cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Birther and a Truther: The Influence of the Authoritarian Personality on Conspiracy Beliefs

I find that 10 percent of Americans believe in both “trutherism” and “birtherism.” Even among citizens who say they like Bush or Obama, or are from the same party, many still believe in conspiracies implicating the presidents. It is crucial to understand why so many Americans believe obviously erroneous conspiracies that denigrate a president who otherwise has their support. I predict that the authoritarian personality creates a predisposition to believe in conspiracies based on the tendency of those high in this trait to have greater anxiety and cognitive difficulties with higher order thinking. Using 2012 American National Election Study data, I find a clear and robust relationship between the authoritarian personality and conspiratorial beliefs. In all models, authoritarianism is a chief predictor for a predisposition toward both conspiratorial beliefs. This suggests that psychological propensities are an important explanation of why so many citizens believe in conspiracy theories. Related Articles Miller, Michael K., Guanchun Wang, Sanjeev R. Kulkarni, H. Vincent Poor, and Daniel N. Osherson. 2012. “Citizen Forecasts of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election.” Politics & Policy 40 (6): 1019-1052. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00394.x/full Norman, Emma R., and Rafael Delfin. 2012. “Wizards under Uncertainty: Cognitive Biases, Threat Assessment, and Misjudgments in Policy Making.” Politics & Policy 40 (3): 369-402. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00356.x/full Joslyn, Mark R., and Donald P. Haider-Markel. 2014. “Who Knows Best? Education, Partisanship, and Contested Facts.” Politics & Policy 42 (6): 919-947. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12098/full Related Media American National Election Studies. 2017. http://www.electionstudies.org/ Right Wing Authoritarianism Scale. n.d. http://personality-testing.info/tests/RWAS/
Thermodynamics of evolutionary games

How cooperation can evolve between players is an unsolved problem of biology. Here we use Hamiltonian dynamics of models of the Ising type to describe populations of cooperating and defecting players to show that the equilibrium fraction of cooperators is given by the expectation value of a thermal observable akin to a magnetization. We apply the formalism to the public goods game with three players and show that a phase transition between cooperation and defection occurs that is equivalent to a transition in one-dimensional Ising crystals with long-range interactions. We then investigate the effect of punishment on cooperation and find that punishment plays the role of a magnetic field that leads to an ``alignment'' between players, thus encouraging cooperation. We suggest that a thermal Hamiltonian picture of the evolution of cooperation can generate other insights about the dynamics of evolving groups by mining the rich literature of critical dynamics in low-dimensional spin systems.
William James, Niels Bohr, and Complementarity: II—Pragmatics of a Thought

Q-factor theory has close correspondences with quantum-theoretical concepts in physics. The observation by William James, separating transitive and substantive parts of thought, and identified by him as complementariness, calls for a quantum-theoretical basis for so-called “mind.” Following the methodology suggested by James, the thought “Columbus discovered America in 1492” is subjected to Q-methodology, resulting in operant factors which are complementary to each other. The law of transformation of experience into operant factors is proof of quan- tumization of so-called “mind.” Since we replace “mind” by communica- bility, the law applies to the latter. Complementarity applies to transitive thought, whence its significance in quantum theory, where observer and observed are conjoined in some self-referential form. Bohr’s expectancy for a new epistemology based on the complementariness principle finds full support in Q-methodology, applicable to all subjectivity. Similarly, there can be unity in science, provided objective and subjective parts are granted, each rooted in quantum theoretical concepts.
A high-frequency and high-frame-rate ultrasound imaging system design on an FPGA evaluation board for capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer arrays

Dynamic receive beamforming (DRBF) is challenging for field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based ultrasound (US) imaging because it is computationally intense. Work has been done to either simplify the delay calculation or precalculate the delays and store them on the FPGA. The former sacrifices image quality and the latter is challenged by limited memory resource on the FPGA. In this work, we report on the design of a compact US imaging system for capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) arrays implemented on an FPGA evaluation board. The system features high frequency and high frame rate. It transmits ultrasound pulses centered at up to 20 MHz and can receive ultrasound echo signals up to 60 MHz. When working with a 16-element 2.48-mm CMUT array centered at 4.5 MHz, the system can perform conventional phased array (CPA) imaging at 170 FPS from a depth of 2.48 mm to 17.34 mm within a 90° sector. The system features full DRBF for every pixel.
The hospice patient's primary caregiver: What is their quality of life?

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the quality of life (QOL) of the primary caregivers of hospice patients and (2) to analyze the ability of the hospice staff to accurately judge caregiver QOL. Methods A longitudinal pilot study of QOL of caregivers of patients entering hospice was undertaken. Caregivers and hospice personnel completed numerous questionnaires every 2 weeks until patient death. Global QOL and component constructs, as well as the demands of illness on the caregiver and profile of moods, were assessed. Simple descriptive statistics at each time point and summary measures (area under the curve) were calculated to describe the QOL profile of caregivers and staff perceptions of the caregivers. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was applied to verify tool internal consistency in a hospice population. Correlation coefficients were supplemented by Bland–Altman procedures for comparing scales measuring the same construct to compare the scores given by caregivers about themselves and staff ratings of the caregivers. The study had 80% power to detect an intracase difference between caregiver and staff ratings of the caregiver of 0.4 times the standard deviation using a two-sided paired t test with a 5% type I error rate. Results Caregiver QOL was relatively high and stable over time. Caregiver's QOL was correlated with the patient's overall QOL/hospice staff accurately evaluated caregiver QOL. Conclusions By drawing attention to issues that affect the caregiver, we can improve delivery of hospice care and positively impact QOL for both caregiver and patient. Linear analog self-assessment scales are valuable tools for hospice staff to assess caregivers.
A Broadband All-Fiber SU(1,1) Interferometer

We describe an SU(1, 1) interferometer based on highly nonlinear optical fiber, attaining >97% peak interference visibility and >90% visibility over a 554 GHz optical band.
Gender Maneuvering over Coffee: Doing Gender through Displays of Hegemonic Masculinity and Alternative Femininity

This research examines how individuals “do gender” in an urban coffee shop by performing gender maneuvering strategies in order to gain masculine cultural capital typically accessed through displays of hegemonic masculinity. This participant ethnography was conducted in a corporate coffee franchise over the course of eight weeks, to observe gendered interactions in a public space. Observations were made of customer and barista socialization in the store, where gender displays were maneuvered through social artifacts such as clothing and hairstyles; as well as gendered social transactions such as conversational styles and heteronormative social customs. Research findings suggest that both masculine and feminine social actors adopted traits of hegemonic masculinity in order to gain a dominant social position during an interaction, while a few chose to display an alternative form of femininity to achieve the same goal. Gender maneuvering strategies in these interactions were identified by analyzing variations in patron’s gender displays. This study examines how individuals do gender within mixed-gender dyads, feminine dyads, masculine dyads, and through displays of alternative femininities.
Building an Honest and Capable Crowd Workforce

One of the major challenges of crowdsourcing is to build a labor force that is not only capable but also honest. Prior research on crowdsourcing-mechanism design mostly focuses on motivating individual worker's effort, while neglecting the importance of building highly trustworthy crowd labor force who tends to honestly report the quality of the microwork. To fill this gap, we propose a novel mechanism in this paper. The proposed mechanism combines the principal-agent model and signaling game to enable the information exchange from crowd workers to a requester, and to provide dynamic financial incentives/punishments to honest/dishonest behaviors identified in random quality inspections. To evaluate our proposed mechanism, we perform extensive simulations. Our results suggest that the proposed mechanism is effective and efficient to motivate workers who are capable but less honest to change their behavior when sending signals to indicate their finished microwork, while the extra cost of implementing the proposed mechanism could be minimal. With the behavioral changes of the "liars", a highly capable and honest labor force of crowd workers may be developed. The model is also useful as a foundation for theoretical and empirical studies of information exchanges from worker to a requester in the crowdsourcing market.
Are depression and anxiety disorders in epilepsy associated with atrophy of mesial temporal structures? (P4.234)

Objective: To determine whether depressive and /or anxiety disorders alter the volumes of mesial temporal structures in patients with epilepsy (PWE). Background: Mood and anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric co-morbidities in PWE. Hippocampal atrophy has been documented in patients with primary mood disorders and is a common finding in temporal lobe epilepsy. The purpose of this study is to establish if PWE and comorbid mood and/or anxiety disorders are more likely to have smaller hippocampal and amygdala volumes than in PWE without psychiatric comorbidity. Design/Methods: Manual quantitative volumetric measurements of hippocampus and amygdala were performed in 3 Tesla high-resolution brain MRI studies of 40 PWE (TLE, n = 25 [MTS, n = 11]); extratemporal focal epilepsy, n = 15). Psychiatric diagnoses were established with the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview. In addition, patients completed self-rating scales, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder- 7 (GAD-7) and the Neurologic Depressive Disorders in Epilepsy Inventory (NDDI-E). T-test was used to identify significant differences in volumes between patients with and without psychiatric comorbidities. Results: Patients’ mean age and duration of the seizure disorder were 38±14 and 18±12 years, respectively. 21 (52.5%) were female, 17 (42.5%) met criteria for depression, 14 (35%) for anxiety, and 15 (37.5%) had increased suicidality risk. Significance was found with smaller volumes of the right amygdala raw volume (p= 0.0113), of the left hippocampus raw volume (p=0.0171), and of the normalized left hippocampus volume (p=0.0371) in patients with anxiety. Also, in patients with suicidality risk the left amygdala was significantly smaller (p= 0.0302). We did not find a significant difference in volumes with depression in our sample. Conclusions: Anxiety and suicidality appear to be associated with decreased volumes of right amygdala and left hippocampus. Disclosure: Dr. Millan, M.D. has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ribot has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stoub has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kanner has received personal compensation for activities with Medscape.
Recurrent Falls Among Elderly Patients and the Impact of Anticoagulation Therapy.

Falls are the leading source of injury and trauma-related hospital admissions for elderly adults in the USA. Elderly patients with a history of a fall have the highest risk of falling again, and the decision on whether to continue anticoagulation after a fall is difficult. To inform this decision, we evaluated the rate of recurrent falls and the impact of anticoagulation on outcomes. All patients of age ≥ 65 years and hospitalized for a fall in the first 6 months of 2013 and 2014 were identified in the nationwide readmission database, a nationally representative all-payer database tracking patient readmissions. Readmissions for a recurrent fall within 6 months, and mortality and bleeding injuries (intracranial hemorrhage, solid organ bleed, and hemothorax) during readmission were identified. Logistic regression evaluated factors associated with mortality on repeat falls. Of the 331,982 patients admitted for a fall, 15,565 (4.7%) were admitted for a recurrent fall within 6 months. The median time to repeat fall was 57 days (IQR 19–111 days), and 9.0% (1406) of repeat fallers were on anticoagulation. The rate of bleeding injury was similar regardless of anticoagulation status (12.8 vs. 12.7% not on anticoagulation, p = 0.97); however, among patients with a bleeding injury, those on anticoagulation had significantly higher mortality (21.5 vs. 6.9% not on anticoagulation, p < 0.01). Among patients hospitalized for a fall, 4.7% will be hospitalized for a recurrent fall within 6 months. Patients on anticoagulation with repeat falls do not have increased rates of bleeding injury but do have significantly higher rates of death with a bleeding injury. This information is essential to discuss with patients when deciding to restart their anticoagulation.
Acid Induces Duodenal Epithelial Acidification and HC03- Secretion via Activation of the Na+:HC03- Cotransporter and CFTR in Mice

Rapid variation of duodenal luminal pH between pH 2 and 7 in humans due to the opposing effects of pancreatic alkaline and gastric acid secretions exposes the duodenal mucosa to profound pH stress l). With the measurement of robust epithelial HC03 - secretion and neutral pH in the juxtamucosal mucus gel, despite the presence of luminal acid, the bicarbonate hypothesis was developed, wherein HC03 -, secreted by the epithelial cells, completely neutralizes luminal acid in-diffusing through the mucus gel 2). Duodenal HC03 - secretion (DBS) is thought to be the single most important duodenal defense mechanism. We hypothesized that cellular base uptake precedes DBS and that DBS requires CFTR activation. The primary aim of this study is to characterize a mouse model of intracellular pH (pHi) measurement and DBS that could then be used in mice in which key proteins related to HCO3 - transport are deleted. To achieve this goal, we used techniques that had been used successfully top measure pHi and DBS in the rat and adapted them for use in a mouse model. We have devised an in vivo microscopy system ininice for measurement of the fluorescence ratio (495nm/450nm), and we tested the role of the Na+:HC03 - cotransporter (NBC) and CFTR in DBS using acid perfusion.
Measuring curriculum implementation

Using curriculum-specific tools for measuring fidelity of implementation is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of examining relationships among textbooks, teaching, and student learning. This "Brief Report" describes the variety of ways that curriculum implementation is measured and argues that there is an urgent need to develop curriculum-sensitive tools for analyzing classroom practice. The report outlines the use of the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) theory to develop analytical tools for measuring implementation of two middle-grades reform mathematics curricula: Connected Mathematics and MathThematics. The report also presents next steps in this program of research.
Local factors in bone remodeling

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that the adult skeleton is in a dynamic state, being continually remodeled by the integrated processes of bone resorption and bone formation. The remodeling of bone occurs in focal or discrete packets throughout the skeleton, known as bone remodeling units or bone structural units. The cellular sequence of events which occurs within each bone remodeling unit begins initially with osteoclastic bone resorption and is followed by new bone formation mediated by osteoblasts. This cellular sequence of events is initiated at asynchronous focal sites throughout the skeleton, which are geographically and chronologically separated from each other. It appears likely that the regulation of these cellular events is mediated by local mechanisms, probably by autocrine or paracrine factors which are generated in the microenvironment of the bone remodeling unit. All of the metabolic bone diseases, including age-related bone loss and osteoporosis, are superimposed on this cellular sequence. It occurs both in cortical or compact bone and on the endosteal surfaces of trabecular bone.
A Five-Component Biginelli-Diels-Alder Cascade Reaction.

A new multi-component condensation was discovered during the reaction of a urea, -keto ester, and formaldehyde. In the presence of catalytic indium bromide, a Biginelli dihydropyrimidinone intermediate was further converted to a five-component condensation product through a formal hetero Diels-Alder reaction. The product structure was confirmed by NMR and NOE analysis, and the proposed stepwise mechanism was supported by the reaction of the Biginelli intermediate with ethyl 2-methylene-3-oxobutanoate.
A Formal Methods Approach for Predicting How Users will Utilize System Features

Model checking is increasingly being used with task analytic behavior models to prove whether models of human-interactive systems are safe and reliable. Such methods could be used to predict how di...
Range expansion of Lymantria dispar dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) along its north-western margin in North America despite low predicted climatic suitability

Aim: The European gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar dispar (L.), (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is an invasive defoliator that has been expanding its range in North America following its introduction in 1869. Here, we investigate recent range expansion into a region previously predicted to be climatically unsuitable. We examine whether winter severity is correlated with summer trap captures of male moths at the landscape scale, and quantify overwintering egg survivorship along a northern boundary of the invasion edge. Location: Northern Minnesota, USA. Methods: Several winter severity metrics were defined using daily temperature data from 17 weather stations across the study area. These metrics were used to explore associations with male gypsy moth monitoring data (2004–2014). Laboratory‐reared egg masses were deployed to field locations each fall for 2 years in a 2 × 2 factorial design (north/south aspect × below/above snow line) to reflect microclimate variation. Rates of successful egg hatch were assessed the following springs. Results: Reductions in summer male moth captures are associated with several metrics of winter severity, such as minimum temperatures. Most egg masses suffered >95% mortality each winter. However, hatching success reached up to 80% in egg masses that had overwintered below the snow line (e.g., <30 cm from the ground). Main Conclusions: Our findings that cold winter temperatures are associated with reduced summer trap captures of European gypsy moth, likely due to increased overwintering mortality of exposed egg masses, are consistent with previous predictions of thermal range boundaries for this species. However, high survival in egg masses deposited close to the ground are consistent with thermal escape in subnivean environs (i.e., below snow cover), and suggest that further northward range expansion will be likely in areas that receive measurable annual snowfall.
Evaluating Patient Outcomes in Breast and Abdominal Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Procedures Involving Residents.

BACKGROUND Hands-on training and exposure to cosmetic surgery is an integral part of plastic surgery residency. However, resident participation in cosmetic surgical cases is often limited in many training programs. Furthermore, the effect of resident participation in cosmetic surgery is poorly defined. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of resident involvement on outcomes in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, with a focus on breast and abdominal surgeries. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was performed to identify all patients undergoing cosmetic breast and abdominal surgical procedures by plastic surgeons over a 4-year period (2009-2012). Multivariate regression models were constructed to determine any association between resident participation and surgical outcomes. RESULTS A total of 6982 patients were included in the analysis. Cases with resident involvement had higher rates of superficial surgical site infection (P < 0.0001), wound dehiscence (P = 0.014), and an increase in mean length of hospital stay (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the increased rate of superficial surgical site infection was associated with a higher body mass index and with the involvement of a resident during the surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS This study provides further evidence to support the claim that resident involvement in cosmetic surgery is safe, with little effect on the rates of major complications. Any increase in minor complication rates must be critically analyzed with respect to the valuable surgical experience gathered by the next generation of surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2
First-principles simulation of photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers using rigorous coupled wave analysis (Conference Presentation)

Photonic-crystal surface emitting lasers (PCSELs) exhibit several unique features compared to conventional vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) including scalability, high power, and high beam quality. They are promising candidates in power-demanding applications such as free-space sensing. Motivated by the experimental advances, there have been significant efforts in developing the simulation tools for PCSELs. In particular, a coupled mode theory (CWT) model for PCSEL was developed, which provides important insights into the operating mechanisms. However, CWT makes several uncontrolled approximations such as a small number of waveguide modes as the basis, which is difficult to justify since the index contrast in PCSELs can be quite large. Here we show that PCSELs, especially its lasing threshold, can be simulated from first-principles by using rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA). Traditionally, RCWA has been widely used to simulate the transmission or reflection of such structures, where the frequency is real. Here, we use RCWA to calculate the scattering matrix (S-matrix) of PCSELs on the complex frequency plane. This approach builds upon the concepts from steady-state ab initio laser theory (SALT). On the complex frequency plane, the poles of the S-matrix correspond to various resonances of the structure, including Fabry-Perot resonances and the guided resonances. We gradually increase the material gain in the PCSEL, and the threshold is retrieved as the gain value for which the first pole crosses the real axis. Other important characteristics such as the quality factor of each mode and the power efficiency of the laser can be computed as well.
Does suppressing negative emotion impair subsequent emotions? Two experience sampling studies

Suppression is one of the most commonly studied emotion-regulation strategies and a variety of studies have shown that suppression of emotions is associated with adverse affective outcomes. Most of the evidence for this conclusion comes from laboratory manipulations in which people enact experimentally induced suppression or from survey-based recollections. In the present pair of studies (468 participants total), we used real-time experience sampling data to examine the effect of naturally occurring suppression of negative emotion at one moment on subsequent reports of both negative and positive emotion. Results demonstrated that suppression led to later increases in both high-activation and low-activation negative emotions, over and above the level of negative emotion being suppressed. These findings add ecologically valid support to the growing body of evidence showing that emotional suppression is not only an ineffective emotion-regulation strategy, but also a costly one.
An alternative to oxygen deficit as a way to quantify anaerobic contributions in running

The purpose of this study was to determine if the sum of estimates of the phosphocreatine contribution and the glycolytic contribution (we refer to this sum as PCr+glycolysis ) provides an alternative to oxygen deficit as a way to quantify the anaerobic contribution in running. Thirty university students performed three treadmill tests, each test at one speed individually selected for each participant; one test was terminated after 3 min, one after 7 min, and one at exhaustion (mean ± SD, 10.3 ± 0.4 min). Oxygen deficit was calculated by subtraction of the accumulated oxygen uptake from the total oxygen cost. Phosphocreatine and glycolysis contributions were determined from post-exercise VO 2 responses and blood lactate concentrations, respectively. The mean values for PCr+glycolysis was ~3 mL·kg –1 lower (p < .05) than oxygen deficit across three exercise durations, but well correlated ( r ≥ .80, p < .05) at each. These results confirm the validity of PCr+glycolysis as an alternative to oxygen deficit to quantify the anaerobic contribution in running exercise.
Diffusion Tensor Tractrography Visualizes Partial Nerve Laceration Severity as Early as 1 Week After Surgical Repair in a Rat Model Ex Vivo.

Background Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that a magnetic resonance imaging method called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can differentiate between crush and complete transection peripheral nerve injuries in a rat model ex vivo. DTI measures the directionally dependent effect of tissue barriers on the random diffusion of water molecules. In ordered tissues such as nerves, this information can be used to reconstruct the primary direction of diffusion along fiber tracts, which may provide information on fiber tract continuity after nerve injury and surgical repair. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with different degrees of partial transection of the sciatic nerve followed by immediate repair and euthanized after 1 week of recovery. Nerves were then harvested, fixed, and scanned with a 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging to obtain DTIand fiber tractography in each sample. Additional behavioral (sciatic function index, foot fault asymmetry) and histological (Toluidine blue staining) assessments were performed for validation. Results Tractography yielded a visual representation of the degree of injury that correlated with behavioral and histological evaluations. Conclusions DTI tractography is a noninvasive tool that can yield a visual representation of a partial nerve transection as early as 1 week after surgical repair.
CRT-300.03 The Impact of Maximum Balloon Inflation Pressure on Stent Expansion as Measured by the Volumetric Method

Traditional stent expansion is based on the smallest cross-sectional lumen area within the stented segment and references. Unfortunately, the traditional methodology does not take into account vessel tapering and side branches. A recently developed optical coherence tomography (OCT) methodology with
Radiology podcasting as a model for asynchronous remote learning in the COVID-19 era.

Abstract Rationale and objectives We aimed to create an open access online radiology podcast to educate listeners at any time, from anywhere. To meet learner needs and improve the likelihood of successful implementation and utilization, we assessed radiology trainee attitudes and experiences of podcasts. Materials and methods We developed an educational podcast, From the Viewbox, focused on evergreen themes and practical approaches to radiology. Content categories included Diagnostic Approach, Specific Imaging Diagnoses, Noninterpretive Skills, and Special Topics. We released and promoted episodes on multiple digital platforms. Radiology trainees were surveyed and data were analyzed to assess listener preferences and usage trends. Results Only 19% of our trainees had previously listened to a radiology podcast, yet 81% expressed interest in listening routinely. After initial release, 86% of trainees listened to the podcast and 62% listened routinely. Episodes gained the most plays immediately following release but retained and continued to attract more listeners. The most popular episode discussing COVID-19 diagnosis and imaging, emphasized the importance of selecting high yield content to match listener needs. Most trainees felt the podcast had “very high” or “high” value in educational value, accessibility, and time efficiency. Conclusions From the Viewbox offers efficient and accessible audio-only learning modules that can be used independently or effectively paired with traditional resources to decrease barriers in radiology education and enhance learner productivity. Podcasting is an underutilized asynchronous remote learning tool that can help overcome current challenges of social distancing, and more importantly address the diverse preferences and needs of our learners.
Reasonable expectations for antibiotics in feedyards

Use of the Number Needed to Treat (NNT) statistic allows for evaluation and communication of reasonable treatment outcome expectations in populations. The NNT value for a treatment estimates the number of animals which need to be treated in order to make an outcome difference in 1 animal. Evaluation of negative control studies for bovine respiratory disease suggests that the NNT values in high-risk calves for creating a treatment success, prevention of a mortality, and prevention of a clinical case through treatment for control of BRD are 2, 7, and 5, respectively. These values will obviously vary significantly in different clinical situations, but give reasonable expectations for the use of multiple antimicrobials in different groups of cattle over time.
Abdias Nascimento and Brazilian Politics

The 2016 impeachment of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and the decisions by new President Temer require us to focus on the life and work of Abdias Nascimento. Temer’s actions remind us that the...
Case Studies in Physiology: Untangling the cause of hypoxemia in a patient with obesity with acute leukemia.

Discerning the cause of dyspnea and hypoxemia in complex patients can be difficult. We describe the “real world” application of an innovative methodology to untangle the underlying physiology in a ...
Risk, uncertainty and the tourism sector of North Africa

This paper investigates, for the first time, the uncertainty on the tourism of North Africa and uncertainty on the second‐degree effects of the North African tourism sector. The study uses data from 1995 to 2019 and a structural vector autoregression to perform the investigation. The research finds that uncertainties, measured by the uncertainty of Europe, the uncertainty of the Middle East and Central Asia, and the volatility of GDP growth of the Euro area, have significant negative effects on investment and job creation in, as well as the contribution to the GDP of, the North African tourism sector. The paper invents a new proxy of risk, measured by the volatility of crude oil production in North Africa, and finds that this new risk measure has a significant negative impact on the North African tourism sector. The results show that geopolitical risk and the uncertainty of Africa do not significantly affect the North African tourism sector. The paper suggests that policymakers in North Africa subsidize tourism‐related activities and explore new markets to attract tourists during periods of high risk and uncertainty.
Drosophila Eye Model to Study Neuroprotective Role of CREB Binding Protein (CBP) in Alzheimer's Disease.

Background The progressive neurodegenerative disorder Alzheimer’s disease (AD) manifests as loss of cognitive functions, and finally leads to death of the affected individual. AD may result from accumulation of amyloid plaques. These amyloid plaques comprising of amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) polypeptides results from the improper cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain. The Aβ42 plaques have been shown to disrupt the normal cellular processes and thereby trigger abnormal signaling which results in the death of neurons. However, the molecular-genetic mechanism(s) responsible for Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration is yet to be fully understood. Methodology/Principal Findings We have utilized Gal4/UAS system to develop a transgenic fruit fly model for Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration. Targeted misexpression of human Aβ42 in the differentiating photoreceptor neurons of the developing eye of transgenic fly triggers neurodegeneration. This progressive neurodegenerative phenotype resembles Alzheimer’s like neuropathology. We identified a histone acetylase, CREB Binding Protein (CBP), as a genetic modifier of Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration. Targeted misexpression of CBP along with Aβ42 in the differentiating retina can significantly rescue neurodegeneration. We found that gain-of-function of CBP rescues Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration by blocking cell death. Misexpression of Aβ42 affects the targeting of axons from retina to the brain but misexpression of full length CBP along with Aβ42 can restore this defect. The CBP protein has multiple domains and is known to interact with many different proteins. Our structure function analysis using truncated constructs lacking one or more domains of CBP protein, in transgenic flies revealed that Bromo, HAT and polyglutamine (BHQ) domains together are required for the neuroprotective function of CBP. This BHQ domain of CBP has not been attributed to promote survival in any other neurodegenerative disorders. Conclusions/Significance We have identified CBP as a genetic modifier of Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we have identified BHQ domain of CBP is responsible for its neuroprotective function. These studies may have significant bearing on our understanding of genetic basis of AD.
Frequency marketing programs: A clarification with strategic marketing implications

Frequency marketing programs, a type of long-term consumer sales program, have become extremely popular in recent years. However, a certain amount of confusion surrounds exactly what constitutes a frequency marketing program and how the pro- grams differ from other forms of promotion. A promotional frame- work is presented which classifies various types of consumer sales promotion. Frequency marketing is positioned as a subset of patron- age reward programs. Further, the researchers discuss the goals and defining guidelines for establishing successful programs. Four his- torical examples are included to illustrate the use of the programs.
[16] Kinetic analysis of microbial adhesion

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the kinetic analysis of microbial adhesion. Kinetic adsorption and desorption experiments provide a fundamental method for examining mechanisms of bacterial adhesion. Violations of assumptions (about cell–cell interactions, for example) are readily apparent, and yield information about the nature of the binding. Combining initial kinetic data with data gained from equilibrium experiments can also help to unravel complex adhesion mechanisms. Additional experiments assessing the effects of temperature and buffer changes on the kinetic constants provide information about the particular long-range and short-range forces and bacterial-surface constituents that are responsible for attachment. The kinetic approach allows investigators to identify any departure from ideal pseudo-first-order attachment kinetics that can help identify the cell structures responsible for attachment. Kinetic analysis also allows the separate investigation of low-affinity (long-range) association and stereospecific binding occurring at a short range. Systems in which the energy barrier between the long-range attachment and closer, stronger binding is large benefit greatly from an analysis of the first, reversible stage of adhesion because this is the most influential determinant of eventual adhesion. This stage is best studied kinetically.
The Challenges of Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans’ Transition from Military to Civilian Life and Approaches to Reconnection

Afghanistan and Iraq veterans experienced traumas during deployment, and disrupted connections with friends and family. In this context, it is critical to understand the nature of veterans’ transition to civilian life, the challenges navigated, and approaches to reconnection. We investigated these issues in a qualitative study, framed by homecoming theory, that comprised in-depth interviews with 24 veterans. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, we developed three overarching themes. Military as family explored how many veterans experienced the military environment as a “family” that took care of them and provided structure. Normal is alien encompassed many veterans experiences of disconnection from people at home, lack of support from institutions, lack of structure, and loss of purpose upon return to civilian life. Searching for a new normal included strategies and supports veterans found to reconnect in the face of these challenges. A veteran who had successfully transitioned and provided support and advice as a peer navigator was frequently discussed as a key resource. A minority of respondents—those who were mistreated by the military system, women veterans, and veterans recovering from substance abuse problems—were less able to access peer support. Other reconnection strategies included becoming an ambassador to the military experience, and knowing transition challenges would ease with time. Results were consistent with and are discussed in the context of homecoming theory and social climate theory. Social support is known to be protective for veterans, but our findings add the nuance of substantial obstacles veterans face in locating and accessing support, due to disconnection and unsupportive institutions. Larger scale work is needed to better understand how to foster peer connection, build reconnection with family, and engage the broader community to understand and support veterans; interventions to support reconnection for veterans should be developed.
Studies on the nutrition of Endamoeba histolytica. II. Egg phosphate.

Abstract 1. 1. Under the conditions of culture described, E. histolytica appears to require diffusible phosphate and perhaps a low molecular weight organic intermediate for growth. 2. 2. The concentration of inorganic phosphorus required for growth of E. histolytica under these conditions lies in the region between M 10 and M 19 . 3. 3. A possible explanation of why the amebae failed to grow in some of the media tested is discussed.
American Influence on Israeli Law: Freedom of Expression

This chapter provides a historical overview of the American influence on Israel’s jurisprudence of freedom of expression from the 1950s to the first decade of the twenty first century. The chapter uses the format of decades, presenting representative cases for each decade, to record the process by which Israeli judges incorporated and sometimes rejected themes from the U.S. jurisprudence of freedom of expression. In the course of discussing the jurisprudential themes the chapter also highlights the historical context in which the cases were decided, from the war in Korea and McCarthyism in the 1950s, to the process of globalization which dominated the first decade of the twenty first century. The chapter asserts that over the decades the Israeli understanding of freedom of expression has matured so that today the appearance of U.S. law is invoked primarily for rhetorical purposes. In contrast to the 1950s, contemporary Israeli courts have enough authentic jurisprudence to guide them in their decisional law.
Competing Fairly in the New Economy: Lessons from the Browser Wars

The browser wars case is a useful springboard for considering the principle of positive competition and the proper regulation of platform technologies. There are lessons to be culled about policy, the application of antitrust law, and the parameters of fair competition. We argue that despite Microsoft’s opportunistic exploitation of its proprietary code, policy makers should resist the temptation to mandate an open source code model. Vigilant anti-trust enforcement is a preferable alternative. But courts must refrain from using antitrust law to favor small innovators or to constrain the economic protections inherent in intellectual property rights, since those rights are still needed to encourage innovation. On the other hand, despite the exigencies of competition, platform leaders should respect the norm of fair competition and refrain from the impulse to tilt the platform in their favor. Preservation of robust intellectual property rights, deft application of antitrust statutes, and principled competition represent the best prescription for social wealth in the New Economy.
Comparison of Five Methods of Adjusting for Environmental Differences in Evaluation of Dairy Sires

Summary Five methods of adjusting the sire's daughter average, namely: (I) the actual herd average and herd-mate averages for (II) annual lactation, (III) six-month season, (IV) seven-month rolling season, and (V) annual actual age group, were compared with the simple daughter average (VI). Measures II, III, and IV were the ME averages of all nonpaternal herd-mates freshening in the designated periods. The highest six-month period based on month of freshening was November through April. Intrasire regressions of the daughter record for milk and fat on the contemporary averages were computed and the daughter records adjusted by these regressions. A variance component analysis of the adjusted records showed that Measure IV was most effective in removing the herd variance, with Measures III and II next. Eleven sets of correlation comparisons of sire progeny adjusted averages for the various measures with later daughters of the same sires showed Measure IV ranked first the most times, with Measure III a very close second. Measures V and VI gave very low correlation estimates from 0.00 to 0.24. From this study, Measures IV and III are the preferred ones. In view of the slightly higher rating of Measure IV and season differences around the country, it would have the most merit of those tested for country-wide usage.
The Effects of Poststroke Captopril and Losartan Treatment on Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation in SHRsp with Hemorrhagic Stroke

The ability of captopril and losartan treatment to restore cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation after intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke (HS) was assessed in Kyoto–Wistar stroke-prone hypertensive rats (SHRsp). Laser Doppler techniques assessed CBF autoregulation in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) perfusion domain and a pressure myograph was used to measure pressure-dependent constriction (PDC) in isolated MCAs before and after stroke and after 13, 33, and 63 days of poststroke captopril or losartan treatment. The treatments did not lower blood pressure (BP) and equally suppressed plasma aldosterone after HS. The HS development was associated with the loss of CBF autoregulation, high CBF, increased CBF conductance to elevations in BP, and the loss of PDC in the MCAs. Both treatments restored these functions to prestroke levels within 13 days. The PDC and CBF autoregulation subsequently deteriorated after 63 days of captopril treatment while being maintained at prestroke levels over all durations of losartan treatment. The SHRsp subjected to 35 days of poststroke losartan treatment exhibited less blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and brain herniation than captopril-treated SHRsp. The superior ability of losartan to restore CBF autoregulation and myogenic function may have contributed to the more effective attenuation of cerebral damage after HS.
Possible closure conditions in a Kaluza-Klein compactified M 4 >= 1 ̄ N-1 model

Closure conditions concomitant with dynamical symmetry breaking are proposed for the mass-squared operator ${m}^{2}$ in an ${M}^{4}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${S}^{1}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${K}^{N\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ model for spontaneously compactified space-time. From the functional form of ${m}^{2}$ implied by the closure conditions, one obtains a remarkably accurate mass spectrum for all established leptons and quarks. The next (generation n=4) charged lepton \ensuremath{\delta} is predicted to have a mass of 30.23 GeV, the (n=3) top quark t has mass 82.89 GeV, and all neutrinos have theoretical mass-zero.
Melatonin in plant organs

The indoleamine melatonin, a well-known animal chemical, has been identified in extracts from several plant species. The function of melatonin in plants is unknown. Two major functions of melatonin in animals are dark signaling and antioxidant protection. Fruit ripening was used as a model physiological process that involves changes in the oxidative status of an organ. Tomato fruits at various stages of ripeness were sampled. Morning glory (Pharbitis nil Choisy, cv. Violet) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. T5 and Castlemart) organs were collected throughout a light/dark cycle to determine whether melatonin levels increased during the night. No consistent evidence was found that melatonin increased significantly in organs of these plants during the night, as it does in many animals. The melatonin content of the fruits generally increased during ripening up to the mature ripe stage and thereafter as the fruit became over ripe.
Estimation of organ and effective dose due to Compton backscatter security scans

Purpose: To estimate organ and effective radiation doses due to backscatter security scanners using Monte Carlo simulations and a voxelized phantom set. Methods: Voxelized phantoms of male and female adults and children were used with the GEANT4 toolkit to simulate a backscatter security scan. The backscatter system was modeled based on specifications available in the literature. The simulations modeled a 50 kVp spectrum with 1.0 mm-aluminum-equivalent filtration and a previously measured exposure of approximately 4.6 {mu}R at 30 cm from the source. Photons and secondary interactions were tracked from the source until they reached zero kinetic energy or exited from the simulation's boundaries. The energy deposited in the phantoms' respective organs was tallied and used to calculate total organ dose and total effective dose for frontal, rear, and full scans with subjects located 30 and 75 cm from the source. Results: For a full screen, all phantoms' total effective doses were below the established 0.25 {mu}Sv standard, with an estimated maximum total effective dose of 0.07 {mu}Sv for full screen of a male child. The estimated maximum organ dose due to a full screen was 1.03 {mu}Gy, deposited in the adipose tissue of the male child phantom when located 30more » cm from the source. All organ dose estimates had a coefficient of variation of less than 3% for a frontal scan and less than 11% for a rear scan. Conclusions: Backscatter security scanners deposit dose in organs beyond the skin. The effective dose is below recommended standards set by the Health Physics Society (HPS) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) assuming the system provides a maximum exposure of approximately 4.6 {mu}R at 30 cm.« less