cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Management of Arrhythmia in the Athletic Patient

Athletes may present with palpitations, syncope, or arrest resulting in the diagnosis of arrhythmia, or screening may result in diagnosis of conditions with predisposition to arrhythmia. This chapter focuses on 3 common arrhythmic conditions in athletes-atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and the athlete with an implanted device. (1) Atrial fibrillation: most studies show that atrial fibrillation is more common in competitive athletes, particularly those participating in long-term endurance sports. Postulated mechanisms include morphologic changes such as atrial dilatation, autonomic changes such as increased vagal tone, or inflammatory changes due to sports participation. Treatment options include long-term antiarrhythmic agents, "pill in the pocket" medications, or radiofrequency ablation, a highly successful procedure in athletes. (2) Premature ventricular contractions: data conflict on whether the incidence of PVCs is increased in highly trained individuals. Very frequent PVCs in athletes, however, can be a manifestation of underlying heart disease, and athletes presenting with PVCs should undergo evaluation. In the absence of underlying heart disease, PVCs do not carry a poor prognosis, and US guidelines do not recommend restriction from sports. (3) Implanted devices: the safety of sports for the athlete with an implanted device is unknown, and current guidelines recommend against participation in vigorous competitive sports, based on postulated risks including failure to defibrillate and risk of injury. Many athletes with defibrillators and pacemakers do participate in sports. Ongoing research will better delineate the risks of sports for the athlete with an implanted device.
Myxidium macrocheili n. sp. (Cnidospora: Myxidiidae) from the Largescale Sucker Catostomus macrocheilus Girard, and a Synopsis of the Myxidium of North American Freshwater Vertebrates*

SYNOPSIS. Myxidium macrocheili n. sp. is described from the gall bladder, bile and pancreatic ducts of Catostomus macrocheilus Girard (largescale sucker) in western Montana. This parasite is markedly host specific; the trophozoite is nonmotile, polysporous, spheroidal, elongated or irregular, often arched and rolled at the edges, and up to 2.5 mm in greatest length; the ecto- and endoplasm are distinct; the sporonts are disporoblastic. The bipolar spore is longitudinally striated, usually ellipsoidal in front view, slightly S-shaped in side view, and averages 11.7 × 6.6 × 6.3 μ; the suture line and ridge are distinct; the polar filaments are coiled 4–6 times. An illustrated synopsis and a key of the 19 species and 10 unnamed forms of Myxidium of North American freshwater vertebrates are presented. At present members of the genus are known to infect fishes, amphibians and a single species of reptile on this continent.
Analysis of oxygen delivery and uptake relationships in the Krogh tissue model

Normally, tissue O2 uptake (VO2) is set by metabolic activity rather than O2 delivery (QO2 = blood flow X arterial O2 content). However, when QO2 is reduced below a critical level, VO2 becomes limi...
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF SYNERGISTIC MULTICULTURAL TEAMS

The current globalized environment has increased the prevalence of multicultural teams in the workplace. Efforts to attend to the potential challenges associated with the usage of these teams have ranged widely with little research looking into team creation strategies. To address this need, this research investigates whether a particular approach, the Kolbe guidelines for team creation, can be used to predict multicultural teams’ efficiency. Six teams of 4 were created and asked to build a paper bridge spanning as far as possible while using the least resources. Though complete data was only available for 5 of those teams, the results indicated a potential for the Kolbe guidelines to predict performance in addition to the potential mediating role of teamwork processes for the relationship between team members prior knowledge of each other and objective performance. This study will inform the next research effort analyzing the resilience of synergistic multicultural teams.
Adsorptive Behavior of Zeolite-Amended Backfills for Enhanced Metals Containment

AbstractThe containment function of soil-bentonite (SB) cutoff walls can be enhanced when the adsorption capacity of the SB backfill for targeted contaminants is increased. In this regard, the potential use of three commercially available zeolites, i.e., two chabazites and a clinoptilolite, as SB backfill amendments to enhance the adsorption capacity for two metal sorbates, potassium (K) and zinc (Zn), was evaluated via batch equilibrium adsorption testing. The adsorptive behaviors of K and Zn to both the unamended and zeolite-amended backfill sorbents were nonlinear over the concentration ranges of interest. Depending on the specific zeolite, the addition of only 5% zeolite increased the adsorption capacity relative to that for the unamended backfill sorbent by a factor ranging from 6.2 to 7.3 for K and from 2.8 to 3.4 for Zn, whereas 10% zeolite amendment increased the adsorption capacity by a factor ranging from 7.5 to 13.5 for K and 3.1 to 3.7 for Zn. The lower increase in adsorption capacity for Zn r...
Experience with infants and knowledge of infant care.

Recently Gilpin and Glanville ( 1977 ) reported the standardization of the Experience with Young Children Scale. This scale lists 21 activities, e.g., changing a diaper, trimming nails, which adults perform for or with infants and toddlers; subjects receive a point for each item which they report having performed, so scores can range from 0 to 21. In the present study, it was hypothesized that scores on the scale, Experience with Young Children, would be positively correlated with knowledge of infant care activities (defined as the number of specific care activities subjects could recall during a specified interval). A sample of 26 female college undergraduates (single, non-mothers) was recruited from the university's subject pool. Subjects were run in one session, during which they were first given instructions to list the things an adult might do with an infant. A 3-min. recall period was used. Subjects then took the Experience with Young Children Scale. Over-all the sample had a mean experience scale score of 17.42 (SD = 2.56) and listed a mean of 7.85 (SD = 2.03) discrete activities. As predicted, the two measures were positively correlated (7~~ = .33, p < .O5, l-tailed). That is, women with relatively greater experience with infants (as indexed by the Experience with Young Children Scale) spontaneously evidenced more extensive knowledge of different adult-infant activities than did women with less experience. These results are int-eresting both in that they provide additional evidence of the validity of the Experience with Young Children Scale and because they suggest that knowledge of infant care is normally acquired gradually, as a result of experience rather than from media materials or information transmitted verbally.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Congenital Long QT Syndrome: Implications for Increased Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death.

Background Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a familial arrhythmogenic cardiac channelopathy characterized by prolonged ventricular repolarization and increased risk of torsades de pointes-mediated syncope, seizures, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). QT prolongation corrected for heart rate (QTc) is an important diagnostic and prognostic feature in LQTS. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, including arrhythmias and SCD. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of concomitant OSA in patients with LQTS is associated with increased QT intervals, both during sleep and while awake. Methods and results Polysomnography with simultaneous overnight 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) was recorded in 54 patients with congenital LQTS and 67 control subjects. OSA was diagnosed as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 events/h for adults and AHI > 1 event/h for children. RR and QT intervals were measured from the 12-lead surface ECG. QTc was determined by the Bazett formula. Respiratory disturbance index, AHI, and arousal index were significantly increased in patients with LQTS and with OSA compared to those without OSA and control subjects. QTc during different sleep stages and while awake was also significantly increased in patients with LQTS and OSA compared to those without OSA. Severity of OSA in patients with LQTS was directly associated with the degree of QTc. Conclusions The presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is associated with increased QT prolongation corrected for heart rate, which is an important biomarker of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Treatment of OSA in LQTS patients may reduce QT prolongation, thus reducing the risk of LQT-triggered SCD.
Effect of a Nutrition Powder on Human Immune Functions competing financial interests

[Objective]To examine the effect of a nutrition powder on human immune functions.[Methods]A total of 103 subjects(51 males and 52 females) were randomly divided into a control group and a nutrition powder group by double-blind method.A nutrition powder and a placebo similar to the nutrient powder in appearance were given to the corresponding groups for 30 days without changing their eating habits.The subjects’ clinical symptoms/signs,as well as alterations in immune indicators were observed to evaluate if the nutrition powder could enhance immune functions.[Results]The levels of IgA,IgG,and CD4/CD8 in the nutrition powder group were obviously higher than those in the control group(P0.05).The levels of IgA,IgG,CD3,CD4,and CD4/CD8 in the nutrition powder group were also significantly elevated after receiving the nutrient powder(P0.05),but all within the normal reference range.Moreover,in the nutrition powder group,the report of fatigue and mental state were improved(P0.01),and the incidence of seasonal flu was lowered(P0.01)[.Conclusion]The nutrition powder could enhance human immune functions.
Application of series compensators & controllable shunt reactors in UHV Power Grid

When planning the UHV power grid,two problems must be solved.One is how to improve the transmission capacity of long UHV AC line,which is limited by transient stability;the other is how to solve the contradiction between big capacity UHV shunt reactor and requirement of reactive power.According to the experiences,UHV series compensator and controllable shunt reactor can solve the two problems.Through system simulation,the transmission capacity of lines between Xilinguole County,Mengxi,Shanbei and Chuanxi to load center can be improved to 4GW/Per line by setting up series compensators of 40% compensation degree;long line with large transmission capacity,long lines with switch station and substation with many lines are the system conditions which controllable shunt reactors should be considered.Based on investigation of equipments,it is recommended that the UHV controllable shunt reactors are put into operation widely in 2012 and UHV series compensators in 2015.
A Triad of Family Violence: Examining Overlap in the Abuse of Children, Partners, and Pets

The relationship between cruelty to animals and the abuse of women and children has been informally recognized throughout history (Ascione & Arkow, 1999). A folk proverb advised, “A woman, a horse, and a hickory tree; The more you beat ‘em, the better they be” (cited in Adams, 1995). Similarly, George Cannon, leader of the Church of Latter Day Saints in the 1890s, warned, “Young ladies, never put yourself in the power or under the control of young men who treat their animals badly, for if you become their wives, they will abuse you” (cited in Quinlisk, 1999). More recently, popular belief in a link between animal- and human-directed violence has been codified in state legislation establishing cross-reporting systems that permit or require animal cruelty and child welfare investigators to refer families to parallel agencies for investigation (Long, Long, & Kulkarni, 2007). Such laws are based on the assumption that families experiencing one form of violence victimization will be at an increased risk for other forms of violence (DeGue & DiLillo, 2009). This chapter provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the extent and nature of this overlap, discusses possible explanations for the exposure of family members (human and nonhuman) to multiple types of violence victimization, and highlights potential implications for prevention and early intervention.
Two-Step Cycle for Producing Multiple Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) Films with Increasing Long-Range Order

Nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes are being used for an increasing number of applications. However, the original two-step anodization method in which the first anodization is sacrificial to pre-pattern the second is still widely used to produce them. This method provides relatively low throughput and material utilization as half of the films are discarded. An alternative scheme that relies on alternating anodization and cathodic delamination is demonstrated that allows for the fabrication of several AAO films with only one sacrificial layer thus greatly improving total aluminum to alumina yield. The thickness for which the cathodic delamination performs best to yield full, unbroken AAO sheets is around 85 μm. Additionally, an image analysis method is used to quantify the degree of long-range ordering of the unit cells in the AAO films which was found to increase with each successive iteration of the fabrication cycle.
Power Laws and Regional Convergence

Classical economic growth theory suggests that regions will converge. Using data from 198 countries, we test the convergence hypothesis by investigating whether GDP, per capita GDP, and population follow a power law distribution. We are unable to reject the hypothesis that these variables follow a power law distribution. Our research supports the hypothesis of random growth, which is consistent with both log normal and power law distributions.
Interfacial Shear Strength in a Metal-Thermoplastic Composite

Hybrid materials featuring thermoplastic polymer composites in conjunction with steel cords are being considered as structural materials in infrastructure, transportation and military applications. The present study focuses on understanding the mechanical performance of metal cord-thermoplastic composites. Since the optimal performance of a composite strongly depends on the behavior of the interface, finite element modeling has been adopted to characterize the interface between steel fibers and thermoplastic composite material. The mechanical interactions between thermoplastics and steel have been studied with a goal to improve interfacial shear strength and cohesive strength. Steel cord was combined with nylon, polypropylene, soft thermoplastic polyurethane and hard thermoplastic polyurethane to find the parameters that affect mechanical bonding via pull out tests and friction coefficient tests. The test parameters have been correlated to interfacial shear strength using both experimental and modeling approach.
Expression of c-MYC and MMP9 in Alternatively Activated Macrophages (M2) of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHL) is a monoclonal lymphoid neoplasm that accounts for approximately 30% of all lymphomas in the United States. Although multiagent chemotherapy and radiation therapy have made CHL a highly curable disease, approximately 15-20% of patients are refractory to the treatment or relapsed after remission. The rich inflammatory cellular microenvironment plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CHL. Gene-expression profiling has identified a gene signature of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that was significantly associated with primary treatment failure. The potential of macrophage-specific markers, CD68 and CD163, as prognostic markers for resistance to therapy in CHL patients has been investigated; however, these studies generated inconsistent results. Roughly TAMs could be characterized into two distinct polarization states; the classically activated type 1 macrophages (M1) associated with acute inflammation and T-cell immunity and the alternatively activated type 2 macrophages (M2) associated with the promotion of the tumor growth. In the present study, we hypothesize that the specific type of TAMs, M2, may predict poor prognosis in CHL. To test this hypothesis, we examined the correlation between expressions of two M2-specific markers, c-MYC and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), with disease recurrence in a total of 42 cases of CHL, mostly nodular sclerosis subtype. Both c-MYC and MMP-9 are good candidate markers because c-MYC has been shown to be a specific M2 marker and plays a central role in M2 differentiation. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is a M2 specific marker that directly related to its protumoral function. Immunohistochemical staining showed that both c-MYC and MMP9 are expressed in a subset of macrophages, but not in Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells. By comparing the percentage of positive stains of these two markers within HRS rich areas in the primary tumor samples, we found that there was no significant difference in either c-MYC or MMP9 staining between patients who later recurred (n=6) or did not recur (n=36). The role of TAMs or an unidentified subtype of TAMs in predicting resistance to therapy in CHL patients remains to be determined. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Treatment of Subclinical Hypothyroidism or Hypothyroxinemia in Pregnancy

BackgroundSubclinical thyroid disease during pregnancy may be associated with adverse outcomes, including a lower-than-normal IQ in offspring. It is unknown whether levothyroxine treatment of women who are identified as having subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy improves cognitive function in their children. MethodsWe screened women with a singleton pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation for subclinical hypothyroidism, defined as a thyrotropin level of 4.00 mU or more per liter and a normal free thyroxine (T4) level (0.86 to 1.90 ng per deciliter [11 to 24 pmol per liter]), and for hypothyroxinemia, defined as a normal thyrotropin level (0.08 to 3.99 mU per liter) and a low free T4 level (<0.86 ng per deciliter). In separate trials for the two conditions, women were randomly assigned to receive levothyroxine or placebo. Thyroid function was assessed monthly, and the levothyroxine dose was adjusted to attain a normal thyrotropin or free T4 level (depending on the trial), with sh...
Normative realism and ontology: reply to Clarke-Doane, Rosen, and Enoch and McPherson

In response to comments on my book, Being Realistic about Reasons, by Justin Clarke-Doane, David Enoch and Tristram McPherson, and Gideon Rosen, I try to clarify my domain-based view of ontology, my understanding of the epistemology of normative judgments, and my interpretation of the phenomenon of supervenience.
Non-human primates as a model for aging

There has been, and continues to be, a dramatic shift in the human population towards older ages necessitating biomedical research aimed at better understanding the basic biology of aging and age-related diseases and facilitating new and improved therapeutic options. As it is not practical to perform the breadth of this research in humans, animal models are necessary to recapitulate the complexity of the aging environment. The mouse model is most frequently chosen for these endeavors, however, they are frequently not the most appropriate model. Non-human primates, on the other hand, are more closely related to humans and recapitulate the human aging process and development of age-related diseases. Extensive aging research has been performed in the well-characterized rhesus macaque aging model. More recently, the common marmoset, a small non-human primate with a shorter lifespan, has been explored as a potential aging model. This model holds particular promise as an aging disease model in part due to the successful creation of transgenic marmosets. Limitations to the use of non-human primates in aging research exist but can be mitigated somewhat by the existence of available resources supported by the National Institutes of Health. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Animal models of aging - edited by "Houtkooper Riekelt".
Brain-inspired computing accelerated by memristor technology

The brain-inspired computing, known as neuromorphic computing has demonstrated great potential in revolutionizing computation for high efficiency. In the neuromorphic engine, tremendous computing and power efficiency are achieved on a single chip. However, the development progress is slow in the neuromorphic designs based on conventional nanotechnologies. The occurrence and utilization of memristor technology pushed the development of neuromorphic computing forward into a new era. Matrix-vector multiplication, which is the basic computation in the neural network can be implemented by the memristor crossbar naturally and efficiently. Recently, various neuromorphic systems have been widely developed for cognition and perception applications. In this work, the development status is reviewed from the aspects of device, circuit, system, and algorithm. The challenges and futures are studied.
Successful Aging, Social Support, and Ownership of a Companion Animal

Studies consistently find that higher levels of social support improve the psychological and physiological health of older people, but findings from empirical research are mixed regarding the prese...
Reflections on the Resurgence of Interest in the Testing Effect

We discuss the findings from our 2006 article in Psychological Science on the testing effect and describe how the project arose. The testing effect (or retrieval-practice effect) was first reported in the experimental literature about a century before our article was published, and the effect had been replicated (and sometimes discovered anew) many times over the years. Our experiments used prose materials (unlike most prior research) and produced a more powerful effect than prior research even though we used a conservative control condition for comparison. In our discussion, we drew out possible implications for educational practice. We also reported that students in the experiment could not predict the effect; this lack of metacognitive awareness represented a new finding in this context. In a companion article the same year, we provided an historical review of the testing effect. We believe the synergistic effect of the two articles accounts in part for the resurgence in interest in this phenomenon and its application in educational settings.
Properties of Laplace Transform

Similar to the Fourier transform, the Laplace transform has many useful and illustrative properties. Almost all of the Laplace transform properties follow the Fourier counterparts, but there are some subtle differences in some cases mostly relating to initial conditions and to the absence of delta functions when doing time integration. Also beware of negative signs since in the Fourier world we deal with jω while in the Laplace world we deal with s; for example when inverting jω we get \(-j\frac {1}{\omega }\) while when inverting s we don’t pick a negative sign; also when squaring jω we get − ω2 while when squaring s we simply get s2! There are also a couple of new theorems which are the initial and final value theorems. For completeness we cover all properties and thoroughly illustrate them with relevant examples to drive the point home and to get valuable experience in solving similar problems.
Micromechanical approach to the thermomechanical analysis of FGMs

ABSTRACT The thermoelastic fields in a functionally graded material (FGM) are derived semi-analytically by the use of the eigenfunction expansion method. The eigenfunctions are approximated by a linear combination of admissible functions each of which satisfies the homogeneous boundary condition. The eigenfunctions can also be used to construct the Green’s function for the FGM which enables the handling of various boundary conditions and source terms. A numerical example is presented to show thermal stress distributions in a 2-D rectangular FGM under steady-state heat transfer subject to the first kind of displacement boundary condition.
Current Research and Investigational Procedures in Neurogenic Bladder

New ways of looking at old problems in the management of neurogenic bladder may enhance our ability to improve the lives of those who suffer spinal cord injury. This article describes new clinical investigative techniques to study the physiologic process after acute spinal cord injury; use of magnetic field energy and study of physiologic changes using sensory evoked potentials and of smooth muscle motor evoked potentials may prove to be routine in the future. We seek further understanding of the suppressed bladder function in patients with suprasacral injuries, but detrusor hyperreflexia remains an unwelcome sequela. Herein, we review the pharmacologic as well as newer functional electrical neuromodulation techniques to create bladder inhibition. When these conservative measures fail, selective sacral nerve dorsal rhizotomy remains an option. Finally, electrical stimulation for bladder evacuation is discussed—a new approach to an old concept—and a discussion of urethral stents and balloon dilatation for management of sphincter dyssynergia is included for completeness.
Extensions of Maps from Dense Subspaces

In 1971, Douglas Harris introduced a concept that he called a WO-map in order to find a subcategory of the category of T 1 topological spaces for which the Wallman compactification becomes functorial. Later, Bentley and Naimpally generalized Harris’ result to the setting of topological spaces endowed with the structure of a separating base in the sense of Steiner. In the present paper, the generalization is carried one step further to the setting of nearness spaces in the sense of Herrlich. Thus, it is shown that by restricting the class of maps, but not the class of spaces, the (strict) completion of a nearness space becomes functorial.
Chaos Expansion for Linear Stochastic Evolution Systems

Separation of variables is widely used to study evolution equations. For deterministic equations, there are two variables to separate: time and space; the result is often an orthogonal expansion of the solution in the eigenfunctions of the operator in the equation.
Unique behavior of dermal cells from regenerative mammal, the African Spiny Mouse, in response to substrate stiffness.

Abstract The African Spiny Mouse (Acomys spp.) is a unique outbred mammal capable of full, scar-free skin regeneration. In vivo, we have observed rapid reepithelialization and deposition of normal dermis in Acomys after wounding. Acomys skin also has a lower modulus and lower elastic energy storage than normal lab mice, Mus musculus. To see if the different in vivo mechanical microenvironments retained an effect on dermal cells and contributed to regenerative behavior, we examined isolated keratinocytes in response to physical wounding and fibroblasts in response to varying substrate stiffness. Classic mechanobiology paradigms suggest stiffer substrates will promote myofibroblast activation, but we do not see this in Acomys dermal fibroblasts (DFs). Though Mus DFs increase organization of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive stress fibers as substrate stiffness increases, Acomys DFs assemble very few αSMA-positive stress fibers upon changes in substrate stiffness. Acomys DFs generate lower traction forces than Mus DFs on pliable surfaces, and Acomys DFs produce and modify matrix proteins differently than Mus in 2D and 3D culture systems. In contrast to Acomys DFs “relaxed” behavior, we found that freshly isolated Acomys keratinocytes retain the ability to close wounds faster than Mus in an in vitro scratch assay. Taken together, these preliminary observations suggest that Acomys dermal cells retain unique biophysical properties in vitro that may reflect their altered in vivo mechanical microenvironment and may promote scar-free wound healing.
Helping Students to “Do Science”: Characterizing Scientific Practices in General Chemistry Laboratory Curricula

Over the past 20 years research on reform efforts aimed at the chemistry laboratory has focused on different aspects of students’ experiences including increasing content knowledge, improving stude...
Neuropsychological outcomes after resection of cortical sites with visual naming associated electrocorticographic high-gamma modulation.

Abstract Background Language mapping with high-gamma modulation (HGM) has compared well with electrical cortical stimulation mapping (ESM). However, there is limited prospective data about its functional validity. We compared changes in neuropsychological evaluation (NPE) performed before and 1-year after epilepsy surgery, between patients with/without resection of cortical sites showing HGM during a visual naming task. Methods Pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients underwent pre-surgical language localization with ESM and HGM using a visual naming task. Surgical decisions were based solely on ESM results. NPE difference scores were compared between patients with/without resection of HGM naming sites using principal component (PC) analysis. Follow-up NPE scores were modeled with resection group as main effect and respective pre-surgical score as a covariate, using analysis of covariance. Results Seventeen native English speakers (12 females), aged 6.5–20.2 years, were included. One year after epilepsy surgery, first PC score increased by (mean ± standard deviation) 14.4 ± 16.5 points in patients without resection, whereas it decreased by 7.6 ± 24.6 points in those with resection of HGM naming sites (p = 0.040). This PC score represented verbal comprehension, working memory, perceptual reasoning (Wechsler subscales); Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement; and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. Subsequent analysis showed significant difference in working memory score between patients with/without resection of HGM naming sites (−15.2 points, 95% confidence limits −29.7 to −0.7, p = 0.041). Conclusion We highlight the functional consequences of resecting HGM language sites, and suggest that NPE of DRE patients should include comprehensive assessment of multiple linguistic and cognitive domains besides naming ability.
Proceedings of the 49th Annual Pancreas Club Meeting

The 49th annual Pancreas Club meeting was held May 15th and 16th, 2015, at the Washington Court hotel in Washington, DC. Three hundred and three attendees included pancreatologists from 20 countries. Sixty-one oral presentations and 165 posters were presented over the 2-day meeting. Table 1 documents oral abstract titles with institutional affiliation. Full abstracts for all oral presentations and posters are available at the pancreas club website, http://pancreasclub. com. Representative papers from each of the eight sessions are summarized below. The Pancreas Club honored Professor Claudio Bassi of Verona, Italy, for a lifetime of outstanding contribution to the science of pancreatology; at the annual banquet, Professor Bassi regaled the crowd with his musical talent. Session 1: PNET/Prognostics
Tibial Shaft Fractures in Children and Adolescents.

Tibial shaft fractures are common in the pediatric population.Traditionally, the majority of pediatric tibial fractures have been managed nonoperatively, but surgical rates are increasing.Management includes closed reduction and casting, flexible nailing, plate osteosynthesis, external fixation, and
Successful rigid bronchoscopic resection of recurrent pulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor after complete surgical resection

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, previously named inflammatory pseudotumor, is a biologically borderline mesenchymal neoplasm often associated with an inflammatory infiltrate. The incidence of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor has been found to range from 0.04% to 1.2%, with endobronchial cases being extremely rare. The treatment of choice for pulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor is complete surgical resection. However, disease recurrence has been reported. Modalities used to treat recurrent and metastatic disease include surgical resection and corticosteroids. We present a case of recurrent endobronchial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor that was successfully treated endoscopically with rigid bronchoscopy and laser debulking without need for further surgical intervention.
Egg Consumption, Multi-Domain Cognitive Performance, and Short-Term Cognitive Change in a Representative Sample of Older U.S. Adults.

AbstractObjective: Existing research supports a positive relationship between egg intake and cognitive function in older populations, although the impact of whole egg consumption on multi-domain co...
Lightning NOX Distribution and Its Impact on Ozone Over the Contiguous United States During 2011

Nitrogen oxides (NOX: NO + NO2) play a critical role in controlling atmospheric chemistry, especially for the tropospheric ozone (O3) formation and distribution.
Drought duration determines the recovery dynamics of rice root microbiomes

Abstract As extreme droughts become more frequent, dissecting the responses of root-associated microbiomes to drying-wetting events is essential to understand their influence on plant performance. Here, we show that rhizosphere and endosphere communities associated with drought-stressed rice plants display compartment-specific recovery trends. Rhizosphere microorganisms were mostly affected during the stress period, whereas endosphere microorganisms remained altered even after irrigation was resumed. The duration of drought stress determined the stability of these changes, with more prolonged droughts leading to decreased microbiome resilience. Drought stress was also linked to a permanent delay in the temporal development of root microbiomes, mainly driven by a disruption of late colonization dynamics. Furthermore, a root-growth-promoting Streptomyces became the most abundant community member in the endosphere during drought and early recovery. Collectively, these results reveal that severe drought results in enduring impacts on root-associated microbiomes that could potentially reshape the recovery response of rice plants.
Beyond a Hashtag: Strategies to Move Toward a More Inclusive Physiatry Workforce.

The field of PM&R should strive for a physician workforce that is ethnically/racially, gender, and ability diverse. Considering the recent realities of disparities in health outcomes related to COVID-19 and in racial injustice in the US, we are called to be champions for anti-racism and equity. The specialty of PM&R should be the leaders in fostering a culture of inclusion and pay special attention to the population of applicants who are underrepresented in medicine. The specialty needs tools to start addressing these disparities. This manuscript aims to provide strategic and intentional evidence-based recommendations for programs to follow. Holistic review, implicit bias training, structured interviews, and targeted outreach for those underrepresented in medicine are some of the tools that will help students to enter and become successful in our specialty. Furthermore, this paper provides novel guidance and considerations for virtual interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Knowledge-based planning in robotic intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery treatments.

PURPOSE To develop a knowledge-based planning (KBP) model that predicts dosimetric indices and facilitates planning in CyberKnife intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery/radiotherapy (SRS/SRT). METHODS Forty CyberKnife SRS/SRT plans were retrospectively used to build a linear KBP model which correlated the equivalent radius of the PTV (req_PTV ) and the equivalent radius of volume that receives a set of prescription dose (req_Vi , where Vi = V10% , V20% … V120% ). To evaluate the model's predictability, a fourfold cross-validation was performed for dosimetric indices such as gradient measure (GM) and brain V50% . The accuracy of the prediction was quantified by the mean and the standard deviation of the difference between planned and predicted values, (i.e., ΔGM = GMpred - GMclin and fractional ΔV50% = (V50%pred - V50%clin )/V50%clin ) and a coefficient of determination, R2 . Then, the KBP model was incorporated into the planning for another 22 clinical cases. The training plans and the KBP test plans were compared in terms of the new conformity index (nCI) as well as the planning efficiency. RESULTS Our KBP model showed desirable predictability. For the 40 training plans, the average prediction error from cross-validation was only 0.36 ± 0.06 mm for ΔGM, and 0.12 ± 0.08 for ΔV50% . The R2 for the linear fit between req_PTV and req_vi was 0.985 ± 0.019 for isodose volumes ranging from V10% to V120% ; particularly, R2 = 0.995 for V50% and R2 = 0.997 for V100% . Compared to the training plans, our KBP test plan nCI was improved from 1.31 ± 0.15 to 1.15 ± 0.08 (P < 0.0001). The efficient automatic generation of the optimization constraints by using our model requested no or little planner's intervention. CONCLUSION We demonstrated a linear KBP based on PTV volumes that accurately predicts CyberKnife SRS/SRT planning dosimetric indices and greatly helps achieve superior plan quality and planning efficiency.
Viaticals in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Viaticals are life insurance settlement contracts where the investor purchases a life insurance policy from a terminally ill policyholder. In these cases, the present value of the policyholder’s cash flows is substantially above the cash surrender value and below the face value of the policy. The COVID-19 virus (also referred to as SARS-CoV-2 or the coronavirus) has killed and shortened the expected lifespan of many victims, much like HIV-AIDS and other terminal illnesses. This paper suggests a valuation model for a life settlement contract as the framework to contrast the usefulness of viatical contracts during the current COVID-19 pandemic compared to the HIV/AIDS crisis. Contrasting the diseases leads us to believe that viaticals are less useful for dying COVID-19 victims, although they may prove useful for a subset of COVID-19 survivors who suffer life-shortening organ damage.
90 Development of the Equine Keeper Status Scale

Horses with 2 different metabolic tendencies are referred to as “easy keepers” (EK) or “hard keepers” (HK). These tendencies are anecdotal and often related to the Henneke Body Condition Scoring system. EK tends to be over-conditioned (BCS ≥6) and HK need extra feed to maintain a BCS of 5. “Medium keepers” (MK) can maintain a BCS of 5 easily. This simplistic approach to solely use BCS to determine keeper status has led to confusion and poor choices when it comes to equine feeding management. The objective of this work was to develop a reliable and standardized tool for determining equine keeper status. The Equine Keeper Status Scale (EKSS) uses a series of equations based on maintenance requirements and feeding recommendations from the NRC as well as the current diet and BCS to determine keeper status based on the recommended dietary energy intakes (DEI) for an individual horse to achieve the optimal BCS score, 5 (RDI5%). The EKSS proposes RDI5% cut-off ranges to identify EK (RDI5% 110%) horses as well as 7 keeper level subcategories based on the RDI5% cut-off ranges to further identify where horses may lie in the keeper status spectrum. The EKSS was tested using data collected from 238 horses that includes the average BCS from 2 scorers, weighed daily feed rations, and DEI estimated with FeedXL software. Owner reported keeper statuses (ORKS) were obtained by a verbal estimate of their horse's keeper status in regard to their metabolic tendencies with no influence of the research team (ORKS: EK n = 108; MK n = 76; HK n = 56) and evaluated against EKSS assignments (EK n = 84; MK n = 96; HK n = 60). The EKSS determined that only 38% of owners can accurately predict their horse's keeper status. Owners had the most difficulty identifying EK and MK and the least difficulty identifying the HK. Analysis of variance and Tukey's pairwise testing revealed how heavily owners rely on BCS and estimated total body fat to determine keeper status (P
CLARK: A Design Science Research Project for Building and Sharing High-Quality Cybersecurity Curricula

The Cybersecurity Labs and Resource Knowledge-base cybersecurity curriculum resource library is a large-scale design science research project developed to address critical demands in teaching cybersecurity and help faculty prepare cybersecurity graduates for the workforce.
The Blunt Reality of Cannabis Advertising: State-by-State Restrictions & the TCPA

In today’s world, individuals are surrounded by marketing and advertisements. The alcohol and tobacco industries have long faced advertising restrictions, and now cannabis businesses are beginning to see similar restrictions. Unlike other industries, cannabis is still illegal under federal law which creates confusing restrictions for companies who are located in states where medical or adult-use cannabis is legal. This split in ideology between the federal and state governments, along with the confusing state regulations written more for policymakers than industry workers, has set a crash course for cannabis. This paper will examine several marketing areas where the cannabis industry is currently facing strict regulations, such as billboards, social media, and text messaging, as well as the public policy aspects that have influenced the rules on cannabis advertisements. The paper also focuses on the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the current rise of class actions associated with text-message marketing in the cannabis industry. The primary goal of this article is to discuss the current regulations for cannabis advertising and why these regulations are hurting the growing cannabis industry.
Heparin-Binding Protein in Critically Ill Children With Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between Heparin-binding protein (HBP) and the development of respiratory failure (RF) and sepsis in critically ill children with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: This study enrolled 157 children with severe CAP admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU). At ICU admission, the levels of HBP and other biomarkers, including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin, white blood cells, neutrophil percentage, and D-dimer, were determined. Results: Of the enrolled patients, 106 developed RF (35 with RF at enrollment and 71 with RF after enrollment), while 51 did not developed RF. The number of patients progressing to sepsis in those with or without RF were 34 (21 with severe sepsis) and 14, respectively. The plasma level of HBP at admission was more than eightfold higher than the upper normal value. HBP, IL-6, and D-dimer could significantly predict the development of RF, and a high level of HBP (odds ratio = 1.008, 95% confidence interval: 1.003-1.013) was independently associated with the development of RF in this population. Compared with other biomarkers, HBP was the best indicator of progression to severe sepsis, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.85, the best specificity at 96.30%, and a positive predictive value of 92.86% at the optimal cut-off value of 340.29 ng/mL. The HBP level was also positively correlated with other conventional biomarkers. Conclusion: HBP might represent a better predictor of disease progression in children with severe CAP than currently used biomarkers.
Cavitation Plays a Vital Role in Stone Dusting during Short Pulse Holmium: YAG Laser Lithotripsy.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of stone dusting in Holmium (Ho): YAG laser lithotripsy (LL). Materials and methods Cylindrical BegoStone samples (6 x 6 mm, H x D) were treated in water using a clinical Ho: YAG laser lithotripter in dusting mode (0.2 ~ 0.4 J with 70 ~ 78 s in pulse duration, 20 Hz) at various fiber tip to stone standoff distances (SD = 0, 0.5, and 1 mm). Stone damage craters were quantified by optical coherence tomography and bubble dynamics were captured by high-speed video imaging. To differentiate the contribution of cavitation vs. thermal ablation to stone damage, three additional experiments were performed. First, pre-soaked wet stones were treated in air to assess stone damage without cavitation. Second, the laser fiber was advanced at various offset distances (OSD = 0.25, 1, 2, 3, and 10 mm) from the tip of a flexible ureteroscope to alter the dynamics of bubble collapse. Third, stones were treated with parallel fiber to minimize photothermal damage while isolating the contribution of cavitation to stone damage. Results Treatment in water resulted in 2.5- to 90-fold increase in stone damage compared to those produced in air where thermal ablation dominates. With the fiber tip placed at OSD = 0.25 mm, the collapse of the bubble was distracted away from the stone surface by the ureteroscope tip, leading to significantly reduced stone damage compared to treatment without the scope or with scope at large OSD of 3 ~ 10 mm. The average crater volume produced by parallel fiber orientation at 0.2 J after 100 pulses where cavitation is the dominant mechanism of stone damage was comparable with those produced by using perpendicular fiber orientation within SD = 0.25 ~ 1 mm. Conclusion Cavitation plays a dominant role over photothermal ablation in stone dusting during short pulse Ho: YAG LL.
Enhanced substantia nigra mitochondrial pathology in human alpha-synuclein transgenic mice after treatment with MPTP.

Abstract Recent studies have implicated α-synuclein (α-S) in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The mechanisms underlying PD are not completely understood; however, mitochondrial complex I inhibition and oxidative injury may be involved. Because the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a potent complex I inhibitor that can cause oxidative injury and mimic many aspects of PD in treated animals, we sought to determine whether the overexpression of α-S in transgenic (tg) mice (α-S-tg) would enhance the substantia nigra (SN) pathology resulting from treatment with MPTP. For this purpose, α-S-tg mice were produced expressing high levels of wild-type (wt) human α-S under the control of the neuron-specific Thy-1 promoter. α-S-tg mice and non-tg controls were treated with MPTP (15 mg/kg ip, twice a week for 2 weeks) or saline (Sal) and then examined 2 weeks after completion of treatment by transmission electron microscopy (EM). We found that α-S-tg mice treated with MPTP had extensive mitochondrial alterations, increases in mitochondrial size, filamentous neuritic aggregations, axonal degeneration, and formation of electron dense perinuclear cytoplasmic inclusions in the SN that did not occur in the hippocampus or neocortex, nor in MPTP-treated non-tg mice or Sal-treated α-S-tg mice. These findings support the potential involvement of α-S expression in the vulnerability of SN neurons to toxicity from mitochondrial complex I inhibitors and the subsequent development of neurodegenerative pathology.