cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory and traumatic tendinopathies about the ulnar wrist

Tendinopathy about the ulnar aspect of the wrist may involve either extensor or flexor structures and has a variety of causes. Although relatively less common than intra-articular pathology, disorders of these superficial structures must not be neglected when performing a physical examination of the ulnar wrist or developing a differential diagnosis for patients with ulnar wrist pain.
Deep Brain Stimulation, Historicism, and Moral Responsibility

Although philosophers have explored several connections between neuroscience and moral responsibility, the issue of how real-world neurological modifications, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), impact moral responsibility has received little attention. In this article, we draw on debates about the relevance of history and manipulation to moral responsibility to argue that certain kinds of neurological modification can diminish the responsibility of the agents so modified. We argue for a historicist position - a version of the history-sensitive reflection view - and defend that account against a rival, relational view of responsibility. We conclude that DBS can, under certain conditions, diminish responsibility, and explore the circumstances under which this might be so. We conclude by suggesting that philosophical debates about moral responsibility, manipulation, and history have greater practical relevance than is sometimes thought, and that attention to practical cases can help inform and deepen this body of scholarship.
CP-061 Retrospective evaluation of the clinical use of prothrombin complex concentrate for the reversal of oral anticoagulation

Background Prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) can be used for replacement of congenital or acquired vitamin K dependent clotting factor deficiency. Its main indication is to obtain a rapid reversal of oral anticoagulation therapy: vitamin K antagonist (VKA). Purpose In the light of an increase in PCC consummation in our hospital (2019 beds) during the past 2 years (maybe due to a new use of reversal of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs)) and to promote the respect of recommended indications (AMM, marketing authorisation), we evaluated the clinical use of PCC for the reversal of oral anticoagulation. Material and methods We retrospectively recorded orders of PPC between January and December 2014. We evaluated the pertinence of the indication for anticoagulation reversal according to national recommendations on management of haemorrhage risk or haemorrhage treatment with anticoagulated patients. We also assessed prescription quality according to dosage, initial INR (international normalised ratio), patient’s weight, vitamin K association and initial anticoagulation therapy of every patient in accordance with national recommendations, literature recommendations and medication label. Results There were 106 patients included in this study; 95% were associated with VKA treatment. The majority of indications were justified (80%): 50% for serious haemorrhage and 38% for patients who needed surgery in an emergency. However, there were concerns about PPC dosage used: 41% were not adjusted for weight or initial INR, principally sub-therapeutic doses in 80% of cases. Only 55% of PPC prescriptions were associated with vitamin K; 45% of administrations of PPC were not associated with vitamin K. Conclusion Thanks to this retrospective evaluation, we have realised that the majority of PPC prescriptions are well justified and within recommended situations; only 5% were used for NOAC reversal. But the study also shows a lack of knowledge about the best dosage of PPC to administrate and the correct associated therapeutics in these situations. The role of the pharmacist is very important in order to promote good clinical drug use and to alert prescribers about PCC prescription recommendations, notably dosage adjustment with the patient’s weight or INR. The results of this study will be presented to main prescribers of PPC and new recommendations will be posted in the care unit. References and/or Acknowledgements Surdosage VKA HAS 2008 No conflict of interest.
Formation Processes of the Archaeobotanical Record

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some of the principles behind archaeobotanical analysis. Archaeobotany is the art and science of recovering, identifying, and interpreting plant remains from archaeological sites. Some authors prefer to call the discipline paleoethnobotany, stressing the relationships between past cultures and the plant kingdom. The chapter focuses on the preserved traces of ancient food plants and also describes other types of botanical remains, including fibers, wood, charcoal, pollen, and plant crystals. The formal study of plant remains from archaeological sites can be traced back to at least 1826 when Kunth published an analysis of mummified cereals, fruits, and seeds from dry Egyptian tombs (Kunth 1826). Other pioneering efforts in archaeobotany also focused on sites with exceptional organic preservation. Archaeobatany has undergone a methodological revolution with the adoption of flotation as a tool for recovering small charred plant remains. Concurrent with the wider application of flotation, archaeobotany is also undergoing a theoretical revolution.
Exploitation of marine resources by wolves in southwestern Alaska

Predation by large carnivores is a dominant factor shaping wildlife communities and an understanding of local foraging strategies of predators is central to the management of wildlife populations. Information on local foraging strategies is particularly important where carnivores might exploit alternate resources that could influence predator–prey interactions, carnivore population dynamics, and a variety of interactions at lower trophic levels. We used carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) values in serially sampled wolf ( Canis lupus ) vibrissae to quantify relative resource use and dietary variation among wolves ( n = 115) from 4 areas in southwestern Alaska that differed in the availability of terrestrial and marine resources. Mean vibrissae isotope values varied by ~8‰ for δ13C and ~12‰ for δ15N and showed high levels of spatial, seasonal, and individual variation. While results showed that ungulates were the principal prey for wolves in all 4 areas, wolves also exploited a variety of alternate marine resources that represented an important component of wolf diets in some areas. Estimated dietary contributions from marine resources ranged from 28% to 56% among areas and use of these resources varied both spatially and seasonally. Dietary variation and use of marine resources increased from northeast to southwest along the Alaska Peninsula with increasing access to coastal areas and decreasing ungulate abundance. Seasonal shifts in resource use were also evident with dietary variation being highest during summer and fall when wolves consumed more alternate resources than during winter. Our findings suggest that use of marine resources and local variation in foraging strategies of wolves might, through a variety of pathways, have broad implications for the management of wolf–ungulate communities in southwestern Alaska.
Morphological Evolution of the Cave-, Spring-, and Swampfishes of the Amblyopsidae (Percopsiformes)

The Amblyopsidae is a small family of fishes from North America in which most of the species occur in caves. Despite considerable interest and study by biologists, a comprehensive morphological phylogenetic analysis of the family has not been conducted to date. We examined the skeletal morphology of all six genera and recognized species, which included 66 characters. The resulting phylogeny was compared to morphological- and molecular-based phylogenies of previous studies. Results showed a progression of cave adaptation that was significantly different from previous phylogenetic studies. Amblyopsidae was supported by 34 synapomorphies of the skeleton, but relationships within the Amblyopsidae were comparatively weak. The relationships of amblyopsids are likely influenced by morphological convergence as well as changes in the timing of development of some characters. Heterochrony is most visible in the unfused bones of the dorsal portion of the skull. The sister group to Amblyopsidae is Aphredoderidae (pir...
Time and Circumstances: Cancer Cell Metabolism at Various Stages of Disease Progression.

Over the past decade, research into the unique ways, in which cancer cells skew their metabolism, has had a renaissance - for the repeated time over more than 80 years since the discovery of an inherent preference for glycolysis. Importantly, the Warburg effect that arises in primary neoplasms is not the sole prominent metabolic phenomenon. Once the transformed cells are shed from their initial growth and begin the process of metastasis, their energy requirements change and they adapt to the increased demand for ATP, which if not satisfied would lead to anoikis. At that stage, oxidoreductases and the respiratory chain are activated. Further, the intrinsic metabolic characteristics of tumor cells may be influenced by extrinsic factors, comprising metabolite secretions from stromal cells or acidification and nutrient deprivation in the late-stage hypoxic environment. While there is metabolic adjustment in cancer cells throughout the disease history, its phenotypic manifestation changes at various times. This stage-selectivity has implications for pharmacotherapy ambitions.
Encoding and decoding affordances: Stuart Hall and interactive media technologies:

This essay addresses how digital and interactive media scholars might adapt the concept of affordances in relation to Stuart Hall’s canonical ‘Encoding/Decoding’ model to better account for how cer...
A case of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy after completion of Harvoni therapy

Abstract Purpose To report the first reported case of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) associated with the use of Harvoni (Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA), a newly approved treatment for Hepatitis C. Observations We report a case of NAION in a hepatitis C patient who completed Harvoni therapy just prior to presentation. Harvoni was suspected to be the causative agent given a lack of NAION risk factors in an otherwise healthy young patient. Conclusions and importance NAION is an acute, painless vision loss that typically affects adults over 50. The mechanism of NAION remains uncertain although numerous associations have been identified including certain medications. Harvoni, a combination drug of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, is a recently FDA-approved treatment for Hepatitis C. To date, however, no ophthalmological side effects have been reported with its use. Continued surveillance of patients treated with Harvoni will be needed to determine if additional events are observed in the future.
The natural history of sleep disturbance among OEF/OIF veterans with TBI and PTSD and the role of proxy variables in its measurement

Abstract Objective Sleep disturbance crosscuts post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Though previous cross-sectional findings demonstrate a compounding effect of PTSD and TBI comorbidity, relatively little is known about the longitudinal trajectory of sleep-related complaints in veterans with TBI history and current PTSD symptoms. In this study, we explored patterns and predictors of sleep complaints in a sample of combat veterans with and without TBI and PTSD. Methods Secondary analysis of data gathered during a longitudinal study of U.S. veterans of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) with and without TBI. Data from a subsample of 291 participants with sleep self-report data were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression logit testing and linear mixed models. Results Over an 18-month period, we observed an average 23–28% reduction in sleep symptoms in our sample as measured by two proxy scales, with the bulk of change (12–14% overall reduction) detected at the first six-month follow-up assessment. TBI history emerged, overall, as the most prominent predictor of worse general sleep symptoms, though baseline PTSD and pain status also demonstrated an association with worse sleep symptoms. Conclusion Whereas changes in PTSD symptoms over time were associated with worsening sleep symptoms, improvement in sleep reports was most consistently predicted by the passage of time. Our data also provide preliminary support for using three-to-four core items (i.e., trouble sleeping, changes in sleep, fatigue, and nightmares) to screen for sleep complaints in veterans with TBI and PTSD and/or track sleep-related outcomes.
Diagnostic dilemmas and pitfalls in ThinPrep ® cytology of breast fine needle aspiration biopsy:: Report of Six Cases with Histological Correlates.

Fine needle aspirations (FNA) of the breast for primary diagnoses have become less popular in the USA and are usually performed for lesions with low or extremely high clinical suspicion. They are also performed for lesions in close proximity to a breast implant. Liquid-based cytological preparations, such as ThinPrep® (TP), provide a practical alternative to clinicians who are performing FNA. Using a selection of cases that represent challenging diagnoses, we describe common diagnostic pitfalls of breast FNA that are specifically associated with this preparation. Well known breast cytology pitfalls, such as fibroadenoma, when solely examined using a TP slide can be even more challenging since the usual stripped bipolar cells seen in the background of smeared slides, can appear singly dispersed with preserved cytoplasm, resembling carcinoma. We describe that large fragments of solid papillary carcinoma are represented by mostly singly dispersed cells with plasmacytoid features that mimic those of a lobular carcinoma. Since nuclear features are more pronounced in TP, prominent nucleoli and cytological atypia can potentially be overcalled. TP processing might also lead to clumping of epithelioid histiocytes that appear atypical, which increases the suspicion of malignancy. The presence of atypical cells in a TP slide of a peri implant seroma should always undergo additional testing, especially in patients with a prior history of breast carcinoma, to determine if it represents recurrent carcinoma or an implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Familiarity with the aforementioned artifacts associated with TP is essential to avoid diagnostic misinterpretations. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:655-661. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ion Diffusion Within Water Films in Unsaturated Porous Media.

Diffusion is important in controlling local solute transport and reactions in unsaturated soils and geologic formations. Although it is commonly assumed that thinning of water films controls solute diffusion at low water contents, transport under these conditions is not well understood. We conducted experiments in quartz sands at low volumetric water contents (θ) to quantify ion diffusion within adsorbed films. At the lowest water contents, we employed fixed relative humidities to control water films at nm thicknesses. Diffusion profiles for Rb+ and Br– in unsaturated sand packs were measured with a synchrotron X-ray microprobe, and inverse modeling was used to determine effective diffusion coefficients, De, as low as ∼9 × 10–15 m2 s–1 at θ = 1.0 × 10–4 m3 m–3, where the film thickness = 0.9 nm. Given that the diffusion coefficients (Do) of Rb+ and Br– in bulk water (30 °C) are both ∼2.4 × 10–9 m2 s–1, we found the impedance factor f = De/(θDo) is equal to 0.03 ± 0.02 at this very low saturation, in agree...
Microwave-assisted synthesis of amine functionalized mesoporous polydivinylbenzene for CO2 adsorption

Abstract We report microwave assisted synthesis of a series of highly hydrophobic porous organic polymers of poly divinylbenzene (PDVB), for the first time, which were modified by amine-rich co-monomers of vinyl imidazole (VI) and vinyl triazole (VT) resulting in PDVB-VI and PDVB-VT adsorbents. There is an optimum amount of incorporated co-monomer and initiator which led to high adsorptive activity of the material towards CO2. Atmospheric CO2 adsorption was enhanced by the addition of amine moieties while maintaining an optimum surface area and pore volume. A certain amount of initiator led to better incorporation of VT monomer while surface area and pores remain accessible. A maximum CO2 adsorption of 2.65 mmolg -1 at 273 K/1 bar was achieved for triazole based adsorbent (PDVB-VT) with 0.7 g of VT and 0.07 g of initiator. In comparison with a non-functionalized material (PDVB) with 1.2 mmolg -1 CO2 uptake, the adsorption efficiency was enhanced more than twice. The adsorbent maintained its efficiency up to seven cycles. Theoretical modeling confirms the active site is nitrogen on the imidazole/triazole ring and that incorporation of VT to the polymeric networks enhanced the adsorptive properties better than vinyl imidazole (VI) due to more active sites.
Efficient Fresnel zoneplate pattern data preparation for high-resolution nanofabrication

A Fresnel zoneplate is a diffractive optical element consisting of concentric rings (zones) for which the transmitted light produces a focal spot that is used in all wavelength regimes, including X-rays. The pattern of transmission openings determines the location of the spot and the sub-half wavelength size of the openings can adjust the intensity. Today, very general transmission zoneplate patterns are used for many special imaging and image compensation purposes. Manufacturing zoneplates require a zoneplate pattern file, which precisely describes the size, shape, and contour of the rings based on the desired optical properties of the lens. Generating such a pattern requires the delicate balance of achieving the required optical performance while maintaining manageable file sizes and computation times. Here we describe a new algorithm meeting these needs. By precisely controlling the number of shapes in each zone, the algorithm simultaneously optimizes the desired optical tolerances with the pattern file size.
Confocal Raman Microscopy for the Determination of Protein and Quaternary Ammonium Ion Loadings in Biocatalytic Membranes for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage

The need to immobilize active enzyme, while ensuring high rates of substrate turnover and electronic charge transfer with an electrode, is a centrally important challenge in the field of bioelectrocatalysis. In this work, we demonstrate the use of confocal Raman microscopy as a tool for quantitation and molecular-scale structural characterization of ionomers and proteins within biocatalytic membranes to aid in the development of energy efficient biofuel cells. A set of recently available short side chain Aquivion ionomers spanning a range of equivalent weight (EW) suitable for enzyme immobilization was investigated. Aquivion ionomers (790 EW, 830 EW and 980 EW) received in the proton-exchanged (SO3H) form were treated with tetra-n-butylammonium bromide (TBAB) to neutralize the ionomer and expand the size of ionic domains for enzyme incorporation. Through the use of confocal Raman microscopy, membrane TBA+ ion content was predicted in calibration studies to within a few percent of the conventional titrimet...
Not all Anchors Weigh Equally.

Abstract. The anchoring bias is a reliable effect wherein a person’s judgments are affected by initially presented information, but it is unknown specifically why this effect occurs. Research examining this bias suggests that elements of both numeric and semantic priming may be involved. To examine this, the present research used a phenomenon wherein people treat numeric information presented differently in Arabic numeral or verbal formats. We presented participants with one of many forms of an anchor that represented the same value (e.g., twelve hundred or 1,200). Thus, we could examine how a concept’s meaning and its absolute numeric value affect anchoring. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that people respond to Arabic and verbal anchors differently. Experiment 3 showed that these differences occurred largely because people tend to think of numbers in digit format. This suggests that one’s conceptual understanding of the anchored information matters more than its strict numeric value.
E2F3A is a mediator of the cellular response to DNA damage.

LB-45 In response to DNA damage, cells may either undergo cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. This cell fate decision involves the activation of a transcriptional program that will determine the proper response to the genotoxic stress incurred. The E2F1 transcription factor has emerged as a critical apoptotic effector of the DNA damage response. E2F1 is induced by DNA damaging agents and it is required for the induction of apoptosis by genotoxic stress. We demonstrate that the E2F family member, E2F3a, is also induced by DNA damage. Treatment with different DNA damaging agents at doses that induce apoptosis results in the induction of E2F3a. In contrast, the E2F3 isoform, E2F3b, is downregulated in response to genotoxic stress. We demonstrate that the induction of E2F3a occurs soon after treatment with DNA damaging agents. Additionally, we find that E2F3a has a longer half-life in cells treated with chemotherapy, suggesting that the upregulation of E2F3a occurs through post-translational mechanisms. We provide two lines of evidence that suggest a role for the checkpoint kinases in the induction of E2F3a. First, siRNA knockdown of chk1 blocks the accumulation of E2F3 in chemotherapy treated cells. Second, mutation of a putative chk1 site in E2F3a eliminates the DNA damage inducibility of the mutant protein. We further demonstrate that E2F3a is required for chemotherapy induced apoptosis since E2F3a knockdown protects cells from cell death induced by different DNA damaging agents. Moreover, we find that some chemotherapeutic agents transcriptionally induce E2F1 in an E2F3a dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrate that in the absence of E2F3a, E2F1 mRNA and protein are poorly induced by DNA damage. Moreover, p73, a pro-apoptotic E2F target gene, is not transcriptionally activated in drug treated cells that are deficient for E2F3a. Our data challenges the conventional view that E2F1 is the sole “activator” E2F that is induced by DNA damage. Thus, we propose that a novel function of E2F3a is to coordinate the transcriptional activation of pro-apoptotic genes in response to DNA damage.
A Learning-oriented Assessment Perspective on Scenario-based Assessment

When most people think of language assessments, they generally recall the standardized formats of high-stakes, large-scale examinations. These assessments are widely recognized for providing valid and reliable measures of test-taker knowledge. However, recently these standardized assessments have also been criticized for not providing accurate reflections of the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for 21st century students to confront the era of digital communication. In order to meet these demands, assessment researchers and test designers have been re-conceptualizing test design and development procedures to provide more authentic assessments which more accurately reflect the complexity of tasks test-takers are likely to encounter in the 21st century (Bachman & Palmer, 1996; Chapelle & Douglas, 2006; Purpura, 2004).
A Benchmark Study of Electronic Couplings in Donor–Bridge–Acceptor Systems with the FMR-B Method

We present a benchmarking study for the evaluation of electronic couplings in donor–bridge–acceptor systems with the Fock matrix reconstruction-bridge (FMR-B) method. We compile a data set for the benchmark that contains 29 molecules for which reliable experimental coupling values are available: DBA29. This data set is general and includes different types of donor, acceptor, and bridge units as well as different bridge lengths, and it spans a range of couplings from 0.1 to 0.8 eV. We use DBA29 to test FMR-B with 11 density functionals belonging to different classes (pure, global hybrid, and range-separated) and the Hartree–Fock (HF) method. We also test a subset of these methods with nine basis sets from the Pople and Dunning families, which include a varying number of polarization and diffuse functions. We find that the best accuracy and lowest computational cost is obtained with range-separated functionals and compact basis sets. Global hybrids with a large amount of HF exchange also work well because o...
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Issues: Where Does the WTO Go from Here?

The Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) governs regulations designed to mitigate potential negative externalities associated with the movement of products across national borders that might adversely impact human, animal, or plant health or life. When legitimate externalities or other market failures are addressed, such technical barriers have the potential to increase national welfare, even without consideration of terms-of-trade effects. All nations employ a wide range of standards and regulations to govern sales of agricultural products in national markets, the majority of which are considered justified commercial limitations.ii Governments may also impose technical barriers to isolate domestic producers from international competition. In these cases, under small-country assumptions, technical barriers are welfare-decreasing policies.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF DEVELOPING BASAL GANGLIA

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews studies that provide a precise description of the postnatal development of the basal ganglia utilizing morphological and electrophysiological parameters. It provides a baseline for evaluating the consequences of surgical and pharmacological manipulation of the basal ganglia in neonates. The morphological analysis suggests that qualitatively there are few postnatal changes in the development of the caudate. At least by 12 days of age, and probably at birth, the nucleus has its full complement of medium spiny neurons. The basic dendrite structure is fixed in the sense that the number of branches per dendrite appears to be constant. Dendritic elongation occurs postnatally. An exception to lack of postnatal qualitative changes might be the neonatal varicose dendrite, which loses its varicosities as it develops. Some mature-appearing spines are present at birth and increase differentially in density and total number on distal branches with maturation. Adult-like synapses are encountered at birth, although many immature synapses are present.
Percent residual accuracy for quantifying goodness-of-fit of linear calibration curves

Linear models for calibration curves are overwhelmingly created based on minimization of least squares error, with their goodness-of-fit (GOF) quantified using the square of the correlation coefficient (R2). Yet, R2 has well-known disadvantages when used to quantify GOF of calibration curves stemming from its calculation based on the absolute error of the signal (i.e., calculated vs. experimental). These disadvantages are exacerbated when using a geometric series of concentrations for calibration standards (e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, etc.) and when calibration curves span 2-3 orders of magnitude, which is typical for modern analytical techniques. While there are multiple alternative GOF measures, R2 overwhelmingly persists in the field of Analytical Chemistry as the most reported measure of GOF. We evaluated R2, alternative GOF measures, and multiple quantitative bias parameters, along with residual analysis, for over 60 experimental calibration curves. R2 did a poor job of consistently and accurately quantifying the GOF over the entire calibration curve. This was especially true for situations where the low concentration calibrators were not accurately described by the calibration equation. While other GOF parameters, including the sum of the absolute percent error, mean absolute percent error, and quality coefficient, did a better job of describing GOF of calibration curves, each had significant theoretical and/or practical disadvantages. Therefore, we introduce a descriptive GOF parameter called Percent Residual Accuracy (%RA or PRA) which equally weights the accuracy of all calibrators into a single value, generally falling between 0% and 100%, with 100% representing a perfect fit and a "good" fit for calibration data producing a %RA of 90-100%. The %RA much more effectively described the GOF for the entire calibration range than R2, and it similarly quantified GOF as compared to the other GOF parameters tested. With the performance and practical advantages of %RA, we conclude that it is the most advantageous GOF parameter and that it should be reported as a standard GOF measure for calibration curves.
Urban Ecology: Green spaces, corridors, systems

One might consider an ideal series of parks as you might a great water system, using the metaphor of green water … a weaving, interconnected green mass that changes in size and purpose, but always inter-penetrates forcibly but gently the urban, suburban, and rural scene. William M. Roth, Conservation Foundation symposium, Washington, D.C., 1971 Rio has edged in between the hills and the sea … But the jungle is still there. You can reach it easily by tram, or through suburban backdoors. Peter Fleming, Brazilian Adventure , 1933 Is there a better dream than the glorious life of a songbird, gliding over the land from tree to tree, diving into flower gardens, splashing in a pool, and joining hundreds in a chorus with scores of parts? Home may be the luxuriant tropics where life is always sunny. Your ancestors gave you genes for the marathon, when you migrate to foreign land with an explosion of delicious insects or seeds, nice for raising babies. After several nights of flying, an inhospitable metro area stretching to the horizon appears beneath you. But look, a large green patch ahead … and tired wings thankfully carry you there for rest and food (Figure 12.1). While foraging, you meet an unknown relative who grew up in forest beyond the city. The local bird reached your greenspace by moving along a wonderfully wide green corridor, connecting natural land to city center. Many types of large greenspaces and major green vegetated corridors are introduced in this chapter. The vegetation within them appears in six general forms (Dorney and McClellan, 1984; Kot, 1988; Godde et al., 1995; Rieley and Page, 1995; Breuste, 2009). Examples of each are listed: Woods : woodland, forest, natural, semi-natural, remnant, regenerated, all normally containing litter, herbaceous, and shrub layers. Lawn with trees : cemetery, golf course, city park, playing field area, and plaza, most containing ornamentals, shrubs, dispersed trees, and flower gardens. Urban agriculture : crops/cultivation, paddy, pasture, orchard/vineyard, and community garden. Wetland : freshwater or saltwater mudflat, marsh, swamp. Successional habitat : meadow, edge of dump, former farm field, former quarry, vacant plot, brownfield. Combination of the preceding types : considerable habitat diversity, and often the most common form of greenspace vegetation.
Direct and Real-Time Quantification Of Bortezomib Release From Alginate Microparticles Using Boron (11B) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

This study developed and validated a solution-state quantitative boron nuclear magnetic resonance (11B qNMR) method for the real-time quantification of boron containing bioactive agents with emerging therapeutic applications. Hence, this study may offer an alternative analytic method to estimate drug potency, purity, stability, or in vitro release kinetics of boron-containing pharmaceutical formulations/compounds, especially in cases where dialysis is typically required but limited. The 11B qNMR method was linear in the range tested, and the detection and quantification limits were 1.87 and 5.65 mM, respectively. The method was also specific, accurate, precise, and robust (%RSE < 2%). The 11B qNMR method was applied to the in vitro release study of a model drug, bortezomib (BTZ), from alginate microparticles, and results were compared to the traditional dialysis method. The alginate microparticles were prepared by spray drying, and the mean particle diameter was 2.36 ± 0.19 μm with a polydispersity index ...
Polaritonic Hybrid-Epsilon-near-Zero Modes: Beating the Plasmonic Confinement vs Propagation-Length Trade-Off with Doped Cadmium Oxide Bilayers.

Polaritonic materials that support epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) modes offer the opportunity to design light–matter interactions at the nanoscale through extreme subwavelength light confinement, producin...
Model-Free and Model-Based Influences in Addiction-Related Behaviors.

Abstract Background Disruptions in the decision-making processes that guide action selection are a core feature of many psychiatric disorders, including addiction. Decision making is influenced by the goal-directed and habitual systems that can be computationally characterized using model-based and model-free reinforcement learning algorithms, respectively. Recent evidence suggests an imbalance in the influence of these reinforcement learning systems on behavior in individuals with substance dependence, but it is unknown whether these disruptions are a manifestation of chronic drug use and/or are a preexisting risk factor for addiction. Methods We trained adult male rats on a multistage decision-making task to quantify model-free and model-based processes before and after self-administration of methamphetamine or saline. Results Individual differences in model-free, but not model-based, learning prior to any drug use predicted subsequent methamphetamine self-administration; rats with lower model-free behavior took more methamphetamine than rats with higher model-free behavior. This relationship was selective to model-free updating following a rewarded, but not unrewarded, choice. Both model-free and model-based learning were reduced in rats following methamphetamine self-administration, which was due to a decrement in the ability of rats to use unrewarded outcomes appropriately. Moreover, the magnitude of drug-induced disruptions in model-free learning was not correlated with disruptions in model-based behavior, indicating that drug self-administration independently altered both reinforcement learning strategies. Conclusions These findings provide direct evidence that model-free and model-based learning mechanisms are involved in select aspects of addiction vulnerability and pathology, and they provide a unique behavioral platform for conducting systems-level analyses of decision making in preclinical models of mental illness.
Improved in vitro assay of resistant starch in cross-linked phosphorylated starch.

Abstract In the AOAC Method 2002.02 assay for resistant starch (RS), the enzyme-resistant starch is solubilized by cold 2 M KOH, so that it can be converted enzymatically to glucose. However, cross-linked phosphorylated (CLP) starch is not soluble in cold 2 M KOH and therefore cannot be assayed directly. In this study, the enzyme-resistant starch from CLP starch was treated by 1) the directions in AOAC Method 996.11for total starch assay using hot DMSO or cold KOH; 2) two back-to-back incubations with thermal-stable α-amylase in a boiling water bath; and 3) a KOH treatment followed by two back-to-back incubations with thermal-stable α-amylase in a boiling water bath. In the last approach, the alkaline was neutralized with HCl, and the salt was removed by centrifugation. More than 95% of the RS from the CLP starch was converted to glucose. This improved method is recommended to directly determine RS in CLP starch.
TDP-43 proteinopathy in Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus infection

TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein that is primarily nuclear and important in splicing and RNA metabolism, is mislocalized from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of neural cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and contributes to disease. We sought to investigate whether TDP-43 is mislocalized in infections with the acute neuronal GDVII strain and the persistent demyelinating DA strain of Theiler's virus murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), a member of the Cardiovirus genus of Picornaviridae because: i) L protein of both strains is known to disrupt nucleocytoplasmic transport, including transport of polypyrimidine tract binding protein, an RNA-binding protein, ii) motor neurons and oligodendrocytes are targeted in both TMEV infection and ALS. TDP-43 phosphorylation, cleavage, and cytoplasmic mislocalization to an aggresome were observed in wild type TMEV-infected cultured cells, with predicted splicing abnormalities. In contrast, cells infected with DA and GDVII strains that have L deletion had rare TDP-43 mislocalization and no aggresome formation. TDP-43 mislocalization was also present in neural cells of TMEV acutely-infected mice. Of note, TDP-43 was mislocalized six weeks after DA infection to the cytoplasm of oligodendrocytes and other glial cells in demyelinating lesions of spinal white matter. A recent study showed that TDP-43 knock down in oligodendrocytes in mice led to demyelination and death of this neural cell [1], suggesting that TMEV infection mislocalization of TDP-43 and other RNA-binding proteins is predicted to disrupt key cellular processes and contribute to the pathogenesis of TMEV-induced diseases. Drugs that inhibit nuclear export may have a role in antiviral therapy.
Risk factors predictive of unfavorable distal aortic remodeling after surgical repair of type A thoracic aortic dissection.

Background One-third of the patients successfully treated for acute type A aortic dissection (AAD) require re-intervention secondary to the distal aortic disease progression. The aim of this study is to identify clinical and morphologic risk factors in the pre and postoperative AAD patients with respect to unfavorable aortic remodeling, reoperations and poor long term outcomes. Methods One hundred and twenty-three consecutive patients who survived proximal AAD surgery were reviewed at a single institution. The medical charts and computed tomography (CT) studies of these patients were reviewed from 2005 to 2014. The short axis area of the true lumen (TL), false lumen (FL) and the total cross-sectional area were measured from reconstructed images using centerline technique at the largest segment each of the aortic arch (AA), descending thoracic aorta (TA), aorta proximal to the celiac artery (CA), and the abdominal aorta (AbA). Survival and time to first reoperation were analyzed with Kaplan Meier and Cox proportional-hazards models. Factors associated with radiologic change were evaluated using multiple linear regression models. A significant change was defined as >10% change (cm2) from the baseline CTA. Results At least one sequential CT scan was available for 62 (50%) of the 123 patients (40 male, 22 female; average age, 59.1±13.5 years). Mean interval (baseline and the comparison CT scan) was 779 days. In general, the TA and FL increased in size over the study period. Multivariate analysis showed that age >60 years and smoking were significantly associated with an increase in TL over time, while coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were associated with decrease TL (P=0.03). Hyperlipidemia and CAD were associated with an increase in FL size., while pre-existing aortic aneurysm, coronary surgery and hemodialysis were significant risk factors for reoperations (P=0.029). Age >60 (P=0.01), COPD (P=0.002), and male gender (P=0.02) were also associated with an increase in total area, signifying distal aneurysmal progression. Conclusions Patient risk factors predict unfavorable long-term morphologic outcomes in the remaining aorta after AAD surgical repair. These factors can be used as markers to identify patients who may benefit from closer surveillance and possibly earlier endovascular intervention to the distal thoracic aorta.
Severe hypernatremia and transient azotemia in a cat following inadvertent intravenous administration of a commercial polyethylene glycol solution.

Objective To describe the clinical signs, clinicopathologic abnormalities, treatment, and outcome after IV administration of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) in a cat. Case summary A cat was inadvertently administered 6 g/kg of PEG3350 in electrolyte solution, IV, resulting in severe hypernatremia (203 mmol/L), diffuse encephalopathy, hemolysis, and moderate azotemia. The hemolysis and acute kidney injury observed immediately following PEG3350 administration resolved with supportive care. Administration of IV and oral electrolyte-free water slowly corrected the hypernatremia and the neurologic signs subsequently improved. Complete resolution of clinical signs was documented one month following hospital discharge. The PEG3350 concentrations in serum, plasma, and urine samples confirmed toxic exposure to PEG3350. Efficacy of treatment was evident by decreasing concentrations of PEG3350 in serum after the first 24 hours of treatment. Renal elimination of PEG3350 was significant and PEG3350 was still detected in the urine 17 days after exposure. New information provided This is the first report to describe the clinical signs and clinicopathologic abnormalities in a cat intoxicated with IV PEG3350. Potential pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed, and the successful supportive medical treatment is outlined.
Effects of Carbon Dioxide on Laminar Burning Speed and Flame Instability of Methane/Air and Propane/Air Mixtures: A Literature Review

This work reviews the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) on laminar burning speed and stability of the flame for methane (CH4) and propane (C3H8) combustion with air. Mixtures of CH4 and CO2, also know...
Abstract NS2: RACE to Treat Stroke: The Results

Background: In June of 2015 we revised the County-Level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protocol and algorithm to include the Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation (RACE) scale in addition to the Ci...
The performance of the vehicular communication-clustering process

For the new wireless systems and beyond, the intelligent transportation system is considered as one of the main features that could be covered in the new research topics. Furthermore, both high-speed data transmission and data processing play a crucial role for these generations. Our work covers two main propositions in order to attain an improvement in such intelligent systems performance. A clustering algorithm is proposed and presented for grouping mobile nodes based on their speeds with some modified head assignments processes. This will be combined with a parallel-processing technique that enhances the QoS. Mainly, this work concerns enhancing the V2V data transmission and the processing speed. Thus, a wavelet processing stage has been imposed to optimize the transmitted power phenomenon. In order to check the validity of such proposition, five main efficiency factors have been investigated; namely complementary cumulative distributions, bit rates, energy efficiency, the lifetime of cluster head and the ordinary nodes reattaching-head average times.
Virtual Manipulatives as Assistive Technology to Support Students with Disabilities with Mathematics.

Assistive technology supports students with disabilities in a variety of ways, including serving as a means of instruction. Although virtual manipulatives can serve as an assistive technology tool,...
Clinical and Molecular Consequences of Fusion Genes in Myeloid Malignancies.

Leukemias are heterogeneous diseases characterized by aberrant hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Oncogenic fusion genes and proteins, produced via gross chromosomal rearrangements such as chromosomal translocation, insertion, and inversion, play important roles in hematologic malignancies. These oncoproteins alter fundamental cellular properties such as self-renewal, differentiation, and proliferation, and confer leukemogenic potential to HSPCs. In addition to providing fundamental insights into the process of leukemic transformation, these fusion genes provide targets for treatment and monitoring of myeloid leukemias. Furthermore, new technologies such as next-generation sequencing have allowed additional insights into the nature of leukemic fusion genes. In this review, we discuss the history, biologic effect, and clinical impact of fusion genes in the field of myeloid leukemias. © AlphaMed Press 2020 SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The vast majority of all malignancies are driven, at least in part, by mutations. A particular subset of mutations is driven by oncogenic fusion genes. This review discusses the clinical and molecular aspects of fusion genes that are associated with myeloid malignancies, both acute and chronic.
ElectrochemSENSE: A platform towards field deployable direct on-produce glyphosate detection.

Abstract Glyphosate is an organophosphorus herbicide that is applied to the leaves of plants and crops to kill broadleaf plants and grasses. In this paper, for the first time, a field deployable, user-friendly, portable and rapid electrochemical pesticide sensing system is presented that can screen for glyphosate in produce run-off/extract. ElectrochemSENSE comprises the following parts: A polymer based disposable substrate with metallized electrodes that are surface treated with polyclonal antibodies of glyphosate and a custom electronic reader capable of reporting pesticide contamination. Utilizing the principles of capacitive current changes due to selective binding of glyphosate to its capture probe, reporting was achieved rapidly (in under 5 min). ElectrochemSENSE was tested to screen for glyphosate concentrations on produce samples above or below the globally accepted metric criterion, otherwise known as the Maximum Residue Level (MRL). Experiments were conducted on 4 produce types-apples (MRL: 0.2 ppm), strawberries (MRL: 0.2 ppm), bell peppers (MRL: 0.1 ppm) and carrots (MRL: 5 ppm). To further add functionality and increase prediction accuracy- a machine learning binary classifier was integrated with the device as a proof-of-concept so that sensor's response can be trained and characterized to perform with high accuracy, thereby serving as an analytics medium which minimizes error rate. Utilizing this system-the sensor's limit of detection has been determined to be 0.01 ppm (10 ng/mL) considering the permissible Field Operating Range (FOR) for glyphosate residue in various tested produce.
Glutathione Protects the Developing Heart from Defects and Global DNA Hypomethylation Induced by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.

BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), the intake of ethanol (C2 H5 OH) during pregnancy. Features of FASD cover a range of structural and functional defects including congenital heart defects (CHDs). Folic acid and choline, contributors of methyl groups to one-carbon metabolism (OCM), prevent CHDs in humans. Using our avian model of FASD, we have previously reported that betaine, another methyl donor downstream of choline, prevents CHDs. The CHD preventions are substantial but incomplete. Ethanol causes oxidative stress as well as depleting methyl groups for OCM to support DNA methylation and other epigenetic alterations. To identify more compounds that can safely and effectively prevent CHDs and other effects of PAE, we tested glutathione (GSH), a compound that regulates OCM and is known as a "master antioxidant." METHODS/RESULTS Quail embryos injected with a single dose of ethanol at gastrulation exhibited congenital defects including CHDs similar to those identified in FASD individuals. GSH injected simultaneously with ethanol not only prevented CHDs, but also improved survival and prevented other PAE-induced defects. Assays of hearts at 8 days (HH stage 34) of quail development, when the heart normally has developed 4-chambers, showed that this single dose of PAE reduced global DNA methylation. GSH supplementation concurrent with PAE normalized global DNA methylation levels. The same assays performed on quail hearts at 3 days (HH stage 19-20) of development, showed no difference in global DNA methylation between controls, ethanol-treated, GSH alone, and GSH plus ethanol-treated cohorts. CONCLUSIONS GSH supplementation shows promise to inhibit effects of PAE by improving survival, reducing the incidence of morphological defects including CHDs, and preventing global hypomethylation of DNA in heart tissues.