cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Political Cover Through Discretionary Procedures: Oral Hearings in the German Constitutional Court

Democratic institutions are defined by their rules. Rules structure the boundaries of legitimate behavior and promote the fulfillment of institutions’ normative functions. Political actors, however, are not necessarily motivated by these functions when invoking rules and procedures. Previous research has demonstrated a strategic nature of rules and procedures in legislatures and executives. Considerably less attention, however, has been given to this phenomenon in the judicial setting. This paper considers the strategic potential of judicial procedures. Building on Van- berg’s (2005) transparency argument and Staton’s (2006, 2010) theory of strategic case promotion, I argue that courts use their discretion over public oral hearings strategically to address the risk of noncompliance by government actors. Hearings are justified as a normatively appealing process, but one consequence of the procedure is increased media coverage. I argue that courts can leverage this coverage to improve the likelihood of compliance. Using a dataset of 557 cases from the German Constitutional Court, I show that hearings are systematically more likely for cases with a higher risk of noncompliance. Additionally, I find that cases granted a hearing are more likely to result in an anti-government ruling. These results have implications for how we perceive the use of judicial procedures and the strategic nature of judicial decision making.
Soils and Crop Health in Rice–Wheat Cropping System Under Conservation Agriculture Scenario

Rice–wheat system (RWS) is the most predominant cropping system in Indo-Gangetic plains (13.5 million ha). The RWS is favored by farmers over other cropping systems due to comparatively high yields resulting due to use of improved high-yielding varieties of rice and wheat, higher returns per ha, comparatively low incidence of pests, easy market for wheat and rice, mechanized farming suitable for RWS, and favorable policies of governments. The sustainability of RWS, however, also depends on soils and plant health. Emphasis is, therefore, given in recent years in reducing the cost of cultivation of RWS and making the system sustainable and soil in good health. The soil health largely depends on the organic carbon contents in soil. The organic carbon contents in soils of RWS are adversely affected due to removal and burning of crop residues after harvest of rice and wheat. Conservation agriculture is therefore opted in India and in other Asian countries to enhance soil health. The task of keeping beneficial soil microflora is difficult due to different field conditions needed in rice and wheat. The present review has compiled the information on research done on soils and crop health of RWS under conservation agriculture. The subject is comparatively new and therefore there is need to generate data by conducting long-term experiments on soil, and crop health of RWS may be affected in the future due to changes in microbial population in the field. The role of suppressive soils on soil-borne inocula of plant pathogens and disease incidence may also be studied in RWS.
Housing the underhoused

Simple though this scheme is, its use would seemingly alleviate, in part, many of the problems preventing the maximization of the number of “acceptable” housing units for lower-income households made available under federal subsidies thus far disclosed in the interviews with community leaders. But perhaps its value lies in the fact that in the process of making the model operational hitherto unconsidered problems would be raised concerning (1) the motivation and measurement of community effort and commitment; (2) the measurement of the housing needs of lower-income households in various subcultures and localities; (3) the measurement of cost-effectiveness in various new contexts; and (4) the more precise assessment of social benefits accruing from the improvement of housing. Arriving at the estimates and weights required by the matrix will be no simple task but it may be a rewarding one. The model is, therefore, offered herein, as a basis for further research.
Normal Growth of Mammary Gland in Pregnant and Lactating Mice.

Summary1) Using DNA as index of mammary gland growth, a study of changes from virgin throughout pregnancy and lactation in Webster-Swiss mice was conducted. Previous morphological studies were interpreted as indicating complete lobule-alveolar development by the first 1/2-2/3 of pregnancy. Our data show however, only 30.6% of total growth during first 12 days of pregnancy, 45.7% in latter half of pregnancy and 21.9% further proliferation from parturition to day 14 of lactation. 2) Growth of the gland continues throughout pregnancy, but in pseudo-pregnancy it is completed by day 6. 3) DNA level of ovariectomized lactating mice is similar to normal lactators, indicating corpora lutea of lactation does not contribute to additional growth of mammary gland.
EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INTENSITY ON THE SUMP SHAPES AND STRUCTURES OF ALUMINUM ALLOY PRODUCED BY CREM PROCESS

Under the effect of electromagnetic field with low frequency, the evolutions of sump shape, surface quality and microstructures of as-cast 7075 alloy ingot produced by CREM process with electromagnetic intensity have been experimentally investigated. Meanwhile, the mechanism of eliminating hot tear is discussed. The results show that with the enhancement of electromagnetic intensity, the curvature of surface meniscus and the height of contact line between melt and mold decrease, the forming position of primary solidified shell becomes lower and sump height becomes more shallow, which improve the quality of surface, make microstructure finer and more uniform and eliminate the phenomenon of hot tear.
Surveillance of chronic diseases and its major risk factors among adults in urban areas of Lusong District,Zhuzhou in 2013

Objective To understand the epidemic situation of chronic disease among adult residents and the related risk factors in urban areas of Lusong District of Zhuzhou,and provide the references for the development and evaluation of chronic diseases prevention strategies. Methods By multistage stratified cluster sampling method,600 households were selected from 12 towns in Lusong by random method. Then,according to KISH table method,1 family member aged 18 and over in the household was investigated. The questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory detection were carried out. Results The number of surveyed residents were 600,including male 242 and female 358. The prevalence rate of hypertension,dyslipidemia,diabetes,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, asthma, malignant tumors,overweight and obesity were 34. 7%,34. 3%,22. 3%,6. 3%,3. 5%,2. 7%,2. 2%,2. 0%,28. 1%and 14. 1%,respectively. Non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed that: risk factors of hypertension were occupation( OR = 1. 122,95% CI: 1. 066-1. 180),activity( OR = 1. 778,95% CI: 1. 120-2. 822),fruit intake( OR =2. 295,95% CI: 1. 082-4. 866),abdominal obesity( OR = 1. 987,95% CI: 1. 145-3. 449) and body mass index( OR = 1. 633,95% CI: 1. 166-2. 287),respectively. The risk factors of dyslipidemia were smoking( OR = 2. 168,95% CI: 1. 449-3. 246),fruit intake( OR = 2. 637,95% CI: 1. 236-5. 626) and body mass index( OR = 1. 628,95% CI: 1. 179-2. 247), respectively. The risk factors of diabetes were body mass index( OR = 1. 749,95% CI:1. 198-2. 554),occupation( OR = 1. 119,95% CI: 1. 055-1. 188),marital status( OR = 1. 339,95% CI: 1. 060-1. 693),educational level( OR = 0. 818,95% CI: 0. 696-0. 960),respectively. Conclusion With the hypertension,dyslipidemia,diabetes and obesity and other chronic diseases and their risk factors seriously affect the health of urban residents,health behavior education should be carried out to prevent the chronic disease actively.
Lipopolysaccharide-induced sickness behavior in pigs is inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin

Many of the behavioral responses following acute bacterial or viral infection are now considered important for maintaining homeostasis during inflammation. In the present study, we extend this concept to pigs (16 crossbred barrows) by demonstrating that lipopolysaccharide (LPS, .5, 5, or 50 micrograms/kg BW) from Escherichia coli injected i.p. reduces feed intake, decreases activity, and elevates body temperature. To determine whether any of these effects could be mediated via a prostaglandin (PG)-dependent mechanism, a second experiment with 16 crossbred barrows was conducted. Barrows were pretreated with indomethacin (IND, 5 mg/kg BW [a cyclooxygenase inhibitor]), and their behavior and body temperature following a challenge i.p. injection of LPS (5 micrograms/kg BW) were assessed. Pretreatment with IND inhibited the anorexia and inactivity caused by LPS, suggesting that the behavioral effects of LPS are dependent on activation of a PG system. Lipopolysaccharide alone, however, did not elevate body temperature in this case; thus, the involvement of PGs in this response was not determined. Collectively, these data indicate that pigs respond to LPS by reducing feed intake, decreasing activity, and becoming febrile. The ability of IND to inhibit behavioral effects of LPS is consistent with the hypothesis that a PG system is involved in mediating sickness behavior. Perhaps, by altering the activity of cyclooxygenase it is possible to enhance or inhibit the behavioral symptoms of sickness in pigs.
Cancers of the Male Reproductive System

This chapter reviews the anatomy of the male reproductive system. In addition, students are questioned regarding the epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancers of the male reproductive system. Specific questions regarding the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of these cancers are included.
Toxicology of Dioxins and Related Chemicals

Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins are environmental contaminants present in a variety of environmental media. This class of compounds has caused great concern in the general public as well as generated intense interest in the scientific community. The public concerns stem from the characterization of dioxin as one of the most potent “man-made” toxicants ever studied. Indeed, these compounds are extremely potent at producing a variety of toxic effects in experimental animals. The most potent of these chemicals is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). 2,3,7,8-TCDD and its congeners produce a wide spectrum of toxic effects including immunotoxicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, and lethality. The interest in dioxins and its congeners in the scientific community arises because many of their toxic effects are associated with alterations in growth and development of a variety of different cell types present in different organs. Thus, dioxins can be used as tools to study mechanisms of growth and development. Recent laboratory studies have provided new insights into the mechanisms involved in the toxicity of dioxins. These findings, in conjunction with epidemiology studies, indicate that at least some portions of the population are exposed to concentrations of dioxins and related compounds which may be causing subtle effects.
Comments on IASB Income Tax Accounting Exposure Draft ED/2009/02

This paper is a submission to the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) on proposed Draft Income Tax Statement EB/2009/02. This submission analyzes the effect of the proposed treatment of tax uncertainties, which create potential contraventions of constitutions world-wide if implemented in its suggested form. The proposed provisions are more detailed and extensive than those of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48) ("Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes") in the U.S.A.
Number of metastatic lymph nodes as determinant of outcome after salvage radical prostatectomy for radiation-recurrent prostate cancer.

Abstract Background Presence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) at salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) is associated with poor outcome. Predictors of outcome in this context remain undetermined. The objective was to assess the role of number of positive lymph node on outcome of patients with LNM after sRP and for radio-recurrent prostate cancer. Material and methods We analyzed data from a consecutive cohort of 215 men treated with sRP at a single institution. We used univariate Cox proportional hazard regression models for biochemical recurrence (BCR) and metastatic outcomes, with prostate-specific antigen, Gleason score, extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion, time between radiation therapy and sRP, and number of positive nodes as predictors. Results Of the 47 patients with LNM, 37 developed BCR, 11 developed distant metastasis and 4 died with a median follow-up of 2.3 years for survivors. The risk of metastases increased with higher pre-operative PSA levels (HR 1.19 per 1 ng/ml; 95% CI 1.06–1.34; p = 0.003). The remaining predictors did not reach conventional levels of significance. However, removal of 3 or more positive lymph nodes demonstrated a positive association, as expected, with metastatic disease (HR 3.44; 95% CI 0.91–13.05; p = 0.069) compared to one or 2 positive nodes. Similarly, the presence of extraprostatic extension, seminal vesicle invasion and Gleason grade greater than 7 also demonstrated a positive association with higher risk of metastasis, with hazard ratios of 3.97 (95% CI 0.50, 31.4; p = 0.2), 3.72 (95% CI 0.80–17.26; p = 0.1), and 1.45 (95% CI 0.44–4.76; p = 0.5), respectively. Conclusions In patients with LNM after sRP for radio-recurrent prostate cancer, the risk of distant metastasis is likely to be influenced by the number of positive nodes (3 or more), high preoperative PSA, Gleason grade and advanced pathologic stage. These results are consistent with the findings of number of nodes (1 to 2 vs. 3 or more nodes positive) as a prognostic indicator after primary radical prostatectomy and strengthen the plea for a revision of the nodal staging for prostate cancer.
Are We There Yet? Calculating Wait Time for Popular Digital Titles

ABSTRACTE-books and audiobooks are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Unfortunately, the supply of digital titles does not meet the demand. Library patrons must frequently wait for weeks to receive popular e-books. We examined the issue of wait time for e-book and audiobook titles using three public library patron accounts to gather data consisting of the average daily number of wait spots for each title, and days until the title was available. Based on our observations, we propose the Waiting Reduction Rate (WRR) formula to determine the average number of wait spots per title as a metric to help determine a better holds-to-copy ratio for electronic materials and reduce patron wait time.
The Nature and Scope of Economic Policy

The objective of this chapter is to develop both the basic context in which the concept of policy in economics ultimately has meaning and the fundamental issues and problems of economic policy which comprise the substance of that meaning. In effect, then, the author will attempt an answer to this question: what are the basic problems of what has come to be called the ‘theory of economic policy’? That is to say, what is ultimately involved in a theory of economic policy?
OPTIMA-Leistungsmanagement in der Klinik

Es geht darum, einen Management-Stil zu entwickeln, der im arztlichen Aktionsfeld produktiv und wirkungsvoll ist. Durch Lean- und Keen-Management erreichen wir den gewunschten Resonanzeffekt. Dazu werden die menschlichen Ressourcen mobilisiert und dynamisiert und die Organisation von innen her renoviert.
Holocene history of deep‐seated landsliding in the North Fork Stillaguamish River valley from surface roughness analysis, radiocarbon dating, and numerical landscape evolution modeling

Documenting spatial and temporal patterns of past landsliding is a challenging step in quantifying the effect of landslides on landscape evolution. While landslide inventories can map spatial distributions, lack of dateable material, landslide reactivations, or time, access, and cost constraints generally limit dating large numbers of landslides to analyze temporal patterns. Here, we quantify the record of the Holocene history of deep-seated landsliding along a 25 km stretch of the North Fork Stillaguamish River valley, Washington State, USA, including the 2014 Oso landslide, which killed 43 people. We estimate the ages of more than 200 deep-seated landslides in glacial sediment by defining an empirical relationship between landslide deposit age from radiocarbon dating and landslide deposit surface roughness. We show that roughness systematically decreases with age as a function of topographic wavelength, consistent with models of disturbance-driven soil transport. The age-roughness model predicts a peak in landslide frequency ~1,000 ybp, with very few landslide deposits older than 7,000 ybp or younger than 100 ybp, likely reflecting a combination of preservation bias and a complex history of changing climate, base level, and seismic shaking in the study area. Most recent landslides have occurred where channels actively interact with the toes of hillslopes composed of glacial sediments, suggesting that lateral channel migration is a primary control on the location of large deep-seated landslides in the valley.
Imagery in interfaith dialogue: Informed by the practices of art psychotherapy

Abstract The art based project engaged Christian, Jewish and Muslim women who met monthly over 7 months. The participants were chosen through an invitation sent to congregants of progressive synagogues, churches and mosques in the city of Los Angeles. Each month, collaboratively selected texts from the Jewish Torah, the Islamic Quran and the Christian Gospels that explored interconnected stories were printed and handed out for reading and study. After comparing and discussing the texts the participants were invited to incorporate the printouts of the biblical passages into simple collages, reflecting their responses. Colored, textured papers and glue were provided. The participants met in triads (Christian, Jewish and Muslim) to share their art, using their imagery to explore connections and disconnections between traditional understandings. The findings of the analysis indicate that members of the groups reported decreased defensiveness, the expansion of dialogue, and the discovery of new ways of knowing about their spirituality and faith.
3D Reconstruction of the Folded, Inhibited Form of Vertebrate Smooth Muscle Myosin II by Single Particle Analysis

Myosin II plays an essential role in muscle contraction and cell motility. In its filamentous form, myosin heads pull on actin filaments to generate motion. As a monomer in near physiological conditions, myosin has a compact structure, in which the tail folds into three segments, and interactions occur between the two heads and between the heads and the tail, inhibiting ATPase activity. This compact conformation facilitates the monomer's role as an energy-conserving storage molecule which can be readily transported to sites of filament assembly as needed.
Micronutrient deficiencies in the developing world: An evaluation of delivery methods

Malnutrition is a serious problem in developing countries, particularly among children under five and women of childbearing age. Expectant and nursing mothers are especially vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. Effects of micronutrient deficiencies such as weakened immune systems, overall morbidity, and stunted childhood growth are reversible in the critical age group of 0 to 5. Providing children with the essential nutrients lacking in their diets during infancy is essential as it can lead to long-lasting health benefits. Many solutions have been researched and implemented to increase micronutrient intake in the diets of people in developing nations. Implementation of the solutions have ranged from national policies such as the mandatory fortification of certain food products and educating rural communities about improving nutrition levels, to the in-home application of micronutrient fortification powders. The spectrum of solutions has strengths and weaknesses; however, few, if any solutions have been successful at decreasing nutrition deficiencies on a macro scale. This article presents a comprehensive review of academic studies detailing different methods of delivering nutrients to individuals in developing countries. The results of this review are categorized and synthesized into a framework describing the approach, range and success of different strategies to help vulnerable groups meet their micronutrient needs. Understanding this framework will help in identifying gaps in current efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve the current integration techniques into settings with insufficient resources to satisfy dietary needs of populations.
Analysis of a Li-Ion Nanobattery with Graphite Anode Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the initial charging of a Li-ion nanobattery with a graphite anode and lithium hexaflourphosphate (LiPF6) salt dissolved in ethylene carbonate (CO3C2H4) solvent as the electrolyte solution. The charging was achieved through the application of external electric fields simulating voltage sources. A variety of force fields were combined to simulate the materials of the nanobattery, including the solid electrolyte interphase, metal collectors, and insulator cover. Some of the force field parameters were estimated using ab initio methods, and others were taken from the literature. We studied the behavior of Li-ions traveling from cathode to anode through electrolyte solutions of concentrations 1.15 and 3.36 M. Time-dependent variables such as energy, temperature, volume, polarization, and mean square displacement are reported; a few of these variables, as well as others such as current, resistance, current density, conductivity, and resistivity are r...
A systematic comparison of various upgrading techniques for heavy oil

Abstract This study evaluates the economic viability of various post-production upgrading techniques for heavy oil. Heavy oils represent 60% of overall crude oil resources, worldwide. However, there are challenges associated with all phases of operation chain owing to high viscosity and low API. In this study, we present a comparative study of five post-production processing techniques in terms of their recovery factors, and economics. We use five different techniques to study post-production processing of heavy oil: 1) dilution with lighter crude, 2) partial upgrading via visbreaking, and 3) wellsite mini-refinery with three various configurations. Two heavy oil samples are selected based on API gravity and sulfur content. Simulations have been conducted to study various processes for the chosen oil samples. Key parameters controlling each technique have been identified and impact of each parameter have been analyzed with sensitivity studies. Advantages and disadvantages of each process are compared to assess the performance at different operational conditions, including oil price. Results indicate an overall net margin of $1 per barrel for blending, between $7 to $9 per barrel for partial upgrading technique, and between $13 and $20 per barrel for mini-refinery. Moreover, when production rate or the crude price is low, blending yields the best performance as it requires the lowest capital cost. Mini-refinery becomes profitable when production exceeds 20,000 barrel per day or oil price surpasses $ 50 per barrel. In addition, for dilution process operation cost has the largest impact on NPV calculations whereas interest rate and capital cost are most dominant factors for visbreaking and mini-refinery techniques. The main contribution of this work is an economical comparison of different post-production heavy oil processing technologies to identify the optimal process under different conditions.
Sex-based disparities in delisting for being "too sick" for liver transplantation.

Women with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation (LT) experience higher rates of waitlist mortality than men; it is unknown whether practices surrounding delisting for being "too sick" for LT contribute to this disparity beyond death alone. We conducted an analysis of patients listed for LT in the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network not receiving exception points from May 1, 2007 to July 1, 2014 with a primary outcome of delisting with removal codes of "too sick" or "medically unsuitable." A total of 44 388 patients were included; 4458 were delisted for being "too sick" for LT. Delisting was more frequent in women (11% vs 9%, P < .001). Compared to delisted men, delisted women differed in age (58 vs 57), non-hepatitis C virus listing diagnoses (69% vs 56%), hepatic encephalopathy (36% vs 31%), height (161.9 vs 177.0 cm), private insurance (47% vs 52%), and Karnofsky performance status (60 vs 70) (P < .001 for all). There were no differences in Model for End-Stage Liver Disease including serum sodium and Child Pugh Scores. A competing risk analysis demonstrated that female sex was independently associated with a 10% (confidence interval 2%-18%) higher risk of delisting when accounting for rates of death and transplantation and adjusting for confounders. This study demonstrates a significant disparity in delisting practices by sex, highlighting the need for better assessments of sickness, particularly in women.
Comparison of ecosystem processes in a woodland and prairie pond with different hydroperiods

Shallow lakes and ponds constitute a significant number of water bodies worldwide. Many are heterotrophic, indicating that they are likely net contributors to global carbon cycling. Climate change ...
THE RELATIVE CLINICAL VALUE OF THE VARIOUS CLASSIFICATIONS OF HUMAN NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMAS

ABSTRACT A recently completed international study, correlating clinical characteristics, response to therapy and survival of 1175 patients with each of six major pathologic classifications will be described. All six classifications are of comparable value, though several identify clinical entities not appreciated by others. Ten major subtypes will be described, each of which can be related to the subtypes of the six classifications.
Let's Make It Happen: The Role of let-7 MicroRNA in Development

Noncoding RNAs have emerged as an integral part of posttranscriptional gene regulation. Among that class of RNAs are the microRNAs (miRNAs), which posttranscriptionally regulate target mRNAs containing complementary sequences. The broad presence of miRNAs in lower eukaryotes, plants, and mammals highlights their importance throughout evolution. MiRNAs have been shown to regulate many pathways, including development, and disruption of miRNA function can lead to disease (Ivey and Srivastava, 2010; Jiang et al., 2009). Although the first miRNA genes were discovered in the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, almost 20 years ago, the field of miRNA research began when they were found in multiple organisms a little over a decade ago (Lagos-Quintana et al., 2001; Lau et al., 2001; Lee and Ambros, 2001; Lee et al., 1993; Pasquinelli et al., 2000; Wightman et al., 1993). Here, we review one of the first characterized miRNAs, let-7, and describe its role in development and the intricacies of its biogenesis and function.
Albumin induces CD44 expression in glomerular parietal epithelial cells by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway

De novo expression of CD44 in glomerular parietal epithelial cells (PECs) leads to a prosclerotic and migratory PEC phenotype in glomerulosclerosis. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying CD44 expression by activated PECs remain largely unknown. This study was performed to examine the mediators responsible for CD44 induction in glomerular PECs in association with diabetes. CD44 expression and localization were evaluated in the glomeruli of Zucker diabetic rat kidneys and primary cultured PECs upon albumin stimulation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction confirmed an albuminuria-associated upregulation of the CD44 gene in the glomeruli of diabetic rats. Immunostaining analysis of diabetic kidneys further revealed an increase in CD44 in hypertrophic PECs, which often contain albumin-positive vesicles. Losartan treatment significantly attenuated albuminuria and lowered CD44 protein levels in the diabetic kidneys. In primary cultured rat PECs, rat serum albumin (0.25-1 mg/ml) caused a dose-dependent upregulation of CD44, claudin-1, and megalin protein expression, which was accompanied by an activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. Albumin-induced CD44 and claudin-1 expression were greatly suppressed in the presence of the ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126. In addition, knockdown of megalin by small interfering RNA interference in PECs resulted in a significant reduction of albumin-induced CD44 and claudin-1 proteins. Taken together, our results demonstrate that albumin induces CD44 expression by PECs via the activation of the ERK signaling pathway, which is partially mediated by endocytic receptor megalin.
Fuel dynamics during oak woodland and savanna restoration in the Mid-South USA

Thinning and burning can restore imperilled oak woodlands and savannas in the Southern Appalachian and Central Hardwood regions of the USA, but concomitant effects on fuels are less understood. We monitored (2008 to 2016) fuel load response to replicated combinations of thinning (none, 7, and 14 m2 ha−1 residual basal area) and seasonal fire (none, March, and October) at three sites. All treatments except burn-only increased total fuel loading. Thinning doubled (+16 Mg ha−1) 1000-h fuels relative to controls, and three fires in 6 years did not eliminate this difference. Increasing thinning intensity did not consistently enhance the combustion of larger fuels. October fires reduced 100- and 10-h fuels more than March fires. Burning alone reduced leaf litter and 1-h twigs by 30%. Burning after thinning doubled this reduction but increased herbaceous fuels 19-fold. Herbaceous fuels increased at a rate that suggests compensation for losses in woody fine fuels with continued burning. Where fuel reduction is a goal, restoration strategies could be more intentionally designed; however, oak woodlands and savannas are inherently more flammable than closed-canopy forests. Management decisions will ultimately involve weighing the risks associated with increased fuel loads against the benefits of restoring open oak communities.
Impact of heat therapy on recovery after eccentric exercise in humans.

We investigated whether exposure to local heat therapy (HT) accelerates recovery after a bout of eccentric exercise in humans. Compared with a thermoneutral control intervention, HT improved fatigu...
Catalytic One-Step Deoxytrifluoromethylation of Alcohols

A new bench-stable trifluoromethylation reagent, phenyl bromodifluoroacetate, converts readily available alcohols to trifluoromethanes in a Cu-catalyzed deoxytrifluoromethylation reaction. This reaction streamlines access to target biologically active molecules, and should be useful for a variety of medicinal, agricultural, and materials chemists.
Using Photovoice to Resist Colonial Research Paradigms

In this chapter, we explore a critical version of photovoice to describe a study of single-sex middle school classrooms in a small school in the Southeast (single-sex is the term used by the school district so we preserve its use here while acknowledging the term is inaccurately conflated with gender by the district). Photovoice is the use of photo documentation by community participants to investigate a particular aspect of a community (Wang & Burris, Health Education & Behavior, 24, 369–387, 1997). Students were asked to document their experiences in middle school, single-sex classrooms through photos and captions, and the submitted photos were coded for themes. We share now a critical analysis of the implementation of photovoice and our imperfect research process. This analysis is guided by recommendations by members of historically marginalized communities for reframing research to be collaborative and responsive to the needs of the community (Bishop, The SAGE handbook of qualitative research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2005).
Surgical management of aortoenteric fistulae

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the surgical management of aortoenteric fistulae. The management of aortoenteric fistula is a formidable challenge to the vascular surgeon. A plane posterior to the distal second and proximal third parts of the duodenum is developed, but care must be taken in this area to avoid inadvertent entry into the inferior vena cava. In addition, care must be taken to avoid the ureters that may be bound up in the fibrotic process. Once the bowel has been mobilized medial and lateral to the aortic graft, so that it can be rolled up cephalad, attention is directed toward mobilizing the duodenum overlying the fistula. It is preferred to carry out this part of the procedure with scalpel dissection rather than with blunt or scissor dissection. The scalpel allows the development of a plane exterior to the serosa, avoiding extensive serosal destruction and minimizing the need for intestinal resection. The area of aortic graft and fistula is quite fibrotic and blunt or scissor dissection of this area can tear the bowel.
Toward Polarization-Switched Molecular Pumps

Pumping of fluids is universally performed by using mechanical or thermal compressors. We introduce a new solid-state molecular pumping approach induced by switching the adsorption affinity for a g...
The influence of Shihabaddin Mardjani on the Hanafism of the Middle East and South Asia

This paper explores the influence of Shihabaddin Mardjani on Ḥ anaf ī scholars in the Middle East and South Asia. It examines the impact of Mardjani’s discussion of ij tih ā d and taql ī d in his famous work, N ā ẓ ū rat al- Ḥ aqq on four specific scholars. Much scholarship on Mardjani has focused on his important role as an inno v ative Tatar Muslim thinker of the Volga-Ural region. This paper, however, shifts attention to his stature as an influential transregional Ḥ anaf ī thinker by outlining the impact of his work on Muslim scholars writing in the Middle East and South Asia. Though they were first taken up by the “dissident” ḥ adith-centric Ḥ anafism of ʿ Abd al- Ḥ ayy al- Laknaw ī , Mardjani’s ideas on ij tih ā d and taql ī d later became naturalized within mainstream Ḥ anaf ī thinking by the Egyptian mufti Mu ḥ ammad Bakh ī t al-Mu ṭ ī ʿ ī , and by the critic of Modernism, Mu ḥ ammad Z ā hid al- Kawthar ī . Later, it was incorporated into a textbook written by Mufti Taq ī al- ʿ Uthm ā n ī of Pakistan, further embedding it in the dominant expression of Ḥ anafism.
Association of Term Labor Induction vs Expectant Management With Child Academic Outcomes.

Importance Although labor induction at 39 weeks of gestation has been shown to reduce the number of cesarean deliveries, compared with expectant management, without increasing neonatal morbidity in nulliparous, low-risk women, the association between induction at 39 weeks and longer-term childhood cognitive outcomes is not certain. Objective To evaluate educational outcomes of children born by induction at 39 or 40 weeks compared with those whose mothers were expectantly managed beyond those weeks. Design, Setting, and Participants This statewide cohort study was conducted in Rhode Island. The participants included children of nulliparous women who were born at 39 weeks of gestation or later and then completed third-grade math and reading tests during the 2014 to 2017 academic year. Data analysis was performed from July 2019 to October 2019. Exposures Induction of labor compared with expectant management. Main Outcomes and Measures Third-grade math and reading test scores and proficiency (based on achievement level) among children born after induction in the 39th or 40th week were compared with scores for those who remained in utero beyond that same gestational week. The hypothesis was that induction in the 39th or 40th week would not be associated with differences in math or reading scores or proficiency compared with expectant management past the 39th or 40th week of gestation. Results Of the 6393 children meeting the inclusion criteria (mean [SD] age, 8.00 [0.22] years; 3208 boys [50.2%]; 376 [5.8%] black; 1280 [22.0%] Hispanic), 455 were delivered by induction in the 39th week and 610 were delivered by induction in the 40th week. There were no differences in mean math or reading test scores or in the frequency of math or reading proficiency between children delivered by induction at 39 or 40 weeks compared with those whose mothers were expectantly managed (overall mean [SD] math score, 744 [33]; overall mean [SD] reading score, 743 [38]; 2945 children [46%] achieved proficiency in math and 2833 [44%] achieved proficiency in reading). After adjusting for plausible confounders (race/ethnicity, maternal education, hypertension, diabetes, and socioeconomic status), induction continued to be associated with similar proficiency in math and reading compared with expectant management. For children born by induction at 39 weeks, the adjusted relative risks were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.97-1.18) for math proficiency and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.88-1.08) for reading proficiency. For children born by induction at 40 weeks, the adjusted relative risks were 0.97 (95% CI, 0.88-1.08) for math proficiency and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.89-1.08) for reading proficiency. Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that the offspring of nulliparous women for whom labor is induced at 39 or 40 weeks have similar third-grade educational outcomes compared with the offspring of mothers who underwent expectant management past those gestational ages.
Quantifying enhanced risk from alcohol and other factors in polysubstance-related deaths.

Abstract Background To quantify how alcohol, polysubstance use and other factors influence opioid concentrations in drug-related deaths in West Virginia (WV), United States. Methods Multiple linear regression models were employed to identify relationships among alcohol, other factors, and the concentrations of four commonly identified opioids (fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone), accounting for demographic, toxicological and comorbid characteristics in WV drug-related deaths from 2005 to 2018. Results Alcohol concentrations of 0.08% or above were associated with significant reductions in blood concentrations of fentanyl (27.5%), hydrocodone (30.5%) and methadone (32.4%). Significantly lower predicted concentrations of all opioids studied were associated with multiple opioid vs. single opioid presence, with predicted concentration reductions ranging from 13.7% for fentanyl to 65–66% for hydrocodone and oxycodone. Benzodiazepine presence was associated with small, non-statistically significant changes in opioid concentrations, while stimulant presence was associated with statistically significant reductions in hydrocodone and oxycodone concentrations. Conclusions Co-ingestion of alcohol, multiple opioids or stimulants were associated with significantly decreased predicted concentrations of commonly identified opioids in drug deaths. Further evidence is provided for enhanced risks from polysubstance use with opioids, which has important public health implications.
The New Tics study: A Novel Approach to Pathophysiology and Cause of Tic Disorders.

We report on the ongoing project “The New Tics Study: A Novel Approach to Pathophysiology and Cause of Tic Disorders,” describing the work completed to date, ongoing studies and long-term goals. The overall goals of this research are to study the pathophysiology of Provisional Tic Disorder, and to study tic remission (or improvement) in a prospective fashion. Preliminary data collection for the project began almost 10 years ago. The current study is nearing completion of its third year, and has already reported several novel and important results. First, surprisingly, at least 90% of children who had experienced tics for only a mean of 3 months still had tics at the 12-month anniversary of their first tic, though in some cases tics were seen only with remote video observation of the child sitting alone. Thus almost all of them now had a DSM 5 diagnosis of Tourette’s Disorder or Persistent (Chronic) Tic Disorder. Baseline clinical features that predicted 12-month outcome included tic severity, subsyndromal autism spectrum symptoms, an anxiety disorder, and a history of 3 or more phonic tics. Second, we found that poorer tic suppression ability when immediately rewarded for suppression predicted greater tic severity at follow-up. Third, striatal volumes did not predict outcome as hypothesized, but a larger hippocampus at baseline predicted worse severity at follow-up. Enrollment and data collection continue, including functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) imaging, and additional analyses are planned once the full sample is enrolled.
The Development of an Audible Warning System for Parachute Landing at Night

Currently no system exists to assist military parachutists navigating to the drop zone and landing at night. Night jumping creates extra danger because many times the jumper will not be able to see the ground. The purpose of this research is to develop and test audible warnings as well as delivery systems to alert parachutists of critical altitudes in their descent. This will decrease injuries obtained from ground impact. A novel audible display was developed and preliminary testing has been accomplished to assess the human response to the warnings, the intuitiveness of the warnings, and the method of displaying this warning to the user (bone conduction and earphone microphones). Preliminary results show that a combination of tonal and verbal audio displays is most effective to communicate critical altitudes to parachutists and that bone conduction microphones are promising as an effective technology to display the warnings to the parachutists.
Polymer compositions on kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols using polymer-supported silyl chlorides

A study of polymer compositions and how they affect the asymmetric kinetic resolution of racemic secondary cyclic alcohols was undertaken to understand the effect of polymer polarity and spacing on the enantiomeric selectivity. Polystyrene-supported silyl chlorides are spatially incorporated with polar methacrylate monomers into the backbone adjacent to the silyl chlorides through controlled RAFT polymerization. The polar compositions in polymers result in significantly higher selectivity factors than the non-polar counterparts, being more comparable to a small molecule system.
Density Functional Theory Predictions of Noncovalent Hydrogen Isotope Effects during Octane Sorption to a Kaolinite Surface

Interactions with mineral surfaces are crucial to the short- and long-term survival of organic compounds in the natural environment. The weak interactions that drive sorption of organic phases to m...
Improved Sequential Monte Carlo Method Approach to Substation Connection Reliability Assessment

Reliability evaluation for substation main connection is one of the key tasks for power system reliability evaluation.Based on the traditional sequential Monte Carlo method, it is difficult to ensure the calculation accuracy of the substation main connection because the two-state model and the constant load model are adopted.. Therefore, this paper proposed an improved sequential Monte Carlo method approach to substation connection reliability evaluation. The method adopted four-state and five-state model for isolation switch and circuit breakers respectively, and took the switching operation into account to correct the system fault duration, finally used the real-time load curve to calculate the reliability index. The example showed that the reliability index obtained by the improved method, which includes the loss of load possibility and the expected energy not served, are smaller than the traditional results. Meanwhile, the evaluation results of improved method are more rigorous, which provides a new way for the substations connection reliability assessment.
Developmental Odontogenic Lesions Associated with the Crown of an Impacted Tooth: A Guide to the Distinct Histologic Features Required for Classification

Odontogenic cysts are categorized as inflammatory and developmental. Of the developmental odontogenic cysts, the dentigerous cyst is the most common and by definition is attached to the cervical region of an unerupted tooth. The cyst envelops the crown forming a sac. However, there are other developmental cysts, and rarely, odontogenic tumors, that can have a similar clinical and radiographic presentation as dentigerous cyst, including odontogenic keratocyst, orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst and ameloblastoma, unicystic type. Understanding the key histologic differences of these cysts will aid the pathologist to correctly diagnose these lesions, ensuring appropriate clinical management.
Anti-Periprosthetic Infection Strategies: From Implant Surface Topographical Engineering to Smart Drug-Releasing Coatings

Despite advanced implant sterilization and aseptic surgical techniques, periprosthetic bacterial infection remains a major challenge for orthopedic and dental implants. Bacterial colonization/biofilm formation around implants and their invasion into the dense skeletal tissue matrices are difficult to treat and could lead to implant failure and osteomyelitis. These complications require major revision surgeries and extended antibiotic therapies that are associated with high treatment cost, morbidity, and even mortality. Effective preventative measures mitigating risks for implant-related infections are thus in dire need. This review focuses on recent developments of anti-periprosthetic infection strategies aimed at either reducing bacterial adhesion, colonization, and biofilm formation or killing bacteria directly in contact with and/or in the vicinity of implants. These goals are accomplished through antifouling, quorum-sensing interfering, or bactericidal implant surface topographical engineering or surface coatings through chemical modifications. Surface topographical engineering of lotus leaf mimicking super-hydrophobic antifouling features and cicada wing-mimicking, bacterium-piercing nanopillars are both presented. Conventional physical coating/passive release of bactericidal agents is contrasted with their covalent tethering to implant surfaces through either stable linkages or linkages labile to bacterial enzyme cleavage or environmental perturbations. Pros and cons of these emerging anti-periprosthetic infection approaches are discussed in terms of their safety, efficacy, and translational potentials.
The wire loop technique for IVC filter removal

Abstract Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are effective therapy to prevent pulmonary embolism in patients with contraindication to anticoagulation. However, IVC wall penetration by the filter struts is a common complication that can lead to symptoms specially when adjacent organs are impacted. This case report and video describe the wire loop technique for successful endovascular IVC filter retrieval in a patient with lower back pain caused by a spinal strut penetration. The patient's back pain resolved after filter retrieval and he remained stable on anticoagulation with no recurrence of venous thromboembolism.