cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discovery of trace fossils in Franciscan turbidites

Late Mesozoic Franciscan turbidite deposits, examined along the Pacific Coast of northern California, contain a locally varied and abundant assemblage of trace fossils. These include (1) open burrow systems that may have functioned as microbial “farms” or traps (graphoglyptids, such as Cosmoraphe , Paleodictyon , and Megagrapton ); (2) burrows constructed as back-filled probes and spreiten by infaunal deposit-feeders ( Chondrites , Lophoctenium , Taenidium , and ? Micatuba ); (3) shallow infaunal burrows made by foraging deposit-feeders ( Gordia , Helminthopsis , and ? Neonereites ); (4) a widespread, infaunal locomotion trace fossil ( Planolites ); (5) burrow-mottled zones; (6) burrows with dark halos; (7) wispy, indistinct burrows delineated by stringers of carbonaceous material; and (8) fecal pellets that appear to be the products of polychaete worms. These trace fossils make up a rich assemblage from rocks that heretofore have been considered to be essentially unfossiliferous, and may be the only in situ macrofaunal remains preserved in Franciscan turbidites of the Central Belt.
Counterblast: Death Penalty Resistance Revisited in the Post-Trust Era

A decade ago this journal reported that support for the death penalty in the United States had begun to wane. This follow-up confirms the continuation of that trend and brings the earlier article up to date. Concern about executing the innocent and racial disparity persists amid evidence that the public is in a post-trust era where government decisions are highly suspect. Language: en
Host Associations and Seasonal Activity of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) in Missouri

From June 1993 through June 1996, 2,260 adult, 4,426 nymphal, and 2,178 larval lone star ticks Amblyomma americanum (L.) were collected in Missouri from vertebrate hosts and by dragging a cloth over vegetation. Prevalence, mean intensity, and relative abundance of each stage varied among hosts. The relative abundance of adult lone star ticks was highest on white-tailed deer, but this stage was also collected from raccoons, opossum, red fox, coyotes, and wild turkey. Nymphs were collected from gray squirrels, eastern cottontail rabbits, opossums, red fox, Carolina wren, and bobwhite quail, but the highest relative abundance occurred on wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and raccoons. Eastern cottontail rabbits, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and squirrels had the highest relative abundance of larval lone star ticks, but they were also found on opossums and wild turkey. The activity of adult lone star ticks was greatest from May through July. The activity for nymphs was highest from May through August, and for larvae, July through September.
The climatological skill of a regional model over complex terrain

Abstract As part of an ongoing study of the regional climate and hydrology of the southwestern United States, in this paper we investigate the systematic biases of two versions of the PSU/NCAR mesoscale model (MM4). These are a standard version and one that includes a more detailed treatment of radiative transfer, surface physics, and soil hydrology. We simulated the period 1–30 January 1979, in which nine Pacific storms moved across the western United States. Results from both model versions are compared to the large scale analysis used to provide initial and lateral boundary conditions. Both models show a lower tropospheric cold bias of 1–3 K near the surface over land and an upper tropospheric warm bias of less than 1 K, which suggest high model stability and reduced vertical mixing. The model atmospheres are wetter than that of the analysis, particularly in the lower troposphere and over the ocean. The wind magnitude bias is positive near the surface (∼1.5–3 m s−1), negative in the upper troposphere (...
Subclinical Cardiotoxicity Associated With Cancer Therapy: Early Detection and Future Directions.

Advances in cancer treatment have reduced cancer-related mortality, adding to the ranks of cancer survivors [(1)][1]. Unfortunately, chemotherapy and radiation often cause acute or chronic cardiovascular complications, which are the major causes of noncancer mortality among survivors. Compared with
Utilization of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates in the cellular synthesis of DNA by Bacillus subtilis

Abstract Deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) are incorporated into DNA by Bacillus subtilis W23. Frozen cells show greater incorporating activity than toluene-treated cells. Incorporation is also observed in untreated cells. The incorporation of thymidine (Tdr) when substituted for dTTP has also been observed. The Tdr incorporating system differs from the dTTP incorporating system in being UV sensitive, exhibiting different kinetics of incorporation and in exhibiting less stringent requirements for magnesium and dNTPs.
Teachers as Absurd Heroes: Camus' Sisyphus and the Promise of Rebellion.

AbstractInspired by Camus’ portrayal of Sisyphus, this essay examines the act of teaching as an absurd profession, one that faces numerous obstacles and challenges and continually falls short of its intended goals. I begin my analysis by demonstrating that Camus’ understanding of the absurd was heavily influenced by Nietzsche’s conception of nihilism. I argue that for Camus the sense of absurdity comes from the conflict between humans’ longing for order and meaning and the disorder and meaninglessness that we experience in our daily lives. Next, I show that Camus’ understanding of absurdity can help us make sense of the recent wave of educational reform. More fundamentally, I argue that that the existential conditions of schooling that many teachers have to negotiate daily are themselves absurd in Camus’ sense of the term. In the last part of this article, I take a close look at how a number of teachers are attempting to resist and even rebel against the new educational mandates.
Convergence Rate of a Stable, Monotone and Consistent Scheme for the Monge-Ampère Equation

We prove a rate of convergence for smooth solutions of the Monge-Ampere equation of a stable, monotone and consistent discretization. We consider the Monge-Ampere equation with a small low order perturbation. With such a perturbation, we can prove uniqueness of a solution to the discrete problem and stability of the discrete solution. The discretization considered is then known to converge to the viscosity solution but no rate of convergence was known.
Extensive Capillary Malformation and Hemihypertrophy in a 37-Week-Gestation Infant

A newborn at 375/7 weeks’ gestation with multiple port-wine stains on the face, trunk, and extremities (Figs 1 and 2) presents to the emergency department after transport from the birth hospital. Figure 1. Hemihypertrophy of infant’s right side. Figure 2. Port-wine stain on forehead and alae of nose with cutis marmorata telangiectasia on the arms and trunk. ### Prenatal and Birth Histories ### Birth History
Course and Program Outcome Assessment Process

Course and Program Outcome assessment process at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is briefly discussed. It is explained how data were collected, analyzed, and used in the enhancement of the undergraduate programs. This paper describes the management of the assessment process. Lessons learned from assessment experience are described and how these assessment processes will be streamlined in the future are highlighted.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Moisture, a Vital but Neglected Factor in the Seasonal Ecology of Insects: Hypotheses and Tests of Mechanisms

Of the major physical factors that influence insect seasonal ecology, moisture is least understood and least appreciated. It is our premise that experimental probing of insects from diverse zones and various habitats would reveal general patterns of insect responses to moisture that are as striking as those for photoperiod and temperature. Using the paradigms of photoperiod and temperature as ecophysiological determinants of insect seasonality, we hypothesize that moisture influences insect life cycles via one or more of three mechanisms-as a token stimulus for diapause, modulator of developmental or reproductive rates, or behavioral cue for vital seasonal events. For heuristic purposes, we offer each of these hypotheses in close association with approaches for testing their validity in insects that undergo dry-season dormancy. The approaches appear appropriate for examining the role of moisture in the life histories of terrestrial invertebrates other than insects, as well as plants and microbes that have a seasonal resting stage. Elucidating moisture's role in insect seasonal cycles is critical to the development of comprehensive phenological models, improved insect management systems, and identification of novel evolutionary mechanisms for adaptation to wet-dry seasons, especially in tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean regions.
Tuning the structural and lanthanide luminescence properties of macrocyclic tetraiminodiphenolate europium(III) complexes

Abstract The synthesis, structural characterization, and luminescence properties of two novel macrocyclic tetraiminodiphenolate europium(III) complexes are reported. The macrocyclic ligands studied bind the lanthanide through four or five donor atoms, leaving space for additional nitrate ions or, in solution, solvent molecules within the inner coordination sphere of the Eu3+ ion. Structural aspects of the complexes, [Eu-TIDP-Pr-tBu(NO3)3] (3) and [Eu-TIDP-PrOH-tBu(NO3)3] (4), are probed in solution via absorption and fluorescence measurements, and in the solid state by IR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Complex 3 crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/n space group with four molecules in the unit cell and cell dimensions a = 9.6309(3) A, b = 21.4708(7) A, c = 21.4442(7) A, β = 94.565° and V = 4420.2(2) A3. Complex 4 crystallizes in the triclinic P 1 ¯ space group, also with four molecules per unit cell and cell dimensions a = 13.3847(2) A, b = 16.1381(2) A, c = 20.5803(3) A, α = 82.674(1)°, β = 72.787(1)°, γ = 71.871(1)° and V = 4032.45(10) A3. As confirmed by the crystal structure, an extra hydroxyl oxygen atom within the propanol linked derivative binds the metal center, leading to a significant decrease in solvent mediated quenching of the Eu3+ luminescence of complex 4. Finally, preliminary anion binding studies were conducted and suggest potential application of such complexes in the area of anion sensing via changes in emission intensity when select anions such as phosphate replace metal-bound water molecules in solution.
Experimental Design s for Development Tests in Distributed Joint Environment s

The c haracteristics and objectives of development tests in distribut ed live, virtual, and constructive joint environments favor fractional factorial split -plot experimental designs . Development tes ts conducted in joint environments are key components of the Department of Defense transformational planning initiative to test as we fight . Joint operations have become the mainstay of war fighting. But t he only practical way to assemble joint environment s for testing is to link various live entities , virtual operator - or hardware -in -the loop simulations , and constructive simulat ion s ( simulated people operating simulated systems )-- all located at many geographically -dispersed test facilities . Such distributed tests are expensive and difficult to execute, resulting in many practical limitations that restrict the ability to completel y randomize trials. Objective s of development tests in joint environments include evaluating design alternative s based on joint mission effectiveness and assessing the robustness of design alternatives to uncontrollable sources of variation . These objecti ves and restrictions lead to fractional factorial designs with split plot components. This paper explains some basics of fractional factorial split plot designs and shows how to use the concept of partial design resolution to produce better designs based o n specific test objectives. An example using air -launched data link weapon s is used to illustrate design considerations and analysis concepts.
THE NATURE OF NICHE EXPANSION IN WEST INDIAN ANOLIS LIZARDS I: ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF REDUCED COMPETITION

Islands have fewer species than mainland areas of similar size, latitude and topographical complexity. Consequently insular species coexist with fewer competitors. Since competitors restrict a species' resource utilization and abundance, one might predict that island populations would have higher densities and broader niches than their mainland counterparts. Recent comparisons of island and mainland bird populations have shown that insular populations undergo a variety of ecological changes consistent with this prediction. These responses to reduced competition are called niche expansion or ecological release (Wilson, 1961) and include increased abundance, habitat expansion, increased diversity of diet and altitudinal shifts (Diamond, 1970; Keast, 1970; MacArthur et al., 1972; Terborgh and Faaborg, 1973). The propensity for species to exploit a broader spectrum of resources in the absence of competitors constitutes some of the best evidence for the importance of competition in vertebrate communities. But the phenomenon of niche expansion also raises a number of questions concerning the niche dynamics of natural populations which have received little attention: How do species adjust their niches? What evolutionary strategies are involved? To what extent is niche expansion an evolutionary or behavioral event? In this paper I analyze the nature of niche expansion in West Indian Anolis lizards with the aim of understanding the ecological consequences of reduced competition and the adaptations
The Kone Decision: Economic Logic and Damage Estimation

Price fixing cartels do not always involve all members of an industry. To the extent that the nonconspiring industry members set their prices under the price umbrella of the cartel, the customers of the nonconspiring firms suffer overcharges just like customers of the conspiring firms. Similarly, in a buyer cartel, sellers to the nonconspiring buyers would suffer underpayments just like sellers to the conspiring buyers. In the European Union, price fixing is prohibited under Article 101 of the Treaty for the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). A recent Court of Justice (CJEU) ruling has allowed the opportunity for umbrella plaintiffs to have standing and prove damages. In this article, we review the Kone decision and discuss the economics of umbrella pricing and umbrella damages. We analyze the issue of partial conspiracy among sellers and among buyers. Additionally, we discuss the estimation of damages both theoretically and in practice. We also identify some possible complications that may arise i...
Use of Microwave and Lower Frequency RF Energy for Improving Alfalfa Seed Germination

ABSTRACTThe use of radiofrequency (RF) electric energy for increasing the germination of alfalfa (lucerne) seed through exposures that lower the percentage of hard seeds (seed coats impermeable to water) is discussed. The influence of various biological and physical factors is considered, and results of experimental findings are reviewed briefly. RF treatments of alfalfa seed at frequencies of 5, 10, 39, and 2,450 MHz effectively reduced hard-seed percentages and provided increases in normal seedling germination when proper exposures were used. Treatments were generally more effective at lower seed moisture contents. Optimum germination response to RF dielectric heating depends mainly upon elevation of seed temperature to proper levels (about 75° C for alfalfa seed of 6% to 7% moisture). Some aspects of practical application of RF methods to seed treatment are discussed.
Fellow Travelers and Traveling Fellows: The Intercontinental Shaping of Modern Mathematics in Mid-Twentieth Century Latin America

The geographic reach and international integration of modern mathematics expanded dramatically in the wake of the Second World War. I examine the political and logistical achievement of intercontinental mathematics in this period by following the travels of Jose Luis Massera of Uruguay, Leopoldo Nachbin of Brazil, and Laurent Schwartz of France. The interlocking efforts of mathematicians and bureaucrats in universities, governments, philanthropies, and new postwar formations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to build mathematical institutions in Latin America operated with partial information, competing prerogatives, and costly exchanges of materials and personnel, each of which reflected the shifting economic and political constraints of the global Cold War. Drawing primarily on fellowship files and institutional archives, I situate these undertakings in the mechanics and ideals of twentieth-century scientific colonialism, development, and modernization. I explain how the seemingly nontechnical bases for such exchanges related to the specific mathematics being taught and researched by accounting for the particular success of Schwartz’s theory of distributions in Latin America, which owed both to circumstantial coincidences and to a mixture of several of the theory’s superficial, technical, and conceptual features. My analysis stresses the complex, ambivalent, but nonetheless consequential personal and institutional negotiations underwriting midcentury intercontinental mathematics while pointing to the importance of such phenomena for explaining the form and effects of the period’s broader array of global scientific exchanges.
Surface wave studies of the Bering Sea and Alaska area

abstract The area of the Bering Sea and Alaska was studied in terms of shear velocity, density, and compressional velocity structure by applying a generalized inversion method to surface wave dispersion relationships in the period range from 10 to 100 sec. Group velocity dispersion relationships in the area were obtained by applying the phase-matched filtering technique (Herrin and Goforth, 1977) to digitally recorded surface wave data. Corrections for instrument response and the sphericity of the Earth were applied to the dispersion observations. A new exact analytical method for the computation of Rayleigh wave phase velocity partial derivatives with respect to Earth parameters was formulated. With the phase velocity partial derivatives determined, the group velocity partial derivatives were computed by use of the fast and accurate method of Rodi et al. (1975), and were successfully incorporated into a generalized inversion method. The study area was found to consist of three physiographic provinces, and the structure of the three regions was estimated as follows: in continental Alaska, the crustal thickness is about 43 km, and a low velocity zone extends from a depth of about 113 km to about 213 km. In the Bering Shelf region, the depth to the Mohorovicic discontinuity is about 28 km, and a low velocity zone ranges in depth from about 108 km to about 213 km. In the Aleutian Basin, the thickness of the crust is about 18 km, and a low velocity zone extends from a depth of about 60 km to about 220 km.
Network-aware approach for energy storage planning and control in the network with high penetration of renewables

Abstract In this paper, we consider multiple energy storage nodes distributed over a power distribution network, and are purposed for multiple applications. The research problems of interests are to optimally locate these nodes over the distribution network and to create day-ahead plans according to planned applications. The two problems are formulated as stochastic optimization problems, and hourly and time-aggregated approximate solutions are presented. The approximation identifies time periods where load and generation patterns demonstrate low variability, and marks the whole period as a single time zone, thus significantly reducing the number of decision variables and the overall problem size. We show that aggregate and hourly planning solutions are close. The planning problem can handle any number of storage nodes with general topology and load connections, and deterministic or stochastic capacities. In this paper, we focus on network of static energy storages with deterministic capacity. Finally, we build a novel rule based control scheme for the near real time operation of the storage network by mining the statistical relationship between input and optimal charge and discharge patterns.
Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis simulating anterior mediastinal tumor.

Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rare tumor occurring predominantly in the posterior mediastinum, most commonly in patients with congenital hemolytic anemias. The first reported case of this entity’s occurring in the anterior mediastinum is described in a 68-year-old man with an incompletely characterized anemia. Definitive diagnosis was established only after median sternotomy and removal of the tumor.
Credit Constraint Exports in Countries with Different Degrees of Contract Enforcement

We theoretically consider firms’ export decisions in a heterogeneous firm framework. The paper assumes firms have idiosyncratic productivity levels and are credit-constrained in the export market. Firms in different countries have different degrees of credit constraints. Because of imperfect financial markets, firms might not be able to get the financial support to export even although they are profitable enough from the foreign market. In a country with strong contract enforcement, firms are more likely to export and export to more destinations; while in a country with weak contract enforcement, firms are more likely to be constrained by liquidity and export to fewer destinations. However, for those firms whose productivity is very low or very high, these influences do not exist. Moreover, we consider technology shocks and illustrate that technology shocks will further impede firms’ export decisions.
Probing ud asymmetry in the proton via W and Z production

Abstract The sensitivity of W and Z production at RHIC to the possible u d asymmetry in the proton is studied. The ratios of the W+ over W− production cross sections in p + p collision, as well as the ratios of the W+ and Z production cross sections for p + p over p + d collisions, are shown to be sensitive to this asymmetry. Predictions of various theoretical models for these ratios are presented.
Revision of the Foraminiferal Family Pseudoparrellidae Voloshinova

The Pseudoparrellidae Voloshinova, 1952, is recognized as a disyinct family of the Discorbacea (Foraminiferida) on the basis of trochospiral tests, hyaline calcite walls with radial crystalline structure monolamellid septa and a vertical aperture parallel to the periphery of the test. As redefined, the family contains six genera: Pseudoparralla Cushman and ten Dam, Epistominella Husezima and Maruhasi, Megastomella Faulkner de Klasz and Rerat, Stetsonia F.L. Parker, Concavella Lipps, gen. nov. (type species Pulvinulinella gyroidinaformis Cushman and Goudkoff), and Ambitropus Lipps, gen. nov. (type of species Epistominella evax Bandy). Species of the Pseudoparrellidae occur in Oligocen to recent deposits throughout the world. Nineteen species and two varieties of foraminifera have been recorded from California as Pseudoparrellidae. A new genus, Eilohedra (type species Epistominella levicula Resig), is erected in the Eponididae to contain species superficially similar to pseudoparrellids but differing in the bilamellid wall structure.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

When Neer introduced his proximal humerus prosthesis in the 1950s, there was renewed interest in shoulder arthroplasty. In his original paper describing hemiarthroplasty, five of 12 patients had good or excellent range of motion, and one of 12 had pain with use [1]. As the use of hemiarthroplasty and eventually total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) increased, it became apparent that this procedure was not a panacea for all degenerative shoulder conditions.
‘Dictatorial Democracy,’ the Four Habsburg Estates, and ‘The Ethical Foundations of a Free Society’

Hayek ‘sometimes’ wished he ‘could return to psychology, I have so many ideas in that field.’ He must have reflected about the sociopathic, or aristocratic, trance in which he held his ‘secondhand dealers in opinions’—and how easily they were deceived. Hayek emphasized to his Mont Pelerin Society the ‘moral inheritance which is an explanation of the dominance of the western world, a moral inheritance which consists essentially in the belief in property, honesty and the family.’ He sought to preserve his own dominance through a rules-based ‘dictatorial democracy’ (a concept he may have plagiarized from Chairman Mao): it would take a ‘very long period’ for Mises’ ‘knout’ and ‘prison camp’ to ‘clean’ the United States. In addition to abandoning his family and stealing from tax-exempt educational charities to maintain his aristocratic lifestyle, Hayek—a tax-evading multi-millionaire—refused to pay his secretary (1977–1992), Charlotte Cubitt, because he ‘didn’t have the means.’
Malignancy in Organ Homograft Recipients

The need to provide immunosuppression to prevent rejection of transplanted organs has brought to light further information on the influence of iatrogenic alterations of immunity and behavior of malignant tumors. These tumors have been encountered in organ homograft recipients in three situations: 1. Tumor present before or at the time of transplantation. 2. Tumor transmitted with the transplanted organ. 3. Tumor arising de novo at some time after transplantation.
Patently Unconstitutional: The Geographical Limitation on Prior Art in a Small World

This Article argues that the U.S. Patent Act's geographical limitation on prior art is unconstitutional because it conflicts with the constraints embodied in the Intellectual Property Clause of the Constitution. This geographical limitation, which appears in various subsections of section 102 of the Patent Act of 1952, prevents evidence of public knowledge and/or use of an invention in a foreign country from being used to assess the novelty and non-obviousness of that invention in the United States. While various commentators have criticized the policy implications of the section 102 geographical limitation, none have undertaken an analysis of the provision in light of the boundaries on congressional action set by the Intellectual Property Clause. The Article's analysis draws together evidence of 1) the framers' intent in drafting the Clause, 2) congressional and judicial interpretations of the Clause, and 3) changes in the public accessibility of foreign public knowledge and/or use, to inform the conclusion that prior art must be defined globally, to effectuate constitutional purposes. Because the section 102 geographical limitation on prior art allows the patenting of inventions in the public domain, i.e., inventions that lack novelty and non-obviousness, it is unconstitutional and must be eliminated. In addition to constitutional arguments, the Article also expands and provides a fresh perspective on policy arguments supporting the elimination of the section 102 geographical limitation, including those relating to biopiracy, patent policy, and patent harmonization efforts. The Article ultimately concludes that while the limitation may have been appropriate when first enacted in 1836, it is clearly unconstitutional in this technologically advanced, 21st century world and must be eliminated, either by Congress or the Supreme Court.
Red cell distribution width predicts out of hospital outcomes in critically ill emergency general surgery patients

Introduction Red cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with mortality and bloodstream infection risk in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that an increase in RDW at hospital discharge in critically ill patients who received emergency general surgery (EGS) would be associated with increased mortality after hospital discharge. Methods We performed a two-center observational study of patients treated in medical and surgical intensive care units. We studied 1567 patients, who received critical care between 1998 and 2012 who underwent EGS and survived hospitalization. The exposure of interest was RDW within 24 hours of hospital discharge and categorized a priori in quintiles as ≤13.3%, 13.3% to 14.0%, 14.0% to 14.7%, 14.7% to 15.8%, 15.8% to 17.0% and >17.0%. The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality. Adjusted ORs were estimated by multivariable logistic regression models with inclusion of covariate terms for age, race, gender, Deyo-Charlson Index, sepsis and number of organs with acute failure. Results The cohort patients were 51.4% male and 23.2% non-white. 23.9% had sepsis and the mean age was 58 years. 90-day postdischarge mortality was 6.8%. Patients with a discharge RDW 15.8% to 17.0% or RDW >17.0% have an adjusted OR of 90-day postdischarge mortality of 3.64 (95% CI 1.04 to 12.68; p=0.043) or 4.58 (95% CI 1.32 to 15.93; p=0.02), respectively, relative to patients with a discharge RDW ≤13.3%. Further, patients with a discharge RDW ≥15.8 have an adjusted OR of 30-day hospital readmission of 2.12 (95% CI 1.17 to 3.83; p=0.013) relative to patients with a discharge RDW ≤13.3%. Conclusions In EGS patients requiring critical care who survive hospitalization, an elevated RDW at the time of discharge is a robust predictor of all-cause patient mortality and hospital readmission after discharge. Level of evidence Level II, prognostic retrospective study.
Bedside Management of Discharges Against Medical Advice

Physicians and other healthcare professionals have long struggled with discharges against medical advice (AMA), or when patients leave the hospital prior to a specified clinical end point over the recommendation of the physician. There is ample literature describing the risk factors associated with AMA discharge and the common reasons that patients choose to leave AMA. In this chapter, we review the best practice concepts of bedside management of an AMA discharge. We discuss components of a quality decisional capacity assessment and informed consent discussion as a prerequisite for a safe transition of care for AMA discharges. We also discuss cognitive and behavioral strategies that can form the basis for a practical approach to the professional, legal, and ethical obligations surrounding this type of discharge. Last, we discuss patient-centered strategies, shared decision-making models, and motivational interviewing and describe operational tools and processes to assist providers in negotiating a more productive health outcome for AMA discharges.
Variance of Signals and Their Finite Fourier Transforms

The study of properties of the finite Fourier matrix can be traced back to I. Schur and his use of the Gauss reciprocity law to determine the spectral properties of the finite Fourier matrix. Unlike the continuous Fourier transform, there is no widely accepted eigenvector basis. We present different approaches to eigenvector construction for the finite Fourier matrix, and a new set of extremality principles for the finite Fourier transform. One of the consequences of this construction is a new discrete uncertainty principle, analogous to a classical Heisenberg–Weyl formulation.
Studies on the Replication of DNA

The goal of our work is to understand the basic mechanism of DNA replication, with special emphasis on the protein and nucleic acid interactions involved. It appears that replication is carried out by a complex of several proteins (Barry and Alberts, 1972; Schekman et al., 1972; reviewed in Klein and Bonhoeffer, 1972), quite possibly interwoven with the DNA to create a particle with a unique three-dimensional conformation (Alberts, 1971). However, attempts to purify intact DNA replication forks with these proteins attached have thus far failed, apparently reflecting a basic lability of the entire structure (Fuchs and Hanawalt, 1970; Miller and Buckley, 1970; C. Manoil, R. Peniston and B. Alberts, in preparation). This lability of the “replication apparatus” greatly complicates in vitro studies of replication mechanisms (see, for example, Schaller et al., 1972). In this context, it is relevant to note how the comparative stability of ribosome and RNA polymerase protein complexes has enabled striking advances in our knowledge of the biochemistry of translation and transcription.
Uterine Cervix Cancer

While early-stage cervical cancer can be managed surgically, locally advanced cervical cancer is treated with definitive EBRT with concurrent chemotherapy and brachytherapy. High-dose rate brachytherapy is a technique that enables delivery of high-dose, hypofractionated radiotherapy directly to the cervical tumor. Advances in brachytherapy include 3D imaging, which enables delineation of adjacent organs at risk (CT or MRI) and the cervical tumor (MRI). In this chapter, we review the usage of high-dose rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy in the treatment of cervical carcinoma.
Distinct types of neural reorganization during long-term learning

We leveraged a brain-computer interface learning paradigm to track the neural reorganization occurring throughout the full time course of motor skill learning lasting several weeks. We report on tw...
Attempting to Assert African Agency: Kenneth Kaunda, the Nixon Administration, and Southern Africa, 1968–1973

AbstractAfter three frustrating years of fruitless efforts to convince the United Kingdom (UK) to end the conflict in Rhodesia, Zambian leader Kenneth Kaunda and his United National Independence Pa...
The 24-year course of major depression in patients with borderline personality disorder and personality-disordered comparison subjects.

Abstract Background This study had two main objectives. The first was to detail the prevalence of major depressive disorder over 24 years of follow-up for both patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and comparison subjects with other personality disorders (OPD). The second was to determine time-to-remission, recurrence, and new onset of major depression among these two groups of patients. Methods The SCID-I was administered to 290 borderline inpatients and 72 personality-disordered comparison subjects during their index admission. It was also re-administered at 12 contiguous two-year follow-up periods. Results The prevalence of major depression was significantly higher for borderline patients over time but declined significantly over time for those in both study groups. In terms of time to events, 93% of borderline patients meeting criteria for major depression at baseline experienced a two-year remission by the time of the 24-year follow-up. Recurrences were about as common (90% for those with remitted major depression). New onsets of major depression were also very common (86% for those without major depression during their index admission). Limitations Results may not pertain to less severely ill patients with BPD and those in less treatment. Conclusions Taken together, the results of this study suggest that the remitting-recurring course of major depression in borderline patients is very similar to the course of major depression in those with other types of personality disorder and those for whom major depression is their primary disorder.
The ACA's Individual Mandate In Retrospect: What Did It Do, And Where Do We Go From Here?

The Affordable Care Act required most people to obtain health insurance or pay a tax penalty. Legislation enacted in December 2017 effectively repealed that requirement, starting in 2019. This arti...
Recording Neuronal Data During Classical Conditioning Experiments

Recording and describing the activity of neurons during behavior is a major tool for trying to understand the relation between brain and behavior. Indeed, one of the major reasons that classical conditioning became a very popular behavioral paradigm for studying the neural correlates of learning and memory was that neural recording, used in conjunction with classical conditioning, was relatively simple. As we pointed out in the beginning of this book, during classical conditioning experiments the experimenter has full control of when stimuli are delivered and knows when to expect conditioned and unconditioned behaviors to occur. Further, in some classical conditioning procedures, such as eyeblink conditioning, the length of the trial is relatively short—typically on the order of 500 to 1500 msec.
Improving the efficiency of clinical trials by standardizing processes for Investigator Initiated Trials.

1. Abstract Early phase clinical trials are the first step in testing new medications and therapeutics developed by clinical and biomedical investigators. These trials aim to find a safe dose of a newly targeted drug (phase I) or find out more about the side effects and early signals of treatment efficacy (phase II). In a research institute, many biomedical investigators in oncology are encouraged to initiate such trials early in their careers as part of developing their research portfolio. These investigator-initiated trials (IITs) are funded internally by the University of Kansas Cancer Center or partially funded by pharmaceutical companies. As financial, administrative, and practical considerations play an essential role in the successful completion of IITs, it is imperative to efficiently allocate resources to plan, design, and execute these studies within the allotted time. This manuscript describes monitoring tools and processes to improve the efficiency, cost-effectivness, and reliability of IITs. The contributions of this team to processes such as: participant recruitment, feasibility analysis, clinical trial design, accrual monitoring, data management, interim analysis support, and final analysis and reporting are described in detail. This manuscript elucidates how, through the aid of technology and dedicated personnel support, the efficiency of IIT-related processes can be improved. Early results of these initiatives look promising, and the Biostatistics and Informatics team intends to continue fostering innovative methodologies to enhance cancer research by improving the efficiency of IITs.
"Beyond the Bump" - Insight Into the Postpartum Women's Experience of Pelvic Organ Prolapse as Expressed on Reddit.

OBJECTIVE To qualitatively analyze the biopsychological experiences of postpartum women regarding pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as expressed on Reddit, a widely used internet platform for anonymous discussion and information sharing. POP is a prevalent condition in postpartum women, yet personal experiences are often not discussed due to social stigma. METHODS “Beyondthebump,” a Subreddit forum for postpartum mothers with >57,000 subscribers, was queried for “prolapse” to collect postings on POP in August 2018. Posts were analyzed qualitatively by 2 independent researchers. The principles of grounded theory were applied and preliminary themes were generated. These themes were used to derive emergent concepts. RESULTS We analyzed 28 unique posts with 390 responses from 2014 to 2018. Qualitative analysis yielded 3 preliminary themes. (1) Women were unaware POP could occur postpartum and frustrated by the lack of prenatal discussion. (2) Women expressed a need for supportive, comprehensive, and immediate care. (3) Attributed symptoms of POP included pain and discomfort, causing difficulty with daily life. Three emergent concepts were derived. (1) POP is a difficult, debilitating condition with mental and physical effects. (2) Women with POP were self-driven and actively sought help. (3) There was motivation to increase POP awareness. CONCLUSION Postpartum women's perspectives on POP focused on the difficulty of continuing life routines, self-drive for improvement, and motivation to raise awareness for others. Through learning from women's self-reported experiences, physicians can better meet women's needs and improve care for POP.
Intraureteral indocyanine green augments ureteral identification and avoidance during complex robotic‐assisted colorectal surgery

Aim Up to 10% of patients who undergo nonurological abdominopelvic operations suffer a ureteral injury. While preoperative ureteral stenting to facilitate identification of the ureter is common, it does not reduce the incidence of intraoperative ureteral injury and is not without risk. As we continue to broaden the application of minimally invasive surgical techniques, a new form of ureteral identification and avoidance that does not rely on tactile feedback is needed. We report our initial experience with intraureteral indocyanine green (ICG) for ureteral identification and avoidance during complex robotic-assisted colorectal surgery. Method Patients undergoing adjunctive ureteral identification during robotic-assisted colorectal surgery were prospectively identified. Each patient underwent intraureteral ICG administration using rigid cystoscopy (22 Fr). A 5-Fr open-ended ureteral catheter was inserted up to 20 cm and used to inject 5 ml of 2.5 mg/ml ICG as the catheter was withdrawn to the ureteral orifice. Intraureteral ICG was then detected using near-infrared laser fluorescence technology (Firefly®). Results Successful ICG-enhanced ureteral identification and avoidance was performed in 15 of 16 (94%) patients undergoing robotic-assisted colorectal surgery. The median ICG instillation time was 11.5 min (range 4-21 min) and the median operative time with ICG visualization was 489 min (8 h 9 min) [range 268-738 min (4 h 28 min-12 h 18 min)]. No patient experienced intraoperative ureteral injury and there were no adverse sequelae or complications associated with intraureteral ICG administration. Conclusion Intraureteral ICG is a safe and effective method of intraoperative ureteral identification and avoidance during complex robotic-assisted colorectal surgery. Precise and prolonged ureteral visualization was achieved, allowing for long operative times compatible with complex robotic-assisted operations.
Interpersonal Emotion Regulation: an Experience Sampling Study

People often turn to others for help with regulating their emotions, a process known as interpersonal emotion regulation (IER). Emerging research has begun to document the importance of IER in well-being. However, the basic elements of IER in daily life are still not clearly understood. We aimed to better understand the characteristics of adults’ everyday IER. In this 2-week experience sampling study (five surveys daily), 87 adults (mean age = 45.5 years) reported on whether, from whom (i.e., sharing partner role type and gender), and why (i.e., IER goals) they sought IER. They also indicated which IER strategies their sharing partners used, including putatively supportive (i.e., reappraisal, problem solving, affection, encouraging sharing) and unsupportive (i.e., invalidation, blaming) strategies. Results showed that most people engaged in IER. Using multilevel modeling, we found that people tended to seek IER from close versus non-close others and were more likely to seek emotion-oriented (e.g., empathy) relative to problem-oriented goals (e.g., advice). Sharing partners were more likely to provide (a) supportive than unsupportive strategies, with reappraisal, problem solving, and affection being most frequently endorsed, and (b) problem-oriented supportive strategies (e.g., problem solving) than emotion-oriented supportive strategies (e.g., affection). We also explored gender and age differences in IER. This research contributes to the broader emotion regulation literature by elucidating everyday IER behaviors in adults. Findings highlight the ubiquity of IER as well as people’s tendencies when seeking and providing IER.
134 The impact of intravenous lidocaine in children and young people undergoing spinal fusion surgery: the experience in a UK specialist children’s hospital

Background and Aims The use of intravenous lidocaine therapy (IVLT) improves pain outcomes in certain adult populations, however, little evidence exists in paediatric populations. We aim to evaluate its impact in patients with adolescents idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) undergoing primary posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSIF). Methods ASA1 and ASA2 patients over 12-years-old undergoing PSIF surgery for AIS between January 2017 and December 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, anaesthetic and pain management were evaluated alongside postoperative outcome measures. This service evaluation was deemed no to require ethical approval (http://www.hra-decisiontools.org.uk/research/docs/DefiningResearchTable_Oct2017-1.pdf) by our local clinical governance committee (Audit No. 6351) Results 162 patients with a median age of 15.2(IQR:13.6–16.5[range 11.4–19.2])years underwent PSIF for AIS. 33/162(20.4%) were male and 129/162(79.6%) female. 73/162(45.1%) received IVLT at a median infusion-rate of 1.8(IQR: 1.5–1.9 [range 1.1–2.0])mg/kg/hr. These patients required significantly less fentanyl: intraoperatively (p=0.0182,95%CI=0.1–1.3), on day-1 (p=0.0032;95%CI=1.6–7.6) and day-2 (p=0.0104;95%CI=0.8–6.5 (see table 1); reported similar/lower pain scores (day 1: p=0.0494; 95%CI 0.0–0.8) and attained rehabilitation goals in similar timeframes. Conclusions We observed the use of intraoperative IVLT to be associated with a significant reduction in early opiate requirements in paediatric PSIF, suggesting patients may benefit from earlier conversion from intravenous to oral opiates. This change has been implemented within our local Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programme to facilitate earlier mobilization and discharge. Our patients reported similar levels of comfort and attained their rehabilitation goals in a similar timeframe. Further review and study is required to determine the optimal components and dosing within paediatric PSF ERAS programmes.
Sanitation and Hygiene Deficiencies as Contributing Factors in Contamination of Imported Foods

Understanding the inadequacy and problems of sanitation and hygiene deficiencies and their contribution to food contamination in exporting countries can lead to opportunities to reduce contamination in imported foods and to support efforts to reduce food safety problems in export partners. This chapter focuses on the sanitation and hygiene deficiencies in imported food. In general, those problems are more prominent in developing countries where food quality control is poorer than in industrialized countries. Sections in the chapter include presentation of evidence on food safety problems from imports, some cases related to hygiene and sanitation issues in exporting countries, and discussion of food safety activities in food production, especially in developing countries. Discussion about the challenges and progress suggest opportunities for developing safe food supply chains. The quality and safety of imported foods are at risk because of the food safety practices of the exporting countries and the likelihood that sanitation and hygiene deficiencies would be imported along with the food items. Food-borne pathogens can be transmitted from human excreta though improper sanitation, water sources, insects, and soil. The chapter primarily focuses on human sources and exposures. Main issues in developing countries regarding food safety controls are inadequate technology, equipment, and other infrastructure for testing product quality. A two-tiered system may be best for developing countries because improvement of an entire country’s sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) situations may take time.
Nonrigid 3d brain registration using intensity/feature information

The brain deforms non-rigidly during neurosurgery, preventing preoperatively acquired images from accurately depicting the intraoperative brain. If the deformed brain surface can be detected, biomechanical models can be applied to calculate the resulting volumetric deformation. The reliability of this volumetric calculation is dependent on the accuracy of the surface detection. This work presents a surface tracking algorithm which relies on Bayesian analysis to track cortical surface movement. The inputs to the model are 3D preoperative brain images and intraoperative stereo camera images. The addition of a camera calibration optimization term creates a more robust model, capable of tracking the cortical surface in the presence of camera calibration error.