cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of the B1-B2 phase transition in KCl under rapid compression

Kinetics of the B1-B2 phase transition in KCl has been investigated under various compression rates (0.03–13.5 GPa/s) in a dynamic diamond anvil cell using time-resolved x-ray diffraction and fast imaging. Our experimental data show that the volume fraction across the transition generally gives sigmoidal curves as a function of pressure during rapid compression. Based upon classical nucleation and growth theories (Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov theories), we propose a model that is applicable for studying kinetics for the compression rates studied. The fit of the experimental volume fraction as a function of pressure provides information on effective activation energy and average activation volume at a given compression rate. The resulting parameters are successfully used for interpreting several experimental observables that are compression-rate dependent, such as the transition time, grain size, and over-pressurization. The effective activation energy (Qeff) is found to decrease linearly with the logarithm of compression rate. When Qeff is applied to the Arrhenius equation, this relationship can be used to interpret the experimentally observed linear relationship between the logarithm of the transition time and logarithm of the compression rates. The decrease of Qeff with increasing compression rate results in the decrease of the nucleation rate, which is qualitatively in agreement with the observed change of the grain size with compression rate. The observed over-pressurization is also well explained by the model when an exponential relationship between the average activation volume and the compression rate is assumed.
Chronic opioid treatment of R1.1 cells results in the downregulation of the kappa opioid receptor without desensitization of adenylyl cyclase activity

The mouse thymoma R1.1 cell line expresses a κ opioid receptor that is negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G i protein. This study addressed whether chronic exposure of R1.1 cells to the κ agonist U50,488 would alter the receptor binding properties or opioid-induced inhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity. Culturing R1.1 cells in the presence of U50,488 for 3 hr and longer produced a time- and concentration-dependent decrease in the binding of the κ-selective ligand [ 3 U]69,593 to membranes prepared from these cells. Unlike the decrease in receptor binding, opioid imbibition of adenylyl cyclase activity was not altered by culturing cells in the presence of U50,488
The Use of Ordinal Statistics in Causal Analysis of Correlations

phenomena is not to say that every research effort is engaged in "hypothesis testing." Indeed, whole studies and programs of research can be exploratory and directed toward discovery rather than confirmation. But the essence of a rational empirical discipline is to make assertions about phenomena and support or refute these with systematic empirical evidence. So, sooner or later the question of evidence for or against hypotheses comes up. And even in exploratory research, one develops and provisionally accepts or rejects countless small hypotheses on the basis of evidence. But all this does not affect the essential issue: the fact is, the fundamental problem of ordinal multivariate analysis remains unsolved, and we do not know what an ordinal multivariate relation is.
Perceived Father Rejection and Young Adult Aggression: Examining Mediational Components of Emotional Dysregulation:

Emotional dysregulation was explored as a mediator of the relationship between perceived father rejection and young adult male and female aggression. Among undergraduate college students (N = 534), emotional dysregulation was assessed as a combined construct and then as distinct components. Analyses revealed that impulsivity mediated the relationship between perceived father rejection and aggression for both males and females. Nonacceptance of emotions was partially supported as a mediator of the perceived father rejection–aggression relationship among males, but not females. Results suggest that although father–child relationships may contribute to a variety of emotion regulation difficulties, impulsivity may play an integral role in the development of aggression. Researchers and clinicians are encouraged to pay particular attention to the process by which impulsivity may influence aggression for father-rejected sons and daughters, with additional attention to nonacceptance of emotions for sons. Limitati...
Cyclodextrin Inhibits Calcium Carbonate Crystallization and Scaling

β-Cyclodextrin inhibits calcium carbonate crystallization and also reduces the degree of scaling on stainless steel surfaces. The rate of crystallization is not affected. The size of the calcium carbonate crystals is reduced by the cyclodextrin. Under the conditions used, the cyclodextrin was effective at concentrations between 5 ppm and 100 ppm.
Describing the Technique of Delayed Cross - linking

The technique of delayed cross - linking played an important role in improving crude oil recovery ratio, and the present situation of the technique both home and abroad was summed up. The classification of cross - linking technique and profile modification,along with delayed cross- linking action mechanism were introduced. Researches on delayed cross - linking technique should be more that was also proposed in the paper.
Modulatory effect of FHL2 protein interacted with HERG potassium channel

AIM To screen the proteins interacted with human ether-a-go-go-related gene(HERG) potassium channel and to study the modulatory effect of the interacting protein on this channel.METHODS ①The N-terminal fragment of HERG(aa 1-404) was PCR-amplified by using the human cDNA that encoded the HERG potassium channel as template,and the fragment was then cloned into the pGBKT7 to construct the bait plasmid pGBKT7-HERG-NT.②The yeast two-hybrid technique was used to screen the human heart cDNA library.③The open reading frame of four and half LIM domain(FHL2) gene was PCR-amplified and cloned into the pcDNA3.0.④The HEK293 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.0-herg,and the cells were then screened with G418 to obtain the HEK293/HERG cells.The HEK293 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.0-FHL2 to obtain the HEK293/FHL2 cells and the HEK293/FHL2 cells were transfected with pcDNA3.0-herg.⑤The patch-clamp technique was used to study the effect of the interacting protein on the HERG channel property.RESULTS ①Thirty-seven clones were selected by the yeast two-hybrid screen,one of which was FHL2.②The patch clamp electrophysiological experiment showed that FHL2 increased the HERG current amplitude and accelerated the activation rate of the HERG potassium channel.CONCLUSION FHL2 interacts with the amino terminus of HERG and modulates the HERG potassium channel function.
Effect of Age on in Vivo Urinary Bladder Function in the Rat

The effects of age on micturition in male Fischer 344 rats, ages five to seven, 16 to 18 and 22 to 24 months, were studied. The 24 hr. water intake, 24 hr. urine output, frequency and volume of each micturition were obtained from rats housed individually in metabolic cages. Intravesical pressure and volume at which the micturition contraction occurred were evaluated using natural-fill cystometry. The 24 hr. water intake and urine output increased significantly with advancing age; 22 to 24 months rats showed a 39% increase in water intake and a 93% increase in urine output compared to five to seven month rats. The increase in urine output observed in the 22 to 24 month old rats was manifested by a 95% increase in volume per micturition and a 52% increase in frequency of micturition compared to five to seven month old rats. The pressure at micturition (PAM) was 100% greater in 22 to 24 and 16 to 18 month old rats compared to five to seven month old rats with no age-related difference in bladder volume at micturition (BVM). These studies demonstrate that in vivo micturition changes with age in the male F344 rat. Although there were no overt urological dysfunctions observed in the aging rats, the alterations in function would indicate that there were changes in either the mechanisms controlling micturition, or changes in the musculature itself. These possibilities will be the subject of further investigations.
Master of Puppets: Cooperative Multitasking for In Situ Processing

Modern scientific and engineering simulations track the time evolution of billions of elements. For such large runs, storing most time steps for later analysis is not a viable strategy. It is far more efficient to analyze the simulation data while it is still in memory. In this paper, we present a novel design for running multiple codes in situ: using coroutines and position-independent executables we enable cooperative multitasking between simulation and analysis, allowing the same executables to post-process simulation output, as well as to process it on the fly, both in situ and in transit. We present Henson, an implementation of our design, and illustrate its versatility by tackling analysis tasks with different computational requirements. Our design differs significantly from the existing frameworks and offers an efficient and robust approach to integrating multiple codes on modern supercomputers. The presented techniques can also be integrated into other in situ frameworks.
Evolving goal-driven multi-agent communication: what, when, and to whom

This paper presents an evolutionary approach that, given a performance goal, produces a communication strategy that can improve a multi-agent system’s performance with respect to the desired goal. The evolved strategy determines what, when, and to whom agents communicate. The proposed approach further enables tuning the trade-off between the performance goal and communication cost, to produce a strategy that achieves a good balance between the two objectives, according the system’s designer needs. Experiments are designed to evaluate the approach using the Wumpus World application domain, with variations of three factors: fitness parameters (including objectives’ weights and action and communication costs), fitness goal, and simulation environment. Results show that the system’s performance can be highly tuned by controlling communication, and that the presented approach has significant utilization in improving the performance with respect to the goal.
A Computer Simulation of the Non-linearity Effect on FT-IR Measurements

We have developed a computer simulation algorithm for quantitative examination of the errors induced in FT-IR measurements by non-linearity. Using this program, we have investigated the effect of non-linearity on the measurement of transmittance for several types of optical filters and materials, including neutraldensity filters, bandpass filters, and samples with absorption bands.
An Interpretive Phenomenological Inquiry of Family and Friend Reactions to Suicide Disclosure

Suicide attempt survivors' interpretations of reactions to attempts are understudied, yet could inform prevention efforts concerning subsequent attempts. Interviews with 40 attempt survivors about family and friend reactions were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological techniques. Three distinct patterns emerged as follows: (a) Stigmatizing statements and emphasis on reactor's feelings were interpreted as signs that attempt survivors were a burden to others, (b) avoidant reactions and excessive monitoring were interpreted as cues that suicidal behavior must remain hidden to not be a burden, and (c) asking questions and projecting strength were interpreted as signs that attempt survivors belonged and were not a burden. These findings highlight the importance of working with family and friends to encourage reactions that reduce the risk of future attempts.
Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Flaps: A Follow-up of the Technique to Reduce Crow’s Feet and Lateral Canthal Skin Folds

The author summarizes a technique to reduce crow’s feet and lateral canthal skin folds by use of orbicularis oculi skin flaps.
Geographic Variation in Hip Fracture Among United States Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents.

Introduction Despite high rates of hip fracture among United States (US) nursing home (NH) residents, little is known about geographic variation in hip fracture incidence. We used nationally representative data to identify geographic variation in hip fracture among US NH residents.
Second-Order Random Functions

In this chapter we will consider some general properties of stochastic processes with finite second moments.
5 17-Hydroxyprogesterone caproate improves fetal growth restriction possibly by reducing sFlt-1 and placental cytolytic NK cells in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model of preeclampsia

Introduction Preeclampsia (PE), new onset hypertension, is characterized by decreased of nitric oxide (NO) elevated anti-angiogenic factor soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1), cytolytic natural killer (NK) cells and placental ischemia predicted with increased uterine artery resistance (UARI) which are likely culprits for decreased fetal weight during PE pregnancies. Cytolytic NK are an important arm of the immune system killing tumor and infected cells by perforin-granzyme-mediated cytolysis and have been shown to be increased in PE women compared to those with normal pregnancy. Currently, there is no effective treatment for PE except for early delivery, making PE the leading cause for premature births worldwide. Administration of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) is used for prevention of spontaneous preterm labor, but is not included in the current management for PE. Objectives The objective of this study was determine whether early administration of 17-OHPC could improve pregnancy outcomes in response to placental ischemia. Methods. To do so, 17-OHPC (3.32 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally on gestation day 15 to reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rats, UARI was measured using Doppler ultrasound and carotid catheters were inserted on day 18. Results Blood pressure (MAP), sFlt-1, and placental cytolytic NK cells were measured on GD 19. MAP in normal pregnant (NP) rats ( n = 12) was 94 + 2, 126 + 2 in RUPP ( n = 27) and 111 + 1 mmHg in RUPP + 17-OHPC ( n = 15), p p n = 3), 0.8 + 0.03 in RUPP rats ( n = 4), which improved to 0.6 + 0.04 in RUPP + 17-OHPC ( n = 5), p p p n = 5), which was blunted to 110.2 + 11.1 pg/mL in RUPP+17-OHPC, p n = 13) but was improved to 25.5 + 5.2 μM in RUPP + 17-OHPC ( n = 5), p Conclusion Early administration of 17-OHPC improves sFtl-1, UARI, activated cytolytic NK cells, pup weight, NO bioavailability and hypertension in response to placental ischemia. Therefore, 17-OHPC should be further considered for addition to the management of PE.
A Reexamination of Women’s Electoral Success in Open Seat Elections: The Conditioning Effect of Electoral Competition

ABSTRACTThis article reexamines gender differences in electoral outcomes. We consider whether electoral competition has a differential impact on the electoral fortunes of male and female quality candidates. This study uses an original data set containing detailed candidate information for US House open seat primary and general elections between 1994 and 2004. The results indicate that when multiple quality candidates enter the race, female quality candidates are at a greater disadvantage than their male counterparts. The results suggest that null findings from previous work are a product of the way the relationship between gender and electoral outcomes is typically modeled.
Hydrologic Connectivity: Quantitative Assessments of Hydrologic-Enforced Drainage Structures in an Elevation Model

ABSTRACT Poppenga, S.K. and Worstell, B.B., 2016. Hydrologic connectivity: Quantitative assessments of hydrologic-enforced drainage structures in an elevation model. In: Brock, J.C.; Gesch, D.B.; Parrish, C.E.; Rogers, J.N., and Wright, C.W. (eds.), Advances in Topobathymetric Mapping, Models, and Applications. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 76, pp. 90–106. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Elevation data derived from light detection and ranging present challenges for hydrologic modeling as the elevation surface includes bridge decks and elevated road features overlaying culvert drainage structures. In reality, water is carried through these structures; however, in the elevation surface these features impede modeled overland surface flow. Thus, a hydrologically-enforced elevation surface is needed for hydrodynamic modeling. In the Delaware River Basin, hydrologic-enforcement techniques were used to modify elevations to simulate how constructed drainage structures allow overland sur...
Cross-kingdom RNA trafficking and environmental RNAi for powerful innovative pre- and post-harvest plant protection

​Small RNA (sRNA) induces RNA interference (RNAi) in almost all eukaryotes. While sRNAs can move within an organism, they can also move between interacting organisms to induce gene silencing, a phenomenon called 'cross-kingdom RNAi'. Some sRNAs from pathogens or pests move into host cells and suppress host immunity in both plants and animals; whereas some host sRNAs travel into pathogen/pest cells to inhibit their virulence. Moreover, uptake of exogenous RNAs from the environment was recently discovered in certain fungal pathogens, which makes it possible to suppress fungal diseases by directly applying pathogen-targeting RNAs on crops and post-harvest products. This new-generation of RNA-based fungicides is powerful, environmentally friendly, and can be easily adapted to control multiple diseases simultaneously.
Young female vascular surgeons more likely to enter academia

Abstract Objective In the last decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of women entering vascular surgery. Our goal was to evaluate the differences in career paths based on gender and to determine some of the factors that influence career decisions among young vascular surgeons. Methods A 17-item web-based survey focusing on current employment status, reasons for choosing academic vs nonacademic positions, and career satisfaction was distributed to 900 members of the Society for Vascular Surgery who completed vascular surgery training in the past 10 years. Results A total of 199 individuals responded to the survey (22.1%). The cohort included 49 (24.6%) women and 149 (74.9%) men. The majority of the respondents were non-Hispanic white (66.3%). Sixty-four percent of all respondents were younger than 40 years. Overall, 72.9% of women had applied to academic positions after their training compared with 58.8% of men. Women were more likely to apply for and to work in an academic setting ( P = .0266 and P = .0198, respectively) and cited mentorship more frequently ( P = .0474) as the reason for choosing an academic practice. Women respondents were less likely to have a spouse or children ( P = .0269 and P P = .0345). Conclusions Career satisfaction remains high among young vascular surgeons. In this cohort of vascular surgery graduates, we found that women were more likely to pursue academic positions than men, with mentorship, ability to teach, and complexity of cases commonly cited as reasons for this career choice. However, whether young women stay in academia and what factors affect academic retention will need further evaluation.
To Understand the Futures of Film-going, We Must Know Its Histories

This talk, presented in 2015 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, addresses current industry speculations about the future audiences for Hollywood entertainment by tracing multiple histories of exhibition and reception. The first history describes the ways that film exhibition has always existed in relation to other kinds of entertainment experiences, many of which offered some form of immersion. The second history explores the various ways that fans and other film audiences have sought to participate more fully in the entertainment process. And the third suggests that contemporary talk of transmedia storytelling builds upon decades of attempts to link film with other media.
Factors Leading to Persistent Postsurgical Pain in Adolescents Undergoing Spinal Fusion: An Integrative Literature Review.

Abstract Problem Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spinal deformity among children and adolescents and the most frequent reason for corrective spinal fusion (SF). Of the children and adolescents who undergo SF, a significant number will experience persistent postoperative pain (PPP). This integrative literature review was conducted to identify and synthesize perioperative factors that may contribute to risk of developing PPP. Eligibility Criteria Articles which addressed PPP within the last 10 years and primary research on postoperative pain outcomes in adolescents after SF were selected for review. Sample 15 articles which met eligibility criteria were included. Results Preoperative pain intensity was the most significant factor identified in the development of PPP and increased postoperative pain. Social function and psychological factors also have role in the development of PPP. There were no theoretical models or frameworks for evaluating PPP incidence in adolescent with AIS after SF. Conclusions Perioperative factors such as, preoperative pain, correction magnitude, pain coping, anxiety and social functioning are vital to understanding a child's risk of PPP following SF. There is a need for theoretically-based studies to assess PPP among children and adolescents with AIS after SF surgery. Implications The Biobehavioral Pain Network (BPN) model was proposed, to encompass biological, social and psychological domains which may be responsible for incidence of PPP in children undergoing SF. Such a model can be used to systematically develop and evaluate personalized postoperative pain management strategies for this patient population.
The Welfare Effects of Coordinated Assignment: Evidence from the New York City High School Match

Abstract Coordinated single-offer school assignment systems are a popular education reform. We show that uncoordinated offers in NYC's school assignment mechanism generated mismatches. One-third of...
Abstract 13842: Association of CHADS2VASc Score and Warfarin Use With Thromboembolic Risk Among HIV-Infected Persons With Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population is growing, but the association of the CHADS2VASc score with thromboembolic (TE) ri...
Spontaneous regression of neuroblastoma

Neuroblastomas are characterized by heterogeneous clinical behavior, from spontaneous regression or differentiation into a benign ganglioneuroma, to relentless progression despite aggressive, multimodality therapy. Indeed, neuroblastoma is unique among human cancers in terms of its propensity to undergo spontaneous regression. The strongest evidence for this comes from the mass screening studies conducted in Japan, North America and Europe and it is most evident in infants with stage 4S disease. This propensity is associated with a pattern of genomic change characterized by whole chromosome gains rather than segmental chromosome changes but the mechanism(s) underlying spontaneous regression are currently a matter of speculation. There is evidence to support several possible mechanisms of spontaneous regression in neuroblastomas: (1) neurotrophin deprivation, (2) loss of telomerase activity, (3) humoral or cellular immunity and (4) alterations in epigenetic regulation and possibly other mechanisms. It is likely that a better understanding of the mechanisms of spontaneous regression will help to identify targeted therapeutic approaches for these tumors. The most easily targeted mechanism is the delayed activation of developmentally programmed cell death regulated by the tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) pathway. Pan-Trk inhibitors are currently in clinical trials and so Trk inhibition might be used as the first line of therapy in infants with biologically favorable tumors that require treatment. Alternative approaches consist of breaking immune tolerance to tumor antigens but approaches to telomere shortening or epigenetic regulation are not easily druggable. The different mechanisms of spontaneous neuroblastoma regression are reviewed here, along with possible therapeutic approaches.
Classifying symptom change in eating disorders: clinical significance metrics for the Change in Eating Disorder Symptoms Scale

The purpose of this study was to determine clinically significant change criteria and change trajectories for the Change in Eating Disorder Symptoms Scale (CHEDS). Participants included non-eating disordered (n=95) and eating disordered (n=58) samples. The clinical sample was undergoing enhanced cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders. Reliable change indices (RCI), cutscores, and change trajectories were calculated. CHEDS total score RCI was 12 points while the cutscore between eating disordered and non-eating disordered groups was 65. Trajectory models for benchmarking were successfully derived based on initial scores. The change indices and trajectories permit session-by-session analyses and benchmarking of change. These empirically-calibrated indices of patient change and progress allow for empirically-guided treatment decision-making.
Exascale algorithms for generalized MPI_comm_split

In the quest to build exascale supercomputers, designers are increasing the number of hierarchical levels that exist among system components. Software developed for these systems must account for the various hierarchies to achieve maximum efficiency. The first step in this work is to identify groups of processes that share common resources. We develop, analyze, and test several algorithms that can split millions of processes into groups based on arbitrary, user-defined data. We find that bitonic sort and our new hash-based algorithm best suit the task.
Phase Transitions: van der Waals to Lenz

The present section is meant to serve as a global orientation through Chaps. 11 to 14, all four of them being devoted to the modeling of phase transitions.
Receptors for Immune Complexes on Lymphocytes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses receptors for immune complexes on lymphocytes. The discovery that lymphocytes can be grouped into subpopulations (B and T lymphocytes) with specific properties and functions has been firmly established, and has opened the way to new investigations. Membrane receptors for complement have been detected through the binding of sheep erythrocytes sensitized with antibody and complement, leading to the formation of rosettes that can be seen and counted under the microscope. This chapter also discusses some aspects of the interaction between lymphocytes and immune complexes, the use of membrane receptors for complexes in the detection, identification, and isolation of B lymphocytes, and the possible participation of the cell receptors in the induction of the immune response in vivo . Finally, the study of the mechanism of interaction of immune complexes with lymphocytes may be of relevance to several important areas of immunological research as well as to the understanding of mechanisms of disease. Further insights may derive from the experiments that test directly the hypothesis, that immune complexes of certain structural composition play a central role in the triggering of diverse cell functions.
Prognostic impact of genetic variation in steroidogenic enzymes in advanced stage prostate cancer.

e16605Background: Extragonadal androgen biosynthesis controls tumor growth and impacts survival in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We investigated the associations...
Online Resources for Dissemination and Implementation Science: Meeting Demand and Lessons Learned.

A dramatically increased interest in dissemination and implementation (DI provided interactive feedback for learners; and linked users to additional learning resources. Online resources can be valuable for preparing clinical and translational mentees for research consultations, as follow-up training activities, and as D&I workforce development resources. The resources described are publicly available and we encourage their use, further development, and evaluation by Clinical and Translational Science Awards and other programs.
Hyperpolarized 13C MRI: State of the Art and Future Directions

Hyperpolarized (HP) carbon 13 (13C) MRI is an emerging molecular imaging method that allows rapid, noninvasive, and pathway-specific investigation of dynamic metabolic and physiologic processes that were previously inaccessible to imaging. This technique has enabled real-time in vivo investigations of metabolism that are central to a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic diseases of the liver and kidney. This review provides an overview of the methods of hyperpolarization and 13C probes investigated to date in preclinical models of disease. The article then discusses the progress that has been made in translating this technology for clinical investigation. In particular, the potential roles and emerging clinical applications of HP [1-13C]pyruvate MRI will be highlighted. The future directions to enable the adoption of this technology to advance the basic understanding of metabolism, to improve disease diagnosis, and to accelerate treatment assessment are also detailed.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference for PROMIS Physical Function in Patients With Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose This study was conducted to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function computer adaptive test (CAT) after distal radius fracture. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed data from 187 adults receiving nonsurgical care for a unilateral distal radius fracture at a single institution between February 2016 and November 2017. All patients completed the PROMIS Physical Function v1.2/2.0 CAT at each visit. At follow-up, patients also completed 2 multiple-choice clinical anchor questions querying their overall response to treatment. The MCID estimate was then calculated with an anchor-based method as the mean PROMIS Physical Function score change for the group reporting mild improvement and with a distribution-based method considering effect sizes of change and the minimum detectable change (MDC). The MCID estimate was examined for the influence of patient age, follow-up interval, and initial PROMIS score. Results Change in PROMIS Physical Function scores between visits was significantly different between patients reporting no change, mild improvement, and much improvement on the anchor questions. The anchor-based MCID estimate for PROMIS Physical Function was 3.6 points (SD, 8.4). Among patients reporting mild improvement, individual changes in PROMIS Physical Function were not correlated with patient age or time between visits but were moderately negatively correlated with the initial absolute PROMIS Physical Function score. Applying the effect size parameters to our data when patients indicated minimal change, the distribution-based MCID estimate was 4.6 (SD, 1.8). Both the anchor-based and the distribution-based MCID estimates were judged sufficient because they exceeded the MDC value of 2.3. Conclusions The MCID value for PROMIS Physical Function is estimated between 3.6 and 4.6 in patients treated nonsurgically for distal radius fractures. Clinical improvement is associated with smaller magnitudes of change on PROMIS Physical Function when patients present with better reported function. Clinical relevance The MCID estimations are needed to determine the clinical relevance of changes in PROMIS scores and to more accurately calculate sample sizes needed for research incorporating PROMIS.
MtpB, a member of the MttB superfamily from the human intestinal acetogen Eubacterium limosum , catalyzes proline betaine demethylation.

The trimethylamine methyltransferase MttB is the founding member of a widely distributed superfamily of microbial proteins. Genes encoding most members of the MttB superfamily lack the codon for pyrrolysine that distinguishes previously characterized trimethylamine methyltransferases, leaving the function(s) of most of the enzymes in this superfamily unknown. Here, investigating the MttB family member MtpB from the human intestinal isolate Eubacterium limosum ATCC 8486, an acetogen that excretes N-methyl proline during growth on proline betaine, we demonstrate that MtpB catalyzes anoxic demethylation of proline betaine. MtpB along with MtqC (a corrinoid protein) and MtqA (a methylcorrinoid:tetrahydrofolate methyltransferase) was much more abundant in E. limosum cells grown on proline betaine than on lactate. We observed that recombinant MtpB methylates Co(I)-MtqC in the presence of proline betaine and that other quaternary amines are much less preferred substrates. MtpB, MtqC, and MtqA catalyze tetrahydrofolate methylation with proline betaine, thereby forming a key intermediate in the Wood–Ljungdahl acetogenesis pathway. To our knowledge, MtpB methylation of Co(I)-MtqC for the subsequent methylation of tetrahydrofolate represents the first described anoxic mechanism of proline betaine demethylation. The activities of MtpB and associated proteins in acetogens or other anaerobes provide a possible mechanism for the production of N-methyl proline by the gut microbiome. MtpB's activity characterized here strengthens the hypothesis that much of the MttB superfamily comprises quaternary amine-dependent methyltransferases.
Skin changes in the obese patient.

Obesity is a worldwide major public health problem with an alarmingly increasing prevalence over the past 2 decades. The consequences of obesity in the skin are underestimated. In this paper, we review the effect of obesity on the skin, including how increased body mass index affects skin physiology, skin barrier, collagen structure, and wound healing. Obesity also affects sebaceous and sweat glands and causes circulatory and lymphatic changes. Common skin manifestations related to obesity include acanthosis nigricans, acrochordons, keratosis pilaris, striae distensae, cellulite, and plantar hyperkeratosis. Obesity has metabolic effects, such as causing hyperandrogenism and gout, which in turn are associated with cutaneous manifestations. Furthermore, obesity is associated with an increased incidence of bacterial and Candida skin infections, as well as onychomycosis, inflammatory skin diseases, and chronic dermatoses like hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, and rosacea. The association between atopic dermatitis and obesity and the increased risk of skin cancer among obese patients is debatable. Obesity is also related to rare skin conditions and to premature hair graying. As physicians, understanding these clinical signs and the underlying systemic disorders will facilitate earlier diagnoses for better treatment and avoidance of sequelae.
Buying gay: how physique entrepreneurs sparked a movement: by David Johnson, New York, Columbia University Press, 2019, vii + 328 pp., US$32.00 (cloth), ISBN 9780231189101

Covering the period from 1950 to 1967, David Johnson’s Buying Gay: How Physique Entrepreneurs Sparked a Movement explores the market growth and government response to the developing physique publis...
Safety of optimized pre-hospital emergency transfer system for critically ill children

Objective To study the influence of the optimized pre-hospital emergency transfer system on the safety, success rate and prognosis of pediatric patients. Methods A clinical data analysis was made of 1 015 cases of critically ill children delivered with the not-optimized pre-hospital emergency transfer system as group Ⅰ(Jan.2007-Dec.2009) and those of 1 431 with the optimized pre-hospital emergency transfer system as group Ⅱ(Jun.2010-Dec.2012). The preparation time for dispatch, critical illness scores before and after transport, transfer success rates and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results Before transfer, the critical illness score for group Ⅰ was 81.73±18.11, for group Ⅱ 78.45±20.96, with groupⅡ being more critical(t=4.154, P<0.001) and needing respirator supporting and more vasoactive agents(50.5%vs.30.2%; 60.8% vs.51.6%; P<0.01). The dispatch delay for group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were(19.34±6.45)min and (16.19±5.89)min, respectively, actual time out for group Ⅱ was shorter than that for group Ⅰ(P<0.001). The critical illness scores on arrival of ward were 83.01±16.73 in group Ⅰ, 83.97±17.50 in group Ⅱ, the score for group Ⅱ being more improved than that for group Ⅰ(P<0.05). The transfer success rates, cure and improvement rates were higher in group Ⅱ compared with group Ⅰ(97.6% vs.94.8%; 94.5% vs.91.0%; P<0.01). Conclusion The application of the optimized pre-hospital emergency care system can improve the transfer efficiency and success rate, safety and treatment effect, reduce the mortality rate of pediatric patients. Key words: Critical illness; Children; Pre-hospital emergency; Transportation; Safety
The Devil You Know: An Exploration of Virtual Religious Deconstruction Communities

In a 2018 episode of the podcast The Airing of Grief, musician Derek Webb spoke with a caller about the fact that social media, live performances/events, and podcasts have become some of the few community spaces where religious and formerly religious people are able to deconstruct their faith experiences and process their doubts and questions. This observation began a research project regarding the question of community formation around religious deconstruction/reconstruction and its specific relation to social media spaces. As this research revealed, these deconstruction communities are safe spaces in which participants feel and experience radically open, loving, and supportive community (something that was promised or sought in previous religious spaces but rarely was experienced). The public and broad connecting aspects of social media and podcasts have allowed those who previously experienced deconstruction or doubts in isolation to find support and connections.
Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of the Human Uterus Measured by Spherical Indentation

The mechanical function of the uterus is critical for a successful pregnancy. During gestation, uterine tissue grows and stretches to many times its size to accommodate the growing fetus, and it is hypothesized the magnitude of uterine tissue stretch triggers the onset of contractions. To establish rigorous mechanical testing protocols for the human uterus in hopes of predicting tissue stretch during pregnancy, this study measures the anisotropic mechanical properties of the human uterus using optical coherence tomography (OCT), instrumented spherical indentation, and video extensometry. In this work, we perform spherical indentation and digital image correlation to obtain the tissue's force and deformation response to a ramp-hold loading regimen. We translate previously reported fiber architecture, measured via optical coherence tomography, into a constitutive fiber composite material model to describe the equilibrium material behavior during indentation. We use an inverse finite element method integrated with a genetic algorithm (GA) to fit the material model to our experimental data. We report the mechanical properties of human uterine specimens taken across different anatomical locations and layers from one non-pregnant (NP) and one pregnant (PG) patient; both patients had pathological uterine tissue. Compared to NP uterine tissue, PG tissue has a more dispersed fiber distribution and equivalent stiffness material parameters. In both PG and NP uterine tissue, the mechanical properties differ significantly between anatomical locations.
Self-organization in embryonic development: myth and reality.

"Self-organization" has become a watchword in developmental biology, characterizing observations in which embryonic or induced stem cells replicate morphological steps and outcomes seen in intact embryos. While the term was introduced in the 18th century by the philosopher Immanuel Kant to describe the goal-directed properties of living systems, it came into modern use for non-living materials in which complex forms and patterns emerge through dynamical, energy-expending physical processes. What are the relationships among these uses of the term? While multicellular forms arose dozens of times from single-celled organisms, only some of these undergo development, and not all developmental processes are self-organizing. The evolution of the animals (metazoans) from unicellular holozoans was accompanied by the addition of novel gene products which mediated the constitution of the resulting cell clusters as liquid-, liquid crystal-, and solid-like materials with protean morphogenetic propensities. Such materials variously exhibited multilayering, lumen formation and elongation, echoing the self-organizing properties of nonliving matter, "generic" based on such parallels, though with biologically based subunit properties and modes of interaction. These effects provided evolutionary templates for embryonic forms and morphological motifs of diverse metazoan lineages. Embryos and organ primordia of present-day animal species continue to generate forms that resemble the outcomes of these physical effects. Their development, however, employs overdetermined, highly evolved mechanisms that are often disconnected from their originating processes. Using the examples of gastrulation, somitogenesis, and limb skeletal development, this chapter provides instances of, and a conceptual framework for understanding, the relationships between physical and evolved types of developmental self-organization.
Treatment of bovine respiratory disease with a single administration of tulathromycin and ketoprofen.

BACKGROUND The therapeutic strategy of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) often involves a combination of an antibiotic with an anti-inflammatory agent. Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of a new combination product containing tulathromycin and ketoprofen for the treatment of naturally occurring BRD. METHODS Two hundred and eighty animals were randomized upon diagnosis of BRD. One hundred forty animals each were treated once subcutaneously with tulathromycin-ketoprofen or tulathromycin. Rectal temperature of each animal was measured at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 h post-treatment. Individual respiration and depression scores were determined at 6 h post-treatment. Daily rectal temperature, respiration and depression scores were recorded from day 2 to 14 and on day 21. RESULTS The tulathromycin-ketoprofen and tulathromycin treatment group demonstrated a treatment success rate of 94.2% and 95.0%, respectively and a relapse rate of 3.8% and 4.0%, respectively. Tulathromycin-ketoprofen demonstrated superior pyrexia control compared to tulathromycin within the first 24 h following treatment. Tulathromycin-ketoprofen-treated animals demonstrated faster improvement of their clinical symptoms (respiration and depression score). CONCLUSION Efficacy of tulathromycin-ketoprofen for the treatment of BRD was non-inferior to tulathromycin. The combination product clearly exhibited more pronounced fever control than tulathromycin which is considered beneficial for animal welfare.
Restructuring Health Sciences Higher Education in New Jersey: Strategy, Scope, and Implementation

The major universities offering health sciences education in New Jersey were restructured in a 2012 legislative act. The plan evolved from a limited transfer of one medical school to a complete integration of two large entities. We describe how this evolution occurred and how leaders of the combined organization implemented the plan, especially considering an unexpected deficit in one of the largest operating units. This case study is a companion to an article analyzing the integration, and illustrates common means to achieve performance improvements in any merger.
Effects of different types of augmented feedback on intrinsic motivation and walking speed performance in post-stroke: A study protocol.

Abstract Introduction During recovery from stroke, augmented performance feedback can be applied with simple displays of metrics, as well as enhanced with virtual reality (VR) and exergames. VR, as augmented feedback, can provided to enhance walking speed after six months of stroke onset. There are several mechanisms to induce improved motor performance and motivation. Our objective is to design a study to demonstrate the different effects of augmented feedback, simple VR and exergaming applications on motivation and walking speed performance in post stroke. Methods Eighteen individuals with chronic stroke will be recruited and asked to walk as fast and safely as they can while on a robotic, user speed-driven treadmill (KineAssist-MX®) in three conditions: (1) with simple visual augmented feedback, but without a VR interface, (2) with a basic VR interface and (3) with a VR exergame. The main outcome measures are 30 s of fast walking speed and intrinsic motivation measured using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory-Interest and Enjoyment Subscale. A within-subjects repeated measure ANOVA test and post hoc analysis will be used to determine the differences in changes of maximum walking speeds among the three performance conditions. Discussion The additive impact of augmented feedback with or without VR and VR-exergames on motivation and walking speed during stroke rehabilitation is unknown, a gap we aim to address. Our findings will contribute key details regarding the effects of different types of augmented feedback on walking speed and intrinsic motivation and to the refinement of theoretical frameworks that guide the design and implementation of augmented feedback during recovery after stroke.
Diarrhea, Dysbiosis, Dysfunction, and the Disastrous Global Health Consequences: Piecing the Puzzle Together.

ABSTRACT The burden of diarrheal infections globally, including the chronic health consequences, is an important problem. Herein we describe a recent paper published by the Journal and describe how it fits within and advances our knowledge in this area.
Integer Programming, Combinatorics, and Splines

In this chapter we will consider a series of interrelated topics concerning polyhedral regions P in ℝ n , the integer points in these regions, and piece-wise polynomial functions on subdivisions of such regions. In each case Grobner basis techniques give important computational and conceptual tools to deal with problems of interest and practical importance. These topics are also closely related to the material on polytopes and toric varieties from Chapter 7, but we have tried to make this chapter as independent as possible from Chapter 7 so that it can be read separately.
Fresh exposures of hydrous Fe‐bearing amorphous silicates on Mars

We have discovered relatively fresh exposures of a hydrated, amorphous material along the wall rock slopes in Coprates Chasma, Mars. Visible and near-infrared reflectance spectra extracted from the deposits exhibit broad absorptions around 1.42, 1.94, and 2.25 µm that are most consistent with laboratory spectra of nanophase hydrated Fe-rich allophane and Fe-rich opal. The three absorptions, especially the 1.4 µm band, have the strongest hydration signatures yet detected on Mars by orbital data, suggesting high-water content material that is relatively fresh and has not altered or lost water since its formation or exposure. Age dating from crater size-frequency distributions of the Fe-rich allophane/opal deposits yields ages of ~50–100 Myr, consistent with a young exposure time and minimal time for dehydration. Either the Fe-rich allophane/opal represents an older material already contained within the wall rock that has been more recently exposed, or it represents a younger material formed during more recent aqueous activity.
High energy estimation from angular distributions and related problems

We use the angular distribution of the secondary particles to estimate the primary-particle energy to construct both differential and integral energy spectra. These spectra are compared to the spectra obtained from experimental measurement of high-energy nucleon-nucleon interactions resulting in a liquid-hydrogen target and detected by sparkchambers—ionization-calorimeter set-up.