cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrically evoked compound action potential measures for virtual channels versus physical electrodes.

Objectives: The number of distinct pitch percepts for cochlear implant (CI) listeners is somewhat limited by the number of physical electrodes in the array. Newer-generation CIs have the capability to potentially increase this number by stimulating areas of the cochlea between the physical electrodes. Currently, this is achieved by electrically coupling adjacent electrodes or by simultaneously activating two electrodes with independent current sources (i.e., current steering). Presumably, either type of dual-electrode stimulation will generate neural excitation patterns that are intermediate to those generated by either physical electrode alone (henceforth termed virtual channel). However, it is not clear whether virtual-channel stimulation yields neural recruitment patterns with similar shapes and rates of growth as compared with each physical electrode alone. The purpose of this study was to compare basic electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) measures for physical electrodes and virtual channels to determine whether properties of the respective excitation patterns were similar. Design: Data were collected for 12 adult CI recipients (six Nucleus Freedom CI24RE, two Advanced Bionics HiResolution 90K, and four Advanced Bionics CII). ECAP responses were measured for a set of three adjacent physical electrodes and two corresponding intermediate virtual channels (e.g., physical electrodes 4, 5, and 6 and virtual channels 4 + 5 and 5 + 6) at three positions along the electrode array (basal, middle, and apical). Virtual channels for Nucleus subjects were produced via electrical coupling of adjacent electrode pairs (dual-electrode mode). For Advanced Bionics subjects, virtual channels were produced via simultaneous, in-phase stimulation of adjacent electrode pairs with 50% of the total current delivered to each electrode in the pair. Specific ECAP measures were as follows: (1) threshold and slope of the input/output functions, (2) amplitude for a masker-probe interval of 1500 μsecs (measure of refractory recovery), and (3) relative location of spread of excitation (SOE) functions among virtual channels and adjacent physical electrodes. Measures for virtual channels were compared with those for the flanking physical electrodes using a multivariate analysis of variance. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between physical electrodes and virtual channels for ECAP thresholds, slope of the input/output function, or refractory recovery. On average, SOE functions for the virtual channels were spatially located approximately halfway between SOE functions for the adjacent physical electrodes. Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that virtual channels produce neural recruitment patterns with properties similar to those elicited by the adjacent physical electrodes.
What Do We Mean When We Say, “Structural Racism”? A Walk down West Florissant Avenue, Ferguson, Missouri

Walter Benjamin describes the concept of “presence of mind” as a way of thinking about and being in time that is at once, historical, prophetic, and actively engaged in the fullness of the moment. Its achievement is a bodily art as much as a mental one; it is the sort of understanding that comes from walking down the street. The street I want to walk along today is West Florissant Avenue, in Ferguson, Missouri. There on August 4, 2014, Emerson Electric announced third-quarter sales of $6.3 billion, down about 1 percent from the second quarter, but undergirded by a record backlog of orders. A quarter mile to the northeast, five days later, Officer Darren Wilson killed Michael Brown. While the distance between the spot on Canfield Drive where Michael Brown died and the corporate headquarters of Emerson Electric is so small that the shots fired by Officer Wilson must have been audible in the company lunchroom, I do not want to draw too direct a line between them. I do not want to suggest that Emerson Electric is responsible for the murder of Michael Brown, at least not according to any conventional understanding of responsibility in our society. I do, however, want to use the proximity of Emerson’s corporate headquarters and the shooting of Michael Brown to suggest something about the framing determinants of historical events: ways the relationship between the past and the future is hedged in, limited, perhaps even determined by past histories and the habits of mind they support. After explaining what I mean on a fairly abstract level, with reference to the long history of the United States, I narrow the aperture a bit to think about the history of racism and real estate, of white supremacy and wealth, of structural racism with particular attention to the history of twentieth-century Saint Louis. I then, finally, return to Ferguson, the recent past, and the notion of “presence of mind.”
Influence of sugary-Brawn2 or dent corn at two forage levels on intake, digestion, and milk production by dairy cows

Sugary-Brawn2 (su-Bn2) corn endosperm contains higher concentrations of watersoluble polysaccharides than dent corn. Eight multiparous Holstein cows averaging 48 d in milk and 667 kg BW at trial initiation were in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Only cows in one square were ruminally cannulated. Treatments were su-Bn2 or dent corn and 45 or 60% of ration DM as alfalfa silage arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial within each square. Diets, formulated to contain 19% CP, were fed as total mixed rations twice daily. Intake of DM and milk yield averaged 26.8 and 39.9 kg/d, respectively, and were not affected by treatment (P > .10). Sugary-Brawn2 corn decreased milkfat percentage (3.27 vs 3.45%), particularly for the low-forage diet (3.15 vs 3.40%). Milk protein percentage was higher (3.15 vs 3.10%) for low-forage diets but was not affected (P > .10) by corn type. Ruminal pH was lower for low-forage diets. Feeding su-Bn2 corn decreased ruminal pH only at 4 h after feeding. Total VFA in ruminal fluid (millimolar) 6 h after feeding were higher, whereas acetate molar percentage and acetate:propionate ratio were lower for su-Bn2 corn. Ruminal in situ evaluation of su-Bn2 and dent corn revealed a larger soluble fraction, a faster rate of degradation, and higher availabilities of both DM and starch for su-Bn2 corn. Ruminal in situ rate of degradation and availability of alfalfa hay DM were reduced by su-Bn2 corn. Total tract apparent digestibilities of DM, CP, and starch were greater for su-Bn2 diets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Structure of Calcineurin and Its Complex with Immunophilins

Over the past ten years the elucidation of the mechanism of action of the immunosuppressive drugs, cyclosporin A and FK506, has helped us to understand a major problem in biology at the molecular level: how are external signals acting on plasma membrane receptors transmitted to the nucleus. The specific inhibition by immunosuppressive drugs, complexed with their binding proteins, of the Ca2+/ calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin, prevents the dephosphorylation and translocation to the nucleus of a family of transcription factors regulating the expression of many genes.
Toll-like Receptor function of murine macrophages, probed by cytokine induction, is biphasic and is not impaired globally with age.

Abstract Aging is associated with a waning of normal immune function. This “immunosenescence” is characterized by a diverse repertoire of seemingly discreet and unbalanced immune alterations. A number of studies have suggested that aging-associated alterations in innate immune responsiveness, especially responsiveness dependent on Toll-like Receptor (TLR) engagement, are causally involved. We find, however, that the magnitude and dose-dependency of responsiveness to TLR engagement (assessed with respect to cytokine production) in distinct populations of murine macrophages are not altered generally with animal age or as a consequence of immunosenescence. Responses elicited with a wide array of TLR agonists were examined by extensive functional analyses, principally on the level of the individual cell. These studies reveal an intriguing “all-or-nothing” response behavior of macrophages, independent of animal age. Although reports to the contrary have been cited widely, aging-associated immune decline cannot be attributed to widespread alterations in the extents of TLR-dependent innate immune macrophage responses.
Seafloor spreading: Portrait of a magma chamber

Earth's crust is continually being created at the spreading centres of mid-ocean ridges. Here, magma rises up from the mantle and resides in shallow chambers before erupting onto the sea floor. A system of these magma chambers has been imaged in three dimensions for the first time.
Microcontroller based dust cleaning system for a standalone photovoltaic system

This paper highlights and presents a solution to reduce the effect of shading and staining on photovoltaic (PV) modules on offshore platforms. Knowledge of the negative consequences of this factor on the PV panels' output has led to recognizing the importance of regular cleaning. Due to the system's location, the research had to take into consideration several constraints such as lack of power supply, availability of distilled water, maintenance and available space. Microcontroller technology was used as the electrical basis for the design because of its many advantages especially due to its low power consumption.
The relevance of experimental carcinogenicity studies to human safety

Abstract The two year rodent bioassay has been the standard for carcinogenicity screening for 5 decades. However, numerous examples exist showing that a positive result is not predictive of human cancer risk because of lack of relevant dose and/or mode of action. Utilizing basic principles of carcinogenesis, evaluating chemicals for DNA reactivity, immunosuppression, estrogenic activity and increased cell proliferation provides a more scientific, rationally based process for evaluating risk, in conjunction with metabolism in human cell systems and dose response considerations. George Box once stated, “Models; all are wrong, some are useful.” The two year rodent bioassay screen for carcinogenesis is no longer useful.
The cost of debt for Yankee and domestic bonds

Abstract This paper compares the cost of debt for corporate bonds issued by foreign firms (Yankee bonds) and by U.S. firms (domestic bonds) in the U.S. market. By using a sample of 2445 Yankee bond from 68 countries for the 1991–2014 period, I find that better country-level governance offsets the impact of asymmetric information on the cost of debt. Yankee bonds domiciled in countries with higher protection and law enforcement have a significantly lower cost of debt than comparable domestic bonds. On the other hand, for foreign firms domiciled in countries with worse control on self-dealing, the cost of debt is higher than that for domestic firms due to higher asymmetric information. Further findings suggest that the yield spread is significantly reduced for Yankee bonds that are from countries with better country-level governance.
Chemical safety must extend to ecosystems

In their Policy Forum “Policy reforms to update chemical safety testing” (10 March, p. [1016][1]), A. E. Nel and T. F. Malloy highlight the value to human health of recent reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act, which is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The
The second-best theory of public expenditures: Overview

The second-best public expenditure theory has been at the forefront of theoretical developments in public sector economics for the past 50 years. Chapter 18 previews the content of Chapters 19 through 25, which present a selection of second-best analyses of transfer payments, public insurance, externalities, decreasing cost services, and government production, as well as an introduction to the new field of behavioral public finance.
The Physicians’ Case for Marijuana Legalization

The author presents his thoughts on why the prohibition of marijuana has caused more damage to public health than the drug itself. He argues that the criminalization of marijuana has exacerbated poverty which in turn is related to reduced access to healthcare. He goes on to advocate for cannabis regulation from the perspective of physicians.
Risk of hematological toxicities and febrile neutropenia in patients with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

207Background: Majority of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor. CDK4/6 signaling plays a role in endocrine therapy resistance and the benefit of inhibition of these pathways has been proven in studies. Yet the impact of these agents on hematological toxicities and febrile neutropenia is a considerable safety concern. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT). Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE databases and meeting abstracts from inception through June 2017 were queried. RCTs that mention anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia and neutropenic fever as adverse effects were incorporated in the analysis. Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate the estimated pooled risk ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). Random effects model was applied. Results: Five RCTs (four phase 3 and one phase 2 studies) with a total of 2671 patients were eligible for analysis. The study arm used palbociclib-letrozole, palbociclib-fulves...
Couples' Relationship Satisfaction and Its Association with Depression and Spouse Responses Within the Context of Chronic Pain Adjustment.

Abstract Chronic pain is one specific health condition where couple relationships have been directly linked to physical and psychological outcomes. Understanding how relationship satisfaction, couple dynamics, and pain adjustment interrelate is crucial for nurses who provide patient-centered care for patients with pain. The current study was aimed at examining the associations of depressive symptoms and spouse response styles with relationship satisfaction in the context of West Haven-Yale Multidimensional Pain Inventory classifications. Seventy-eight middle-aged outpatients with chronic pain (average pain duration of 8.98 years (SD = 9.51)) were recruited from a pain clinic in southeastern Michigan. Participants completed the Multidimensional Pain Inventory, from which pain adjustment classifications (adaptive, dysfunctional, interpersonally distressed) and spouse response styles were derived, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale to assess relationship satisfaction, and the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire to assess depressive symptoms. Interpersonally distressed patients scored lower on relationship satisfaction than those classified as either adaptive or dysfunctional, F (2,66) = 6.38, p r = –.53, p r = –.57, p
The antigonadotropic activity of Lithospermum ruderale I. The lack of steroid-like activity at the receptor level

Previous work has demonstrated that extracts from the plant Lithospermum ruderale have antigonadotropic activity. The possibility of steroidal substances being responsible for this activity was examined at the receptor level. It was found that only at very high concentrations of crude lithosperm extract (LS) was progesterone, testosterone, or estradiol displaced from their respective uterine receptors. Because such high doses of LS may be toxic and because they are not required for in vivo or in vitro bioactivity, it is concluded that the antigonadotropic components of Lithospermum ruderale probably do not as a steroid.
Feasibility and fidelity of a reiki intervention for cancer patients by family caregivers.

87Background: Reiki is a complementary therapy that has been reported to decrease symptoms of stress and promote relaxation. Standards for administrating Reiki have not been established. Additional...
Correlation of Measurements of the Prearthritic Hip Between Plain Radiography and Computed Tomography

Abstract Background Previous studies have compared radiographic and computed tomography (CT) imaging for the evaluation of prearthritic hip pain. However, the intermodality, interrater, and intrarater consistencies of those parameters have not been investigated. Objective To determine whether radiographs with an anteroposterior pelvis view and 45°-Dunn lateral view reliably correlate with CT in the context of lateral center edge (LCE), Tonnis, alpha, and beta angle measurements for femoroacetabular impingement or hip dysplasia diagnosis. Design Retrospective study. Setting Academic orthopedic institution. Patients Fifty consecutive participants with hip pain in the institutional hip registry with radiographs and CT imaging on file were evaluated between 2013 and 2014. Materials and Methods Radiologic data (50 CTs and 50 radiographs) were evaluated by 3 physicians. LCE, Tonnis, alpha, and beta angles were measured on radiographs and CTs in 2 rounds of readings. In round 1, the center of rotation on CT imaging was standardized by 1 rater. In round 2, individual raters chose CT images using a quadrant method, and reproducibility was assessed. Reliability statistics were operationalized with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Main Outcome Measurements Intermodality, intrarater, and interrater reliability of CT versus radiographic measurements. Results The intermodality reliability for all raters was excellent (ICC [95% CI]: 0.84 [0.76-0.90] to 0.97 [0.96-0.98]). Intrarater reliability for both modalities showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.75–0.96). Interrater reliability of CT measures of LCE, Tonnis, and alpha angles demonstrated excellent agreement (ICC ≥ 0.88). Beta angle measures demonstrated good agreement (ICC [95% CI] = 0.68 [0.49-0.81]). Interrater reliability of radiographic measures showed excellent agreement (ICC = 0.82–0.94). Conclusion Equivalent angle measurement readings on CT and radiographs were consistent among physicians. CT measurements correlated well with radiographic measurements. This suggests that if a standardized procedure is used to find the center of the femoral head, a positive correlation among LCE, alpha, beta, and Tonnis angles measured on CT can be obtained between multiple readers. Level of Evidence III
Comparative analysis of flip-flops and application of data-gating in dynamic flip-flops for high speed, low active and low leakage power dissipation

Microprocessors, ASICs and DSPs form the core components of digital systems. Power aware computing on such systems necessitates both low power hardware design and software power optimization. Flip-flops are an integral component of digital circuits responsible for data storage. Hence, designing a low power flip-flop is of prime importance. In portable systems, considerable time is spent in idle or sleep mode. In this mode, leakage power is becoming a concern, hence reducing both active and leakage power is a necessity for overall power optimization. Hence, flip-flops which have the following features are desired: 1. Low active power during normal operation, 2. Low inherent leakage power during sleep mode and 3. Not only preventing spurious data to be passed through (data-gating) but also being capable of generating the desired output state for lower leakage power dissipation. Unlike static flops, with dynamic flops clock-gating is not directly possible, as such flops require the clock to be running continuously for proper functioning. This chapter describes a detailed comparison analysis of delay and power including leakage power Characteristics of existing flip-flops in literature. Further, the introduction of data-gating in dynamic flops to achieve high speed, low active power and at the same time, setting the output state to reduce leakage power in subsequent blocks is discussed. This shows good potential for active and leakage power optimization in digital CMOS circuits.
Imaging of Female Infertility: A Pictorial Guide to the Hysterosalpingography, Ultrasonography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of the Congenital and Acquired Causes of Female Infertility

Hysterosalpingography is the gold standard in assessing the patency of the fallopian tubes, which is among the most common causes of female factor infertility, making this technique the most frequent first-choice imaging modality in the assessment of female infertility. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are typically used for evaluation of indeterminate or complicated cases of female infertility and presurgical planning. Imaging also plays a role in the detection of the secondary causes of ovarian factor infertility, including endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Games, UX, and the Gaps: Technical Communication Practices in an Amateur Game Design Community

Because professional game design processes and practices are often obfuscated, it is difficult for researchers to study how game design happens. In an effort to fill some of those gaps, this paper explores an amateur game design community with visible ongoing documentation practices. This research is meant to help establish cognates to professional game design practices in the service of building out the broader game design ecology. This discursive case study presents a way into a practice often closed off from technical communication scholars, UX specialists, and instructors attempting to train students in the daily work and technical communication practices of game design.
RNA-Modified T Cells Mediate Effective Delivery of Immunomodulatory Cytokines to Brain Tumors.

With the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), successful immunotherapeutic drug delivery to CNS malignancies remains a challenge. Immunomodulatory agents, such as cytokines, can reprogram the intratumoral microenvironment; however, systemic cytokine delivery has limited access to the CNS. To bypass the limitations of systemically administered cytokines, we investigated if RNA-modified T cells could deliver macromolecules directly to brain tumors. The abilities of T cells to cross the BBB and mediate direct cytotoxic killing of intracranial tumors make them an attractive tool as biological carriers. Using T cell mRNA electroporation, we demonstrated that activated T cells can be modified to secrete granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) protein while retaining their inherent effector functions in vitro. GM-CSF RNA-modified T cells effectively delivered GM-CSF to intracranial tumors in vivo and significantly extended overall survival in an orthotopic treatment model. Importantly, GM-CSF RNA-modified T cells demonstrated superior anti-tumor efficacy as compared to unmodified T cells alone or in combination with systemic administration of recombinant GM-CSF. Anti-tumor effects were associated with increased IFN-γ secretion locally within the tumor microenvironment and systemic antigen-specific T cell expansion. These findings demonstrate that RNA-modified T cells may serve as a versatile platform for the effective delivery of biological agents to CNS tumors.
A stable 2D nano-columnar sandwich layered phthalocyanine negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract A porous material composed of nano-columnar Tetra-β-(4-nitro) yttrium phthalocyanine (TNY-Pc) with a sandwich-type layered structure is synthesized and characterized as a negative electrode for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurement confirmed that the sandwich layer structure has a stable interlayer spacing of 3.07 A. The TNY-Pc negative electrode is stable during charge/discharge, and the lithium cell with the TNY-Pc negative electrode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 730 mAh g−1 with a high initial coulombic efficiency of 96%; the capacity remains 610 mAh g−1 after 1150 cycles. The cell shows a good rate performance with a capacity of 370 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1. The XRD, TEM and XPS analysis results suggest that N=O double bond on a substituted nitro group of phthalocyanine ring and C=C double bond on phthalocyanine conjugate structure are the two major contributors to the large capacity of lithium intercalation.
A Tale of Two Trachs: Implications of Tracheostomy in Two Patients with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

Introduction Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a leading cause of brain tumor-related death in children. Prognosis is grim; with median survival less than one year. Current therapies are effective for a small period of time but not curative. Here, we discuss two patients with DIPG that presented concurrently to our institution in 2015. Case Report 1 A 10 yo healthy boy presented with intermittent left eye esotropia and diplopia. MRI findings were consistent with DIPG. Over two weeks, he developed right hemiplegia and multiple cranial nerve palsies. Upon …
Waterpipe tobacco smoking trends among middle and high school students in the United States from 2011 to 2017.

Abstract Background Waterpipe smoking has increased in popularity globally. Despite evidence regarding the harmful effects of waterpipe smoking, there is a common belief that it is less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Little is known about trends in waterpipe use in the U.S. This study examined national trends in waterpipe smoking among middle and high school students. Methods We used the 2011–2017 National Youth Tobacco Survey data (n = 140195). For trend analyses, logistic regression was used for the prevalence of waterpipe ever use and current use. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to identify where significant changes in trend occurred. Additionally, we examined the correlates of waterpipe smoking. Results Overall prevalence of adolescent waterpipe ever and current use increased significantly from 7.6% and 2.8% in 2011 to 14.6% and 6.4% in 2014, then decreased significantly to 7.7% and 2.5% in 2017. This trend was consistent in most subgroups including male, female, Hispanic, White, middle school, and high school students. Joinpoint occurred in 2015 for Black adolescents. For example, current waterpipe use increased significantly from 1.4% in 2011 to 4.1% in 2015, declining to 2.5% in 2017. Multivariable analysis showed that cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, curiosity about waterpipes, and tobacco smoke exposure at home were associated with ever and current waterpipe tobacco use among all participants as well as male and female subgroups. Conclusions Findings indicate a decreasing trend of ever and current waterpipe tobacco use, which began in 2014 or 2015 for all groups included in the analyses.
Misclassification of Sex Assigned at Birth in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and Transgender Reproductive Health: A Quantitative Bias Analysis.

Background National surveys based on probability sampling methods, such as the Behavioral Risk Factor and Surveillance System (BRFSS), are crucial tools for unbiased estimates of health disparities. In 2014, the BRFSS began offering a module to capture transgender and gender nonconforming identity. Although the BRFSS provides much needed data on the this population, these respondents are vulnerable to misclassification of sex assigned at birth. Methods We applied quantitative bias analysis to explore the magnitude and direction of the systematic bias present as a result of this misclassification. We use multivariate Poisson regression with robust standard errors to estimate the association between gender and four sex-specific outcomes: prostate-specific antigen testing, Pap testing, hysterectomy, and pregnancy. We applied single and multiple imputation methods, and probabilistic adjustments to explore bias present in these estimates. Results Combined BRFSS data from 2014, 2015, and 2016 included 1078 transgender women, 701 transgender men, and 450 gender nonconforming individuals. Sex assigned at birth was misclassified among 29.6% of transgender women and 30.2% of transgender men. Transgender and gender nonconforming individuals excluded due to sex-based skip patterns are demographically distinct from those who were asked reproductive health questions, suggesting that there is noteworthy selection bias present in the data. Estimates for gender nonconforming respondents are vulnerable to small degrees of bias, while estimates for cancer screenings among transgender women and men are more robust to moderate degrees of bias. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that the BRFSS methodology introduces substantial uncertainty into reproductive health measures, which could bias population-based estimates. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing validated sex and gender questions in health surveillance surveys. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B562.
The Role of Gaba in Shaping Frequency Response Properties in the Chinchilla Inferior Colliculus

In this chapter, we summarize data from several recent single unit iontophoretic studies on the role of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC). Specifically, we will address the role of GABA circuits in shaping acoustically evoked monaural responses in the frequency domain.
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Reminders for Improving the HPV Vaccination Rates within the Pediatric Population

Despite the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine becoming available to the public in 2006, there has been a continuing rise of HPV-associated cancers documented in the United States. There is speculation as to why the rates of HPV is not rising. One possibility is the missed opportunity of introducing the subject …
Tubular carcinomas of the breast: A comparison of features and survival outcomes versus low grade ductal and lobular carcinomas in the SEER database.

e11596 Background: Tubular carcinoma of the breast (TC) is a rare histologic subtype of breast cancer considered to have a favorable prognosis relative to other histologies. TC is by definition low...
The Coupled Kinematics of Scapulothoracic Upward Rotation.

BACKGROUND Scapulothoracic upward rotation (UR) is an important shoulder complex motion allowing for a larger functional work space and improved glenohumeral muscle function. However, the kinematic mechanisms producing scapulothoracic UR remain unclear, limiting the understanding of normal and abnormal shoulder movements. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify the coupling relationships through which sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joint motions contribute to scapulothoracic UR. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional observational study. METHODS Sixty participants were enrolled in this study; 30 had current shoulder pain, and 30 had no history of shoulder symptoms. Shoulder complex kinematics were quantified using single-plane fluoroscopy and 2D/3D shape matching and were described as finite helical displacements for 30-degree phases of humerothoracic elevation (30 degrees-60 degrees, 60 degrees-90 degrees, and 90 degrees-120 degrees). A coupling function was derived to estimate scapulothoracic UR from its component motions of acromioclavicular UR, sternoclavicular posterior rotation, and sternoclavicular elevation as a function of acromioclavicular internal rotation. The proportional contributions of each of the component motions were also calculated and compared between phases of humerothoracic elevation and groups. RESULTS Scapulothoracic UR displacement could be effectively predicted using the derived coupling function. During the 30- to 60-degree humerothoracic elevation phase, acromioclavicular UR accounted for 84.2% of scapulothoracic UR, whereas sternoclavicular posterior rotation and elevation each accounted for < 10%. During later phases, acromioclavicular UR and sternoclavicular posterior rotation each accounted for 32% to 42%, whereas sternoclavicular elevation accounted for < 11%. LIMITATIONS Error due to the tracking of sternoclavicular posterior rotation may have resulted in an underprediction of its proportional contribution and an overprediction of the proportional contribution of acromioclavicular UR. CONCLUSIONS Acromioclavicular UR and sternoclavicular posterior rotation are the predominant component motions of scapulothoracic UR. More research is needed to investigate how these coupling relationships are affected by muscle function and influenced by scapular dyskinesis.
Profitability and energy gaps of semi-mechanised and traditional rice production technologies in north central and north western Nigeria.

Efficient use of energies on crop production helps to achieve increased production and productivity as well as profitability and competitiveness of agricultural sustainability of rural communities. The study examined profitability and energy used of rice production under two different technologies in two States of Nigeria. Primary data through structured questionnaire and interview were administered to 265 rice farmers comprising 57 semi-mechanized (Group 1) and 208 traditional (Group 2) rice farmers in both States. Results revealed that the semi-mechanized had higher income ₦370998.2 ($2348.1) per ha compared to ₦ 307031.1 ($1943.2) per ha from traditional technology. Group 1 farmers produce a total energy output 54842.8 MJ ha -1 (3.7 tons) compared to Group 2 farmers with energy output of 46601.9 MJha -1 (3.1 tons). Conversely, the energy use efficiency, energy productivity and net energy of traditional system indicate high energy use efficiency compared to that of semi-mechanized system. Findings also show that non-renewable energy in semi-mechanized (72.1%) was high compared to that of traditional group (32.8%). This could be as a result of high usage of chemical fertilizer, herbicide, diesel and machinery. The result also revealed that rice production was driven by indirect energy in Group 1 (58%) and largely by direct energy in Group 2 (64.2%).
Sense and Nonsense in ESG Scoring

Concerns about the future of the natural environment, prevailing social conditions, and governance of private and public institutions inspire today’s ESG movement. None of these concerns are new. But they have gained much traction from the techno-communication revolution alongside a growing populist focus on “stakeholder” claims. This paper proposes a coherent heuristic for sorting out the elements of a social control platform that captures the key elements of the ESG movement from the perspective of modern business firms and investment funds that mostly operate under the classic conditions of market discipline. The diagnostic radiates from regulatory constraints anchored in legislation – and that bear most directly on the enterprise – outward to much less tractable areas of business conduct subject to claims and values that may or may not be generally accepted. The ESG ratings industry attempts to identify, calibrate and condense corporate and investor conduct across a wide spectrum of behavior against the benchmarks of normative ESG values. The industrial economics of the large and growing ESG ratings industry is discussed and compared to the credit rating industry with its long history and vastly simpler mandate – the probability of contractual debt service “on time and in full.” The paper concludes with an assessment of the future of ESG ratings and their bearing on capital investment and business practice.
Changes in leaf inclination angle as an indicator of progression toward leaf surface storage during the rainfall interception process

Abstract During rainfall events, rain and throughfall drops impact on individual leaves exerting a force that divides the drops into multiple droplets and produces momentary increases in the leaf inclination angle. A portion of the splash residue from the raindrop impact accumulates on the leaf surface and adds mass to the lamina of leaf. This lab-based study examined changes in leaf inclination angle after the impact of a sequence of raindrops of two different volumes (10 µl and 30 µl) on leaf surfaces of three different tree species (Acer saccharinum L., Ulmus pumila L., and Quercus gambelii Nutt.). Leaf inclination is measured as the angle between the lamina surface normal and the horizontal. The differences between the initial leaf inclination angle before raindrop impacts and the steady-state leaf inclination angles after each raindrop impact were examined to explore the hypothesis that rainsplash residue accumulated on leaves after raindrop impact will incrementally increase the steady-state leaf inclination angle as the leaves approach leaf surface storage. The difference between the initial leaf inclination angle and the steady-state leaf inclination angle after two 10 µl raindrops increased by 0.23° for Q. gambelii, 0.84° for A. saccharinum, and 1.29° for U. pumila. The difference between the initial leaf inclination angle and the steady-state leaf inclination angle after two 30 µl raindrops increased by 0.56° for Q. gambelii, 1.45° for U. pumila, and 2.05° for A. saccharinum. For each species, the mass of the accumulated water incrementally increased the steady-state leaf inclination angle after each raindrop impact. As expected, larger raindrops produced more rainsplash residue on the leaf surface based on the incremental increase in steady-state leaf inclination angle after sequential raindrop impacts. With repeated raindrop impacts, leaves in the canopy accumulate more water (mass) as the maximum leaf surface storage is achieved. Observing changes in steady-state leaf inclination angles after raindrop impact may serve as an indicator for rainfall interception totals during rainfall events.
Vein Source Influences Neointimal Response in Rat Vein-to-Artery Grafts.

Abstract Background Vein graft stenosis is a major complication of coronary artery bypass surgery and peripheral arterial bypass procedures. Experimental models of this clinical complication have used in vivo grafting procedures, relying on the relatively modest neointimal thickening in these models as a surrogate for clinical graft stenosis without regard to the donor site origin of the vein graft. Materials and methods In a standard rat model of vein grafting, three different donor sites were used to supply veins used as interpositional grafts to the femoral artery: the superficial inferior epigastric vein, the common femoral vein, and the posterior facial vein (distal branch of the jugular vein). Grafts were harvested as 4 wk and histomorphometrically evaluated for the extent of neointimal formation and lumen narrowing. Results The posterior facial vein showed significantly thicker neointima and a greater extent of lumen narrowing than the other two graft sources, despite having a similar diameter to the femoral vein and nearly twice the initial diameter of the epigastric vein. Conclusions The source of donor graft material can greatly influence the extent of neointimal response after interpositional vein grafting to arterial flow. These findings support use of the posterior facial vein graft over other more standard donor vein grafts in research directed at understanding the causes and prevention of vein graft stenosis.
Evaluating Smartwatch-based Sound Feedback for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Users Across Contexts

We present a qualitative study with 16 deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) participants examining reactions to smartwatch-based visual + haptic sound feedback designs. In Part 1, we conducted a Wizard-of-Oz (WoZ) evaluation of three smartwatch feedback techniques (visual alone, visual + simple vibration, and visual + tacton) and investigated vibrational patterns (tactons) to portray sound loudness, direction, and identity. In Part 2, we visited three public or semi-public locations where we demonstrated sound feedback on the smartwatch in situ to examine contextual influences and explore sound filtering options. Our findings characterize uses for vibration in multimodal sound awareness, both for push notification and for immediately actionable sound information displayed through vibrational patterns (tactons). In situ experiences caused participants to request sound filtering - particularly to limit haptic feedback - as a method for managing soundscape complexity. Additional concerns arose related to learnability, possibility of distraction, and system trust. Our findings have implications for future portable sound awareness systems.
Stereotype Threat in a Video Game Context and Its Influence on Perceptions of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Avatar-Induced Active Self-Concept as a Possible Mitigator

The connection between video games and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has become a key focus for education and game scholars alike. While games may have the power t...
The prevalence and practice of soil balancing among organic corn farmers

The scientific community and most mainstream agriculturalists typically design fertilizer recommendations to provide a ‘sufficient level of available nutrients’ to meet the annual N, P and K requirements of common field crops. Soil balancing is another approach to managing soil fertility that focuses on the levels of Ca, Mg and K to achieve a desired base cation saturation ratio (BCSR). Soil balancing is believed to be practiced frequently by organic and other alternative farmers but is viewed skeptically by conventional agricultural scientists due to a lack of support for the idea in the published scientific literature. This study represents a pioneering effort to collect systematic data on the extent of soil balancing, how it is practiced and the types of outcomes reported by organic farmers. Our survey of over 850 farmers who grow certified organic corn in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania found that over half report using a soil-balancing approach based on BCSR. Their practice of soil balancing frequently includes more than management of base cations, but also uses a wide range of soil amendment products (such as purchased organic NPK fertilizers, micronutrients, microbial stimulants and soil inoculants) other than those applied specifically for cation balance. Farms that rely on vegetable and dairy production for most of their income, and Amish farmers who rely on horses for fieldwork, were more likely to report using a soil-balancing program. Self-described soil balancers perceived positive agronomic outcomes from the use of a BCSR program, including improvements in soil physical and biological properties and improved crop health and quality. Although farmers in our study report extensive use and positive perceived outcomes from soil-balancing methods, the scientific research literature has been unable to reproduce evidence that manipulating soil base cation levels has any systematic effect on crop yield. Future research could consider the interacting effects of BCSR with other field management practices to more closely approximate the actual practices of farmers.
Non-medical COVID-19-related personal impact in medical ecological perspective: A global multileveled, mixed method study

ABSTRACT Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread public health measures to reduce transmission, morbidity, and mortality attributed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While much research and focus surrounds COVID-19 vaccine development, testing, and supportive management, little is known about the determinants of non-medical, personal impact of COVID-19 prevention policies. We aimed to understand determinants of non-medical COVID-19 impact and to account for its multileveled, intersectional nature of associations. Methods This cross-sectional, multi-level, convergent mixed-methods study assessed a range of beliefs, practices, and experiences relating to COVID-19. We recruited a global sample (n=7,411) using both Facebook and Amazon mTURK platforms. We constructed a novel data-driven non-medical COVID-19 Impact Score and four subcomponents (“Personal Action,” “Supply-related,” “Cancellations,” and “Livelihood” impacts). We used generalized estimating equation models with identity link functions to determine concomitant association of individual, household, and country-level variables on the impact scores. We also classified 20,015 qualitative excerpts from 6859 respondents using an 80-code codebook. Results Total and component impact scores varied significantly by region with Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean observing the highest impact scores. Multilevel modeling indicated that individual-level sociocultural variables accounted for much of this variation with COVID-related worry, knowledge, struggles in accessing food and supplies, and worsening mental health most strongly associated with non-medical impact. Family responsibilities, personal COVID medical experience, and health locus of control – in addition to country-level variables reflecting social and health challenge – were also significantly and independently associated with non-medical impact. Discussion Non-medical personal impact of COVID-19 affects most people internationally, largely in response to shutdowns, implementing prevention requirements, and through economic consequences. In the context where most of the world’s population does not have direct medical experience with COVID-19, this phenomena of non-medical impact is profound, and likely impacts sustainability of public health interventions aimed at containing COVID-19.
Human Cytomegalovirus Exploits TACC3 To Control Microtubule Dynamics and Late Stages of Infection.

While it is well established that microtubules (MTs) facilitate various stages of virus replication, how viruses actively control MT dynamics and functions remains less-well understood. Recent work has begun to reveal how several viruses exploit End-Binding (EB) proteins and their associated microtubule plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs), in particular to enable loading of viral particles onto MTs for retrograde transport during early stages of infection. But distinct from other viruses studied to date, at mid-to-late stages of its unusually protracted replication cycle human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) increases the expression of all three EB family members. This occurs coincident with the formation of a unique structure termed the Assembly Compartment (AC), which serves as a Golgi-derived MT organizing center. Together, the AC and distinct EB proteins enable HCMV to increase the formation of dynamic and acetylated microtubule subsets to regulate distinct aspects of the viral replication cycle. Here, we reveal that HCMV also exploits EB-independent +TIP pathways by specifically increasing the expression of Transforming Acidic Coiled Coil protein 3 (TACC3) to recruit the MT polymerase, chTOG from initial sites of MT nucleation in the AC out into the cytosol, thereby increasing dynamic MT growth. Preventing TACC3 increases or depleting chTOG impaired MT polymerization, resulting in defects in early versus late endosome organization in and around the AC as well as defects in viral trafficking and spread. Our findings provide the first example of a virus that actively exploits EB-independent +TIP pathways to regulate MT dynamics and control late stages of virus replication. Importance Diverse viruses rely on host cell microtubule networks in order to transport viral particles within the dense cytoplasmic environment and to control the broader architecture of the cell to facilitate their replication. Yet precisely how viruses regulate the dynamic behavior and function of microtubule filaments remains poorly defined. We recently showed that the Assembly Compartment (AC) formed by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) acts as a Golgi-derived microtubule organizing center. Here, we show that at mid-to-late stages of infection, HCMV increases the expression of Transforming Acidic Coiled Coil protein 3 (TACC3) in order to control the localization of the microtubule polymerase, chTOG. This in turn enables HCMV to generate dynamic microtubule subsets that organize endocytic vesicles in and around the AC and facilitate the transport of new viral particles released into the cytosol. Our findings reveal the first instance of viral targeting of TACC3 to control microtubule dynamics and virus spread.