cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating differences among older adults' access to specialized rehabilitation services.

The purpose of this study was to (a) describe rehabilitation in-patients aged 65 and older who received specialized occupational therapy home evaluation services and (b) examine these data for evidence of inequalities based on patient gender, race, age, and health insurance status. An archival review was conducted of all in-patient admissions (2,767) to a large urban rehabilitation hospital who were 65 years and older and eligible to receive a home evaluation. Logistic regression was used to predict the likelihood of receiving an occupational therapy home evaluation. Analysis showed that 9.7% of subjects received an in-home evaluation and those who did had significantly longer rehabilitation hospital stays (p < 0.0001) and were significantly more dependent at discharge as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (p < 0.0001) than those who did not. We found no evidence of inequalities on the basis of gender, race, age, and health insurance type after controlling for the level of functional independence of patients. Although this study found little evidence of inequalities, it does raise several critical policy questions including “How many rehabilitation in-patients should receive a home evaluation?” and “How should rehabilitation services be allocated?”
Chemotherapy-induced myocardial infarction in a young man with Hodgkin's disease

A 32-year-old male with stage IIIA nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease and no cardiac risk factors presented with chest pain after receiving chemotherapy consisting of multiple drugs, including vinca alkaloids. He completed an uncomplicated anterior wall myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography documented the absence of significant coronary artery disease. Exercise stress testing with gated scan confirmed loss of anterior wall motion and a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction. Vascular toxicity, including, rarely, myocardial infarction, has been reported following antineoplastic regimens containing vinca alkaloids. Hypercoagulable states, cardiac invasion by tumor, and coronary artery spasm are possible etiologies. Of these, coronary artery spasm appears most likely. Management should include discontinuation of the offending drug and supportive care.
The Wealth Effect, the Capital Account, and Alternative Policies Under Fixed Exchange Rates

Introduction, 117. — I. The model, 119. — II. Some remarks on the usual model, 123. — III. The effects of fiscal and monetary policies, 127. — IV. Dynamics and long-run equilibrium, 132. — Appendix: The budget condition, the monetary relation, and various policies, 139.
Brief paper: On decentrally stabilizable large-scale systems

A class of large-scale systems is defined, which can always be stabilized by local feedback. Stability of the closed-loop system is connective and can tolerate nonlinearities in the interconnections. Any prescribed degree of stability can be achieved by an appropriate choice of the feedback gains.
A Critique of Partial Leniency for Cartels by the U.S. Department of Justice

This paper models a key outcome of secret negotiations: partial-leniency fine discounts from plea bargaining in criminal price-fixing cases. Models tested explain up to 52% of variation in percentage discounts. A minor portion is explained by such defendants characteristics as the defendants rank in queue and delay in settling. Most variation is explained by cartel characteristics. International conspiracies, global cartels, and bid-rigging schemes are granted lower percentage than domestic price-fixing. Discounts were higher in the Bush II than in the Clinton administration. Participants in durable conspiracies are rewarded with larger discounts, but more severe treatment of recidivists cannot be detected.
Walking A Kilometer In Their Shoes: An Exploration Of American And South Korean University Students Expectations And Experiences

An exploratory study of university students from very different cultural backgrounds, attending universities in their home countries, was undertaken to assess their perceptions of multiculturalism, and their expectations and experiences as university students. Although a number of similarities existed, survey results indicated that the South Korean students were significantly more interested in multicultural issues. Survey results of American students indicated that even though their university offered myriad opportunities for increasing their understanding of diversity, multiculturalism and global issues, students lacked awareness of the opportunities and infrequently participated in the activities. This finding suggests that if a university is constrained by the non-diverse demography of its region, it will face a difficult task in motivating students to become globally aware and internationally competitive.
Flight Device and Database Management System for Quantifying Insect Flight and Oviposition

An insect flight-oviposition system was developed with 24 individual flight channels that generate 0-1 V through an interface box into storage on IBM PC/XT hard disk. Data acquisition, manipulation, and output are under control of the FLYBYNITE manager. Statistical sorting and analysis are under control of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) on the same PC.
Synthetic RNA–protein modules integrated with native translation mechanisms to control gene expression in malaria parasites

Synthetic posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression is important for understanding fundamental biology and programming new cellular processes in synthetic biology. Previous strategies for regulating translation in eukaryotes have focused on disrupting individual steps in translation, including initiation and mRNA cleavage. In emphasizing modularity and cross-organism functionality, these systems are designed to operate orthogonally to native control mechanisms. Here we introduce a broadly applicable strategy for robustly controlling protein translation by integrating synthetic translational control via a small-molecule-regulated RNA-protein module with native mechanisms that simultaneously regulate multiple facets of cellular RNA fate. We demonstrate that this strategy reduces 'leakiness' to improve overall expression dynamic range, and can be implemented without sacrificing modularity and cross-organism functionality. We illustrate this in Saccharomyces cerevisae and the non-model human malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Given the limited functional genetics toolkit available for P. falciparum, we establish the utility of this strategy for defining essential genes.
High-Speed UV Particle Image Velocimetry

Turbulence studies in engines require velocity data at rates that resolve relevant time scales. An ultra-violet particle image velocimetry technique was devised and applied to a fired engine to capture velocity maps at 6 kHz.
The Heart of the Matter

Stage A 53-year-old painter and construction worker presented to the emergency room with shortness of breath, chest pressure, palpitations, and nocturnal cough. The patient had a four-year history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia and did not smoke. Response Here is a man with risk factors for coronary disease who presents with shortness of breath and chest pressure. At the top of the differential diagnosis is coronary artery disease. Other cardiac disease, particularly aortic valve disease, could produce the same symptoms. Also, patients with pericarditis may occasionally describe pressure-like pain, and they may sense dyspnea because of the disinclination to take a . . .
Microbial fuel cells and osmotic membrane bioreactors have mutual benefits for wastewater treatment and energy production

This study demonstrates that microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and osmotic membrane bioreactors (OMBRs) can be mutually beneficial when integrated together for wastewater treatment. When connecting MFCs with OMBRs, the solute buildup increased conductivity and buffer capacity, which greatly increased MFC power density from 3 W/m(3) up to 11.5 W/m(3). In turn, the MFCs conditioned and reduced sludge production and therefore reduced forward osmosis (FO) membrane fouling. The MFC-OMBR equipped with new thin-film composite (TFC) membrane showed excellent organic (>95%) and phosphorus removal (>99%) and therefore maintained effluent sCOD below 20 mg/L. However, the nitrogen removal was limited due to the negative surface charge of the thin-film composite membrane and solution chemistry, which led to higher flux of ammonium toward the OMBR draw solution. Further studies are needed to improve nitrogen removal, reduce fouling, and optimize system integration.
Sensitivity of fecal occult blood testing in the cat

Objectives The impact of dietary factors on fecal occult blood (FOB) testing has been previously evaluated in cats, but the analytical sensitivity of this point-of-care test remains unexamined. The primary goal of this study was to assess the analytical sensitivity of the FOB test in cats. Methods Five cats were used in a repeated measures study. Following oral administration of blood, feces were collected and tested every 12 h for FOB and melena. All cats were fed an animal protein-free diet starting the week before entry into the study. Blood was administered on a milligram of hemoglobin per kilogram of body weight basis, and dosed at 1.5, 3, 15, 30 and 45 mg/kg hemoglobin in series with a wash-out period between each trial. Results FOB was detected in one cat at 1.5 mg/kg hemoglobin, three cats at 3 mg/kg hemoglobin and in all five cats at 15, 30 and 45 mg/kg hemoglobin. Melena was noted in one cat at 30 mg/kg and four cats at 45 mg/kg, but not at lower doses. Conclusions and relevance Administration of 15 mg/kg hemoglobin (equivalent to about 1.5 ml blood) was sufficient for positive results in all cats. However, detection occurred with as little as 1.5 mg/kg hemoglobin. Thus, FOB has good analytical sensitivity in cats under appropriate clinical situations.
Sources, Chemical Composition and Analysis of Dietary Fibre

As we have seen, the term ‘dietary fibre’ was originally used as a shorthand term for the constituents of the plant cell wall. Furthermore, in the case of the protective diets postulated by Burkitt and Trowell, the distinguishing feature that was considered most important was the consumption of plant foods that contained their cell walls in a relatively natural state. These are, principally, high-extraction (unrefined) cereal foods, vegetables and fruits. Conversely, the low-fibre diets were characterized by a high proportion of plant foods that had had their content of cell wall material reduced by processing and refining. This implies that the most appropriate primary definition for ‘dietary fibre’ is ‘the plant cell wall material in foods and the diet’. In discussing the sources and chemistry of dietary fibre, therefore, the starting point must be a consideration of the plant cell walls in foods. When we move to considering the analytical measurement of dietary fibre we have to consider how this primary definition can best be interpreted in practical terms.
Cytokines regulate membrane-bound leukocyte elastase on neutrophils: a novel mechanism for effector activity

Membrane-bound leukocyte elastase activity on neutrophils may have potent proinflammatory effects. Herein, we report the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), platelet-activating factor (PAF), N-formyl-leucyl-methionyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) on membrane-bound elastase expression. TNF-alpha or PAF alone induced only approximately two- to threefold increases in membrane-bound elastase but exhibited marked dose- and time-dependent priming effects for subsequent stimulation with fMLP or IL-8 (up to 20-fold increases in membrane-bound human leukocyte elastase compared with unstimulated cells). Optimally PAF-primed and fMLP-stimulated cells expressed 1.105 +/- 0.25 (SD) x 10(-17) mol [6.65 +/- 1.51 (SD) x 10(6) molecules] membrane-bound elastase activity/cell or approximately 12% of the content of unstimulated cells. Elastase binds to the cell surface by a charge-dependent mechanism since 1) incubation of cells with cationic molecules abrogated agonist-induced upregulation of membrane-bound elastase and 2) elastase was progressively eluted from the cell surface by solutions with increasing ionic strength. Thus interactions between proinflammatory mediators strikingly upregulate membrane-bound elastase on neutrophils, which may promote inflammatory responses and/or contribute to tissue injury.
Loss of Deep Pain Sensation Following Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disk Herniation in Dogs: Treatment and Prognosis

Optimal care of the neurologically complete paraplegic involves a combination of medical, surgical, and supportive management. In the absence of ascending-descending dif- fuse myelomalacia, and with surgical decompression and appropriate medical and supportive treatment, more than 50% of these dogs may recover acceptable ambulation and urinary con- tinence as evaluated by owners. New treatments for patients with complete spinal injuries are currently being developed and evaluated and may soon be available for veterinary use.
Replacement of ventricular myocardium with diaphragmatic skeletal muscle: short-term studies.

A pedicled diaphragmatic skeletal muscle graft was used to replace a portion of resected right ventricle in 35 dogs. The graft contracted when electrically stimulated directly or via the phrenic nerve before and after insertion. The electrical pacing threshold was lower for phrenic nerve stimulation (0.9 ± 0.20 mamp) than for direct graft stimulation (2.3 ± 1.19 mamp). The heart could be captured and paced by stimulating the muscle graft with higher current (16.2 ± 4.49 mamp). The delay from pacing stimulus to muscle graft contraction when the graft was paced directly was 10 msec. The epicardial activation time delay when the heart was paced through the muscle graft was 27.0 ± 9.08 msec. When the muscle graft pedicle was transected, the graft lost its ability to contract. The heart, however, could still be captured electrically through the graft for up to 4 hours. Strain gauge studies of the nonstimulated muscle graft showed tension development during pre-ejection ventricular contraction identical to that of the right ventricle. In the ejection phase, muscle graft tension slowly declined. The stimulated muscle graft developed active tension and echographically demonstrated muscle thickening during contraction. This study demonstrates that a vascularized, neurally innervated diaphragmatic muscle graft can be placed into the right ventricle. The graft retains its ability to contract in response to direct or phrenic nerve stimulation. It can be made to contract during any phase of the cardiac cycle. Thus diaphragmatic muscle grafts may provide a method to augment ventricular cavity size with synchronously contracting muscle.
The Reverse Trend: Sustaining or Strengthening Ethnic Hegemony

Effo tainu? [Where did we go wrong?] Dan Pagis, “Applied Hebrew” As argued in the thesis statement, some hegemonic states have felt it necessary to change under the pressure of new developments and political pressures of various types. Chapter 4 discusses four cases of gradual and altogether limited changes in deeply divided societies, most of them still under way and not necessarily finalized (e.g., Spain). Chapter 5 deals with more dramatic and profound, metaconstitutional transformation. Yet as argued in the thesis statement, the transformation of entrenched hegemonic systems is by no means preordained, inevitable, or even more likely than not. Hegemonic systems are inherently resistant to pressures designed to change them. Having covered several cases in which hegemonic polities are transformed into more democratic and inclusive systems in Chapters 4 and 5, analysis of systems that try to sustain or even strengthen their hegemony will be offered in this chapter. The analysis will focus, first, on two political systems (Israel and Turkey) in which hegemonic polities change some of their institutions and practices in a democratic, exclusive direction but do so without changing the essence of their regime. The principle leading these systems is the maintenance of the status quo in essence, while introducing some “cosmetic” changes in a democratic, inclusive direction. In the second part of this chapter, analysis of several systems moving in the direction of relatively mild ethnicization will be offered, and in the third part the analysis of radical ethnicization will be addressed.
Body Wasting Among Tuberculosis Patients in Urban Uganda

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University.
From nanosystems to ethical eco-systems: designing a workshop for graduate researchers on self-powered wearable health devices

In early spring of 2015, an engineering faculty member approached the Director of the Leonhard Center for Enhancement of Engineering Education and asked for a four-hour ethics workshop for Penn State University graduate students who were involved with the National Science Foundation Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST). The faculty member explained that the training should be completed before the end of the same semester. This paper reports the process through which an interdisciplinary team designed an ethics workshop for graduate students. It also discusses the strategies used by the design team to overcome multiple constraints. The workshop consists of three components: a pre-assignment, a two-hour presentation and discussion, and a brief survey after the meeting. The design objectives for the workshop were: (1) Increasing participants' awareness of the sociotechnical systems within which their research exists and the fact that achieving the goals of ASSIST requires synergy from different components within the systems. (2) Helping participants to recognize that a variety of ethical issues—related to research integrity, broader impacts, and embedded value choices—arise from distinct actors and connections in the system, and to improve their moral perception. (3) Introducing the participants to resources and frameworks to support them as they engage in ethical reflection and reasoning. The design team was confronted with, and successfully overcame, multiple constraints: developing an ethics workshop in a short timeframe; providing a learning experience relevant to students whose research field is unfamiliar to most of the team members; and adapting to the busy schedules of graduate students. The post-workshop survey showed that some of our objectives, especially assisting students' development of a broad, systemic view of ethics related to their own research, were successfully met. The survey also indicated areas for improvement.
Umweltkennzahlen und -Leistungskriterien für die Chemische Industrie

Nach der in Kapitel 4 vorgestellten Methodik zur Bewertung der Umweltleistung bedarf es der branchenspezifischen Festlegung von relevanten Kennzahlen und geeigneten Umweltleistungskriterien zur Beurteilung der kontinuierlichen Verbesserung nach EG-Oko-Audit-Verordnung. Fur die branchenspezifische Betrachtung der chemischen Industrie ergeben sich eine Reihe von Schnittstellen mit anderen Anforderungen und (freiwilligen) Festlegungen der eigenen Branche, von Behorden, Investoren und anderen Stakeholdern (vgl. Kap. 1.1.5). Die wichtigsten Ansatzpunkte zur Ableitung relevanter Kennzahlen und Leistungskriterien sind die Anforderungen an betriebliche Umweltberichte, Vorgaben und Kennzahlen der Verbandsberichterstattung im Rahmen von Responsible Care, Bewertungskriterien von Umweltratingagenturen bzw. okologischen Unternehmensbewertern sowie offentliche Umweltziele (vgl. Abb. 38).
Associations Between Anxiety Disorder Diagnoses and Body Mass Index Differ by Age, Sex and Race: A Population Based Study

Background Few large studies have examined correlations between anxiety and body mass index (BMI) by gender or racial groups using clinical data. Objective This study aimed to determine associations between diagnosed anxiety disorders and BMI, and evaluate whether observed associations varied by demographic characteristics. Method Data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) data linkage system were analyzed to examine associations between anxiety disorders and BMI among adults ages 18-85 residing in Olmsted County, MN in 2009 (n=103,557). Height and weight data were available for 75,958 people (73%). The international classification of underweight, overweight, and obesity by BMI was used. Results Population consisted of 56% females, 92.8% White individuals, with median age of 46 years. When adjusted for age, sex, and race, we observed a U-shaped association between anxiety and BMI group. Underweight and obese individuals were more likely to have an anxiety diagnosis compared to normal weight individuals. Stratification by sex yielded a U-shaped association between anxiety and BMI only in women. Stratification by race showed a U-shaped association between anxiety and BMI only in the White population. Anxiety was significantly associated only with obesity in the Black population. Anxiety was not associated with a BMI category in Asian or Hispanic groups. Among elderly group, there is inverse correlation between anxiety and obesity. Conclusion Our results suggest that anxiety may have heterogeneous associations with BMI in the population. Further research on potential mechanisms contributing to these findings will help direct efforts in anxiety and obesity management across diverse population groups.
Recent climatological trends and potential influences on forest phenology around western Lake Superior, USA

We assess long-term climatological means, trends, and interannual variability around the western end of Lake Superior during 1984–2013 by using available weather station data. Our results focus on changes in basic and derived climate indicators from seasonal and annual temperature and precipitation, to the traditionally defined frost-free season, to a novel definition of the climatological growing season. We describe seasonal and year-to-year climate variability that influences forest phenology, using an alternative growing season metric that is based on the warm-season plateau in accumulated chilling days as an indicator of environmental triggers for vegetation growth and senescence. Our results indicate +0.56°C regional warming during our 30 year study period, with cooler springs (−1.26°C) and significant autumn warming (+1.54°C). The duration of the climatological growing season has increased +0.27 d/yr, extending primarily into autumn. Summer precipitation in our study area has declined by an average −0.34 cm/yr, potentially leading to moisture stress that impairs vegetation carbon uptake rates and can render the forest more vulnerable to disturbance. Many changes in temperature, precipitation, and climatological growing season are most prominent in locations where Lake Superior exerts a strong hydroclimatological influence, especially the Minnesota shoreline and in forest areas downwind (southeast) of the lake. Observed trends in lake temperature and ice phenology have also changed, coincident with a large-scale climatological regime shift around 1998. A number of factors are likely altering forest phenology and the role of the forest in the climate system of this ecologically important and highly varied forest-and-lake region.
A Cook's Tour Abroad: Long‐Term Effects of Intergroup Contact on Positive Outgroup Attitudes

This mixed-methods, longitudinal study documents the short- and long-term impact of a cook's tour of Vietnam by 14 U.S. chef students. Over 3 weeks, travelers engaged in myriad intergroup interactions to experience Vietnam's cuisine and culture, exemplifying a positive intergroup orientation consistent with allophilia and xenophilia. Measures included a pretrip questionnaire, daily journal, and posttrip questionnaire, as well as participant observation. Short-term attitude change included significant increases in positive affect toward the Vietnamese, negative stereotypes, and intergroup understanding. Nearly 10 years later, the author interviewed 10 of the original trip participants. Consistent with allophilia theory, participants expressed continued affection, kinship, and enthusiasm toward the Vietnamese people and remained motivated to engage the Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Additional evidence of allophilic specificity, openness to experience, and deprovincialism is also discussed.
Breast cancer oral anti-cancer medication adherence: a systematic review of psychosocial motivators and barriers.

In the past decade, there has been an increase in the development and use of oral anti-cancer medications (OAMs), especially for breast cancer–the most prevalent cancer in women. However, adherence rates for OAMs are often suboptimal, leading to lower survival rate, increased risk of recurrence, and higher healthcare costs. Our goal was to identify potentially modifiable psychosocial facilitators and barriers that may be targeted to increase OAM adherence for breast cancer patients. We systematically searched PubMed for studies published in the U.S. by June 15, 2016 that addressed the following: (1) OAMs for breast cancer; (2) medication adherence; and (3) at least one psychosocial aspect of adherence. Of the 1752 papers screened, 21 articles were included and analyzed. The most commonly reported motivators for adherence are patient-provider relationships (n = 11 studied, 82% reported significant association) and positive views and beliefs of medication (n = 9 studied, 89% reported significant association). We also identified consistent evidence of the impact of depression and emotions, perception of illness, concern of side effects, self-efficacy in medication management and decision making, knowledge of medication, and social support on OAM adherence. Compared to traditional demographic, system, and clinical-related factors that have been well documented in the literature but are not easily changed, these cognitive, psychological, and interpersonal factors are more amendable via intervention and therefore could generate greater benefit in improving patient compliance and health outcomes. As OAMs shift treatment administration responsibility onto patients, continuous provider communication and education on illness and regimen are the keys to supporting patients’ medication behavior.
Dynamic regulation of Cdr1 kinase localization and phosphorylation during osmotic stress.

Environmental conditions modulate cell cycle progression in many cell types. A key component of the eukaryotic cell cycle is the protein kinase Wee1, which inhibits the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdk1 in yeast through human cells. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the protein kinase Cdr1 is a mitotic inducer that promotes mitotic entry by phosphorylating and inhibiting Wee1. Cdr1 and Wee1 both localize to punctate structures, termed nodes, on the medial cortex, but it has been unknown whether node localization can be altered by physiological signals. Here we investigated how environmental conditions regulate Cdr1 signaling for cell division. Osmotic stress induced hyperphosphorylation of the mitotic inducer Cdr1 for several hours, and cells delayed division for the same time period. This stress-induced hyperphosphorylation required both Cdr1 autophosphorylation and the stress-activated protein kinase Sty1. During osmotic stress, Cdr1 exited cortical nodes and localized in the cytoplasm. Using a series of truncation mutants, we mapped a C-terminal domain that is necessary and sufficient for Cdr1 node localization and found that Sty1 directly phosphorylates this domain in vitro. Sty1 was not required for Cdr1 exit from nodes, indicating the existence of additional regulatory signals. Both Cdr1 phosphorylation and node localization returned to basal levels when cells adapted to osmotic conditions and resumed cell cycle progression. In summary, we identified a mechanism that prevents Cdr1 colocalization with its inhibitory target Wee1 during osmotic stress. Dynamic regulation of protein localization to cortical nodes might represent a strategy to modulate entry into mitosis under differing environmental conditions.
Solvent-free nitration of electron-rich arenes

Nitration of relatively electron-rich arenes does not require an additive or a solvent. For example, reaction on a gram scale of anisole with acetyl nitrate, generated in situ by mixing 100% HNO3 w...
MFN2 agonists reverse mitochondrial defects in preclinical models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A.

Mitofusins (MFNs) promote fusion-mediated mitochondrial content exchange and subcellular trafficking. Mutations in Mfn2 cause neurodegenerative Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A). We showed that MFN2 activity can be determined by Met 376 and His 380 interactions with Asp 725 and Leu 727 and controlled by PINK1 kinase–mediated phosphorylation of adjacent MFN2 Ser 378 . Small-molecule mimics of the peptide-peptide interface of MFN2 disrupted this interaction, allosterically activating MFN2 and promoting mitochondrial fusion. These first-in-class mitofusin agonists overcame dominant mitochondrial defects provoked in cultured neurons by CMT2A mutants MFN2 Arg 94 →Gln 94 and MFN2 Thr 105 →Met 105 , as demonstrated by amelioration of mitochondrial dysmotility, fragmentation, depolarization, and clumping. A mitofusin agonist normalized axonal mitochondrial trafficking within sciatic nerves of MFN2 Thr 105 →Met 105 mice, promising a therapeutic approach for CMT2A and other untreatable diseases of impaired neuronal mitochondrial dynamism and/or trafficking.
Ammonia Volatilization from Ammonium or Ammonium-Forming Nitrogen Fertilizers

Ammonia (NH3) loss is only one of several ways nitrogen (N) can be lost from the plant environment. Nitrogen can leach below the root zone with water, nitrate can be reduced to gaseous forms in anaerobic environments, and NH3 can be lost to the atmosphere when N fertilizer is applied to the soil surface. The intensity of loss from each mechanism depends on water content, temperature, soil texture, form of nitrogen, and other environmental factors. Fertilizer N use efficiency can vary from one environment to another. An agricultural producer can reasonably expect half of the applied N fertilizer to be recovered by the current crop. It is the portion that is unaccounted for in the crop that is addressed by much of the current research. Effective use of applied N by the crop will reduce input cost per unit of product harvested.
Traces of Inequality at the Origins of Agriculture in the Ancient Near East

Some thoughts and ideas concerning the close relationship between the origins of agriculture and the emergence of social inequality were previously expressed by one of us (Price 1995) in the volume Foundations of Social Inequality. Since then a wealth of evidence has accumulated in investigations of Neolithic sites in the Near East as reported by the other author (Bar-Yosef 2001a, 2002b). We thought it would be useful to put together an argument about the coterminous appearance of agriculture and hierarchy, focusing on the Near East. But before delving into the archaeological record, we need to discuss what criteria to look for in terms of the material concomitants of status differentiation in early farming communities.
The Origin of Order and the Dynamics of Justice

In the United States, discourse on law and order are often juxtaposed to discourse on social justice. Indeed, throughout American history, corrective justice (as with punishment) has often been found in opposition to distributive justice (as when all individuals get their fair share in life). Proponents of corrective justice call for law and order to prevent disruption of the social order, while opponents look to social justice as the means for creating a more orderly social system. Some have explained the disagreements over order and justice as rooted in the pluralistic nature of American society (Pound, 1906). Others have argued that what you see depends upon where you sit (Black, 1976; Chambliss, 1982; Nader, 1986). Whatever the origin of the dis-sensus, debates about order are really debates about justice. However, it may be that discourse centered on law and order or social justice does little more than sustain the status quo, while discussion of injustice would force an examination of concrete events rather than abstract ideals and interrupt the oscillation between government programs to cure law and order problems and government programs to address questions of social injustice. The central question of this chapter is a conceptual one—what type of discourse would work to produce needed social transformations.
Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Organ-Specific Metastases in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is the most predominant type of ovarian carcinoma, the deadliest gynecologic malignancy. It is typically diagnosed late when the cancer has already metastasized. Transcoelomic metastasis is the most predominant mechanism of dissemination from epithelial ovarian carcinoma, although both hematogenously and lymphogenously spread metastases also occur. In this review, we describe molecular mechanisms known to regulate organ-specific metastasis from epithelial ovarian carcinoma. We begin by discussing the sites colonized by metastatic ovarian carcinoma and rank them in the order of prevalence. Next, we review the mechanisms regulating the transcoelomic metastasis. Within this chapter, we specifically focus on the mechanisms that were demonstrated to regulate peritoneal adhesion—one of the first steps in the transcoelomic metastatic cascade. Furthermore, we describe mechanisms of the transcoelomic metastasis known to regulate colonization of specific sites within the peritoneal cavity, including the omentum. Mechanisms underlying hematogenous and lymphogenous metastatic spread are less comprehensively studied in ovarian cancer, and we summarize mechanisms that were identified to date. Lastly, we discuss the outcomes of the clinical trials that attempted to target some of the mechanisms described in this review.
Generalized Markov Models

The main focus of this book is to study systems that evolve randomly in time. We encountered several applications in Chapter 2 where the system is observed at time n = 0, 1, 2, 3,.... In such cases, we define X n as the state of the system at time n and study the discrete-time stochastic process {X n, n ≥ 0}. In Chapter 2, we studied the systems that have the Markov property at each time n = 0, 1, 2, 3,...; i.e., the future of the system from any time nonward depends on its history up to time nonly through the state of the system at time n. We found this property to be immensely helpful in studying the behavior of these systems.
Technology development for ultraintense all-OPCPA systems

Optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) [Dubietis et al., Opt. Commun. 88, 437 (1992)] implemented by multikilojoule Nd:glass pump lasers is a promising approach to produce ultraintense pulses () would be used jointly with picosecond and nanosecond pulses produced by the other two beamlines. A midscale OPAL pumped by the Multi-Terawatt (MTW) laser is being constructed to produce 7.5-J, 15-fs pulses and demonstrate scalable technologies suitable for the upgrade. MTW OPAL will share a target area with the MTW laser (50 J, 1 to 100 ps), enabling several joint-shot configurations. We report on the status of the MTW OPAL system, and the technology development required for this class of all-OPCPA laser system for ultraintense pulses.
Proof of Well-Posedness for a Flexible-Wing Micro Air Vehicle Model Control Problem Incorporating Spatial Hysteresis

In this work a one dimensional micro air vehicle model with flexible wings incorporating spatial hysteresis internal damping is analyzed. The control initial value problem is shown to be well-posed and the first order system operator of the linearized system is shown to generate a strongly continuous contraction semigroup. The importance of a theoretical foundation is generally understated in science and this work provides any numerical results from this model with a rigorous foundation. The theoretical analysis of control design for the model in this work provided motivation for and makes use of a recently published inequality that is easy to understand yet was quite non-trivial to prove.
ACM SIGGRAPH 2011 Courses

In SIGGRAPH 2011 Courses, attendees learn from the experts in the field and gain inside knowledge that is critical to career advancement. Courses are short (1.5 hours) or half-day (3.25 hours) structured sessions that often include elements of interactive demonstration, performance, or other imaginative approaches to teaching. The spectrum of Courses ranges from an introduction to the foundations of computer graphics and interactive techniques for those new to the field to advanced instruction on the most current techniques and topics. Courses include core curricula taught by invited instructors as well as Courses selected from juried proposals.
Association Between Obesity-Mediated Atrial Fibrillation and Therapy With Sodium Channel Blocker Antiarrhythmic Drugs.

Importance The association between obesity, an established risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), and response to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) remains unclear. Objective To test the hypothesis that obesity differentially mediates response to AADs in patients with symptomatic AF and in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) and pacing induced AF. Design, Setting, and Participants An observational cohort study was conducted including 311 patients enrolled in a clinical-genetic registry. Mice fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks were also evaluated. The study was conducted from January 1, 2018, to June 2, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Symptomatic response was defined as continuation of the same AAD for at least 3 months. Nonresponse was defined as discontinuation of the AAD within 3 months of initiation because of poor symptomatic control of AF necessitating alternative rhythm control therapy. Outcome measures in DIO mice were pacing-induced AF and suppression of AF after 2 weeks of treatment with flecainide acetate or sotalol hydrochloride. Results A total of 311 patients (mean [SD] age, 65 [12] years; 120 women [38.6%]) met the entry criteria and were treated with a class I or III AAD for symptomatic AF. Nonresponse to class I AADs in patients with obesity was less than in those without obesity (30% [obese] vs 6% [nonobese]; difference, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11-0.37;P = .001). Both groups had similar symptomatic response to a potassium channel blocker AAD. On multivariate analysis, obesity, AAD class (class I vs III AAD [obese] odds ratio [OR], 4.54; 95% Wald CI, 1.84-11.20;P = .001), female vs male sex (OR, 2.31; 95% Wald CI, 1.07-4.99;P = .03), and hyperthyroidism (OR, 4.95; 95% Wald CI, 1.23-20.00;P = .02) were significant indicators of the probability of failure to respond to AADs. Pacing induced AF in 100% of DIO mice vs 30% (P Conclusions and Relevance Results suggest that obesity differentially mediates response to AADs in patients and in mice with AF, possibly reducing the therapeutic effectiveness of sodium channel blockers. These findings may have implications for the management of AF in patients with obesity.
True Difference or Detection Bias: Racial Differences in Clinical Features and Comorbidities in Ankylosing Spondylitis in the United States.

We read with interest about the study by Singh and Magrey (“Racial differences in clinical features and comorbidities in ankylosing spondylitis in the United States”)1. The authors selected patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) from a large clinical informatics tool, the Explorys platform, with multiple participating healthcare organizations, which increases the generalizability of the findings.
Topical vancomycin for treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis infection in a rat spinal implant model.

Basic science. Investigate the ability of local applicaiton of vancomycin, either in powder form or suspended within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres (MS), to treat infection using a rat spinal model. Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a serious complication after spine surgery and are associated with high morbidity and mortality and often caused my coagulase negative staphylococci. A comprehensive approach to reduce SSIs has been recommended including the use of topical vancomycin. Animal and human studies have shown improved control of infection with local compared to systemic antibiotics. K-wires seeded with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A (MRSE) were treated with vancomycin powder, carboxymethylcellulose sodium salt (CMC) (microsphere carrier), vancomycin powder, blank MS or vancomycin-loaded MS for 24 or 48 h in vitro after which bacteria were enumerated. In addition, a spinal instrumentation model was developed in rats with a bacterial seeded K-wire implanted into the right side of L4 and L5. Rats underwent no treatment or were treated locally with either vancomycin powder, blank MS or vancomycin-loaded MS. After 8 weeks, the K-wire, bone, soft tissue and wire fastener were cultured and results analyzed. Vancomycin powder and vancomycin-loaded MS resulted in significantly fewer bacteria remaining in vitro than did CMC. Vancomycin powder- treated animals’ cultures were significantly lower than all other groups (P < 0.0001) with negative culture results, except for one animal. The vancomycin-loaded MS-treated animals had lower bone bacterial counts than the controls (P < 0.0279); blank MS-treated animals had no differences in bacterial densities when compared to non-treated animals. Vancomycin powder and vancomycin-loaded MS were active against MRSE in vitro, in a rat MRSE implant model; however, vancomycin MS were inferior to the topical vancomycin powder. Vancomycin powder prevented MRSE infection in a rat spinal implant infection model.
SWIR, Thermal and CP-OCT imaging probes for the in vivo assessment of the activity of root caries lesions

New imaging technologies are needed for the clinical assessment of lesions on root surfaces. It is not sufficient to simply detect caries lesions; methods are needed to assess lesion depth, structural composition and activity to determine if chemical intervention has the potential to be effective and if remineralization has occurred. Lesions were monitored using CP-OCT during lesion dehydration to assess the lesion structure and any shrinkage. Thermal imaging at 6-10 μm wavelengths and short wavelength-IR imaging at 1450-1750-nm were used to monitor thermal emission during lesion dehydration to assess lesion activity. Imaging probes were custom fabricated for clinical use. We present the first clinical results of a small feasibility study employing CP-OCT, thermal and SWIR imaging to assess lesion activity in vivo on thirty test subjects with suspected root caries lesions.
Mitochondrial-Derived Compartments Facilitate Cellular Adaptation to Amino Acid Stress

SUMMARY Amino acids are essential building blocks of life. However, increasing evidence suggests that elevated amino acids cause cellular toxicity associated with numerous metabolic disorders. How cells cope with elevated amino acids remains poorly understood. Here, we show that a previously identified cellular structure, the mitochondrial-derived compartment (MDC), is a dynamic, lumen-containing organelle that functions to protect cells from amino acid stress. In response to amino acid elevation, MDCs are generated from mitochondria, where they selectively sequester and remove Tom70, a surface receptor required for import of nutrient carriers of the SLC25 family. MDC formation is regulated by levels of mitochondrial carriers, and its activation by amino acids occurs simultaneously with removal of plasma membrane-localized transporters via the multi-vesicular body (MVB) pathway. Combined loss of MDC and MVB formation renders cells sensitive to elevated amino acids, suggesting these pathways operate as a coordinated network to protect cells from amino acid toxicity.
Model Predictive Control-Based Knee Actuator Allocation During a Standing-Up Motion with a Powered Exoskeleton and Functional Electrical Stimulation

In this paper a lower-limb powered exoskeleton is combined with functional electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle to achieve a standing-up motion. As two actuation mechanisms (FES and the motors) act on the knee joints, it is desirable to optimally coordinate them. A feedback controller that stabilizes the desired standing-up motion is derived. The knee torques, computed by the feedback controller, are further distributed to FES and the knee electric motors by using a ratio allocation that is solved via a model predictive control method. The optimization method relies on a fatigue dynamical model. Simulations and the experimental results of the ratio allocation approach are reported for the standing-up motion.
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Mergers and Acquisitions

Publisher Summary This chapter gives an introduction to the underlying dynamics of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the context of an increasingly interconnected world. M&As represent only one of several ways of executing business plans. There are alternatives, from the various forms of business alliances to a solo venture. Which method is chosen depends on management's desire for control, willingness to accept risk, and the range of opportunities present at a particular moment in time. The chapter begins with a discussion of why M&As act as change agents in the context of corporate restructuring. The main focus in the chapter is on M&As, why they happen, and why they tend to cluster in waves, although other aspects of corporate restructuring are also discussed. The chapter also introduces to a variety of legal structures and strategies that are employed to restructure corporations. The role of the various participants in the M&A process is explained. Using the results of the latest empirical studies, the chapter addresses questions of whether mergers pay off for the target and acquiring company shareholders and bondholders, as well as for society. Finally, the most commonly cited reasons for why some M&As fail to meet expectations are discussed.
Heroic Parthenoi and the Virtues of Independence: A Feminine Philosophical Perspective on the Origins of Women’s Sport

Her name was Flavia Thalassia and she came from Ephesus. She won the stadion (200 meter footrace) for parthenoi at the Isolympic Sebasta Games in Naples during Domitian’s reign in the late 1st c. C...