cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ichnofossil tiering analysis of a rhythmically bedded chalk-marl sequence in the Upper Cretaceous of Alabama

Ichnofossils are typically well expressed at bed transitions within rhythmically bedded marine sequences. This is because most discrete biogenic structures therein are actively or passively filled with sediment derived wholly or partly from overlying layers; hence they contrast sharply with ambient sediments. These bed transitions, or ‘piped zones’, provide the opportunity to assess the nature of infaunal tiering using two different approaches: (1) cross-cutting relationships among recurring ichnotaxa; and (2) apparent maximum penetration depths of piped-zone ichnofossils below their intervals of origination (primary strata). Both approaches were applied to piped zones at chalk-marl and marl-chalk transitions within the rhythmically bedded Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) Demopolis Chalk of western Alabama. Quantitative analysis of cross-cutting relationships indicates the existence of a deep Chondrites tier, a shallow Thalassinoides tier, and a diverse intermediate tier characterized by Anconichnus, Planolites, Taenidium, Teichichnus, and Zoophycos. Analyses of penetration depths similarly document the presence of a deep Chondrites tier but indicate that the Thalassinoides producer occupied the same tier as the tracemakers of the remaining five ichnotaxa. The latter approach, which should be broadly applicable to heterolithic sequences of various sorts, appears to yield a more accurate picture of tiering because it provides a more direct reading of the depths of activity of tracemakers within a substrate, and because results are less likely to be influenced by behavioral factors (e.g., phobotaxis and preferential sediment exploitation) or other parameters (e.g., burrow size differences) that can impact cross-cutting relationships. Results of both approaches indicate that the tiering structure in pelagic carbonate substrates may not be as organized or complex as indicated by previous qualitative analyses of cross-cutting relationships in analogous chalk sequences.
Lymphocyte-activating and growth-inhibitory activities for several sources of native and recombinant interleukin 1.

Abstract Several native and recombinant forms of human interleukin-1 (IL-1) and recombinant murine IL-1 were assayed for their ability to inhibit the growth of cell lines established from malignant and nonmalignant human sources. The amount of growth-inhibitory activity was compared to the units of half-maximal [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation in mouse thymocyte cultures exposed to IL-1. Three malignant human mammary cell lines (MCF-7, T47D, and MDA-MB-415) were growth inhibited in the presence of both native and the α and β forms of recombinant human IL-1. MDA-MB-415 was most sensitive. Although most sources of IL-1 showed good correlation between units of activity and percentage of growth inhibition, native IL-1 from Genzyme Corporation induced a cytotoxic effect. Murine IL-1 was less growth inhibitory than the human forms of the monokine. Human embryonic lung (HEL), adult fibroblast (CRL 1445), and transformed milk (HBL-100) lines were not growth inhibited when tested against any IL-1 source. A lung carcinoma (CALU-1) and a colon carcinoma (SW-48) were not inhibited by either the α or β forms of human recombinant IL-1.
Echocardiographic manifestations of flail aortic valve leaflets.

Six patients with aortic regurgitation secondary to flail aortic valve leaflet syndrome were studied echocardiographically, angiographically, surgically, and pathologically. The etiol ogy of flail aortic leaflet was myxomatous degeneration in four patients and bacterial endocarditis in two. The echocardiographic manifestations of flail aortic valve leaflet are diastolic fluttering of the aortic cusp echoes, abnormal systolic aortic leaflet movement, and abnormal diastolic fluttering echoes in the left ventricular outflow tract. Diastolic fluttering of the aortic valve leaflets is specific echocardiographic evidence of aortic regurgitation due to flail aortic leaflets, and demonstration of diastolic fluttering of the aortic leaflets and diastolic fluttering echoes in the left ventricular outflow tract is direct evidence of flail and prolapsed aortic leaflets.
Real Deposit Insurance Coverage: An International Study

Recently several countries have implemented explicit deposit insurance systems. In most countries the adoption of an explicit deposit insurance system followed a banking crisis. This paper examines the impact of demographic, social, and political factors on the presence of an explicit deposit insurance system in a country. Moreover, for a subset of countries with explicit deposit insurance system we try to identify demographic, political, economic, and financial factors that affect the level of deposit insurance coverage. The findings suggest that life expectancy and political rights are related to whether an explicit deposit insurance system is in place or not. For countries with explicit deposit insurance systems the level of income, the importance of the banking sector within the financial system, and the development of domestic banking sector have a significant impact on the level of deposit insurance coverage level. The level of income, deposit money bank assets to GDP ratio, bank overhead costs to total assets ratio, presence of co-insurance, and type of administration are statistically significant in explaining differences in the level of coverage among countries.
Case Report. Small bowel herniation following laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: A difficult differential diagnosis

SummaryA small bowel obstruction, thought to be secondary to prior surgery, revealed itself to be an incarcerated umbilical hernia requiring bowel resection.
Gene-Environment Interplay and Substance Use: A Review of Recent Findings

Substance use problems are chronic and common public health problems. We review recent studies that implicate genetic and environmental factors in their etiology. Although findings are mixed with respect to specific genotypes, some patterns are evident. For example, exposure to peers or parents who engage in high rates of substance use tends to exacerbate genetic diatheses or eliminate the protective effects of certain genotypes. We discuss reasons for mixed findings and highlight the need for translational research to advance understanding of gene function as well as new methods for using genome-wide data in biologically relevant pathways.
Optimum Prestressed Tubular Columns

The concept of prestressing is used to eliminate local buckling in tubular columns. When the prestress is introduced by a pressurized gas, the lightest columns yet proposed for low structural indices are obtained. The weight of such members is found to be proportional to their load and length, and independent of the modulus of elasticity. The former property makes it possible, for the first time, to design realistic Michell structures. A second method of prestressing utilizes the centrifugal forces developed by circulating fluids. First order considerations indicate that the fluid columns approach zero weight as the fluid speed becomes unbounded.
Surface Moisture and Osmotic Stress as Factors That Affect the Sanitizing of Beef Tissue Surfaces

The use of osmotic stress or desiccation in combination with 2% acetic acid reduced the numbers of Salmonella typhimurium or Listeria monocytogenes on beef tissue to a greater degree than the acid alone. Bacteria were osmotically stressed by NaCl, CaCl2, or sucrose solutions. Pre-washing with 20% NaCl followed by sanitizing with acetic acid reduced the numbers of S. typhimurium an additional 1.5-to 2-log cycles compared with acetic acid alone. Similar reductions were seen by allowing the tissue surfaces to dry before the application of the acid. Desiccation in combination with acetic acid was also effective in reducing the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae on inoculated beef carcasses.
Story Immersion in a Gesture-Based Audio-Only Game

We report on the results of a study on immersion in an audio-only game with touch-less gesture interaction. A structured design approach to audio feedback that considers the story-context leads to different design approaches: explicit instructions on the one hand and diegetic environmental feedback on the other. Further, we distinguish audio feedback before, during, and after gestures as part of the approach. Two corresponding versions of a gesture-based audio-only story have been implemented and evaluated regarding immersion using a questionnaire study. The findings indicate that replacing explicit audio instructions for hand positions and movements with responsive audio feedback for suggesting interaction methods using environmental story-related audio cues leads to measurably higher story immersion.
The Effects of Low Energy Ion-Beam Milling on the Physical and Electrical Properties of N-GaAs.

Low energy neutral Ar ion-beam etching of n-GaAs was investigated as a possible “cleaning” procedure prior to contact metallization. The ion-beam source energy was varied between 35 eV and 1200 eV at a fixed current density of 1 mA/cm 2 . The effects of ion-milling on lightly doped n-GaAs were analyzed electrically by measuring current-voltage (IV) and capacitance-voltage (CV) characteristics of Schottky barriers formed after the ion-milling. The metal semiconductor barriers were prepared immediately following ion-milling without breaking vacuum. Photoluminescence and Rutherford Backscattering (RBS) were used to determine if any physical modification of the surface and near surface region of the ion-milled substrates had occurred.
The Efficacy of 1-Methyl-2-Carbamoyloxymethyl-5-Nitroimidazole against Arizona Paracolon 7: 1,7,8 Infection in Experimental Poults

Abstract 1-Methyl-2-carbamoyloxymethyl-5-nitroimidazole. ** has been reported by Peterson (1967 ,1968) and Whitmore et al. (1967, 1968) to be a compound of unusual potency against histomoniasis in experimental turkeys. In the trials conducted by the author, there appeared to be clinical benefit conferred in some treated groups in addition to the control of histomoniasis. Some of these birds became blind in one eye, and Arizona Paracolon 7: 1,7,8 was recovered from intraocular fluids. Trials were subsequently set up to test the efficacy of Ronidazole against Arizona 7: 1,7,8 in experimental poults. MATERIALS AND METHODS A culture of Arizona 7: 1,7,8 was passaged parenterally several times through chicks to enhance virulence. Broad Breasted White poults maintained in electrically-heated brooder batteries were medicated continuously with Ronidazole in the feed or water from day-old, and infected subcutaneously from the 10th to the 12th day with 0.1 ml. of a 24-hour broth culture of…
Temporal relation between contraction of right and left sides of the normal human heart.

SummaryThe temporal relation between the contractions of the left and right heart chambers was studied by means of fluoro-cardiography and simultaneous recording of 2 pulse tracings on one strip. The study was performed on 8 normal subjects and included the observation of the pulsations of the aorta and the pulmonary artery, both auricles and both ventricles. In all observations the contraction of the right auricle preceded that of the left auricle and the contraction of the right ventricle that of the left. The delay of action of the left chambers was found to be between 25 and 30 milliseconds.
The Evolution of Rules and Institutions in Cybersecurity: Cloud Computing and Big Data

Cloud computing and big data are likened and equated to the Industrial Revolution. Their transformational natures are, however, associated with significant security and privacy risks. This chapter investigates how the contexts provided by rules and as well as formal and informal institutions affect the perceptions of privacy and security issues in big data and the cloud. It highlights the nature, origin, and implications of institutions in the context of these technologies. A goal of the chapter is also to gain insights into the mechanisms and forces that have brought about institutional changes in the cloud industry. Specifically, we investigate how contradictions generated at various levels by these technologies, the formation of dense networks and relationships and the changing power dynamics have triggered institutional changes. Since the current analysis of the causes and consequences of institutions and institutional change is mainly concerned with more established industries and markets, this chapter is expected to provide insights into institutions surrounding to this new and emerging technological development.
The Feminist Turn in Ethics

Anyone who plies the noble art-science of social ethics (moral theology, Christian ethics), while taking no account of the feminist turn of consciousness, is open to charges of professional irresponsibility and incompetence. No. That is not an overstatement or an overblown rhetorical lead-in. The history of ethics is turning an epochal corner. To miss the turn is to be lost and useless. Feminism is concerned with the shift in roles and the question of the rights that have been unjustly denied women. But all of that, however important and even essential, is secondary. The main event is epistemological. Changes in what we know are normal; changes in how we know are revolutionary. Feminism is a challenge to the way we have gone about knowing . The epistemological terra firma of the recent past is rocking and as the event develops, it promises to change the face of the earth. The main impact of feminism will be felt in the area of moral knowledge. That, of course, is broader than ethics since all of the social sciences are heavy with moral assumptions and evaluations. Economics, politics (simplistically called political science), education, journalism, business administration, engineering, et al. are all intra-familial siblings of social ethics, although educational systems have treated them as separable strangers. (This mischievous separation, indeed, is a natural target of the emerging feminist consciousness.)
Is Nebulized Hypertonic Saline Solution Effective for Acute Bronchiolitis

Annals of Emergency Medicine - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since dimanche 21 aout 2016
Using an RNAi Signature Assay To Guide the Design of Three-Drug-Conjugated Nanoparticles with Validated Mechanisms, In Vivo Efficacy, and Low Toxicity

Single-nanoparticle (NP) combination chemotherapeutics are quickly emerging as attractive alternatives to traditional chemotherapy due to their ability to increase drug solubility, reduce off-target toxicity, enhance blood circulation lifetime, and increase the amount of drug delivered to tumors. In the case of NP-bound drugs, that is, NP-prodrugs, the current standard of practice is to assume that the subcellular mechanism of action for each drug released from the NP mirrors that of the unbound, free-drug. Here, we use an RNAi signature assay for the first time to examine the mechanism of action of multidrug-conjugated NP prodrugs relative to their small molecule prodrugs and native drug mechanisms of action. Additionally, the effective additive contribution of three different drugs in a single-NP platform is characterized. The results indicate that some platinum(IV) cisplatin prodrugs, although cytotoxic, may not have the expected mechanism of action for cisplatin. This insight was utilized to develop a...
Crisis-Specific Peer Supervision of School Counselors: The P-SAEF Model

School counselors are called upon to respond to an array of crisis situations involving the potential for imminent harm. Many school counselors report inadequate preparation for crisis intervention (Allen et al., 2002; King et al., 1999), and few school counselors participate in clinical supervision (Page et al., 2001). P-SAEF, a practical peer supervision model for school counselors who work with students at risk for imminent harm, is presented, and recommendations for implementation are provided.
From Vocational Education to Career Readiness: The Ongoing Work of Linking Education and the Labor Market

A long-standing debate has been waged over the past century or more about the purpose of education. Is the primary purpose to provide for the general edification of the individual, or must education have a pragmatic application that relates to one’s intended role in the workforce? Public education’s focus on these ends has evolved over time, often in relation to changing economic demands. Using a broad historical lens to examine recent developments, incorporating salient historical debates and social forces, the authors attempt to better understand how the relationship between education and preparation for the workforce has changed over time. They focus on the proliferation of federal innovations in this area over the past 100 years and consider persistent themes in philosophical and policy debates. They supplement this broad history and context with the results of a more focused survey of the literature in career and technical education, with search terms that yielded scholarship from the past 50 years. ...
Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the rest of the neuronal pathways outside the brain and spinal cord. Functionally, the brain is organized in two main sections: the cerebral cortex and the subcortical areas; the latter includes the basal ganglia, hippocampus, internal capsule, brainstem, and cerebellum. The spinal cord extends from the foramen magnum to the L1-L2 level in adults. It consists of neuronal tracts that carry signals between the brain and peripheral nervous system.
Does Implicit Voice Learning Improve Spoken Language Processing? Implications for Clinical Practice.

Purpose In typical interactions with other speakers, including a clinical environment, listeners become familiar with voices through implicit learning. Previous studies have found evidence for a Fa...
Examination of lutetium(III)-DOTA and copper(II)-NOTA solution structures using EXAFS

Abstract Targeted radionuclide therapy generally relies on the chelation of select short-lived isotopes such as 177Lu and 67Cu. The majority of Lu(III) and Cu(II) chelate structural information is derived from solid state diffraction data. Herein, the complexes Lu(DOTA)−, Cu(NOTA)− were examined in solution using EXAFS for the first time. Both ligands were fully deprotonated and coordinated to the metal with four and three carboxylic sites for Lu(DOTA)− and Cu(NOTA)−, respectively. Near-neighbor correlations from nitrogen atoms on the macrocyclic cages were also visible in the spectra in addition to the adjacent carbon backbones. Coordination numbers, bond distances, and Debye-Waller factors are reported and discussed alongside differences with known crystal structures.
G-Protein-Coupled Heteromers: Regulation in Disease

Over the past decade, an increasing number of studies have shown that G-protein-coupled receptors including opioid and cannabinoid receptors associate to form heteromers. Moreover, G-protein-coupled receptor heteromerization leads to the modulation of the binding, signaling, and trafficking properties of individual receptors. Although very little information is available about the physiological role of receptor heteromers, some studies have shown that the levels of some heteromers are upregulated in disease states such as preeclamptic pregnancy, schizophrenia, Parkinson's, ethanol-induced liver fibrosis, and development of tolerance to morphine. The recent generation of antibodies that selectively recognize distinct heteromers and, of peptides that selectively disrupt them, have started to elucidate the contribution of heteromers to the disease state. Here, we describe the methods for the generation of heteromer-selective antibodies and elucidation of their levels and localization under normal and pathological conditions.
Assay of plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA) with artificially depleted normal plasma.

Plasma artificially depleted of PTA by incubation following activation with diatomaceous silica was evaluated as a reagent for the assay of PTA. It gave results which were comparable to those obtained with naturally deficient plasma and had the advantages of being readily available and more stable on storage. Laboratory differentiation was possible between PTA and HF deficiency.
Microethology of Spelling Behaviour in Normal and Dyslexic Development

The term microethology borrows from biology a concern with the natural stream of behaviour and, from cognitive psychology, a concern with analytical detail. The behaviour in this case was the writing (printing) of familiar words in one’s own natural tempo. The words were written with a felt pen on a plexiglass panel, rather like writing on a blackboard, and were videotaped through the plexiglass. A counter was superimposed on the videotape, so the exact course of the writing could be analyzed on a millisecond by millisecond basis.
Patterns of Initial Opioid Prescribing to Opioid-Naive Patients

OBJECTIVE To determine the proportion of initial opioid prescriptions for opioid-naive patients prescribed by surgeons, dentists, and emergency physicians. We hypothesized that the percentage of such prescriptions grew as scrutiny of primary care and pain medicine opioid prescribing increased and guidelines were developed. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Data regarding the types of care for which opioid-naive patients are provided initial opioid prescriptions are limited. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study using a nationwide insurance claims dataset to study US adults aged 18 to 64 years. Our primary outcome was a change in opioid prescription share for opioid-naive patients undergoing surgical, emergency, and dental care from 2010 to 2016; we also examined the type and amounts of opioid filled. RESULTS From 87,941,718 analyzed lives, we identified 16,292,018 opioid prescriptions filled by opioid-naive patients. The proportion of prescriptions for patients receiving surgery, emergency, and dental care increased by 15.8% from 2010 to 2016 (P < 0.001), with the greatest increases related to surgical (18.1%) and dental (67.8%) prescribing. In 2016, surgery patients filled 22.0% of initial prescriptions, emergency medicine patients 13.0%, and dental patients 4.2%. Surgical patients' mean total oral morphine equivalents per prescription increased from 240 mg (SD 509) in 2010 to 403 mg (SD 1369) in 2016 (P < 0.001). Over the study period, surgical patients received the highest proportion of potent opioids (90.2% received hydrocodone or oxycodone). CONCLUSIONS Initial opioid prescribing attributable to surgical and dental care is increasing relative to primary and chronic pain care. Evidence-based guideline development for surgical and dental prescribing is warranted in order to curb iatrogenic opioid morbidity and mortality.
Ultrafast Equal Pulse Correlation Measurements in GaAs Structures with a Near-Field Microscope

We describe the reduction in depth of field and the capability of probing ultrafast semiconductor transport dynamics using equal-pulse-correlation measurements with a scanning near-field optical microscope.
Mg-supplementation attenuated lipogenic and oxidative/nitrosative gene expression caused by Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) in HIV-1-transgenic rats

We determined if HIV-1 expression in transgenic (HIV-1-Tg) rats enhanced hepatic genomic changes related to oxidative/nitrosative stress and lipogenesis during cART-treatment, and assessed effects of Mg-supplementation. A clinically used cART (atazanavir-ritonavir+Truvada) was given orally to control and HIV-1-Tg rats (18 weeks) with normal or 6-fold dietary-Mg. Oxidative/nitrosative and lipogenic genes were determined by real-time RT-PCR. cART induced a 4-fold upregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) in HIV-1-Tg-rats, but not in controls; Tg rats displayed a 2.5-fold higher expression. Both were completely prevented by Mg-supplementation. Nrf2 (Nuclear erythroid-derived factor 2), a master transcription factor controlling redox homeostasis, was down-regulated 50% in HIV-Tg rats, and reduced further to 25% in Tg+cART-rats. Two downstream antioxidant genes, heme oxygenase-1(HmOX1) and Glutathione-S-transferase(GST), were elevated in HIV-Tg alone but were suppressed by cART treatment. Decreased Nrf2 in Tg±cART were normalized by Mg-supplementation along with the reversal of altered HmOX1 and GST expression. Concomitantly, iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) was upregulated 2-fold in Tg+cART rats, which was reversed by Mg-supplementation. In parallel, cART-treatment led to substantial increases in plasma 8-isoprostane, nitrotyrosine, and RBC-GSSG (oxidized glutathione) levels in HIV-1-Tg rats; all indices of oxidative/nitrosative stress were suppressed by Mg-supplementation. Both plasma triglyceride and cholesterol levels were elevated in Tg+cART rats, but were lowered by Mg-supplementation. Thus, the synergistic effects of cART and HIV-1 expression on lipogenic and oxidative/nitrosative effects were revealed at the genomic and biochemical levels. Down-regulation of Nrf2 in the Tg+cART rats suggested their antioxidant response was severely compromised; these abnormal metabolic and oxidative stress effects were effectively attenuated by Mg-supplementation at the genomic level.
A User-Friendly Prediction Tool to Identify Colectomy Risk in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis.

BACKGROUND Many patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) fear the potential side effects of immunosuppressive therapies. However, those with medically refractory disease often require total proctocolectomy (TPC) with a permanent ostomy or pouch, which may reduce quality of life. Prior studies have identified TPC predictors; however, no clinically useful prognostic tools exist to guide shared therapeutic decision-making. We therefore sought to develop a prediction tool of future TPC risk in UC patients. METHODS In this retrospective study, clinic charts of UC patients were reviewed from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. Cases had TPC performed for refractory UC after January 1, 2008. Controls had no prior UC surgery. Clinical data were assessed 1-12 months preceding TPC or clinic visit for cases and controls, respectively. We randomly selected two-thirds of patients to develop a TPC prediction model using multivariable logistic regression. One-third was reserved for model validation. RESULTS We identified 115 cases and 325 controls. TPC predictors included albumin, 9-point Mayo score >5, Mayo endoscopic subscore >1, and corticosteroid use within 6 months. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the multivariable model were 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-0.95) and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.89-0.95) for the test and validation cohorts, respectively. The validation cohort demonstrated a significant difference in calculated probability distributions between patients who did and did not have TPC (P < 0.01). We incorporated our model into a web-based application to allow convenient calculation of a patient's TPC risk. CONCLUSIONS We created a user-friendly tool to assess TPC risk in UC. Prospective assessment will determine its utility for shared therapeutic decision-making.
Umweltfreundliche und platzsparende Vorbehandlung

Die Teilereinigung mit der CO2-Schneestrahltechnik ist nicht nur grundlich und umweltschonend, durch die kompakte Anlagen-Bauweise eignet sich die CO2-Reinigung insbesondere fur die Nachrustung in bestehende Lackieranlagen, wie das folgende Beispiel bei einem Automobilzulieferer zeigt.
Moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: Long-term outcomes for 854 consecutive patients treated over 10 years (70 Gy in 2.5 Gy/fraction).

78Background: Moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy has been increasingly adopted in the management of localized prostate cancer (PCa). We report 10-year outcomes for patients treated with inten...
NEW DATA ON THE BUTTERFLIES OF WESTERN STARA PLANINA MTS (BULGARIA & SERBIA) (LEPIDOPTERA, PAPILIONOIDEA)

The paper represents results of surveys carried out in the Western Stara Planina Mts within the last four years in order to improve the knowledge of the butterfly fauna, especially in the Bulgarian part of the mountain. A total of 150 species of Lepidoptera (Papilionoidea) was recorded with comments on their distribution in the Bulgarian part of the studied region. Nineteen species were recorded for the first time in the Bulgarian part of the mountain and one species (Apatura metis) – for the Serbian part. It has been found that the highest butterfly diversity is linked to the largest limestone area in the mountain near Komshtitsa Village where 101 species were observed. Interesting records for some rare or endangered species (Muschampia cribrellum, M. tessellum, Lycaena helle, Kirinia climene, Apatura metis, Nymphalis vaualbum, Melitaea didyma, M. arduinna, M. diamina and Brenthis ino) are discussed in detail. The high conservation value of the studied region proves by the species considered as threatened at the European level, of which seven species are included in the Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive, 12 species are listed in the Red Data Book of European butterflies and 26 in the European Red List of Butterflies.
How Do You Want Your Eggs

In the spring of 2018, my institution expected the triennial survey by The Joint Commission (TJC). In preparation for the visit, several mock surveys were conducted to identify any deficiencies in advance. On the very first mock inspection of the nuclear medicine department, the surveyor inquired
A review of deep infiltrative colorectal endometriosis treated robotically at a single institution

Purpose/background Using robotic surgery, we report successful resection of deep invasive pelvic endometriosis with a multidisciplinary team of colorectal and gynecologic surgeons. Methods/interventions Fifteen cases of robotic-assisted endometrial resections for deep invasive endometriosis were performed by a multidisciplinary team between 2013 and 2016. Results/outcomes The average total operative time of robotic endometrial extirpation was 342 minutes, and the average blood loss was 283 cc. There were no intraoperative complications and no conversion to laparotomy. Postoperative complications, including one superficial wound infection, four patients with pelvic abscesses, a bowel leak, and one rectovaginal fistula, occurred in five of 15 patients, three of which required percutaneous drainage and one required reoperation. All patients who followed up after surgery showed 100% dysmenorrhea resolution at one month (13 of 15 patients). Conclusion/discussion Deep infiltrating endometriosis is a complex disease associated with significant morbidity and requires highly trained, multidisciplinary team approach for safe and efficient excision.
Choline availability modulates the expression of TGFβ1 and cytoskeletal proteins in the hippocampus of developing rat brain

Choline availability influences long-term memory in concert with changes in the spatial organization and morphology of septal neurons, however little is known concerning the effects of choline on the hippocampus, a region of the brain also important for memory performance. Pregnant rats on gestational day 12 were fed a choline control (CT), choline supplemented (CS), or choline deficient (CD) diet for 6 days and fetal brain slices were prepared on embryonic day 18 (El8). The hippocampus in these brain slices was studied for the immunohistochemical localization of the growth-related proteins transforming growth factor beta type 1 (TGFβ1) and GAP43, the cytoskeletal proteins vimentin and microtubule associated protein type 1 (MAP1), and the neuronal cell marker neuron specific enolase (NSE). In control hippocampus, there was weak expression of TGFβ1 and vimentin proteins, but moderately intense expression of MAP1 protein. These proteins were not homogeneously distributed, but were preferentially localized to cells with large cell bodies located in the central (≍CA1–CA3) region of the hippocampus, and to the filamentous processes of small cells in the fimbria region. Feeding a choline-supplemented diet decreased, whereas a choline-deficient diet increased the intensity of immunohistochemical labeling for these proteins in El8 hippocampus. GAP43 and NSE were localized to peripheral nervous tissue but not hippocampus, indicating that the maturation of axons and neurite outgrowth in embryonic hippocampus were unaffected by the availability of choline in the diet. These data suggest that the availability of choline affects the differentiation of specific regions of developing hippocampus.
Iowa Barns Yesterday and Today, Including Silos, Corncribs, Homes, and Businesses

Review of: "Iowa Barns Yesterday and Today, Including Silos, Corncribs, Homes, and Businesses" by Karlene Kingery
Molecular Dynamics Study of a Sequence Specific Protein-DNA Interaction

The crystal structure of the DNA-binding domain of the glucocorticoid receptor complexed with DNA has been made available to us by Sigler et al [1]. The glucocorticoid receptor binds as a dimer to DNA, and the receptor dimer recognizes a specific sequence of DNA through nucleotide interactions in the major groove. The target DNA consists of a palindrome or near palindrome of hexameric half-sites separated by a three base pair sequence of DNA. To increase the stability of the system for the following molecular dynamics study, the protein and DNA have been encapsulated in an ellipsoid of water consisting of approximatively 3,000 water molecules. Energy minimization, equilibration and dynamics have been conducted and the following properties of the system have been evaluated : DNA parameters (including major and minor groove width, twist and bending of the helical axis); interactions between the receptors and DNA, and the correlation to bending; and orientation of the alpha helix axes of the receptor in comparison to DNA helical axis.
Single-site retroperitoneoscopy in pediatric metastatic lymphadenopathy.

Abstract Background Retroperitoneoscopic surgery (RS) is increasingly used for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of solid tumors, but rarely in pediatric surgical oncology for retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). Herein, we use single-site RS for RPLND in children and compare the perioperative outcomes with those for the transperitoneal laparoscopic approach (TPLA). Methods A single institution retrospective chart review was performed for patients undergoing single-site RS and TPLA (January 2018 till June 2019). We compared patient demographics, diagnoses, operative times, complications, postoperative analgesia, and length of hospital stay between both groups. Results Eight patients (median age of 16.5 years) undergoing single-site RS for RPLND and five patients (median age 17 years) undergoing TPLA RPLND were compared. Groups were comparable in age, median operative duration (232 vs 234 min, p = 0.77), and complications (1 vs 1, p = 0.72). Median postoperative hospital stay and total morphine equivalent doses used postoperatively were significantly lower in the RS group, (0.5 vs 2 days, [p = 0.03] and 0.1 vs 0.4 mg/kg [p = 0.01], respectively). Eight patients underwent ipsilateral modified template RPLND for paratesticular RMS (six single-site RS and two TPLA) and lymph node metastases were found in 50% of these patients. The rest were resections of metastatic lesions for germ cell tumor and neuroblastoma (two single-site RS and three TPLA). Conclusions Single-site RS is a safe and feasible technique in carefully selected pediatric surgical oncology patients. RS provides an excellent view of the retroperitoneum, requires less postoperative analgesia, and is associated with faster recovery. Level of evidence rating IV
Autonomy and reduction in psychology

Mind–body relations Psychology deals with mental phenomena, but these phenomena are intimately related to events in the body and brain. From the inside out, desires lead to plans, which result in intentions, which lead to actions. From the outside in, the environment impinges on us, producing perceptual episodes that lead us to update our beliefs and other models of what is going on in the world. All of these activities, from perception through belief updating, planning, and acting, involve continuous changes to underlying bodily and neural states. How should we understand the relation between these psychological and physical states? This is the mind–body problem as it has traditionally been understood by philosophers. It is the general metaphysical problem of explaining how psychological phenomena are related to physical, biological, and neurophysiological ones. There are many possible philosophical stances on the mind–body relation, far too many for us to survey here. By far the greatest divide has historically been between dualists, who hold that the world contains two fundamentally distinct kinds of entities, the mental and the physical; and monists, who think that the world is fundamentally one type of thing through and through. Since at least the early twentieth century, dualism in most of its forms has been out of favor, paving the way for the rise of a thoroughgoing materialist or physicalist worldview. The demise of dualism has corresponded roughly with the increasing explanatory scope of the sciences. The more phenomena can be explained in physical and biological terms, the less need there is to posit special, nonphysical substances and properties. There gradually come to be fewer and fewer “gaps” in our understanding where dualistic explanations could carve out a distinctive role for themselves. But rejecting dualism only puts us on the side of some sort of monism. It does not tell us how we should understand the mind–body relation. For this, we need a positive theory.
Applied Machine Learning: A Creation of Sustainable Development Progress Index Based on Circular Economy

Global achievements in economic growth, poverty reduction and improved welfare have been counterbalanced by an increasing strain on the biosphere in the last decade. With technology improvement, "big data" will become the dominant scientific paradigm increasing predictive strengthen and visibility. This study focuses on evaluating the relationship among five identified capital resources using unsupervised machine learning clustering analysis to construct pattern recognition then performed forest-based classification and regression with data collected from 32 OECD nations to create a Sustainable Development Progress Index (SDPI). The proposed SDPI ratings provides a clear outlook in ways for countries to balance resource demand and economic development.
Predicting an optimal composite outcome variable for Huntington's disease clinical trials.

While there is no known cure for Huntington's disease (HD), there are early-phase clinical trials aimed at altering disease progression patterns. There is, however, no obvious single outcome for th...
Introspect: Be “Impolite”

These are the first two lines of Pat Parker’s poem For the White Person Who Wants to Know How to Be My Friend [1]. They capture the complexity that leaders face in dealing with social identities, all those differences of race, gender, age, class, sexual identity, religion, and much more that their coworkers, clients, competitors, and they themselves bring to the workplace.
Two Stage Designs for Phase III Trials

Phase III platform trials are increasingly used to evaluate a sequence of treatments for a specific disease. Traditional approaches to structure such trials tend to focus on the sequential questions rather than the performance of the entire enterprise. We consider two-stage trials where an early evaluation is used to determine whether to continue with an individual study. To evaluate performance, we use the ratio of expected wins (RW), that is, the expected number of reported efficacious treatments using a two-stage approach compared to that using standard phase III trials. We approximate the test statistics during the course of a single trial using Brownian Motion and determine the optimal stage 1 time and type I error rate to maximize RW for fixed power. At times, a surrogate or intermediate endpoint may provide a quicker read on potential efficacy than use of the primary endpoint at stage 1. We generalize our approach to the surrogate endpoint setting and show improved performance, provided a good quality and powerful surrogate is available. We apply our methods to the design of a platform trial to evaluate treatments for COVID-19 disease.
Machine learning models to predict length of stay and discharge destination in complex head and neck surgery

Background This study develops machine learning (ML) algorithms that use preoperative-only features to predict discharge-to-nonhome-facility (DNHF) and length-of-stay (LOS) following complex head and neck surgeries. Methods Patients undergoing laryngectomy or composite tissue excision followed by free tissue transfer were extracted from the 2005 to 2017 NSQIP database. Results Among the 2786 included patients, DNHF and mean LOS were 421 (15.1%) and 11.7 ± 8.8 days. Four classification models for predicting DNHF with high specificities (range, 0.80-0.84) were developed. The generalized linear and gradient boosting machine models performed best with receiver operating characteristic (ROC), accuracy, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.72-0.73, 0.75-0.76, and 0.88-0.89. Four regression models for predicting LOS in days were developed, where all performed similarly with mean absolute error and root mean-squared errors of 3.95-3.98 and 5.14-5.16. Both models were developed into an encrypted web-based interface: https://uci-ent.shinyapps.io/head-neck/. Conclusion Novel and proof-of-concept ML models to predict DNHF and LOS were developed and published as web-based interfaces.
Genome Sequence of the Unusual Purple Photosynthetic Bacterium Phaeovibrio sulfidiphilus, Only Distantly Related to Rhodospirillaceae, Reveals Unique Genes for Respiratory Nitrate Reduction and Glycerol Metabolism.

ABSTRACT Phaeovibrio sulfidiphilus was reported to be a divergent member of the purple photosynthetic bacteria with limited ability to metabolize organic compounds. Whole-genome-based analysis shows that it is indeed only distantly related to freshwater species of Rhodospirillaceae. Unexpectedly, the genome contains unique gene clusters for potential respiratory nitrate reduction and anaerobic glycerol metabolism.
An Interleaved 6-Level GaN Bidirectional Converter with an Active Energy Buffer for Level II Electric Vehicle Charging

On-board electric vehicle (EV) chargers provide ac to dc conversion capability to charge a high-voltage battery pack. As they are carried within a vehicle at all times, high efficiency and high power density are desirable traits for such a converter, in order to reduce the size, weight, and power loss of the system. Bidirectional capability is also desirable for an on-board charger to support vehicle-to-grid ancillary applications. This paper presents the implementation of a bidirectional single-phase ac-dc converter, converting between universal ac (120-240 V AC ) and 400 V DC . Discussions of system architecture, control, mechanical design and assembly, and thermal management of an interleaved 6-level flying capacitor multilevel (FCML) power factor correction (PFC) stage with a twice-line-frequency series-stacked buffer (SSB) stage are included. Experimental results demonstrating dc-ac inverter operations at the kilowatt scale are provided. A peak efficiency exceeding 99% is observed, and a maximum power of 6.1 kW is tested.
Central limit theorems for parabolic stochastic partial differential equations

Let $\{u(t\,,x)\}_{t\ge 0, x\in \mathbb{R}^d}$ denote the solution of a $d$-dimensional nonlinear stochastic heat equation that is driven by a Gaussian noise, white in time with a homogeneous spatial covariance that is a finite Borel measure $f$ and satisfies Dalang's condition. We prove two general functional central limit theorems for occupation fields of the form $N^{-d} \int_{\mathbb{R}^d} g(u(t\,,x)) \psi(x/N)\, \mathrm{d} x$ as $N\rightarrow \infty$, where $g$ runs over the class of Lipschitz functions on $\mathbb{R}^d$ and $\psi\in L^2(\mathbb{R}^d)$. The proof uses Poincar\'e-type inequalities, Malliavin calculus, compactness arguments, and Paul L\'evy's classical characterization of Brownian motion as the only mean zero, continuous L\'evy process. Our result generalizes central limit theorems of Huang et al \cite{HuangNualartViitasaari2018,HuangNualartViitasaariZheng2019} valid when $g(u)=u$ and $\psi = \mathbf{1}_{[0,1]^d}$.
The WTO agreement on sanitary and phytosanitary measures: weakening food safety regulations to facilitate trade?

The establishment in 1995 of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the adoption of international trade agreements pertaining to food regulation currently have a significant impact on domestic regulatory policies established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other agencies responsible for protecting consumers and ensuring the safety of the food supply.
Structural Polypeptides of Simian Virus 40

To determine the number and molecular weights of the structural polypeptides of simian virus 40, we have analyzed purified virus by electrophoresis on 14% polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. Full virus purified by several different methods showed six distinct bands with molecular weights of approximately 43,000 (VP1, containing 70% of virion protein), 32,000 (VP2, 9%), 23,000 (VP3, 10%), 14,000 (VP4, 6%), 12,500 (VP5, 4%), and 11,000 (VP6, 3%) both by analysis of radioactively labeled virions and by visualization of the polypeptide bands after staining. "Empty" virions contain decreased amounts of VP4, 5, and 6. The approximate molecular ratios of the polypeptides were 6.0, 1.0, 1.5, 1.5, 1.1, and 1.0. When virus degraded in an alkaline buffer was analyzed by velocity centrifugation in sucrose gradients, the two larger polypeptides (VP1 and VP2) remained at the top of the gradient, whereas the three smallest polypeptides (VP4, 5, and 6) sedimented as a complex with the viral deoxyribonucleic acid. VP3 was found in association with either VP1 and 2 or VP4, 5, and 6, depending on the conditions of degradation. Presumably, VP1 and VP2, comprising about 80% of the protein, form the capsid of the virus. VP4, 5, and 6 may form a nucleoprotein in the virion, and VP3 may serve as an intermediate structural component.
Bayesian Design of Reliability Experiments

This article describes Bayesian methods for planning reliability experiments. A Bayesian reliability experiment is a reliability experiment in which the experimenters intend to use prior information and for which Bayesian methods will be used in making inferences from the resulting data. Within the framework of a general model for reliability involving unknown parameters, we describe the basic ideas of Bayesian experimental design. We then describe a large-sample normal approximation that provides an easy to interpret yet useful simplification to the problem of Bayesian evaluation of reliability experiments and discuss aspects of finding optimum experiments within this framework. We point to several examples of the methodology that are available in the statistical literature. Keywords: censored data; optimum design; preposterior; product design; reliability; resource allocation