cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do national advisories serve local consumers: an assessment of mercury in economically important North Carolina fish

Consumption of marine fish provides both benefits (lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients) and risks (main source of mercury (Hg) exposure for humans). Mercury is a potent neurotoxin and the source of more fish advisories nationwide than any other toxicant. Despite the widespread nature of Hg, it is unknown whether local Hg contamination reflects national and regional levels often used as bases to inform consumers of potential fish consumption risk. Thus, the objectives of our study were to examine Hg levels of six commonly consumed marine species harvested locally off the North Carolina coast and to compare our results to published regional (Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch List) and national (Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and Food and Drug Administration, FDA) Hg averages, action levels, and guidelines. We found significant differences in Hg concentrations among collected species, and we identified correlations between Hg concentration and fish length and trophic levels. Collected mahi mahi and triggerfish were below the EPA fish tissue action level (0.3ppm). Wahoo and grouper exceeded the EPA action level but were below the FDA action level (1.0ppm). King mackerel had the highest Hg concentration among targeted species, exceeding both EPA and FDA action levels. Further, our local results were not always consistent with calculated averages from EPA and FDA databases for the same species, and although many of our findings were consistent with Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch List (southeast region), recommendations based on Hg levels would conflict with recommendations they provide based on sustainability. We find regional and national averages are not always reflective of local Hg contamination and suggest local data may be needed to accurately assess consumer risk.
Minimizing the ghosting artifact in scene-based nonuniformity correction

Current infra-red focal point arrays are limited by their inability to calibrate out component variations. Nonuniformity correction (NUC) techniques have been developed and implemented in off-board digital hardware to perform the necessary calibration for most IR sensing applications. There are two possible types of NUC that can be considered for focal-plane integration: (1) Two-point correction using calibrated images on startup and (2) Scene- based techniques that continually recalibrate the sensor for parameter drifts. The problems with the two-point methods have been well-documented in the literature (parameter drift, expense, etc.) We address the two major problems of scene-based techniques: (1) a more difficult hardware implementation and (2) ghosting artifacts in the corrected images. We have previously addressed the implementation problems by developing and demonstrating special purpose analog hardware as well as an efficient digital algorithm that incorporates the constant statistics model. The ghosting artifact occurs in all scene-based techniques when an object that does not move enough tends to `burn in' and can remain visible for thousands of images after the object has left the field of view. We have improved our model to eliminate much of the ghosting artifact that plagues all scene-based NUC algorithms. By modifying the correction update during ghosting situations, we are able to significantly remove the ghosting artifact and improve the overall accuracy of the correction procedure. We demonstrate these results on real and synthetic image sequences.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
REVIEW - The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari. Dir. Hugo Zemp. 73 mns, 1998; Duduki of Tbilisi: Eldar Shoshitashvili and his Students. Dir. Hugo Zemp, 21 mns, 2012; Funeral Chants from the Georgian Caucasus. Dir. Hugo Zemp, 21 mns, 2007. Documentary Educati

REVIEW - The Feast-Day of Tamar and Lashari. Dir. Hugo Zemp. 73 mns, 1998; Duduki of Tbilisi: Eldar Shoshitashvili and his Students. Dir. Hugo Zemp, 21 mns, 2012; Funeral Chants from the Georgian Caucasus. Dir. Hugo Zemp, 21 mns, 2007. Documentary Educational Resources.
An evidence-based approach to the treatment of acute whiplash injury.

This review has two components. The first is a selective, narrative background of some of the issues surrounding acute whiplash. The latter part is a more systematic review of the available evidence concerning the management of acute whiplash as it stood in March 2001.
Elasticsearch and Carrot2-Based Log Analytics and Management

The log analytics and management mechanism is an implementation of Elasticsearch––a distributed full-text search engine for indexing the logs and Carrot2 clustering engine for clustering the logs which are combined together with our algorithm to manage and analyze the logs given to it as input. In this paper, we reflect on how Elasticsearch along with Carrot2 is used with our algorithm to manage and analyze logs of any format. The log analytics and management is set up on Amazon web server.
Dual-Pump CARS Measurements in a Vibrationally Nonequilibrium Supersonic Mixing Layer

The paper presents effect of vibrational relaxation between a vibrationally excited supersonic flow and jet stream of a rapid vibration-translation (V T ) relaxer. For the discharge excited supersonic flow of nitrogen up to TV =2000 K, mixing of CO2 downstream of the expansion corner results in the decrease of expansion angle by up to ∆θ = 8◦, as a consequence of heat release during the vibrational relaxation and the resultant pressure rise by up to 55%. Single / dual pump Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering measurements demonstrated the decrease of the vibrational temperature across the mixing layer, which is accompanied with the increase of local CO2 mixture ratio. A two-dimensional vibrational temperature distribution coincides with the spatial profile of the modified shear layer measured in the schlieren visualization. The region of the vibrational relaxation is also consistent with the layer of the V T relaxer penetration into the supersonic flow downstream of the trailing shocks, with the subsequent flow residence on the corresponding time scale of the V T relaxation.
Diagnosis of cognitive deficit in the aged.

The main effects of aging on the brain are similar to those of diffuse brain damage and are manifested as behavioral change or cognitive deficit. Changes due to aging must be differentiated from those due to focal cerebral lesions, including remediable pathologic disorders, and from involutional psychosis. The classic neurologic examination can be extended to aid in the diagnostic process.
Incorporating Weather Updates for Public Transportation Users of Recommendation Systems

This work presents a system for augmenting the functionality of Yelp-like recommendation sites by enabling users to search for places bounded by travel-time when using public transportation, and modifying recommendations based on updated weather conditions. Using public transport, although is cheaper and efficient, entails that only fixed places of boarding/exiting may be used which, in turn, implies walking to (from) a particular location from (to) a given station. Given the impact of the weather on the mood and activities, preferences for a certain type of services may need to be dynamically adjusted based on the current weather or the near-future forecast, modulo travel-routes to preferred locations. In this work, we develop a model to predict a user's preferred mode of transport (car, or public transit) from their old check-ins and incorporate the weather context into the recommendation process. We use event-based modeling to control the extent of walking depending on user-defined tolerance information and live weather conditions. We implemented a web application (both desktop and mobile platforms), utilizing existing tools such as Google Maps Direction API and Open Weather Map API for retrieving real-time information.
Contraceptive Knowledge Assessment: Validity and Reliability of a Novel Contraceptive Research Tool.

Abstract Objectives Clinicians and researchers need an accurate tool assessing contraceptive knowledge in order to understand the effectiveness of teaching efforts. However, most widely used indices are outdated. The objective of this study is to create an evidence-based assessment tool and determine its validity and reliability for measuring contraceptive knowledge. Study design The study team developed the 25-question multiple-choice tool entitled the Contraceptive Knowledge Assessment (CKA). Expert reviewers examined content validity and semistructured patient interviews acquired feedback on subject matter and comprehension. A two-tiered approach explored criterion validity via (1) comparison with the gold standard (Contraceptive Knowledge Inventory) and (2) comparison between groups with lower and higher contraceptive knowledge. Repeat testing after 2–4 weeks evaluated test–retest reliability. Results Six experts and seven patients provided feedback on the initial CKA. One hundred two reproductive-aged male and female patients and 27 medical students completed the final CKA with an overall mean patient score of 9/25 (36%). The mean score on the CKA was higher than the mean score on the gold standard (9.1 vs. 5.8, p Conclusions The CKA is a valid and reliable tool to measure a patient's level of knowledge regarding contraception. This research tool may allow for the assessment of baseline knowledge, educational gaps, and improvement after an intervention. Knowledge may be lower than previous studies suggest, signifying need for improved education on contraception and better understanding of the relationship between knowledge and behavior change. Implications The CKA provides an evidence-based, reliable, and validated assessment of contraceptive knowledge. This modern tool may help to determine the effectiveness of interventions to improve education on contraception.
Flow Resistance in Broad Shallow Grassed Channels

Resistance to sheet flows over natural turf surface is investigated experimentally. The formulation of a functional relationship between the resistance coefficient and controlling parameters for shallow flows over various turf surfaces is essential to the mathematical modeling of the rainfall-runoff process and sediment yield from a watershed which may consist of various vegetated surfaces. An analysis of results obtained from laboratory experiments for laminar flow on Kentucky Blue grass and Bermuda grass surfaces reveals that a relationship exists between the Darcy-Weisbach friction coefficient, Reynolds number, and bed slope. A further analysis of previous investigators' experimental results for flow on various smooth and rough surfaces under or no rainfall leads to the qualitative determination of a general trend of the resistance relationship for shallow flows over such dense turf surfaces as affected by bed slope, raindrop impact, and roughness size.
Design and Interpretation of Observational Studies: Cohort, Case–Control, and Cross-Sectional Designs

The use of a proper study design is essential to the investigation of risk factors for disease or other outcomes. Observational studies are useful in studying risk factors for disease or clinical outcomes. Cohort and case–control study designs are the most common strategies used in observational research, with cross-sectional studies playing a less important role.
Randomized space-time codes with imperfect channel estimation

This work studies the average probability of error for randomized space-time codes (RSTCs) when channel state information (CSI) is not perfect. We show that the diversity order of RSTC using the maximum-likelihood channel estimation and the mismatched receiver is the same as that of RSTC with perfect CSI. However, the coding gain is affected by a factor which decreases to 1 as the number of pilot symbols utilized in the channel estimation increases. In addition, we show that as the number of relays increases the performance improves.
Animalwelfareand Human Benefit: Rationale Expansion As Strategy in the Anti-vivisection Campaign

Research in the construction of social problems examines claims-making activity as groups attempt to define conditions as problems. Previous research on domain expansion documents how established claims become the foundation for new sets of concerns. In the campaign for the rights of laboratory animals, groups attempting to construct these conditions as problems do not solely rely on cruelty rhetoric for moving the public and lawmakers to action. Realizing the culture does not provide inherent sympathy for these animals, groups attempt to link their concern to other rationales, threat to humans and waste of taxpayers' money, for supporting a desired outcome.
Electronic Redlining and the Information Superhighway

This case presents the social dilemmas that can result from technological innovation. Video programming offered by the Baby Bells in the 1990s was not made available to poor and rural neighborhoods. The case promotes discussion of "haves" versus "have-nots," potential costs of poor deployment, regulatory delays, and public relations.
Pediatric gastrostomy tubes and techniques: making safer and cleaner choices.

Abstract Background Gastrostomy tube placement is a common procedure that can be accomplished with a variety of techniques, each with its attendant complications. In an effort to standardize practice at our institution, we retrospectively evaluated complications including early dislodgement requiring operative repair, leaks, and granulation tissue to determine the optimal technique. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study (June 2008-July 2014) evaluating children ( Results Of the 450 patients, 255 (56.7%) were male. Median age and weight at the time of operation were 19.3 months (interquartile range, 6.5-89.6 months) and 9.0 kg (interquartile range, 5.7-17.1 kg) respectively. By technique, 245 patients underwent fascial placement (54.4%), 112 underwent push (24.9 %), and 93 underwent PEG (20.7%). Push and fascial techniques were less likely become dislodged than PEG, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.14 (confidence interval CI 0.02-0.66) and 0.31 (CI 0.11-0.83), respectively. Fascial techniques had more granulation tissue than either push or PEG pull methods, OR 2.39 (CI 1.20-3.36), and more leakage, OR 2.22 (CI 1.19-4.15). Conclusions Dislodgement is most likely with PEG techniques. Granulation and leakage are most likely with fascial suture techniques. Push techniques are associated with the lowest complication rate.
New Stents, New Procedures, and Intraprocedural Challenges

Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BRSs) have recently reenergized the field of coronary intervention; they support transient drug delivery and vessel patency and then gradually tend to complete resorption. OCT has played a major role in the development of BRS technology by providing more precise and detailed morphologic information (compared to IVUS) as a result of its higher resolution. While the clinical outcome data from the landmark BRS trials are promising, there is a paucity of data on BRS implantation in unselected patient population in “real world” clinical practice, including in-stent restenosis, bifurcation, and severely calcified lesions. Abnormal coronary dilatation at the site of DES implantation demonstrating contrast staining outside the stent struts, peri-stent contrast staining (PSS), have been shown to be associated with target-lesion revascularization and very late stent thrombosis. OCT can differentiate between two main underlying causes of PSS, incomplete stent apposition and multiple interstrut hollows or cavities between well apposed stent struts. Intraluminal filling defects are occasionally observed on coronary angiography, and thrombosis has often been used as a default diagnosis; however, there are many different causes responsible for the phenomenon including calcification, dissection, plaque rupture, and artifacts. OCT allows accurate characterization angiographic filling defects and provides important information for treatment optimization.
Design for Reliability Analysis of Vibration-Induced Failures due to Equipment Assembly Bending Load and Vibration Responses

Abstract The oil and gas industry subsurface formation evaluation instruments experience significant challenging vibrations and shock levels. Equipment development requirements for these instruments include reliability and durability under these severe operating conditions. The engineering design for this equipment utilizes tools that enable the estimation of service lifetime, maintenance cycles, and related costs. These engineering tools model failure modes and their acceleration factors and how failures interact under certain circumstances. Laboratory test data and operations failure history are used to validate the model results. Incorporating equipment operational failure history into the reliability design after failure analysis, enables determination of failure modes and the length of stress level exposure. Before the equipment is commissioned to field operational service, it is subjected to a batch of environmental qualification tests under objective pass-fail criteria. The environmental qualificat...
Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Suprasellar Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided biopsy is an emerging diagnostic technique that holds great promise for otherwise difficult to access neuroanatomy. Case Description Here we describe MRI-guided biopsy of a suprasellar lesion located posterior and superior to the pituitary stalk. The approach was implemented successfully in a 38-year-old woman who had developed progressive visual deterioration. Conclusion Intraoperative MRI revealed the need for trajectory adjustment due to an unintended, minor deviation in the burr hole entry point, demonstrating the benefit of an MRI-guided approach. Langerhans cell histiocytosis was diagnosed after biopsy, and the lesion regressed after cladribine treatment. Technical nuances of the case are reviewed in the context of the available literature.
Tough aliphatic-aromatic copolyester and chicken egg white flexible biopolymer blend with bacteriostatic effects

Abstract Extruded 70/30 poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/polylactic acid (PLA) blends incorporated with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2 wt.% of egg white [albumen (ABM)] were investigated to determine the effect of ABM on the microstructure and antimicrobial properties of PBAT/PLA blend. Microstructural analysis revealed immiscibility in the two polymers, due to the presence of distinct melting points, heterogeneous phase and vibrational frequencies unique to each polymer. Thermal and tensile testing also suggests that the inclusion of ABM tailored the blend and significantly improved its thermal stability and flexibility, since 0.5 and 1.0% (wt./wt.) ABM led to 490 and 432% improvement in elongation, respectively. Furthermore, the ternary blend films in contact with Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis) showed significant inhibition to growth for 24 h, but some bacterial cells grew when the film were removed. This study demonstrates the fabrication of ABM tuned potential biopolymer packaging flexible blend with bacteriostatic properties.
Generalizability and Dependability of Behavior Assessment Methods to Estimate Academic Engagement: A Comparison of Systematic Direct Observation and Direct Behavior Rating.

Although substantial attention has been directed toward building the psychometric evidence base for academic assessment methods (e.g., state mastery tests, curriculum-based measurement), similar ex...
Factors Influencing Overuse of Breast Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review.

Abstract Background: Excessive breast cancer screening with mammography or other modalities often burdens patients with false-positive results and costs. Yet, screening patients beyond the age at w...
The Veblen-Commons Award: The 2018 Veblen-Commons Award Recipient: James Peach

It is my great pleasure to introduce this year’s recipient of the Veblen-Commons Award, James Peach. As I introduce him, I am confident that he would prefer an unceremonious, “Here’s Jim!” to a lav...
Coexpression of nonvisual opsin, retinal G protein-coupled receptor, and visual pigments in human and bovine cone photoreceptors.

Purpose Retinal G protein-coupled receptor (RGR) mRNA is transcribed in the outer nuclear layer of human retinas; however, it is not known whether the RGR gene is expressed in the rod or cone photoreceptors. In this study, we investigate broader expression of the normal RGR isoform in photoreceptors of human and bovine retinas. Methods We produced and validated a rabbit polyclonal antipeptide antibody (DE15) that is directed against a peptide sequence (SSLLRRWPHGSEGC) partly conserved in RGR across several species. Bovine and human retina sections were analyzed with immunohistochemical and double-label immunofluorescent staining. Results The DE15 antibody bound specifically to overexpressed recombinant RGR, purified RGR from bovine RPE, and RGR in crude RPE membrane extracts without cross-reaction to other proteins. Immunostaining of diurnal bovine and human retinas with DE15 showed labeling of long-wavelength-sensitive and short-wavelength-sensitive cone photoreceptors and some retinal ganglion cells in both species. Strong labeling with DE15 was detected throughout the cone photoreceptor, including the outer segment, inner segment, cell body, axon, and cone pedicle, while rod outer segments were negative. Immunostaining for human exon-6-skipping RGR (RGR-d) was found primarily at the tips of the outer segment of the cones. Conclusions The results indicate that the cone photoreceptors in these mammals express a nonvisual opsin of the Go/RGR or tetraopsin group. RGR and the visual pigments are predominantly colocalized in the cone outer segment, which suggests functional interaction among these opsins. Human cone photoreceptors may also contain normal RGR and the aberrant RGR-d splice isoform.
Mercury and Abnormal Development of the Fetal Brain

There has been mounting concern about environmental pollutants as possible health hazards in recent years. Particularly alarming is the fact that some of the contaminants are found in the food we eat and in the air we breathe. Almost daily we are besieged with reports of environmental contamination of one kind or another, possibly affecting the lives of thousands of individuals. Although intoxications related to industrial exposures have been known for a long time, the tragic outbreaks of mercury (Hg) poisoning in Japan in the 1950s heightened our awareness of potential human intoxication by contaminants in foodstuffs.
Chromosome Organization and Structure, Overview

A chromosome is the packaged form of a single linear double-helical DNA molecule. The genome of a eukaryotic organism consists of from 1 to over 200 chromosomes. Chromosomes are located in the nucleus of the cell and exist in the form of chromatin, a complex between DNA, histones (small, highly basic proteins), nonhistone chromosomal proteins (both enzymatic complexes and structural components), and a small amount of RNA (both nascent transcripts and structural components). The numbers and sizes of chromosomes vary considerably among species (Drosophila melanogaster has four chromosomes per haploid cell, Homo sapiens (human) has 23, etc.). As cells enter mitosis, the chromatin is condensed into readily observed, rod-shaped structures, the metaphase chromosomes; a complex process, as described below, is required to package the linear DNA molecule in this form, typically achieving 10 000-fold compactness. Metaphase chromosomes were one of the first subcellular structures observed by cell biologists of the nineteenth century. Chromosomes were subsequently identified as the vehicle for transmission of genetic information during cell division. As the daughter cells return to interphase, the nucleus reforms, and the chromosomes are decondensed and distributed within the nucleus. The level of DNA packing is much lower during interphase, but is of critical importance in the regulation of gene expression. All genetic information – genes, regulatory elements, and signals for structural organization – is arranged linearly along chromosomes. The chromosomes provide not only the means for inheritance, but also the template for transcription, the process of reading out the information required by the cell. Different and specific expression profiles are needed for each cell type and stage of development. A full understanding of the mechanisms used in the global regulation of gene expression will not be achieved until the relationships between the linear content of each chromosome, its local and higher-order packaging, or chromatin structure, and the three-dimensional arrangement of the chromosomes in the nucleus have been defined.
What Is a Context of Utterance

Distinguant les elements situationnels et les elements propositionnels du contexte de l'enonciation d'une phrase, l'A. etudie la relation entre le contexte propositionnel et la finalite conversationnelle des interlocuteurs en termes de presuppositions. Se proposant de mesurer la justesse d'une enonciation plutot que d'evaluer son assertibilite, l'A. developpe une conception normative, objective et spirituelle-transcendante du contexte propositionnel qui regle le probleme des presuppositions informatives et le probleme de la coordination des presuppositions entre les deux interlocuteurs
Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Adjacent Segment Disease: An illustrative Case of The Retroperitoneal Anterolateral Psoas-Sparing Approach (Antepsoas; ATP)

Abstract Following prior lumbar arthrodesis, surgery for adjacent segment disease (ASD) is not uncommon. Many challenges exist due to scarring, laminectomy defects, retained hardware, and increased risks of various surgical morbidities. These include iatrogenic durotomy, neurologic injuries, wound infections, and ASD recurrence. The minimally invasive retroperitoneal anterolateral psoas-sparing (ATP) approach, unlike the transpsoas and transforaminal techniques, allows access to the T12-S1 segments, enabling unobstructed corridor to discectomy, endplate preparation, anterior column release, direct lumbar decompression, intervertebral height restoration, and sagittal lordosis correction. Despite the promising attributes of the ATP in managing ASD, high quality data is still lacking.
Impact of radiology reports on timely tuberculosis diagnosis.

Purpose As tuberculosis becomes less common in higher income countries, clinician familiarity with the disease is declining. Little is known about how chest radiograph interpretations affect tuberculosis care. We sought to determine how tuberculosis-related terminology in an initial chest radiograph reading impacted patient care. Study design We examined a retrospective cohort of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in North Carolina from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2014. Tuberculosis-related terminology was categorised into four mutually exclusive categories. The primary outcomes of interest were the time from the chest radiograph to (1) obtaining the first sputum specimen for acid-fast smear and mycobacterial culture, and (2) initiation of antituberculous treatment. Results Of 550 available chest radiograph reports, 175 (31.8%) contained the word ‘tuberculosis’, 30 (5.5%) contained the word ‘mycobacteria’ or ‘granulomatous’, 43 (7.8%) contained the word ‘cavity’, and 301 (54.7%) had none of the above terms mentioned. Patients with the word ‘tuberculosis’ in the radiology report had a significantly shorter time to collection of the initial sputum specimen for acid-fast smear and mycobacterial culture (median 2 days) and to the start of antituberculous treatment (median 4 days) than patients with none of the keywords. Use of the term ‘cavity’ in the report was associated with a shorter time to initiation of antituberculous treatment (median 4 days) than if none of the keywords were used. Conclusion Chest radiograph reports that contained keywords for pulmonary tuberculosis, such as ‘tuberculosis’ or ‘cavity’, were associated with less time to collection of sputum and antituberculous treatment.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Abstract Inherited neuropathies, usually called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), are one of the most common heritable diseases of the nervous system, affecting 1 in 2500 individuals. The mutations associated with CMT affect the stability and function of peripheral nerves through their effects either on neurons and their axons or on the Schwann cells that form myelin sheaths. Similar to other genetic diseases, many mutations that cause neuropathy impact the chromatin structure directly or indirectly, and epigenetic mechanisms are critical to long-term stability of nerve function. The chromatin reprogramming that occurs in Schwann cells is focused through transcription factors that are targets of neuropathy-causing mutations, and other chromatin-modifying mechanisms have been identified in motor/sensory neurons through the study of genetic neuropathies. This review seeks to identify insights into the chromatin signaling that occurs in peripheral nerve development and function through analysis of neuropathy-causing mutations.
Multiwavelength Digital Holographic Imaging and Phase Unwrapping of Protozoa Using Custom Fiji Plug-ins

Multiwavelength digital holographic microscopy (DHM) has been used to improve phase reconstructions of digital holograms by reducing 2π phase ambiguities. However, most samples used as test images have been solid or adhered to a surface, making it easy to determine focal planes and correct for chromatic aberration. In this study we apply 3-wavelength off-axis DHM to swimming protozoa containing distinct spectral features such as chlorophyll and carotenoids. We reconstruct the holograms into amplitude and phase images using the angular spectrum method. Methods for noise subtraction, chromatic aberration correction, and image registration are presented for both amplitude and phase. Approaches to phase unwrapping are evaluated and compared to expected results from simulated holograms. The algorithms used are implemented in plug-ins using the open source Fiji platform and are available for use, significantly expanding the open-source software available for DHM.
Nitrogen in soil and subsurface drip-irrigated processing tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) as affected by fertilization level

Abstract Over the last 20 years, subsurface drip irrigation has been widely adopted for processing tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in California. Subsurface drip irrigation allows application of water and nitrogen (N) fertilizer throughout the season. As a result, optimal N fertilization approaches are likely different than for furrow-irrigated systems. A project was initiated to develop and validate an N fertilization budget with site specific input for drip-irrigated processing tomatoes. Nitrogen partitioning in the aboveground biomass was determined in ten commercial fields. At harvest, the N concentration in the fruit averaged 1.5 g N kg−1, which accounted for 64% of the total N in the aboveground biomass. A budget, which considered residual soil mineral N, nitrate in the irrigation water and N mineralized from soil organic matter, was implemented in a replicated field trial with three application rates ranging from 152 to 306 kg ha−1. Average yields reached 130 and 140 Mg ha−1 in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Nitrogen application rates had no significant effect on yield. However, across both years the total N in the aboveground biomass increased significantly by 0.875 kg kg-1 of additional N. Nitrogen mineralization of residues incorporated after the tomato harvest was slow during the winter, with soil nitrate levels in the top 60 cm of the profile not being different from soil where the residues had been removed after the tomato harvest.
Resident Education in End-of-Life Communication and Management: Assessing Comfort Level to Enhance Competence and Confidence.

Objectives Our primary objective was to understand residents’ baseline comfort with end-of-life (EOL) communication and management and to compare this with their comfort after completion of their surgical intensive care unit (SICU) rotation. We also evaluated the association between prior training with perceived level of comfort with EOL issues, and whether the resident believed in the concept of a “better death.” Design, Setting, Participants As a quality improvement initiative, we conducted surveys of trainees before and after their rotation in the Yale New Haven Hospital SICU. Prerotation and postrotation surveys were administered to all residents who rotated during the 2016-2017 academic year and the first half of 2017-2018. The survey consisted of 34 questions querying residents on their level of training in EOL care, their comfort with management and discussions in different EOL domains, and their beliefs about what measures would have improved their ability to provide EOL care. Residents surveyed were from general surgery, emergency medicine, or anesthesia departments. Results and Conclusions Our study demonstrates that there is a significant correlation between resident comfort with EOL communication and experience providing EOL care. However, concepts in medicolegal aspects of palliative care could be taught through formal didactics, and structured training may allow residents the opportunity to reflect on the importance of a “better death.”
Development and Application of a Multiplex Marker Assay to Detect PVY Resistance Genes in Solanum tuberosum

Potato virus Y (PVY) is a major pathogen affecting potato production worldwide. Three independent genes (Ryadg,Rysto,and Rychc) conferring genetic resistance to all known strains of the virus are currently utilized by breeding programs to develop potato varieties containing extreme resistance to infection by PVY. These resistance genes are typically detected using primers specific for the generation of markers closely-linked to the resistance genes. In recent years there have been attempts to develop a multiplex PCR assay for all resistance genes, but all current published methods either omit at least one resistance gene or are unnecessarily complex and therefore difficult to incorporate successfully for marker-assisted selection. We have developed an assay which tests for the presence of all three sources of resistance in a single, easy to use PCR protocol. The multiplex PCR assay was applied to potato varieties, second-field year breeding germplasm, and a selection of test crosses having progeny segregating for multiple resistance genes to validate the methodology for use in marker-assisted selection in potato breeding programs.
Colorectal Cancer Imaging and Management: A Surgeon's Perspective

ABSTRACT Preoperative imaging is a critical part of the multimodality treatment of colon and rectal cancer. Surgeons approach this imaging with a need to know critical details. With colon cancer, the predominant imaging modality is CT scan. CT provides information about local environment of the tumor, the global abdomen, and extra abdominal sites. With rectal cancer, MRI is the standard of preoperative imaging. MRI's high-resolution images and multiplanar evaluation of the pelvis allows accurate assessment of depth of penetration, nodal status and involvement of other organs. Understanding of relationships between tumor and mesorectum is critical to projecting therapies.
Targeting Accuracy of Transcranial Power Cavitation Imaging for Blood-Brain Barrier Opening Using a Theranostic Phased Array

Transcranial ultrasound-based monitoring of focused ultrasound (FUS)-mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening is a challenge due to signal attenuation, phase aberration and focal distortion resulting from acoustic wave propagation through the skull. However, transcranial passive cavitation mapping is critical for ensuring noninvasive, safe, and consistent treatment. Power cavitation imaging using a diagnostic phased array synchronized with a FUS-induced BBB opening protocol poses one solution for transcranial cavitation mapping given the minimal focal shift resulting from transcranial ultrasound transmission. 1.94 mm and 1.01 mm average axial and lateral focal shifts, respectively, through primate skulls were observed during in vitro experiments and were recapitulated consistently by simulations. Average axial and lateral shifts in the apparent location of a microbubble flow channel detected via transcranial power cavitation imaging of 1.13 mm and 0.50 mm, respectively, agreed well with simulation results and results of other studies demonstrating registration errors after transcranial imaging of a microbubble flow channel.
Self-limiting Orbital Emphysema Following Ocular Evisceration and Demonstration of Nasolacrimal-Oropharyngeal Communication in a South African Ostrich (Struthio camelus australis).

A 25-year-old, male, sanctuary-owned, South African ostrich (Struthio camelus australis) was evaluated for orbital emphysema after evisceration of a nonvisual and chronically irritated eye. On initial ophthalmic examination, the ostrich's left eye displayed severe corneal fibrosis, broad anterior synechia, and a shallow anterior chamber, all suggestive of a previous corneal perforation. Conjunctival hyperemia and eyelid crusts were also present, reportedly associated with chronic rubbing. Evisceration of the left eye was performed by excising the eyelid margins, conjunctiva, nictitans, cornea, and intraocular contents. Four weeks postoperatively, a nonpainful, fluctuant swelling of the surgical site was noted. Trocarization of the surgical site verified orbital emphysema and served to temporarily decompress the orbit. Orbital emphysema reoccurred within 48 hours but gradually regressed without intervention over the subsequent 9 months. A Jones test was performed in the healthy, right eye and demonstrated clear communication to the oropharynx. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an evisceration performed on an ostrich and the first reported case of orbital emphysema in any avian species. It is probable that the emphysema noted in this case was secondary to nasolacrimal duct-oropharynx communication.
Sodium sensitivity of KNa channels in mouse CA1 neurons.

We studied KNa channels in mouse hippocampal CA1 neurons. Excised inside-out patches showed the channels to be prevalent and active in most patches in the presence of Na+. Cell-attached recordings ...
Perceptions on the Future of Automation in r/Truckers

New developments in automation have led to discussions about the impact that autonomous trucks will have on the trucking industry. However, there is a lack of literature on truck drivers’ perceptions of automation. To gain an understanding of the trucking community’s sentiments towards automation, we analyzed member discussions related to automation in the r/Truckers subreddit. Among the comments we analyzed, concerns about the feasibility of automation were popular and, in general, community members expressed negative perspectives on automation in trucking. This was corroborated by our findings that only 0.98% (9/915) comments had positive views on automation. Speculations on when automation of any degree will take place in the trucking industry varied, but the view that automation would eventually happen but not for a long time was the most common. To conclude, we highlight a need to support and empower truck drivers through the significant changes facing this industry.
Racial disparities in emergency care for seizures in the United States

Background Racial disparities exist regarding emergency medical services, and advanced life support (ALS) is superior to basic life support (BLS) for patients experiencing a seizure. Aims This stud...
Striving to improve outcome measures for inclusion body myositis through novel dynamometer and modifications of the current functional rating scale (4938)

Objective: (1) Determining efficacy of novel dynamometer for finger flexor strength measurement (2) Does addition of NIH-published patient reported outcomes to current IBM-FRS improve ability to detect change Background: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a indolent but relentlessly progression myopathy that remains refractory to current modalities of treatment. Limitation of clinical trials for novel therapeutics include insufficient outcome measures to faithfully reflect changes in deep finger flexor strength and upper extremity function. IBM-FRS has some validation data, but our previous work showed that items designed to reflect hand function did so poorly. Stemming from this work we aim to (1) evaluate new patient reported outcome published by the NIH and how well they augment appreciation of deep finger flexor weakness (2) determining the reliability and feasibility of a new pinch dynamometer. Design/Methods: 123 subjects recruited at the national Myositis Conference 2019, including 84 IBM patients and 39 healthy controls. Motor function is measured by grip dynamometer (Jamar), manual distal finger flexor testing, commercial pinch dynamometer (Citec) previously used in assessment of IBM, and novel pinch dynamometer (Piezo). The Piezo dynamometer consist of a light weight, thin, membranous force-sensing resister capable of detecting force applied between 2 surfaces (pinch) up to 100lbs. Our IBM cohort filled out a modified IBM-FRS which included items from patient reported outcomes published by NIH and additional section to free text questions that they feel would be more appropriate when assessing their hand function. Results: Data analysis is ongoing and will be published at the time of the poster Conclusions: This study aims to improve outcome measures by (1) field test NIH patient reported outcomes in a large IBM cohort, (2) comprehensive comparison of 3 different methods of pinch strength evaluation, that is specific to IBM but can be challenging to assess. Disclosure: Dr. Lin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Siener has nothing to disclose. Dr. Seiffert has nothing to disclose. Dr. Weihl has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wang has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Biogen, Argenx.. Dr. Wang holds stock and/or stock options in GWPH, Spark Therapeutics. Dr. Wang has received research support from Fulcrum Therapeutic.
Computing Consensus Curves

We study the problem of extracting accurate average ant trajectories from many (inaccurate) input trajectories contributed by citizen scientists. Although there are many generic software tools for motion tracking and specific ones for insect tracking, even untrained humans are better at this task. We consider several local (one ant at a time) and global (all ants together) methods. Our best performing algorithm uses a novel global method, based on finding edge-disjoint paths in a graph constructed from the input trajectories. The underlying optimization problem is a new and interesting network flow variant. Even though the problem is NP-complete, two heuristics work well in practice, outperforming all other approaches, including the best automated system.
Transmission of Paratuberculosis

An understanding of the means by which paratuberculosis is transmitted is essential to controlling the spread of this disease. Although fecal-oral transmission from infected adults to calves is the most important method of transmission, other methods such as milk, colostrum, and in-utero transmission are discussed. Most paratuberculosis control or eradication programs must include measures to prevent transmission at these critical points.
“Yes/No/Not Right Now”: Yes/No Response Formats Can Increase Response Rates Even in Non-Forced-Choice Settings

AbstractAlthough yes/no response formats have been used to increase enrollment rates in several different types of programs, their effectiveness has generally been tested in forced-choice settings. The effects on postchoice engagement have not been measured. Across two field experiments in an e-mail context in which choice is not forced, the authors demonstrate a substantial advantage in click-through rates for a yes/no response format over traditional opt-in response formats. The increase in click-through rate does, under certain conditions, also persist through downstream program enrollment and participation. Finally, though noting that the yes/no format advantage is probably multidetermined, the authors discuss several potential psychological mechanisms, which are particularly relevant in non-forced-choice settings. The authors also discuss how the yes/no response format might operate in other settings, such as the implementation of mandated choice for organ donation.
Use of Qualitative Knowledge in Learning System Behaviour and Discovering Control Strategy

Abstract This paper addresses the problem of understanding the behavior of a system so that an effective control strategy can be formulated. Using a well-specified theoretical model, we show how qualitative knowledge can be used to guide a sequence of exploratory runs of the system to ascertain a control strategy.
The Economics of Tracking in Education

Tracking refers to the practice of dividing students by ability or achievement. Students may be tracked within schools by placing them into different classrooms based on achievement, which is the typical practice in countries such as the United States or Canada. Alternatively, students could be streamed into different schools, with either vocational or academic emphases, as has been practiced commonly in Europe. Proponents of tracking argue that tracking can increase the efficiency of schooling by focusing on the needs of distinct groups of students. Opponents' main concerns relate to perpetuating and aggravating inequality. Evaluating effects of tracking on average student achievement and the distribution of achievement is difficult, in part because of variations from study to study and from country to country in the characteristics of the tracking system. Early work, largely in the United States and Britain, used variation across and within schools, and often found that tracking increased inequality in achievement. But more recent work in the United States has questioned these findings, suggesting that careful attention to endogenous placement of students into classrooms and endogenous use of tracking across schools changes results dramatically. Experimental studies on within-school tracking in the United States have produced mixed results, and one experiment in Kenya suggests that tracking can boost the achievement of both low-achieving and high-achieving students. A large body of work now uses geographical variation across regions, countries, grades, and time to identify the effects of tracking. These studies for the most part suggest that tracking aggravates inequality in outcomes. These results are fairly strong, and may be identifying the more dramatic effects that obtain when students are separated into vocational schools and more academically oriented schools, as opposed to the effects of within-school tracking. The paper concludes with an outline of how future research might better categorize and rigorously evaluate the real-world nuances of tracking.
Socio-Technical Interaction Networks: A Discussion of the Strengths, Weaknesses and Future of Kling’s STIN Model

The Socio-Technical Interaction Network (STIN) strategy for social informatics research was published late in Rob Kling’s life, and as a result, he did not have time to pursue its continued development. This paper aims to summarize existing work on STINs, identify key themes, strengths, weaknesses and limitations, and to suggest trajectories for the future of STIN research. The STIN strategy for research on socio-technical systems offers the potential for useful insights into the highly intertwined nature of social factors and technological systems, however a number of areas of the strategy remain underdeveloped and offer the potential for future refinement and modification.