cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research Note: Bone ash from immature broilers correlates to bone mineral content calculated from quantitative computed tomography scans.

Owing to selection for rapid growth and heavy muscle, bone deformities and injuries in broiler chickens are common and present a welfare concern. Recently, clinical quantitative computed tomography scans (QCTs) have been used for laying hens with significant, strong correlations between QCT-generated bone mineral content (BMC), bone ash, and analytical calcium. The objectives of this study were to determine if QCT-generated bone mineral density of tibias and femurs correlated to fat-free ash and if analytical Ca could be correlated to bone ash and digitally calculated density in immature broilers. Male broilers (Ross 708, n = 125) were raised from day 1 after hatching, and at 42 D, right leg quarters were collected from 50 randomly selected birds and frozen at -20°C until analysis. Leg quarters were scanned with muscle and feathers intact and arranged in rows on plexiglass, and each QCT included a solid Ca hydroxyapatite phantom. Tibias and femurs were removed from leg quarters after autoclaving, ashed, and weighed. Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to understand the association between analytical bone ash and QCT BMC while paired t tests determined the amount of difference between QCT BMC and ash. Ash weight was strongly correlated to QCT BMC in both the femur (R = 0.86, P < 0.001) and the tibia (R = 0.91, P < 0.001). The average difference between the amount of actual ash weighed and BMC calculated from the QCT was 0.03 ± 0.22 g (P = 0.3) for the femur and 0.04 ± 0.22 g (P = 0.2) for the tibia. This study confirms that this technique can supply invaluable skeletal health information without sacrificing birds.
The amphibian complement system and chytridiomycosis

Understanding host immune function and ecoimmunology is increasingly important at a time when emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) threaten wildlife. One EID that has emerged and spread widely in recent years is chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is implicated unprecedented amphibian declines around the world. The impacts of Bd have been severe for many amphibian species, but some populations have exhibited signs of persistence, and even recovery, in some regions. Many mechanisms may underpin this pattern and amphibian immune responses are likely one key component. Although we have made great strides in understanding amphibian immunity, the complement system remains poorly understood. The complement system is a nonspecific, innate immune defense that is known to enhance other immune responses. Complement activation can occur by three different biochemical pathways and result in protective mechanisms, such as inflammation, opsonization, and pathogen lysis, thereby providing protection to the host. We currently lack an understanding of complement pathway activation for chytridiomycosis, but several studies have suggested that it may be a key part of an early and robust immune response that confers host resistance. Here, we review the available research on the complement system in general as well as amphibian complement responses to Bd infection. Additionally, we propose future research directions that will increase our understanding of the amphibian complement system and other immune responses to Bd. Finally, we suggest how a deeper understanding of amphibian immunity could enhance the conservation and management of amphibian species that are threatened by chytridiomycosis.
Radiology Medical Student Education 2020: Surveys of the Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology and Medical Students.

Rationale and Objectives The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in significant changes to medical student education by disrupting clinical rotations, licensing exams, and residency applications. To evaluate the pandemic's impact and required modifications of radiology medical student courses, the authors developed and administered surveys to Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology (AMSER) faculty and enrolled medical students. The surveys requested feedback and insight about respondents’ experiences and innovations. Materials and Methods Anonymous twenty-question and seventeen-question surveys about the pandemic's impact on medical student education were distributed via email to AMSER members and medical students. The surveys consisted of multiple choice, ranking, Likert scale, and open-ended questions. Differences in the Likert score agreement was performed using one-sided Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests. Survey data were collected using SurveyMonkey (San Mateo, California). This study was IRB exempt. Results The AMSER survey indicated 96% of institutions cancelled medical student courses and 92% resumed with virtual courses, typically general radiology. A total of 64% of faculty enjoyed online teaching, although 82% preferred on-site courses. A total of 62% of students felt an online radiology course was an excellent alternative to an on-site rotation, although 27% disagreed. A total of 69% of students who completed both on-site and online courses preferred the on-site format. Survey-reported innovations and free response comments have been collated as educational resources. Conclusion Faculty were able to adapt radiology courses to the online environment utilizing interactive lectures, self-directed learning, flipped classroom sessions, and virtual readouts, which were effective for student respondents. Hybrid rotations with on-site and online elements may offer the best of both worlds.
Investigation of 5-Fluorouracil Cocrystals by Low-Frequency Vibrational Spectroscopy and Solid-State Density Functional Theory

Cocrystallization of dissimilar organic molecules plays an important role in the design and improvement of solid-state pharmaceuticals. The combined approach of terahertz and Raman spectroscopies, augmented with solid-state density functional theory, offers a powerful method for studying the distinct low-frequency vibrational spectra of these novel solids and the energetic factors involved in cocrystal formation. Here, 5-fluorouracil (a chemotherapy agent) and its 1:1 cocrystals with urea and thiourea are investigated. The first goal is to understand the two polymorphs of 5-fluorouracil and to accurately model the fluorine-fluorine interactions between molecules. In addition to pure 5-fluorouracil, the effects of sulfur and oxygen on the hydrogen bonding networks within the cocrystalline solids is also considered, and how these modify the low-frequency vibrations.
Racial differences in androgen metabolism and receptor signaling in prostate cancer

Abstract Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone (T) mediated androgen receptor (AR) nuclear translocation initiates transcription of AR target genes that are pivotal for prostate cancer (PrCa) development and progression. Here we provide data indicating that in contrast to European American (EA) men, African American (AA) men with localized PrCa can exploit an alternative progesterone-androsterone-5α-androstanedione pathway for DHT biosynthesis. Enzymes that are involved in alternate pathways of DHT biosynthesis are elevated in PrCa tissues from AA men, compared to EA men, and also correlated with increased serum DHT levels. In addition, higher serum DHT levels reflect increased RNA expression of AR target genes in PrCa tissues from AA men. Interestingly, serum T but not DHT levels are significantly lower in AA men compared to EA men with PrCa. Furthermore, serum progesterone and related intermediate metabolites levels that are produced during alternate pathways of DHT biosynthesis are significantly lower in AA men with PrCa and associated with a shorter time to disease progression. These data highlight that androgen biosynthesis is altered in therapy naive localized PrCa in AA men, and can potentially serve as prognostic indicators of disease progression. Significance Our work provides a rationale to examine potential pharmacological interventions that target androgen biosynthesis and AR signaling earlier in the disease continuum in AA men with PrCa. Additionally, our study lays the groundwork for developing serum measurements of intermediate androgen metabolites as PrCa prognostic biomarkers.
Paradigm Perplexities: Does International Humanitarian Law or International Human Rights Law Govern the Gaza Border Protests of 2018-2019, & What are the Consequences? A Response to the Supreme Court’s Opinion in Yesh Din v. IDF Chief of Staff (HCJ 3003/18)

In March 2018, thousands of Gazan citizens mobilized for a mass protest movement at the border with the State of Israel that endured for more than a year and a half, ending in late 2019. By February 2019, the IDF’s response to these protestors resulted in 189 deaths and 23,313 injuries to Gazan Palestinian protestors. Upon hearing challenges to the IDF’s rules of engagement brought by a number of human rights groups, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled in HCJ 3003/18 Yesh Din v. IDF Chief of Staff that the IDF’s response was proper under the law enforcement paradigm of international humanitarian law (also known as “IHL” or the law of armed conflict). This note argues that the Court’s holding was in error due to the fact that the law enforcement paradigm lies under the auspices of international human rights law (“IHRL”), not IHL, and that the consequences of this error are widespread and dangerous. In coming to this conclusion, this Note first gives a brief exposition of the Court’s opinion in the Yesh Din case and then delves into many of the underlying legal complexities of the Israeli-Gazan relationship. Second, this Note presents the general position that the State of Israel has taken in regard to the purported lack of IHRL obligations toward the Palestinian population in Gaza and addresses this position’s shortcomings. The piece then considers the accepted law and persuasive scholarship regarding the IHL conduct of hostilities paradigm and the IHRL law enforcement paradigm. Finally, this Note analyzes the problems of implementing the law enforcement paradigm through IHL by utilizing the facts of the clashes at the Gaza-Israel border gathered by the U.N. Human Rights Council’s Investigatory Committee report.
Automated Registration-Based Temporal Bone Computed Tomography Segmentation for Applications in Neurotologic Surgery.

ObjectiveThis study investigates the accuracy of an automated method to rapidly segment relevant temporal bone anatomy from cone beam computed tomography (CT) images. Implementation of this segment...
Spillover Effects of Cross-Border Bank Acquisitions on Systemic Risk

We examine the spillover and direct effects of cross-border bank M&As on the systemic risk of banks in the target’s country. We document that higher cross-border bank M&A activity is associated with higher systemic risk for peer banks, while target banks exhibit a decrease in systemic risk post-merger. The effect is stronger for deals involving large acquirers from developed countries and from countries with weaker regulatory quality than the target’s country. Our data suggest that the channels for these effects are reductions in peer banks’ market value of equity and income diversity and an increase in market value of equity for target banks post-merger relative to the control group. Our findings show destabilizing effects of cross-border bank M&As that stem from improvements in the quality of the target banks that exert pressure on peer banks.
Short-term outcomes following resection of right colon diverticulitis: a comparison of open and minimally invasive approaches using the NSQIP database.

Right colon diverticulitis is a rare disease process for which there are no established treatment guidelines, and outcomes following surgical management are underreported in the literature. We sought to describe the demographics of patients undergoing ileocecectomy for right colon diverticulitis and compare short-term postoperative outcomes between open and minimally invasive approaches. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was queried for patients with diverticulitis of the colon who underwent ileocecectomy between 2012 and 2019. Patients with ascites, disseminated cancer, ASA class 5, and patients requiring mechanical ventilation were excluded. Preoperative, intraoperative, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups using both univariable chi-square or t-tests and multivariable logistical regression models. 484 patients met inclusion criteria, 150 (31%) of whom underwent open surgery and 334 (69%) who underwent minimally invasive surgery with an 18% conversion rate. 71% of patients were White, 11% of were Black, 7% were Hispanic, and 5% were Asian. The indication for surgery differed significantly by approach with acute diverticulitis representing 47% of indications for open cases and 25% for MIS cases (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for possible confounders, patients undergoing the open approach had a significantly higher chance of post-operative sepsis (p = 0.009) and ileus (p = 0.04) compared with MIS. Hospital length of stay was also significantly shorter after MIS compared to open (5.9 days vs. 11.5 days; p < 0.0001). Mean operative time was significantly longer in MIS than open (173 min vs. 198 min; p = 0.001). Our analysis demonstrates that minimally invasive surgery is associated with equivalent or improved short-term morbidity and shorter hospital stay despite longer mean operative time. Interestingly, unlike other countries where the prevalence of right colon diverticulitis is higher, a minority of patients requiring operative therapy in our study of patients in the Western hemisphere were of Asian descent.
Years of Physical Activity Can Affect Simple and Complex Cognitive/Motor Speed in Older Adults

The purposes of this study were to determine: 1) whether older adults who have been physically active for a number of years are faster in responding when performing a simple and complex cognitive/motor task than those who have not been involved in aerobic activity, and 2) the predicted effect of activity level and other factors on Sternberg RT task performance. Previous research has shown that exercise can affect the central nervous system component for tasks requiring speeded responses. Subjects were active runners and less active; their aerobic capacities were High and Somewhat Low respectively. The task was Sternberg Search RT. Based on the three factor ANOVA, Sternberg RT was significantly faster for the active than for the less active. The active were faster than less active at the combined processes of encoding, recogition, rehearsal, deciding which response to make, initiating commands to effectors, and contracting the appropriate effector. Multiple regression supported these results.
What is the current role of endoscopy in primary sclerosing cholangitis

Endoscopy has important roles in the management of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), ranging from narrowing down the differential diagnoses, screening for complications, determining prognosis and therapy. While the need for a diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be obviated by a positive magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), a negative MRCP does not exclude PSC and may therefore necessitate an ERCP, which is traditionally regarded as the gold standard. In this editorial we have not covered the endoscopic management of inflammatory bowel disease in the context of PSC nor of endoscopic surveillance and treatment of portal hypertension complicating PSC.
Intestinal epithelial barrier and mucosal immunity

Commensal bacteria in the lumen of the intestine exist in a mutually advantageous relationship with the mammalian host, providing benefits such as increased metabolic/digestive capabilities and exclusion of harmful microbes, and in turn receiving a nutrient-rich environment. However, in the context of a dysfunctional intestinal epithelial barrier, commensal bacteria may elicit an immune inflammatory response similar to what occurs during infection by a pathogen. Recent work has established that most eukaryotic cells possess families of receptors that can detect the structural signatures of prokaryotic life. Cells may respond to the perception of microbes by activating distinct cytoplasmic signaling cascades that ultimately result in the transcriptional activation of genes needed for proinflammatory and antiapoptotic functions, as well as for a pro-apoptotic response. Collectively, these responses generally suffice to eliminate microbial threats and may be integral to normal intestinal homeostasis. An understanding of these mechanisms, as well as those by which microbes themselves influence intestinal epithelial responses, may help provide a new perspective on the pathogenesis of intestinal diseases.
Verification of a fieldbus scheduling protocol using timed automata

This paper deals with the formal verification of a fieldbus real-time scheduling mechanism, using the notion of timed-automata and the UPPAAL model checker. A new approach is proposed here that treats the set of schedulers that regulate access on a fieldbus as a separate entity, called the scheduling layer. In addition a network with a changing topology is considered, where nodes may be turned on or off. The behaviour of the scheduling layer in conjunction with the data link, the medium and the network management layer is examined and it is proved that it enjoys a number of desirable properties.
The Challenge of Perspective

The centenary of Bayer AG being celebrated in 1988 marks a century in which the firm has contributed to the discovery and production of medicines for the relief of disease and promotion of health. All mankind has benefitted. We add a new round of congratulations to the generations of scientists who have made the record so distinguished and commend the company for generating the philosophy of research that produced the successes. We are confident in our hope and wish that the years ahead will extend the success and build on the record with new achievements. It is a thoughtful gesture on Bayer’s part to celebrate the important event in their history by sponsoring scientific symposia to assess concurrent advances in science and health. Few, if any, disciplines exceed antiinfective therapy in these accomplishments.
Theoretical and Empirical Comparisons of Approximate String Matching Algorithms

We study in depth a model of non-exact pattern matching based on edit distance, which is the minimum number of substitutions, insertions, and deletions needed to transform one string of symbols to another. More precisely, the k differences approximate string matching problem specifies a text string of length n, a pattern string of length m, the number k of differences (substitutions, insertions, deletions) allowed in a match, and asks for all locations in the text where a match occurs. We have carefully implemented and analyzed various O(kn) algorithms based on dynamic programming (DP), paying particular attention to dependence on b the alphabet size. An empirical observation on the average values of the DP tabulation makes apparent each algorithm's dependence on b. A new algorithm is presented that computes much fewer entries of the DP table. In practice, its speedup over the previous fastest algorithm is 2.5X for binary alphabet; 4X for four-letter alphabet; 10X for twenty-letter alphabet. We give a probabilistic analysis of the DP table in order to prove that the expected running time of our algorithm (as well as an earlier “cut-off” algorithm due to Ukkonen) is O(kn) for random text. Furthermore, we give a heuristic argument that our algorithm is O(kn/(√b-1)) on the average, when alphabet size is taken into consideration.
Survival and infectivity of Salmonella choleraesuis in swine feces

Many serotypes of Salmonella survive well in the environment. Conversely, it is believed that Salmonella Choleraesuis, the host-adapted serotype of swine, does not survive well outside the host. We examined the survival capability of Salmonella Choleraesuis in swine feces. Six pigs were infected with Salmonella Choleraesuis and feces were collected and pooled on days 2, 4, 7, and 10 postinoculation (PI). Feces were stored in a wet and a dry form, and survival was measured over 13 months. Salmonella Choleraesuis was recovered from wet feces through 3 months of storage. In a desiccated (dry) form, Salmonella Choleraesuis was recovered from at least 13 months. Salmonella Choleraesuis shed from swine prior to 4 days PI did not survive as well as that shed 4 days PI or later. We also examined the infectivity of Salmonella Choleraesuis resident in dry feces. Six- or 13-week-old pigs were inoculated with dry feces that had been stored either 2 months or 4 months, respectively. Pigs were inoculated either intranasally or by mixing dry feces with the swine ration. Although clinical signs were mild, Salmonella Choleraesuis was widely disseminated among the tissues of all the pigs inoculated. This study demonstrates that Salmonella Choleraesuis remains viable and infective in the environment. Therefore, contaminated fecal matter can serve as a reservoir for Salmonella Choleraesuis as well as other Salmonella spp. Control measures must consider this environmental reservoir as a source of new infections.
Extreme Hypertension, Eclampsia, and Critical Care Seizures

The association between seizures and blood pressure elevation remains a common medical emergency encountered in an ICU setting. Syndromes such as pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, hypertensive encephalopathy, and posterior leukoencephalopathy commonly present with seizures. The primary treatment goal is to reduce the arterial blood pressure. In most cases seizure control is thus achieved, but unique medications, such as magnesium sulfate, may be needed. Fortunately, if treated immediately and aggressively, the pathophysiologic mechanism leading to seizures is reversible in most cases. Delayed treatment may result in irreversible brain injury or increased mother or fetus mortality.
The use of large-scale modeling for interpreting human brain imaging experiments

Functional neuroimaging methods such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have become increasingly important in the study of human brain function. These methods allow the study of the conscious, behaving human brain, and are commonly used for relating regional brain activations to specific cognitive components. However, there is still a large gap between the imaging results and underlying neuronal processes such as those described in single-cell animal studies. A few efforts have been made to bridge this gap by the use of large-scale modeling. Some of the factors and constraints that need to be considered in building such a model are discussed. There a specific model of visual working memory is described. The model performs a talk that has been used in both animal single-cell recordings and human brain imaging experiments. The model includes elements that have dynamics similar to the various neuronal populations that have been identified in the ventral visual pathway, while at the same time the total summed synaptic activity in the different regions is similar to human imaging data. In this model, the emphasis is at the circuit level, and the expected effect of balance of excitatory and inhibitory connections on imaging data is discussed. Specific experiments and predictions made by the model include the expected effect of synaptic inhibition on imaging data, an interpretation of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) data, and a potential mechanism for the mediation of working memory in the prefrontal cortex.
Six years of a family health clinic: some prenatal and pediatric findings

Abstract Data are presented on 156 pregnancies in 126 women followed over a 6 year period in a Family Health Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts. This research-service clinic collected detailed information from early in pregnancy through at least the child's first year. The mothers were a select group of young women. Information on congenital defects, systemic disease, gynecologic conditions, accidents, operations, bleeding, and infections is presented. Of the 156 pregnancies, 3 resulted in miscarriage and one in neonatal death. Pediatric records of 66 male and 87 female children are reviewed. Major and minor deviations which might possibly originate during prenatal life are reported. Tables are presented describing the babies with negative maternal prenatal histories, the clinically poorest babies, and their maternal prenatal histories. Prenatal fetal pathology is an area of study which has long been the concern of genetics and experimental teratology. It is also a joint concern of obstetrics and pediatrics. Similarly detailed studies of mothers and children along the whole gradient from health to disease have been initiated. These will test various prenatal events as to their possible teratologic effect.
Preliminary Observations Of Polar Sea Ice With The Special Sensor Microwave Imager

The Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) was launched as part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. The SSM/I operates at 19.4, 22.2, 37.0, and 85.5 GHz with horizontal and vertical polarizations measured at each frequency except 22 GHz which has only a vertical polarization channel. Examination of polarization and spectral gradient ratios derived from the SSM/I radiances for open ocean, first-year, and multiyear Arctic sea ice reveals striking differences between the ratios calculated using lower frequencies and those ratios using the 85 GHz channels. These differences may serve as the basis for deriving sea ice information.
Development of an ultra wideband Vivaldi antenna array

We have developed a 1/spl times/16 sub-array antenna structure for ultra wideband applications such as see-through-walls imaging radar. The utilized single element is a flared-antipodal design and has demonstrated almost constant gain and beamwidth over a broad bandwidth of 5 GHz. A one to sixteen wideband Wilkinson power divider was designed, fabricated and utilized to feed the sub-array. Measured results are in excellent agreement with predicted ones, as a constant 13 dB gain and a 4/spl deg/ 3-dB beamwidth was obtained within the operational band of 8-12 GHz.
Gastrointestinal Dysmotility in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (P1.092)

Objective: To correlate gastroistestinal motility studies in POTS patients with other clinical features, including findings on standardized autonomic testing. Background Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). We recently reported findings demonstrating a high incidence of abnormal gastric emptying (GE) studies in a small group of POTS patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. We now aimed to further characterize the nature of gastrointestinal dysmotility in POTS. Methods All adult patients with diagnosis of POTS having undergone standardized autonomic reflex screen (ARS) and GE studies at Mayo Clinic between 1998 and 2012 were included in the study. Medical records were reviewed for the presence of predetermined clinical features. Data from ARS and GE studies were further analyzed, including calculation of a composite autonomic severity score (CASS) and designation of GE as rapid, normal, or delayed based on a large normative data set. Results Of 228 patients included in the study, delayed GE was seen in 40 (21%), normal GE in 66 (33%), and rapid GE in 92 (46%). The rapid emptying group had a greater proportion of deconditioning, anxiety, sleep difficulty, and migraine, while the delayed emptying group had more weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Delayed emptying was associated with greater cardiovascular adrenergic impairment as indicated by a higher adrenergic CASS score, greater orthostatic blood pressure drop, and greater orthostatic heart rate increment. Conclusions Abnormal GE is found in a high percentage of patients with POTS who also have gastrointestinal symptoms severe enough to warrant gastric motility studies. Rapid GE is seen more frequently than delayed GE, while the latter group was found to have a greater degree of adrenergic failure. These findings lend additional support to the heterogeneous pathophysiology underlying POTS, and might reflect different patterns and degrees of gastrointestinal autonomic denervation or dysfunction. Disclosure: Dr. Loavenbruck has nothing to disclose. Dr. Singer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sletten has nothing to disclose. Dr. Low has received personal compensation for activities with Chelsea, Pfizer Inc., and WR Medical Inc. as a consultant. Dr. Low has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Autonomic Neuroscience. Dr. Bharucha has nothing to disclose.
Dihydrogen Complexes of the Chromium Group: Synthesis and Characterization of (Arene)M(CO)2(H2) Complexes

Irradiation of (arene)M(CO)3 complexes (M = Cr, Mo, W; arene = various benzene derivatives) in the presence of H2 results in CO extrusion and subsequent reaction with H2. For chromium and molybdenu...
Competition betweenBracon mellitor [Hym.: Braconidae] andCatolaccus grandis [Hym.: Pteromalidae] for their hostAnthonomus grandis [Col.: Curculionidae]

Laboratory studies of competition between populations of 2 parasitoids of the cotton boll weevil,Anthonomus grandis Boheman, showed that populations ofCatolaccus grandis (Burks) outcompeted populations ofBracon mellitor Say for host resources. A series of biological characteristics was examined and related to the competitive abilities of both species. The factor responsible for the outcome of the competition was identified to be the superior abilities ofC. grandis larvae in securing host resources. The importance of identifying the relevant factors of competition and the relationship of the present findings to parasitoid dynamics in the field are discussed.
Trajectories of Approaching Death in the Emergency Department: Clinician Narratives of Patient Transitions to the End of Life

Abstract Context Transitions near the end of life have not been well articulated and the end-of-life (EOL) phase is not well understood in the emergency department (ED). The sudden and unforeseen is common in the ED. Objectives The purpose of this qualitative research project is to identify different trajectories of approaching death in an effort to describe the EOL experience in the ED. Methods An interpretive phenomenological approach was used to assess the results of interviews with and observations of ED staff who were intimately involved in caring for patients approaching death and dying. Results Seven trajectories of approaching death in the ED emerged from the data: 1) dead on arrival; 2) prehospital resuscitation with subsequent ED death; 3) prehospital resuscitation with survival until admission; 4) terminally ill and comes to the ED; 5) frail and hovering near death; 6) alive and interactive on arrival, but arrests in the ED; and 7) potentially preventable death by omission or commission. Conclusion A descriptive articulation of the various trajectories will help clinicians be more astute in their recognition of the clinical situation and react appropriately, will help identify the transitions to the EOL phase, and will help to explore the possibilities open to the patient, family, and clinicians. In addition, understanding the trajectories and discussion of the clinicians' actions and communication strategies can elucidate which of the trajectories could benefit from anticipatory planning.
Empirical bayes point estimates of latent trait scores without knowledge of the trait distribution

In this paper, recent developments in empirical Bayes procedures are tied in with current work in mental test theory. Point estimators of “true scores” are derived for the binomial and Rasch test models. These estimators are shown to be asymptotically optimal. Smoothing and an empirical study of the behavior of empirical Bayes estimates are taken up in the final section.
Lignin dimers: Structures, distribution, and potential geochemical applications

Abstract An extensive suite of thirty lignin-derived phenolic dimers and fourteen additional monomers has been identified among the CuO reaction products of twenty-four different vascular plant tissues. The various lignin dimers are characterized by five different types of linkages between phenolic units, including direct 5,5'-ring-ring bonding, as well as β,1-diketone, α,1-monoketone, α,5-monoketone, and α,2-methyl sidechain-ring couplings. The new lignin-derived monomeric CuO reaction products include vanillyl and syringyl glyoxalic acids and vanillyl phenols with formyl and carboxyl functional groups attached at various ring positions. The distribution of all these novel compounds in twenty-four different vascular plant tissues indicates important differences in the structure and chemical composition of the lignin macromolecule among these sources. The abundances of these compounds in a selected set of sedimentary samples suggest that the lignin dimers and novel lignin monomers can characterize the ultrastructure, sources, and diagenetic state of sedimentary lignin in ways not possible from the routinely utilized lignin monomers alone.
Megakaryocytes join the war on cancer

In this issue of Blood, Zaslavsky and colleagues report the novel observation that megakaryocytes in tumor-bearing mice endocytose circulating thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and increase its synthesis to produce platelets with elevated levels of TSP-1.1 These TSP-1–enriched platelets are shown to adhere to tumors, where they act as potent inhibitors of angiogenesis and growth.
Laplace transform diagonalization of forward scattering absorptive part equations

Abstract We present a Laplace transform procedure for the partial diagonalization of Bethe-Salpeter-like absorptive part equations for the forward scattering of spinning particles. By using Laplace transforms the analysis allows directly for power growth in energy of the absorptive parts of the amplitude without any need for the analytic continuations required in a Fourier analysis. The integral equation with an arbitrary kernel is explicitly diagonalized, resulting in a reduction from a set of four-dimensional equations to coupled one-dimensional equations. As a tool for locating the proper definitions of partial wave amplitudes and for deriving a crucial addition theorem, the necessary representation theory of the little group for forward scattering, SO(1, 3), is described.
Statistical assessment of night vision goggle noise

New advancements in charged-coupled device (CCD) technology allow for further investigation into the spatial nature of night vision goggle (NVG) noise distributions. This is significant because it is common practice in new NVG technology to combine image intensifiers with CCDs for night vision imaging. In this study, images of NVG noise are recorded by a CCD camera while varying input radiance and using multiple goggle types. Noise distributions characterized using histograms of these images are analyzed and fitted with curves. Using the changes in the distribution and relating distribution changes (coefficient changes) to input radiance and goggle performance provides a very accurate noise characterization. This study finds that a Weibull distribution seems more appropriate than a Poisson distribution, producing higher correlation coefficient fits. In addition, the paper suggests possible ways the noise models developed here can impact advancements in NVG image enhancement using this new technology.
Design and use of externally-draining ureteral stent

Externally-draining ureteral stents have a 70 percent larger drainage area than those drained by a central lumen of the same size. It is believed that they are less likely to be obstructed by encrustations during long-term use. The development, testing, and other uses for these stents are discussed.
In situ crosslinkable hyaluronan hydrogels for tissue engineering

We describe the development of an injectable, cell-containing hydrogel that supports cell proliferation and growth to permit in vivo engineering of new tissues. Two thiolated hyaluronan (HA) derivatives were coupled to four alpha,beta-unsaturated ester and amide derivatives of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 3400. The relative chemical reactivity with cysteine decreased in the order PEG-diacrylate (PEGDA)>>PEG-dimethacrylate>PEG-diacrylamide>PEG-dimethacrylamide. The 3-thiopropanoyl hydrazide derivative (HA-DTPH) was more reactive than the 4-thiobutanoyl hydrazide, HA-DTBH. The crosslinking of HA-DTPH with PEGDA in a molar ratio of 2:1 occurred in approximately 9 min, suitable for an in situ crosslinking applications. The in vitro cytocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility were evaluated using T31 human tracheal scar fibroblasts, which were suspended in medium in HA-DTPH prior to addition of the PEGDA solution. The majority of cells survived crosslinking and the cell density increased tenfold during the 4-week culture period in vitro. Cell-loaded hydrogels were also implanted subcutaneously in the flanks of nude mice, and after immunohistochemistry showed that the encapsulated cells retained the fibroblast phenotype and secreted extracellular matrix in vivo. These results confirm the potential utility of the HA-DTPH-PEGDA hydrogel as an in situ crosslinkable, injectable material for tissue engineering.
Hindbrain nucleus tractus solitarius glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor signaling reduces appetitive and motivational aspects of feeding

Central glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) signaling reduces food intake by affecting a variety of neural processes, including those mediating satiation, motivation, and reward. While the literature suggests that separable neurons and circuits control these processes, this notion has not been adequately investigated. The intake inhibitory effects of GLP-1R signaling in the hindbrain medial nucleus tractus solitarius (mNTS) have been attributed to interactions with vagally transmitted gastrointestinal satiation signals that are also processed by these neurons. Here, behavioral and pharmacological techniques are used to test the novel hypothesis that the reduction of food intake following mNTS GLP-1R stimulation also results from effects on food-motivated appetitive behaviors. Results show that mNTS GLP-1R activation by microinjection of exendin-4, a long-acting GLP-1R agonist, reduced 1) intake of a palatable high-fat diet, 2) operant responding for sucrose under a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement and 3) the expression of a conditioned place preference for a palatable food. Together, these data demonstrate that the intake inhibitory effects of mNTS GLP-1R signaling extend beyond satiation and include effects on food reward and motivation that are typically ascribed to midbrain and forebrain neurons.
The Use of a Specialized Drilling and Ground‐Water Sampling Technique for Delineation of Hexavalent Chromium Contamination in an Unconfined Aquifer, Southern New Jersey Coastal Plaina

Woodward-Clyde Consultants was retained to investigate a ground-water contamination problem caused by disposal of chromium-laden process water into an unlined lagoon in the Coastal Plain sediments of southern New Jersey. During the course of the investigation, a technique for sampling of formation water at specific horizons during drilling was developed. This technique consists of the following procedure: (1) drilling a borehole to the base of a sampling horizon; (2) lowering a wire-wound well screen and riser pipe to the bottom of the borehole and gravel-packing the screen; (3) pumping the borehole well until the discharge is clear of drilling fluid; and (4) pumping at least 100 gallons of formation water before collecting the sample and performing field water quality tests. Analysis of water samples withdrawn from a cluster of five wells, drilled to and screened at specific depths of 20 to 100 feet, verified that the special drilling and sampling technique developed was a valid method to obtain representative, in-situ water samples from specific horizons. This sampling procedure was then used to substantiate surface earth-resistivity survey data and provide important information on the vertical distribution of the contaminant within the aquifer. The delineation of the contaminant within the aquifer was an important part of Woodward-Clyde Consultants'responsibility to evaluate the extent and magnitude of ground-water contamination at the plant site and design an economically and technically feasible system for the removal and treatment of the contaminated ground water and eventual recovery of the chromium.
Memristor crossbar arrays with junction areas towards sub-10 × 10 nm 2

We used diluted hydrofluoric acid to shrink the feature size of a silicon dioxide nanoimprint mold to sub-10 nm regime. Using this mold, we have fabricated memristor crossbar arrays using nanoimprint lithography. We demonstrated that memristor devices with small junction areas exhibited bipolar non-volatile switching behavior with high ON/OFF ratio and low operational current.
Rapid Evaluation of Regional Geometry and Shortening of a Fold-and-Thrust Belt: an Example from the Northeastern Brooks Range, Alaska

Simple area-balanced models of a portion of the northeastern Brooks Range illustrate five regional constraints on the gross geometry of a foreland fold and-thrust belt. These factors include (1) the structural topography of the upper surface of the orogenic wedge, (2) the depth to the basal detachment surface at the pin line, (3) the dip of the basal detachment surface, (4) the presence of major ramps in the basal detachment surface, and (5) the depth at which the basal detachment horizon flattens (if it does). Area-balanced models incorporating variations in these factors can be quickly constructed and illustrate a range in the possible regional geometry and tectonic shortening for the fold-and-thrust belt. This method provides a rapid means of evaluating a variety of di ferent geometries of the orogenic wedge before developing a more detailed balanced cross section. In the northeastern Brooks Range, the models alone suggest that the absolute range in possible shortening is from 24 to 69%, corresponding to a total tectonic shortening for the region of 40 to 280 km (24-171 mi).
Antibiotics in acrylic bone cement. In vitro studies

In vivo experiments were performed to study elution rates of antibiotics combined with Surgical implex bone cement and efficacy in controlling bacterial infections. Cylinders of bone cement were implanted in animals and at the same time the surgical areas were infected with large numbers of bacteria. Gentamicin and Keflin were eluted from the cylinders in sufficient quantities to completely eliminate or markedly reduce the number of bacteria recovered from infected areas. Animals were also treated with an anti-inflammatory drug, hydrocortisone, prior to implantation of cylinders and infection. The antibiotics in the bone cement effectively destroyed the bacteria in these animals with impaired inflammatory responses as compared with control animals.
Controls of the structure of subducted slabs

Numerical simulations of subducting slabs are formulated in which the shape and dip of the slab are determined by the dynamics of the flow, rather than imposed a priori. The dip of slabs is a function of the time since the initiation of subduction. Slabs fold, develop a kink in dip, and thicken on entry into a high-viscosity lower mantle. Comparison of the simulations with seismic observations suggest that the lower mantle is at least 10–30 times more viscous than the upper mantle.
Cage Size and Discrimination Tests in Birds: a Methodological Caution

A positive correlation was found between the stability of a learned discrimination and increased cage size in canaries. In the smaller cages, the canaries failed to achieve criterion for a simple discrimination problem, while in a cage four times as large, the same canaries immediately achieved a criterion level performance. A fruitful use of operant conditioning methods requires consideration of the features of the environment important to the animal.
Advances in Measurement Standards and Flow Properties Measurements for Tight Rocks such as Shales

Determination of permeability of unconventional reservoirs is critical for reservoir characterization, forecasting production, determination of well spacing, designing hydraulic fracture treatments, and a number of other applications. In many unconventional reservoirs, gas is produced from tight rocks such as shale. Currently the most commonly used industry method for measuring permeability is the Gas Research Institute (GRI) technique, or its variants, which involve the use of crushed samples. The accuracy of such techniques, however, is questionable because of a number of inadequacies such as the absence of reservoir overburden stress while conducting these measurements. In addition to questionable accuracy of crushed rock techniques, prior studies have indicated that there is significant variability in results reported by different laboratories that utilize crushed-rock technique to measure permeability on shale samples. Alternate methods are required to obtain accurate and consistent data for tight rocks such as shales. In this paper we discuss a robust steady-state technique for measuring permeability on intact tight rock samples under reservoir overburden stress. Permeability measurement standards for low permeability samples are critical for obtaining consistent results from different laboratories making such measurements, regardless of the method used for measuring permeability. In this paper we present permeability measurement standards developed based on first principles that serve as the “ground-truth” for permeability in the 10 – 10,000 nanoDarcy range. These standards can be used to calibrate any permeability measurement apparatus used to measure permeability on intact tight rock samples such as shales, to enable delivery of consistent results across different laboratories conducting measurements on intact tight rock samples.
High-Resolution Imaging using Capon Beamformers for Urban Sensing Applications

A wideband synthetic aperture radar system based on beamspace Capon beamforming is presented for urban sensing applications. Various effects of signal propagation through building materials are incorporated into the beamformer design. Proof of concept is provided using real data collected in a laboratory environment. Comparison between data-independent and scene-dependent beamformers is provided. The results show that the beamspace Capon beamformer outperforms the nonadaptive delay-and-sum beamformer.
Political Myth and the Sacred Center of Human Rights: The Universal Declaration and the Narrative of “Inherent Human Dignity”

This paper will explore the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an exemplar of political mythmaking, a genre of narrative designed to channel and thereby to quell social anxiety and to orient select groups toward desirable beliefs and practices. One of the Declaration’s most fundamental and forceful elements is its enshrinement of the “inherent dignity” of each member of the human family. Drawing upon contemporary theorizations of mythmaking and sacralization, this article will elucidate the manner in which inherent dignity functions as the central item of sacredness within what we might call the “secular morality” of universal human rights.