cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time-resolved 3D Tracking of Individual Quantum Dot Labeled Proteins in Live Cells via Confocal Feedback

We have developed a microscope system that uses active feed-back to follow individual quantum dot labeled proteins moving in three dimensions in live cells at μm/s transport velocities with 100 picoseconds temporal resolution.
Desorption of Lead Adsorbed from Contaminated Water by Fishbone and Charred Spinach/Grape

Aims: We have studied the adsorption of lead onto many substrates such as biomaterials and inorganic adsorbents and found these substrates to have very high adsorptive capacities for lead. However, limited studies have reported desorption of lead adsorbed by these substrates under mechanical agitation and neutral pH conditions. The study reported here investigated not only the adsorption of lead from contaminated water by biomaterials such as fishbone from stock, salmon, and drum fish, and charred spinach and grapes) but also the bioavailability via desorption of the adsorbed lead when mechanically agitated with deionized water under neutral conditions. Place and Duration of Study: School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Dillard University, Between January 2013 and May 2013. Methodology: Fishbone and charred spinach and grapes were exposed to 1300 PPM lead solution under stirring at room temperature for 48 hrs. The amount of lead adsorbed by each bio-substrate was calculated by difference between control sample and residual Original Research Article British Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 4(10): 1566-1575, 2014 1567 lead in the supernatant from each substrate’s reaction vessel. Each exposed substrate was mechanically agitated with deionized water for 48 hr at room temperature. The amount of lead desorbed into the water was analyzed using EPA Method 6010 (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)). Results: The order of percent lead adsorption is Salmon Fishbone (99.9%) >Drum Fish bone (99.7%), > Stock Stock fishbone (86%)> Charred Grape (82% > Charred Spinach (44%) while the order of desorption is Charred grape (6.4%) > Drum fishbone (2%) ~ Charred Spinach (2%) > Salmon Fishbone (0.06%) > Stock Fishbone (0.017%). Conclusion: The data suggests that very little desorption of adsorbed lead on various substrates occurred and that there is varying lead-adsorption capabilities for various substrates. Furthermore, charring biomaterials diminishes their ability to adsorb lead from contaminated water.
Crossing the Line: Daubert, Dual Roles, and the Admissibility of Forensic Mental Health Testimony

Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals often testify as forensic experts in civil commitment and criminal competency proceedings. When an individual clinician assumes both a treatment and a forensic role in the context of a single case, however, that clinician forms a dual relationship with the patient — a practice that creates a conflict of interest and violates professional ethical guidelines. The court, the parties, and the patient are all affected by this conflict and the biased testimony that may result from dual relationships. When providing forensic testimony, the mental health professional’s primary duty is to the court, not to the patient, and she has an obligation to give objective and truthful testimony. But this testimony can result in the patient’s detention or punishment, a legal outcome that implicates the mental health professional’s corresponding obligation to “do no harm” to the patient. Moreover, the conflict of interest created by a dual relationship can affect the objectivity and reliability of forensic testimony.A dual clinical and forensic relationship with a single patient is contrary to quality patient care, and existing clinical and forensic ethical guidelines strongly discourage the practice. Notwithstanding the mental health community’s general consensus about the impropriety of the practice, many courts do not question the mental health professional’s ability to provide forensic testimony for a patient with whom she has a simultaneous clinical relationship. Moreover, some state statutes require or encourage clinicians at state-run facilities to engage in these multiple roles. This Article argues that the inherent conflict created by these dual roles does not provide a reliable basis for forensic mental health testimony under Federal Rule of Evidence 702 and should not be admitted as reliable expert testimony by courts. Because dual relationships are often initiated due to provider shortages and the unavailability of neutral forensic examiners, this Article will also discuss the use of telemedicine as a way to provide forensic evaluations in under served areas, especially those where provider shortages have prompted mental health professionals to engage in dual clinical and forensic roles. Finally, this Article argues that courts should exercise their powers more broadly under Federal Rule of Evidence 706 to appoint neutral and independent mental health experts to conduct forensic evaluations in civil commitment and criminal competency proceedings.
Preperitoneal Approach for Hernia Repair: Clinical Application in Pediatric Urology

The preperitoneal approach for inguinal hernia repair rarely is indicated in children. However, we report on its clinical usefulness for children in whom the perivesical space must be exposed, such as during surgical repair of bladder exstrophy, ureterocele and ureteral reimplantation. This approach allows for a true high ligation of the hernia sac, and the repair is safe, fast and effective.
Cardiac Imaging and Assessment of Left Ventricular Function

In patients with cardiac disease, assessment of left ventricular function is clinically one of the most important tasks for management, prognosis, and risk assessment. This article describes the use of cardiac imaging techniques including ventricular angiography, radionuclide angiography, and echocardiography for assessment of left ventricular function. The relative advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. In addition, cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are briefly described.
Development of a Research Methods and Statistics Concept Inventory

Research methods and statistics are core courses in the undergraduate psychology major. To assess learning outcomes, it would be useful to have a measure that assesses research methods and statisti...
The relationship between flow, performance, and emotion

Since the concept of flow was introduced to the sport science literature there has been constant debate over the operational significance of the term (Jackson, 2000). Is flow a state of optimal experience, optimal functioning, or both? In other words, does flow make you feel good, or does it help you to perform better in sport? Ten NCAA male tennis players rated themselves on various indicators of performance, emotion, and flow during competitive inter-squad matches. Forms were completed during each change of side. In total, 918 observations were obtained. Correlations were examined between flow and four valence-function categories of emotions (i.e., positive-functional, positive-dysfunctional, negative-functional, and negative-dysfunctional feelings). If flow is more indicative of optimal experience than performance, pleasant emotions should be more strongly related to flow than functional emotions. In particular, positive-dysfunctional states should correlate higher than negative-functional states. The following correlations were identified between flow and each feeling category: positive-functional ( r = .71), positive-dysfunctional ( r = -.03), negative-functional ( r = .38), and negative-dysfunctional ( r = -.23). Flow was more strongly correlated to functional feelings than it was to pleasant feelings. Flow and performance also correlated very strongly with one another ( r = .81). The results from this study offer robust support for the notion that flow is more performance-oriented than it is a state of optimal experience. Acknowledgments: Thank you to my advisor, Dr. Dan R. Gould, for his assistance with my dissertation.
Modulation bandwidth of a double tunneling-injection quantum dot laser: The upper limit and limiting factors

The modulation response in double tunneling-injection quantum dot lasers is analyzed. The highest possible modulation bandwidth and the effect of noninstantaneous pumping of quantum dots on the bandwidth are discussed.
Factors Associated with Sexual Dysfunction Symptoms among Veterans who Have Experienced Military Sexual Trauma

ABSTRACTAlthough military sexual trauma (MST) has been found to be associated with sexual dysfunction (SD), there is limited information about the demographic, health, and traumatic experience factors related to SD symptoms among veterans who have experienced MST. The current study surveyed a national sample of 2,002 U.S. veterans who had screened positive for MST. Relationship status, overall health, and antidepressant use were significantly related to the presence of SD symptoms. Analyses examining SD types demonstrated that different factors may contribute to different SD symptoms. Potential implications of these findings for clinical practice and sexual health research among veterans are discussed.
Abstract 14472: RNA Sequencing Analyses Reveal Eight miRNA/mRNA Pairs that may Mediate the Effects of Cocaine in Cardiovascular Diseases

Introduction: Cocaine abuse is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, remain elusive. Goal: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ...
Quantitative Analysis of 2D Echocardiography Images

Two-dimensional cardiac imaging provides an enormous amount of information that can be used to derive quantitative information about cardiac function. A videotape recording is made at a rate of 30 frames per second, so that, for a heart beating at a rate of 60 times per minute, one cardiac cycle amounts to 30 frames of video information. On each video stop-frame, the myocardium is defined by two lines: the epicardium and the endocardium. Therefore, at each stage of the cardiac cycle, two things can be identified: the size of the cavity contained by the endocardium and the thickness of the myocardial wall. We can compare the differences between diastole and systole, and thus estimate how much blood has been ejected or measure how much wall thickening has occurred, but this is information about regional function, derived from a single two-dimensional view of the heart. Global function can be assessed only by considering several views of the left ventricle with echocardiography, unless one can select a view that is fairly representative of global function. It is the echocardiographer who can make the first mistake, therefore, by his selection of an inappropriate 2D view, but having decided upon which part of the left ventricle should be examined, a videotape recording is then made, spanning several cardiac cycles.
The Molecular Biology of Kidney Cancer and Its Clinical Translation into Treatment Strategies

The most common histologic type of kidney cancer is clear cell renal carcinoma. Most clear cell renal carcinomas are linked to somatic inactivation of the von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor gene (VHL), either as a result of mutations or, less commonly, hypermethylation. The VHL gene product, pVHL, has multiple functions. The best understood function, and the one most tightly linked to renal carcinogenesis, is to serve as the substrate recognition component of an ubiquitin ligase complex that targets the HIFα transcription factor for destruction when tissue oxygenation is adequate. In hypoxic tumor cells, or in tumor cells lacking functional pVHL, HIFα becomes stabilized, binds to its partner protein HIFβ (also called ARNT), and transcriptionally activates ~100–200 genes that promote adaptation to hypoxia including the genes encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF B). This probably explains the neoangiogenesis that is typical of clear cell renal carcinomas and their sensitivity to drugs, such as sorafenib, sunitinib, and bevacizumab, that inhibit VEGF or its receptor KDR. In addition to pVHL, HIFα levels are also influenced by activity of the mTOR kinase. pVHL-defective tumor cells are sensitive to mTOR inhibitors in preclinical models and mTOR inhibitors have recently demonstrated activity in the clinic for the treatment of kidney cancer.
Nutrient-sensing kinase signaling in bovine immune cells is altered during the postpartum nutrient deficit: A possible role in transition cow inflammatory response.

ABSTRACT Transition dairy cows experience a nutrient deficit, particularly in the immediate postpartum period. At the same time, the inflammatory balance is altered and cows exhibit an immune response primed for inflammatory response rather than tolerance. The mechanistic link that might be underlying the immunological effects due to the lack in nutrients is not fully understood. Studies in other species demonstrate an orchestrating role of nutrient-sensing kinases in the determination of immune phenotypes and immune cell proliferation and differentiation. Our primary objective was to investigate changes in energy storage and signaling through the protein kinase B (AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTOR) pathway in bovine immune cells in the transition period, as well as the association with cytokine expression profiles. A secondary objective was to test if supplementation with branched-chain amino acids alone or in combination with oral propylene glycol had any effect on the measured parameters. To assess cellular energy storage, glycogen concentration was measured by an enzymatic-fluorometric method in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of multiparous Holstein cows (n = 72) at 3 time points in the transition period (21 d before, 7 and 28 d after calving). At the same time points, phosphorylation of proteins in the AKT/mTOR pathway was assessed by immunoblotting in PBMC from 60 animals. Whole-blood leukocyte cytokine gene expression of IL12B, IL6, IL1B, TNF, and IL10 was measured in samples from 50 animals by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR with and without stimulation of samples with 10 ng/mL of lipopolysaccharide. Compared with glycogen concentration of prepartum PBMC, glycogen concentration decreased by 37% on d 7 postpartum. The activation of AKT/mTOR in bovine PBMC postpartum was reduced compared with prepartum values. Results of reverse-transcription quantitative PCR showed an increase in cytokine gene expression postpartum compared with prepartum values. Supplementation with branched-chain amino acids alone or in combination with oral propylene glycol did not alter glycogen storage, AKT/mTOR activity, or inflammatory balance as assessed by the measured parameters in this study. We conclude that the nutrient deficit of the immediate postpartum period is sensed by bovine immune cells, and that it affects their energy storage as well as cellular signaling pathways postpartum. Temporal associations with changes in cytokine gene expression are intriguing and warrant further investigation of the role of this pathway as a possible link between metabolism and immune phenotype postpartum.
Efficient production of lignin-modifying enzymes and phenolics removal in submerged fermentation of olive mill by-products by white-rot basidiomycetes

Abstract The ability of seven distinct species of white-rot basidiomycetes (WRB) to produce lignin-modifying enzymes (LME) and reduce high phenolic content was assessed during submerged fermentation of oil mill by-products. Cerrena unicolor strains appeared to be the outstanding producers of laccase (56.3–78.5 U mL−1) and MnP (1.03–2.76 U mL−1) in the fermentation of olive pomace (OP), and laccase (26.9–93.8 U mL) in the fermentation of olive tree sawdust. Diluted 50% olive mill wastewater (OMW) can be used as a nutrient medium for laccase and MnP production but its supplementation with additional carbon and nitrogen sources and Cu2+ and Mn2= promoted the 3-, 28- and 18-fold increase of C. unicolor biomass and volumetric laccase and MnP activities, respectively, as well as 3- and 17-fold increase of Pleurotus ostreatus biomass and laccase activity, respectively. The tested fungi successfully reduced the phenolics content in the submerged fermentation of OP (72.0–81.3%) and OMW (62.4–83.5%). The laccase role in the OP phenolics reduction was proved through the treatment of 10% (wet weight) OP with commercial and lab-generated laccases preparations and reduction of total phenols by 66–70% during 24 h incubation. This work indicated that the olive mill by-products fermentation by individual substrate-specific WRB is an economically feasible and promising alternative for the simultaneous production of LME, cellulase, xylanase and detoxified materials suitable for further exploitation in biotechnological and agronomic applications.
Investigation of a Novel Continuously Rotating Knee Mechanism for Legged Robots

This paper presents a novel continuously rotating knee mechanism for legged robots. Specifically, the mechanism presented is used on NABi (Non-Anthropomorphic Biped). Legged robots with traditional humanoid design often have human-like leg configurations that require complex motion planning and high number of degrees of freedom for locomotion. NABi however, has a unique leg configuration that increases stability and balance while simplifying mechanical design and motion planning. A novel knee joint design that allows the robot's shin (tibia) to rotate a full 360 degrees continuously will allow the robot to walk over large obstacles such as a tall doorsill or climb stairs easily. In normal conditions, the robot uses a bipedal walking gait, however in certain scenarios, the rotating knees become beneficial. This paper presents the findings from the observations of a series of experiments performed for two specific example scenarios. Examples include going over a barrier (doorsill) and ascending stairs. With an initial plan to perform motion analysis and trajectory planning on the above locomotion types, we observe that careful planning and trajectory generation is not the optimum method to approach this problem. It is rather preferred to treat the locomotion method as a continuous motion that passively adjust based on variable factors such as robot geometry, torque output, and friction properties.
Vertebral body irradiation during chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer contributes to acute bone marrow toxicity

Background: Hematologic toxicity (HT) commonly occurs during chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for esophageal cancer. We sought to determine radiation doses that correlate with declines in blood counts due to vertebral body (VB) irradiation during CRT. Methods: We analyzed 53 esophageal cancer patients who were treated with weekly neoadjuvant carboplatin, paclitaxel and RT with weekly complete blood counts (CBC) available during treatment. HTs were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 (CTCAE v4.0). Dose volume histogram (DVH) parameters of Vx, defined as percentage of entire bony vertebra (body, pedicles, laminae, processes) receiving at least x Gy of radiation, were collected for VB V 5 (VBV 5 ), VBV 10 –VBV 60 in increments of 10, and mean vertebral dose (MVD). Linear and logistic regressions were performed to identify associations between leukopenia nadirs and DVH parameters. Receiver operator curves identified thresholds to avoid grade ≥3 leukopenia. Results: A proportion of 32.1% of patients (n=17) developed grade 3 leukopenia and 5.7% (n=3) developed grade 4 leukopenia. VBV 5 , VBV 10 , VBV 20 , VBV 30 , and MVD were significantly associated with worsening leukopenia on univariate and multivariate analysis. Associations with leukopenia were not seen with VBV 40 and VBV 50 DVH values. Thresholds to avoid grade ≥3 leukopenia were VBV 10 <49.1%, VBV 20 <45.6%, and MVD <17.2 Gy. Conclusions: VBV 5 , VBV 10 , VBV 20 , VBV 30 associate with leukopenia during CRT for esophageal cancer patients. Improved radiation sparing of the VB may decrease HT and may improve tolerability of concurrent chemotherapy and allow for intensification of systemic therapy during RT.
Radiation Training, Radiation Protection, and Fluoroscopy Utilization Practices Among US Therapeutic Endoscopists

Fluoroscopy use during ERCP exposes patients and providers to deleterious effects of radiation. Formal training in fluoroscopy/radiation protection is not widely emphasized during therapeutic endoscopy training, and radiation use during GI endoscopy has not previously been characterized in the USA. In this study, we evaluated radiation training, fluoroscopy use patterns, and radiation protection practices among US therapeutic endoscopists. An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to US therapeutic endoscopists, and responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. State-specific requirements for fluoroscopy utilization were determined from state radiologic health branches. A total of 159 endoscopists (response rate 67.8%) predominantly those working in university hospitals (69.2%) with > 5 years of experience performing ERCP (74.9%) completed the questionnaire. Although the majority of endoscopists (61.6%) reported that they personally controlled fluoroscopy during ERCP, most (56.6%) had not received training on operating their fluoroscopy system. Only a minority (18–31%) of all respondents reported consistently utilizing modifiable fluoroscopy system parameters that minimize patient radiation exposure (pulsed fluoroscopy, frame rate modification or collimation). Endoscopists appear to undertake adequate personal radiation protective measures although use of a dosimeter was not consistent in half of respondents. The majority of states (56.8%) do not have any stated requirement for certification of non-radiologist physicians who intend to operate fluoroscopy. Most US gastroenterologists performing ERCP have not received formal training in operating their fluoroscopy system or in minimizing radiation exposure to themselves and to their patients. Such formal training should be included in all therapeutic endoscopy training programs, and fluoroscopy system-specific training should be offered at all hospitals.
Predicting Reaction Products and Automating Reactive Trajectory Characterization in Molecular Simulations with Support Vector Machines.

A machine learning-based methodology for the prediction of chemical reaction products, along with automated elucidation of mechanistic details via phase space analysis of reactive trajectories, is ...
Abstract TP305: Patient Expectations and Physician Preferences of Informed Consent for tPA

Objective: To assess the optimal content and contextual parameters, based on patient and physician input, of the informed consent process for tPA in acute ischemic stroke patients. Background: Cons...
Monocytes and macrophages in atherogenesis.

Purpose of review Monocytes and macrophages are key players in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and dictate atherogenesis growth and stability. The heterogeneous nature of myeloid cells concerning their metabolic and phenotypic function is increasingly appreciated. This review summarizes the recent monocyte and macrophage literature and highlights how differing subsets contribute to atherogenesis. Recent findings Monocytes are short-lived cells generated in the bone marrow and released to circulation where they can produce inflammatory cytokines and, importantly, differentiate into long-lived macrophages. In the context of cardiovascular disease, a myriad of subtypes, exist with each differentially contributing to plaque development. Herein we describe recent novel characterizations of monocyte and macrophage subtypes and summarize the recent literature on mediators of myelopoiesis. Summary An increased understanding of monocyte and macrophage phenotype and their molecular regulators is likely to translate to the development of new therapeutic targets to either stem the growth of existing plaques or promote plaque stabilization.
Star Search: Do Elections Help Non‐Democratic Regimes Identify New Leaders?

A commonly proffered theory to explain the use of elections in authoritarian regimes is that they help identify talented young leaders who can be groomed for leadership positions. Unfortunately, due to the difficulties of obtaining data in authoritarian settings, this hypothesis has not been tested satisfactorily. We examine candidate-level data from the 2007 Vietnamese National Assembly (VNA) election and subsequent selection of candidates for top positions within the VNA and for top ministry positions. We find no evidence that vote share is associated with promotion to leadership positions in the VNA and only limited evidence for vote share association with ministerial posts. Instead, the results indicate that leadership selection takes place within the party rather than through elections. Furthermore, behavior within the assembly suggests that those who were chosen may have been selected based on their loyalty or at least pliancy to the party elites.
What Harriet Tubman and John Brown can teach us about abolishing ‘White men’:

This commentary argues that one path toward Natalie Oswin’s ‘An Other Geography’ is through abolishing the institution of ‘White men’. Like other oppressive institutions, ‘White men’ have produced ...
Planar Staining Technique for Photoresist Related Implantation Issue

Ion implantation process is a critical step in the microfabrication of thin film transistors. Defects due to the implantation process not only seriously degrade the performance of the devices, but also are hardly detected via traditional electron microscopic techniques alone, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and focused ion beam (FIB), etc. Wet chemical stain technique, such as junction stain, is an effective method to identify the defect area because of the different etching rates caused by ion implantation concentration. In this paper, a photoresist related implantation issue was reported, and a planar staining technique was developed to directly identify the defects from the suspected failure area by combining the junction stain and SEM techniques. More importantly, the planar staining technique for the photoresist related implantation issues is convenient, time-saving, and effective, as there is no need to prepare cross-section samples for SEM observation.
Algorithms and Contract Law

Generalist confusion about the technology behind complex algorithms has led to inconsistent case law for algorithmic contracts. Case law explicitly grounded in the principle that algorithms are constructive agents for the companies they serve would provide a clear basis for enforceability of algorithmic contracts that is both principled from a technological perspective and is readily intelligible and able to be applied by generalists.
Respiratory medium and circulatory anatomy constrain size evolution in marine macrofauna

The typical marine animal has increased in biovolume by more than two orders of magnitude since the beginning of the Cambrian, but the causes of this trend remain unknown. We test the hypothesis that the efficiency of intra-organism oxygen delivery is a major constraint on body-size evolution in marine animals. To test this hypothesis, we compiled a dataset comprising 13,723 marine animal genera spanning the Phanerozoic. We coded each genus according to its respiratory medium, circulatory anatomy, and feeding mode. In extant genera, we find that respiratory medium and circulatory anatomy explain more of the difference in size than feeding modes. Likewise, we find that most of the Phanerozoic increase in mean biovolume is accounted for by size increase in taxa that accomplish oxygen delivery through closed circulatory systems. During the Cambrian, water-breathing animals with closed circulatory systems were smaller, on average, than contemporaries with open circulatory systems. However, genera with closed circulatory systems superseded in size genera with open circulatory systems by the Middle Ordovician, as part of their Phanerozoic-long trend of increasing size. In a regression analysis, respiratory and circulatory anatomy explain far more size variation in the living fauna than do feeding modes, even after accounting for taxonomic affinity at the class level. These findings suggest that ecological and environmental drivers of the Phanerozoic increase in the mean size of marine animals operated within strong, anatomically determined constraints.
When Perceptions Are Fragile But Also Enduring: An Asian American Reflection on COVID-19

With the increasing death tolls and economic downfall, COVID-19 has also unearthed anti-Asian racism and xenophobia in the United States and globally. In this article, we examine how the current an...
Skeletal muscle size distribution in large-sized male and female athletes.

Objective In healthy adults, it is generally accepted that women have less upper body muscle mass compared to men. However, it is unknown whether there are sex differences in skeletal muscle distribution in highly trained large-sized athletes. Our aim was to compare the skeletal muscle size distribution between large-sized male and female athletes. Methods Ten female athletes (>80 kg body mass) and twenty-one male athletes (>100 kg body mass) had muscle thickness (MT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness measured by ultrasound at nine sites on the anterior and posterior aspects of the body. Total muscle mass (SM) was estimated from an ultrasound-derived prediction equation. Body fat percentage and fat-free mass were calculated from ultrasound measured subcutaneous fat thickness. Results The average SM in female athletes (30.0 kg) was approximately 70% of the mean value of the male athletes (45.3 kg).With respect to MT, the relative values of femaleto male athletes were 68% to 78% in the upper body and 85% to 92% in the lower body. Similar results were observed when analyzing data for male and female athletes (n = 5 each) who were pair matched for height. Conclusion The relative values of MT for female/male athletes were higher in the lower body compared to the upper body. This is similar to that observed in healthy non-athletes indicating that this difference is not due to resistance training. The lower muscle mass in the arms and trunk of females appears to be a true sex difference but the cause of this difference is unknown.
Otolaryngology Match 2020-21: Survey of Prospective Applicants in the Setting of COVID-19.

Objectives:To capture the perspectives of candidates applying for otolaryngology residency positions in the 2020-21 cycle, in the context of disruption caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID...
Identifying environmental risk factors and gene-environment interactions in holoprosencephaly.

BACKGROUND Holoprosencephaly is the most common malformation of the forebrain (1 in 250 embryos) with severe consequences for fetal and child development. This study evaluates nongenetic factors associated with holoprosencephaly risk, severity, and gene-environment interactions. METHODS For this retrospective case control study, we developed an online questionnaire focusing on exposures to common and rare toxins/toxicants before and during pregnancy, nutritional factors, maternal health history, and demographic factors. Patients with holoprosencephaly were primarily ascertained from our ongoing genetic and clinical studies of holoprosencephaly. Controls included children with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) ascertained through online advertisements in a WBD support group and fliers. RESULTS Difference in odds of exposures between cases and controls as well as within cases with varying holoprosencephaly severity were studied. Cases included children born with holoprosencephaly (n = 92) and the control group consisted of children with WBS (n = 56). Pregnancy associated risk associated with holoprosencephaly included maternal pregestational diabetes (9.2% of cases and 0 controls, p = .02), higher alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.73; 95% CI, 0.88-15.71), and exposure to consumer products such as aerosols or sprays including hair sprays (aOR, 2.46; 95% CI, 0.89-7.19). Significant gene-environment interactions were identified including for consumption of cheese (p < .05) and espresso drinks (p = .03). CONCLUSION The study identifies modifiable risk factors and gene-environment interactions that should be considered in future prevention of holoprosencephaly. Studies with larger HPE cohorts will be needed to confirm these findings.
Abstract 13664: Membrane Stiffness as a Function of Plakophilin-2 Expression: Implications to Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Mutations in PKP2, the gene coding for the desmosomal protein Plakophilin-2 (PKP2), can lead to an inheritable cardiac disease called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricle Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Various s...
Reply to Marot et al.: The struggle to comply with social-distancing is multifaceted, as are the ways of mitigating it.

We thank Marot et al. (1) for their reproduction of our findings on depressed mood and social-distancing compliance, as already shown in our tables 1 and 2 and SI Appendix tables S2 and S3 (2). Their reanalysis of our data appears to support three additional points: Depressed mood is a 1) more relevant but 2) indirect predictor of social-distancing compliance, and therefore, 3) mood-related interventions may facilitate people’s social-distancing compliance. Regarding the first point, our goal was never to explore which factor can best predict social-distancing compliance. Our study was driven by prior research that associates cognitive variables with people’s early responses to a … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: weizhen.xie{at}nih.gov. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Fostering the Reading Experience for Spanish-Speaking Readers: Post-migration Changes in Reading Practices and the Implication for Libraries

Purpose. This article examines the post-migration changes in reading practices of Spanish-speaking readers in the U.S. and Canada, with a goal of translating the findings into practical guidelines ...
Espacios otros: arte útil como oportunidad

Throughout history and even today, countless artists have developed a practice that departs from the conventional concept of art, acting as external agents, approaching other professional fields, with areas of urban conflict and remote areas consumption of culture, involving other co-authors of an outer space of collective action, to affect an effective transformation that goes beyond the realm of representation, the utopian, the homeopathic or the apolitical. This article approaches the concept of Arte Util as a heterotopia and an opportunity, as stated by Foucault. With references to different theories that have approached the idea of Arte Util since the nineteenth century from multiple perspectives and analyzing specific cases of the Archive of Arte Util, an approach to art is proposed as a generator of other times and spaces, ecologies of participation, areas of opportunity in the city to subvert public space and our living environment.
Modeling and Simulation

The sections in this article are 1 Models and Model Theory 2 Mathematical Systems Models 3 Classification of System Models 4 Some Common Model Forms 5 Simulation 6 Continuous System Simulation 7 Discrete-Event Simulation 8 Modeling and Simulation Issues 9 Model Validation
Confounding and regression adjustment in difference-in-differences studies.

Objective To define confounding bias in difference-in-difference studies and compare regression- and matching-based estimators designed to correct bias due to observed confounders. Data sources We simulated data from linear models that incorporated different confounding relationships: time-invariant covariates with a time-varying effect on the outcome, time-varying covariates with a constant effect on the outcome, and time-varying covariates with a time-varying effect on the outcome. We considered a simple setting that is common in the applied literature: treatment is introduced at a single time point and there is no unobserved treatment effect heterogeneity. Study design We compared the bias and root mean squared error of treatment effect estimates from six model specifications, including simple linear regression models and matching techniques. Data collection Simulation code is provided for replication. Principal findings Confounders in difference-in-differences are covariates that change differently over time in the treated and comparison group or have a time-varying effect on the outcome. When such a confounding variable is measured, appropriately adjusting for this confounder (ie, including the confounder in a regression model that is consistent with the causal model) can provide unbiased estimates with optimal SE. However, when a time-varying confounder is affected by treatment, recovering an unbiased causal effect using difference-in-differences is difficult. Conclusions Confounding in difference-in-differences is more complicated than in cross-sectional settings, from which techniques and intuition to address observed confounding cannot be imported wholesale. Instead, analysts should begin by postulating a causal model that relates covariates, both time-varying and those with time-varying effects on the outcome, to treatment. This causal model will then guide the specification of an appropriate analytical model (eg, using regression or matching) that can produce unbiased treatment effect estimates. We emphasize the importance of thoughtful incorporation of covariates to address confounding bias in difference-in-difference studies.
Secondary Traumatic Stress in Emergency Services Systems (STRESS) Project: Quantifying and Predicting Compassion Fatigue in Emergency Medical Services Personnel.

Introduction: Compassion fatigue (CF) is defined as the acute or gradual loss of benevolence that occurs after exposure to critical incident stress. Colloquially referred to as the "cost of caring," CF can affect an individual's future response to stressful situations and is unhealthy for caregivers.Objective: To identify the prevalence and predictors of CF in EMS professionals.Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of EMS personnel using one-stage area sampling. Nine EMS agencies recruited based on location and geographic region provided data on service area and call mix. Respondents were surveyed in-person during monthly training. The survey evaluated the relationship between CF and psychosocial factors using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Parametric and non-parametric tests were used where appropriate for the univariate analysis. Those factors significant in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariable analysis. A logistic regression was conducted to determine predictors of CF while controlling for potential confounders.Results: A total of 686 EMS personnel completed the survey. Altogether, 48% had CF, of which 50.8% were male and 14% were minorities. Compared to those without CF, more than 4 times as many respondents with CF (n = 28[8.6%] v. 7[2.0%]) self-reported as currently in counseling and over a third (n = 109[33.1%]) had considered suicide. Irrespective of the presence of CF, one in two knew another EMS professional who had completed suicide. African-American EMS professionals were 3 times more likely to have CF (OR:3.1;p = 0.009). Mean scores on the ProQOL CF subscale were 10 points higher in those with CF compared to those without (27.1[±4.34] v. 17.04[±2.9]). EMS personnel were 48% more likely to have CF if they knew an EMS provider who completed suicide (p = 0.047). Additionally, those with concomitant traumatic stress syndromes, such as vicarious trauma and burnout, were 4.61 and 3.35 times more likely to have CF, respectively.Conclusions: CF is a considerable concern for EMS professionals and there are several modifiable factors that may reduce the prevalence of this cumulative stress syndrome. Additional research should focus on causal factors and mitigation strategies, as well as the individual and agency impact of CF on the prehospital work environment.
Measures of Function and Structure to Determine Phenotypic Features, Natural History, and Treatment Outcomes in Inherited Retinal Diseases.

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are at the forefront of innovative gene-specific treatments because of the causation by single genes, the availability of microsurgical access for treatment delive...
Understanding and overcoming adverse consequences of genome editing on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) gene therapies have recently moved beyond gene-addition approaches to encompass targeted genome modification or correction, based on the development of zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and CRISPR-Cas technologies. Advances in ex vivo HSPC manipulation techniques have greatly improved HSPC susceptibility to genetic modification. Targeted gene-editing techniques enable precise modifications at desired genomic sites. Numerous preclinical studies have already demonstrated the therapeutic potential of gene therapies based on targeted editing. However, several significant hurdles related to adverse consequences of gene editing on HSPC function and genomic integrity remain before broad clinical potential can be realized. This review summarizes the status of HSPC gene editing, focusing on efficiency, genomic integrity, and long-term engraftment ability related to available genetic editing platforms and HSPC delivery methods. The response of long-term engrafting HSPCs to nuclease-mediated DNA breaks, with activation of p53, is a significant challenge, as are activation of innate and adaptive immune responses to editing components. Lastly, we propose alternative strategies that can overcome current hurdles to HSPC editing at various stages from cell collection to transplantation to facilitate successful clinical applications.
William Morris and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, founded by artist and craftsman William Morris in 1877, sought to preserve the integrity of historic buildings by preventing unnecessary repairs and additions. William Morris's intention and that of the SPAB, as outlined by the original manifesto, was that buildings of any period had a life that was best protected through the conservative repair of what was falling into ruin and the prevention of injury to buildings by safeguarding them as much as possible and practical. This practice became known as historic preservation. In this study, Donovan, relying upon many original documents from the SPAB archives in London, traces the history of the SPAB from it's foundation in nineteenth-century England to its current activities in England and Western Europe.
17 Methods for Studying Nursery and Field Response of Trees to Specific Ectomycorrhiza

Publisher Summary This chapter provides the methods for studying nursery and field response of trees to specific ectomycorrhiza. The use of specific fungi to form ectomycorrhiza on forest tree seedlings in the nursery can improve performance after outplanting. The primary purpose of inoculation is to provide seedlings with adequate ectomycorrhiza for planting in man-made forests. Many inoculations with ectomycorrhizal fungi have provided excellent results in temperate countries. Most research on inoculation with ectomycorrhizal fungi has been based on two working premises. First, any ectomycorrhiza on roots of planting stock are far better than none. Second, some species of ectomycorrhizal fungi under certain environmental conditions are more beneficial to trees than others. The concept of forming ectomycorrhiza on planting stock in nurseries, with ectomycorrhizal fungi ecologically adapted to the planting site, to improve field performance was apparently developed in Hungary by Bokor. The chapter discusses the numerous methods, such as methods of soil treatment and methods of inoculation.
Tree diversity in southern California's urban forest: the interacting roles of social and environmental variables

Socio-economic and environmental drivers are important determinants urban plant richness patterns. The scale at which these patterns are observed in different regions, however, has not been explored. In arid regions, where forests are not native, the majority of the urban forest is planted, and trees are presumably chosen for specific attributes. Here, we investigate the role of spatial scales and the relative importance of environmental versus socio-economic drivers in determining the community structure of southern California’s urban forest. Second, we assess the usefulness of ecosystem service-based traits for understanding patterns of urban biodiversity, compared with species composition data. Third, we test whether resident preferences for specific tree attributes are important for understanding patterns of species composition and diversity. We studied tree communities in 37 neighborhoods in three southern California counties (Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside). The urban forest in southern California is very diverse with 114 species. Using multiple regression analyses we found socio-economic drivers were generally more important than environmental and the strength of the relationship between urban forest community structure and socio-economic drivers depended on whether we were analyzing within or across counties. There was greater tree richness in wealthier neighborhoods compared with less affluent neighborhoods across all counties and Orange County, but not in Los Angeles or Riverside counties alone. We also found a greater proportion of residential shade trees in hotter neighborhoods than in cooler neighborhoods, which corresponds with survey results of residents’ preferences for tree attributes. Ultimately our study demonstrates that the species richness and functional traits of urban tree communities are influenced by managers’ and residents’ preferences and perceptions of urban tree traits.
Out-of-step blocking function in distance relay using mathematical morphology

Out-of-step condition arising from an unstable power swing requires quick detection of the power swing followed by a controlled separation of different areas of power system at predetermined locations. However, in order to perform such separation, local operation of distance relays needs to be blocked using out-of-step blocking (OSB) function. Conventional blinder-based method to implement the OSB function cannot detect a symmetrical fault once the relay is blocked during a power swing. Different schemes are proposed to overcome this drawback. This study presents detection methods for power swing and symmetrical faults, based on mathematical morphology. These methods offer distinct advantages over other schemes proposed in the literature. The methods are combined and rigorously tested on waveforms generated using PSCAD/EMTDC®. These methods are then used to propose a reliable and fast OSB tool that imposes a very low computation burden at low sampling rate.
TEACHERS’ EXPECTATIONS AND SELF‐EFFICACY FOR WORKING WITH BULLIES AND VICTIMS

Bullying is a significant concern in schools, and both bullies and victims are at risk for negative outcomes. In this study, 239 sixth-grade teachers completed questionnaires about their perceptions of four components of school climate: high-risk student behaviors, school-wide barriers to learning, principal support, and cooperation among teachers. Teachers' expectations and self-efficacy for working effectively with both bullies and victims were assessed using case study vignettes. The results indicated that teachers' perceptions of principal support were significantly related to teachers' expectations and self-efficacy for working with bullies. A graduate degree was also related to greater self-efficacy for working with bullies. Administrators and school psychologists should consider the role of perceived principal support as an important factor in influencing teachers' expectations and beliefs in working with bullies. Language: en