cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcomes research: Mandibular fractures in the diabetic population

Abstract Objective The study aimed to examine the management and outcomes of mandibular fractures in patients with diabetes mellitus by examining the injury modalities, treatment methods, and complications. Methods The study conducted was a retrospective case review of patients admitted to Memorial Hermann Hospital from 2007 to 2011 with diagnoses of diabetes mellitus and mandibular fracture. The electronic medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, injury data, surgery methodology, treatment variables, and complications. Results Out of the 34 diabetic patients, the average age was 52 with the majority of the fractures being the result of falls, 12 (35.3%). Of the 63 total fractures, 24 (38.1%) fractures were repaired through closed reduction and 39 (61.9%) fractures required open reduction with internal fixation. 17 (50.0%) patients had at least one complication following mandibular fracture repair. The most common complications in this sample population included nerve injury, 7 (20.6%), infection, 7 (20.6%), wound dehiscence with or without hardware exposure, 6 (17.7%), and malocclusion, 5 (14.7%). Conclusion When compared to the limited published data our findings imply that diabetic patients with mandibular fractures present as an older population than commonly seen with mandibular fractures and suggest a higher overall rate of complications.
Landscape Changes Impact on Regional Hydrology and Climate

There is enough evidence that landscape change has impact on regional energy and water balance resulting in climate change. Climate change also changes landscape. The expansion of the Sahara Desert corresponds to land degradation where the role of vegetation in keeping surface energy fractionation in balance and initiation of the rainfall process is diminished. Non-vegetated dry areas appropriate more solar energy to sensible heat (surface temperature increase) than latent heat (evapotranspiration ). Evapotranspiration has cooling effect and is part of the hydrologic cycle. Solar energy reflectance (albedo ) is dependent on surface characteristics. In this chapter, cases of landscape change and climate change in Africa, China, and the United States are presented. Application of remote sensing in observation of land cover, surface temperature, and energy partitioning is presented for monitoring wetland and dryland landscapes.
Targeted Large-Scale Deletion of Bacterial Genomes Using CRISPR-Nickases

Programmable CRISPR-Cas systems have augmented our ability to produce precise genome manipulations. Here we demonstrate and characterize the ability of CRISPR-Cas derived nickases to direct targeted recombination of both small and large genomic regions flanked by repetitive elements in Escherichia coli. While CRISPR directed double-stranded DNA breaks are highly lethal in many bacteria, we show that CRISPR-guided nickase systems can be programmed to make precise, nonlethal, single-stranded incisions in targeted genomic regions. This induces recombination events and leads to targeted deletion. We demonstrate that dual-targeted nicking enables deletion of 36 and 97 Kb of the genome. Furthermore, multiplex targeting enables deletion of 133 Kb, accounting for approximately 3% of the entire E. coli genome. This technology provides a framework for methods to manipulate bacterial genomes using CRISPR-nickase systems. We envision this system working synergistically with preexisting bacterial genome engineering me...
‘What to do starting from this place’: documentary film and official memorialization in Argentina and Chile

This article examines post-dictatorial documentaries from Argentina and Chile in the context of their use of particular places that held significance during the dictatorships and which have since been converted into official memorial spaces. Often these are sites that were used for detention and execution of prisoners. I argue that the creative deployment of these sites in the films I consider productively unfixes memory and multiplies the uses and heterogeneity of memories in their relation to place. I read several films, El Mocito , Reinalda del Carmen, mi mama y yo, El predio and Tabula rasa alongside the memorial spaces that they inhabit, represent and comment upon. This article both reveals the ways in which documentary filmmakers have participated in the work of memorialization in the Southern Cone and presents a case for the value of the study of documentary film in relation to the particularities of place.
Bees learn preferences for plant species that offer only pollen as a reward

The astonishing diversity of floral form in angiosperm plants is driven in large part by preferences of pollinators for various floral traits, including learned preferences. Remarkably, almost all of a vast literature on learning and memory in pollinators relates to nectar as a reward, even though bees and many flies, beetles, and butterflies must collect pollen. In this study, we asked if bees formed preferences for plant species from which pollen had been collected successfully. Using absolute conditioning, we gave pollen foraging bees experience with plant species that offered only pollen rewards. Naive bees generally showed modest preferences, whereas experienced bees adopted strong preferences for those species over alternative species not previously experienced. Learned preferences were retained for at least 24h, consistent with preferences learned with nectar rewards. These experience-mediated changes in preference raised the possibility that bees formed associations between particular floral features and pollen rewards. We therefore asked if learned preferences required that bees successfully collect pollen. Using differential conditioning, we determined that learned preferences were strongly influenced by receipt of a pollen reward. In a final experiment, we characterized the importance of 2 floral features, the corolla and the anther, in the expression of learned preferences. Although experience altered responses to both floral parts, responses to anthers were influenced more strongly. We discuss recent evidence in the literature for associative learning with pollen rewards and propose that learned preferences in the context of pollen collection have played an important role in floral display evolution.
Initial chronological determinations at an Archaic site discovered near Stockton, Utah

Abstract Numerous lithic artifacts eroding from a bluff within a classic spit-bar landform of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville attest to former cultural activities in the region near Stockton, Utah. Because extensive mining of the local sands and gravels threaten the site, the recent discovery of in situ finds preserved in stratified contexts prompted a pilot study to document the locale and test the suitability of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating techniques for geochronological determinations. We applied a modified single aliquot regenerative-dose (SAR) technique to resolve the formation of strata comprising the spit-bar sequence. The OSL determinations indicate a Pleistocene terminus post quem (that is, a maximum age) for the Archaic occupation. This is sensible because the unit in which we found in situ artifacts is older than the earliest possible date for site occupation during the Late Holocene. This study demonstrates the utility of OSL for further resolving the chronostratigraphic development of local landforms that were important landscape elements during antiquity.
The reliability of a solid-phase extraction system for the analysis of benzoylecgonine in urine

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis for benzoylecgonine (BE), a metabolite of cocaine, requires an initial extraction from urine. Although liquid-liquid extraction methods are frequently used, solid-phase extraction (SPE) may be preferable for obtaining reliable results and clean chromatograms. We describe a 12-month study that evaluates the accuracy, precision, variability between analysts, variability between column lots, and cleanliness of BE extracts using SPE columns followed by GC-MS analysis. The overall mean for a control urine sample prepared at 150 ng/mL is 151 ng/mL (N = 293) with a standard deviation of 8.59 and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.7%. Within-run precision (measured as CV) at 75, 150, and 2000 ng/mL is 4.0, 1.8, and 0.8%, respectively. Mean results from 10 different analysts vary a maximum of 4.6% from the overall mean of 151 ng/mL, and the CV for 9 out of 10 analysts is 7.0% or less. The CV for the remaining analyst is 10.4%. Quantitative results from nine different lots of SPE columns fluctuate 3.3% from the overall mean of 151 ng/mL, and the CV varies from 3.5 to 6.2%. GC-MS chromatograms following SPE are significantly cleaner (i.e., reduced baseline signal and no interfering peaks) than those from two types of liquid-liquid extractions.
Properties of Metal Fluoride Films Deposited by Laser and E-Beam Evaporation

The properties of metal fluoride films (MgF2 CeF3, LaF3 CaF2 and SrF2) deposited using cw laser and electron-beam evaporation were compared. The differences in film properties were subtle, but important. Films obtained by laser evaporation have lower losses in the UV (185–250 nm) and slightly better crystallinity than the films deposited by e-beam evaporation. Other optical and mechanical properties were independent of preparation method. Differences in the film properties were tentatively attributed to the higher proportion of dissociated species in the evaporant plume of the laser-evaporated materials.
Nitrate Concentration near the Surface of Frozen Aqueous Solutions.

Photolysis of nitrate plays an important role in the emission of nitrogen oxides from snow and ice, which affects the composition of the overlying atmosphere. In order to quantify these reactions, ...
Comorbidities in infants with obstructive sleep apnea.

Study Objective:The clinical characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants have been insufficiently characterized. Our aim was to describe identifiable comorbidities in infants with o...
Status and associated factors of alcohol consumption among residents aged 15 and above in Guangdong Province

Objective To investigate the status and associated factors of alcohol consumption among residents in Guangdong Province,and provide basic data for health risk assessment related to alcohol consumption. Methods During 2009 to 2012,using multi- stage stratified cluster sampling,three different stages including large cities,medium cities,and rural areas were classified for the survey. Nine districts / counties were selected across the province. Six resident / village committees were sampled in each county,75 households were sampled in each resident / village committee,and then,family members aged 5 and over were selected to participate in the survey. Survey contents included personal general situation,alcohol drinking in the past 12 months,types of alcoholic beverage,frequency,average consumption of every time,etc. Descriptive epidemiological analysis was carried out on the survey. PROC SURVEYMEANS and PROC SURVEYFREQ were used for calculating standardized average intake and rate,and the multiple logistic regression analysis was used for analyzing factors related to alcohol consumption. Results A total of9 672 residents aged 15 and above were investigated,and valid number was 8 972 residents,and the questionnaire response rate was 92. 8%. Among 8 972 respondents,57. 7% were female,38. 0% at medium-sized cities,58. 7% aged 30 to 59 years,56. 9% had middle school education,44. 2% had annual income of 10 000 Yuan,83. 6% married,and 17. 9% smokers. A total of 2 758 residents had been drinking over the past 12 months,the crude drinking rate was 30. 7%,and the standardized drinking rate was33. 3%; the average daily alcohol intake of 2 758 drinkers was( 9. 6 ± 2. 1) g; the average daily alcohol intake of 312 excessive drinkers was( 74. 6 ± 11. 5) g. The proportion of excessive alcohol drinking was15. 6%( 279 /1 787) for men and 3. 4%( 33 /971) for women to all alcohol drinkers. In the multiple logistic regression model,the subjects aged 18- 29( OR = 2. 971),30- 44( OR = 3. 857),and 45- 59( OR = 3. 147) age groups,the annual income level of 10 000- 25 000 Yuan( OR = 1. 229) and 25 000 Yuan( OR = 1. 206),and smokers( OR = 2. 321) were more likely to drink alcohol,while those of female( OR = 0. 347),middle school education( OR = 0. 767),and primary school education and below( OR = 0. 592) were less likely to drink alcohol. Conclusion Alcohol intake of excessive drinking was higher,and it is necessary to carry out risk assessments for hazardous substances related alcoholic beverage to control the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
Expression of NY-ESO-1 gene was analyzed by RT-PCR in human gastric carcinoma and its cloning

Objective To study the expression of NY-ESO-1 in gastric carcinoma, and so as to know if NY-ESO-1 can be as a kind of fundamental gene vaccine in the treatment of gastric carcinoma. Method Reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction amplification techniques were utilized to assay 60 gastric carcinoma tissues and the matched adjacent normal gastric tissues for expression of NY-ESO-1 gene. And the cDNA sequence of NY-ESO-1 was cloned from gastric carcinoma tissues by molecular cloning techniques. Results Out of 60 gastric carcinoma tissues, 55% expressed NY-ESO-1 gene while no expression in the matched adjacent normal gastric carcinoma tissues. The sequence of NY-ESO-1 cloned was identical to the sequence of that from GenBank. Conclusions NY-ESO-1 gene is expression highly in gastric carcinoma tissues and NY-ESO-1 antigen can be recognized by cytolytic T lymphocytes when presented by HLA-class-1 molecular.
Analysis of the influence of Harbin-Daqing high-speed rail passenger dedicated line on Heilongjiang grid

From the aspect of harmonic component and negative sequence component,this paper analyzes the influence of Harbin-Daqing high-speed rail passenger dedicated line on Heilongjiang grid. As for the third harmonic current,generated by Suangcheng primary substation when it supplies power,which is beyond national standards,the paper proposes the power quality treatment plan adopting SVC. The practice shows that after SVC being put into operation,the unbalance degree of three-phase voltage is below 1. 3% with the power factor over 0. 95,which all meet the requirement of national regulation.
Effect of chloride concentration on the corrosion–fatigue crack behavior of an age-hardenable martensitic stainless steel

Abstract Crack growth rate and S–N fatigue testing of Custom 465-H950 was performed in 0.0006–3 M NaCl with different levels of pre-exposure. Custom 465-H950 exhibited a strong corrosion resistance to various NaCl-based exposures. Concurrent exposure and loading did not result in corrosion damage sufficiently severe to drive crack formation away from microstructure features (TiC particles). The total fatigue life of precorroded specimens (pit depth ≈40 μm, surface diameter ≈175 μm) increased 4–9 fold as [Cl−] decreased from 3.0 M to 0.0006 M. Detailed analysis demonstrated that the varying [Cl−] most strongly influenced the initiation life, with secondary contributions from the long- and short-crack propagation regimes.
Impact of Age, Gender and Anesthesia Modality on Post-Operative Pain in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients.

Optimizing pain control following total knee arthroplasty is of utmost importance to the immediate post-operative course. Various anesthesia modalities are available, but studies comparing multiple anesthesia modalities, patient age, and sex are limited.The purpose of our study was to examine the impact of patient age, gender, and perioperative anesthesia modality on postoperative pain following primary total knee arthroplasty.443 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty by 14 surgeons with some combination of general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, femoral nerve block, and intrathecal morphine were identified. Anesthesia route and type, length of surgery, post-operative patient-reported pain measures using the Visual Analog Scale, opioid consumption, and length of hospital stay were recorded for each patient and used to compare differences among study groups.No significant differences were noted between anesthesia groups with regards to postoperative pain or length of hospital stay. Patients receiving spinal anesthesia and femoral nerve block without intrathecal morphine were significantly older than other groups. Patients receiving general anesthesia required significantly more daily intravenous morphine equivalents than patients receiving spinal anesthesia. Patients receiving spinal anesthesia with femoral nerve block and intrathecal morphine consumed the least amount of morphine equivalents. When comparing males and females among all groups, females had significantly higher pain ratings between 24-36 and 24-48 hours postoperatively.Although no significant differences were noted on pain scores, patients who received spinal anesthesia with intrathecal morphine and femoral nerve block used less narcotic pain medication than any other group. Females reported significantly higher pain between 24-48 hours post-op compared with males but not significantly greater anesthetic usage.Level III, Therapeutic Study, (Retrospective Comparative study).
Growth of Salmonella heidelberg at Room Temperature in Irradiated and Nonirradiated Potato Chip Dip

Irradiated and nonirradiated cottage cheese-based potato chip dips were inoculated with low (101 cells/ml) and high numbers (106 cells/ml) of Salmonella heidelberg. At room temperature, both samples supported growth of Salmonella, but highest counts were found in the nonirradiated samples. Salmonella inoculated at low levels reached 106 cells/ml after 18 h but little change occurred with the high inoculum after 2.5 h. Growth of Salmonella was detected by both the conventional plate count and by a modified radiometric technique. Radiometric detection times were 2.5 and 18 h for samples inoculated with high and low numbers of Salmonella respectively, which corresponded to 106 cells/ml at the time of detection.
The Search for Intelligent Life in the Universe

It is an honor and a pleasure to be chosen to give this lecture in memory of Cyril Ponnamperuma. Cyril was a good friend and colleague for more than thirty years, during which time we shared in the excitement of many events and discoveries in the growing scientific activity associated with the origins of life, and the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. I have the fondest memories of a long visit to Sri Lanka which I and some colleagues made, with Cyril as our generous host and tour guide. It was an eye-opener, once again revealing Cyril’s scientific expertise, and the energy he brought to developing science programs all over the world. He was a unique individual of great talents who will not be duplicated.
Systematic platform design of a real time healthcare management system: Minimizing overall patient waiting time

This paper introduces a systematic engineering approach to modeling the hospital system as a comprehensive healthcare provider; other healthcare organizations (HCOs) are considered special cases of the hospital system (HS). The objective is to manage HCOs in real time, in a way to maintain an acceptable quality of care (QC) while reducing cost of care (CC). To achieve this, the HS is treated as a dynamical system, for which major Subsystems of healthcare that impact QC and CC are established, and then the relevant system state variables are identified. It will be shown that by minimizing unnecessary waiting time and prioritizing patients on the basis of certain clinical and nonclinical conditions, QC and CC can be improved and reduced, respectively. A key aspect of the proposed approach is in treating the patient in a HCO as a finite state machine. This simplifies the modeling problem to developing a structured finite state automaton, denoted as a Structured Patient Automaton. Examples are provided to shed lights on the proposed modeling approach and waiting time optimization.
The Future of Municipal Incorporation in the USA

New municipalities will continue to be established in the USA, but at a decreasing rate based on trends identified over the last half century. Municipal incorporation theory must acknowledge the presence of additional factors influencing incorporation activity. Stimuli, state laws, people, and geography all play a role in determining municipal incorporation outcomes. Additionally, the development of a NIM Typology can aid in the exploration of new cities, towns, and villages across the nation. The creation of new municipalities put two competing thoughts in direct conflict: local control vs. regional efficiency. Proponents of new municipalities showcase these new local government entities as the penultimate expression of democracy, self-determination, and localized control over government and governance. However, opponents will highlight the numerous issues raised by the further fragmentation of already balkanized urban and political landscapes, which leads to duplication of services, competition for limited resources, and declining efficiencies. Opponents will also point out the existence of other forms of boundary change that can take the place of municipal incorporation including annexation, special districts, and mergers/consolidations, which all offer alternatives to municipal incorporation proceedings. In the end, state laws will continue to influence patterns of municipal incorporation and the types of new cities that emerge from local government boundary change events.
Identification of a unique Ca 2+ -binding site in rat acid-sensing ion channel 3

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) evolved to sense changes in extracellular acidity with the divalent cation calcium (Ca2+) as an allosteric modulator and channel blocker. The channel-blocking activity is most apparent in ASIC3, as removing Ca2+ results in channel opening, with the site’s location remaining unresolved. Here we show that a ring of rat ASIC3 (rASIC3) glutamates (Glu435), located above the channel gate, modulates proton sensitivity and contributes to the formation of the elusive Ca2+ block site. Mutation of this residue to glycine, the equivalent residue in chicken ASIC1, diminished the rASIC3 Ca2+ block effect. Atomistic molecular dynamic simulations corroborate the involvement of this acidic residue in forming a high-affinity Ca2+ site atop the channel pore. Furthermore, the reported observations provide clarity for past controversies regarding ASIC channel gating. Our findings enhance understanding of ASIC gating mechanisms and provide structural and energetic insights into this unique calcium-binding site.
The Effects of Endocrine, Synaptic and Nutritional Inputs on Catecholamine-Containing Neurons

The catecholamine norepinephrine is probably utilized as a neurotransmitter by a small but important fraction of the neurons in the brain (Wurtman, 1966). The cell bodies of most of these neurons are localized within the brain stem; their terminals are present in high concentrations within the structures of the limbic system and the septo-hypothalamo-mesencephalic continuum (Dahlstrom & Fuxe, 1965). The medial forebrain bundles may contain ascending and descending multisynaptic noradrenergic systems in addition to the “classical” monosynaptic pathways identified by his to-chemical fluorescence techniques.
Testing for unit roots in panels in the presence of structural change with an application to OECD unemployment

There has been extensive research on testing for unit roots in the presence of structural change and on testing for unit roots in panels. This chapter takes a small step towards combining the two research agendas.We propose a unit root test for non-trending data in the presence of a one-time change in the mean for a heterogeneous panel.The date of the break is determined endogenously.We perform simulations to investigate the power of the test,and apply the test to a data set of annual unemployment rates for 17 OECD countries from 1955 to 1990.
Umbilical Artery Thrombosis with Associated Acute and Severe Fetal Growth Restriction and Transient Severe Protein S Deficiency: Report of a Case with Prenatal Ultrasound Diagnosis Allowing for Timely Intervention and Good Outcome

Background. Thrombosis of one of the umbilical arteries can be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth and severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Case. A 21-year-old gravida 1 patient, with a history of 3-vessel cord at 20 weeks, presented at 29 weeks with a single umbilical artery. The estimated fetal weight measurements at 26 weeks, 29 weeks, and 31 weeks were at the 27th percentile, the 26th percentile, and less than the 5th percentile, respectively. At 33 weeks, amniotic fluid index became abnormal at 2.3 cm and fetal heart tracing revealed spontaneous prolonged decelerations, and a cesarean delivery was performed. Placental pathology showed thrombosis of one of the umbilical arteries. At birth, a transient protein S deficiency was detected (activity 13%) and resolved at two months of age (activity 66%). The baby had an uneventful clinical course since birth. Conclusion. The recognition of reduction of umbilical arteries from two to one allowed for timely intervention with good outcome in this case. Thrombosis of umbilical vessels may be associated with a deficiency in coagulation proteins such as protein S.
Electrocatalytic Reduction of Nitrate Using Magnéli Phase TiO2 Reactive Electrochemical Membranes Doped with Pd-Based Catalysts

This research focused on synthesis, characterization, and application of point-of-use catalytic reactive electrochemical membranes (REMs) for electrocatalytic NO3- reduction. Deposition of Pd-Cu and Pd-In catalysts to the REMs produced catalytic REMs (i.e., Pd-Cu/REM and Pd-In/REM) that were active for NO3- reduction. Optimal performance was achieved with a Pd-Cu/REM and upstream counter electrode, which reduced NO3- from 1.0 mM to below the EPAs regulatory MCL (700 μM) in a single pass through the REM (residence time ∼2 s), obtaining product selectivity of <2% toward NO2-/NH3. Nitrate reduction was not affected by dissolved oxygen and carbonate species and only slightly decreased in a surface water sample due to Ca2+ and Mg2+ scaling. Energy consumption to treat surface water was 1.1 to 1.3 kWh mol-1 for 1 mM NO3- concentrations, and decreased to 0.19 and 0.12 kWh mol-1 for 10 and 100 mM NaNO3 solutions, respectively. Electrocatalytic reduction kinetics were shown to be an order of magnitude higher than catalytic NO3- reduction kinetics. Conversion of up to 67% of NO3-, with low NO2- (0.7-11 μM) and NH3 formation (<10 μM), and low energy consumption obtained in this study suggest that Pd-Cu/REMs are a promising technology for distributed water treatment.
Derivation of a screen to identify severe sepsis and septic shock in the ED-BOMBARD vs. SIRS and qSOFA.

Abstract Study objective To predict severe sepsis/septic shock in ED patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective case-control study of patients ≥18 admitted to two urban hospitals with a combined ED census of 162,000. Study cases included patients with severe sepsis/septic shock admitted via the ED. Controls comprised admissions without severe sepsis/septic shock. Using multivariate logistic regression, a prediction rule was constructed. The model's AUROC was internally validated using 1000 bootstrap samples. Results 143 study and 286 control patients were evaluated. Features predictive of severe sepsis/septic shock included: SBP ≤ 110 mm Hg, shock index/SI ≥ 0.86, abnormal mental status or GCS Two points were assigned to SI and temperature with other features assigned one point (mnemonic: BOMBARD). BOMBARD was superior to SIRS criteria (AUROC 0.860 vs. 0.798, 0.062 difference, 95% CI 0.022–0.102) and qSOFA scores (0.860 vs. 0.742, 0.118 difference, 95% CI 0.081–0.155) at predicting severe sepsis/septic shock. A BOMBARD score ≥ 3 was more sensitive than SIRS ≥ 2 (74.8% vs. 49%, 25.9% difference, 95% CI 18.7–33.1) and qSOFA ≥ 2 (74.8% vs. 33.6%, 41.2% difference, 95% CI 33.2–49.3) at predicting severe sepsis/septic shock. A BOMBARD score ≥ 3 was superior to SIRS ≥ 2 (76% vs. 45%, 32% difference, 95% CI 10–50) and qSOFA ≥ 2 (76% vs. 29%, 47% difference, 95% CI 25–63) at predicting sepsis mortality. Conclusion BOMBARD was more accurate than SIRS and qSOFA at predicting severe sepsis/septic shock and sepsis mortality.
Psychometric Methods: Theory into Practice

A review of the book Psychometric Methods: Theory into Practice suggests it provides a traditional grounding in psychometrics with a traditional view of assessment. It falls short in preparing indi...
Blood Pressure Instability in Persons With SCI: Evidence From a 30-Day Home Monitoring Observation.

Background To determine the degree of blood pressure instability over a 30-day home observation in participants with spinal cord injury grouped by level of injury pertaining to cardiovascular autonomic regulation. Methods This is an observational study completed at the Kessler Foundation and James J. Peters Veterans Medical Center. Seventy-two participants with tetraplegia (C1-T1), 13 with high thoracic (T2-T4), and 28 with low thoracic (T5-T12) injury participated in this study. Participants were asked to record their blood pressure using an ambulatory blood pressure monitor three times a day for 30 days. Results The number of blood pressure fluctuations was significantly increased in the tetraplegia group compared with the paraplegia groups. Age and duration of injury contributed to an increase in the observation of 30-day blood pressure instability; however, completeness of injury did not. Conclusion The data indicate significant blood pressure instability that may not be exclusive to persons with tetraplegia; in fact, individuals with low thoracic injuries demonstrated severe blood pressure fluctuations. The use of a monitor at home for an extended period may help document dangerous and extreme fluctuations in blood pressure and should be considered an important adjunctive clinical practice for tracking of the secondary consequences in the spinal cord injury population.
Association between cannabis use and complications related to ulcerative colitis in hospitalized patients: A propensity matched retrospective cohort study

AbstractUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory process that is occasionally associated with complications that cause significant morbidity and mortality. Studies in experimental animal models have demonstrated a beneficial effect of cannabis on intestinal inflammation. It is however unkno
Minimax Bounds for Distributed Logistic Regression.

We consider a distributed logistic regression problem where labeled data pairs $(X_i,Y_i)\in \mathbb{R}^d\times\{-1,1\}$ for $i=1,\ldots,n$ are distributed across multiple machines in a network and must be communicated to a centralized estimator using at most $k$ bits per labeled pair. We assume that the data $X_i$ come independently from some distribution $P_X$, and that the distribution of $Y_i$ conditioned on $X_i$ follows a logistic model with some parameter $\theta\in\mathbb{R}^d$. By using a Fisher information argument, we give minimax lower bounds for estimating $\theta$ under different assumptions on the tail of the distribution $P_X$. We consider both $\ell^2$ and logistic losses, and show that for the logistic loss our sub-Gaussian lower bound is order-optimal and cannot be improved.
Crowdsourced online images provide insights into predator-prey interactions of putative natural enemies

Abstract Most megadiverse clades of insects are herbivores, but several large radiations consist almost entirely of predators. Their species numbers make comprehensive direct observations of predator-prey interactions difficult to obtain. Citizen science approaches are increasingly utilized to harvest ecological data for organisms including insects. We use crowdsourced images documenting predator-prey interactions of assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a speciose clade of predatory insects, to (1) determine the breakdown of assembled online images by geographic region and reduviid subfamily; (2) evaluate if the accumulated images provide new insights into prey diversity; and (3) assess evidence for taxa that feed on pest species, pollinators, and engage in intraguild predation. Photographs were assembled (n = 832) and resulted in an image database that included representatives of 11 subfamilies; most records belonged to diurnal Harpactorinae and Phymatinae, but some subfamilies with poorly understood prey diversity were also documented. Taxa with substantial image representation of prey (21–242 predation events) showed significant overlap with prey reported in the literature. A high percentage of images for Apiomerus Hahn and Phymata Latreille documented predation events on native and non-native bees; percentages varied widely among species of Zelus Fabricius. Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus) was documented to prey on several pest species, with little evidence for pollinator predation. Potential effects of these natural enemies on pollinators and intraguild predators should be further investigated, providing important insights into mechanisms influencing community structure and ecosystems processes.
Deprescribing as a Clinical Improvement Focus.

Abstract Objectives Polypharmacy is a concern in the practice of geriatrics because of consequences such as adverse drug events and poorer quality of life. Deprescribing, a response to polypharmacy, refers to the systematic, programmed, and appropriate reduction in drug number and dose. Although now broadly recognized, challenges exist in practice for effective implementation. This study was conducted to determine the deprescribing success rate and relate it to drug classes and clinical settings, and to identify factors that influence the deprescribing process. Design As a performance improvement (PI) project, fellows in geriatric medicine, under supervision of faculty geriatricians, attempted deprescribing during at least 1 encounter daily at 2 long-term care (LTC) facilities and an outpatient geriatrics clinic (C) in Bronx, New York, from August 2018 to January 2019. Deprescribing was initiated following discussion and consent from patient or caregiver. Following the data collection, involved fellows and faculty physicians participated in a survey to identify factors that influenced the process. Results Out of 449 encounters, 383 encounters were included for analysis. Average patient age was 78.2 years (LTC: 77.9, C: 79.1). Average patient comorbidities was 6.5 (LTC: 6.7, C: 5.8). Deprescribing was successful in 90.1% of encounters (LTC: 96.9%, C: 67.4%). On average, 1.3 medications were deprescribed per encounter (LTC: 1.4, C: 1.0). Analgesics (32.2%), multivitamin-minerals supplements (29.7%), lipid-lowering agents (22.9%), antihistamines (46.7%), and acid blockers (26.2%) had highest success. Conclusions and Implications Deprescribing is possible in practice in both LTC and community settings at each encounter, until it is no longer applicable. Factors that contribute to successful deprescribing primarily include meaningful and earnest provider effort, ideally in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members (nurses, pharmacists, social worker, and others), besides interactions with consultants for the patient. Certain medication classes such as vitamins, minerals, analgesics, and proton pump inhibitors can be deprescribed with high success, as noted in our study, whereas antipsychotic agents, antidepressants, and ophthalmic preparations, prescribed by specialists, proved harder to deprescribe. An understanding of barriers to deprescribing (outlined in the article) and addressing them are crucial in enabling success. The study demonstrates that as a performance improvement project in collaborative effort with multiple disciplines, deprescribing is possible in health care. Factors promoting success and barriers to deprescribing are detailed. Appropriate deprescribing has the potential to help lower adverse drug events, costs of care, and possibly improve quality of life.
How Do Options Affect the Volatility of the Underlying Equity Market? Evidence from the Introduction of Weekly Options

This article investigates how options affect the volatility of the underlying equity market by using a quasi-natural experiment—the introduction of weekly options on individual stocks. The author examines the change in crash risk surrounding the introduction of weekly options by using a difference-in-difference approach that incorporates a control sample identified through propensity score matching. Among the six proxies for crash risk that are adopted, the extreme value theory (EVT)–based VaRs are better explained by the theoretically important determinant factors proposed in prior studies. However, no measure of the EVT-based VaR is significantly affected by the introduction of weekly options. The other four measures of crash risk, which are extensively used in prior studies, are not adequately explained by the proposed determinants and they do not become significantly higher for the optioned stocks following the introduction of weekly options. The author uses machine-learning methods, such as a regression tree model and a random forest model, to better capture the nonlinearity and high-order interactions that may be inherent in the relationship between the introduction of weekly options and crash risk. The results confirm that the introduction of weekly options is not important in explaining the crash risk of the underlying stocks. The author also examines the realized volatility of the underlying stocks and finds that it is not significantly affected by the introduction of weekly options. This study contributes to the literature on the impacts of derivatives on the underlying asset market and provides implications for empirical model specifications for crash risk studies. TOPICS:Options, big data/machine learning Key Findings • The introduction of weekly options leads to an enormous increase in short-life options, which can significantly change the investment and hedging opportunities for investors. • Our study focuses on the possible impact of weekly options on the crash risk of the underlying stocks because hedging and trading activities involving certain short-life options may impose considerable pressure on the stock price in the same direction as the price movement and make the underlying stocks more crash-prone. • Our results suggest that the introduction of weekly options does not cause a significant increase in the crash risk or the realized volatility of the underlying stocks.
Transcriptome Analysis Suggests Cytokinin and Gibberellin Signaling May Account for Differences Between Spring and Winter Canola (Brassica napus L.) Root Development

Spring-type canola produces significantly smaller and less vigorous roots than winter type at later growth stages. To identify the gene-regulatory networks and cross talks among phytohormones that may be responsible for the difference between the root system of the two growth types, we analyzed transcriptomes from the root samples collected at two time points, 30 and 60 days. Out of 169,646 transcripts that were analyzed, 582 and 555 transcripts were found to be significantly differentially expressed between spring and winter types at 30 and 60 days, respectively. Several auxin-responsive genes were significantly differentially expressed between spring and winter types at both time points, but no distinct pattern of differential regulation was observed in either of the growth types. Type-A and type-B ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR (ARR) genes, and gene sets involved in cytokinin signaling pathway, were upregulated in the spring types at 60 days. This would be consistent with higher cytokinin activity, which is known to inhibit root growth, in spring type root system at the later growth stage. In addition, several gibberellin-responsive and gibberellin-signaling gene sets were also upregulated only in spring types at 60 days. We observed an elongated root system with fewer root branches in spring type compared to winter type at 60 days in this study, which is consistent with a role of gibberellin in root growth and development. Extensive gene expression data generated in this research will further assist in understanding the natural variation of root system in canola growth habits.
Covid-19 Requires a Social Medicine Response

Covid-19 is an inherently social disease, with exposure, illness, care, and outcomes stratified along familiar social, economic, and racial lines. However, interventions from public health and clinical medicine have focused primarily on the scale-up of technical and biomedical solutions that fail to address the social contexts driving its distribution and burden. Fused with a moment of reckoning with racial injustice and economic inequality in the U.S. and across the world, these disparities charge policy leaders to develop, study, and share a response grounded in social medicine. As a yardstick for formulating, evaluating, and implementing health policy and care delivery, social medicine recommends at least three things: integrating health, social, and economic responses; bringing care to the points of greatest need; and focusing on broad equity-driven reforms in the pandemic's wake. With these tools, Covid-19 presents us with an opportunity to address the inequities that the disease highlights, exploits, and may otherwise entrench.
The Enemy of My Enemy Is My Friend: The Curious Tale of Feminism and Capitalism in Eastern Europe

Across Eastern Europe today, populist leaders fan the flames of anti-feminism. Poland has seen renewed attempts to restrict women’s reproductive rights and revert to traditional gender roles as Catholic bishops rail against the pernicious influence of “gender ideology.” (Kościanska 2014). In Hungary, anti-gender policies have led to new rhetoric of “family mainstreaming,” and Viktor Orban himself has said that women can only be promoted in his administration if they have three children (Juhasz 2016). Fears about falling birth rates throughout the region have led to a resurgence of patriarchal, nationalist political movements, which reject supposedly foreign notions of gender equality. Women have become the scapegoats for weak economies and demographic collapses.
Correlation of Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Malignancy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There is conflicting evidence regarding autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) association with pancreatic and non-pancreatic cancers. Literature lacks data on overall prevalence of malignancies in autoimmune pancreatitis. Given the lack of definite evidence, we aimed to pool and summarize data from available literature regarding prevalence of different malignancies in AIP. We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science through February 16, 2021, to include observational studies assessing the incidence of cancer in AIP. We used the DerSimonian–Laird method with random effects for meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence, 95% confidence interval (CI), and I2 statistic are reported. A total of 17 studies with 2746 patients were included assessing the prevalence of cancer in AIP. The overall prevalence of cancer in AIP was 9.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.7–13.5%]. The cancers with the highest prevalence in AIP population were gastric and colorectal cancer, with prevalence of 1.3% (95% CI, 0.5–2.1%) and 1.2% (95% CI, 0.6–1.8%), respectively. We demonstrate the prevalence of different cancers in AIP. Inflammatory surge in AIP and subsequent carcinogenesis is one explanation for this association. Moreover, AIP can be a paraneoplastic syndrome manifestation of malignancies.
What Is Wrong with This MR: Part I

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valve disease, frequently encountered in echocardiography laboratories. Correct quantification of the severity of the MR is of paramount importance for accurate prognostication and proper treatment planning. The MR spectral Doppler tracing can provide important information regarding intracardiac pressures and be a clue to the presence of various cardiovascular pathologies. Assessing the MR jet velocity is essentially unrelated to the MR severity. Severity is determined by the quantity of the MR—the volume (or fraction) of blood that spills back into the LA instead of being ejected forward through the aortic valve. MR velocity is determined by the pressure gradient driving this velocity, irrespective of the volume of blood that regurgitates back into the LA. Analyzing MR spectral Doppler can provide a clue to the presence of various cardiac (or extra-cardiac) pathologies, and presence of an unusual MR spectral tracing should prompt a search for its cause.
Analysis of ITER ECH Transmission Line Waveguide Couplings

The ITER Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) system will produce a high-intensity beam of electromagnetic radiation for plasma heating. A total of 20 MW of power will be transferred from 170 GHz gyrot...
The forty-year-old mutation theory of Luria and Delbrück and its pertinence to cancer chemotherapy.

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the 40-year-old mutation theory and its persistence to cancer chemotherapy. Mathematical relationships derived by Lloyd and Skipper et al . have been of help in the study of (1) the behavior of drug sensitive tumor cell populations during repetitive dose treatment and (2) the variables that affect the rate of the selection and overgrowth of drug-resistant neoplastic cell populations. The mathematical model of Goldie and Coldman has been of help in the application of the fundamental implications of the mutation theory in the area of cancer treatment. The 40-year-old somatic mutation t0heory (or law) appears to be pertinent to problems faced in increasing the cure rates of disseminated cancers today—even those cancers that are relatively refractory to most available single drugs. New and quantitative approaches to the interpretation of available chemotherapeutic results—and the planning of new combination chemotherapy regimens—are essential to accelerate progress in curing disseminated cancers.
Erotica, female‐friendly

Erotica can be expressed through all forms of art and deals with erotically stimulating or sexually arousing content. Traditionally, men were seen as the primary consumers of erotica. However, luminaries such as Anais Nin (1903‒1977) and her contemporaries paved the way for later works in female erotica. While erotica that is favored by men is explicit, mechanical, and visual, women favor erotica that is flavored by emotion, hunger, desire, lust, whims, caprices, personal ties, and deeper relationships. In the 1970s, Nancy Friday researched women’s fantasies and wrote about them in her books. BDSM, which has long been a central part of women’s sexual fantasies, has now reached the mainstream through the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. Keywords: erotica; female desire; sexual fantasies
Effect of Seminal Plasma on Chlamydia trachomatis Strain LB-1 in Cell Culture

Human seminal plasma inhibited formation of strain LB-1 chlamydial inclusions in McCoy cells proportional to the concentration of seminal plasma added after chlamydial adsorption.