cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Invited talk 7: A reverse operation self-consistent evaluation approach for evaluating singular integrals in method of moments

Discussed herein is a novel approach entitled reverse operation self-consistent evaluation (ROSE). Specifically, we applied ROSE for the treatment of weak-singular and hypersingular kernels in surface integral equations (SIEs) for the computation of electromagnetic (EM) scattering from perfect electrical conductors (PEC). In this paper, we restrict our discussion to the weak-singular and hypersingular kernels employing respectively div-conformal RWG basis functions and non-conformal piece-wise constant vector basis functions.
Commitment in the cloud? Social media participation in the sunflower movement

Social media participants in digitally enabled protests have long been criticized for their lack of commitment. Many bypassed this issue and argued that social media’s positive impact on protests d...
The validity and reliability of the Test of Arm Selective Control for children with cerebral palsy: a prospective cross-sectional study.

AIM This study examined the reliability and validity of the Test of Arm Selective Control (TASC) to examine upper extremity selective voluntary motor control in children and adolescents with all types of spastic cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD Fifty-six participants with CP, ranging in age from 5 years 9 months to 18 years 11 months (average 11y 7mo, SD 3y 9mo; 25 males, 31 females), participated in this prospective cross-sectional study. They were evaluated using the TASC and several clinical measures. RESULTS TASC and Manual Ability Classification System (r=-0.529, p<0.001), TASC and ABILHAND-Kids (r=0.596, p<0.001), and TASC and affected extremities (r=-0.486, p=0.001) were moderately correlated. There was a weak correlation between the TASC and Gross Motor Function Classification System (r=-0.363, p=0.006) and no correlation between the TASC and age (p=0.366) or rater (p=0.713). Interrater reliability for upper extremity total score (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.92-0.94) and upper extremity limb scores (ICC=0.92-0.96) was high for two independent rater groups (p≤0.001). Average time to administer was 16 minutes, 18 seconds. INTERPRETATION The TASC is a reliable and valid tool for objective assessment of selective voluntary motor control. Clinically this measure may guide the selection of medical, surgical, or therapy interventions and may improve outcome prognosis. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS The Test of Arm Selective Control (TASC) demonstrates a high degree of reliability and multiple aspects of validity when assessing upper extremity selective control in those with cerebral palsy. The TASC is an upper limb companion to the Selective Control Assessment of the Lower Extremity.
National Practice Patterns for Prenatal Monitoring in Gastroschisis: Gastroschisis Outcomes of Delivery (GOOD) Provider Survey.

Background Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect with increasing incidence. Given the lack of surveillance guidelines among maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists, this study describes current practices in gastroschisis management. Materials and methods An online survey was administered to MFM specialists from institutions affiliated with the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet). Questions focused on surveillance timing, testing, findings that changed clinical management, and delivery plan. Results Responses were obtained from 29/29 (100%) NAFTNet centers, comprising 143/371 (39%) providers. The majority had a regimen for antenatal surveillance in patients with stable gastroschisis (94%; 134/141). Antenatal testing began at 32 weeks for 68% (89/131) of MFM specialists. The nonstress test (55%; 72/129), biophysical profile (50%; 63/126), and amniotic fluid index (64%; 84/131) were used weekly. Estimated fetal weight (EFW) was performed monthly by 79% (103/131) of providers. At 28 weeks, abnormal EFW (77%; 97/126) and Doppler ultrasound (78%; 99/127) most frequently altered management. In stable gastroschisis, 43% (60/140) of providers delivered at 37 weeks, and 29% (40/ 140) at 39 weeks. Discussion Gastroschisis management differs among NAFTNet centers, although the majority initiate surveillance at 32 weeks. Timing of delivery still requires consensus. Prospective studies are necessary to further optimize practice guidelines and patient care.
Decently Dressed: Women’s Fashion and Dress Reform in the Nineteenth Century United States

In the spring and summer of 2008, the American media was full of a controversy involving the families of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the state of Texas, USA (New York Times 2011). The almost iconic representation of the FLDS became the women of the group in their distinctive dresses and hairstyles. These women wore “prairie” style dresses with below the knee skirts, identical except for their pastel colors, and their long hair in nearly identical braided styles. Some small differentiation based on age and status—married/unmarried and adult/child—existed.
Structure of Y and Zr Segregated Grain Boundaries in Alumina

Grain boundary segregation of Y and Zr in α-Al2O3 and the atomic structural environment around the Y and Zr atoms have been investigated using high resolution STEM and EXAFS. At dilute concentrations, the Y ions in α-Al2O3 grain boundaries, on average, are coordinated by 4 oxygens, at a distance of 2.30 A, which corresponds nearly to the Y-O bond length in cubic Y2O3, and Zr ions are coordinated by 5 oxygens at a distance of 2.14 A, which is approximately the same as the average Zr-O bond length in monoclinic ZrO2. However, in the EXAFS radial distribution function, the Y-cation and Zr-cation next nearest neighbor shell cannot be clearly identified. These results suggest that Y and Zr at dilute concentrations in α-Al2O3 occupy grain boundary sites with well defined nearest neighbor cation-oxygen bond lengths similar to those in their parent oxides, but with the next nearest neighbor cation-cation distances varying considerably from site to site. Grain growth can cause grain boundaries to become supersaturated by Y. In this case, both the Y-O nearest neighbor coordination number and the ordering of Y with respect to Al ions beyond nearest neighbor O are increased. This Y-Al distance is the same as that expected for the Y-Al distance when Y substitutes for Al while relaxing the Y-O distance to that in Y2O3. This may indicate that as the Y concentration increases, Y begins to occupy near-boundary sites in planes on each side of the geometrical boundary. In these near-boundary planes, the nearest neighbor ordering extends at least to nearest neighbor cations. Nucleation of the YAG phase leads to the depletion of these partially ordered layers.
Analytical and heuristic modeling of distributed algorithms

An NP-hard problem is a problem for which there is no known optimal algorithm to solve it with computational time that increases polynomially with the size of the problem; the computational time of all the known algorithms increase, in fact, exponentially with the size. Such problems are studied in the book by Garey and Johnson [1]. The NP-hard problems include the travelling salesman, warehouse location, job shop scheduling, airline scheduling, graph partitioning, dynamic storage location, VLSI layout and machine cell allocation (i.e., moving large workpieces between various machines).
Entomopathogenic Fungi: Fungi Imperfecti

The phylum Deuteromycota (Fungi Imperfecti, Table 8-1) includes a group of miscellaneous fungi that are classified according to characteristics of an asexual (anamorphic) rather than a sexual (teleomorphic) state. As mentioned previously (Table 8-3), some Deuteromycetes are anamorphs of Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes, all of which are classed as the perfect higher fungi (see Chapter 9). The primary means of reproduction in the Deuteromycetes is the conidium, a non-motile, usually deciduous spore. In the largest class of entomopathogenic Deuteromycetes, the Hyphomycetes, the conidia are borne on free hyphae or on aggregates of hyphae (synnemata). Members of the class Coelomycetes have various types of specialized conidial-bearing structures (conidiomata). The Mycelia Sterilia (Aegerita webberi) are placed among the Deuteromycetes even though they do not produce conidia. Several genera within the Hyphomycetes will be discussed in detail. Emphasis will be placed on a topic(s) that has been a major point of interest in studies of each of the fungi presented.
The rise and fall of the medical mediated searcher

The relationship between the development of mediated online literature searching and the recruitment of medical librarians to fill positions as online searchers was investigated. The history of database searching by medical librarians was outlined and a content analysis of thirty-five years of job advertisements in MLA News from 1961 through 1996 was summarized. Advertisements for online searchers were examined to test the hypothesis that the growth of mediated online searching was reflected in the recruitment of librarians to fill positions as mediated online searchers in medical libraries. The advent of end-user searching was also traced to determine how this trend affected the demand for mediated online searching and job availability of online searchers. Job advertisements were analyzed to determine what skills were in demand as end-user searching replaced mediated online searching as the norm in medical libraries. Finally, the trend away from mediated online searching to support of other library services was placed in the context of new roles for medical librarians.
Dietary Phosphorus and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study

Background Higher dietary phosphorus is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and mortality, which are blood pressure (BP)-related outcomes. For this reason, we hypothesized that dietary phosphorus may be associated with adverse clinic and ambulatory BP patterns. Methods Our study included 973 African American adults enrolled in the Jackson Heart Study (2000-2004) with 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) data at baseline. We quantified dietary phosphorus from a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire as follows: (i) absolute daily intake, (ii) ratio of phosphorus-to-protein intake, (iii) phosphorus density, and (iv) energy-adjusted phosphorus intake. Using multivariable linear regression, we determined associations between dietary phosphorus intake and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure in clinic and over daytime, nighttime, and 24-hour periods from ABPM. Extent of nocturnal BP dipping was also assessed. Using logistic regression, we modeled relationships between dietary phosphorus intake and clinically relevant qualitative BP phenotypes, such as masked, sustained, or white-coat hypertension and normotension. Results There were no statistically significant associations between phosphorus intake and SBP or pulse pressure in adjusted models. Most metrics of higher phosphorus intake were associated with lower daytime, nighttime, and clinic DBP. Higher phosphorus intake was not associated with clinic or ABPM-defined hypertension overall, but most metrics of higher phosphorus intake were associated with lower odds of sustained hypertension compared to sustained normotension, white-coat hypertension, and masked hypertension. There were no associations between dietary phosphorus and nocturnal BP dipping. Conclusions These data do not support a role for higher phosphorus intake and higher BP in African Americans.
Describing transition metal homogeneous catalysis using the random phase approximation

The performance of the direct random phase approximation (RPA) method based on a Kohn–Sham reference for transition metal chemistry is studied by making comparison to (dispersion-corrected) density functional theory (DFT) and (spin-scaled) Moller–Plesset theory. The recently developed local-pair coupled-cluster method DLPNO-CCSD(T) is used as a benchmark. Emphasis is placed on the study of complete realistic mechanisms and reactions involving large systems. Electronic energies for the mechanism of C–H and C–C bond activation by rhodium fragments are presented as well as for ruthenium-catalyzed olefin metathesis. In addition, the WCCR10 test set, which comprises ten reactions, is revisited, and reaction energies for the reaction of a $$\mu $$ -chloride-bridged palladacyclic dimer with phosphane ligands are presented. RPA yields results that are on average within 2–3 kcal/mol of the theoretical benchmark with a maximum deviation of 5 kcal/mol. Of the methods studied, RPA behaves most systematically and is able to provide results of similar accuracy to dispersion-corrected functionals. RPA can thus serve as a complementary method to DFT to obtain insight into transition metal chemistry. Attention is paid to the basis set convergence behavior of RPA as well.
The effectiveness of crop rotation on management of Verticillium wilt over time

Abstract The objective of this research was to determine the effectiveness of using grain crops in rotation with cotton in managing Verticillium wilt of cotton over a 10-year period. The circular shaped field (52 ha) was divided into six equal sized wedges and cotton or grain crops (sorghum, corn, wheat) were rotated from 2001 to 2018, with some wedges having cotton more frequently and others rotated with grain crops more frequently. Verticillium wilt, which is caused by Verticillium dahliae, was first seen in the field in 2007. Verticillium wilt incidence increased as long-term cotton (host) frequency (HF) increased during 2008–2010 and 2012–2014, but wilt incidence was unaffected by HF in 2016–2018. Grain crops planted in rotation with cotton in one of the two previous years reduced wilt incidence in rotated cotton relative to continuous cotton in 2008–2010, but either had no affect or increased wilt incidence in rotated cotton in 2012–2014 and 2016–2018, relative to continuous cotton. Verticillium dahliae microsclerotia density (MS/cm3 soil)1/2 increased with increasing HF for all three time periods. Three consecutive years of cotton increased MS1/2 relative to rotated cotton in 2008–2010 and 2012–2014, but either did not affect MS1/2 or negatively affected MS1/2 density by 2016–2018 (relative to rotated cotton). Yield, adjusted each year to a 0 to 1 scale, decreased with increasing HF in all three time periods. Yield decreased with three consecutive years of cotton relative to rotated cotton in 2008–2010 and was unaffected by rotated cotton in 2012–2014 and 2016–2018. Crop rotation with nonhosts for management of Verticillium wilt, initially (first four years) was very effective at reducing MS, wilt incidence, and increasing yield. However, 9–11 years after the initial Verticillium wilt symptoms occurred, short-term crop rotation no longer reduced Verticillium wilt incidence, reduced microsclerotia density, or increased cotton yield.
Musings on retirement.

Abstract The concept of ‘retirement’ is relatively new in history and is difficult for many who are defined in large part by their work. This commentary describes one person's process of decision making regarding when and how to retire.
An innovative technique using a percutaneously placed guidewire allows for higher success rate for ERCP compared to balloon enteroscopy assistance in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically challenging in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Current approaches either have high failure rate, are resource intensive, or invasive. To describe successful adoption of an old technique for performance of ERCP in patients with RYGB anatomy employing enteroscopy with the assistance of a percutaneously placed guidewire, which facilitates both reaching and cannulating the major papilla. A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary-care center. We included patients with RYGB from 2015 to 2017 who underwent ERCP. We compared success rate and adverse events between rendezvous guidewire-assisted (RGA) and balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) ERCP techniques. Thirty patients with RYGB underwent 62 ERCPs. The mean age was 62.2 ± 11 years with female predominance 83.3%. The procedures were performed using BAE 43/62 (69.3%), RGA 13/62 (21%), gastrostomy tube 5/62 (8.1%), and colonoscope 1/62 (1.6%). In patients with a native papilla (n = 37 ERCPs), clinical success rate with BAE was 36.8% compared to 100% with RGA (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in bleeding (P = 0.17), post-ERCP pancreatitis (P = 0.4), or luminal perforation (P = not estimated) between the two techniques in native papilla. The mean procedure time with the RGA was significantly shorter than successful BAE with mean difference: 33 min (95% CI 8–57 min, P = 0.01). Twenty-five ERCPs were performed in eight patients with non-native papilla. BAE success rate in non-native papilla was 95.8%. The mean procedure time of the BAE in non-native papilla was 111 ± 60 min. Native papillae were associated with a significantly higher BAE failure rate compared to non-native papillae (OR: 12; 95% CI 1.44–99.7, P = 0.02). In patients with RYGB, RGA appears to be highly successful and safe in achieving clinical success for patients with native papilla as compared to BAE.
Electronic Medical Record-Based Appointment Order Improves 30-Day Post-Hospital Discharge Follow-Up in Heart Failure Patients

Background Timely follow-up after hospital discharge is important for heart failure patients. Previous interventions focused on scheduling follow-up appointments prior to discharge have rarely yielded sustained improvements. We implemented an EMR-based appointment order to secure cardiology follow-up appointments at time of discharge and measured its impact on follow-up rates. Methods We reviewed all discharges from the cardiovascular medicine services at our institution of patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of heart failure from 2012-2017. In the pre-implementation era, scheduling of follow-up appointments was at the discretion of the clinical team. The EMR-based order ensured that the patient had scheduled follow-up at time of discharge. We compared pre- (2012-2013, n=6,640 discharges) and post-implementation era (2014-2017, n=14,803 discharges) rates of follow-up. Follow-up rates with and without order utilization were analyzed in the post-implementation era. Results The study population included 21,443 discharges. The average age of our patients in this cohort was 70.8±14.4 and 62% of the population was male. Between 2012 and 2013, the average rate of follow-up at 30 days after discharge was 41.9% (2,787/6,640) and increased to 51.7% (7,653/14,803) in the post-implementation era (2014-2017)(p Conclusion An EMR-based appointment order is an effective mechanism to improve cardiology follow-up within 30 days after hospitalization for heart failure patients. Use of an EMR-based appointment order is a valuable strategy to improve follow-up rates.
Bone graft engineering: Composite scaffolds

Abstract In recent years, bone tissue engineering techniques have shown great promise for generation of dental bone grafts with highly biomimetic properties. Alveolar bone tissue engineering uses a combination of scaffolds, cells, and/or bioactive factors to generate new bone tissue and, occasionally, other related and interfacial tissue types relevant to the periodontal unit. Given the highly complex environment of the periodontium in which alveolar bone resides, composite scaffold design has been instrumental in producing truly biomimetic scaffolds that can recapitulate the heterogeneous chemical, physical, and biological properties of dental bone. One important aspect of composite scaffold design has been utilizing novel material combinations and composite materials from multiple classes—including synthetic polymers, natural polymers, and ceramics—to provide a myriad of biomimetic features. Building upon this, the emergence of high-fidelity scaffold fabrication techniques in rapid prototyping have enabled the production of complex, spatially defined architectures from these composite materials. Furthermore tissue engineers have utilized multiphasic and gradient scaffold design to directly address the heterogeneity of alveolar bone and its surrounding periodontium. Thus more biomimetic scaffolds and dental bone grafts have been produced by combining composite material selection, high-fidelity 3D scaffold fabrication, and multiphasic scaffold design. Further improvements to dental bone graft engineering can be explored through the development of more precise mechanical, physical, and biological gradients that mimic the periodontal unit.
Wrestling with God: Ethical Precarity in Christianity and International Relations

Contrary to charges of religious “dogma,” Christian actors in international politics often wrestle with the lack of a clear path in determining what to do and how to act, especially in situations of violence and when encountering otherness. Lynch argues that it is crucial to recognise the ethical precarity of decision-making and acting. This book contextualizes and examines ethical struggles and justifications that key figures and movements gave during the early modern period of missionary activity in the Americas; in the interwar debates about how to act vis-a-vis fascism, economic oppression and colonialism in a “secular” world; in liberation theology's debates about the use of violence against oppression and bloodshed; and in contemporary Christian humanitarian negotiations of religious pluralism and challenges to the assumptions of western Christianity. Lynch explores how the wrestling with God that took place in each of these periods reveals ethical tensions that continue to impact both Christianity and international relations.
Contemplación en movimiento.

Como en el numero anterior vemos entre los textos que aparece la imagen como un factor relevante de analisis en el ambito de las artes, y a modo de colofon, particularmente desde el ejercicio del dibujo, un acto no solo plastico asimismo intelectual, que desborda el nucleo de todo proceso de aprendizaje pues involucra siempre una actitud y cultiva valores como la paciencia y perseverancia, factores que parecieran ir desapareciendo de nuestro escenario natural, paulatinamente; el dibujo sigue siendo una actividad que estimula la observacion, un proceso de tempo moderado, distinta del mirar que con celeridad completa la accion. Es relevante mencionar que el desarrollo de los articulos evidencia con solidez que la investigacion artistica requiere de magnitudes mas propias de la contemplacion que de las certezas, de analisis profundos y con espacios a consideraciones que no pueden escapar de la singularidad humana, y ello nos deja con un sabor de texto dulce que confiere un estado de animo en el cual apreciamos como posible y necesaria la valorizacion de las disciplinas que nos enmarcan, proximas siempre a metodos de dimensiones creativas.
Qualitative Exploration of the Pediatric Heart Failure Experience for Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure

Purpose No valid, reliable, and publicly available patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) exists to assess the pediatric heart failure (HF) experience. We sought to understand this experience in order to develop a PROM that can reliably capture and track outcomes for adolescent patients. Methods Semi-structured individual or group interviews were conducted at two pediatric HF and transplant centers in the US. Patient ages 12-21 who had a record of symptomatic HF in the past 2 years were eligible to participate. Caregivers of participants were also eligible. Symptom experiences and their impact on daily activities were explored. Transcripts were analyzed by members of a multidisciplinary team using thematic analysis. Results 16 patients and 9 caregivers participated. 22 completed individual interviews in-person or by phone, and 3 participated in a web-based focus group. Patient participants were 31% male, and median age was 16.5 years. 31% (n=5) had HF from cardiomyopathy and 69% (n=11) had HF due to congenital heart disease, with 7 having single ventricle physiology. 5 participants were interviewed post-transplant. Preliminary analysis revealed consistent themes across interviews. Common symptoms included fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Symptoms limited ability to perform daily tasks (e.g. climbing stairs at school), participate in certain extracurricular activities (e.g. sports, dance) and keep up with peers. Participants described social and emotional impacts from being treated differently by others due to surgical scars, medical devices, or functional limitations. They also reported burden of frequent medical visits and treatments, and expressed worry and uncertainty about the need for future interventions. Caregivers reported similar impacts on patient function and wellbeing, and they further described social exclusion by peers and anxiety about the future (e.g. limited life expectancy or career limitations). Conclusion The unique personal and social impacts of HF symptoms on adolescents and young adults may necessitate development of unique items for PRO measurement in this population. These findings will be used to draft a developmentally-relevant PROM that will subsequently be tested in this population and validated for use in clinical care and regulatory evaluation of new medical products.
Taking Control: Campylobacter jejuni Binding to Fibronectin Sets the Stage for Cellular Adherence and Invasion.

Campylobacter jejuni, a foodborne pathogen, is one of the most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis in the world. Undercooked poultry, raw (unpasteurized) dairy products, untreated water, and contaminated produce are the most common sources associated with infection. C. jejuni establishes a niche in the gut by adhering to and invading epithelial cells, which results in diarrhea with blood and mucus in the stool. The process of colonization is mediated, in part, by surface-exposed molecules (adhesins) that bind directly to host cell ligands or the extracellular matrix surrounding cells. In this review, we introduce the known and putative adhesins of the foodborne pathogen C. jejuni. We then focus our discussion on two C. jejuni Microbial Surface Components Recognizing Adhesive Matrix Molecule(s) (MSCRAMMs), termed CadF and FlpA, which have been demonstrated to contribute to C. jejuni colonization and pathogenesis. In vitro studies have determined that these two surface-exposed proteins bind to the extracellular matrix glycoprotein fibronectin (FN) in a specific manner. In vivo studies have shown that cadF and flpA deletion mutants exhibit impaired colonization of chickens compared to the wild-type strain. Additional studies have revealed that CadF and FlpA stimulate epithelial cell signaling pathways necessary for cell invasion. Interestingly, CadF and FlpA have distinct FN-binding domains, suggesting that the functions of these proteins are non-redundant. In summary, the binding of FN by C. jejuni CadF and FlpA adhesins has been demonstrated to contribute to adherence, invasion, and cell signaling.
UNICONDYLAR KNEE ARTHROPLASTY VERSUS TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: WHICH TYPE OF ARTIFICIAL JOINT DO PATIENTS FORGET?

Introduction Historically, the outcomes of knee replacement were evaluated based on implant longevity, major complications and range of motion. Over the last recent years however, there has been an intensively growth of interest in the patient9s perception of functional outcome. However, the currently used patient related outcome (PRO) scores are limited by ceiling effects which limit the possibility to distinguish between good and excellent results post knee arthroplasty. The Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) is a new PRO score which is not influenced by ceiling effects, therefore making it the ideal instrument to compare functional outcome between various types of implants. It is based on the thought that the ultimate goal in joint arthroplasty is the ability of a patient to forget their artificial joint in everyday life. The aim of this study is to compare the FJS between patients who undergo TKA and patients who undergo medial UKA at least 12 months post-operatively. We hypothesized that the UKA which is less extensive surgical procedure will present better FJS than TKA, even 12 month postoperative. Methods All patients who underwent medial UKA or TKA were contacted 12 months post-operatively. They were asked to complete the FJS, the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). A priori power analysis was conducted using two-sample t-test. 64 patients in each group were needed to reach 80% power for detecting a 12 point (SD 24) significant difference on the FJS scale with a two-sided significant level of 0.05. A p-value Results 128 patients were included. 64 underwent medial UKA and 64 TKA. At an average of 1.5 years follow-up in the UKA group and 1.4 years in the TKA group, the FJS was significantly higher in the UKA group (73.0±23.3) than the TKA group (59.1±26.8). No significant differences were noted for all 3 WOMAC domains (figure 1) and 5 EQ-5D domains (figure 2). Conclusion Our data suggests that patients who undergo UKA are better capable of forgetting their artificial joint in daily life and therefore are more satisfied. Furthermore our data suggests that the FJS should be used in future studies since it has the ability to detect top-end differences where the conventional PRO scores are unable to distinguish between good and excellent results following knee replacement.
Matter-gravity coupling for fuzzy geometry and the Landau-Hall problem

We consider a set of physical degrees of freedom coupled to a finite-dimensional Hilbert space, which may be taken as modeling a fuzzy space or as the lowest Landau level of a Landau-Hall problem. These may be viewed as matter fields on a fuzzy space. Sequentially generalizing to arbitrary backgrounds, we argue that the effective action is given by the Chern-Simons form associated with the Dirac index density (with gauge and gravitational fields), with an Abelian gauge field shifted by the Poincar\'e-Cartan form for matter dynamics. The result is an action for matter fields where the Lagrangian is integrated with a density which is a specific polynomial in the curvatures.
Efficacy of axitinib in metastatic head and neck cancer with novel radiographic response criteria.

Background There are limited treatment options for unresectable recurrent or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Vascular endothelial growth factor is of significant interest for targeted therapy in R/M HNSCC because of its central role in tumorigenesis and immunosuppression. Axitinib is a potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 1 , VEGFR2, VEGFR3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, as well as c-kit and offers such an approach. Methods This article reports the results of a phase 2 trial evaluating axitinib in R/M HNSCC according to the Choi criteria for radiographic response assessment. The primary endpoint of this trial was 6-month overall survival. Results Twenty-nine patients were enrolled, and 28 were evaluable for a response. Patients were heavily pretreated with 61% having had at least 1 previous systemic treatment in the metastatic setting (range, 0-5). The median overall survival of 9.8 months and the 6-month overall survival rate of 70% met the protocol-defined criteria for clinical efficacy. The best overall response rate was 42%. Correlative analyses demonstrated that PI3K signaling pathway alterations were associated with an increased response to therapy (75% vs 17%). A marked response to therapy was seen in a subgroup of patients who were treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor after progression on axitinib. Conclusions Treatment with axitinib is associated with improved survival in patients with heavily pretreated head and neck cancer, and PI3K pathway alterations may serve as a biomarker for response. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate axitinib in biomarker-selected populations, especially in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Lay summary Metastatic head and neck squamous cancer is an incurable disease with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. This study is the first to demonstrate that the targeted oral drug axitinib improves survival in patients with heavily pretreated metastatic head and neck cancer. Furthermore, patients whose tumors have specific mutations derive the greatest benefit from therapy. The investigation of axitinib alone or in combination with immunotherapy in a genomic biomarker-selected population is warranted.
Nutrients and phytonutrients as promising epigenetic nutraceuticals

Abstract In the last two decades, strong evidence has emerged about the link between diet and the epigenetic mechanisms of human pathologies. Dietary bioactive molecules from vegetables, fruits, and some beverages have been shown to exhibit antiinflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer activities through multiple mechanisms, including epigenetic changes associated with DNA methylation, histone modifications, and modulation of microRNAs. The interconnected epigenetic molecular mechanisms that contribute to the chemopreventive nature of dietary polyphenols have been widely studied in different diseases including diabetes, neurological and metabolic disorders, and cancer. In addition, the immunosensitizing and chemosensitizing properties of dietary agents make them viable candidates for combinatorial strategies with synergistic beneficial effects. In this chapter, we summarize current data on the most studied nutrients and plant-based food components (phytonutrients) and their effects on epigenetic machinery. We also provide a review of accessible epigenetic clinical trials of the effects of dietary compounds on human disease susceptibility. The accumulated knowledge provides information about the epigenetic mechanisms of the action of dietary minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals, which may offer novel and promising pharmacological targets and define the potential of dietary bioactive molecules as epigenetic chemopreventive agents and components of the epigenetic drugs of the future.
Exploring the potential neurotoxicity of vaping vitamin E or vitamin E acetate

Abstract Serious adverse health effects have been reported with the use of vaping products, including neurologic disorders and e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). Vitamin E acetate, likely added as a diluent to cannabis-containing products, was linked to EVALI. Literature searches were performed on vitamin E and vitamin E acetate-associated neurotoxicity. Blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration potential of vitamin E and vitamin E acetate were evaluated using cheminformatic techniques. Review of the literature showed that the neurotoxic potential of inhalation exposures to these compounds in humans is unknown. Physico-chemical properties demonstrate these compounds are lipophilic, and molecular weights indicate vitamin E and vitamin E acetate have the potential for BBB permeability. Computational models also predict both compounds may cross the BBB via passive diffusion. Based on literature search, no experimental nonclinical studies and clinical information on the neurotoxic potential of vitamin E via inhalation. Neurotoxic effects from pyrolysis by-product, phenyl acetate, structurally analogous to vitamin E acetate, suggests vitamin E acetate has potential for central nervous system (CNS) impairment. Cheminformatic model predictions provide a theoretical basis for potential CNS permeability of these inhaled dietary ingredients suggesting prioritization to evaluate for potential hazard to the CNS.
The Gothic Body: Sexuality, Materialism, and Degeneration at the Fin de Siècle

Introduction Part I. The Gothic Material World: 1. The revenge of matter 2. Symptomatic readings Part II. Gothic Bodies: 3. Evolutionism and the loss of human specificity 4. Entropic bodies 5. Chaotic bodies Part III. Gothic Sexualities: 6. Uncanny female interiors 7. Abjected masculinities Afterword 8. Narrative chaos.
Mann, Charles. 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created.

It is impressive when a writer succeeds in synthesizing vast, complex literatures from a wide range of scientific disciplines and pens an engrossing and fluid best seller that does justice to the s...
Densitometric validation of six skinfold formulas to predict body density and percent body fat of 17-year-old boys.

Abstract In order to evaluate the variable and constant error of skinfold prediction equations for estimating body density and body fat, 18 skinfold and girth measures were determined in 40 young males. The subjects were also weighed underwater to determine the criterion body density directly. The constant errors of prediction were very high, ranging from −10 to 122 percent. Validity coefficients ranged from r = .795 to .863; thus the predictive error of individual scores was 25 to 37 percent. In view of the large constant errors, the utility of these formulas for clinical application in estimating leanness and fatness is questionable. The relative ordering of individuals on the leanness-fatness scale can be accomplished more successfully, but the validity is moderate rather than high.
Full optical spectral utilization by microwave domain filtering of tandem single sidebands

We present an optical tandem single sideband receiver that eliminates the need for guardbands between adjacent WDM channels, while also receiving signals that have different data on the two sidebands of the same optical carrier.
A Lagrangian method for the shallow water equations based on a Voronoi mesh — Flows on a rotating sphere

We have presented in this work and in a previous work [1, 2] a promising new Lagrangian method for the shallow water equations. The advantages of this method may be summarized as follows. First, there is no dependence on coordinate systems, and thus we can treat flows on a sphere without worrying about pole singularities. Second, unlike other Lagrangian schemes, there is no restriction that points have to retain their initial neighbors. On the contrary, at each time step the particles find their natural neighbors, and the derivatives are computed using these neighbors. Thus the method allows for large deformations. Third, a novel feature of the method is that it handles shocks in a very natural way. We consider a shock as one fluid particle overtaking another and colliding with it. This procedure not only makes it possible to handle shocks (which are unimportant in atmospheric flow calculations since the rotation of the earth causes waves to be dispersive) but it also guarantees the stability of the scheme by enforcing the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy conditions in the neighborhood of each fluid marker. Fourth, since the markers can be placed anywhere, the fluid markers may be placed, initially, at points where satellite or other measured data are available. The main problem with Free Lagrangian methods however, is that the discrete operators seem to be of low order accuracy. Further research is needed to derive high order accurate schemes to compete with existing Eulerian schemes.
Sources of Radioaciive Ions

Beams of unstable nuclei can be formed by direct injection of the radioactive atoms into an ion source, or by using the momentum of the primary production beam as the basis for the secondary beam. The effectiveness of this latter mechanism in secondary beam formation, i.e. the quality of the emerging beam (emittance, intensity, energy spread), depends critically on the nuclear reaction kinematics, and on the magnitude of the incident beam energy. When this beam energy significantly exceeds the energies typical of the nuclear reaction process, many of the qualities of the incident beam can be passed on to the secondary beam. Factors affecting secondary beam quality are discussed, along with techniques for isolating and purifying a specific secondary product. The ongoing radioactive beam program at the Bevalac is used as an example, with applications, present performance and plans for improvements.
A primary care, multi-disciplinary disease management program for opioid-treated patients with chronic non-cancer pain and a high burden of psychiatric comorbidity

Chronic non-cancer pain is a common problem that is often accompanied by psychiatric comorbidity and disability. The effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary pain management program was tested in a 3 month before and after trial. Providers in an academic general medicine clinic referred patients with chronic non-cancer pain for participation in a program that combined the skills of internists, clinical pharmacists, and a psychiatrist. Patients were either receiving opioids or being considered for opioid therapy. The intervention consisted of structured clinical assessments, monthly follow-up, pain contracts, medication titration, and psychiatric consultation. Pain, mood, and function were assessed at baseline and 3 months using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale scale (CESD) and the Pain Disability Index (PDI). Patients were monitored for substance misuse. Eighty-five patients were enrolled. Mean age was 51 years, 60% were male, 78% were Caucasian, and 93% were receiving opioids. Baseline average pain was 6.5 on an 11 point scale. The average CESD score was 24.0, and the mean PDI score was 47.0. Sixty-three patients (73%) completed 3 month follow-up. Fifteen withdrew from the program after identification of substance misuse. Among those completing 3 month follow-up, the average pain score improved to 5.5 (p = 0.003). The mean PDI score improved to 39.3 (p < 0.001). Mean CESD score was reduced to 18.0 (p < 0.001), and the proportion of depressed patients fell from 79% to 54% (p = 0.003). Substance misuse was identified in 27 patients (32%). A primary care disease management program improved pain, depression, and disability scores over three months in a cohort of opioid-treated patients with chronic non-cancer pain. Substance misuse and depression were common, and many patients who had substance misuse identified left the program when they were no longer prescribed opioids. Effective care of patients with chronic pain should include rigorous assessment and treatment of these comorbid disorders and intensive efforts to insure follow up.
Adaptive Proximate Time-Optimal Servomechanisms: Continuous Time Case

A Proximate Time-Optimal Servo (PTOS) is developed, along with conditions for its stability. An algorithm is proposed for adapting the PTOS (APTOS) to improve performance in the face of uncertain plant parameters. Under ideal conditions APTOS is shown to be uniformly asymptotically stable. Simulation results demonstrate the predicted performance.
The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change

Policy-makers and the public who are not members of the relevant research community have had to form opinions about the reality of global climate change on the basis of often conflicting descriptions provided by the media regarding the level of scientific certainty attached to studies of climate. In this Essay, Oreskes analyzes the existing scientific literature to show that there is a robust consensus that anthropogenic global climate change is occurring. Thus, despite claims sometimes made by some groups that there is not good evidence that Earth9s climate is being affected by human activities, the scientific community is in overwhelming agreement that such evidence is clear and persuasive.
The Diversity-Bandwidth Tradeoff

The authors propose that a tradeoff between network diversity and communications bandwidth regulates the degree to which social networks deliver non-redundant information to actors in brokerage positions. As the structural diversity of a network increases, the bandwidth of the communication channels in that network decrease, creating countervailing effects on the receipt of novel information. This tradeoff occurs because more diverse networks, presumed to provide more information novelty, typically contain weaker ties across which less novel information flows due to limited interaction. Information advantages to brokerage positions then depend on (a) whether the information overlap among alters is small enough to justify bridging structural holes, (b) whether the size of the topic space known to alters is large enough to consistently provide novelty, and (c) whether the knowledge stock of alters refreshes enough over time to justify updating what was previously known. The authors test these arguments by combining social network and performance data with direct observation of the information content flowing through email at a medium sized executive recruiting firm. They find that brokers with bridging ties to disparate parts of a social network can have disadvantaged access to novel information because their lower bandwidth communication curbs the total volume of novelty they receive. These analyses unpack the mechanisms that enable information advantages in networks and serve as ‘proof-of-concept’ for using email content data to analyze relationships among information flows, networks and social capital.
Evidence-Based Secondary Transition Predictors for Improving Postschool Outcomes for Students With Disabilities:

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the secondary transition correlational literature to identify in-school predictors of improved postschool outcomes in the areas of education, employment, and/or independent living for students with disabilities. Based on results of this review, 16 evidence-based, in-school predictors of postschool outcomes were identified. Of the 16 predictors, 4 (25%) predicted improved outcomes in all three postschool outcome areas, 7 (43.8%) predicted improved outcomes for only postschool education and employment, and 5 (31.3%) predicted improved outcomes for employment only. Limitations and implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Alpha2A-adrenergic receptors are present in lower brainstem catecholaminergic and serotonergic neurons innervating spinal cord

Abstract A subtype-specific polyclonal antibody was used for the immunohistochemical detection of alpha 2A -adrenergic receptors (α 2A -ARs) in the rat lower brainstem (medulla and pons). Using dual-label fluorescence histochemistry, punctate α 2A -AR-like immunoreactivity (α 2A -AR-LIR) was identified in noradrenergic, adrenergic, and serotonergic neurons of the pontomedullary region. Confocal microscopic examination of material simulataneously labeled for TH-LIR and α 2A -LIR revealed that the clusters of α 2A -LIR were located intracellularly. Lower medullary neurons with spinal protections to segment T 3 were retrogradely labeled using FITC-conjugated microbeads and the material was processed for simulatneous detection of α 2A -LIR and either TH-LIR or 5-HT-LIR. Using this triple-label approach, we found that virtually all medullary serotonergic cells (raphe pallidus, raphe obscurus and parapyramidal area) including those with identified spinal projections contain α 2A -AR-LIR. In contrast, fewer than 10% of dorsal raphe serotonergic cells examined for comparison were immunoreactive. The triple labeling approach also indicated that more than 95% of the TH-immunoreactive cells of the dorsal and ventrolateral medulla, including those with demonstrable spinal projections (A5 noradrenergic and C1/C3 adrenergic) had detectable amounts of α 2A -AR-LIR. The presence of α 2A -ARs in a large fraction of bulbospinal pre-sympathetic neurons (noradrenergic A5, adrenergic C1 and C3 and serotonergic raphe cells) could explain the powerful and relatively selective effect of clonidine and other centrally acting α 2A -AR agonists on sympathetic efferent activity and hypertension.