cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active Semiconductor Microdisk Vertically Coupled to a Waveguide Bus as a Polarization Rotator

Non-zero coupling coefficients between the pseudo-orthogonal modes of waveguides and microdisks lead to the possibility of preferential polarization mode conversion in these devices. Active microdisks have been demonstrated as polarization rotators based on this property.
Brazilian vegetation on maps

The development and current status of mapping the vegetation of Brazil is discussed. This includes the manner of portraying the vegetation on maps, especially with regard to physiognomy and structure, the floristic composition and ecological relations. A slow beginning has given way to a rapid though uneven development. Recent government efforts tend to correct this.
SET expression alteration in L-02 liver cells treated with trichloroethylene

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different doses of trichloroethylene(TCE) on the expression alteration of SET gene at both the mRNA and protein levels, in order to provide some clues for the liver-injury mechanism of TCE. METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect the mRNA and protein levels of SET in L-02 liver cells, which were separately treated with DMSO, 3 mmol/L and 10 mmol/L TCE. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein levels of SET were both significantly up-regulated (P0.01) in the L-02 liver cells treated with TCE, and the expression of SET protein in the 10 mmol/L TCE group was higher than 3 mmol/L TCE group, showing a dose-dependent relationship. CONCLUSION: TCE could induce the expression of SET at both the mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner, which indicated that SET might play an important role in the hepatotoxicity of TCE.
Ammonia volatilization following nitrogen fertilization with enhanced efficiency fertilizers and urea in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations of the southern United States

Abstract Ammonia (NH 3 ) volatilization losses following surface application of urea and three enhanced efficiency nitrogen (N) containing fertilizers (EEFs) were compared in six thinned mid-rotation loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.) stands across the southern United States. All fertilizer treatments were labeled with 15 N (∼370‰, 0.5 AP) and applied during two different seasons (spring, summer) in 2011 to open chamber microcosms. Individual microcosms were sampled 1, 15 and 30 days after fertilization to estimate remaining 15 N. Losses of fertilizer N were determined using a mass balance calculation. Significantly less N loss occurred following fertilization with EEFs compared to urea after all sampling days for both seasons. Because root uptake was eliminated in the microcosms and there was no leaching of 15 N below the microcosms, the most likely loss pathway of the 15 N from the microcosms was NH 3 volatilization. There were generally no differences among the individual EEFs. Following spring application, the mean NH 3 volatilization during the 30 day experiment ranged from 4% to 26% for the EEFs compared to 26–40% for urea. In summer, mean NH 3 volatilization for EEFs ranged from 8% to 23% compared to 29–49% for urea. This research highlights the potential of EEFs to reduce loss of fertilizer N in forest systems, potentially increasing fertilizer N use efficiency in these pine plantations.
Dementia, Delirium, and Depression

Dementia, delirium, and depression will affect many residents at some point during their stay in a post-acute or long-term care (PA/LTC) facility. Cognitive disorders can either be chronic as in dementia, acute as in seen in delirium, or subacute as in depression [1]. Understanding the similarities and differences between the clinical features of dementia, delirium, and depression is paramount to evaluating the resident with a change in mentation. Assessment by the clinician is challenging when determining which of these frequently seen conditions is present as residents may be suffering with one or more of them at the same time. Careful observation by staff and providers can help the interdisciplinary team to recognize and assess any mental status changes and to initiate appropriate interventions in a timely manner. Clinical aspects of these three conditions are summarized in Table 1, while Table 2 details the clinical evaluation of depression, delirium, and dementia.
Impact of Chemotherapy on Osteogenic Sarcoma

ABSTRACT High-dose methotrexate (V-MTX-CF) and adriamycin (ADR) were utilized as adjuvant and definitive treatment in osteogenic sarcoma. Three regimens have been investigated: 1. V-MTX-CF administered at 3-weekly intervals for 18-24 months (12 patients). 2. V-MTX-CF + ADR (day 7) administered at 4-weekly intervals following the 3-weekly schedule for 18 months (22 patients). 3. Three 4-weekly V-MTX-CF consolidating courses at the beginning, middle and end of a 12 month period with V-MTX-CF interposed between courses (25 patients). Actuarial analysis reveals that over 60% of patients are free of disease for 4+ to 72+ months. This contrasts with past experience when only 20% were cured. Additional patients were rendered free of disease by multidisciplinary treatment. Pre-operative chemotherapy administered to selected patients for limb preservation caused variable degrees of tumor destruction.
Neural Correlates and Connectivity Underlying Stress-Related Impulse Control Difficulties in Alcoholism.

Background Stress triggers impulsive and addictive behaviors, and alcoholism has been frequently associated with increased stress sensitivity and impulse control problems. However, neural correlates underlying the link between alcoholism and impulsivity in the context of stress in patients with alcohol use disorders (AUD) have not been well studied. Methods This study investigated neural correlates and connectivity patterns associated with impulse control difficulties in abstinent AUD patients. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, brain responses of 37 AUD inpatients, and 37 demographically matched healthy controls were examined during brief individualized imagery trials of stress, alcohol cue, and neutral-relaxing conditions. Stress-related impulsivity was measured using a subscale score of impulse control problems from Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Results Impulse control difficulties in AUD patients were significantly associated with hypo-active response to stress in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VmPFC), right caudate, and left lateral PFC (LPFC) compared to the neutral condition (p < 0.01, whole-brain corrected). These regions were used as seed regions to further examine the connectivity patterns with other brain regions. With the VmPFC seed, AUD patients showed reduced connectivity with the anterior cingulate cortex compared to controls, which are core regions of emotion regulation, suggesting AUD patients' decreased ability to modulate emotional response under distressed state. With the right caudate seed, patients showed increased connectivity with the right motor cortex, suggesting increased tendency toward habitually driven behaviors. With the left LPFC seed, decreased connectivity with the dorsomedial PFC (DmPFC), but increased connectivity with sensory and motor cortices were found in AUD patients compared to controls (p < 0.05, whole-brain corrected). Reduced connectivity between the left LPFC and DmPFC was further associated with increased stress-induced anxiety in AUD patients (p < 0.05, with adjusted Bonferroni correction). Conclusions Hypo-active response to stress and altered connectivity in key emotion regulatory regions may account for greater stress-related impulse control problems in alcoholism.
Undernutrition, Inflammation and Catabolic Illness, and Growth Hormone Secretion

The adjustment that the human body undergoes in states of fasting and chronic starvation is a fascinating example of nature’s indispensable phenomenon of adaptation. In an attempt to preserve basic metabolic functions and to provide essential fuels to the brain, malnourished individuals develop a state of growth hormone excess, which should facilitate increased lipolysis and availability of gluconeogenic substrates, while hepatic GH resistance results in low IGF-I levels and conservation of energy otherwise expended for primarily IGF-I-dependent functions (such as statural growth and bone accrual). The neuroendocrine secretion of GH is profoundly sensitive to alterations in nutritional status, with this regulation being species specific. Humans are characterized by GH resistance that is associated with elevated GH and low IGF-I levels. In contrast, rodents exhibit low systemic levels of GH [1] and yet demonstrate GH resistance with decreased IGF-I response to GH injections and infusions [2].
The Detection of Pulmonary Metastases with Pathologic Correlation in a Canine Model: Effect of Breathing on the Accuracy of Helical CT

OBJECTIVE. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of breathing on the accuracy of pulmonary nodule detection by helical CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Before sacrifice, four anesthetized dogs with metastatic osteosarcoma underwent helical CT with a collimation of 5 mm and a pitch of 2. Helical CT was performed during both induced breath-hold and normal quiet breathing. Images were reconstructed as contiguous 5-mm slices. Macroscopically evident metastases were noted postmortem. Hard-copy CT images were reviewed by 10 radiologists; each circled all suspected metastases. Helical CT images were compared with postmortem results to determine true- and false-positive diagnoses. RESULTS. One hundred thirty-two macroscopically evident pulmonary metastases were identified by pathologic examination. Of these metastases, the 10 radiologists identified an average of 40 metastases on breath-hold helical CT and an average of 36 on non-breath-hold CT. These findings were insignificant when analyzed by logistic regression for repeated measures (p = .8). CONCLUSION. In our animal model, helical CT performed during normal resting breathing resulted in no significant loss of accuracy in the detection of pulmonary metastases.
Medical students’ perceptions of the patient-centredness of the learning environment

Background Patient-centred care is an important aspect of quality health care. The learning environment may impact medical students’ adoption of patient-centred behaviours.
Lustration and Trust in Central and East Europe: Assessing the Impact of Lustration on Trust in Public Institutions and National Government

Lustration is alternately theorized and anecdotally alleged to either undermine or contribute to the democratic transitions in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) by supporting or undermining trust in public institutions, and by extension trust in national government. Using quantitative data on nine countries in CEE over an eight year time period, this study examines the impact of lustration and transitional justice measures on citizen perceptions of the trustworthiness of public institutions and national government. It tests whether and how the timing of lustration, the severity of lustration, or the packaging of lustration with other forms of transitional justice impact trust in public institutions and national government. This paper finds that even when controlling for economic growth, democratization, and corruption levels, lustration measures consistently and positively contribute to citizen trust in public institutions in CEE. However, lustration and transitional justice measures have an indirect and diluted impact on trust in national government, when they have any impact at all.
In refractory chronic cough, physiotherapy plus speech and language therapy improved quality of life at 4 weeks

Source Citation Chamberlain Mitchell SA, Garrod R, Clark L, et al. Physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy intervention for patients with refractory chronic cough: a multicentre randomised c...
Model prediction for deposition height during a direct metal deposition process

There has been increasing demand for the development of lumped-parameter models that can be used for real-time control design and optimization for laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Our prior work developed a physics-based multivariable model of melt-pool geometry and temperature dynamics for a single-bead deposition in a directed energy deposition process and validated the model using experimental data on deposition of single-bead Ti-6AL-4V (or Inconel®718) tracks on an Optomec® laser engineering net shaping (LENS) system. In this paper, we extend such model for melt-pool geometry on a single-bead single-layer deposition to a multi-bead multi-layer deposition and use the developed model on melt-pool height dynamics to predict part height of three-dimensional builds. Specifically, the extended model incorporates temperature history during the built process, which is computed using temperature field generated from super-positioning of Rosenthal's solution of point heat sources, with one heat source corresponding to one bead built before. The proposed model for part height prediction is then validated using a single-bead thin wall structure built with Ti-6AL-4V using an Optomec® LENS MR-7 system. The model prediction shows good agreement with measurement of part height with less than 10% error rate.
Molecular imaging of the remodeling heart: the next step forward.

Cardiac remodeling is the term used to describe changes in cardiac structure that occur following injury to the heart and/or in response to long-standing increases in loading conditions. Regardless of the nature of the initial insult, the remodeling process tends to be more or less uniform in nature
The Rising Long-Term Trend of Single-Family Mortgage Foreclosure Rates

This paper identifies and analyzes the long-term rising trend in single-family mortgage foreclosure rates. Traditional measures of mortgage risk, such as house appreciation rates and loan-to-value ratios (LTVs), appear to explain some, but not all, of the long-term trend. In an effort to explain the remaining part of the trend, several non-traditional hypotheses are explored. One is the notion that the incidence of shocks to individual lifestyles or ?trigger events,? such as divorce, have increased, thereby increasing the likelihood of mortgage default. The second is that the risk posture of individuals has increased, especially as individuals increasingly leverage their homes as part of a broader strategy of managing their overall wealth portfolio. The third is the possibility that structural changes in servicing, arising from the trend toward securitization, have increased foreclosure rates. While evidence exists supporting these hypotheses, the risk posture hypothesis appears more consistent with a variety of disparate incentives and trends relating to household financial management.
Human Performance Assessment Study in Aviation Using Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy

Functional near infrared (fNIR) spectroscopy is a field-deployable optical neuroimaging technology that provides a measure of the prefrontal cortex’s cerebral hemodynamics in response to the completion of sensory, motor, or cognitive tasks. Technologies such as fNIR could provide additional performance metrics directly from brain-based measures to assess safety and performance of operators in high-risk fields. This paper reports a case study utilizing a continuous wave fNIR technology deployed in a real-time air traffic control (ATC) setting to evaluate the cognitive workload of certified professional controllers (CPCs) during the deployment of one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Next Generation (NextGen) technologies.
Image Restoration of Phase Contrast Nano Scale X-ray CT Images

Zernike phase contrast is a technique useful for nano-scale X-ray imaging of materials with a low absorption coefficient. It enhances the image contrast using a phase ring. However, it also creates artifacts that hinder the use of traditional techniques for X-ray computed tomography (CT) image segmentation. We propose an image restoration method that models the phase contrast optics and minimizes an energy function. Though similar techniques have been used for visible light microscopy, this method deals with more spacious samples using an effective edge detection method. This paper demonstrates the removal of artifacts in multiple slices of phase contrast X-ray CT images and the potential in using this technique to aid CT image segmentation.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Myelodysplastic/Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

This chapter provides updated information on the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and the myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN). The different biological features are illustrated in their variable clinical presentation, morphologic characteristics, molecular genetic findings, and flow cytometric anomalies. The diagnostic criteria recommended by the International Working Group (IWG) and disease classification by World Health Organization (WHO) are incorporated into the discussion of diagnostic approaches to MDS and MDS/MPD. Specifically, the significance and diagnostic challenges of some unusual forms of MDS and MDS/MPD are discussed, including MDS with fibrosis, hypoplastic MDS, MDS with a PNH clone, MDS with minimal dysplasia, MDS with erythroid predominance or aplasia, and morphological assessment following treatment.
Flavonoids of the Orange Subfamily Aurantioideae

The flavonoids and related compounds of the orange subfamily Aurantioideae have attracted the attention of generations of chemical researchers, beginning with the first description of hesperidin by Lebreton (1828) to the many current pharmacological studies of these compounds in living systems. For many reasons (medicinal, herbal, agricultural), citrus fruit have been collected and used by societies throughout the centuries (Webber, 1967). However, our modern focus on the impact of citrus flavonoids on human health was perhaps started by the work of Szent-Gyorgyi, who, in calling citrus flavonoids Vitamin P, first indicated the importance of flavonoids in capillary function (Armentano et al., 1936; Rusznyak and Szent-Gyorgyi, 1936; Bentsath et al., 1937). While the term Vitamin P fell into disuse, the importance of flavonoids and ascorbic acid in proper capillary function was firmly established. Without question, the importance of the capillaries in many different aspects of human health cannot be overstated, and aspects of this are discussed in the chapters by Middleton and Kandaswami (1998), Gerritsen (1998), and Attaway and Buslig (1998). Extending from this, many pharmacological studies now show the important antioxidant and anticancer activities that citrus flavonoids contribute to human health through the diet. Much of this research relies directly on the isolation and structural characterizations of these diverse citrus phenolics, much of which was done by chemists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Although many of the major citrus flavonoids have now been well characterized, much still remains unclear about the biological activities of these compounds in mammalian systems, and about the biosynthesis, transport, and physiological roles of these compounds in the plants in which these compounds occur. It has been noted that in developing citrus plant tissue tremendous amounts of metabolic energy are expended in the biosynthesis of these compounds. In fact, flavonoids can constitute well above 50 percent of the dry weight of immature citrus fruit and leaf tissue undergoing rapid cell division. Yet, very little is known why this occurs, or how the biosyntheses of the different groups of flavonoids in citrus are connected. As part of this chapter, the remarkable diversity and distribution of the flavonoids in the orange subfamily Aurantioideae are reviewed, and evidence pertinent to the biosynthetic pathways of citrus flavonoids is reported.
Lorcaserin treatment decreases body weight and reduces cardiometabolic risk factors in obese adults: A six-month, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Lorcaserin is a serotonin 2c receptor agonist that promotes weight loss while contributing to the prevention and improvement of type 2 diabetes and improvement of atherogenic lipid profiles, without higher rates of major cardiovascular events. The full spectrum of possible lorcaserin-induced improvements in cardiometabolic health remains to be clarified. Thus, we investigated the way in which lorcaserin treatment may alter cardiovascular disease risk, either independently or through changes in body weight. We measured, for the first time, lipid particle quantification, lipid peroxidation, appetite-regulating hormones and mRNA expression of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2c receptor (5-HT2c receptor). A total of 48 obese participants were enrolled in this six-month, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Lorcaserin treatment reduced fat mass (P < 0.001), the fatty liver index (P < 0.0001) and energy intake (P < 0.03) without affecting energy expenditure or lean mass. Total low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P < 0.04) and small LDL particles (P < 0.03) decreased, while total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) P < 0.02) increased and heart rate significantly decreased with lorcaserin treatment. No mRNA expression of the 5-HT2c receptor was observed in peripheral organs. These data suggest that lorcaserin treatment for six months improves cardiometabolic health in obese individuals, acting mainly through the brain.
Abstract 49: White Matter Hyperintensity Spatial Pattern Variations reflect distinct Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Pathologies

Introduction: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) comprise of heterogeneous pathologies affecting small cerebral vessels. A novel phenotyping approach using etiology-based SVD imaging markers may i...
Pearls & Oy-sters: Diagnosis and monitoring of elevated intracranial pressure through ultrasound of the optic nerve.

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is often an emergency condition that requires prompt intervention.
Murray Rothbard: Separating Education and the State Beyond Left and Right

Murray (1926–1995) Rothbard was an anarchist economist in the “Austrian School” tradition who believed the market could replace all social functions currently supplied by governments. Rothbard viewed the state as an agency that sought to obtain and retain power over citizens; state education was an instrument toward this goal. (In this, he shared much in common with education critics of the New Left) He argued that markets in educational services were justified because markets avoided coercion against individuals as well as forced standardization of instruction for all. Rothbard believed there was no role the state should play in education.
Child Sexual Abuse identified in Emergency Departments Using ICD-9-CM, 2011 to 2014.

Abstract Background Child sexual abuse (CSA) is poorly identified due to its hidden nature and difficulty surrounding disclosure. Surveillance using emergency department (ED) data may identify victims and provide information on their demographic profile. Objectives Study aims were to calculate the prevalence of visits assigned an explicit or suggestive medical diagnosis code (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM]) for CSA and compare the demographic profile of ED visits by coding type. Methods This study examined ED data for children Results ICD-9-CM codes for explicit CSA were identified in 110 ED visits, or 1.7 per 10,000 total ED visits. Inclusion of ICD-9-CM codes for suggestive CSA identified an additional 630 visits (9.7 per 10,000 visits). Suggestive codes identified proportionally more visits of younger (50% vs. 38%) and male (35% vs. 22%) children, compared with the explicit code (p Conclusions This study demonstrates one method for identifying CSA cases, which has the potential to increase surveillance of victims in the ED. Results imply that explicit codes alone may overlook most cases, whereas use of suggestive codes may identify additional cases, and proportionally more young and male victims. As the health consequences of CSA are severe, innovative forms of surveillance must be explored to detect a higher number of cases and improve the clinical care of patients.
The impact of blinding on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in randomized controlled trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors versus traditional chemotherapies.

e23160Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been met with a wave of excitement due to their novel mechanism. We hypothesized that this may impact how patients (via PROs) report treat...
Barriers and facilitators to recruitment and enrollment of HIV-infected individuals with opioid use disorder in a clinical trial

The CTN-0067 CHOICES trial tests implementation of extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) versus treatment-as-usual (TAU) for opioid use disorders (OUD) in HIV clinics to improve HIV viral suppression. The study team investigated recruitment strategies to elucidate the barriers and facilitators to recruitment and enrollment in the study. Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth, digitally recorded interviews were completed with study recruitment-related staff and medical providers (n = 26) from six participating HIV clinics in the fall of 2018. Interviews probed 1) factors that might prevent prospective participants from engaging in study recruitment and enrollment procedures and 2) strategies used by study staff that encourage eligible patient participation. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results: All respondents reported that barriers to recruitment and enrollment included challenging patient social and structural factors (e.g., homelessness or living environments with high substance use, criminal justice involvement), difficulty locating patients with unsuppressed HIV viral load and OUD within the HIV clinic, time-consuming study enrollment processes, and stigma around HIV and OUD which inhibited treatment seeking. Some respondents observed that distrust of research and researchers impeded recruitment activities in the community. A specific medication-related barrier was patient fear of opioid abstinence required prior to XR-NTX induction. Facilitators of recruitment included use of trusted peer outreach/recruitment workers in the community, hospitalizations that offered windows of opportunities for screening and XR-NTX induction, providing participant transportation, and partnerships with harm reduction organizations for referrals. Though study personnel encountered barriers to recruitment in the CHOICES study, persons with untreated HIV and OUD can be enrolled in multisite clinical trials by using enhanced recruitment strategies that extend outside of the HIV clinic. Employing peer outreach workers and collaborating with syringe service programs may be especially helpful in facilitating recruitment and merit inclusion in similar study protocols.
Chest Masculinization Surgery

Chest reconstruction in transmen, sometimes referred to as “top surgery,” or chest masculinization, is often an important part of the transition process. It is often the initial procedure performed and sometimes the only procedure performed. In a survey of transgender men, the majority reported either having had chest surgery (36%) or desiring it in the future (61%). Chest reconstruction can also be important for nonbinary individuals who are distressed by the presence of their breasts. While cross-sex hormone treatment goes a long way in allowing female-to-male (FTM) patients to “pass” in public as their preferred gender, distress over the presence of their breasts contributes to numerous social, physical, and psychological problems. Many bind their breasts daily with tight wraps and restrictive garments in order to conceal them, a process that is uncomfortable, is cumbersome, and can lead to rashes, acne, restriction in activity, and even difficulty breathing. Studies suggest that FTM chest reconstruction improves self-esteem and body image and as a result improves quality of life. The goals of FTM chest surgery are to provide smooth masculine chest contours, minimize and camouflage scars along anatomic lines, and create an aesthetic male nipple-areolar complex (NAC).
Identification of cancer driver genes based on nucleotide context

Cancer genomes contain large numbers of somatic mutations but few of these mutations drive tumor development. Current approaches either identify driver genes on the basis of mutational recurrence or approximate the functional consequences of nonsynonymous mutations by using bioinformatic scores. Passenger mutations are enriched in characteristic nucleotide contexts, whereas driver mutations occur in functional positions, which are not necessarily surrounded by a particular nucleotide context. We observed that mutations in contexts that deviate from the characteristic contexts around passenger mutations provide a signal in favor of driver genes. We therefore developed a method that combines this feature with the signals traditionally used for driver-gene identification. We applied our method to whole-exome sequencing data from 11,873 tumor-normal pairs and identified 460 driver genes that clustered into 21 cancer-related pathways. Our study provides a resource of driver genes across 28 tumor types with additional driver genes identified according to mutations in unusual nucleotide contexts.
Maximizing the Lubricant Film Thickness Between a Rigid Microtextured and a Smooth Deformable Surface in Relative Motion, Using a Soft Elasto-Hydrodynamic Lubrication Model

We design a pattern of microtexture features to increase hydrodynamic pressure and lubricant film thickness in a hard-on-soft bearing. We use a soft elastohydrodynamic lubrication model to evaluate the effect of microtexture design parameters and bearing operating conditions on the resulting lubricant film thickness and find that the maximum lubricant film thickness occurs with a texture density between 10% and 40% and texture aspect ratio between 1% and 14%, depending on the bearing load and operating conditions. We show that these results are similar to those of hydrodynamic textured bearing problems because the lubricant film thickness is almost independent of the stiffness of the bearing surfaces in full-film lubrication.
Anatomy of the Pediatric Spine

Each region of the spinal column has distinctive anatomic features. Normal spinal alignment develops with neurologic maturation. This chapter discusses the growth and development of the bony, muscular, and neurologic anatomy of the spine as it applies to the growing child.
The School of Life Dropout Prevention Curriculum: A Case Report

Students in high school or secondary school face challenges that too often lead them to drop out of school. Administrators and staff in many of these schools have attempted to address this challenge by adopting a framework of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) that offers graduated tiers of intervention suited to students’ needs. One such intervention that has been used in some parts of the US, was developed by the School of Life Foundation (SOLF). The intervention consists of a life-skills curriculum that supports students by addressing factors related to increased probability of dropping out of school. This article provides a case report, from the United States, of the SOLF intervention in the context of a PBIS framework.
Abstract 16217: Culturally-tailored Team-based Preventive Cardiology Program Improves Cardiovascular Risk for South Asian Patients

Introduction: South Asians (SA) have a two times greater prevalence of CAD and metabolic syndrome (MetS) than matched Europeans. Diet and physical activity may be best addressed through culturally-...
ALS patient and caregiver attitudes toward physician-hastened death in California.

Introduction/ aims Since 2016, six states have legalized physician-hastened death (PHD). Neuromuscular disorders including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are common diagnoses for patients who utilize PHD, but how patients with ALS view PHD in California has not been systematically studied. We aimed to quantify how many patients with ALS and their caregivers have considered PHD and to assess reasons to consider using or not using it. Methods This is a cross-sectional study at one ALS center surveying patients with ALS and their caregivers. Data on disease characteristics, demographics, quality of life, and depression were also collected. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Qualitative data was also collected and analyzed. Patients were followed up longitudinally to assess if they died or if they used PHD. Results A small majority of ALS patients surveyed had considered or would consider using PHD (16/30). Patients most commonly described having intolerable symptoms, being a burden on their loved ones, and losing independence as reasons to consider using PHD. Many patients shared that "their life has purpose" and "they are making the most of their lives" as to why they are not considering PHD. Considering PHD was not related to disease severity or depression. On longitudinal follow-up, 10 of the 30 patients have died, and none have used PHD. Discussion Pursuing PHD is a personal decision for each individual patient. This study shows that considering PHD is relatively common in ALS patients, independent of disease severity or presence of depression.
Transportation Capital And Its Effects On The U.S. Economy: A General Equilibrium Approach

Abstract We analyze the effect of the US transportation system on economic activity by building a quantitative dynamic general equilibrium model with a taxpayer-funded transportation capital stock. We highlight stark differences between the positive welfare effects of additional infrastructure spending in the long run, and its potentially negative effects when we account for the large transition (time and delay) costs to build. We also quantify large differences between the effects of additional infrastructure spending and efficient transportation policies, such as congestion pricing and eliminating laws that artificially inflate input prices, concluding that taxpayer-funded transportation improvements that increase GDP significantly may produce smaller welfare gains than efficient policies that increase GDP modestly.
The Globalization of Antitrust: History and Prospects

The United States stood virtually alone when it enacted its first antitrust statute in 1890. Today, almost all nations have adopted competition laws (the term used in most other nations), and US antitrust agencies interact with foreign enforc-ers on a daily basis. This globalization of antitrust is becoming increasingly important to the economic welfare of many nations, because major businesses (in particular, massive digital platforms like Google and Facebook) face grow-ing antitrust scrutiny by multiple enforcement regimes worldwide. As such, the United States should take the lead in encouraging adoption of antitrust policies, here and abroad, that are conducive to economic growth and innovation. Anti-trust policies centered on promoting consumer welfare would be best suited to advancing these desirable aims. Thus, the United States should oppose recent efforts to turn antitrust into a regulatory system that seeks to advance many objectives beyond consumer welfare. American antitrust enforcers should also work with like-minded agencies—and within multilateral organizations such as the International Competition Network and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development—to promote procedural fairness and the rule of law in antitrust enforcement.
Are Physics Formulas Aiding Covariational Reasoning? Students’ Perspective

Multiple studies have been conducted to assess physics students’ ability to apply covariational reasoning to sketching graphs in physics. This study is conducted with a group of physics students but it is supported by research in mathematics education on sketching functions. It attempts to evaluate physics students’ ability to apply skills acquired in math courses to identify critical algebraic attributes of physics formulas for their potential to be sketched. Rather than seeking formulas’ scientific interpretation, this study is posited to challenge students’ skills to merge their mathematical knowledge within physics contexts. A group of thirty (N = 30) first-year college-level physics students were provided with two physically identical equations that described the object’s position. However, one equation was expressed in functional mathematical notation, whereas the other is a standard formula notation. The students were asked to classify the symbols in each formula as variables or parameters and determine these formulas’ potential to be graphed in respective coordinates. The analysis revealed that 93% of these students considered function notation as possessing sketchable potential against 13% who envisioned such potential in the standard formula notation. Further investigations demystified students’ confusion about the classification of the symbols used in the formula notation. These results opened up a gate for discussing the effects of algebraic notations in physics on activating students’ covariational skills gained in mathematics courses. Suggestions for improving physics instructions stemming from this study are discussed.
Flexohand: A Hybrid Exoskeleton-Based Novel Hand Rehabilitation Device.

Home-based hand rehabilitation has excellent potential as it may reduce patient dropouts due to travel, transportation, and insurance constraints. Being able to perform exercises precisely, accurately, and in a repetitive manner, robot-aided portable devices have gained much traction these days in hand rehabilitation. However, existing devices fall short in allowing some key natural movements, which are crucial to achieving full potential motion in performing activities of daily living. Firstly, existing exoskeleton type devices often restrict or suffer from uncontrolled wrist and forearm movement during finger exercises due to their setup of actuation and transmission mechanism. Secondly, they restrict passive metacarpophalangeal (MCP) abduction–adduction during MCP flexion–extension motion. Lastly, though a few of them can provide isolated finger ROM, none of them can offer isolated joint motion as per therapeutic need. All these natural movements are crucial for effective robot-aided finger rehabilitation. To bridge these gaps, in this research, a novel lightweight robotic device, namely “Flexohand”, has been developed for hand rehabilitation. A novel compliant mechanism has been developed and included in Flexohand to compensate for the passive movement of MCP abduction–adduction. The isolated and composite digit joint flexion–extension has been achieved by integrating a combination of sliding locks for IP joints and a wire locking system for finger MCP joints. Besides, the intuitive design of Flexohand inherently allows wrist joint movement during hand digit exercises. Experiments of passive exercises involving isolated joint motion, composite joint motions of individual fingers, and isolated joint motion of multiple fingers have been conducted to validate the functionality of the developed device. The experimental results show that Flexohand addresses the limitations of existing robot-aided hand rehabilitation devices.
What Makes a “Good Job”? Gender Role Attitudes and Job Preferences in Sweden

Previous studies have documented an increasing number of women entering into the paid work force, yet little research has examined the gendered meanings of work for men and women. Using a sample of 1986 Swedes from the 2009 Young Adult Panel Study, this paper investigates the effects of gender role attitudes on job attribute preferences in order to understand what makes a “good job” for Swedish men and women. Results show that men and women with more egalitarian attitudes have different perspectives than their more traditional counterparts. More egalitarian women place greater importance on the possibility of advancement and being proud of their work and less importance on family-friendly work policies. On the other hand, more egalitarian men place greater importance on family-friendly work policies and less importance on having a high salary and workplace security. The implications of these findings are discussed, and we suggest that egalitarian women’s emphasis on advancement and pride at work combined with egalitarian men’s de-emphasis on pay and emphasis on family-friendly job attributes point to potential changes in gender norms and roles.
Exploring Language Structure: A Student's Guide

Designed for those beginning to study linguistics, this is a lively introduction to two key aspects of the structure of language: syntax (the structure of sentences) and morphology (the structure of words). It shows students in a step-by-step fashion how to analyze the syntax and morphology of any language, by clearly describing the basic methods and techniques, and providing almost 100 practical exercises based on data from a rich variety of the world's languages. Written in an engaging style and complete with a comprehensive glossary, Exploring Language Structure explains linguistic concepts by using clear analogies from everyday life. It introduces a range of essential topics in syntax and morphology, such as rules, categories, word classes, grammatical relations, multi-clause constructions and typology. Providing a solid foundation in morphology and syntax, this is the perfect introductory text for beginning students, and will fully prepare them for more advanced courses in linguistic analysis.
Morphology and composition of PtPd alloy crystallites on SiO2 in reactive atmospheres

Abstract Scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis are used to examine the structure, sintering rates and chemical composition of 20 to 200-A-diameter PtPd alloy crystallites on planar amorphous SiO2. Oxygen causes PtPd alloy crystallites to separate into distinct crystallites of metal and tetragonal PdO, both of which are in contact with the SiO2 support. Oxide is first observed at 300 to 400 °C depending on composition, and the oxide begins to decompose at 650 °C and completely disappears between 740 and 850 °C. For high Pt alloys the oxide nucleates and grows at one side of the metal particles but for high Pd alloys small (20 to 40 A) Pt particles form around the edges of the PdO crystal. The oxide can be reduced by H2 even at room temperature and this produces distinct and separated Pt and Pd-rich particles as shown by single particle microanalysis. These morphologies are presumably caused by stronger interfacial interactions between PdO and SiO2 compared to that between metal and the oxides. A stability diagram for formation of oxide shows that oxide is formed only for alloys containing at least 15% Pd. Evaporation of Pt as PtO2 is inhibited by the presence of Pd and growth of crystallites is slower for alloys than for pure Pt metal. Implications of these results on the structures of supported alloy catalysts will be discussed.
The Translocation of Energy-rich Phosphate in Mycobacterium phlei Protoplast Ghosts by a Soluble Protein Fraction

Abstract Oxidative phosphorylation in protoplast ghosts from Mycobacterium phlei was found to be cryptic. The addition of a partially purified soluble protein fraction to the ghost preparations resulted in a transfer of energy-rich phosphate to exogenous ADP. Ghost preparations which were preloaded with [32P]ADP or [14C]ADP resulted in the formation of exogenous [32P]ATP upon the addition of ADP and the soluble protein fraction, whereas [14C]ATP was formed only within the membrane ghost. Sepharose coupled to ADP was used as an external source of ADP to demonstrate the translocation of energy-rich phosphate bond from the inner membrane to the outside upon the addition of the soluble protein fraction.
Induction of HIV-1 Broad Neutralizing Antibodies in 2F5 Knock-in Mice: Selection against Membrane Proximal External Region–Associated Autoreactivity Limits T-Dependent Responses

A goal of HIV-1 vaccine development is to elicit broadly neutralizing Abs (BnAbs). Using a knock-in (KI) model of 2F5, a human HIV-1 gp41 membrane proximal external region (MPER)–specific BnAb, we previously demonstrated that a key obstacle to BnAb induction is clonal deletion of BnAb-expressing B cells. In this study of this model, we provide a proof-of-principle that robust serum neutralizing IgG responses can be induced from pre-existing, residual, self-reactive BnAb-expressing B cells in vivo using a structurally compatible gp41 MPER immunogen. Furthermore, in CD40L-deficient 2F5 KI mice, we demonstrate that these BnAb responses are elicited via a type II T-independent pathway, coinciding with expansion and activation of transitional splenic B cells specific for 2F5's nominal gp41 MPER-binding epitope (containing the 2F5 neutralization domain ELDKWA). In contrast, constitutive production of nonneutralizing serum IgGs in 2F5 KI mice is T dependent and originates from a subset of splenic mature B2 cells that have lost their ability to bind 2F5's gp41 MPER epitope. These results suggest that residual, mature B cells expressing autoreactive BnAbs, like 2F5 as BCR, may be limited in their ability to participate in T-dependent responses by purifying selection that selectively eliminates reactivity for neutralization epitope-containing/mimicked host Ags.
Modeling Alternative Sequences of Events in Dynamic Geographic Domains

A model that emphasizes possible alternative sequences of events that occur over time is presented in this article. Representing alternative or branching events captures additional semantics unrealized by linear or non-branching approaches. Two basic elements of branching, divergence and convergence are discussed. From these elements, many complex branching models can be built capturing a perspective of events that will take place in the future or have occurred in the past. This produces likely sequences of events that a user may compare and analyze using spatial or temporal criteria. The branching events model is especially useful for spatiotemporal decision support systems, as decision-makers are able to identify alternative locations and times of events and, depending on the context, also identify regions of multiple possible events. A branching events viewer application is presented illustrating a case study based on a tornado response.
PU.1 (Spi-1) and C/EBP alpha regulate the granulocyte colony- stimulating factor receptor promoter in myeloid cells

Cytokines, important for lineage commitment and differentiation during hematopoiesis, exert their influence by binding specific receptors. Receptor expression is tightly regulated and examining the factors that govern their expression will allow better understanding of the events that determine lineage commitment. The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptor is expressed exclusively in myeloid cells and the placenta. We show here that the G-CSF receptor transcription start site is identical in each of these tissues. A 1,391-bp fragment of the G-CSF receptor promoter is both active in myeloid cell lines and tissue specific. We have also found two regions that are important for G-CSF receptor promoter activity. One region, located at bp -49, contains a GCAAT site that specifically binds the C/EBP alpha transcription factor in myeloid nuclear extracts. Mutation of this site prevents C/EBP alpha binding and reduces promoter activity by 60%. The other functionally important region of the G-CSF receptor promoter is in the 5' untranslated region, at bp +36 and +43, where there are two sites for the ets family member PU.1. Mutation of these sites prevents PU.1 binding and reduces promoter activity by 75%. These results reinforce the importance of both PU.1 and C/EBP alpha in the expression of myeloid-specific genes and neutrophil development.
Imaging Systems in Radiology

In chapter 9 we introduce the concept of digital images as a fundamental datatype that, because of its ubiquity, must be considered in many applications. We define biomedical imaging informatics as the study of methods for generating, manipulating, managing, and integrating images in many biomedical applications.We describe many of the methods for generating and manipulating images, particularly as applied to the brain, and discuss the relationship of these methods to structural informatics.