 4(2): 175–190:

Although one of the most studied organisms in other disciplines, the role of birds as zoogeomorphic agents has been somewhat overlooked in geography literature. Bird nests serve as a manifestation ...
Making Music Composing Easier for Amateurs: A Hybrid Machine Learning Approach

Creating your own musical pieces is one of the most attractive ways to enjoy music. However, many musically untrained people lack the basic musical skills to do so. In this paper, we seek to explore how machine learning algorithms can enable musically untrained users to create their own music.
Hydrogen Storage Properties of New Hydrogen-Rich BH3NH3-Metal Hydride (TiH2, ZrH2, MgH2, and/or CaH2) Composite Systems

Ammonia borane (AB = NH3BH3) is one of the most attractive materials for chemical hydrogen storage due to its high hydrogen contents of 19.6 wt. %; however, impurity levels of borazine, ammonia, and diborane in conjunction with foaming and exothermic hydrogen release calls for finding ways to mitigate the decomposition reactions. In this paper we present a solution by mixing AB with metal hydrides (TiH2, ZrH2, MgH2, and CaH2) which can control impurity levels impurity levels from AB upon decomposition. The composite materials were prepared by mechanical ball milling, and their H2 release properties were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The formation of volatile products from decomposition side reactions, such as borazine (N3B3H6) was determined by mass spectrometry (MS). Sieverts type pressure–composition–temperature (PCT) gas–solid reaction instrument was adopted to observe the kinetics of the H2 release reactions of the combined systems and n...
Alkali earth ratios differentiate conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon brine contamination

The large increase in unconventional shale gas extraction has raised concerns about potential water contamination from leaks and spills. Shale gas produced water is challenging to detect in areas impacted by legacy contamination, particularly from conventional sources. Previous studies have proposed combinations of Br, SO4, Ba, Cl, and other more specialized stable isotope systems to delineate shale gas produced water from 1) non-impacted waters and 2) other sources of water contamination. In general, the efforts that rely on relatively simple chemistry do not allow differentiation between conventional and unconventional brine chemistry. We examined variations in Ca/Mg and Ca/Sr ratios that seem to arise from variation in temperature with depth, to differentiate among conventional brines, unconventional brines, and non-impacted waters. This approach was applied to four sedimentary basins in the USGS produced water database: Williston, Michigan, Appalachian, and the Green River basin. In addition, the utility of the system was demonstrated with field samples taken during periods of known unconventional brine releases to surface waters. The Ca/Mg and Ca/Sr ratios allow distinction among these three water types in all basins, suggesting a relatively simple and direct way to evaluate water chemistries in landscapes dominated by unconventional shale gas extraction.
IGF Binding Protein 2 Supports the Cycling of Hematopoietic Stem Cells.

Abstract Abstract 1604 Previously we identified IGFBP2 as an extrinsic factor that supports ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The role of IGFBP2 in HSCs and cancer is very intriguing. IGFBP2 can bind to insulin-like growth factor (IGF) ligands and displays IGF-dependent growth inhibitory effects on many cell types. On the other hand, IGFBP2 is capable of stimulating growth of certain cancer cells, and is overexpressed in many cancer patients and its expression is correlated with cancer progression. Here we sought to study the role of IGFBP2 in regulation of the activity of normal HSCs. We showed that IGFBP2 was expressed in differentiated hematopoietic cells and bone marrow stroma but not in HSCs. Consistent with its gene expression pattern, IGFBP2-/- HSCs had similar repopulation activity as their wild-type counterparts. By contrast, when we transplanted HSCs into IGFBP2-/- or wild-type recipient mice, we found decreased in vivo repopulation of HSCs in primary and secondary transplanted IGFBP2-/- recipients, suggesting that the environmental IGFBP2 positively supports HSC activity. Further co-culture of HSCs with IGFBP2-/- or wild-type bone marrow stromal cells indicated that IGFBP2 produced by bone marrow stroma indeed supports HSC expansion. Consistently, HSCs in IGFBP2-/- mice showed decreased frequency and cell cycling, and had upregulated expression of cell cycle inhibitors of p21, p16, and p19. To determine whether IGFBP2's effect on HSCs depends on IGF signaling, we compared the repopulation of donor cells deficient for the IGF type I receptor in wild-type and IGFBP2-/- recipients. These HSCs that are defective in IGF signaling still have decreased repopulation in IGFBP2-/- recipients, suggesting that the environmental effect of IGFBP2 on HSCs is independent of IGF signaling. To identify the functional domain of IGFBP2 in regulation of HSC activity, we constructed IGFBP2 with mutated RGD domain or deleted c-terminus and used the mutant IGFBP2 proteins in ex vivo culture of HSCs. We found that the c-terminus of IGFBP2 is essential to support HSC activity. We are currently in the process of identifying the potential receptor of IGFBP2 on HSCs. In summary, we found that IGFBP2 supports the cycling of normal HSCs, and this effect is independent of IGF signaling. Our study is important in revealing the relationship among environmental cues and cell fates of stem cells and opens up a new avenue in investigation of the roles of IGFBP2 in stem cells and cancer. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Multiple Sclerosis Tremor: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on multiple sclerosis (MS)-tremor, as measured by a normalized scale of tremor severity, with a meta-analysis of the published literature. METHODS Medline and EBSCO Host (January, 1998 to June, 2018) were systematically reviewed with librarian guidance, using the keywords "Deep brain stimulation" and "multiple sclerosis." Bibliographies and experts in the field were also consulted to identify missed articles. All therapeutic studies on DBS for MS-tremor, reported in the English language, within the study period were included. Papers that reported outcomes without a measure of central tendency and/or distribution were excluded. The papers were read in their entirety and graded for risk of bias according to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) standards. To maximize statistical power, papers using different stimulation targets were grouped together. Outcomes were reported with the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin scale (FTM), the Bain-Finchley scale (CRS) and 3- and 4-point tremor severity scales and normalized with a Hedges g. RESULTS The search produced 13 studies suitable for meta-analysis. The random-effects meta-analysis showed that DBS improved the Hedges standardized mean tremor score by 2.86 (95%CI 2.03-3.70, p < .00001). Heterogeneity was high, with an I2 of 84%, suggesting that random effects model is more appropriate. Adverse event rates varied from 8% to 50%. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis provides level III evidence that DBS may improve MS-related tremor as measured by standardized tremor severity scales.
Hyper Mobility and Low Back Pain in the Athletic Population

Objectives: It is important to recognize any risk factors for the development of injuries in the athletic population. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between joint hyper mobility and low back pain in Iranian hyper mobile and non-hyper mobile athletes. Methods: 50 athletic patients with low back pain (age=23.20±12.79 years) and 51 healthy athletes (age=24.28± 13.70) from Iranian athletic teams were screened for hyper mobility using the Beighton score (0-9, with higher scores indicating increasing hyper mobility). The athletes’ profiles, medical histories and chosen sport were collected by means of a questionnaire. Results: The mean (SD) Beighton score in females with low back pain and healthy subjects were 5.07±2.30 and 4.93±1.79 respectively. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups (p=0.54). The mean (SD) Beighton score in males with low back pain was also higher (5.11±1.72) than in healthy subjects (4.36±1.82). However, the result of an independent t test showed no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.07). Discussion: Further studies are needed to determine the effects of hyper mobility on low back kinematics and injuries in different sport types.
Why Do You Do the Things You Do? Clemency for Battered Incarcerated Women, A Decade's Review

This article examines the executive power of granting clemency, particularly in cases involving battered women who kill their abusers. Beginning with an overview of the use of the pardon power by President Clinton at the end of his term, the article then covers clemency granted by the governor of Ohio to 28 battered women in the 1990s. Other governors' use of clemency in cases of battered incarcerated women is also discussed. Finally, the article looks at recidivism in the cases of the Ohio women granted clemency.
Let’s Break the Tension

Abstract A 14-year-old healthy male adolescent presented to the emergency department with a 1-month history of vomiting and was found to have severe hypertension secondary to renal failure. After a prolonged hospitalization and extensive workup his ultimate diagnosis was revealed. This case highlights the etiology and workup of hypertension as well as differential of hypertension and renal failure in the adolescent population.
KEYNOTE-407: changing the way we treat stage IV squamous non-small cell lung cancer

Patients with stage IV squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were historically treated with first-line platinum-based therapy. Median overall survival (OS) with these regimens was 10–12 months and 5-year OS was estimated at 2% (1,2). Standard of care for patients with squamous NSCLC who developed progressive disease on platinum-based doublets was either (I) docetaxel with or without ramucirumab or (II) gemcitabine (3,4). Subsequently, four randomized phase III trials demonstrated significant improvements in survival when compared to docetaxel for patients receiving monotherapy with a programmed death-1 (PD-1) axis inhibitor (5-8). As a result, PD-1 axis inhibitors became the preferred second-line therapy after development of progressive disease on a platinum-based doublet. Immune checkpoint inhibitors were then evaluated as initial treatment in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy. The PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab added to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy demonstrated superior objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and OS in non-squamous NSCLC (9). Similarly, three phase III trials evaluated the addition of an immune checkpoint inhibitor to platinum-based doublets in advanced squamous NSCLC (10-13). The cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibitor ipilimumab combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel did not result in improved PFS or OS when compared to chemotherapy alone (10). IMpower131 evaluated the addition of the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitor atezolizumab to carboplatin plus nab-paclitaxel. IMpower131 demonstrated a PFS benefit for the addition of atezolizumab, but no OS benefit (11,12). KEYNOTE-407, which is the focus of this editorial commentary, evaluated the addition of pembrolizumab to carboplatin plus taxane. KEYNOTE-407 demonstrated an improvement in both PFS and OS for the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy (13).
Smart Infrastructure for Future Urban Mobility

Real-time traffic signal control presents a challenging multiagent planning pro­blem, particularly in urban road networks where, unlike simpler arterial settings, there are competing dominant traffic flows that shift through the day. Further complicating matters, urban environments require attention to multimodal traffic flows (vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, buses) that move at different speeds and may be given different priorities. For the past several years, my research group has been developing and refining a real-time, adaptive traffic signal control system to address these challenges, referred to as scalable urban traffic control (Surtrac). Combining principles from automated planning and scheduling, multiagent systems, and traffic theory, Surtrac treats traffic signal control as a decentralized online planning process. In operation, each intersection repeatedly generates and executes (in rolling horizon fashion) signal-timing plans that optimize the movement of currently sensed approaching traffic through the intersection. Each time a new plan is produced (nominally every couple of seconds), the intersection communicates to its downstream neighbors what traffic it expects to send their way, allowing intersections to construct longer horizon plans and achieve coordinated behavior. Initial evaluation of Surtrac in the field has demonstrated significant performance improvements, and the technology is now deployed and operating in several U.S. cities. More recent work has focused on integrating real-time adaptive signal control with emerging connected vehicle technology, and exploration of the opportunities for enhanced mobility that direct vehicle (or pedestrian) to infrastructure communication can provide. Current technology development efforts center on vehicle route sharing, smart transit priority, safe intersection crossing for pedestrians with disabilities, real-time incident detection, and integrated optimization of signal control and route choice decisions. This article provides an overview of this overall research effort.
Longitudinal optical imaging technique to visualize progressive axonal damage after brain injury in mice reveals responses to different minocycline treatments.

A high-resolution, three-dimensional, optical imaging technique for the murine brain was developed to identify the effects of different therapeutic windows for preclinical brain research. This technique tracks the same cells over several weeks. We conducted a pilot study of a promising drug to treat diffuse axonal injury (DAI) caused by traumatic brain injury, using two different therapeutic windows, as a means to demonstrate the utility of this novel longitudinal imaging technique. DAI causes immediate, sporadic axon damage followed by progressive secondary axon damage. We administered minocycline for three days commencing one hour after injury in one treatment group and beginning 72 hours after injury in another group to demonstrate the method’s ability to show how and when the therapeutic drug exerts protective and/or healing effects. Fewer varicosities developed in acutely treated mice while more varicosities resolved in mice with delayed treatment. For both treatments, the drug arrested development of new axonal damage by 30 days. In addition to evaluation of therapeutics for traumatic brain injury, this hybrid microlens imaging method should be useful to study other types of brain injury and neurodegeneration and cellular responses to treatment.
Graph theory approach to determine configurations of multidentate and high coverage adsorbates for heterogeneous catalysis

Heterogeneous catalysts constitute a crucial component of many industrial processes, and to gain an understanding of the atomic-scale features of such catalysts, ab initio density functional theory is widely employed. Recently, growing computational power has permitted the extension of such studies to complex reaction networks involving either high adsorbate coverages or multidentate adsorbates, which bind to the surface through multiple atoms. Describing all possible adsorbate configurations for such systems, however, is often not possible based on chemical intuition alone. To systematically treat such complexities, we present a generalized Python-based graph theory approach to convert atomic scale models into undirected graph representations. These representations, when combined with workflows such as evolutionary algorithms, can systematically generate high coverage adsorbate models and classify unique minimum energy multidentate adsorbate configurations for surfaces of low symmetry, including multi-elemental alloy surfaces, steps, and kinks. Two case studies are presented which demonstrate these capabilities; first, an analysis of a coverage-dependent phase diagram of absorbate NO on the Pt3Sn(111) terrace surface, and second, an investigation of adsorption energies, together with identifying unique minimum energy configurations, for the reaction intermediate propyne (CHCCH3*) adsorbed on a PdIn(021) step surface. The evolutionary algorithm approach reproduces high coverage configurations of NO on Pt3Sn(111) using only 15% of the number of simulations required for a brute force approach. Furthermore, the screening of potentially hundreds of multidentate adsorbates is shown to be possible without human intervention. The strategy presented is quite general and can be applied to a spectrum of complex atomic systems.
Patient-Reported Outcomes in Sinonasal and Skull Base Malignancy: An Assessment of Study Quality and Clinical Relevance.

BackgroundSinonasal and skull base malignancies can cause significant adverse effects on functional status and survival.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to systematically review the published li...
Demystifying the Kitchen: A Collaborative Interdisciplinary Study of Science in the Kitchen

Science in the Kitchen engages students in course work through the merger, implementation, and practical application of two distinct subjects from diverse disciplines into a single course. The course offers an independent approach to a cooperative effort with strong team-teaching influences in the building of content, course management, pedagogy, and professional development. The collaboration and student learning outcomes are further enhanced with the addition of two high-impact practices: collaborative assignments and undergraduate research. An interdisciplinary course often requires sustained efforts from faculty to address the unique nature of the course. This chapter highlights the advantages and recognizes disadvantages from this rich interdisciplinary combination of student learning, pedagogy, and faculty professional growth.
Characteristics of Vibrio vulnificus isolates from clinical and environmental sources.

Abstract Researchers have developed multiple methods to characterize clinical and environmental strains of Vibrio vulnificus. The aim of our study was to use four assays to detect virulence factors in strains from infected patients and those from surface waters/sediments/oysters of South Carolina and the Gulf of Mexico. Vibrio vulnificus strains from clinical (n = 81) and environmental (n = 171) sources were tested using three real-time PCR methods designed to detect polymorphisms in the 16S rRNA, vcg and pilF genes and a phenotypic method, the ability to ferment D-mannitol. Although none of the tests correctly categorized all isolates, the differentiation between clinical and environmental isolates was similar for the pilF, vcgC/E and 16S rRNA assays, with sensitivities of 74.1–79.2% and specificities of 77.4–82.7%. The pilF and vcgC/E assays are comparable in efficacy to the widely used 16S rRNA method, while the D-mannitol fermentation test is less discriminatory (sensitivity = 77.8%, specificity = 61.4%). Overall percent agreement for the D-mannitol fermentation method was also lower (66.7%) than overall percent agreement for the 3 molecular assays (78.0%–80.2%). This study demonstrated, using a large, diverse group of Vibrio vulnificus isolates, that three assays could be used to distinguish most clinical vs environmental isolates; however, additional assays are needed to increase accuracy.
Zombie Chevron: A Celebration

Chevron, U.S.A., Inc. v. National Resources Defense Council, Inc., the foundation for much of contemporary administrative law, is under siege. Several members of the Supreme Court have suggested that they would like to overrule it. Under standard principles of stare decisis, doing that would be a serious mistake. Even if Chevron was wrongly decided, overruling it would create an upheaval—a large shock to the legal system, producing a great deal of confusion, more conflicts in the courts of appeals, and far greater politicization of administrative law. For example: What would happen to the countless regulations that have been upheld under the Chevron framework? Would they be newly vulnerable? More fundamentally,, a predictable effect of overruling Chevron would be to ensure a far greater role for judicial policy preferences in statutory interpretation and far more common splits along ideological lines. There is also the question of reliance interests: For decades, Congress has legislated against the background set by Chevron, and the resulting statutes reflect an understanding that the Court’s framework will apply. Though the argument for overruling Chevron is unconvincing, its critics have legitimate concerns. Those concerns should be addressed by (1) insisting on a fully independent judicial role in deciding whether a statute is ambiguous at Step One; (2) invalidating arbitrary or unreasonable agency interpretations at Step Two; and (3) deploying canons of construction, including those that are designed to serve nondelegation functions and thus to cabin executive authority. The result would not quite be Zombie Chevron, but it would be close to that, and the most reasonable path forward.
Effect of PCM fraction and melting temperature on temperature stabilization of hybrid sensible/latent thermal energy storage system for sCO2 Brayton power cycle

Abstract In order to maximize the operational efficiency of a power cycle, it is desirable to maintain operation as close to the cycle’s design point as possible. For the supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle, this means a turbine inlet temperature of approximately 650 °C to 750 °C, depending on design, with a pressure of about 20–25 MPa. This work numerically explores the use of a hybrid sensible/latent heat thermal energy storage system intended to provide a stable discharge temperature of approximately 650 °C while maximizing the system’s exergy efficiency. Low-cost sensible heat storage in rocks provides the majority of the energy storage capacity, while relatively small fraction of phase change material at the top of the tank provides the temperature stabilization capability. The phase change materials (PCM) used are salts and their mixtures with melting temperatures between 657 and 680 °C, while the PCM quantity is varied from 0 to 100% by volume of the tank, with greater resolution at lower PCM fractions. It is found that 1) increasing the PCM fraction leads to longer stabilization durations but lower initial discharge temperatures; 2) increasing the melting temperature increases the stabilization temperature but reduces the stabilization duration; and 3) both effects 1 and 2 show diminishing returns.
Unique Characteristics of Sport Organizations

Organizational behavior is heavily influenced by internal factors such as organizational culture, size, and access to resources. External factors, including societal influences, politics, and employee identification, further alter how organizations interact with stakeholders, including employees and volunteers. This chapter defines and categorizes sport organizations as unique organizations and deserving of study within the broader management disciplines. As students read through this chapter, they will be introduced to important concepts which will be discussed throughout the remainder of this book.
Set4 coordinates the activity of histone deacetylases and regulates stress-responsive gene expression within subtelomeric regions in yeast

The yeast chromatin protein Set4 is a member of the Set3-subfamily of SET domain proteins which play critical roles in the regulation of gene expression in diverse developmental and environmental contexts, although they appear to lack methyltransferase activity. The molecular functions of Set4 are relatively unexplored, likely due to its low abundance in standard growth conditions. We previously reported that Set4 promotes survival during oxidative stress and regulates expression of stress response genes via stress-dependent chromatin localization. In this study, global gene expression analysis and investigation of histone modification status has revealed a role for Set4 in maintaining gene repressive mechanisms within yeast subtelomeres under both normal and stress conditions. We show that Set4 works in a partially overlapping pathway to the SIR complex and the histone deacetylase Rpd3 to maintain proper levels of histone acetylation and expression of stress response genes encoded in subtelomeres. This role for Set4 is particularly critical for cells under hypoxic conditions, and the loss of Set4 decreases cell fitness and cell wall integrity in hypoxia. These findings uncover a new regulator of subtelomeric chromatin that is key to stress defense pathways and demonstrate a function for yeast Set4 in regulating repressive, heterochromatin-like environments.
Maternal Nutrition and Developmental Programming of Male Progeny

Poor maternal nutrition can cause several maladaptive phenotypes in exposed offspring. While non-sex-specific and female-specific adaptations are well-documented, male-specific outcomes are still poorly understood. Of particular interest are the outcomes in bulls and rams, as developmental programming directly impacts long-term productivity of the animal as well as human food security. The following review discusses the impact of poor maternal dietary energy and protein on bull and ram developmental programming as it relates to growth, development, and reproductive capacity. The review also highlights the importance of the timing of maternal dietary insult, as early-, mid-, and late-gestational insults can all have varying effects on offspring.