cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Territorial behavior among Western North American foragers: Allee effects, within group cooperation, and between group conflict

Abstract Ethnographic populations throughout Western North America relied on strategies and institutions to protect resources for exclusive use, though the degree of territorial defense varied significantly across the region. Attempts to explain this variation typically focus on the ecological contexts that promote economic defensibility, however, it is increasingly recognized that social dynamics also play a critical role because territoriality requires within group coordination or cooperation. Building on ideal distribution models, here we present a hypothesis for territorial defense that links ecological, economic, and social factors through Allee's principle: positive covariance between utility and the number of cohabiting individuals up to intermediate population densities. We predict that when foragers experience an Allee-like economy of scale, individual interests are more likely to align and facilitate within group cooperation and the exclusion of out-group competitors. We evaluate this model using data on 157 foraging populations from contact-era Western North America. The results support our predictions, showing that larger cooperative groups have greater levels of territorial behavior, specifically higher levels of resource ownership and intergroup violence. Thus, incorporating Allee's principles may help to explain how territorial behaviors can emerge, driven by the individual benefits gained from aggregation in ecological contexts where economic returns to scale make in-group cooperation and out-group exclusion worthwhile.
Evidence-Based Validation of Hemolysis Index Thresholds by Use of Retrospective Clinical Data.

Background: Semiquantitative hemolysis indices (HIs) are used by chemistry analyzers to measure sample integrity, but there is little standardization in HI reporting or validation of analyte-specific HI flagging. Additional methods of HI threshold validation are needed. Methods: We retrospectively queried serum and plasma potassium measurements, HIs, and contemporaneous whole blood potassium measurements. Serum and plasma values were compared to whole blood values drawn within 6 h (n = 6422 pairs), and discrepancies between values were compared across HIs. We also retrieved orders of potassium-lowering medications occurring shortly after release of potassium results from hemolyzed samples. Results: While nonhemolyzed samples showed high agreement, a significant percentage of released hemolyzed samples (36.1% of the most hemolyzed group) were discrepant by 1 mEq/L or more. In total, 15.5% of patients with an order from the hyperkalemia order set had the order after a hemolyzed value; the majority of those patients (42 of 46; 91.3%) received a potassium-lowering medication, most of whom did not have a redraw before drug administration. Conclusions: Retrospective review of discrepancies identified marked inconsistencies among higher HI samples and identified opportunities for improving the laboratory reporting policy, offering a clinical validation of the HI thresholds for potassium. Clinicians generally treated patients with hemolyzed samples, underscoring the importance of maintaining sample quality.
An Estimation of the Neutron Displacement Damage Cross Section for Ga 2 O 3

Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) has recently gained attention as an alternative power electronics semiconductor for aerospace applications. Irradiation damage studies are needed to characterize the radiation tolerance of this material. This paper presents coupled neutronics and primary knock-on atom transport simulations that have been performed to estimate the neutron displacement damage cross section for Ga2O3 as a function of neutron energy. This functional dependence will allow for improved comparisons between irradiation experiments of Ga2O3 using a variety of neutron fields. The methodology presented uses MCNP and transport of ions in matter to determine the displacement damage cross section, which has been calculated in a multigroup neutron energy structure. The calculational method was also validated against the ASTM standard damage cross section for silicon.
Editors’ introduction: On the promise and possibilities of arts integration in education

Arts integration has the capacity to transform education by nurturing students’ creativity and critical thinking. The current status of education in the United States (US) is stuck in a reductive, ...
Lacosamide efficacy and tolerability in clinical practice - Post marketing analysis from a single dedicated epilepsy center

Abstract Objectives Post marketing analysis of anti-epileptic drug (AED) efficacy and tolerability is of great value to the clinician since it is more representative of clinical practice than clinical trial data. We analyzed our experience with lacosamide (LCM) in patients treated after marketing. Patients and methods We identified all patients who were treated with LCM during the four year period after marketing, excluding patients who were in clinical trials. We recorded demographic data and analyzed efficacy and tolerability in patients who had at least one follow up visit or telephone call 3 months after the initiation of LCM. Results A total of 165 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 41 years. The majority of the cohort had focal epilepsy (146 patients) (88.4%). The mean duration of treatment was 31.2 months. Eighty one patients (49.1%) were continuing LCM at last follow up. Adverse effects (AEs) and discontinuation were significantly more common when LCM was added to one or more Na-channel blocking agents (NCB) (p = 0.0003 and 0.17). The 50% responder rate was 26% at 3 months and increased to 49% at 36 months. Patients were more likely to continue the drug and less likely to have AEs with slower titration over > 4 weeks (p = 0.02 for each). Four or more previously failed AEDs predicted poorer response rate compared to three or less AEDs (p = 0.001). Conclusion LCM use in clinical practice was associated with greater rate of seizure freedom than in clinical trials. Discontinuation and occurrence of AEs were significantly more likely with faster titration and adding LCM to NCB agents.
Can Good Principals Keep Teachers in Disadvantaged Schools? Linking Principal Effectiveness to Teacher Satisfaction and Turnover in Hard-to-Staff Environments:

BackgroundHigh rates of teacher turnover likely mean greater school instability, disruption of curricular cohesiveness, and a continual need to hire inexperienced teachers, who typically are less e...
Occidental Chemical Company at Lathrop, California, a Groundwater/Soil Contamination Problem and a Solution

Occidental Chemical Company operated a fertilizers and pesticides plant in the San Joaquin Valley of California. This plant began operations in 1953 and came into national prominence in 1977 following discovery that a substantial proportion of the pesticide workers were sterile, presumably from exposure to a nematocide, Dibromochloropropane (DBCP). The US Environmental Protection Agency and State of California investigated the Company’s operations and determined there had been adverse environmental effects. This resulted in a 1979 lawsuit and, on February 6, 1981, a consent decree was lodged with the Court which established a framework for necessary studies and remedies. These studies resulted in the excavation and disposal of considerable amounts of pesticide — contaminated soil. Cleaning up contaminated groundwater is being accomplished with a groundwater extraction system followed by an activated carbon treatment system, with subsequent injection of treated water into an underlying, unusable aquifer, 300–500 feet below grade. This system was installed in the summer of 1982 and, to date (August 1985), over 700 million gallons of contaminated groundwater have been successfully extracted and then treated and injected.
DYNAMICAL METEOROLOGY | Inertial Instability

This article is reproduced from the previous edition, volume 3, pp 1004–1013, © 2003, Elsevier Ltd.
Interleukin 6 Signaling Blockade Exacerbates Acute and Late Injury From Focal Intestinal Irradiation.

Purpose To evaluate the acute changes in leukocyte populations after focal irradiation and to assess the role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in acute and late radiation injury. Methods and Materials Mice were surgically implanted with a radiopaque marker on the surface of the small intestine. Mice were then imaged with cone beam computed tomography to locate the marker and irradiated with 18 Gy of 5 × 5 mm collimated x-rays onto the marked intestine using the Small Animal Radiation Research Platform. Intestinal sections and blood were harvested 1, 3.5, 7, and 14 days and 2 months postirradiation (post-IR) for histology and complete blood count, respectively. Immune cell populations were assessed by immunofluorescence in the acute phase. Collagen deposition was assessed 2 months post-IR. IL-6–/– intestinal sections were assessed post-IR for morphology, EdU, Ki67, and TUNEL in comparison to IL-6+/+ mice. Furthermore, a set of IL-6+/+ mice were treated with anti-IL-6R to assess the role of IL-6 in late intestinal injury. Results Intestinal radiation damage peaked 14 days post-IR, and fibrosis had developed by 60 days post-IR. There was a marked infiltration of immune cells into the irradiated intestine, with increased neutrophils, macrophages, B-cells, and CD4+ T cells maintained from 3.5 to 14 days post-IR. CD8+ T cells were decreased from days 7 to 14 post-IR. Systemically, leukocytes were increased in the peripheral blood 14 days post-IR with anemia being maintained from 14 days to 2 months. IL-6 was significantly increased in the serum post-IR. IL-6–/– mice demonstrated worsened intestinal injury acutely post-IR. Moreover, anti-IL-6R–treated mice presented with worsened intestinal fibrosis 2 months post-IR. Conclusions Focal irradiation of the intestine produced a significant increase in immune cells in the irradiated area and systemic inflammation and anemia. Blockade of IL-6 signaling was found to exacerbate acute intestinal injury and late intestinal injury after focal irradiation.
Kinetic Study of Degrafting Poly(methyl methacrylate) Brushes from Flat Substrates by Tetrabutylammonium Fluoride

Polymer degrafting is a process in which surface-attached polymer brushes are removed from the substrate by breaking a chemical bond in proximity to the substrate. This paper provides insight into ...
Complete Genome Sequence of Cluster C2 Bacillus Phage Maceta.

ABSTRACT Bacillus phage Maceta was isolated from the soil of commercially purchased annual flowers using the host Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki. Isolated DNA was then sequenced and annotated. Maceta has a relatively small genome, containing 45,023 bp, and shares an average nucleotide identity of 96% with other cluster C2 Bacillus phage.
Connecting setting and subculture: A qualitative examination of violent incidents related to gangs, race, and other personal issues from the incarcerated youth perspective

Abstract Violent behavior within correctional settings has been a prominent topic in criminological scholarship. Violence is common among gang members within correctional facilities and scholarship has found that violence also occurs due to race issues. Additional research shows that violent incidents in adult correctional settings may also stem from other personal issues. But there has been little research addressing the characteristics of violent incidents related to gangs, race and other personal issues within youth correctional facilities. The current project fills this research gap by utilizing interviews from over 260 incarcerated male youth, which include over 700 violent incident narratives. Qualitative thematic analyses are conducted on the relationship between the institutional setting and violence, and whether there is a distinct violent subculture. The results highlight similarities and differences in situational characteristics and dynamics of violent incidents motivated by gangs, race, and other personal issues. Implications for theory, policy, and programming, and directions for future research are discussed.
Body dissatisfaction and symptoms of bulimia nervosa prospectively predict suicide ideation in adolescents

Objective Symptoms of eating disorders have been established as significant concurrent correlates with suicide ideation and behaviors in adolescent samples, but very few studies have examined eating disorder symptoms as prospective risk factors for suicide. The current study examined eating disorder symptoms as prospective risk factors for suicide ideation in an unselected community sample of adolescents. Method Data were collected from 436 adolescents in middle and high school at baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Adolescents completed self-report measures assessing eating disorder symptoms and suicide ideation and behaviors at each time point during school hours. Results Regression analyses found that body dissatisfaction was a significant prospective predictor of suicide ideation severity at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups, symptoms of bulimia nervosa (binge-eating disorder and purging) predicted suicide ideation severity at the 12-month follow-up only, and symptoms of anorexia nervosa (drive for thinness and restricting) were not significant predictors of suicide ideation at either follow-up. Exploratory analyses found the same pattern of results for the sample of girls only, while no significant predictors were found for boys only. Discussion This is the first longitudinal study of disordered eating and suicide ideation in American adolescents. Symptoms of bulimia nervosa and body dissatisfaction seem to be true risk factors for suicidal ideation. The current study demonstrates the importance of disordered eating behaviors in the development of suicidal ideation in adolescents, particularly for adolescent girls.
Probability-based 3D k-space sorting for motion robust 4D-MRI.

Background: Current 4D-MRI techniques are prone to breathing-variation-induced motion artifacts. This study developed a novel method for motion-robust multi-cycle 4D-MRI using probability-based multi-cycle sorting to overcome this deficiency. Methods: The main cycles were first extracted from the breathing signal. 3D k-space data were then sorted using a result-driven method for each main cycle. The new method was tested on a 4D-extended cardiac-torso (XCAT) phantom with a patient and an artificially generated breathing curve. For comparison, the k-space data were sorted using conventional phase sorting to generate single-cycle 4D-MRI images. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of tumor and liver, tumor volume consistency, and average intensity projection (AIP) accuracy were compared between the two methods. The original phantom images were used as references for the evaluation. Results: The new method showed improved tumor-to-liver SNR and tumor volume consistency as compared to 3D k-space phase sorting in both the simulated artificial and real patient breathing signals. For the artificial breathing cycles, the average tumor-to-liver SNR and standard deviation (SD) of tumor volume were 2.53 and 3.80% for cycle 1, 2.24 and 6.16% for cycle 2 of probability-based sorting as compared to 1.47 and 21.83% obtained using the phase sorting method; for the patient breathing curve, values of 1.99 and 2.71%, 1.97 and 3.29%, 1.88 and 4.16% were observed for cycle 1, cycle 2 and cycle 3 of probability-based sorting, versus 1.44 and 7.20% for phase sorting method. Furthermore, the AIP accuracy was improved in the probability-based sorting approach when compared to phase sorting, with the average intensity difference per voxel reduced from 0.39 to 0.15 for the artificial curve, and from 0.46 to 0.21 for the patient curve. Conclusions: We demonstrated the feasibility of probability-based 3D k-space sorting for motion-robust multi-cycle 4D-MRI reconstruction with breathing variation induced motion artifact reduction compared with conventional 2D image sorting and 3D phase sorting methods. This new technique can potentially improve the accuracy of radiation treatment guidance for mobile targets.
Transanaler rektaler Verschiebelappen (rectal advancement flap) versus mukosaflap mit internusnaht im management komplizierter fisteln des anorektums Eine prospektive klinische und manometrische studie

Bei 55 Patienten mit komplizierten Analfisteln (41 transsphinktere, 5 suprasphinktere, 9 rektovaginale Fisteln) wurde eine prospektive Studie zur Bewertung von 2 sphinktererhaltenden Techniken mit primarem Verschluβ des inneren Fistelostiums and anschlieβender Deckung durch einen endorektalen Verschiebelappen (Gruppe A, n=34) oder Mukosalappen (Gruppe B, n=21) durchgefuhrt. Zehn Patienten hatten M. Crohn. Beide Techniken bestehen aus einer einzeitigen Fistulektomie ohne Drainage des Intersphinkterraumes. Das entzundlich veranderte Procdodealdrusen- und Granulationsgewebe wurde vorsichtig mit dem scharfen Loffel entfernt. Der Ort der frueren Primaroffnung der Fistel wurde mit zwei bzw. drei peranal angelegten Einzelknopfnahten verschlossen. Die peranal gelegte Naht umfaβte die Schichten des M. spincter ani internus. Ein mobilisierter Rektumwandlappen (Gruppe A) oder ein Mukosa-Submukosalappen (Gruppe B), in einer Groβe von ca. 4×3 cm wurde versetzt und uber den muskularen Verschluβ gedeckt. Der perianale Teil der Wunde heilte sekundar. Postoperativ trat bei 16 Fallen eitle Nahtinsuffizienz auf (23,5% in Gruppe A, 38% in Gruppe B). Neunzehn Patienten (26% gegenuber 47% in beiden Gruppen) erforderten eine erneute Operation aufgrund von wiederkehrenden Fisteln oder Nahtinsuffizienzen. Zwei Patienten (3,6%) entwickelten eine Inkontinenz in Hinblick auf intermittierendes Stuhlschmieren. Eine vollige Storung der Kontinenz wurde in keinem Fall beobachtet. Ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen beiden Gruppen war weder in klinischen noch in den funktionellen Ergebnissen zu ermitteln.
Geochemical heterogeneity of sublacustrine hydrothermal vents in Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming

Abstract ROV-based submersible operations in Yellowstone Lake (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA) have identified two locations with chemically and mineralogically distinct sublacustrine hydrothermal fluids and deposits: The Deep Hole east of Stevenson Island (SI Deep Hole) and the SE West Thumb Deep Vent field (SE WT Field). The SI Deep Hole is the deepest part of Yellowstone Lake (120 m), and hosts up to 174 °C fluids heated by steam that condenses on contact with cold lake water. The resulting hot fluids exit through a clay alteration cap that largely consists of kaolinite. The SI Deep Hole hydrothermal vents are analogous to steam-heated hot springs elsewhere in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) (e.g. the Mud Volcano area), which are typified by fumaroles and acid-sulfate fluids. These deep sublacustrine vent fluids are more aptly termed “carbonic-acid-sulfide”, owing to a lack substantial sulfate from H2S oxidation and acidity attributed to dissolved CO2. At 53 m depth, vent fluids at the SE WT Field achieve temperatures of up to 141 °C. These neutral-chloride fluids are largely similar to those that produce siliceous deposits in many subaerial YNP geyser basins. Geothermometry calculations and binary mixing relationships indicate the SE WT Field fluids equilibrated at 207 to 224 °C following mixing between oxygenated dilute cold groundwater and a fluid with T = 345 to 364 °C, Cl = 400 ppm, and δD = −149 ‰ (VSMOW); broadly similar to the putative deep parent fluid that supplies most geyser basins in YNP. The δD values of SE WT Field fluids cannot be derived from lake water, implying km-scale lateral hydrothermal fluid flow from outside the boundary of Yellowstone Lake. The fluid compositions and hydrothermal processes operating in the two sublacustrine vent systems are distinct but the overarching influence of magmatic heating, complex degassing, and alteration mineralization effects are broadly comparable to those that affect their subaerial counterparts. The high temperatures and hydrostatic pressures of the sublacustrine vents, however, provide a window into the evolution of fluid chemistry in more deeply seated and less accessible regions of the subsurface YNP and similar volcanically active hydrothermal systems elsewhere.
Melatonin as the Possible Link Between Age-Related Retinal Regeneration and the Disrupted Circadian Rhythm in Elderly

The association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and biological rhythms has been insufficiently studied; however there are several reasons to believe that impairment in circadian rhythm may affect incidence and pathogenesis of AMD. The current understanding of AMD pathology is based on age-related, cumulative oxidative damage to the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) partially due to impaired clearance of phagocytosed photoreceptor outer segments. In higher vertebrates, phagocytosis of the outer segments is synchronized by circadian rhythms and occurs shortly after dawn, followed by lysosomal-mediated clearance. Aging has been shown to be associated with the changes in circadian rhythmicity of melatonin production, which can be a major factor contributing to the impaired balance between phagocytosis and clearance and increased levels of reactive oxygen species resulting in degenerative changes in the retina. This minireview summarizes studies linking AMD with melatonin production and discusses challenges and perspectives of this area of research.
Salamanders and other amphibians are aglow with biofluorescence

Biofluorescence is the absorption of electromagnetic radiation (light) at one wavelength followed by its reemission at a lower energy and longer wavelength by a living organism. Previous studies have documented the widespread presence of biofluorescence in some animals, including cnidarians, arthropods, and cartilaginous and ray-finned fishes. Many studies on biofluorescence have focused on marine animals (cnidarians, cartilaginous and ray-finned fishes) but we know comparatively little about the presence of biofluorescence in tetrapods. We show for the first time that biofluorescence is widespread across Amphibia, with a focus on salamanders (Caudata), which are a diverse group with a primarily Holarctic distribution. We find that biofluorescence is not restricted to any particular family of salamanders, there is striking variation in their fluorescent patterning, and the primary wavelengths emitted in response to blue excitation light are within the spectrum of green light. Widespread biofluorescence across the amphibian radiation is a previously undocumented phenomenon that could have significant ramifications for the ecology and evolution of these diverse and declining vertebrates. Our results provide a roadmap for future studies on the characterization of molecular mechanisms of biofluorescence in amphibians, as well as directions for investigations into the potential impact of biofluorescence on the visual ecology and behavior of biofluorescent amphibians.
Inflammation and Trauma-Related Psychopathology in Syrian and Iraqi Refugees

Refugees experience high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression due to exposure to civilian war trauma and forced migration. Inflammatory products may offer viable biological indicators of trauma-related psychopathology in this cohort, promoting rapid and objective assessment of psychopathology. Incoming Syrian and Iraqi refugees (n = 36) ages 18-65 completed self-report measures of PTSD, anxiety, and depression and provided saliva samples during an assessment at a primary care clinic within the first month of resettlement in the United States. Interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and C-reactive protein (CRP) differentially correlated with symptom severity by domain, and there was a non-significant trend for sex moderating the relation between inflammation and PTSD symptoms. Our findings show unique relations between trauma-related psychopathology and inflammation. There is a need for further research in diverse ethnic cohorts with differential trauma exposures for inflammation to be considered a biological indicator of psychopathology.
Determination of plasma-chlortetracycline (CTC) concentrations in grazing beef cattle fed one of four FDA approved free-choice CTC-medicated minerals.

Control of active bovine anaplasmosis in the United States is predicated on the use of chlortetracycline (CTC)-medicated feed throughout the vector season. However, data describing population pharmacokinetics of chlortetracycline in cows, on pasture, having free-choice access to CTC-medicated mineral for consecutive months is lacking. This study documented plasma-CTC concentrations in grazing cows during peak vector season in an anaplasmosis endemic herd. Each pasture was administered one of the four Food and Drug Administration approved CTC-medicated mineral formulations and were assigned as follows: 0.77 g/kg, Aureo Anaplaz C700 Pressed (Sweetlix Livestock Supplements, Mankato, MN); 5.5 g/kg, Purina Anaplasmosis Block (Purina Animal Nutrition, Gray Summit, MO); 6.6 g/kg, Stockmaster Aureo FC C6000 Mineral (Hubbard Feeds, Mankato, MN); 8.8 g/kg, MoorMan's Special Range Minerals AU 168XFE (ADM Animal Nutrition, Quincy, IL). Blood samples were collected monthly for determining plasma drug concentration by Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and mass spectrometry. Continued plasma-CTC monitoring allowed for characterization of trends between treatment groups (pastures), age groups ( 4 yr), and sampling times (June to October). Results indicate formulation (pasture) and time were significant factors affecting concentrations of CTC in plasma. Cows exposed to 5.5 g/kg block formulation recorded higher CTC plasma concentrations compared with other pasture groups (P = 0.037). Plasma-CTC concentrations increased over time (month of measurement; P = 0.0005). Specifically, concentrations measured after 5 months of continuous CTC treatment were higher than those measured in earlier months.
Barriers and Facilitators Faced by Athletic Trainers Implementing National Athletic Trainers' Association Inter-Association Task Force Preseason Heat-Acclimatization Guidelines in US High School Football Players.

Context The National Athletic Trainers' Association Inter-Association Task Force (NATA-IATF) preseason heat acclimatization guidelines aim to acclimatize high school athletes to the environment during the first two weeks of the preseason and reduce risk of exertional heat illness. Objective Identify barriers and facilitators that high school athletic trainers encountered when implementing NATA-IATF guidelines. Design This qualitative investigation included a consensual qualitative research tradition/framework based in phenomenology and grounded theory. Setting Individual phone interviews with all participants. Patients or other participants 33 athletic trainers (16 males, 17 females; age=36.0±12.0 years; athletic training experience=12.9±10.5 years) representing 19 states (4 with state mandate) were interviewed, achieving saturation. Participants were purposefully sampled from a larger investigation based on stratification of US Census region and pre-identified high school compliance with NATA-IATF guidelines. Interventions A cross-sectional semi-structured phone interview (6 steps) was conducted with each participant and then transcribed verbatim. Main outcome measures A 7-person research team (5 coders, 2 auditors) coded the data into themes and categories focusing on consensus of data placement to reduce bias and ensure accuracy. Results This manuscript focused on facilitators and barriers (theme) that influence successful guideline implementation. Categories included: 1) perceived stakeholder access, 2) perceived stakeholder role, 3) capability and capacity, 4) school culture, 5) logistical support, 6) resources, 7) physical environment, and 8) consistency of guidelines. Overall, participants discussed facilitators and barriers within each category dependent on their experiences and circumstance. Conclusions Athletic trainers face numerous issues when addressing compliance with NATA-IATF guidelines. Multiple levels of influence should be targeted to improve implementation. These factors include: intrapersonal, through giving athletic trainers the education and self-efficacy to support advocacy of implementation; interpersonal, through establishing strong collaborative networks for change; community/environmental, through optimizing school culture and community resources for implementation; and policy through establishing consistent guidelines across all bodies.
Short-term perinatal oxygen exposure may impair lung development in adult mice

Hyperoxia at resuscitation increases oxidative stress, and even brief exposure to high oxygen concentrations during stabilization may trigger organ injury with adverse long-term outcomes in premature infants. We studied the long-term effects of short-term perinatal oxygen exposure on cell cycle gene expression and lung growth in adult mice. We randomized mice litters at birth to 21, 40, or 100%O2 for 30 min and recovered in room air for 4 or 12 weeks. Cell cycle gene expression, protein analysis, and lung morphometry were assessed at 4 and 12 weeks. The principal component analysis demonstrated a high degree of correlation for cell cycle gene expression among the three oxygen groups. Lung elastin was significantly lower in the 100%O2 groups at 4 weeks. On lung morphometry, radial alveolar count, alveolar number, and septal count were similar. However, the mean linear intercept (MLI) and septal length significantly correlated among the oxygen groups. The MLI was markedly higher in the 100%O2 groups at 4 and 12 weeks of age, and the septal length was significantly lower in the 100%O2 groups at 12 weeks. Short-term exposure to high oxygen concentrations lead to subtle changes in lung development that may affect alveolarization. The changes are related explicitly to secondary crest formation that may result in alteration in lung elastin. Resuscitation with high oxygen concentrations may have a significant impact on lung development and long-term outcomes such as BPD in premature infants.
Patient Perceptions of Treatment Benefit and Toxicity in Advanced Cancer: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE:Prior studies show that many patients receiving palliative cancer therapies misperceive likelihood of cure. Patients’ understanding of treatment benefits and risks beyond cure is unknown. W...
Treating MS After 50: the Role of Age in Therapeutic Decision-Making

This review presents the latest evidence available regarding treating patients with MS over age 50. This includes what is known about disease-modifying therapies, symptomatic interventions, and comorbid conditions that influence disease management in older patients. There is limited clinical trial data for patients over age 50. Recent meta-analyses of clinical trials of immunomodulatory therapies indicate there is minimal efficacy after age 50 on disability progression. Additionally, immunosenescent changes increase risks of adverse effects in older adults. Advances in understanding disease progression offer new treatment targets. Fortunately, emerging therapies on progression and repair have included older patients and will hopefully lead to neurodegenerative therapies and allow tailored treatments based on age. While data is limited to support the use of immunomodulatory therapies in older patients, treatment decisions should be made on an individual basis based on disease activity, patient-specific factors, and patient preference. It is also important to focus on symptoms and comorbidities that affect quality of life.
Coronary artery anomalies.

### Learning objectives While coronary artery anomalies (CAAs) are relatively rare overall, they are one of the most common types of congenital heart disease.1 2 Multiple classification schemes have been proposed, typically taking into account abnormalities of vessel origin, course, number and ventricular myocardium supply.3 4 These anomalies can occur in otherwise structurally normal hearts or associated with other types of congenital heart disease. While many CAAs are not associated with untoward outcomes, some may have a more concerning clinical course resulting in presentation with sudden cardiac death (SCD).5 6 Unfortunately, this dramatic presentation may be the first presenting symptom, though patients may have had prior symptoms that were not linked to the underlying potentially fatal diagnosis.5 This review will focus on the evaluation and management of CAA among adolescents and young adults with otherwise structurally normal hearts, primarily focusing on anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) at or above the opposite sinus of Valsalva, the second leading cause of SCD in the young.6 AAOCA may involve the right coronary artery (AAORCA) originating from the left (opposite anterior) sinus of Valsalva, the left coronary originating from the right (opposite anterior) sinus of Valsalva (AAOLCA), or, more rarely, the origin of a coronary artery from or near the ‘non-coronary’ (posterior) sinus.7 They are typically also categorised into the following groups based on their course: interarterial, subpulmonic (also called intraseptal or intraconal), pre-pulmonic, retroaortic and retrocardiac (figure 1). Based on this anatomical definition, lesions have historically been classified as normal variants without increased risk of mortality (typically including those variants without an …
The System M/G/1; Priority Systems

This chapter is concerned with single server systems with Poisson arrivals. In Sections 7.2-7.6 we investigate the system where the service times have a general distribution and the queue discipline is first come, first served (M/G/1). The special cases of exponential and Erlangian service times were studied in Chapters 2-4, where the queue length process was analyzed first, and the waiting time distribution was then derived in terms of the queue length. In the general case we reverse this procedure, because it turns out that the waiting time process is Markovian, while the queue length process is not.
Using Option Grids: steps toward shared decision-making for neonatal circumcision

Abstract Objectives To assess the impact, acceptability and feasibility of a short encounter tool designed to enhance the process of shared decision-making and parental engagement. Methods We analyzed video-recordings of clinical encounters, half undertaken before and half after a brief intervention that trained four clinicians how to use Option Grids, using an observer-based measure of shared decision-making. We also analyzed semi-structured interviews conducted with the clinicians four weeks after their exposure to the intervention. Results Observer OPTION 5 scores were higher at post-intervention, with a mean of 33.9 (SD=23.5) compared to a mean of 16.1 (SD=7.1) for pre-intervention, a significant difference of 17.8 (95% CI: 2.4, 33.2). Prior to using the intervention, clinicians used a consent document to frame circumcision as a default practice. Encounters with the Option Grid conferred agency to both parents and clinicians, and facilitated shared decision-making. Clinician reported recognizing the tool's positive effect on their communication process. Conclusions Tools such as Option Grids have the potential to make it easier for clinicians to achieve shared decision-making. Practice Implications Encounter tools have the potential to change practice. More research is needed to test their feasibility in routine practice.
MIMO and bistatic architectures for along track interferometry

Along track interferometry is predicated on using multiple two-way phase centers to form images from the same spatial aperture at different times. A simple, conventional approach uses subarrays on receive to achieve the multiple two-way phase centers. This corresponds to a single-input, multiple-output (SIMO) architecture. We can, however, take advantage of subarrays on transmit in a multiple-input, single-output (MISO) or multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) architecture. Moreover, we can envision the use of multiple, physically separated arrays in various bistatic configurations. This paper analyzes these architectures and configurations to show their differences, advantages, disadvantages, and limitations.
New Directions for Educational Technology

I see three important areas of research for the future development of educational technology: instructional strategy prescriptions, tools to help designers, and applications (contexts). The purpose of this chapter is to identify specific new directions, within each of these three areas, that I think are most important for future research. However, before discussing these new directions for educational technology, I would like to briefly comment on some concerns I have regarding many of the chapters in this volume.
Photoreceptor Structure and Development: Analyses Using GFP Transgenes

In recent years, studies of zebrafish rod and cone photoreceptors have yielded novel insights into the differentiation of distinct photoreceptor cell types and the mechanisms guiding photoreceptor regeneration following cell death, and they have provided models of human retinal degeneration. These studies were facilitated by the use of transgenic zebrafish expressing fluorescent reporter genes under the control of various cell-specific promoters. Improvements in transgenesis techniques (e.g., Tol2 transposition), the availability of numerous fluorescent reporter genes with different localization properties, and the ability to generate transgenes via recombineering (e.g., Gateway technology) have enabled researchers to quickly develop transgenic lines that improve our understanding of the causes of human blindness and ways to mitigate its effects.
Vibration Frequencies of Continuous Beams

A method is developed for finding the natural frequencies of vibration of a continuous beam from a knowledge of the natural frequencies and natural modes of the beam supported at the ends in the same manner as the continuous beam but not subjected to any of the constraints between the ends. The method is easily applied and can be carried out to any desired degree of approximation for any number of modes of vibration in a quick and simple manner. Calculations are given for two cases, the second of which is related to the problem of the braced cantilever wing.
CD1d Ligands: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The MHC class I-like CD1d glycoprotein is a member of the CD1 family of Ag-presenting molecules and is responsible for the selection of NKT cells. A number of ligands that can be presented by CD1d to NKT or other CD1d-restricted T cells have been identified. These include glycolipids from a marine sponge, bacterial glycolipids, normal endogenous glycolipids, tumor-derived phospholipids and glycolipids, and nonlipidic molecules. The presentation of many of these molecules can have immunopotentiating effects, such as serving as an adjuvant against malaria or resulting in a more rapid clearance of certain virus infections. They can also be protective in autoimmune diseases or cancer or can be deleterious. This review will highlight these ligands in a discussion of their potential use against (and role in the pathogenesis of) these diseases.
Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosed From Right Heart Changes Seen After Exercise Stress Echocardiography.

A 47-year-old black woman with no prior medical problems presented to the emergency department after a syncopal event associated with palpitations while walking. The patient noticed new onset of palpitations while walking that lasted about an hour. She subsequently had a syncopal episode. She denied dizziness, lightheadedness, dehydration, or seizure-like activity. Medications included antihistamines and oral contraceptives. On admission she was afebrile, heart rate 84 bpm, blood pressure 121/73 mm Hg, respiratory rate 18 breaths per minute, and her oxygen saturation was 97% on room air. The physical examination was normal except for a small (1 cm) head laceration. A noncontrast computed tomography of the head was negative for any acute intracranial findings. The chest radiograph showed no acute cardiopulmonary disease. The electrocardiogram showed normal sinus rhythm at a ventricular rate of 69 bpm, no evidence of ST segment changes, and an isolated T wave inversion in V2 (Figure 1). Figure 1. Admission 12-lead ECG showing normal sinus rhythm and no suspicious findings. She was admitted with high suspicion for cardiac syncope given her symptoms of palpitations before the event. Myocardial infarction was ruled out. A pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was normal and thyroid-stimulating hormone test was normal. A D-dimer level was not checked. Telemetry was only significant for episodes of sinus tachycardia. A resting transthoracic echocardiogram was technically difficult but showed normal left ventricular (LV) size and function, ejection fraction 50%, and grossly normal right ventricular (RV) size and function (Figure 2; Movies I and II in the Data Supplement). There was not enough tricuspid regurgitation on the resting …
Gas Chromatography in Diagnostic Biochemistry of Abnormal Valine Metabolism

Amino acids in biological fluids can be rapidly and accurately quantitated by gas chromatography. Modification of existing gas-chromatographic techniques allow as little as 25 µl of biological fluids to be analyzed, compatible with sample sizes easily obtained in pediatric studies. Simplified diagnostic biochemical evaluation of a suspected aminoaciduria can be begun at birth, or shortly after. Normal amino acid patterns are compared with those found in a patient with abnormal amino acid concentrations. Gas chromatographic evidence is presented as a diagnostic aid in the evaluation of a patient with abnormal valine metabolism.
Uncovering Use-After-Free Conditions in Compiled Code

Use-after-free conditions occur when an execution path of a process accesses an incorrectly deal located object. Such access is problematic because it may potentially allow for the execution of arbitrary code by an adversary. However, while increasingly common, such flaws are rarely detected by compilers in even the most obvious instances. In this paper, we design and implement a static analysis method for the detection of use-after-free conditions in binary code. Our new analysis is similar to available expression analysis and traverses all code paths to ensure that every object is defined before each use. Failure to achieve this property indicates that an object is improperly freed and potentially vulnerable to compromise. After discussing the details of our algorithm, we implement a tool and run it against a set of enterprise-grade, publicly available binaries. We show that our tool can not only catch textbook and recently released in-situ examples of this flaw, but that it has also identified 127 additional use-after-free conditions in a search of 652 compiled binaries in the Windows system32 directory. In so doing, we demonstrate not only the power of this approach in combating this increasingly common vulnerability, but also the ability to identify such problems in software for which the source code is not necessarily publicly available.
The Bureaucratic Model in University Budgeting: An Alternative Explanation to Power

Budgeting research often investigates the degree to which budgeting decisions are based upon rational, bureaucratic models. Because measures of instructional workload are indicative of the bureaucratic model in university budgeting, this paper examines: (1) the relationship between instructional workload and the budgeting of personnel positions and (2) how this relationship changes as personnel positions become more scarce. The longitudinal data gathered in this research suggest a direct relationship between the bureaucratic model and personnel allocations. In addition, the tendency to use the bureaucratic model increases as personnel positions become more scarce, a finding that differs from the results reported in the studies of dollar budgeting. The results of previous studies are integrated with the data reported here and implications of using the bureaucratic model in university budgeting are discussed.
Nuclear nightmares in the Philippines

The construction of the Philippine's first nuclear power plant by Westinghouse has come to symbolize the corruption and cronyism of the Marcos' years. The plant has created so much controversy that it has yet to operate, in a country that desperately needs electrical power. The entire affair suggests that American multinationals cannot simply adopt the business practices of the host country, but instead must carefully analyze the political and business environments of their foreign based operations, and then take into account the long-term ethical implications of their decisions. The case also suggests that government needs to play a more active role in regulating multinationals, especially when sophisticated and potentially dangerous technologies are involved.
Basal forebrain in the context of schizophrenia

Abstract The human basal forebrain has been notoriously difficult to analyze, and it was only in the last part of the twentieth Century that its various components came into sharper focus. It has now been demonstrated that the main parts of what was previously referred to as the `substantia innominata' (a neurological equivalent of the geographer's `terra incognita') belong to nearby and better defined anatomical systems. These include the ventral aspects of the basal ganglia, i.e. the ventral striatopallidal system , extensions of the centromedial amygdala that links it via subpallidal cell columns to the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, i.e. the extended amygdala , and a more or less continuous collection of aggregated and non-aggregated, predominantly large, hyperchromatic projections neurons referred to as the basal nucleus of Meynert . Following a pictorial survey of the basal forebrain, the anatomy of these three systems are described with special emphasize on clinically relevant details. Sections devoted to clinical-anatomical correlations emphasize the potential significance of the basal forebrain in the context of schizophrenia. The functional-pathological importance of the cortico–subcortical re-entrant circuits through the ventral striatopallidal system is well recognized in the field of neuropsychiatry. Less appreciated is the fact that both the ventral striatum and the extended amygdala contain prominent collections of islands with small neurons, which have collectively been referred to as `interface islands'. The abundance of neuroactive substances in the interface islands, and the potential for significant postnatal development of the neurons in these islands make them especially intriguing in the context of the developmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. The basal nucleus of Meynert is also of special interest. Involvement of the basal nucleus of Meynert and its related circuits may well be one of the main reasons for attentional dysfunction and cognitive symptoms in this complex disorder. Finally, we emphasize that changes in the neuronal circuits related to the ventral striatopallidal system, extended amygdala and basal nucleus of Meynert in all likelihood provide the anatomical substrate through which pathologic activities in the medial temporal lobe and prefrontal–orbitofrontal structures are translated into disruption of a number of functions ranging from motor activities and basic drives, to personality changes involving stress, mood and higher cognitive functions.
High strain and low mechanical quality factor piezoelectric Pb[(Sc1/2Nb1/2)0,575Ti0.425]O3 ceramics

Piezoelectric properties of niobium doped Pb(ScNb)1/2O3:PbTiO3 [PSN:PT] ceramics near the morphotropic phase boundary are investigated. The piezoelectric coupling factors kp≈82%, k31≈48%, k33≈77%, and kt≈57% are measured. In good samples, values of remanent polarization of 40.81 μC/cm2 and the mechanical quality factor, Qm, less than 10 show the potential of the material for designing high sensitivity and wide bandwidth sensors and transducers.