cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Introduction to Plant Biosecurity: Past, Present and Future

Plant biosecurity is a strategic and integrated approach that encompasses the policy and regulatory frameworks that analyse and manage risks to plant life and health, including associated environmental risk. It covers all activities aimed at managing the introduction of alien species to a particular region and mitigating their impacts should they become invasive. This includes the regulation of intentional (including illegal) and unintentional introductions and also the management of invasive alien pests (weeds, insects and pathogens) by federal, state and local government, industry and other stakeholders. Biosecurity activities occur along a continuum that starts offshore or pre-border in order to reduce the risks posed by other countries, then at a nation’s borders to stop pests from entering a particular region and finally within a region or post-border to locate and eradicate or manage risk organisms that have crossed the border and established in the region. Biosecurity management is a major challenge that requires knowledge and analysis of the diverse and complex risks along this continuum to identify, prioritise and apply measures in a coherent manner to progressively reduce the risks. To illustrate this challenge, both the range of economic and environmental impacts posed by alien species as well as the diversity of pathways with which these species are introduced into a new region are reviewed. Against this background of increasing biological invasions, the effectiveness of current regulatory tools is appraised and forms the basis for recommendations as to where improvements in the management of biosecurity threats should be made.
A “Triple Threat” to Research Protocols and Logistics: Adolescents, Sexual Health, and Poverty

The purpose of this article is to discuss lessons learned from conducting research with urban communities. A brief overview of the Health Improvement Project for Teens (HIPTeens) will be provided. It will be followed by several suggestions concerning recruitment and retention of participants, challenges related to working in impoverished environments, hiring and training of research teams, interacting with administration and community, and strategies for doing research in diverse settings.
The moral meaning of religion for bioethics

Religion is inescapably concerned with questions of health, medicine, and disease. In the normative scriptures of the Judeo-Christian tradition, images of God as healer and physician are powerful and prominent. At the same time, religious communities have historically seen the existence of disease as confirming evidence of the presence of evil and sin in the world; indeed, the nature and extent of disease, as in the case of plague, for example, can present serious theologic questions about the moral character of the Deity. Moreover, our very concepts of “health” and “disease” reflect values that are frequently influenced by religious presuppositions. Thus, whether an alcoholic is considered a sinner, a criminal, or a victim of genetic or environmental factors beyond his or her control involves evaluations that can be conditioned by theologic perspectives on free will, human nature, and appropriate social conduct. Similarly, the “suffering” caused by illness, while undesired, may not be considered meaningless from a religious standpoint. And an impaired newborn may yet be considered a “gift”
Business School Research: Some Preliminary Suggestions

Recent critiques of business schools have led to the formulation of three interconnected problems: the problem of research; the problem of the use of knowledge; and, the normative problem. At the heart of the issue is what we have called the separation thesis or the separation fallacy, most powerfully seen as the exclusion of ethics from business judgments, but generalizable to a duality between the worlds of management and humanity. If we give up this fallacy, we can gain a different and more pluralist view of the role of research in business school, and as the nature of meaningful research. We lay out five main modes of research, and suggest how each can escape the separation fallacy. We then show how the problem of the use of knowledge can be ameliorated by giving up the separation fallacy. Finally, we suggest how we can re-define and re-discover the disciplines of business by thinking about more thick moral conceptions.
Emodin Bidirectionally Modulates Macrophage Polarization and Epigenetically Regulates Macrophage Memory

Macrophages are pleiotropic cells capable of performing a broad spectrum of functions. Macrophage phenotypes are classified along a continuum between the extremes of proinflammatory M1 macrophages and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. The seemingly opposing functions of M1 and M2 macrophages must be tightly regulated for an effective and proper response to foreign molecules or damaged tissue. Excessive activation of either M1 or M2 macrophages contributes to the pathology of many diseases. Emodin is a Chinese herb-derived compound and has shown potential to inhibit inflammation in various settings. In this study, we tested the ability of emodin to modulate the macrophage response to both M1 and M2 stimuli. Primary mouse macrophages were stimulated with LPS/IFNγ or IL4 with or without emodin, and the effects of emodin on gene transcription, cell signaling pathways, and histone modifications were examined by a variety of approaches, including microarray, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and functional assays. We found that emodin bidirectionally tunes the induction of LPS/IFNγ- and IL4-responsive genes through inhibiting NFκB/IRF5/STAT1 signaling and IRF4/STAT6 signaling, respectively. Thereby, emodin modulates macrophage phagocytosis, migration, and NO production. Furthermore, emodin inhibited the removal of H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27m3) marks and the addition of H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) marks on genes required for M1 or M2 polarization of macrophages. In conclusion, our data suggest that emodin is uniquely able to suppress the excessive response of macrophages to both M1 and M2 stimuli and therefore has the potential to restore macrophage homeostasis in various pathologies.
Failure to demonstrate nephrotoxicity of cephalothin in rabbits with reduced renal function.

SummaryCephalothin was given in a dose of 300 mg/kg for 15 days to rabbits in which renal function had been reduced by extirpation of 60–70% of kidney mass. Serum creatinine which rose immediately after surgery remained stable for 21 days prior to adminstration of cephalothin. There was no further rise in serum creatinine during cephalothin with serum cephalothin levels ranging 1 hr after the dose from 85–1130 μg/ml. Most of the cephalothin was deacety–lated within 1 hr of administration. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Comments on “Scientific Forecasts in International Relations”

The initial disclaimers at the outset of the article that the authors seek neither to forecast nor to make a contribution to the "corpus of knowledge" in this area leave one with a sense of uncertainty about the context in which the issues raised must be viewed. It would constitute the essence of unfair practice to regard the article in any context other than that intended by the authors. The following observations are, therefore, of a more general nature by way of clarifying some of the issues raised in that article. These comments are presented in the order in which they are discussed by the authors. (1) It is clear that little attention is devoted to forecasting in international relations. This is due not only, or even largely, to the absence of data-we have more information in variables such as energy projection, and consumption, than we know what to do with-but, more fundamentally, to the absence of underlying theory to guide a forecast (or prediction or projection) or to develop an internally consistent and useful simulation. It is the absence of theory, rather than data, that should be lamented by the authors in that (and most other) respects. (2) Clearly, there is no consensus regarding the nature of forecasting. The authors refer to forecasting and prediction, but neglect projections and simulations. A critique of the issues that are broader than "semantics" in their nature would be more
On the Inheritance of the Agglutinogens A, B, M and N

With the passage in Wisconsin of laws empowering the courts to order blood tests "whenever it shall be relevant to the prosecution or the defense in an illegitimacy action', or "whenever it shall be relevant in a civil action to determine the parentage or identity of any child, person or corpse" (Wisconsin Statutes, 1935:166.105 and 325.23), it seemed that the department represented should be prepared to perform such tests or to instruct persons who might desire to qualify as experts in this aspect of forensic medicine. The study accordingly undertaken was based upon the assumption that the preparation of the antiserum and derivative fluids for the detection of M and N and the determination of the distribution of these characteristics and of the iso-agglutinogens in the blood of 1,000 persons chosen at random and in the blood of 100 families should afford an intimacy with the facts and conditions involved, and at the same time offer a basis upon which to judge the adequacy of the reagents and technics employed. The basic facts, (1) the existence of 4 human blood groups characterized by the presence or absence of either or both of two agglutinogens, A and B, in the red blood cells and the reverse distribution of two corresponding agglutinins in the serum [Landsteiner,1 1900 and 1901; Decastello and Sturli,2 1902], (2) the evident Mendelian inheritance of the blood groups [von Dungern and Hirschfeld,3 1910] on the basis of triple allelomorphic genes, A, B and R [Bernstein,4 1925], (3) the further division of each iso-group into three types by virtue of the presence of either or both of two hetero-agglutinogens, M and N [Landsteiner and Levine,5 1927, 1928], and (4) the independent inheritance of these factors [Landsteiner and Levine,6 1928}?have been abundantly established. The literature has been so thoroughly reviewed [Wiener, 19357] that another presentation would be superfluous and, for the purposes of the present paper, unnecessary. For the possibility of preparing anti-M and anti-N serum of known relation to the factors actually designated by Landsteiner and Levine, I am indebted to Dr. Philip Levine, who typed a number of bloods from which were chosen the OM and ON used for immunization. His confirmation of the speci-
Study on Weikangning Intervention on Voltage- dependent Anion Channel1( VDAC1) and ATP in Energy Metabolism

Objective To study Weikangning( WKN) on Voltage- dependent anion channel 1( VDAC1) and ATP,and explore their relationship. Methods Human gastric epithelia cells GES- 1 were cultivated in vitro,and they were divided into five groups,namely were blank group,positive control group( Domperidone),low dosage of WKN,medium dosage of WKN,high dosage of WKN. Expression of protein and mRNA of VDAC1 were measured by RT- PCR method and western blot. ATP was measured by bioluminescent. Model rats of functional dyspepsia were made,and influence of WKN to ATP and Ca2 +- Mg2 +-ATP synthase were tested. Results 1. WKN promoted level of VDAC1 and ATP in cells in terms of gene and protein. 2,WKN stimulated Ca2 +- Mg2 +- ATP synthase in tissue gastric of FD rat model. Conclusion The increase of VDAC1 is one of the molecular mechanisms that WKN can activate Ca2 +- Mg2 +- ATP synthase,leading to the protection on ATP.
Great toe-to-hand free tissue transfer for thumb reconstruction.

SUMMARY Based upon our experience at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where 32 microneurovascular toe-to-hand transfers have been performed over the past eight years, this method of thumb reconstruction can be quite successful in carefully selected and educated patients.
Chapter 1 – Free radical oxidation

Autoxidation is the direct reaction of molecular oxygen with organic compounds under mild conditions. Oxygen has a special nature in behaving as a biradical by having two unpaired electrons (‘O–O') in the ground state and is said to be in a triplet state. The oxidation of lipids proceeds like that of many other organic compounds by a free radical chain mechanism, which can be described in terms of initiation, propagation, and termination processes. These processes often consist of a complex series of sequential and overlapping reactions. Many of the classical mechanistic concepts of lipid oxidation were formulated on the basis of kinetic studies. Later developments in support of the general free radical mechanism of oxidation were based on structural studies of the primary hydroperoxide products. To simplify the kinetics of linoleate oxidation, the reactions were studied at early stages of oxidation, at low levels of conversion, at lower temperatures, and in the presence of an appropriate initiator. Under these conditions, the propagation reactions producing hydroperoxides in high yields are emphasized and the decomposition of hydroperoxides is minimized or considered insignificant. However, the kinetics becomes much more complex when autoxidation is carried out to high conversions, or at elevated temperatures, or in the presence of metals.
Evaluation of Sarm1 Gene Deletion in a Mouse Model of Vincristine-Induced Neuropathy (S44.007)

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study was to determine if genetic deletion of Sarm1 prevents vincristine-induced neuropathy in a mouse model. BACKGROUND: Vincristine is a chemotherapeutic agent that frequently causes peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). The central deficit in VIPN is axonal degeneration, for which no treatment currently exists. Loss of Sarm1 protects axons from acute degeneration in mice, indicating that inhibition of Sarm1 may have therapeutic value in patients with neuropathies. The goal of this study was to develop mouse models of VIPN and to test if knock-out (KO) of Sarm1 decreases axonal degeneration in these models. DESIGN/METHODS: Sarm KO mice and wild-type controls received weekly or twice weekly intraperitoneal injections of vincristine or vehicle for four weeks. Before and after chemotherapy, mice underwent nerve conduction studies and a battery of sensorimotor tests. Sensory, mixed and predominantly motor peripheral nerves at different proximal-distal levels were collected and evaluated with light and electron microscopy. RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS: Four weekly intraperitoneal injections of 1mg/kg vincristine caused a small decrease in tail nerve amplitude and slight, but significant axon loss in the sural nerves. A more severe neuropathy was induced by eight twice-weekly injections of 1.5mg/kg vincristine, as revealed by a significant, distally pronounced loss in tail nerve amplitude, mild decrease in conduction velocity and significant axon loss in the nerves of the 3rd toe and the distal sural nerve. The proximal sural, tibial and sciatic nerves did not show axon loss, consistent with the development of a length-dependent, sensory predominant axonal polyneuropathy. Sarm1 KO mice had no significant decrease in tail amplitude or axon number in either mouse model of VIPN, indicating that Sarm1 is protective in VIPN in the mouse. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that targeting the Sarm1 pathway may be an effective strategy to treat vincristine-induced neuropathy. Disclosure: Dr. Geisler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Doan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Strickland has nothing to disclose. Dr. Xin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Milbrant has received license fee payments from Chromadex. Dr. DiAntionio has received a license fee payment from Novus Biological.
Exploring Key Blast and Bacterial Blight Resistance Genes in Genetically Diverse Rice Accessions through Molecular and Phenotypic Evaluation

Blast and bacterial blight (BB) are the most dangerous rice (Oryza sativa L.) diseases that limit rice production significantly. Pib, Piz‐t, and Pi9 are reported as key resistance genes for blast whereas Xa21, Xa4, Xa7, and xa13 are considered as important resistance genes for BB. Using gene‐specific DNA markers, the presence of these resistance genes was screened in 211 diverse rice accessions originating from 26 countries. In molecular marker analyses, specific amplification patterns for the Pib and Piz‐t resistance alleles were observed in 56 and 23 accessions, respectively, whereas the Pi9 resistance allele was not observed at all in these accessions. For BB, at least one BB resistance gene was present in 148 of the 211 evaluated accessions. All 211 accessions were evaluated for blast resistance using natural isolates and for BB resistance using Race 4 (PX071) and Race 6 (PX099). Among 211 accessions, 89 exhibited hypersensitive blast resistance reactions, whereas 85 and 37 accessions were rated as resistant or moderately resistance to BB Races 4 and 6, respectively. The combined analysis of molecular and phenotypic reactions (marker‐trait association assay) revealed that landraces possessed rare and several desirable genes compared with breeding lines with a narrow genetic base, hence these landraces serve as the valuable source for exploring new resistance genes for crop improvement. An interesting similarity in gene distribution pattern was observed in Pib with Xa21 and in Piz‐t with Xa7. The analyzed blast and BB resistance genes were in a range of combinations in different landraces and breeding lines, which can be used in gene introgression and pyramiding programs as alternative resistance sources.
Active matter at the interface between materials science and cell biology

The remarkable processes that characterize living organisms, such as motility, self-healing and reproduction, are fuelled by a continuous injection of energy at the microscale. The field of active matter focuses on understanding how the collective behaviours of internally driven components can give rise to these biological phenomena, while also striving to produce synthetic materials composed of active energy-consuming components. The synergistic approach of studying active matter in both living cells and reconstituted systems assembled from biochemical building blocks has the potential to transform our understanding of both cell biology and materials science. This methodology can provide insight into the fundamental principles that govern the dynamical behaviours of self-organizing subcellular structures, and can lead to the design of artificial materials and machines that operate away from equilibrium and can thus attain life-like properties. In this Review, we focus on active materials made of cytoskeletal components, highlighting the role of active stresses and how they drive self-organization of both cellular structures and macroscale materials, which are machines powered by nanomachines. The field of active matter studies how internally driven motile components self-organize into large-scale dynamical states and patterns. This Review discusses how active matter concepts are important for understanding cell biology, and how the use of biochemical components enables the creation of new inherently non-equilibrium materials with unique properties that have so far been mostly restricted to living organisms.
Methods for Sampling Density and Basal Area of Multi-Trunked Trees: Juniperus osteosperma in Pinyon-Juniper Vegetation

Abstract. Sampling the density and basal area of trees is fundamental to quantitatively characterizing forests and woodlands. Commonly used sampling methods are well-suited for trees with single trunks, but are these methods also suitable for sampling multi-trunked trees? This question is especially important where multi-trunked trees are common, as is the case for Utah juniper ( Juniperus osteosperma, JUOS), a codominant of large areas of pinyon-juniper vegetation in western North America. This study addresses the question of suitability by comparing 3 methods for sampling JUOS. The Dbase Method has been commonly used, and it focuses on the bases of trees for both identifying individuals and measuring tree diameters. The Dbh Method, which parallels the standard for sampling single-trunked tree species, also has been used for multi-trunked trees, and it focuses on breast height (i.e., 1.4 m above ground) for both identifying individuals and measuring diameters. The third method, the Base-Dbh Method, is pr...
Stress-Induced Chronic Visceral Pain of Gastrointestinal Origin

Visceral pain is generally poorly localized and characterized by hypersensitivity to a stimulus such as organ distension. In concert with chronic visceral pain, there is a high comorbidity with stress-related psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression. The mechanisms linking visceral pain with these overlapping comorbidities remain to be elucidated. Evidence suggests that long term stress facilitates pain perception and sensitizes pain pathways, leading to a feed-forward cycle promoting chronic visceral pain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Early life stress (ELS) is a risk-factor for the development of IBS, however the mechanisms responsible for the persistent effects of ELS on visceral perception in adulthood remain incompletely understood. In rodent models, stress in adult animals induced by restraint and water avoidance has been employed to investigate the mechanisms of stress-induce pain. ELS models such as maternal separation, limited nesting, or odor-shock conditioning, which attempt to model early childhood experiences such as neglect, poverty, or an abusive caregiver, can produce chronic, sexually dimorphic increases in visceral sensitivity in adulthood. Chronic visceral pain is a classic example of gene × environment interaction which results from maladaptive changes in neuronal circuitry leading to neuroplasticity and aberrant neuronal activity-induced signaling. One potential mechanism underlying the persistent effects of stress on visceral sensitivity could be epigenetic modulation of gene expression. While there are relatively few studies examining epigenetically mediated mechanisms involved in visceral nociception, stress-induced visceral pain has been linked to alterations in DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns within the brain, leading to increased expression of pro-nociceptive neurotransmitters. This review will discuss the potential neuronal pathways and mechanisms responsible for stress-induced exacerbation of chronic visceral pain. Additionally, we will review the importance of specific experimental models of adult stress and ELS in enhancing our understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms of pain processing.
Case 7 Delirium and Bradycardia Following Opioid Dependency Treatment

This case involves a 69-year-old male who presented to the emergency department from the primary care provider with acute delirium and agitation following the administration of a medication to treat opioid dependency. The patient was agitated and moved all extremities purposefully, but did not follow any commands. He was given benzodiazepines, but ultimately required intubation. He made a complete recovery. This case discusses various medications and regimens to treat opioid withdrawal. In addition, this case discusses treatment options for patients with acute pain who are concurrently taking medications to facilitate abstinence.
Biotin Interference in Clinical Immunoassays.

Background: Shifts in consumer behavior and clinical practice have increased reports of biotin interference in immunoassays that incorporate biotin–streptavidin linkages in their design. This rise has significant implications because immunoassays are used to measure a wide range of analytes across medical specialties. The objective of this article was to review the mechanisms of biotin interference, define the scope of affected immunoassays, and summarize strategies for identifying and minimizing biotin interference in clinical samples. Content: The literature was reviewed for reports of biotin interference and sorted by manufacturer. Abstracts from recent scientific meetings and manufacturer-provided data were also reviewed. Summary: Immunoassays across a range of different manufacturer platforms are subject to interference by exogenous biotin supplementation. Providers and laboratorians must be aware of this potential interference to avoid patient harm.
Ontogeny of Antioxidant Systems

Changes in the redox conditions of the biosphere have shaped the evolution of biological adaptations that permit successful energy capture and transfer by life forms. These include the systems that can scavenge molecular oxygen and nitrogen oxides. Mammalian development partly recapitulates this sequence as the zygote implants and undergoes early development in a low oxygen environment, ultimately developing a vascular supply that supports gas exchange and metabolism, as well as the enzymatic antioxidant/antinitrosant systems required to handle the burden. These systems differ among the organ systems, and their function and expression are dependent on the stage of development and the particular metabolic demands, as well as the exposure to redox stress.
Southern Methodist University Department of Statistical Science

Paul D. Minton graduated with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Mathematics from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Following the completion of his doctoral degree in Statistics from the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) in 1951, he returned to SMU along with a vision of a unique Statistics Department within a university that had as its primary mission a broad-based liberal arts undergraduate education. Minton’s vision focused on his belief that statisticians were collaborators and that there was no limit on opportunities for collaboration in Statistics, regardless of the nature and mission of an academic institution. The key to achieving this vision was the collaborative merging of interests and opportunities within the university and throughout the local region.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives Linking Science and Literacy in Grades K–5: Implications for Policy and Practice

This chapter presents a combination of theoretical perspectives and empirical findings as a foundation for establishing the relevance of elementary science instruction in which reading comprehension and writing are integrated as a major curricular strategy with the potential of providing a curricular solution to systemic problems presently associated with school reform. The evidence-based argument advanced in the chapter is based on a combination of (a) specific interdisciplinary approaches to meaningful school learning drawn from the complementary areas of cognitive science, cognitive psychology, applied learning, instructional design/development and educational research and (b) research that has demonstrated the acceleration of achievement in both science and reading comprehension resulting from different models of in-depth science instruction.
Clinical Impact of Antibiotic Resistance

The development of antimicrobial agents for clinical use has brought unquestionable benefits to individuals and to society. Infections that formerly were frequently fatal have become routinely curable. Furthermore, the availability of effective antibiotic therapy has facilitated the employment by physicians of potent immunosuppressive therapy in the control and treatment of other conditions such as cancer and transplant rejection, since resulting infections may be treated and are often suppressed or cured.
Review of Ravi Batra, The Great Depression of 1990

The Great Depression of 1990 was on the New York Times best-seller list for non-fiction in the summer of 1987. It follows a standard formula for best sellers in forecasting: Forecast a great disaster, and include a formula for redemption. If the disaster occurs, you can say, "I told you so." If it doesn't occur, you say, "It is good that they listened to my advice. I saved them." How can you lose? When I first saw this book, it occurred to me that it was a hoax.
Interferometric Waveguide Sensors

The interferometric interaction of light with a biological layer is linearly proportional to the length along which the electric fields interact with the sample. Therefore, responsivity can be improved by increasing the interaction length. One way to accomplish this is to have the light wave pass back and forth through the layer many times, as in a cavity. Another way to accomplish this is to propagate the probe light along the biolayer, which is the topic of this chapter on interferometric waveguide sensors. These types of interferometric biosensors operate on principles of waveguide confinement combined with evanescent field profiles.
Necrotizing squamous/mucinous metaplasia in oncocytic salivary gland tumors-A potential diagnostic problem

Tumor necrosis and squamous and/or mucinous metaplasia was found in 4 of 26 oncocytic salivary gland tumors (24 Warthin's tumors and 2 oncocytomas). The necrosis was extensive in two cases, producing architectural and cytologic atypia sufficient to simulate a squamous carcinoma. In a third tumor, necrotic and inflammatory debris occurred within dilated tumor spaces exhibiting squamous and mucinous foci, suggesting low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Adequate sampling revealed Warthin's tumors in all four cases. An additional 13 tumors showed incidental foci of squamous metaplasia, often accompanied by stromal scarring but without necrosis. Four of these tumors also had focal mucinous metaplasia. In the adjacent non-neoplastic salivary gland, oncocytic metaplasia of ducts was seen in 22 glands; there were 7 oncocytic cysts and 3 oncocytic nodules. The tumor necrosis and metaplasia are reminiscent of necrotizing sialometaplasia of the minor salivary gland, thought to be ischemic in origin. The etiology of necrotizing squamous/mucinous metaplasia described here and the extent to which oncocytosis contributes to these changes is unknown. Possibly the extravasation of oncocytic and/or mucinous secretions or cyst contents may result in the reactive changes observed. Necrotizing sialometaplasia and squamous/mucinous metaplasia of oncocytic tumors appear to be related only morphologically, but the shared histologic features may be useful in excluding the diagnosis of salivary gland carcinoma.
Contour Texture and Frame Curves for the Recognition of Non-Rigid Objects

An oak leaf can visually be easily distinguished from an elm leaf; yet the same oak leaf cannot be distinguished from other oak leaves unless a detailed inspection is performed. This paper presents a filter-based scheme for the recognition of non-rigid objects, such as leaves, proposing a two-level representation based on two novel notions, frame curve and contour texture. Examples of contour textures include many complex object boundaries such as leaves, clouds, forests, complex tools, and city skylines.
Exposure to suicide and suicide bereavement among women firefighters: Associated suicidality and psychiatric symptoms

Objective To examine experiences with suicide exposure and bereavement among women firefighters. Methods Women firefighters (N = 266, Mage = 37.64y) completed self-report measures assessing their experiences with suicide exposure, history of suicidality, current psychiatric symptoms, and suicide risk. Results Three-fourths (74.4%) of participants reported knowing someone who had died by suicide; of these participants, 31.3% reported losing a fellow firefighter to suicide. Exposure to suicide during one's firefighting career was associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms and suicide risk. Greater impact of a suicide death was significantly associated with more severe current suicide risk, even after controlling for prior suicidality and other psychiatric symptoms. Conclusions Women firefighters exposed to suicide during their careers may experience more severe psychiatric symptoms and increased suicide risk as compared to their counterparts without this exposure. In particular, women firefighters who are more severely impacted by a suicide loss may be at increased suicide risk.
Isolation of a Terminal Co(III)-Oxo Complex

Late transition metal oxo complexes with high d-electron counts have been implicated as intermediates in a wide variety of important catalytic reactions; however, their reactive nature has often significantly limited their study. While some examples of these species have been isolated and characterized, complexes with d-electron counts >4 are exceedingly rare. Here we report that use of a strongly donating tris(imidazol-2-ylidene)borate scaffold enables the isolation of two highly unusual CoIII-oxo complexes which have been thoroughly characterized by a suite of physical techniques including single crystal X-ray diffraction. These complexes display O atom and H atom transfer reactivity and demonstrate that terminal metal oxo complexes with six d-electrons can display strong metal–oxygen bonding and sufficient stability to enable their characterization. The unambiguous assignment of these complexes supports the viability of related species that are frequently invoked, but rarely observed, in the types of c...
Pituitary Adenoma and Craniopharyngioma Collision Tumor: Diagnostic, Treatment Considerations, and Review of the Literature.

Background Different diseases may occur within the same anatomic space and invade one another. Lesions of this nature are described as collision tumors. Collision tumors of the sella are rare, with pituitary adenoma-craniopharyngiomas having been described in only 15 cases. We discuss common and rare lesions of the sellar region, their neurodiagnostic qualities, and treatment considerations. Case Description We present the case of a 49-year-old woman presenting with symptoms of headache and blurred vision who underwent a 2-stage procedure and was found to have a craniopharyngioma and corticotrophic pituitary adenoma in collision. We review the literature on various combinations of sellar collision lesions, noting diagnostic and treatment considerations. Neuroimaging, intraoperative pathology, and histologic review help to provide optimum treatment when unusual conditions of the sella arise. Conclusions Many mechanisms for the development of collision lesions have been theorized, and further investigation may provide definitive answers regarding the origin of these neoplastic entities.
HIV Prevention for Black Heterosexual Men: The Barbershop Talk with Brothers Cluster Randomized Trial.

Objectives. To identify the impact of a strengths-focused HIV prevention program among high-risk heterosexual Black men.Methods. Barbershops in Brooklyn, New York, neighborhoods with high rates of ...
Computer-Based Tools for Recording Time and Motion Data for Assessing Clinical Workflow

Time and motion is a popularly used approach for quantifying clinical work processes and workflow. It has been generally considered the “gold standard” for conducting quantitative workflow studies, because of the rich details it is able to reveal regarding workflow, and the accuracy of its measurements as compared to other competing methods such as self-reported questionnaires and work sampling. However, there are several methodological limitations that threaten the validity of time and motion studies. These include difficulties in assessing inter-observer reliability, difficulties for external observers to discern subtle activities by study participants, and difficulties in capturing multitasking. While completely eliminating these methodological limitations may not be possible, one way to mitigate their effects is to develop effective data capture tools to assist external observers in collecting high-quality time and motion data. Such tools need to be very easy to use; incorporate measures to reduce data entry inconsistencies and errors; and can be easily extended to accommodate new research questions and new empirical scenarios. In this chapter, we introduce three such tools developed by different research groups in the past 10 years, namely Time Capture Tool (TimeCat), Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT), and T&M Data Collector. The features of each of these tools are described, followed by a discussion of their pros and cons.
Young Kohut and the Ancient Greek Satyr Play

ABSTRACTAs a classicist and a self psychologist, my reading of Kohut’s matriculation essay at the University of Vienna on Euripides’ Cyclops, written when he was nineteen years old, suggests that h...
Comments on tularemia and other tick-borne affections of livestock in Montana

This report is offered to call attention to the fact that at least under conditions of localized tick-borne tularemia epizootic on a stock ranch, it is possible for young cattle to be affected and management with regard to control of tick-infestation may be guided accordingly. Details of tests in laboratory animals are supplied to confirm that the isolates were fully virulent though isolates of low virulence from some other natural sources also have been recognized.
Using Escape Rooms for Conducting Team Research: Understanding Development, Considerations, and Challenges:

Background. Modern organizations are increasingly reliant on teams, and many organizations are subsequently concerned with the development of interventions that can improve the performance of teams...
Hydropower, development, and poverty reduction in Laos: promises realized or broken?

While hydropower projects have been seen as a sort of panacea for clean energy production in an increasingly environmentally-sensitive time, allowing for continued development, dam projects have ne...
Perceived coach-created environment directly predicts high school athletes’ physical activity during sport:

Sport participation is an important means for adolescents to achieve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), yet most high school students including athletes do not achieve the 60-minute dai...
Management of adult spine deformity in the elderly

Abstract Adult spinal deformity represents a growing problem in the elderly population (age 60 or older). A comprehensive examination, including imaging, is critical for guiding treatment. For most, non-operative management represents the initial treatment modality; however, few studies support its clinical utility. The decision to pursue surgery requires comprehensive preoperative evaluation, given the increased risk of surgical complications seen in elderly patients. Despite the increased risk of complications, patients treated surgically demonstrate significant improvement in clinical and radiographic parameters. This paper will review literature evaluating non-operative and operative management of adult spinal deformity in the elderly patient.
Impact of primary tumor location, histology, and host factors on objective response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic urothelial carcinoma.

493Background: Factors affecting response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) are poorly understood in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC). While tumor PD-L1 status is often used as a biomarker,...
Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Supportive Parent Communication, and Help-seeking Sources in the wake of COVID-19: First-generation College Students (FGCS) Vs. Non-first-generation College Students (non-FGCS)

Using a cross-sectional survey (N = 1,225), this study examines the psychological well-being (stress, anxiety, depression), life satisfaction, supportive parent communication, and likelihood to see...
Comparison of traditional and closed loop vagus nerve stimulation for treatment of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy: A propensity-matched retrospective cohort study

Abstract Objective For epilepsy patients with drug-resistant, unresectable epilepsy, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an option for seizure control. Approximately 40-70% of patients will achieve ≥50% seizure reduction with VNS. New closed loop VNS models detect ictal tachycardia and responsively stimulate the vagus nerve. The effectiveness of closed loop VNS compared to traditional VNS for pediatric epilepsy is unknown. Methods An 11-year retrospective electronic medical record review at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh was performed. Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who underwent VNS implantation were included. Patients were divided into groups based on VNS model: traditional versus closed loop. Those who transitioned from traditional to closed loop VNS were excluded. Given potential for selection bias, propensity scores matching was utilized to compare traditional to closed loop VNS patients. Patients with focal versus generalized epilepsy were also separately analyzed. The primary outcome was “VNS response”, defined as at least 50% seizure frequency reduction from baseline. Results A total of 320 patients were included in this sample. The percentage of matched patients (total n=220: n=179 traditional VNS, n=41 closed loop VNS) who responded to VNS after one year of therapy was 43% for traditional VNS and 39% for closed loop VNS (p=0.64). After two years of therapy, a higher proportion of closed loop VNS patients than traditional VNS patients responded to VNS among all subgroups, though no differences were statistically significant (p>0.05). Notably, for those with generalized epilepsy, 73% of closed loop patients responded to VNS compared to only 46% of traditional patients (p=0.10). After two years of VNS therapy, patients were taking approximately the same quantity of antiseizure medications as baseline (0.074 ± 0.90) with no difference between VNS models (p=0.87). Significance Among pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, closed loop VNS trends towards a higher rate of VNS response after two years of treatment, especially among generalized epilepsy patients. Neither model of VNS allows patients to reduce antiseizure medication quantity after two years.
On the Security and Engineering Implications of Finer-Grained Access Controls for Android Developers and Users

One of the main security mechanisms in Android is the permission system. Previous research has pointed out that this system is too coarse-grained. Hence, several mechanisms have been proposed to address this issue. However, to date, the impact of changes in the current permission system on both end users and software developers has not been studied, and no significant work has been done to determine whether adopting a finer-grained permission system would be feasible in practice. In this work, we perform the first study to explore the practicality of the adoption of finer-grained system for the Internet permission. In particular, we have developed several analysis tools that we used to perform an empirical study on 1,227 real-world Android applications. The results of this study provide useful insights to answer the following three conceptual questions: 1 Is it practical to apply fine-grained access control mechanisms to real-world Android applications? 2 How can a system for fine-grained permission enforcement be integrated into the application development and distribution life-cycle with minimal additional required effort? 3 What are the incentives and practical benefits for both developers and end users to adopt a fine-grained permission model? Our preliminary results show that, in general, finer-grained permissions could be practical and desirable for Android applications. In addition, we show how the tools we have developed can be used to automatically generate and enforce security policies, and thus could be used to lower the burden of adoption of finer-grained permission systems.
A heme fusion tag for protein affinity purification and quantification

We report a novel affinity-based purification method for proteins expressed in Escherichia coli that uses the coordination of a heme tag to an L-histidine-immobilized sepharose (HIS) resin. This approach provides an affinity purification tag visible to the eye, facilitating tracking of the protein. We show that azurin and maltose binding protein are readily purified from cell lysate using the heme tag and HIS resin. Mild conditions are used; heme-tagged proteins are bound to the HIS resin in phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, and eluted by adding 200-500 mM imidazole or binding buffer at pH 5 or 8. The HIS resin exhibits a low level of nonspecific binding of untagged cellular proteins for the systems studied here. An additional advantage of the heme tag-HIS method for purification is that the heme tag can be used for protein quantification by using the pyridine hemochrome absorbance method for heme concentration determination.
Teaching Object-Oriented Programming: A Comparison Of Java And Objective-C

The programming language Java has been for many years the language in which many Web applications as well as large server applications have been developed. More recently, it has also been used in the development of Android applications. It has often been adopted as the primary teaching language in both introductory and advanced programming courses. Due to its use on the iPhone and the iPad, Objective-C is gaining popularity and is now taught in some programming courses. Not as well designed as Java and not as general-purpose as Java, Objective-C is unlikely to supplant it in college courses.
Increased Cerebral Endothelial Transcytosis and Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in "Slow Pressor" Angiotensin-II Hypertension

Chronic hypertension (HTN) has deleterious cerebrovascular effects, leading to increased risk of stroke and dementia (AJP 304:H398, 2013). In a the sustained HTN induced by “slow-pressor” doses of ...
Rupture imaging of the Mw 7.9 12 May 2008 Wenchuan earthquake from back projection of teleseismic P waves

[1] The Mw 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake of 12 May 2008 was the most destructive Chinese earthquake since the 1976 Tangshan event. Tens of thousands of people were killed, hundreds of thousands were injured, and millions were left homeless. Here we infer the detailed rupture process of the Wenchuan earthquake by back-projecting teleseismic P energy from several arrays of seismometers. This technique has only recently become feasible and is potentially faster than traditional finite-fault inversion of teleseismic body waves; therefore, it may reduce the notification time to emergency response agencies. Using the IRIS DMC, we collected 255 vertical component broadband P waves at 30–95° from the epicenter. We found that at periods of 5 s and greater, nearly all of these P waves were coherent enough to be used in a global array. We applied a simple down-sampling heuristic to define a global subarray of 70 stations that reduced the asymmetry and sidelobes of the array response function (ARF). We also considered three regional subarrays of seismometers in Alaska, Australia, and Europe that had apertures less than 30° and P waves that were coherent to periods as short as 1 s. Individual ARFs for these subarrays were skewed toward the subarrays; however, the linear sum of the regional subarray beams at 1 s produced a symmetric ARF, similar to that of the groomed global subarray at 5 s. For both configurations we obtained the same rupture direction, rupture length, and rupture time. We found that the Wenchuan earthquake had three distinct pulses of high beam power at 0, 23, and 57 s after the origin time, with the pulse at 23 s being highest, and that it ruptured unilaterally to the northeast for about 300 km and 110 s, with an average speed of 2.8 km/s. It is possible that similar results can be determined for future large dip-slip earthquakes within 20–30 min of the origin time using relatively sparse global networks of seismometers such as those the USGS uses to locate earthquakes in near–real time.
Mechanism of erythromycin-induced ermC mRNA stability in Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract In Bacillus subtilis, the ermC gene encodes an mRNA that is unusually stable (40-min half-life) in the presence of erythromycin, an inducer of ermC gene expression. A requirement for this induced mRNA stability is a ribosome stalled in the ermC leader region. This property of ermC mRNA was used to study the decay of mRNA in B. subtilis. Using constructs in which the ribosome stall site was internal rather than at the 5' end of the message, we show that ribosome stalling provides stability to sequences downstream but not upstream of the ribosome stall site. Our results indicate that ermC mRNA is degraded by a ribonucleolytic activity that begins at the 5' end and degrades the message in a 5'-to-3' direction.