cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The agonist binding site on the bovine bradykinin B2 receptor is adjacent to a sulfhydryl and is differentiated from the antagonist binding site by chemical cross-linking.

Chemical cross-linking was used to analyze the binding sites for the agonist bradykinin (BK) and the antagonists NPC17731 and HOE140 on the bovine B2 bradykinin receptor. [3H]BK and [3H]NPC17731 bound with high affinity to the same B2 receptor in bovine myometrial membranes as determined by the total number of specific binding sites and pharmacological specificity of the binding of these two radioligands. Cross-linking experiments were done using a series of bifunctional reagents reactive either primarily to amines (homobifunctional) or reactive to amines in one end and to sulfhydryls in the opposite end (heterobifunctional). All the heterobifunctional reagents plus the homobifunctional arylhalide 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene were effective in cross-linking the [3H]BK N terminus specifically to a sulfhydryl in the receptor, and this cross-linking occurred at 5-100 μM reagent. In contrast, the homobifunctional N-hydroxysuccinimide ester reagents, at ≤1 mM, were only able to cross-link [3H]BK to membrane proteins nonspecifically. The sulfhydryl reagents N-ethylmaleimide, iodoacetamide, and phenylarsine oxide blocked cross-linking, whereas these reagents did not inhibit reversible specific [3H]BK binding. Immunoblotting with anti-BK antiserum revealed that low concentrations of BK (5-50 nM) were cross-linked to a receptor-specific species of 65 kDa. All cross-linking of [3H]NPC17731 was nonspecific with both homobifunctional and heterobifunctional reagents. The 65-kDa receptor-specific species was observed on anti-HOE140 immunoblots, but only when proteins were cross-linked with very high concentrations of HOE140 (≥500 nM). Our results provide direct biochemical evidence that the binding site for the agonist BK in the bovine B2 receptor is adjacent to a cysteine and is differentiated from the binding site(s) for the antagonists NPC17731 and HOE140.
Correlation Between Formation of the Plasma Jet and Synthesis of Graphene in Arc Discharge

Arc discharge is one of the widely utilized methods for synthesis of different carbon nanostructures, including carbon nanotubes and graphene, due to its high-quality product and ecofriendly processes. This paper presents the results on arc controllability during the synthesis by means of external magnetic field, which, in particular, may lead to synthesis of graphene. Images of the arc are recorded simultaneously through two viewports of the chamber, and the synthesis of graphene is associated with the formation of the plasma jet in the J × B direction.
Peripheral visual field, fixation and direction of heading

Although moving human observers actively fixate points in the world with their eyes, computer vision algorithms designed for the estimation of structure-from-motion or egomotion typically do not make use of this constraint. In this paper, we investigate the computational advantage of fixation. The main contribution of this work is to specify precisely the form of the optical flow field for a fixating observer moving in a rigid world. In particular, we show that the use of a hemispherical (retinal) imaging surface combined with the active process of fixation generates an optical flow field of a particularly simple form. A further contribution is the finding that the sign of retinal flow at the retinal periphery can be used to predict collisions.
Identification and Mitigation of Generated Solid By-Products during Advanced Electrode Materials Processing

A scalable, solid-state elevated-temperature process was developed to produce high-capacity carbonaceous electrode materials for energy storage devices via decomposition of a starch-based precursor in an inert atmosphere. In a separate study, it is shown that the fabricated carbonaceous architectures are useful as an excellent electrode material for lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lithium-sulfur batteries. This article focuses on the study and analysis of the formed nanometer-sized by-products during the lab-scale synthesis of the carbon material. The material production process was studied in operando (that is, during the entire duration of heat treatment). The unknown downstream particles in the process exhaust were collected and characterized via aerosol and liquid suspensions, and they were quantified using direct-reading instruments for number and mass concentrations. The airborne emissions were collected using the Tsai diffusion sampler (TDS) for characterization and further analysis. Released by-produ...
Examining the Influence of Measures of Adiposity on Cognitive Function in Middle Age and Older African Americans

The objectives of the study were to examine whether measures of total obesity (body mass index [BMI]) and central obesity (waist circumference [WC] and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]) are associated with cognitive function in African Americans, and whether sex moderates these associations. A sample of 194 African Americans, with a mean age of 58.97 years, completed a battery of cognitive tests and a self-reported health questionnaire. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure were assessed. Linear regression analyses were run. Results suggested lower performance on measures of verbal fluency and complex attention/cognitive flexibility was accounted for by higher levels of central adiposity. Among men, higher WHR was more strongly related to complex attention/cognitive flexibility performance, but for women, WC was a salient predictor. Higher BMI was associated with poorer verbal memory performance among men, but poorer nonverbal memory performance among women. Findings suggest a need for healthy lifestyle interventions for African Americans to maintain healthy weight and cognitive function.
Influence of solvent polarity upon salt solubilities, III: Solubilities of KCl in water/tetrahydrofuran at 25°C

The solubilities of KCl in aqueous tetrahydrofuran at a temperature of 25°C are reported together with a quasi-thermodynamic treatment of the experimental results.
Investigation of ligand steric effect on the hydrogen gas produced via a nickel-catalyzed dehydrogenation of ammonia-borane utilizing unsymmetrical triazolylidene ligands

Abstract Seven new unsymmetrical triazolylidene ligands 4-(4-R-phenyl)-1-R′-1,2,4-triazoly-1-lidene (where R = H, CH3, CF3, F; and R′ = CH3, iPr, Bzl, methylcyclohexane) were employed in a nickel-catalyzed dehydrogenation of ammonia borane to investigate the steric effects associated with the different N(1) substitutions in the triazole ring. The bulkier substituents benzyl and methylcyclohexane afforded the highest weight percent H2 gas produced. To quantify the steric effect, both percent buried volume (%Vbur) and solid angle G parameter (%) were employed. The G-parameter is a more useful tool when only the crystal structures of the precursor ligands are available.
Simulating strong motions of large earthquakes using recordings of small earthquakes: the Loma Prieta mainshock as a test case

Abstract A simple method is developed for predicting ground motions for future large earthquakes for specific sites by summing and filtering recordings of adjacent small earthquakes. This method is tested by simulating strong-motion records for the Loma Prieta earthquake ( M 7.0) using aftershocks ( M 3.7 to 4.0) recorded at the same sites. I use an asperity rupture model where the rms stress drop averaged over the fault plane is constant with moment. The observed spectra indicate that stress drop remains constant from the M 3 aftershocks up to the M 7 mainshock, about six orders of magnitude in seismic moment. Each simulation sums the seismogram of one aftershock with time delays appropriate for propagating rupture and incorporates directivity and site response. The simulation scales the spectrum in accordance with a constant stress drop, ω −2 source model. In this procedure, the high-frequency energy of the aftershock sum above the corner frequency of the aftershock is not reduced when it is convolved with the mainshock slip velocity function, unlike most previous methods of summation. For most cases, the spectra (0.6 to 20 Hz), peak accelerations, and durations of the simulated mainshock records are in good agreement with the observed strong-motion records, even though only one aftershock waveform was used in each simulation. This agreement indicates that the response of these soil sites is essentially linear for accelerations up to about 0.3 g . The summed aftershock records display the same site-dependent values of f max as the mainshock records, implying that f max is a site effect rather than a property of the mainshock rupture process.
Studies on the iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy; including plasma volume, total hemoglobin, erythrocyte protoporphyrin in treated and untreated normal and anemic patients.

Abstract New and improved biochemical and biophysical methods have reopened the entire problem of the anemias of pregnancy. Several laboratories are actively engaged in such studies in iron deficiency. 1–7 Morphological techniques, including all types of hemoglobin and red cell measurement, are still, and will probably continue to be, the best clinical approach to the anemia problem. However, these disciplines reached their peak value years ago, as the excellent studies of Strauss and Castle 8 and others 9,10 have revealed. The purpose of this paper is to show how the determinations of plasma volume and erythrocyte protoporphyrin augment routine hematological methods in the identification of iron deficiency and in the evaluation of response to therapy.
Immunofluorescence Tomography of Mouse Ocular Surface Epithelial Stem Cells and Their Niche Microenvironment.

Purpose: Currently, there are no definitive immunomarkers for epithelial stem cells (corneal and conjunctival) or their poorly understood niche microenvironment. The H2B-GFP/K5tTA mouse enables visualization of label-retaining cells (LRCs), which exhibit the functional marker of stem cell quiescence. We used immunofluorescence tomography to evaluate putative stem cell markers and LRCs of the mouse ocular surface. Methods: H2B-GFP/K5tTA mice were pulsed for 56 days and then chased with doxycycline to label LRCs. Limbus and eyelid tissue was 3-dimensionally (3-D) reconstructed using immunofluorescence tomography to identify and characterize LRCs using the putative stem cell markers sox9, keratin 19, lrig1, blimp1, and abcb5. Results: After 28 days of chase, LRCs were localized to the entire limbus epithelium and, infrequently, the anterior limbal stroma. Label-retaining cells comprised 3% of limbal epithelial cells after 56 days of chase. Conjunctival LRCs were localized to the fornix and comprised 4% of the total fornix epithelial cells. No stem cell immunomarker was specific for ocular surface LRCs; however, blimp1 enriched for limbal basal epithelial cells and 100% of green fluorescent protein-positive (GFP+) cells at the limbus and fornix were found to be lrig1-positive. Conclusions: Label-retaining cells represent a larger population of the mouse limbus than previously thought. They decrease in number with increased doxycycline chase, suggesting that LRC populations with different cell cycle lengths exist at the limbus. We conclude that current immunomarkers are unable to colocalize with the functional marker of epithelial stem cell quiescence; however, blimp1 may enrich for limbal epithelial basal cells.
Negotiating Quality: Total Quality Management and the Complexities of Transforming Professional Organizations

During the past two decades organizations in many industries have introduced management-style changes, such as employee involvement (EI) and total quality management (TQM). In the health care sector, one change has been the inclusion of TQM into the accreditation process. Using ethnographic and interview data, this case study examines the process of introducing TQM into a professional organization—a hospital—and shows how successful implementation of such new management styles in professional organizations requires complex negotiations of existing formal and informal power relationships. Some employees and middle managers embraced the TQM philosophy and techniques and successfully influenced the implementation and project-team design. In this case, administrators used TQM as rhetoric and justification for increased bureaucratic control, goals that are distinctly at odds with the ideological objectives of TQM.
Porcine-murine heterohybridomas as stabb fusion partners for the production of porcine IgA

The immunoprophylaxis of neonates against intestinal pathogens remains a challenge. The approach is generally based on the entero-mammary linkage of the gestationing animal. However, a clear correlation between the virulence of the pathogen and IgA inducing capability exists. Therefore, our investigation aimed at the possibility of inducing mucosal immunity via the anti-idiotype pathway. Recent advances in human MAB production (for review Teng, N.N. 1985) and IgA producing hybridomas (Colwell, D., 1986, Dean, C., 1986) made research on this concept in a veterinary species feasible. PM-1 is a stable, non-Ig producing murine-porcine heteromyeloma capable of high fusion rates and stable porcine MAB production upon fusion with porcine lymphocytes of various sources (triple heterohybrids). PM-1 was obtained by intensive subcloning, in selective medium, of hybridomas resulting from the fusion of the murine myeloma P3x63-Ag8.653 and the porcine lymphoblastoid cell line P-16. Fusions of PM-1 with PBL, MNL, TDL and SL resulted fusion rates of 20–100% (hybridomas/wells inoculated). A total of 359 hybridomas were monoclonal Ig-producers. The majority of those analysed produced the IgM isotype. Only one heteorhybrid, YF 42-1, resulting from a PM-1 x PBL fusion was identified as producing dimeric IgA. Fusion with TDL, obtained from pigs after surgical removal of the mesenteric lymph nodes, resulted in 16 IgM and 2 IgG producing hybridomas. No IgA producing hybridomas were obtained from PM-1 x TDL fusions.
Laser Properties of Yb-doped Fluorapatite

We have identified Yb in fluorapatite as an InGaAs diode-pumpable medium that is superior to Yb:YAG. The spectroscopic, laser, and thermal properties will be described.
Tolerance levels and methodologies for IMRT verification QA

Purpose Patient-specific IMRT QA measurement is a process designed to identify discrepancies between calculated and delivered doses. Error tolerance limits are not well-defined or consistently applied across centers. To improve the understanding and consistency of this process, the AAPM TG-218 report provides recommendations for tolerance limits and methodologies in patient-specific IMRT QA. Methods The performance of the dose difference/distance-to-agreement (DTA) and gamma verification metrics are investigated. Measurement methods are reviewed and followed by a discussion of the pros and cons of each. Methodologies for absolute dose verification are discussed and new IMRT QA verification tools are presented. Literature on the expected or achievable agreement between measurements and calculations for different types of planning and delivery systems was reviewed and analyzed. Different vendor implementations of verification algorithms were tested using benchmark cases. Results Operational shortcomings that can reduce the tool effectiveness and accuracy for IMRT QA are described. Practical considerations including spatial resolution, normalization, dose threshold, and data interpretation are discussed. Published data on IMRT QA and the clinical experience of the group members were used to develop guidelines and recommendations on tolerance and action limits for IMRT QA. Conclusion Recommendations on delivery methods, data interpretation, normalization, the use of gamma analysis routines and choice of tolerance limits for IMRT QA are made. The focus is on detecting differences between calculated and measured doses using robust analysis methods and an in-depth understanding of IMRT verification metrics. The recommendations are intended to improve the IMRT QA process and establish consistent and comparable criteria among institutions for IMRT QA.
Overview of the NOAA/NCEP Operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecast (HWRF) Modelling System

Prediction of track and intensity of a tropical cyclone (TC) is one of the many challenging problems in meteorology, but very important for issuing timely warning for many agencies engaged in disaster preparedness and mitigation. Hurricane forecasting is one of the most important areas of modelling at Environmental Modeling Center (EMC) at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Hurricane Weather Research and Forecast (HWRF) modelling system for hurricane prediction, developed by scientists at EMC, in collaboration with various academic and government agencies, is a sophisticated, high-resolution, atmosphere-ocean coupled model designed to resolve inner-core features of hurricanes and to improve our understanding of multi-scale, spatio-temporal interactions of storm circulations within the large-scale environment. The HWRF modelling system became operational at NCEP starting with the 2007 hurricane season. It provides high-resolution track, intensity and structure forecast guidance to the operational forecasters at the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) for all tropical cyclones in their area of responsibility (Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, and Central Pacific, respectively). Recent efforts supported by NOAA’s Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project (HFIP) allowed the HWRF team to expand the applications of the HWRF modelling system (henceforth to be referred to simply as ‘HWRF’) for tropical cyclone forecasts for all Northern Hemispheric tropical ocean basins, including North Indian Ocean and North Western Pacific Ocean.
Analysis of the s2 alar-iliac screw as compared with the traditional iliac screw: does it increase stability with sacroiliac fixation of the spine?

Abstract Background Context Arthrodesis of the lumbosacral junction continues to be a challenge in pediatric and adult spinal deformity surgery. Purpose To evaluate the biomechanical rigidity of two types of lumbosacral fixation. Our hypothesis was that the use of S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) fixation will result in statistically similar biomechanical fixation as compared with use of an iliac screw with a 95% confidence interval. Study Setting Controlled biomechanical laboratory Methods Ten human cadaveric lumbosacral specimens were separated into two test groups: (1) S2AI (n=5) and (2) iliac screw (n=5). S2AI and iliac screws were placed according to current clinical practice techniques. Specimens were mounted in an unconstrained dual leg stance configuration for testing in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. These loads were induced by moving the offset loading arm 10 mm in the respective direction from the point of neutral motion with displacement control up to a 10 N-m moment, except axial rotation which used a 4 N-m moment. Optical tracking was used to monitor motion of the vertebra, pelvis, and fixation instrumentation during testing. Specimens were tested in intact and instrumented states. The stiffness values between S2AI and iliac screw configurations were compared. Disclosure The present study received external research support (>$50,000 – Results There was a consistent trend of increased construct stiffness for all S2AI samples compared with the iliac screw group. However, none of the groups tested reached statistical significance for a 95% confidence interval. Conclusions S2AI screws are just as stable as iliac screws with biomechanical testing in flexion, extension, rotation, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Given the similarities of biomechanical testing to human movements, these findings support S2AI screws as a viable option for lumbosacral fixation.
Crowd counting using adaptive segmentation in a congregation

A novel technique of segmenting people for counting using adaptive thresholding has been proposed in this paper. The technique uses adaptive thresholding to detect and extract objects of interest and is based on the idea of counting people through a slit window. The technique works well for highly occluded crowded scenes in Masjid-e-Haram during Hajj and Umrah congregation. It is a very diverse problem and presents variety of challenges to solve. The most challenging problem is to differentiate between ever-changing background and foreground. The density levels of crowd are also variable from single persons to dense crowd. In this paper, idea and practical application of the proposed method under real conditions has been described. A series of experiments were conducted on real videos of the event of variable densities and lengths. Finally, experiments proved that, proposed method is applicable in real time scenario with high accuracy.
Three new species of Periploma (Bivalvia, Periplomatidae) from the Panamic Province

While preparing a manual on the marine bivalves of the Panamic Province, we have found three species of the Periplomatidae that lack names. In this paper, we describe two new species from Mexico, Periploma skoglundae and P. hendrickxi , and one new species from El Salvador, P. kaiserae .
A modelling framework for improving plant establishment during ecological restoration

Abstract Plants seeded during ecological restoration sometimes persist but more often fail to establish. Biodiversity has been shown to stabilize a number of ecological processes, suggesting biodiverse seed mixes could be designed to stabilize plant establishment outcomes. In particular, it may be possible to design seed mixes to increase chances at least some seeded species will be adapted to whatever environmental conditions arise during establishment. To explore this possibility, we developed a modelling framework and applied it to data from 30 field experiments (15 sites × 2 seeding years) conducted in a big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) ecosystem. In each experiment, three native and one nonnative grass were sown (600 seeds m−2) in separate plots, and we estimated the probability each species germinated and survived through two growing seasons post-seeding. Applying an optimization algorithm to these survival probabilities allowed us to assign species identities to 600 seeds m−2 in a manner maximizing the number of experimental conditions yielding ≥5 plants m−2, a common plant density goal in grassland restoration. Allocating 353 (216, 555) [point estimate (95% CI)] seeds to Poa secunda J. Presl and 247 (11, 378) seeds to Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love) maximized our native plant density goal (goal achieved in 12 (10, 14) of 30 experiments), and the allocation to >1 species supports the hypothesis biodiverse seed mixes could be designed to reduce establishment failures. Averaged over experiments, P. spicata survival was roughly half of P. secunda survival, but P. spicata nevertheless contributed to the density goal by compensating for low P. secunda survival in certain experiments. Strategically combining species with different seed/seedling traits can increase chances of achieving adequate plant establishment during ecological restoration.
Placental mesenchymal stromal cells seeded on clinical grade extracellular matrix improve ambulation in ovine myelomeningocele

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of placental mesenchymal stromal cells (PMSCs) seeded on a clinical grade porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS)-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) on hindlimb motor function in an ovine fetal repair model of myelomeningocele (MMC). Methods MMC defects were surgically created in 21 fetuses at median gestational age 78 (range 76–83) days. Fetuses were randomly assigned to repair 25days later with ECM only or PMSC-ECM. Surviving fetuses were delivered at term. Motor function was evaluated using the Sheep Locomotor Rating (SLR) scale (0–15). Histologic analysis of the spinal cord (SC) was completed. Results Fetal viability was 71%. 5 of 8 (63%) lambs repaired with PMSC-ECM ambulated independently versus only 1 of 6 (17%) repaired with ECM only (p=0.04, χ 2 test). SLR scores and large neuron densities were higher in the PMSC-ECM group. The cross-sectional areas of the SC and the gray matter were equally preserved. Conclusions Fetal repair of MMC with PMSCs seeded on SIS-ECM improves hindlimb motor function in lambs. Using ECM helps to preserve the architecture of the SC, but adding PMSCs improves the lamb's ability to walk and increases large neuron density. Clinical studies are needed to show benefits in humans. Levels of evidence/type of study Basic Science.
Interploid Hybridizations in Ornamental Cherries Using Prunus maackii

The United States National Arboretum has an ongoing flowering cherry (Prunus) breeding program aimed at broadening the genetic base of cultivated ornamental cherries by developing new cultivars with disease and pest resistance, tolerance to environmental stresses, and superior ornamental characteristics. Interploid crosses, specifically 2X × 4X, in ornamental Prunus would be beneficial in breeding because they could allow introgression of traits not available in the diploid germplasm (pest resistance, cold hardiness), and could result in the creation of seedless triploids that would not set nuisance fruit and possibly have extended bloom durations. This report documents successful hybridization of P. maackii (Manchurian or Amur cherry), a tetraploid species, with P. campanulata, P. ‘Umineko’, and P. maximowiczii, all diploid species. Chromosomes of one of these resulting triploid hybrids were successfully doubled using oryzalin in tissue culture to create a hexaploid plant.
What police officers want public health professionals to know

Police officers and public health professionals serve complementary professions, with each providing a logical extension of the other’s contribution to public health and safety.1 2 The opioid epidemic, sexual assault, human trafficking, gun violence, suicide, traffic-related injuries, intimate partner violence and mass casualty events are among the issues that police and public health professionals are called upon to prevent, respond to and resolve. There is a growing body of literature and new professional opportunities exploring the intersection of law enforcement and public health, and the relevance of this intersection to injury and violence prevention in particular presents an opportunity to advance shared goals.3 4 Here, we consider this opportunity in the context of the USA, in particular. Through collaboration, police and public health professionals can move the ‘levers’ needed to change behaviour (eg, seat belt use), improve access to critical services (eg, emergency response) and expand the footprint of the evidence base through partnered research (eg, effective implementation of gun violence prevention laws). Doing so requires a new and expanded understanding of each discipline by the other and can be informed by lessons from such collaborations outside of the USA. Efforts by the Centre for Law Enforcement and Public Health in Melbourne, the Global Law Enforcement and …
The Trump Test: Neoliberalism, Foreign Policy, and the 2016 Election

President Obama offered a new beginning to the Muslim world and promised to wind down the war in Iraq and the win the one in Afghanistan. Despite popular expectations that his presidency would depart from his predecessors, in fact the patterns of earlier administrations, beginning in the 1980s, albeit with different inflections and nuance, continued. The purported rescue of Libyans, the use of drones, kill lists, and allegedly new metrics for fighting terror, touting the most diverse and driven military in the world, all combined to indicate that it is the deeper alterations in political economy that explain Obama’s tenure, and will more than likely explain Trump’s, too.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Synchronization of resting fMRI time-series across subjects.

Abstract We describe BrainSync, an orthogonal transform that allows direct comparison of resting fMRI (rfMRI) time-series across subjects. For this purpose, we exploit the geometry of the rfMRI signal space to propose a novel orthogonal transformation that synchronizes rfMRI time-series across sessions and subjects. When synchronized, rfMRI signals become approximately equal at homologous locations across subjects. The method is based on the observation that rfMRI data exhibit similar connectivity patterns across subjects, as reflected in the pairwise correlations between different brain regions. We show that if the data for two subjects have similar correlation patterns then their time courses can be approximately synchronized by an orthogonal transformation. This transform is unique, invertible, efficient to compute, and preserves the connectivity structure of the original data for all subjects. Analogously to image registration, where we spatially align structural brain images, this temporal synchronization of brain signals across a population, or within-subject across sessions, facilitates cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of rfMRI data. The utility of the BrainSync transform is illustrated through demonstrative simulations and applications including quantification of rfMRI variability across subjects and sessions, cortical functional parcellation across a population, timing recovery in task fMRI data, comparison of task and resting state data, and an application to complex naturalistic stimuli for annotation prediction.
EWSR1-NFATC2 gene fusion in a soft tissue tumor with epithelioid round cell morphology and abundant stroma: a case report and review of the literature

Mesenchymal round cell tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms defined by primitive, often high-grade cytomorphology. The most common molecular alterations detected in these tumors are gene rearrangements involving EWSR1 to one of many fusion partners. Rare EWSR1-NFATC2 gene rearrangements, corresponding to a t(20;22) gene translocation, have been described in mesenchymal tumors with clear round cell morphology and a predilection for the skeleton. We present a case of a tumor harboring the EWSR1-NFATC2 gene fusion arising in the subcutaneous tissue of a young woman. The tumor exhibited corded and trabecular architecture of epithelioid cells within abundant myxoid and fibrous stroma. The cells showed strong immunoreactivity for NKX2.2, variable CD99, keratin, and epithelial membrane antigen, but were negative for S100 and myoepithelial markers. Importantly, similar to previously reported cases, the clinical course was more indolent than that of Ewing sarcoma. This case highlights the distinctive clinicopathological characteristics of EWSR1-NFATC2 gene fusion-associated neoplasms that distinguish them from Ewing sarcoma.
Occurrence of Lymphedema in Wild-Caught Anurans

Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymph hearts fail to pump fluid from the lymph sacs of anurans and other amphibians. This causes the sacs to fill with fluid and provide the frog with balloon-like swellings or over-all appearance. The condition has previously been connected with various diseases including tadpole edema virus and chytrids. I observed lymphedema in six anuran species (Acris blanchadi*, Anaxyrus fowleri*, Hyla squirrela*, Pseudacris streckeri illinoensis*, Rana sylvatica, Rana sphenocephala* [species with * are species records for lymphedema]).
A tertiary care hospital's 10 years' experience with rectal ultrasound in early rectal cancer.

Background and Objectives: Rectal endoscopic ultrasound (RUS) has become an essential tool in the management of rectal adenocarcinoma because of the ability to accurately stage lesions. The aim of this study was to identify the staging agreement of early RUS-staged rectal adenocarcinoma with surgical resected pathology and ultimately determine how this impacts the management of early rectal cancer (T1–T2). Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed from November 2002 to November 2013 to identify procedure indication, RUS staging data, surgical management, and postoperative surgical pathology data. Results: There were a total of 693 RUS examinations available for review and 282 of these were performed for a new diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma. There was staging agreement between RUS and surgical pathology in 19 out of 20 (95%) RUS-staged T1 cases. There was staging agreement between RUS and surgical pathology in 3 out of 9 (33%) RUS-staged T2 cases. There was significantly better staging agreement for RUS-staged T1 lesions compared to RUS staged T2 lesions (P = 0.002). Nearly 60% of T1N0 cancers were referred for transanal excisions (TAEs), and 78% of T2N0 cancers underwent low anterior resection. Conclusions: This study identified only a small number of T1–T2 adenocarcinomas. There was good staging agreement between RUS and surgical pathology among RUS-staged T1 lesions whereas poor staging agreement among RUS-staged T2 lesions. Although TAE is largely indicated by the staging of a T1 lesion, this approach may be less appropriate for T2 lesions due to high reported local recurrence.
Новые Подходы К Налогообложению Финансового Сектора в Свете Мирового Финансового Кризиса(New Approaches to the Taxation of Financial Sector in the Light of the Global Financial Crisis)

В работе рассматриваются рекомендации международных организаций по изменению подходов к налогообложению финансового сектора в свете мирового финансового кризиса, существующие теоретические подходы к определению и обоснованию инструментов (механизмов) налогообложения финансового сектора, обсуждающихся в свете мирового финансового кризиса, опыт зарубежных стран, применяющих рекомендуемые в свете мирового финансового кризиса инструменты налогообложения финансового сектора, а также некоторые аспекты российской практики налогообложения в соответствующей сфере. We consider the recommendations of international organizations to change the approach to the taxation of the financial sector in the light of the world financial crisis, the current theoretical approaches to the definition and justification instruments (mechanisms) taxation of the financial sector, discussed in the light of the global financial crisis, the experience of foreign countries, applying recommended in light of the global financial crisis tools taxation of the financial sector, as well as some aspects of Russian assessment practice in the relevant field.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy Manual for Treatment of Depressed Inpatients

Although most inpatient psychiatric programs incorporate psychotherapeutic principles, surprisingly little attention has been devoted to development of specific models of treatments for hospitalized depressed individuals (Markowitz, 1989). Beck’s model of cognitive therapy (Beck, 1976; Beck, Rush, Shaw, & Emery, 1979) or, as more broadly conceived, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is well-suited for this purpose (Bowers, 1989; Scott, 1988; Shaw, 1981; Thase, 1994a; Thase & Wright, 1991; Wright, Thase, Beck, & Ludgate, 1993). In this chapter, the most recent version of our inpatient CBT of depression is described.
Chapter 1 The Geochemistry of Continental Carbonates

Abstract Carbonate sediments hold a critical component of the continental sedimentary record on earth. Carbonates precipitate under all climatic conditions on earth, from arctic to humid tropical, and are found actively precipitating on all the continents. An understanding of the thermodynamic controls on carbonate precipitation is important for modeling the conditions under which ancient carbonates precipitated. Biotic photosynthesis, respiration, and other aspects of cellular metabolism often alter the thermodynamic status of microenvironments, enhancing precipitation of carbonates. Source waters and evaporative concentration are both important in the development of Mg-bearing carbonates, whether the waters in which precipitation is occurring are surface, pedogenic, or groundwaters. To the degree that isotopic equilibrium is achieved between water and precipitating minerals, stable isotopes of oxygen, carbon, and strontium can be used to reconstruct the isotopic composition of paleowaters. These can be used to infer various aspects of paleoenvironments, including climate, hydrology, and temperature. Such approaches have been tremendously important in studies of carbonates with lacustrine, pedogenic, karstic, or biotic origin. New isotopic techniques continue to be developed, such as the “isotope clumping” paleothermometer. Whether carbonate mineral precipitation is purely physico-chemical, biologically mediated, or truly biosynthesized, modern environmental and experimental studies continue to provide critical perspectives on elemental and isotopic chemistries.
Assessing the Health Risks of Climate Change

Climate change challenges the assumptions underlying traditional risk assessment approaches for estimating the health risks of climate change, starting with the most basic assumption that a defined exposure to a particular agent causes a specific adverse health outcome. These and other challenges are discussed, followed by a description of the process used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to conduct assessments based on expert judgment evaluations of the literature combined with the collective experience and judgment of the authors.
Facilitating Molecular Biology Teaching by Using Augmented Reality (AR) and Protein Data Bank (PDB).

Spatial understanding of molecules in molecular biology provides a better understanding of molecules in isolation and relation to their next elements. Augmented reality (AR) has recently been developed as a computer interface that enables the users to see the real world with virtual objects superimposed on it. We report a method that shows the use of AR and data provided from protein data bank (PDB) to facilitate the teaching of macromolecules in biology. Users can easily convert the molecules structures obtained from PDB to a 3D format and use it with an AR application to study the molecules from different perspectives. A sample of 60 college students was assigned randomly to one of two conditions namely 2D and AR. At the end of the experiment, participants completed a comprehensive test and then a satisfaction questionnaire. The results of the study showed a significant difference between 2D and AR in satisfaction, the media usability, perception, and apprehension.
Trust Repair via Distributive Justice Rationales: The Implications of Equity, Equality, and Need

We explore how three common justifications from the distributive justice literature (equity, equality, and need) compare to apologies in their implications for trust repair, and how this depends on...
Defining High Value Elements for Reducing Cost and Utilization in Patient-Centered Medical Homes for the TOPMED Trial

Introduction: Like most patient-centered medical home (PCMH) models, Oregon’s program, the Patient-Centered Primary Care Home (PCPCH), aims to improve care while reducing costs; however, previous work shows that PCMH models do not uniformly achieve desired outcomes. Our objective was to describe a process for refining PCMH models to identify high value elements (HVEs) that reduce cost and utilization. Methods: We performed a targeted literature review of each PCPCH core attribute. Value-related concepts and their metrics were abstracted, and studies were assessed for relevance and strength of evidence. Focus groups were held with stakeholders and patients, and themes related to each attribute were identified; calculation of HVE attainment versus PCPCH criteria were completed on eight primary care clinics. Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics and criterion validity with stakeholder input. Results: 2,126 abstracts were reviewed; 22 met inclusion criteria. From these articles and focus groups of stakeholders/experts (n = 49; 4 groups) and patients (n = 7; 1 group), 12 HVEs were identified that may reduce cost and utilization. At baseline, clinics achieved, on average, 31.3 percent HVE levels compared to an average of 87.9 percent of the 35 PCMH measures. Discussion: A subset of measures from the PCPCH model were identified as “high value” in reducing cost and utilization. HVE performance was significantly lower than standard measures, and may better calibrate clinic ability to reduce costs. Conclusion: Through literature review and stakeholder engagement, we created a novel set of high value elements for advanced primary care likely to be more related to cost and utilization than other models.
The Interaction of Alcohol Use and Cannabis Use Problems in Relation to Opioid Misuse Among Adults with Chronic Pain

The opioid epidemic is a significant public health crisis and prescription opioids are often used to manage chronic pain, despite questionable long-term efficacy. Furthermore, co-substance (mis)use is also common among individuals with chronic pain who use opioids. Alcohol has been consistently used to manage chronic pain, partly due to its acute analgesic properties. Cannabis has also recently garnered attention in the context of pain management, though research examining its efficacy for pain has produced mixed results. Nevertheless, there is accumulating evidence that concurrent substance co-use is positively associated with use and misuse of additional substances, particularly among individuals with chronic pain. Thus, the goal of this study was to examine the main and interactive effects of alcohol use problems and cannabis use problems in relation to opioid misuse among adults with chronic pain who use opioids. The current sample was comprised of 440 adults with chronic pain using prescription opioids. Substance use problems were assessed using the ASSIST, Current Opioid Misuse Measure, and the Severity of Dependence Scale. Moderated regressions using the PROCESS macro were utilized. Results indicated that alcohol use problems and cannabis use problems each uniquely related to opioid dependence severity and opioid misuse. The interaction of alcohol and cannabis use problems was uniquely related to only opioid misuse, whereby alcohol use was most strongly associated to opioid misuse among those with higher levels of cannabis use problems. Collectively, these findings suggest there may be utility in assessing and treating alcohol and cannabis use problems among persons with chronic pain who are using opioids for pain management.
David Oliver: Do public campaigns relieve pressure on emergency departments?

For several years the NHS has issued public campaigns urging people to use alternatives to hospital emergency departments. We have a growing problem with overcrowding, in departments that were often built for smaller numbers of patients attending and are struggling with staffing gaps. Performance against national four hour waiting time targets has worsened to the extent that new targets are now being piloted.1 Overall attendance at major emergency departments has grown yearly, reaching 6.2 million patients in 2019.2 In October one in six patients in emergency departments waited more than four hours for assessment or admission, the highest level since the target was introduced in 2004.3 Winter won’t improve things. Research has shown that many people attending emergency departments could have been assessed and treated appropriately in other settings.4 An excellent example is a …
Diversity, host ranges, and potential drivers of speciation among the inquiline enemies of oak gall wasps

ABSTRACT Animals that exploit an extended phenotype (e.g., residences, resources, etc.) of other animals are called inquilines. Not strictly parasites, inquilines may nevertheless possess specialized traits that adapt them to particular dimensions of the extended phenotype of their “host”. These adaptations to host traits can in turn lead to fitness tradeoffs that restrict the host range of an inquiline such that shifts to novel hosts might trigger inquiline diversification. Speciation via host shifting has been studied in many animal parasites, but we know far less about the role of host shifts in inquiline speciation. Synergus (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Synergini) is a speciose but taxonomically-challenging group of inquilines that feed on the tissue of galls induced by oak gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini). Currently too little is known about Nearctic Synergus diversity or host associations to evaluate whether and how host use affects their diversification. Here, we report on a large collection of Synergus reared from galls of 33 oak gall wasp species in the upper Midwestern United States. We integrated DNA barcodes, morphology, ecology, and phenology to delimit putative species of Synergus and describe their host ranges. We find evidence of at least 23 Synergus species associated with the 33 gall wasp hosts. At least five previously described Synergus species are each a complex of two to five species, while three species fit no prior description. We also find strong evidence that oak tree section and host gall morphology define axes of specialization for Synergus. Without over-interpreting our singlegene tree, it is clear that the North American Synergus have experienced several transitions among gall hosts and tree habitats and that host-use is correlated with reproductive isolation, though it remains too early to tell whether shifts to new hosts are the initiators of speciation events in Synergus inquilines of oak gall wasps, or if host shifts occur after reproductive isolation has already evolved.
Colour Vision Defects

Normal colour vision refers to the form of trichromatic colour vision shared by most individuals. It is mediated by three types of retinal cone photoreceptors, short- (S), medium- (M) and long- (L) wavelength-sensitive. Colour vision defects can either be inherited as the consequence of genetic defects that affect the function of one or more cone type, or they can be acquired through exposure to neurotoxins or as secondary effects of systemic or ocular diseases. Among individuals with colour vision deficiency, there is tremendous variation in the capacity for colour vision, ranging from no colour vision to nearly normal. Viral-mediated gene therapy for ocular diseases has been an area of intense investigation over the last decade. Because genetic mutations underlying colour vision deficiencies have been identified, gene therapy may be a viable option for curing various forms of colour blindness in the future. Key Concepts: Normal colour vision requires three classes of cone photoreceptor in the retina: short-, medium- and long-wavelength sensitive. The hallmark feature of colour vision defects is a reduction in the number of different colours that can be distinguished from each other. Colour vision defects can either be inherited or they can be acquired secondary to disease or through exposure to certain drugs or neurotoxins. Mutations and rearrangements in the genes encoding the short-, medium- and long-wavelength sensitive photopigments are responsible for inherited colour vision deficiencies. Gene therapy has been successfully used to treat colour blindness in animal models and these experiments pave the way towards cures for colour blindness in humans. Keywords: colour vision deficiency; cone photoreceptors; red–green colour vision; congenital colour vision defects; cone photopigment; gene therapy