cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Permissible Tinkering with the Concept of God

In response to arguments against the existence of God, and in response to perceived conflicts between divine attributes, theists often face pressure to give up some pretheoretically attractive thesis about the divine attributes. One wonders: when does this unacceptably water down our concept of God, and when is it, as van Inwagen says, ‘permissible tinkering’ with the concept of God? A natural and widely deployed answer is that it is permissible tinkering iff it is does not violate the claim that God is the greatest possible being. Call this the ’perfect being defense.’ In this paper I lay out some influential uses of the perfect being defense, and then argue that this strategy for defending theism fails.
Hou Wai-lu and the Study of Chinese Ancient Civilization Origin

Based on the classic Marxism theory, using the study way of archaeological data combined with documentary records, Hou wailu made the ingenious study on the Chinese ancient civilization and the origin of the nation, and got the conclusion that both Asiatic Mode of Production and the classical ancient belong to the slavery society stage, but these two societies experienced different developing roads. He addressed the characteristics of Chinese civilization origin comprehensively for the first time and promoted the study of Chinese ancient society.
Thinking of the Talent Training Mode Reform for International Trade in Vocational Colleges

Ever-changing international trade environment and intense competition for jobs have brought new challenges to higher vocational professional training work;In our country international trade major in higher vocational talents training mode has the problems of lacking of talent training standard system,improper curriculum,teacher lacking of practical experience,and single assessment method;Therefore,in order to reform existing talents training mode,we should establish a standard system of talents training and reasonable set curriculum,encourage teachers to participate in foreign trade as well as work,use variety of assessment methods and take advantage of employment' to establish practical and training base.
Mechanism of decreased intestinal calcitriol receptor concentration in renal failure

The biological actions of calcitriol and its receptor synthesis are believed to be mediated through the calcitriol-receptor complex interacting with nuclear chromatin of target cells. Thus inhibition of the receptor interaction with DNA could diminish the biological actions of calcitriol and upregulation of its receptor. We found that uremic ultrafiltrate reduced the receptor interaction with DNA in vitro. DNA-cellulose chromatography showed that the receptor from normal rats and rats infused with normal ultrafiltrate eluted as a single peak at 0.22 M KCl, whereas chronic renal failure rats and rats infused with uremic ultrafiltrate had two receptor peaks, i.e., one of normal activity at 0.22 M KCl and the other of weak activity at 0.12 M KCl. Furthermore, infusion of uremic ultrafiltrate to normal rats reduced the intestinal calcitriol receptor concentration (397 +/- 15.8 vs. 307 +/- 15.4 fmol/mg protein, both n = 4, P < 0.005). Uremic ultrafiltrate also suppressed the calcitriol-induced upregulation of ...
Expression of syndecan, a putative low affinity fibroblast growth factor receptor, in the early mouse embryo.

Syndecan is an integral membrane proteoglycan that binds cells to several interstitial extracellular matrix components and binds to basic fibroblast-growth factor (bFGF) thus promoting bFGF association with its high-affinity receptor. We find that syndecan expression undergoes striking spatial and temporal changes during the period from the early cleavage through the late gastrula stages in the mouse embryo. Syndecan is detected initially at the 4-cell stage. Between the 4-cell and late morula stages, syndecan is present intracellularly and on the external surfaces of the blastomeres but is absent from regions of cell-cell contact. At the blastocyst stage, syndecan is first detected at cell-cell boundaries throughout the embryo and then, at the time of endoderm segregation, becomes restricted to the first site of matrix accumulation within the embryo, the interface between the primitive ectoderm and primitive endoderm. During gastrulation, syndecan is distributed uniformly on the basolateral cell surfaces of the embryonic ectoderm and definitive embryonic endoderm, but is expressed with an anteroposterior asymmetry on the surface of embryonic mesoderm cells, suggesting that it contributes to the process of mesoderm specification. In the extraembryonic region, syndecan is not detectable on most cells of the central core of the ectoplacental cone, but is strongly expressed by cells undergoing trophoblast giant cell differentiation and remains prominent on differentiated giant cells, suggesting a role in placental development. Immunoprecipitation studies indicate that the size of the syndecan core protein, although larger than that found in adult tissues (75 versus 69 × 10(3) Mr), does not change during peri-implantation development. The size distribution of the intact proteoglycan does change, however, indicating developmental alterations in its glycosaminoglycan composition. These results indicate potential roles for syndecan in epithelial organization of the embryonic ectoderm, in differential axial patterning of the embryonic mesoderm and in trophoblast giant cell function.
Impact of aspirin use on morbidity and mortality in massively transfused cardiac surgery patients: a propensity score matched cohort study

Aspirin may prevent organ dysfunction in critically ill patients and mitigate transfusion associated acute lung injury. We hypothesized that aspirin use might be associated with decreased morbidity and mortality in massively transfused cardiac surgery patients. A single center retrospective cohort study was performed using data from an 8.5-year period (2006–2014). Massive transfusion was defined as receiving at least 2400 ml (8 units) of red blood cell units intraoperatively. A propensity score model was created to account for the likelihood of receiving aspirin and matched pairs were identified using global optimal matching. The primary endpoint, in-hospital mortality, was compared between aspirin users and non-users. Secondary outcomes including: ICU hours, mechanical lung ventilation hours, prolonged mechanical lung ventilation (>24 h), pneumonia, stroke, acute renal failure, atrial fibrillation, deep sternal wound infection, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome were also compared. Of 7492 cardiac surgery patients, 452 (6 %) were massively transfused and mortality was 30.6 %. There were 346 patients included in the matched cohort. No significant association was found between preoperative aspirin use and in-hospital mortality; absolute risk reduction with aspirin = 7.5 % (95 % CI −2.0 to 16.9 %, p = 0.12). Preoperative aspirin use was associated with fewer total mechanical lung ventilation hours (p = 0.02) and less prolonged mechanical lung ventilation; absolute risk reduction = 11.0 % (95 % CI 1.1–20.5 %, p = 0.02). Preoperative aspirin use is not associated with decreased in-hospital mortality in massively transfused cardiac surgery patients, but may be associated with less mechanical lung ventilation time.
A contactless door lock controlled by portable devices

Purpose – In our contemporary living environment, most people want, not only to maintain privacy and security, but also to avoid losing the keys or passwords for their doors at home. Additionally, many would like to own a fast, convenient and cost-effective exclusive door lock controller to establish some peace of mind. For this paper, the author has designed a smart door lock device which has a non-contact pattern recognition controller to recognize a tiny pattern that can be displayed by mobile devices. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – The patterns recognized by the exclusively designed security device are created using a two-dimensional text and graphics method that can be stored by mobile devices. Therefore, when key-owners come near their doors’ control panels, the established two-dimensional text and graphics cyphers can be displayed for verification purposes on a mobile device’s screen. The author used the MT19937 (32 bit) virtual random number generator as the encryption technology. Findings – The recognized pattern is built using a two-dimensional text and graphics method that can be stored by owners’ mobile devices. Therefore, when a key-owner comes near a door’s control panel, the established two-dimensional text and graphics cypher can be displayed. Research limitations/implications – Use of either wireless or wired internet causes momentary delays to lock control signals. Practical implications – Upon each occasion of a code verification, doors are opened and short message service (SMS) notifications are sent to the key-owners simultaneously. The technology described in this paper can be used at any civilian installations that require door lock controls. The application range is very wide and can be customized readily. Social implications – The technology discussed here could also be applied widely and easily in various fields. Originality/value – The lock has a two-phase design for secure opening: i.e. mask-bit enabling and simultaneous SMS notification. The contactless smart door lock system combines three parts that are linked via the internet, which are a cloud server and database, a personal mobile device, and the device’s fixtures and fittings. The fixtures and fittings include a complementary metal oxide silicon sensor, a limiting switch, an electromagnetic switch, a microcontroller unit, and an RJ-45 internet port. The results of this study could be applied at any civilian installation that requires door lock control.
Polyanion regulation of the plant-encoded double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (pPKR)

The only known activators of the plant encoded, double-stranded RNA dependent protein kinase (pPKR) are dsRNA's and single-stranded RNA with extensive intramolecular base pairing such as viroid RNAs. DNA, DNA-RNA hybrids and most single stranded RNA's do not stimulate phosphorylation. However, the in vivo phosphorylation of pPKR in the cytoplasm of healthy cells suggests that alternate activators may be present. Here we show that select polyanions including heparin and dextran sulfate, stimulate pPKR phosphorylation in a concentration dependent fashion. Further, pPKR specifically binds to heparin-agarose indicating the presence of a polyanion binding domain. The functional significance of polyanion regulation of pPKR may be suggested by the inhibition of in vitro translation of brome mosaic virus RNA in wheat germ extracts in the presence of heparin. These studies further establish the analogy between pPKR and the mammalian interferon-induced, dsRNA dependent protein kinase, PKR, and present possibilities for the activation of pPKR in healthy cells.
Digital Literacy Adoption with Academic Technology Namely Digital Information Literacy to Enhance Student Learning Outcomes

This study explores Arts & Science faculty and librarians’ attitude of learning theory and perceptions of digital literacy (DL) and how digital information literacy (DIL) might improve and enhance student learning outcomes. Digital literacy (DL), information literacy (IL), and digital information literacy (DIL) consists of interaction with academic technology (AT) programs and tools. The objectives are: the rise of IL within the parameters of DL and discuss the birth of DIL, examine the modes of adoption and explore the levels of inclusion for faculty and librarians’ concepts of DL with DIL instruction with AT, define the IL phenomenon, and how IL affects faculty and librarian pedagogy. The study reveals the tension and distinction between DL and IL. Key research questions are: What are Arts & Science faculties’ digital literacy (DL) epistemology? What is the librarian’s/ library digital literacy (DL) epistemology perspectives, and what are Arts & Science faculties’ concept of DIL?
Atomistic Simulations of CO2 During “Trapdoor” Adsorption onto Na-Rho Zeolite

Behavior of CO2 within Na-Rho was studied using atomistic simulations. This zeolite is known to experience a phenomenon called “cation gating” which allows carbon dioxide but not other sorbents to permeate the zeolite, giving rise to very high adsorption selectivities for CO2. Our goal is to provide further insight into the reasons behind this intriguing phenomenon. We show that CO2’s favorable electrostatic interactions with the zeolite framework result in preferential binding in the opening of the channels between cages. This leads us to suggest a novel mechanism to explain carbon dioxide’s unique “gate opening behavior” in which this preference for binding inside the “gate” allows CO2 to “squeeze” by the gatekeeping cation as it moves around slightly due to thermal fluctuations. This proposed mechanism is distinct from a previously proposed mechanism in which carbon dioxide mediates the displacement of gatekeeping cations via electrostatic interactions and may be in better agreement with experimental evidence.
Behavior Disorders and Noonan’s Syndrome

The behavioral phenotype and psychiatric symptoms of 21 children with Noonan’s syndrome are reported from the Departments of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Clinical Genetics, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, UK.
Cost-effectiveness of short-term neurosurgical missions relative to other surgical specialties.

BACKGROUND Short-term surgical relief efforts have helped close some gaps in the provision of surgical care in remote settings. We reviewed the published literature on short-term surgical missions to compare their cost-effectiveness across subspecialties. METHODS PubMed was searched using the algorithm ["cost-effectiveness" AND "surgery" AND ("mission" OR "volunteer")]. Articles detailing the cost-effectiveness of short-term surgical missions in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) were included. Only direct mission costs were considered, and all costs were converted into 2014 USD. RESULTS Eight articles, representing 27 missions in 9 LMIC countries during 2006-2014, met our inclusion criteria. Latin America was the most frequently visited region. Per capita costs ranged from $259 for cleft lip/cleft palate (CL/CP) missions to $2900 for a neurosurgery mission. Mission effectiveness ranged from 3 disability adjusted life years (DALYs) averted per patient for orthopedic surgery missions to 8.12 DALYs averted per patient for a neurosurgery mission. CL/CP and general surgery missions were the most cost-effective, averaging $80/DALY and $87/DALY, respectively. The neurosurgical, orthopedic, and hand surgery missions averaged the highest costs/DALY averted, with the cost-effectiveness being $357/DALY, $435/DALY, and $445/DALY, respectively. All analyzed missions were very cost effective. CONCLUSION To date, this is the first study to assess the cost-effectiveness of short-term surgical missions across surgical specialties. Neurosurgical missions avert the largest number of healthy life years compared to other specialties, and thus, could yield a greater long-term benefit to resource-poor communities. We recommend that further studies be carried out to assess the impact of surgical missions in low-resource settings.
Amylin and its G-protein-coupled receptor: A probable pathological process and drug target for Alzheimer’s disease

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are shown to be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, because GPCRs include a large family of membrane receptors, it is unclear which specific GPCR or pathway with rational ligands can become effective therapeutic targets for AD. Amylin receptor (AmR) is a GPCR that mediates several activities, such as improving glucose metabolism, relaxing cerebrovascular structure, modulating inflammatory reactions and potentially enhancing neural regeneration. Recent studies show that peripheral treatments with amylin or its clinical analog, pramlintide, reduced several components of AD pathology, including amyloid plaques, tauopathy, neuroinflammation and other components in the brain, corresponding with improved learning and memory in AD mouse models. Because amylin shares a similar secondary structure with amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), I propose that the AmR/GPCR pathway is disturbed by a large amount of Aβ in the AD brain, leading to tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation and neuronal death in the pathological cascade. Amylin-type peptides, readily crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), are the rational ligands to enhance this GPCR pathway and may exhibit utility as novel therapeutic agents for treating AD.
Geospatial evaluation of lead bioaccessibility and distribution for site specific prediction of threshold limits

Recent work identified the need for site-specific Pb bioaccessibility evaluation and scaled contaminant modeling. Pb heterogeneity has made bioaccessibility characterization difficult, and complicated distribution models. Using field testing, bioaccessibility measurement, Integrated Exposure Uptake and Biokinetic (IEUBK) modeling, and geospatial techniques, we propose a framework for conducting applied risk-based, multiscale assessment. This framework was tested and implemented in Burlington, VT, an area of old housing stock and high Pb burden (up to 15 000 mg kg-1) derived primarily from paint. After analyzing local soil samples for total and bioaccessible Pb, it was determined that bioaccessible and total Pb were well correlated in this area, through which an average bioaccessibility parameter was derived approximating Pb bioaccessibility for this soil type and Pb impact. This parameter was used with the IEUBK to recommend the local limit for residential soil Pb be reduced from 400 to 360 mg kg-1, taking into consideration the lowering of the blood lead level threshold for Pb poisoning from 10 to 5 μg dL-1 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Geospatial investigation incorporated samples collected during this investigation and samples from a high school summer science academy, and relied on three techniques, used at different scales: kriging of total and background Pb alone, kriging of total and background Pb with housing age as a well-sampled, well-correlated secondary variable (cokriging), and inverse distance weighting of total and bioaccessible Pb. Modeling at different scales allowed for characterization of Pb impact at single sites as well as citywide. Model maps show positive correlation between areas of older housing and areas of high Pb burden, as well as potential at different scales for reducing the effects of Pb heterogeneity.
Gait and Functional Outcomes for Young, Active Males With Traumatic Unilateral Transfemoral Limb Loss.

ABSTRACT Objective: Altered body structures that occur with the loss of a lower limb can impact mobility and quality of life. Specifically, biomechanical changes that result from wearing a prosthesis have been associated with an increased risk of falls or joint degeneration, as well as increased energy demands. While previous studies describing these outcomes are typically limited by number of outcome measures and/or small, diverse patient groups, recent military conflicts present a unique opportunity to collect outcomes from a relatively homogenous, active patient population with limb loss. Thus, the objective of this study is to provide reference outcome measures on the basis of a large, relatively homogenous cohort of military personnel with transfemoral limb loss. Methods: A retrospective review of biomechanical, physiological, functional, and subjective measures was completed for 67 male servicemembers who sustained an injury resulting in traumatic, transfemoral limb loss during recent conflicts. The...
Socially Sustainable Supply Chain Management Across Developing Economies: An Abstract

Sustainability and practices to improve it are becoming increasingly important in the ever-changing business world. Such practices are becoming the norm in supply chain management as it encompasses many of the business processes that impact and are impacted by sustainability. The majority of research on sustainability in supply chain management is aimed toward environmental and/or economic aspects of sustainability, while social sustainability continues to receive less attention (Ashby et al. 2012; Carter and Easton 2011; Mani et al. 2016a; Seuring 2013; Seuring and Muller 2008). However, social problems in the supply chain over recent years have amplified attention toward such issues. This is especially true in developing economies (countries that do not have a highly developed capital market).
Electrolyzed water and mild-thermal processing of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Reduction of Listeria monocytogenes and changes in protein structure

This study investigated the effect of different electrolyzed water (EO) solutions, including acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) and neutral electrolyzed water (NEW), alone and in combination with mild thermal processing (50, 55, 60, 65 °C) at different exposure times (2, 6, 10 min) on the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes on Atlantic salmon fillets. The effects of the EO water solutions on cell wall structures of L. monocytogenes and on the secondary structure of salmon protein were studied using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Temperature and time significantly influenced the efficacy of the AEW and NEW. NEW has stronger antimicrobial properties as compared to AEW. The highest bacterial reduction was observed at 65 °C after 10 min for salmon treated with NEW, with a 5.6 log10 CFU/g reduction. Spectral features show that the secondary protein structures in salmon muscle treated with NEW were less affected than tissue treated with AEW as shown in a PCA model. In addition, the FTIR spectra for L. monocytogenes showed that the NEW and AEW affected cell wall properties differently; this might be due to the form of available chlorine in NEW and AEW and to AEW having a lower pH. In general, NEW showed better antimicrobial properties, particularly when combined with mild thermal processing than AEW and also caused less alteration in protein structure. The findings of this study may be used to improve the quality and safety of cured and smoked ready-to-eat fish products.
Abstract 16463: Rotor-Based Ventricular Fibrillation Exhibits Greater Surface Electrogram Voltage Variation Compared to Focal Source-Based VF Due to Complex Rotor Behavior: A Clinical and Computational Study

Introduction: Ventricular fibrillation is a common fatal arrhythmia. The ECG of VF appears chaotic but may be useful to non-invasively identify VF-sustaining mechanisms to guide therapy. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that rotors and focal sources manifest distinct features on the ECG. Computational modeling may identify the mechanistic basis of these features. Methods: VF was induced at EP study in 31 patients referred for ventricular arrhythmia ablation. Simultaneous ECG and intracardiac recordings were obtained using biventricular basket catheters. Endocardial phase maps mechanistically classified each VF cycle as rotor or focal source. ECGs of each VF mechanism were compared using 3D voltage variation criteria. To control for patient differences, ECGs were analyzed only from patients demonstrating both mechanisms. Biventricular computer simulations of VF driven by focal sources or rotors were created. The ECGs and activation patterns of each simulated VF mechanism were analyzed. Results: Eight patients had periods of both VF mechanisms. Rotor-based VF exhibited greater voltage variation than focal source-based VF (57±15% vs 25±17%, p=0.004, Fig 1A-B). Simulations revealed similar differences between rotors (Fig 1E) and focal sources (41±15% vs 21±4%, p=0.02, Fig 1C). Modeling revealed that greater voltage variation may be due to wavebreak and secondary rotor initiation often in the contralateral ventricle. Conversely, single stationary rotors had minimal voltage variation (25±11% vs 41±15%, p=0.03, Fig 1D). Conclusions: In conclusion, controlled clinical and computational studies reveal that quantitative criteria of ECG voltage variation differ significantly between VF-sustaining mechanisms. Wavebreak and secondary rotor initiation contributes to such variation. Future studies should prospectively evaluate if these criteria can separate VF mechanisms and guide therapy such as anti-arrhythmic medication choice or substrate ablation.
Methods for Delivering Tracers

The delivery of chemical tracers into the central nervous system is often an essential, although sometimes problematic aspect of modern tract-tracing experiments. In this chapter we shall concentrate on the most common methods of tracer delivery: small injections of a solution, either using a microsyringe or through glass micropipettes, or extracellular of intracellular iontophoresis. It should be kept in mind, however, that other methods of delivering tracers may be more suitable for certain types of problems. Tracers have been injected into the periphery—for instance, into muscle in order to label motoneurons in the spinal cord or brain stem (Kristenson, 1970; Kristenson et al., 1971; Kristenson and Olsson, 1973)—and they have been applied to the cut or crushed ends of peripheral nerves (Kristenson, 1975; lies and Mulloney, 1971; Tweedle, 1978) and deposited in naturally closed structures such as the eye (LaVail and LaVail, 1972, 1974). In cases where diffusion from the site of deposition is not a serious limitation, tracers may be applied directly to the surface of the brain, either as a liquid or by means of absorbant pellets or wicks that have been soaked in the tracer solution (Arbuthnott, 1969; Descarries and Lapierre, 1973; Held and Young, 1969; Weiss and Holland, 1967).
Multivitamin use and B vitamin status in a homebound elderly population.

Objective: Homebound elderly are at increased risk for micronutrient deficiencies and nutritional status in this population has not been adequately described. There is evidence for beneficial effects of multivitamin use and a greater understanding of their nutritional contribution could identify behaviors that may help alleviate excess chronic disease. The purpose of this analysis is to investigate, in a racially diverse group of homebound elders, the association of multivitamin use with measures of plasma B vitamin concentrations. Design: We examined the cross-sectional association between multivitamin use and plasma concentrations of B vitamins and homocysteine in 236 white and 182 black homebound elders (65-99y). Dietary intake was assessed and demographic and health information was ascertained. Results: White and black elders had a high prevalence of dietary intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement for folate (38.1 and 40.7%), vitamin B6 (16.9 and 19.2%.), and vitamin B12 (3 and 3.9%) respectively. Multivitamin use was associated with higher mean plasma B vitamin concentrations in each group. In whites, multivitamin users had higher concentrations of vitamin B6 (64.6 vs. 32.4 nmol/L; p<0.001), vitamin B12 (398 vs. 324 pmol/L;p<0.001) and folate (39.4 vs. 30.4 nmol/L;p<0.001). Black multivitamin users had higher concentrations of vitamin B6 (53.7 vs. 29.5 nmol/L; p<0.001), B12 (427 vs. 372 pmol/L; p<0.05) and folate (35.7 vs. 25.4 nmol/L;p<0.001) than non-users. Conclusions: Multivitamin supplementation was associated with higher mean plasma concentrations of vitamins B6, B12, and folate and lower prevalence of low plasma B vitamin status in a biracial homebound elderly population.
Synthesis and sorptive properties of EMM-8: a new (silico)aluminophosphate

A new (silico)aluminophosphate, EMM-8, was synthesized using 2- or 4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine as structure directing agent, with or without fluoride. The crystal structure of EMM-8 was determined with synchrotron powder XRD data of a calcined sample, and was supported with hydrocarbon adsorption data. The framework of EMM-8 is isostructural with that of uncalcined SSZ-51 (SFO), but SSZ-51 was synthesized only in the presence of fluoride. SAPO-EMM-8 can be synthesized in the absence of fluoride.
Some Phenomenological Questions in Post-Critical-Flux Heat Transfer

This paper examines three phenomenological questions pertinent to our understanding of post-critical-flux heat transfer. First, the existence and parametric trends of thermodynamic nonequilibrium (vapor superheat) is assessed in view of new experimental data. Second, the propriety of inferring vapor temperatures using vapor-heat-transfer correlations is evaluated in terms of thermodynamic limits. Third, the possibility of transient liquid contact on superheated walls is examined.
Liomys pictus (Painted spiny pocket mouse). Liomys salvini (Salvin’s spiny pocket mouse)

The sex chromosomes of L. pictus are not determined since only a female specimen was observed. In both species, two pairs of “minute” metacentrics are present.
Maturation of pelvic ossification centers on computed tomography in normal children.

The pelvis is composed of three paired primary ossification centers: the pubis, the ischium and the ilium. During maturation, multiple secondary ossification centers can be seen in the synchondroses between these bones and in the pelvic apophyses. The fragmented appearance of these centers can be confused with pathology. To examine development of pelvic ossification centers by CT and determine normal appearance throughout childhood. Three pediatric radiologists reviewed 325 pelvic CT scans in children and young adults 5–18 years old and graded 6 pelvic ossification centers to evaluate maturational changes in critical structures. Rate and progression of ossification and age at complete fusion vary with gender at the different ossification centers in the growing pelvis. Knowledge of the normal CT appearance of ossification centers throughout childhood is important to differentiate the normal appearance from pathology.
Effects of Staphylococcus aureus intramammary infection on the expression of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor in mammary glands of nonlactating cows administered estradiol and progesterone to stimulate mammary growth

Intramammary infections (IMI) are prevalent in nonlactating dairy cattle and are known to alter mammary structure and negatively affect the amount of mammary epithelium in the gland. Mechanisms responsible for the observed changes in mammary growth during an IMI are poorly understood, yet the importance of the key mammogenic hormones driving mammary growth is well recognized. This study's objective was to characterize the expression of estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and progesterone receptor (PGR) in mammary glands stimulated to grow and develop in the presence or absence of an IMI as well as preliminarily characterize myoepithelial cell response to IMI. Mammary growth was stimulated in 18 nonpregnant, nonlactating dairy cows using subcutaneous estradiol and progesterone injections, and 2 culture-negative quarters of each cow were subsequently infused with either saline (n = 18) or Staphylococcus aureus (n = 18). Mammary parenchyma tissues were collected 5 d (n = 9) or 10 d (n = 9) postchallenge and examined using immunofluorescence microscopy to quantify positive nuclei and characterize staining features. There tended to be a greater number of ESR1-positive nuclei observed across 8 random mammary parenchyma fields of view in saline quarters than in Staph. aureus quarters (201 vs. 163 ± 44 nuclei). Saline quarters also contained a greater number of PGR-positive nuclei (520 vs. 440 ± 45 nuclei) and myoepithelial cells (971 vs. 863 ± 48 nuclei) than Staph. aureus-challenged quarters. However, when ESR1, PGR, and myoepithelial nuclei counts were adjusted for Staph. aureus quarters containing less epithelium, differences between quarter treatments abated. The examined ESR1 and PGR staining characteristics were similar between saline and Staph. aureus quarters but were differentially affected by day of tissue collection. Additionally, nuclear staining area of myoepithelial cells was greater in Staph. aureus quarters than in saline quarters. These results indicate that IMI had little effect on the number or staining characteristics of ESR1- or PGR-positive nuclei relative to epithelial area, but myoepithelial cells appear to be affected by IMI and the associated inflammation in nonlactating mammary glands that were stimulated to grow rapidly using mammogenic hormones. Accordingly, reductions in mammary epithelium in affected glands are not suspected to be resultant of alterations in the number or staining characteristics of ESR1- or PGR-positive mammary epithelial cells.
Pharmacotherapy of Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization.

Background Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common cause of central visual loss in patients with high myopia, and the most common form of CNV in younger individuals. Pharmacologic therapy is the current mainstay of treatment of these patients. Methods Review of pharmacological treatment options for myopic CNV, which primarily involves intravitreal administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. Results At this time, anti-VEGF therapy agents are the first-line therapy in these patients. Comparative trials have not identified any major differences in treatment outcomes between aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab. Only ranibizumab is approved for this indication in the US. Best visual outcomes are associated with younger age, smaller lesion size, and absence of chorioretinal atrophy. Conclusion Anti-VEGF therapy is generally very effective in the treatment of myopic CNV.
Bilateral Destructive Hip Disease from Untreated Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

We report a novel case of a pediatric patient with bilateral hip destruction from untreated Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). She was presented at the age of 9 with hip pain associated with bilateral acetabular dysplasia and a dislocated left femoral head. Only 1.5 years later, the patient developed complete destruction of the left femoral head and dislocated right femoral head. The authors have not identified literature describing a similar case report of bilateral femoral head destruction resulting from Persistent Oligoarticular JIA. Pediatric patients presenting with rapidly evolving destructive process should be evaluated for rheumatologic, infectious, and spinal etiologies.
Preaching to the Unconverted

In contrast to the pivotal role physicians played in the movement to protect the rights of abused children, we have been conspicuously absent in the field of elder abuse. This paper argues that the apathy is rooted in causes generic to family violence (such as clinical and academic discomfort, time and reimbursement constraints, and perceived importance) as well as causes unique to elder abuse (such as ageism and lack of a scientific knowledge base). Specific strategies are offered to address these obstacles including (1) framing the problem medically, (2) developing a credible knowledge base visible to clinicians, (3) entering mainstream medical education, and (4) emphasizing elder abuse policy efforts that address the concerns of physicians. The concept of the "geriatric syndrome" provides a familiar and useful framework for physicians to systematically evaluate suspected elder abuse and neglect.
Behind the Skin: A Rare Case of Scurvy-Associated Megaloblastic Anemia:

Scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, is very rare nowadays in the developed world. Scattered cases are found in people with unusual eating habits, alcoholism, intestinal malabsorption, mental disorders, or elderly living alone. Because of its rarity, clinical presentations of scurvy, especially anemia and bleeding, are no longer well appreciated, and consequently extensive evaluation is commonly launched to pursue scurvy mimics, such as deep vein thrombosis, vasculitis, systemic coagulation disorders, and myelodysplasia. Herein, we describe the clinical manifestations and lab findings in a scurvy patient to raise awareness of this uncommon disease.
Tetralogy of Fallot: Pushing Through Despite Long Odds

Abstract The natural history of tetralogy of Fallot depends on whether a transannular pulmonary valve patch or shunt surgery was necessary in infancy. This case illustrates the feasibility of cardiac rest on extracorporeal membranous oxygenation for a very ill adult with conduit endocarditis who received a right ventricle–to–pulmonary artery valveless conduit for later transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)
High titer fatty alcohol production in Lipomyces starkeyi by fed-batch fermentation

Abstract Extracellular production of long chain fatty acid-based products, such as fatty alcohols, are being investigated as intermediates amenable to separations and catalytic upgrading to hydrocarbon fuels. We previously demonstrated that the oleaginous yeast, Lipomyces starkeyi expressing the fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) gene from Marinobacter aquaeolei VT8, produced up to 770 mg/L of fatty alcohols. The FAR genes expressed in L. starkeyi transformants exhibited different fatty alcohol production levels. To better understand fatty alcohol production and potentially further increase fatty alcohol titer and yields, we investigated the expression levels, copy numbers, and enzymatic activities of the expressed FAR genes. Our results showed that fatty alcohol production is dependent on the above factors for higher titers of fatty alcohols. Fatty alcohol titer was further increased in the highest producing transformant by testing different basic process configurations (batch and fed-batch) with different initial nitrogen concentrations and feed rates. In fed-batch, a maximum of 4.2 g/L fatty alcohols were produced in 5-L bioreactor. The oleaginous yeast L. starkeyi can produce high titers of fatty alcohols particularly when periodically fed glucose and nitrogen.
Association of Use of Contract Nurses With Hospitalized Patient Pressure Injuries and Falls.

BACKGROUND Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) and falls are outcomes sensitive to quality of nursing care. Use of contract (traveler) nurses varies among organizations, but there is little research on the effect of contract nurses on nurse-sensitive outcomes. OBJECTIVES To explore the relationship between use of contract nurses and two key nurse-sensitive outcomes, HAPIs and falls. RESEARCH DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study of unit-level nursing, patient, and hospital factors versus HAPIs and falls from a national nursing data consortium from 2015 to 2016. We used cluster analysis to identify similar units, and compared outcomes between clusters. SUBJECTS 605 nursing units in 166 hospitals, 3.2 patients per nurse, and 5.3% contract nurses. MEASURES Prevalence and incidence of HAPIs and number of falls, adjusted by patient days. RESULTS For both prevalence and incidence of HAPIs, there was a statistically significant difference between the five independent cluster groups (p = .012 and p = .001, respectively). The cluster with the highest percentage of nurse travelers (>7%) had the highest HAPI prevalence (0.84%) and incidence (0.055 per 1,000 patient days) despite higher nurse staffing, compared to HAPI prevalence of 0.32% and incidence of 0.017 per 1,000 patient days in the cluster with the lowest percentage of nurse travelers (<2%). We did not identify a consistent relationship between use of contract nurses and falls. CONCLUSIONS Use of contract nurses was associated with higher HAPI prevalence and incidence, independent of staffing levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our results suggest that institutions should either minimize the use of contract nurses, or engage in extensive training to confirm that contract nurses have understanding of the institutional practices around HAPIs.
Enhancement of exciton emission in a semiconductor thin film decorated with plasmonic nanoparticles

Plasmonic nanoparticles can be used to engineer radiation decay of a dipole in close proximity to the surface of the particle. We present a theoretical analysis of the quantum yield of an electric dipole near a silver or gold nanoparticle of several different sizes. Specifically, we detail the calculation and simulation of the normalized quantum yield of an electric dipole coupled with a plasmonic nanoparticle. We find that the local electric field near the electric dipole is enhanced and has its characteristics altered.
The updated neuroradiology milestones: Synapsing from 1.0 to 2.0

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education is currently in the process of specialty-by-specialty revision of the Milestones. As a result, the Neuroradiology Milestones 2.0 Workgroup was created to refine a system of competency-based assessments for fellow educational growth and development. Strengths of the new Milestones include decreased complexity and uniformity within a subcompetency as it relates to a specific educational development trajectory. The Supplemental Guide serves to decrease clutter in the Milestones 2.0 document and provides a more practical resource for guidance. This article serves to review the history of the Neuroradiology Milestones, followed by a summary of the timeline of events and discussions of the workgroup for development of Neuroradiology Milestones 2.0 and a synopsis of major changes. The plan is for the updated Neuroradiology Milestones to take effect in 2021 or 2022 based on public commentary.
COVID-19 and Alternative Postsecondary Learning

The coronavirus pandemic has induced an increase in remote activity. Prior research shows that a variety of K-12 educational practices, public preferences, policies, and outcomes have changed as a result of the pandemic. This paper extends the literature on the impact of coronavirus on education to solve for the lack of analysis on professional certifications and other unaccredited postsecondary credentials. This paper investigates the results of an original online questionnaire (n = 350) to understand the effects of COVID-19 on support for alternative postsecondary learning. Respondents are U.S. citizens over the age of 18. Cross-sectional analysis using ordinary least squares (OLS) and Iteratively Reweighted Least Squares (IRLS) indicates that individual perception of a large negative impact from coronavirus is significantly correlated with higher favorability to alternative credentials. Analysis indicates that important control factors include industry, ethnicity, and state of residence. Age, gender, income, and level of education are insignificant.
Evaluating image registration using NIREP

This paper describes the functionality and use of the Nonrigid Image Registration Evaluation Program (NIREP) that was developed to make qualitative and quantitative performance comparisons between one or more image registration algorithms. Registration performance is evaluated using common evaluation databases. An evaluation database consists of groups of registered medical images (e.g., one or more MRI modalities, CT, etc.) and annotations (e.g., segmentations, landmarks, contours, etc.) identified by their common image coordinate system. Prior to analysis with NIREP, each algorithm is used to generate pair-wise correspondence maps/transformations between image coordinate systems. NIREP has a highly customizable graphical user interface for displaying images, transformations, segmentations, overlays, differences between images, and differences between transformations. Evaluation statistics built into NIREP are used to compute quantitative algorithm performance reports that include region of interest overlap, intensity variance of images mapped to a reference coordinate system, inverse consistency error and transitivity error.
The rt-PA for Acute Stroke Protocol

Rapid identification, triage, diagnosis, and treatment for acute stroke victims requires a coordinated, multi-disciplinary effort that is organized around a pre-defined protocol. The current t-PA for acute stroke protocol has been tested extensively in a wide variety of clinical situations. At each step in the development of the protocol, a team of investigators evaluated the clinical utility of each item in the protocol. The protocol assures that all critical tests and examinations occur without unnecessary delays. All patients must be stabilized rapidly and the stroke team mobilized. The team must confirm the diagnosis of ischemic stroke, eliminating stroke mimics, e.g., Todd’s paralysis, TIA, hysteria, migraine, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Urgent imaging is required to exclude hemorrhage. The stroke team has very little time to conduct extensive history taking and exploration of stroke mechanisms. Absolute certainty is not attainable. The primary goal should be to exclude patients at risk for serious hemorrhage if they receive t-PA. There are no special subgroups of patients that are particularly likely to respond to t-PA, thus it is unwise to withhold treatment from patients who satisfy the published selection criteria. Drug is mixed and administered without delay, preferably within 60 min of arrival. To coordinate such a difficult work-up requires a team of experienced experts; implementation is best accomplished with an institutional Stroke Team, comparable to a Code Blue team that rehearses, monitors performance, and uses feedback to continually improve care.
Securing health through rights

The right to health is recognized in international human rights law and in many modern liberal constitutions. Yet it is notoriously difficult to conceptualize and institutionalize. It raises boundary problems in relation to the object of the right and its correlative duties, and reasonable disagreement on the values that make it worthy of protection. This article departs from the positivist attempt to define the meaning of the right to health, or the normative attempt to provide it with a settled justificatory theory. Instead, it argues that attention to a theoretically informed practical action, captured by the concept of praxis, clarifies the institutional potentials of the right to health or health care, even as it accepts its inevitable limitations. The article reveals this potential by examining two instances of health rights praxis. The first involves a defense by the Treatment Action Campaign of the regulation of medicines in South Africa. The second involves a targeted campaign and litigation against user fee health financing in Ghana. These cases demonstrate how the meaning of a legal right to health is created, challenged and changed in the effort to secure positive health outcomes.
Early experiments with the OpenMP/MPI hybrid programming model

The paper describes some very early experiments on new architecturesthat support the hybrid programming model. Our results arepromising in that OpenMP threads interact with MPI as desired, allowingOpenMP-agnostic tools to be used. We explore three environments:a "typical" Linux cluster, a new large-scale machine from SiCortex, andthe new IBM BG/P, which have quite different compilers and runtimesystems for both OpenMP and MPI. We look at a few simple, diagnosticprograms, and one "application-like" test program. We demonstrate theuse of a tool that can examine the detailed sequence of events in a hybridprogram and illustrate that a hybrid computation might not alwaysproceed as expected.
Jane Austen on Persuasion and Authority

Taking the novels of Jane Austen as an exploration of Joseph Raz's problem of authority in law, this paper explores whether a positivist account of authority maps onto Austen's account of human experience. While both Austen and Raz agree that the source of authority cannot itself be an exclusionary reason, Austen's novels suggest that social role and emotional connection play a bigger role in evaluating authority than Raz's account would suggest. Most notably, Austen's characterization of her heroine Fanny Price suggests that a non-positivist stance toward authority may generate more moral criticism of law than a positivist approach.