cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microglial P2 Purinergic Receptor and Immunomodulatory Gene Transcripts Vary By Region, Sex, and Age in the Healthy Mouse CNS

Inflammatory damage in many neurodegenerative diseases is restricted to certain regions of the CNS, and while microglia have long been implicated in the pathology of many of these disorders, information comparing their gene expression in different CNS regions is lacking. Here we tested the hypothesis that the expression of purinergic receptors, estrogen receptors and other neuroprotective and pro-inflammatory genes differed among CNS regions in healthy mice. Because neurodegenerative diseases vary in incidence by sex and age, we also examined the regional distribution of these genes in male and female mice of four different ages between 21 days and 12 months. We postulated that pro-inflammatory gene expression would be higher in older animals, and lower in young adult females. We found that microglial gene expression differed across the CNS. Estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) mRNA levels were often lower in microglia from the brainstem/spinal cord than from the cortex, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha (Tnfα) expression was several times higher. In addition, the regional pattern of gene expression often changed with animal age; for example, no regional differences in P2X7 mRNA levels were detected in 21 day-old animals, but at 7 weeks and older, expression was highest in cerebellar microglia. Lastly, the expression of some genes was sexually dimorphic. In microglia from 12 month-old animals, mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, but not Tnfα, were higher in females than males. These data suggest that microglial gene expression is not uniformly more proinflammatory in males or older animals. Moreover, microglia from CNS regions in which neuronal damage predominates in neurodegenerative disease do not generally express more pro-inflammatory genes than microglia from regions less frequently affected. This study provides an in-depth assessment of regional-, sex- and age-dependent differences in key microglial transcripts from the healthy mouse CNS.
High-dose imatinib mesylate treatment in patients (Pts) with untreated early chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): 2.5-year follow-up

6535 Background: The standard dose (SD) of imatinib for CP CML is currently 400 mg daily, but higher doses (HD) may be more effective. We conducted 2 consecutive trials using HD imatinib (i.e., 400...
Analytical methodologies using carbon substrates developed by pyrolysis

As a viable alternative with respect to carbon-based materials prepared by vapor deposition, the pyrolysis of non-volatile organic precursors has allowed the development of substrates with advantageous properties towards the development of sensors. Considering the importance and versatility of these materials, this review provides a summary of representative articles describing the procedures and most important considerations linked to the fabrication of these films, and their characterization in terms of structure, thickness, topography, contact angle, as well as optical and electrochemical properties. The review focuses on analytical applications such as electroanalysis, biosensors, dielectrophoresis, and solid phases for separations published in the last five years but additional contributions outside this period have been included to provide readers background information to link the chemical functionality of the films with the corresponding performance. A series of promising directions for the future of the field are also described.
EFFECTS OF PAPAVERINE ON CELL SEPARATION IN THE MAMMALIAN KIDNEY PAPILLA.

SummaryThe low red cell content of the renal papilla can be explained by the plasma skimming hypothesis of Pappenheimer and Kinter. However, previous studies raise serious doubt as to the existence of this mechanism in the mammalian kidney. An alternate explanation is here offered. It is proposed that the descending limbs of the vasa recta contain myogenic sphincters which impede the passage of red cells into the papilla under normal conditions. The cell rich blood proximal to the sphincters is shunted back toward the outer medulla. Papaverine was administered intravenously in order to relax these sphincters. A rise in red cell content in the papilla and no change in the outer medulla and cortex was observed. These findings are compatible with the proposed hypothesis.
Maximum Profit Dairy Rations That Include Wheat

This article reports some results of a phase of work at Washington State University which was designed to estimate conditions under which wheat would be fed to livestock in the Pacific Northwest, given the prices and nutritive characteristics of commonly available feedstuffs. Solution of the linear programming model developed for this study maximizes returns net of feed costs by selecting both the dairy cow and her ration from the alternatives in the model. Solutions were obtained by parametrically varying wheat price. Wheat was allowed to be no more than half the grain part of the ration. With wheat price at $1.05–$1.28 per bushel, 750 pounds of it would be fed, and with wheat price at $1.29–$1.30 per bushel, 660 pounds would be fed per year. Wheat displaces barley priced at $1.01 per bushel in this solution. If, also, the level of barley use is restricted to half the grain fed, wheat replaces oats priced at $.76 per bushel. With wheat price at $1.49–$1.53 per bushel, 120 pounds of wheat would be fed, and with wheat price at $1.05–$1.48 per bushel, 750 pounds would be fed per year. In this solution, corn, milo, and wheat millfeed also were very sensitive to price competition with oats and with wheat priced between $1.50 and $1.55 per bushel.
Consideration of a Rotary Power Take-Off Mechanism as a Wave-Energy Converter on the WindFloat Platform

The possibility of incorporating a wave-energy extractor into a current design of the WindFloat platform is examined. First, to absorb wave energy, a rolling cam shape, with rotary power take-off, is attached to a tubular truss member of the WindFloat located above the calm-waterline. Based on the assumption that the extractor is operating in beam seas, numerical predictions for the coupled 3-DOF system (surge, heave and pitch motions) were completed for an ideal-fluid situation. The degradation of the performance of the wave energy extractor because of viscous effects was discussed in [1]. Second, a design of a versatile bi-directional rotary system, named the UC Berkeley Double-Ratchet Mechanism (UCB-DRM) was made. This mechanism can produce a unidirectional rotational motion, thus facilitating the power take off by a generator. A physical unit was constructed. The efficiency and performance of this mechanical system is assessed by introducing a known, bi-directional torque input and measuring the torque output.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Emotional reactions to hysterectomy.

For many women, and for their husbands, hysterectomy seems to pose a threat to sexual identity. By far the most common emotional disturbance after hysterectomy is depression. A patient's calm acceptance of the need for this operation is no guarantee that emotional problems will not arise afterward.
Influence of sample pre-treatment on PCR results of salmonella in food

[Objective] To compare the different effects on DNA detection of two kinds of specimen pre-treatment methods in food salmonella detection. [Methods] We analyzed the influence of pre-treatment on salmonella DNA detection,using static and blending sampling method to deal with kinds of food.Meanwhile we detected the influence on salmonella DNA detection by cleaning or not cleaning Enrichment Broth centrifugal sedimentation. [Results] It was found to be more accurate for the result to use static method to deal with cooked food,aquatic products,raw,dairy than blending method,and the difference found in the result was statistically significant.In the comparison of the outcome from cleaning and not cleaning the food Enrichment Broth centrifugal sedimentation,it was found to be more accurate for the outcome to clean the Enrichment Broth centrifugal sedimentation of cooked food,raw meat,dairy,but aquatic products were not affected by the treatment. [Conclusion] We should use supernatant fluid instead of blending fluid,when conducting salmonella DNA detection of food Enrichment Broth,and clean the Enrichment Broth centrifugal sedimentation,in order to achieve more accurate PCR results.
Quantitative forecast of waste refrigerators in provincial level in China

Concerning the absence of provincial statistical data of waste refrigerators,this paper studied the feasibility of forecasting the quantity of waste refrigerators in provincial level with trend extrapolation and market supply model,and forecasted the quantity of waste refrigerators in 31 provinces in China during 2011 to 2017,as well as that in eastern,middle and western areas of China during 1999-2017.It showed that the inaccuracy of forecast results was less than 10%;the quantity of waste refrigerators would increase during 2011 to 2017;the eastern areas would face a liner increase in 2011,and 2013 for middle and western areas.
Effect of Structure on Transport Properties (Viscosity, Ionic Conductivity, and Self-Diffusion Coefficient) of Aprotic Heterocyclic Anion (AHA) Room Temperature Ionic Liquids. 2. Variation of Alkyl Chain Length in the Phosphonium Cation

A series of room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs) composed of triethyl(alkyl)phosphonium cations paired with three different aprotic heterocyclic anions (AHAs) (alkyl = butyl ([P2224]+) and octyl ([P2228]+)) were prepared to investigate the effect of cationic alkyl chain length on transport properties. The transport properties and density of these ILs were measured from 283.15 to 343.15 K at ambient pressure. The dependence of the transport properties (viscosity, ionic conductivity, diffusivity, and molar conductivity) on temperature can be described by the Vogel–Fulcher–Tamman (VFT) equation. The ratio of the molar conductivity obtained from the molar concentration and ionic conductivity measurements to that calculated from self-diffusion coefficients (measured by pulsed gradient spin–echo nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) using the Nernst–Einstein equation was used to quantify the ionicity of these ILs. The molar conductivity ratio decreases with increasing number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chai...
Polymerase chain reaction detection of DNA sequence deletions.

Allelic loss of human chromosome sequences contributes to tumorigenesis through the inactivation of putative tumor-suppressor genes. The Knudson hypothesis proposes that deletion or mutation must affect both alleles of the gene in order to disable tumor suppression (1). As might be expected, the effect of "two hits" on tumor-suppressor gene integrity-e.g., deletion of one allele and mutation of the remaining allele-would disable the gene from encoding gene product. The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene is an example of a tumorsuppressor gene that fulfills the Knudson hypothesis-e.g., one mutant allele is inherited in the germline, and the other is mutated or deleted somatically in many clear-cell renal cell carcinomas (recently reviewed in ref. 2).
A “Modern” posterior approach: “The Back Is Back”

Abstract In recent years the direct anterior approach (DAA) to total hip arthroplasty has gained in popularity. This increased interest in the DAA took place at a time when surgeons using a traditional posterior approach were struggling with dislocation risks and slowed recovery due to now outdated, and largely abandoned, techniques combined with older style implants. However, at the same time that the DAA gained in popularity, the standard posterior approach was also being modified. It has been adapted to work with newer instrumentation and modern cementless implants which also offer an expanded array of sizing and dimensioning versatility. We present a contemporary, iliotibial band sparing, minimally invasive posterior approach that we believe achieves the same degree of soft tissue preservation, with similar early recovery benefits as compared to the DAA. This highly modified posterior approach offers a lower risk profile and the potential for stepwise adoption and a surgeon controlled learning curve.
SMig: Stream Migration Extension for HTTP/2

HTTP/2 is quickly replacing HTTP/1.1, the protocol that supports the WWW for the past 17 years. However, HTTP/2's connection management and multiplexing schemes often incur unexpected cross-layer interactions. In this paper, we propose SMig, an HTTP/2 extension that allows a client or server to migrate an on-going HTTP/2 stream from one connection to another. We demonstrate through real implementation that SMig can bring substantial performance improvement under certain common usage scenarios (e.g., up to 99% of download time reduction for small delay-sensitive objects when a concurrent large download is present).
Abstract 1052: Variable expression of 5-alpha reductase 2 in the aging adult prostate is regulated by DNA methylation

BACKGROUND: 5-alpha reductase type 2 (SRD5A2), an enzyme that is critical for prostatic development and growth, is utilized as an inhibitory target by finasteride for patients with bladder outlet obstrution secondary to BPH. However, we have found that many aging benign prostate tissues do not express the enzyme. Since the SRD5A2 promoter contains a CpG island, we hypothesized that somatic methylation of the promoter would be regulated by DNA methyltransferases leading to suppression of SRD5A2. METHODS: Benign prostatic tissues from wild-type mice at 3, 6 and 12 months of age were used. In addition, 96 prostate samples from human male patients who were treated by TURP for bladder outlet obstruction secondary to BPH were used. Methylation of SRD5A2 promoter was assessed using Methylated CpG Island Recovery Assay (MIRA). DNMT1 siRNA and 5-AZA-C were used to determine the methylation status of SRD5A2 in benign prostatic cell line, BPH-1. To determine the effect of CpG methylation, SRD5A2 promoter-luciferase constructs were methylated in vitro using M.SssI methylase. Statistical analyses were performed with JMP Pro version 11 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). RESULTS: We analyzed 96 human BPH samples from transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) surgeries and found that absence of SRD5A2 was closely associated with hypermethylation of the SRD5A2 promoter region. We found that methylation of SRD5A2 was regulated by DNA methytransferase 1 (DNMT1) and the cytokines, TNF-alpha, NF-κB and IL-6, regulated DNMT1protein expression and thereby indirectly affected SRD5A2 promoter methylation and gene expression. Suppression of cytokines inhibited activity of DNMT1, while over-expression of p65 or treatment with TNF-alpha or IL-6 up-regulated DNMT1. In addition, we found that methylation of the SRD5A2 promoter and concomitant decrease in protein expression were closely associated with patient9s increasing age (P CONCLUSIONS: Expression of SRD5A2 is not static and ubiquitous in benign adult prostate tissues. We show that SRD5A2 expression is lacking in many benign human adult prostate tissues. Methylation of SRD5A2 promoter region, which is regulated by DNMT1, accounts for absence of SRD5A2 expression in many adult human prostate tissues. Methylation and expression of SRD5A2 may be used as a gene signature to tailor therapies for more effective treatment of prostatic diseases. Citation Format: Ge Rongbin, Zongwei Wang, Seth Bechis, Alexander Otsetov, Shengyu Hua, Shulin Wu, Chin-Lee Wu, Shahin Tabatabaei, Aria Olumi. Variable expression of 5-alpha reductase 2 in the aging adult prostate is regulated by DNA methylation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1052. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1052
EZH2 protein expression in normal breast epithelium and risk of breast cancer: results from the Nurses' Health Studies.

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a polycomb-group protein that is involved in stem cell renewal and carcinogenesis. In breast cancer, increased EZH2 expression is associated with aggressiveness and has been suggested to identify normal breast epithelium at increased risk of breast cancer development. However, the association between EZH2 expression in benign breast tissue and breast cancer risk has not previously been evaluated in a large prospective cohort. We examined the association between EZH2 protein expression and subsequent breast cancer risk using logistic regression in a nested case-control study of benign breast disease (BBD) and breast cancer within the Nurses’ Health Studies. EZH2 immunohistochemical expression in normal breast epithelium and stroma was evaluated by computational image analysis and its association with breast cancer risk was analyzed after adjusting for matching factors between cases and controls, the concomitant BBD diagnosis, and the Ki67 proliferation index. Women with a breast biopsy in which more than 20% of normal epithelial cells expressed EZH2 had a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer (odds ratio (OR) 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–7.84) compared to women with less than 10% EZH2 epithelial expression. The risk of developing breast cancer increased for each 5% increase in EZH2 expression (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02–1.46, p value 0.026). Additionally, women with high EZH2 expression and low estrogen receptor (ER) expression had a 4-fold higher risk of breast cancer compared to women with low EZH2 and low ER expression (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.29–12.59). These results provide further evidence that EZH2 expression in the normal breast epithelium is independently associated with breast cancer risk and might be used to assist in risk stratification for women with benign breast biopsies.
Writing with 21st century social tools in the L2 classroom: New literacies, genres, and writing practices

Abstract This conceptual article argues that the second language (L2) curriculum must incorporate broader notions of literacies, associated with the development of new digital genres. This article shows how the affordances of social tools can affect and enhance L2 learners’ writing practices and broaden their understanding of genre. As they become fully aware of the qualitative changes that social tools bring to the writing process, instructors will see the benefits of their integration in the L2 writing classroom. The article argues for the need to (1) question and redefine L2 writing pedagogy by reevaluating literacy, writing genres, and associated instructional practices in the L2 classroom; (2) acknowledge the acute transformation from traditional notions of literacies to notions of digital literacies; (3) recognize the affordances of social tools and argue how L2 learners can more efficiently acquire and practice digital literacies; and (4) provide pedagogical frameworks to foster L2 writing in an increasingly digital age. Finally, the article's conclusion highlights valuable avenues for future research.
Evaluation of feed conversion in steers from a diallel of Simmental, Limousin, Polled Hereford, and Brahman beef cattle.

A total of 269 steers produced in a four-breed diallel mating design of Simmental, Limousin, Polled Hereford, and Brahman breeds were evaluated for the unadjusted and maintenance-adjusted total feed intake to total weight gain ratio. Time on feed ranged from 184 to 251 d. Covariate adjustments were made separately for age- and 12th rib fat-constant end points. Purebred, general combining ability, and maternal effects and heterosis were estimated. Effects of year, breed of dam, slaughter group, and days on feed accounted for most of the variation in feed conversion. Significantly higher unadjusted cumulative feed/gain ratios were found for steers from Brahman sires and for those from Simmental, Limousin, and Brahman dams. Adjustment to either fat- or age-constant values did not rerank breed groups, but a small reduction in the differences between these groups was detected for fat-constant efficiency. For maintenance-adjusted feed intake, progeny of Simmental and Limousin dams were less efficient than those of Polled Hereford and Brahman dams. Negative values for general combining ability, maternal effects, and heterosis would indicate less feed required per unit of weight gain. General combining ability for Polled Hereford crosses was negative and significant for cumulative feed/gain ratios, but no difference among dam breeds was found for the maintenance-adjusted ratio. Maternal effects for Limousin dams were positive and significant for all maintenance-adjusted ratios. Heterosis estimates for specific breed crosses were generally negative and ranged from -.87 to .22.
Is the Scene Safe? Addressing Environmental Safety in Pediatric Disaster Management

Children represent 30% of the worldwide population and are likely to be involved in any widespread disaster. Because they are uniquely vulnerable and dependent on adult care, they are at increased risk of secondary environmental injury in any disaster event. Particular care must be given to addressing pediatric safety at all stages of disaster planning. Secondary injury can occur at the time of the event due to cold or heat exposure and dehydration as well as accidental injury from debris or falls. During rescue and treatment, children can be separated from their families and are vulnerable to intentional exploitation as well as injuries while poorly supervised due to the chaos surrounding the event. Even after initial rescue and treatment, a safe environment must be maintained even with the loss of routine infrastructure. Refugee or evacuee shelters should be designed to provide safe areas for children and families as well as respites from stress for caregivers. With careful planning, we can provide a safer disaster response that meets the needs of children rather than placing them into further harm.
Transformative Service Research as an Exemplar for Humanitarian I-O Psychology

The focal article (Gloss, Carr, Reichman, Abdul-Nasiru, & Oesterich, 2017) highlights the neglect of individual and societal well-being concerns in I-O psychology theory and practice. A similar concern is currently being articulated within the interdisciplinary field of services (i.e., service management, services marketing, and service science) with the identification of critical underrepresented issues including economic disparities in healthcare, food deserts in poor urban locations, racial-ethnic discrimination in retail, discriminatory practices in lending, lack of access to basic quality-of-life services among poor “base of the pyramid” populations, and the underemphasis of employee and consumer health in service design and delivery (e.g., Fisk et al., 2016; Rosenbaum et al., 2011). Originating in a call for improving consumer well-being through academic research (Mick, 2006), transformative service research (TSR) is now recognized as a key research priority in services (Ostrom, Parasuraman, Bowen, Patricio, & Voss, 2015). Indicators of the scholarly interest in this topic include but are not limited to the following: (a) a seminal article in this research stream (Anderson et al., 2013) has been cited an average of 40 times each year since its publication, (b) multiple special issues have appeared in service-related journals (Journal of Business Research and Journal of Service Research), and (c) special conferences have been organized to examine transformative issues. It can be argued that a humanitarian or POSH agenda in I-O psychology can be informed by TSR while deriving its sustenance from our time tested scientist–practitioner traditions. Some of the key lessons that can be learned from the current trajectory of TSR evolution are discussed in this article.
Altered embryonic development in northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) induced by pre-incubation oscillatory thermal stresses mimicking global warming predictions

Global warming is likely to alter reproductive success of ground-nesting birds that lay eggs normally left unattended for days or even weeks before actual parental incubation, especially in already warm climates. The native North American bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) is such a species, and pre-incubation quail eggs may experience temperatures ≥45°C. Yet, almost nothing is known about embryonic survival after such high pre-incubation temperatures. Freshly laid bobwhite quail eggs were exposed during a 12 day pre-incubation period to one of five thermal regimes: low oscillating temperatures (25-40°C, mean = 28.9°C), high oscillating temperatures (30-45°C, mean = 33.9°C), low constant temperatures (28.85°C), high constant temperatures (mean = 33.9°C), or commercially employed pre-incubation temperatures (20°C). After treatment, eggs were then incubated at a standard 37.5°C to determine subsequent effects on embryonic development rate, survival, water loss, hatching, and embryonic oxygen consumption. Both quantity of heating degree hours during pre-incubation and specific thermal regime (oscillating vs. non-oscillating) profoundly affected important aspects of embryo survival and indices of development and growth Pre-incubation quail eggs showed a remarkable tolerance to constant high temperatures (up to 45°C), surviving for 4.5±0.3 days of subsequent incubation, but high oscillating pre-incubation temperature increased embryo survival (mean survival 12.2±1.8 days) and led to more rapid development than high constant temperature (maximum 38.5°C), even though both groups experienced the same total heating degree-hours. Oxygen consumption was ~200-300 μl O2.egg.min-1 at hatching in all groups, and was not affected by pre-incubation conditions. Oscillating temperatures, which are the norm for pre-incubation quail eggs in their natural habitat, thus enhanced survival at higher temperatures. However, a 5°C increase in pre-incubation temperature, which equates to the predicted long-term increases of 5°C or more, nonetheless reduced hatching rate by approximately 50%. Thus, while pre-incubation bobwhite eggs may be resiliant to moderate oscillating temperature increases, global warming will likely severely impact wild bobwhite quail populations, especially in their strongholds in southern latitudes.
QuantCrit: rectifying quantitative methods through critical race theory

Critical race theory (CRT) in education centers, examines, and seeks to transform the relationship that undergirds race, racism, and power. CRT scholars have applied a critical race framework to ad...
What's Behind Declining Male Labor Force Participation: Fewer Good Jobs or Fewer Men Seeking Them?

The recent presidential campaign revived concerns about the state of the American job market. Many observers who are convinced that improving employment indicators mask pervasive hardship cite the increase in the number of prime-age men (those between the ages of 25 and 54) who are neither working nor looking for work; that is, men who are out of the labor force, or inactive. While this upward trend is routinely taken as a sign of the economy’s weakness, other interpretations are possible. This paper attempts to clarify why inactivity in the labor force among prime-age men has grown so steadily for so long. It examines trends in a number of labor market indicators to assess the extent to which rising inactivity rates have reflected a worsening of the job market (lower demand) or reduced job-seeking (lower supply). Finally, it takes a detailed look at four different types of prime-age inactive men — the disabled, the retired, those who want a job, and those who do not. The evidence does not support the view that rising inactivity is the result of a weak labor market. Understanding why prime-age male inactivity has risen requires a focus on disability programs. Public policy should focus on helping the unemployed and inactive men who want jobs — the latter a small share of the inactive — and on reforming disability programs to promote independence. The unemployment rate provides a reliable indicator of changes in the labor market’s strength, even if it understates the level of involuntary joblessness. Policymakers might consider adopting a new “U5b” rate that includes inactive people who want a job with those incorporated in the existing unemployment rate, in order to institutionalize a broader measure of joblessness and increase faith in jobless statistics.
Detecting driver's visual attention area by using vehicle-mounted device

When a car moves on the road, the driver must monitor the driving environment whenever there is a takeover request (TOR), even if automated driving is activated. We examined ways to determine the driver's visual attention area in order to judge whether or not the driver has confirmed safety. We observed the gaze of the subject during driving, tracking not only the head, but also the eye. Considering the driver's load, it is undesirable to use a device attached to the driver to estimate the driver's gaze. When sensing the driver's gaze using equipment installed in the vehicle, there is much noise caused by the equipment vibration. We proposed a new method to estimate the visual attention area and summarized the effect and the problem.
A comparison of teamwork attitude changes with virtual TeamSTEPPS® simulations in health professional students

Abstract Educators need accessible learner-centered tools to prepare health professional learners for safe interprofessional practice. TeamSTEPPS ® is an evidence-based teamwork training program. Virtual TeamSTEPPS ® scenarios were developed to overcome some of the barriers to interprofessional learning, including space and scheduling. However, teamwork attitudes may vary at baseline among health professional students and in response to virtual teamwork training. Three 5-min virtual TeamSTEPPS ® scenarios were used by health professional students in the nursing, occupational therapy and physician assistant programs at two Midwestern universities. The scenarios required learners to use or identify teamwork strategies as part of an interprofessional team. The assessment and evaluation compared teamwork attitudes at baseline, and following use of teamwork training scenarios, using a validated tool, the TeamSTEPPS ® Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire. Of 319 learners with matched pre-post teamwork attitude scores, 57.4% were from the Nursing program, female (85.5%) and aged 18–24 years (78.1%). There were no differences in pre-intervention teamwork attitudes except Mutual Support (p
The roles of vitamin D and cutaneous vitamin D production in human evolution and health

Most of the vitamin D necessary for the maintenance of human health and successful reproduction is made in the skin under the influence of a narrow portion of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted from the sun, namely ultraviolet B radiation (UVB). During the course of human evolution, skin pigmentation has evolved to afford protection against high levels of UVR while still permitting cutaneous production of vitamin D. Similar pigmentation phenotypes evolved repeatedly as the result of independent genetic events when isolated human populations dispersed into habitats of extremely low or high UVB. The gradient of skin color seen in modern human populations is evidence of the operation of two clines, one favoring photoprotection near the equator, the other favoring vitamin D production nearer the poles. Through time, human adaptations to different solar regimes have become more cultural than biological. Rapid human migrations, increasing urbanization, and changes in lifestyle have created mismatches between skin pigmentation and environmental conditions leading to vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence and significance for health of vitamin D deficiencies, and the definition of optimal levels of vitamin D in the bloodstream are subjects of intense research and debate, but two of the causes of vitamin D deficiency - lack of sun exposure and abandonment of vitamin D rich foods in the diet - are traceable to changes in human lifestyles accompanying urbanization in prehistory.
Comparisons of classification methods for viral genomes and protein families using alignment-free vectorization.

In this paper, we propose a statistical classification method based on discriminant analysis using the first and second moments of positions of each nucleotide of the genome sequences as features, and compare its performances with other classification methods as well as natural vector for comparative genomic analysis. We examine the normality of the proposed features. The statistical classification models used including linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, diagonal linear discriminant analysis, k-nearest-neighbor classifier, logistic regression, support vector machines, and classification trees. All these classifiers are tested on a viral genome dataset and a protein dataset for predicting viral Baltimore labels, viral family labels, and protein family labels.
Positional and Neuromuscular Complications of Laparoscopic and Robotic Urologic Surgery

Minimally invasive approaches of patients provide significant benefits which often include less pain, and an expedited convalescence and diminished morbidity. Laparoscopy, as a minimally invasive technique, has been shown in many different settings to provide these benefits over traditional open surgical approaches. Despite the many advantages of the laparoscopic approach, laparoscopic technique does present some unique challenges. In the current chapter, we review the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of laparoscopic and robotic neuromuscular complications for both the patient and the surgeon. The primary objective of this chapter is to engender an awareness of these injuries and to help the surgeons prevent neuromuscular injuries whenever possible.
Adversarial co-evolution of attack and defense in a segmented computer network environment

In computer security, guidance is slim on how to prioritize or configure the many available defensive measures, when guidance is available at all. We show how a competitive co-evolutionary algorithm framework can identify defensive configurations that are effective against a range of attackers. We consider network segmentation, a widely recommended defensive strategy, deployed against the threat of serial network security attacks that delay the mission of the network's operator. We employ a simulation model to investigate the effectiveness over time of different defensive strategies against different attack strategies. For a set of four network topologies, we generate strong availability attack patterns that were not identified a priori. Then, by combining the simulation with a co-evolutionary algorithm to explore the adversaries' action spaces, we identify effective configurations that minimize mission delay when facing the attacks. The novel application of co-evolutionary computation to enterprise network security represents a step toward course-of-action determination that is robust to responses by intelligent adversaries.1
On modelling the seasonal thermodynamic cycle of sea ice in studies of climatic change

Recent work in modelling climatic changes due to increased atmospheric CO2 has shown the maximum change to occur in the polar regions as a result of seasonal reductions in sea ice coverage. Typically, sea ice thermodynamics is modelled in a very simple way, whereby the storage of both sensible and latent heat within the ice is ignored, and the effects of snow cover on conductivity and on surface albedo and of oceanic heat flux on bottom ablation may also be neglected. This paper considers whether omission of these processes is justified within the context of quantitatively determining regional climatic changes. A related question, whether omission of ice dynamics can be justified, is not considered.
Tears of an evaporating methanol meniscus on a silicon substrate

We identify the formation of an unstable rim at the three-phase contact line of an evaporating methanol meniscus due to the autophobic nature of the liquid. Undulations along the rim rupture at a consistent frequency, leaving behind a regular pattern of droplet tears as the contact line recedes. We characterize the geometry and undulation dynamics of the rim. The rim movement exhibits slip at the contact line; the measured ratio of rim width to undulation wavelength matches the critical unstable Rayleigh ratio for an intermediate slip regime. Unlike previously observed rim instabilities, the rim volume here is replenished from the evaporating bulk meniscus and maintains a constant width, such that the instability wavelength remains constant and droplets are generated with a consistent, nano-liter volume and deposited in a regular pattern. Occurrence of this unstable rim during an evaporation-driven dewetting process may allow for rapid, controlled deposition of small droplets from the fast-moving contact line of a highly volatile fluid.
Ease of use of electronic health records and relational coordination among primary care team members.

BackgroundElectronic health records (EHRs) have potential to improve quality, health outcomes, and efficiency, but little is known about the mechanisms through which these improvements occur.PurposeOne potential mechanism could be that EHRs improve care team communication and coordination, leading to better outcomes. To test this hypothesis, we examine whether ease of EHR use is associated with better relational coordination (RC), a measure of team communication and coordination, among primary care team members.MethodologySurveys of adult primary care team members (n = 304) of 16 practices of two accountable care organizations in Chicago and Los Angeles were analyzed. The survey included a validated measure of RC and a measure of ease of EHR use from a national survey. Linear regression models estimated the association of ease of EHR use and RC, controlling for care site and patient demographics and accounting for cluster-robust standard errors. An interaction term tested a differential association of ease of EHR use and RC for primary care providers (PCPs) versus non-PCPs.ResultsEase of EHR use (mean = 3.5, SD = 0.6, range: 0-4) and RC were high (mean = 4.0, SD = 0.7, range: 0-5) but differed by occupation. In regression analyses, a 1-point increase in ease of EHR use was associated with a 0.36 point higher RC score (p = .001). The association of ease of EHR and RC use was stronger for non-PCPs than PCPs.ConclusionEase of EHR use is associated with better RC among primary care team members, and the benefits accrue more to non-PCPs than to PCPs.Practice implicationsEnsuring that clinicians and staff experience EHRs as easy to use for accessing and integrating data and for communication may produce gains in efficiency and outcomes through high RC. Future studies should examine whether interventions to improve EHR usability can lead to improved RC and patient outcomes.
The plurality of assumptions about fossils and time.

A research community must share assumptions, such as about accepted knowledge, appropriate research practices, and good evidence. However, community members also hold some divergent assumptions, which they—and we, as analysts of science—tend to overlook. Communities with different assumed values, knowledge, and goals must negotiate to achieve compromises that make their conflicting goals complementary. This negotiation guards against the extremes of each group’s desired outcomes, which, if achieved, would make other groups’ goals impossible. I argue that this diversity, as a form of value pluralism, regularly influences scientific practice and can make scientific evidence and knowledge more useful and more reliable. As an example, I examine vertebrate paleontology laboratories, which house a variety of workers with different training and priorities, particularly about the meaning of time. Specifically, scientists want to study fully prepared fossils immediately, conservators want to preserve fossils for future use (such as by not preparing them), and preparators mediate between the other groups’ conflicting goals. After all, one cannot study a fossil encased in rock, and one cannot remove that rock without removing information from that specimen. In response, these coworkers articulate their assumptions in everyday deliberations about how scientific evidence should be made and used. I argue that this exchange of assumptions is crucial for a research community to achieve mutually beneficial compromises that benefit current and future knowledge construction.
Buckle fracture of the proximal tibia in children and frequency of association with trampoline and inflatable bouncer use

Proximal tibial buckle fractures are often called “trampoline fractures,” but mechanisms are more varied. To assess the frequency of trampoline or bouncer etiology among children with buckle fracture of the proximal tibia, characterizing demographics, alternative etiologies, and fracture patterns. We performed retrospective chart review of mechanisms, age and gender of children with radiographs interpreted as proximal tibial buckle fracture between 2010 and 2016. Two pediatric radiologists assessed presence of cortical impaction, cortical break, increased anterior scoop deformity, and oblique extension of fracture toward the physis. We studied the associations among demographics, etiology and fracture appearance using analysis of variance and chi-square/Fisher exact tests. We identified 145 exams interpreted as proximal tibial buckle fracture (median age 34 months, 64% girls). Bouncing surface was the most common mechanism (44%), and 80% of those cases reported multiple people on the bouncing surface. Falls were the second most common mechanism (30%). Children injured while bouncing were older (median 41 months) than others (median 21 months, P<0.005) and more likely to have oblique extension of fracture toward the physis (P<0.05). Buckle deformity was associated with a younger age (F=8.67; P<0.01), while oblique extension to the physis and concurrent fibula fracture were associated with older age (F=18.62, P<0.001; and F=8.02, P<0.01, respectively). Trampoline use was the most common single mechanism of injury in children with proximal tibial fracture interpreted as buckle deformity. However, non-bouncing mechanisms were overall more common and occurred in a younger age group at risk for “toddler fractures.”
Centella asiatica triterpenes for diabetic neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical study.

Background Diabetic neuropathy (DN), a common complication of diabetes mellitus, results from hyperglycemia, poor microcirculation and attendant nerve damage. Currently available treatments relieve symptoms, but do not modify the neurodegeneration underlying DN. Centella asiatica (CA) triterpenes improved microcirculation in earlier clinical studies, and showed neurotropic effects in preclinical models suggesting a potential disease modifying effect in DN. This 52-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of CAST, a standardized CA extract containing triterpenes, on neuropathy symptoms in Type II diabetic subjects. Patients and Methods The study enrolled patients with a history of Type II diabetes, with evidence of symptomatic symmetrical DN with total symptom score (TSS) ≥4, and stable HbA1c level <8. The primary outcome measure was TSS, which assessed intensity and frequency of parasthesia, numbness, pain and burning symptoms self-reported by patients. Secondary measures were nerve conduction, neurological impairment score, and quantitative sensory testing. Results Comparing CAST (n=21) and Placebo (n=22) groups, significant reductions from baseline for TSS (p<0.01) and paresthesia (p<0.01) were seen only in CAST treated groups. Numbness increased from baseline only in the Placebo group (p<0.05) and was significantly higher than for the CAST group (p<0.001). Burning sensation was reduced in both groups (p<0.01). Plasma triterpene levels in patients treated with CAST mirrored neurotropic concentrations in vitro. Conclusions CAST is a potential oral treatment for diabetic neuropathy, as it is well tolerated and effective in reducing the severity of DN symptoms in patients with Type II diabetes.
Cimabue’s True Crosses in Arezzo & Florence

This essay addresses the issue of materiality in Christian artistic production and its resonance in Western literary scholarship, especially in the context of medieval and early modern Italy. The main examples are several large wooden crucifixes painted by Cimabue and Giotto. These are compared to each other, as well as to sculptural crucifixes, analyzing their material and stylistic makeup in terms suggested by Erich Auerbach’s view of naturalism and Christian literary style history. In the twentieth century, the material history of the crucifixes studied here was impacted by the destruction wrought by the Florentine flood and by the personal history of the scholar experiencing exile. Focusing on the dynamics of trauma and transcendence, this comprehensive approach combines formal, physical, and hermeneutical perspectives that are seldom considered together: naturalism, style, matter, the life of the scholar, and the life of the object. In the end, these levels of production and perception are all interrelated, exceeding limits of material and immaterial connectivity between people and artworks.
What Should Physicians Consider Prior to Unionizing

Physicians considering unionization face many practical, emotional, and moral obstacles. Even some who feel that a collective bargaining unit is necessary remain concerned that patient care could suffer if physicians unionize. This article discusses unionized physicians' moral obligations to patient populations and health care systems' share in this responsibility. It argues that unionization can be done ethically as long as union actions are focused on improving patient care.
A Hybrid 3D Interconnect With 2x Bandwidth Density Employing Orthogonal Simultaneous Bidirectional Signaling for 3D NoC

For the first time, this work presents a wireless-wireline hybrid 3D interconnect that employs orthogonal simultaneous bidirectional signaling for 3D Network-on-chip to achieve $2\times $ bandwidth density. We combine wireless near-field inductive coupling channel (NFIC) encompassing wireline through-silicon vias (TSV) to leverage orthogonal simultaneous bidirectional (SBD) signaling. This technique provides an efficient way of doubling interconnect bandwidth in the same area by means of passive wireless and wireline interconnects. The proposed hybrid 3D interconnect shows at least -70dB of NFIC-TSV isolation in the band of interest. We also present a comprehensive link analysis to derive the energy-area trade-off of an NFIC link and its fundamental performance limits. Further, we demonstrate on how equalization has the potential to decouple the fundamental energy-area tradeoff. The prototype transceiver measures a simultaneous bidirectional data and clock communication at an effective data rate of 6.6 Gb/s consuming 263 fJ/bit in 65 nm CMOS bulk process. The developed hybrid 3D interconnect architecture exhibits a $2\times $ improved link performance over state-of-the-art 3D simultaneous bidirectional links. A hybrid 3D Network-on-chip (3D NoC) implementation is demonstrated using the proposed hybrid interconnect technology and shows a 50% lower area and cost for the same energy-delay-product (EDP) over the conventional TSV based links.