cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Visual Response Evaluation: a pilot study of an evaluation tool for assessing visual responses in low-level brain-injured patients.

The Visual Response Evaluation (VRE) was developed to meet the need for a formal and in-depth measure of visual responses in low-level brain-injured persons (Rancho Levels II and III) and to monitor and document minute changes in the recovery of these patients. Often, patients at these low functional levels exhibit little to no motoric or cognitive interaction with the environment, except that which occurs in response to sensory stimulation. Other tools have been developed to document responses to various types of stimulation; however, none contain the sensitivity to consistency and type of response that is necessary to show the small but vital progress that is characteristic of the Rancho II and III type patient. The VRE consists of 10 items separated into two general categories: (1) Observations, and (2) Response to Stimuli. The five items in the Observations section assess a patient's spontaneous responses, while the five items in the Response to Stimuli section document responses directly related to t...
AC current driven dynamic vortex state in YBa2Cu3O7- x

Time-resolved magneto-optical imaging measurements show that an ac current enables the vortex matter in YBa2Cu3O7-x thin films to reorganize into two coexisting steady states of driven vortex motion with different characteristics: a quasi-static disordered glassy state in the sample interior and a dynamic state of plastic motion near the edges. Finite-element calculations consistent with the critical state model show good agreement with the measured field profiles in the quasi-static state but predict a larger hysteretic behavior in the dynamic state.
Partitioned n-detection test generation

We describe a method for improving the quality of n-detection test sets. Unlike earlier methods for achieving the same goal, the proposed method is based on the conventional definition of the number of detections and uses a conventional n-detection test generation process. Under the proposed method, the set of target faults is partitioned into two or more subsets. n-detection test generation is carried out for each subset separately. The resulting test sets are combined into a single test set. Partitioning causes more faults to be targeted directly, and fewer faults to be dropped due to accidental detection. The fault subsets can be selected based on detection conditions of common defects. In this work we partition the set of faults into a subset that consists of all the stuck-at 0 faults, and a subset that consists of all the stuck-at 1 faults. We demonstrate through experimental results that for the same test set size, partitioning the set of faults improves the coverage of untargeted faults (non-feedback four-way bridging faults) compared to n-detection test generation for the unpartitioned set of faults.
Earlier menarche is associated with fatty liver and abdominal ectopic fat in midlife, independent of young adult BMI: The CARDIA study

Objective The hypothesis that earlier menarche is associated with higher non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and ectopic adiposity, independent of young adult body mass index (BMI), was tested. Methods The data from 1,214 black and white women in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study who reliably reported menarche age at exam years 0 and 2, who had multiple-slice abdominal computed tomography (CT) at exam year 25, and who had no known liver disease or secondary causes of steatosis were included. Women were aged 18-30 at year 0 and 43-55 at year 25. Liver attenuation, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and inter-muscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were derived from CT. NAFLD was defined as liver attenuation less than 51 Hounsfield units. Results One-year earlier menarche was associated with higher NAFLD (RR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.24), and VAT (6.7 cc; 95% CI: 4.3, 9.0 cc), IMAT (1.0 cc; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.4 cc), and SAT (19.6 cc; 95% CI: 13.2, 26.0 cc) after confounder adjustment. Associations remained significant (P < 0.05) after further adjustment for year 0 BMI. Only VAT remained significant (P = 0.047) after adjustment for weight gain between years 0 and 25. Conclusions Earlier menarche is positively associated with NAFLD and ectopic fat independent of confounders and young adult BMI. Weight gain between young adulthood and midlife explains some of this association.
Hunting for Metamorphic Engines

In this paper, we analyze several metamorphic virus generators. We define a similarity index and use it to precisely quantify the degree of metamorphism that each generator produces. Then we present a detector based on hidden Markov models and we consider a simpler detection method based on our similarity index. Both of these techniques detect all of the metamorphic viruses in our test set with extremely high accuracy. In addition, we show that popular commercial virus scanners do not detect the highly metamorphic virus variants in our test set.
A Systemic Analysis of Multiscale Deep Convective Variability over the Tropical Pacific

The multiscale tropical deep convective variability over the Pacific Ocean is examined with the 4-month highresolution deep convection index ( ) derived from satellite imagery. With a systemic view, the complex ITBB phenomenon is described with succinct parameters known as generalized dimensions associated with the correlation structures embedded in the observed time series, with higher-order dimensions emphasizing extreme convective events. It is suggested that convective activities of lifetimes ranging from 1 h to ;21 days have interdependence across scales that can be described by a series of power laws; hence, a spectrum of generalized dimensions, that is, the time series is multifractal. The spatiotemporal features of the time series is II T T BB BB preliminarily examined by changing the spatial domain from 0.1 83 0.18 to 25 83 258. The multifractal features are weakened with increasing strength of spatial averaging but cannot be eliminated. Furthermore, the data ITBB has the property of long-range dependency,implying that its autocorrelation function decays with a power law in contrast to the zero or exponentially decaying autocorrelation functions for white and commonly used red noise processes generated from autoregressive models. Physically, this means that intensified convection tends to be followed by another intensified event, and vice versa for weakened events or droughts. Such tendency is stronger with larger domain averaging, probably due to more complete inclusion of larger-scale variability that has more definite trends, such as the supercloud clusters associated with the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO). The evolution of cloud clusters within an MJO event is studied by following the MJO system across the analysis domain for ;21 days. Convective activities along the front, center, and rear parts of the MJO event continuously intensify while approaching the date line, indicating multifractal features in the range of 1 h to about 5‐10 days. Convective activity along the front and rear edges of the MJO event are more intermittent than in the center. The multifractal features of the time series can be approximated by the random multiplicative cascade ITBB processes, suggesting likely mechanisms for the multiscale behavior and casting concern on the predictability time scale of the observed phenomena.
Effect of Microalbuminuria Lowering on Regression of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Children and Adolescents with Essential Hypertension

Microalbuminuria (MA) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in adult hypertensive patients, but no study has specifically examined the effects of MA lowering on regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) among pediatric patients with hypertension. Fifty-five patients with essential hypertension, 11–19 years old, were prospectively studied. All patients received concomitant therapy of hydrochlorothiazide and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Five patients also required angiotensin receptor blocker to achieve the blood pressure goal. Baseline and 12-month follow-up measures of left ventricular mass index (LVMI), determined by echocardiography and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (MA/Cr), were collected. MA was defined as MA/Cr >30 μg/mg. LVH was defined as LVMI >38.6 g/m2.7. The primary end points were reductions in MA and LVMI of 25% or more. Weight (r = 0.83), body surface area (r = 0.85), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.86), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.57), diastolic blood pressure (DBF) (r = 0.49), mean arterial pressure (r = 0.53) and MA (r= 0.87) were all univariate correlates of LVMI. In a multiple regression analysis, MA, BMI and SBP were significant correlates of LVMI. MA alone explained 76% of the variance of LVMI, whereas BMI and SBP explained only 1.6 and 0.4% of the variance, respectively. MA was the most significant correlate of follow-up LVMI after BMI and SBP were included in the overall multiple regression models. Thus, MA is a strong predictor of LVH in hypertensive children and adolescents. MA lowering halts the progression of LVH or induces its regression.
Failure of hCG to support luteal function in bitches after estrus induction using deslorelin implants

Induction of estrus with deslorelin implants was followed by abortions in bitches that conceived during the induced estrus. Lowering the deslorelin dose and choosing a better implantation site prevented the abortions. This study investigated the hypothesis that induction of estrus with deslorelin is followed by reduced serum progesterone concentrations (SPC) during the ensuing diestrus. Assuming that reduced luteal function resulted from reduced LH secretion due to hypophyseal down-regulation of GnRH receptors, the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment on the SPC of diestrous bitches was also investigated. In Experiment 1, 10 spontaneously cycling bitches served as controls, whereas estrus was induced with deslorelin implants in 24 others. In Experiment 2, six diestrous bitches were treated with a single dose of hCG between Days 39 and 45 of diestrus. The SPC was lower in deslorelin-induced bitches from Days 35 to 56 of diestrus and hCG increased SPC during the first 24 h after treatment, followed by a dramatic decline thereafter. Although SPC recovered in pregnant bitches, it remained much lower (< or = 1 ng/mL) than in untreated, non-pregnant bitches. The suppression of progesterone secretion after hCG treatment suggested that decreased luteal activity in deslorelin-induced bitches may not be a simple consequence of down-regulation of hypophyseal GnRH receptors.
The streptococcal hyaluronan synthases are inhibited by sulfhydryl-modifying reagents, but conserved cysteine residues are not essential for enzyme function.

Abstract Hyaluronan (HA) synthase (HAS) is a membrane-bound enzyme that utilizes UDP-glucuronic acid (GlcUA) and UDP-GlcNAc to synthesize HA. The HAS from Streptococcus pyogenes (spHAS, 419 amino acids) contains six Cys residues, whereas the enzyme from Streptococcus equisimilis (seHAS, 417 amino acids) contains four Cys residues. These Cys residues of seHAS are highly conserved in all Class I HAS family members. Here we investigated the structural and functional roles of these conserved cysteines in seHAS by using site-directed mutagenesis and sensitivity to sulfhydryl modifying reagents. Both seHAS and spHAS were inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents such as N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and iodoacetamide in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. These inhibition curves were biphasic, indicating the presence of sensitive and insensitive components. After treatment of seHAS with NEM, theV max value was decreased ∼50%, and theK m values changed only slightly. All the Cys-to-Ala mutants of seHAS were partially active. The least active single (C226A), double (C226A,C262A), or triple (C226A,C262A,C367A) Cys mutants retained 24, 3.2, and 1.4% activity, respectively, compared with wild-type enzyme. Surprisingly, the V maxvalue of the seHAScys-null mutant was ∼17% of wild-type, although the K m values for both substrates were increased 3–6-fold. Cys residues, therefore, are not involved in a critical interaction necessary for either substrate binding or catalysis. However, the distribution of HA products was shifted to a smaller size in ∼25% of the seHAS Cys mutants, particularly the triple mutants. Mass spectroscopic analysis of wild-type and Cys-null seHAS as well as the labeling of all double Cys-to-Ala mutants with [14C]NEM demonstrated that seHAS contains no disulfide bonds. We conclude that the four Cys residues in seHAS are not directly involved in catalysis, but that one or more of these Cys residues are located in or near substrate binding or glycosyltransferase active sites, so that their modification hinders the functions of HAS.
Hyposialylation of integrins stimulates the activity of myeloid fibronectin receptors.

Despite numerous reports suggesting that β1 integrin receptors undergo differential glycosylation, the potential role of N-linked carbohydrates in modulating integrin function has been largely ignored. In the present study, we find that β1 integrins are differentially glycosylated during phorbol ester (PMA)-stimulated differentiation of myeloid cells along the monocyte/macrophage lineage. PMA treatment of two myeloid cell lines, U937 and THP-1, induces a down-regulation in expression of the ST6Gal I sialyltransferase. Correspondingly, the β1 integrin subunit becomes hyposialylated, suggesting that the β1 integrin is a substrate for this enzyme. The expression of hyposialylated β1 integrin isoforms is temporally correlated with enhanced binding of myeloid cells to fibronectin, and, importantly, fibronectin binding is inhibited when the Golgi disrupter, brefeldin A, is used to block the expression of the hyposialylated form. Consistent with the observation that cells with hyposialylated integrins are more adhesive to fibronectin, we demonstrate that the enzymatic removal of sialic acid residues from purified α5β1integrins stimulates fibronectin binding by these integrins. These data support the hypothesis that unsialylated β1 integrins are more adhesive to fibronectin, although desialylation of α5 subunits could also contribute to increased fibronectin binding. Collectively our results suggest a novel mechanism for regulation of the β1 integrin family of cell adhesion receptors.
Contributions of Working Memory and Evaluation and Regulation of Understanding to Adults' Recall of Texts

We examined evaluation and regulation in adults and the relative contributions of working memory, components of working memory (storage and processing efficiency), and evaluation and regulation to text recall. Younger and older adults' sentence reading times, sentence rereadings, and memory for texts containing inconsistent information were assessed in an on-line analysis. Older adults detected inconsistent information during reading but failed to selectively regulate understanding by rereading problematic information. Failure to regulate understanding was related to poorer memory for problematic information, overall text recall, and ability to report text inconsistencies. Age differences in selective rereading were substantially reduced when processing efficiency was controlled, and age-related variance in passage recall was substantially reduced when differences in processing efficiency and selective rereading were controlled. Results indicate that processing efficiency and selective rereading contribute to adult age differences in text recall, and highlight the importance of distinguishing between a global strategy of rereading and selective rereading in response to comprehension problems.
IN VITRO SUSCEPTIBILITY AND RESISTANCE OF CANDIDA SPP. TO HAMYCIN

Studies on hamycin susceptibility of 84 Candida strains showed that all the strains tested had a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0·16 μg/ml or under. It was possible to develop a high degree of in vitro resistance to hamycin in strains of C. albicans and C. tropicalis. Hamycinresistant variants did not exhibit any cross-resistance to nystatin and amphotericin B. A complete to partial loss of resistance was observed in all hamycin-resistant strains after repeated transfers in antibiotic-free medium. A majority of resistant variants showed alterations in some of their morphological and cultural properties.
The late positive component of the evoked waveform II: Relationship to picture recognition processes.

Averaged evoked potentials were collected from Cz, C3′, C4′, and Pz while subjects made cognitive decisions about pairs of pictures using perceptual and semantic features. Decisions were made at three different levels within the picture recognition process. These levels correspond to feature detection and synthesis, and semantic memory activation at the basic category and superordinate category levels. The late positive component of the evoked waveform systematically varied as a function of the nature of the cognitive decision being made. The late positive component of the waveform was highly correlated with the response times associated with each experimental condition. It would appear that the late positive component of the waveform provides an internal index of the neural processes which accompany cognitive decisions. As such, the late positive component of the evoked waveform serves as a source of converging evidence, along with response latency measures, that the picture recognition process can be su...
Injury Rate and Patterns Among CrossFit Athletes.

Background:CrossFit is a type of competitive exercise program that has gained widespread recognition. To date, there have been no studies that have formally examined injury rates among CrossFit participants or factors that may contribute to injury rates.Purpose:To establish an injury rate among CrossFit participants and to identify trends and associations between injury rates and demographic categories, gym characteristics, and athletic abilities among CrossFit participants.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:A survey was conducted, based on validated epidemiologic injury surveillance methods, to identify patterns of injury among CrossFit participants. It was sent to CrossFit gyms in Rochester, New York; New York City, New York; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and made available via a posting on the main CrossFit website. Participants were encouraged to distribute it further, and as such, there were responses from a wide geographical location. Inclusion criteria included participating in C...
Model-based fusion for multisensor target recognition

A multisensor feature-based fusion approach to target recognition using a framework of model-theory is proposed. The best discrimination basis algorithm (BDBA) based on the best basis selection technique and the sensory data fusion system (SDFS) based on logical models and theories are applied for feature extraction. The BDBA selects the most discriminant basis. The SDFS first selects features, which are interpretable in terms of symbolic knowledge about the domain, from the most discriminant basis determined for each sensor separately. Then, it fuses these features into one combined feature vector. The SDFS uses formal languages to describe the domain and the sensing process. Models represent sensor data, operations on data, and relations among the data. Theories represent symbolic knowledge about the domain and about the sensors. Fusion is treated as a goal-driven operation of combining languages, models, and theories related to different sensors into one combined language, one combined model of the world and one combined theory. The results of our simulations show that the recognition accuracy of the proposed automatic multisensor feature based recognition system (AMFRS) is better than the recognition accuracy of a system that performs recognition using most discriminant wavelet coefficients (MDWC) as features. The AMFRS utilizes a model-theory framework (SDFS) for feature selection, while MDWC are selected from all the most discriminant bases determined for each sensor using a relative entropy measure.
Forming a Multidisciplinary Team to Investigate Child Abuse

Multidisciplinary teams (MDT’s) comprising professionals from law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, medicine, counseling, and related fields have proven to be highly effective in responding to reports of child abuse and neglect. The inter-agency cooperation, coordination, and collaboration effected through an MDT ensure a timely and appropriate investigation with the least possible trauma to children and families. This guide discusses the need for the MDT approach to investigations, describes several types of MDT, and provides advice on forming and operating an effective team. It was originally published by the Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention in 1998, revised and re-printed in 2000.
Exploring the Nuances of Nurse-Patient Interaction through Concept Analysis Impact on Patient Satisfaction

Patient satisfaction is a major priority in healthcare. Nurse-patient interaction has a direct effect on patient satisfaction and is essential to the provision of nursing care. Using the Avant and Walker method of concept analysis, the author explores what shapes nurse-patient interaction; the defining attributes, antecedents, consequences and empirical referents. In addition, cases are provided that illustrate various types of nurse-patient interaction. The author also discusses the concept of nurse-patient interaction in light of current nursing research trends and priorities, adding to the base of nursing knowledge that will facilitate the highest quality nursing care and patient satisfaction.
Incorporating Stimuli-Responsive Bacteria in Microfluidic Droplets

Model cellular membranes respond to chemical and electrical stimuli, regulating transport and exchange between two neighboring aqueous droplets. This regulated exchange may prove useful for controlling aqueous micro-environments for studying stimuli-responsive encapsulated bacteria. This concept is explored in this work, focusing on characterizing the bacterial response within a synthetic cellular environment.In the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) approach, aqueous micro-droplets deposited in an oil reservoir with dissolved lipids are coated with lipid monolayers and arranged into artificial cellular networks. This approach has been explored for potential use as a biologically-inspired smart material, but new material transduction pathways are necessary. This may be accomplished by combining this bottom-up approach to synthetic biology with living organisms such as stimuli-responsive bacteria.Bacteria encapsulation within the microfluidic droplets begins with a strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli), XL1-Blue. These flagellated bacteria naturally respond and move towards chemoattractants such as casamino acids, and their motion may be tracked through differential interference contrast (DIC) and fluorescent microscopy. Chemotaxis of XL1-Blue was assessed through low-flow perfusion of the chemoattractant (casamino acids) into a buffer solution containing the bacteria through a tailored capillary tube. Next, the response of bacteria within asymmetric DIB networks separating the bacteria and the chemoattractant were studied.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Thoracostomy tube insertion

A thoracostomy tube is indicated in patients with a pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion. Small, asymptomatic pneumothoraces or hemothoraces do not need drainage. However, liberal thoracostomy tube placement should be considered in small pneumothoraces in patients on mechanical ventilation or for planned air transportation, because of the risk of tension pneumothorax. Strict aseptic techniques (mask, sterile gloves, gown, and, drapes) should be followed throughout a thoracostomy tube insertion, to reduce the risk of empyema. A single dose of cefazolin should be given prior to the tube insertion. There is no need for longer antibiotic prophylaxis. Thoracostomy tubes may be inserted either via an open technique or a percutaneous insertion. Small-size tubes (28–32 in adults, refer to Broselow tape for children) are as effective as larger tubes in draining hemothoraces. The chest tube should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of empyema.
The Psychiatric Inpatient Treatment of the Elderly

The population of the elderly has steadily increased over this century in terms of both their absolute numbers and their percentage of the total population. In 1965, the elderly (age 65 or older) comprised 9.2% of the total population of the United States. By 1988, this percentage had reached 12.4%. During the 15 years between 1966 (the first full year of Medicare) and 1982 the Medicare population increased from 19.1 million to 26.1 million—an annual compound rate growth of about 2% (Health Care Financing Administration, 1987). By 1985, the number of Medicare recipients had reached 30 million persons (Freiman, Goldman, & Taube, 1990). At the reported growth rate, about 36 million persons would have been on Medicare for the 1990 year. During these same years (1966–1985), the rate of discharges of elderly persons from short-stay hospitals also increased from 264 hospitalizations per 1,000 population to 368. In 1985, 1.12% of the total Medicare population was discharged from acute care hospitals with diagnoses of mental disorders. Based on the growth of the population, if the rate of discharge for mental disorders remained constant, the number of elderly and disabled that are hospitalized for mental disorders in short-stay hospitals would continue to increase, absent some form of deterrent to hospitalization.
We Have a Consensus on Fraud on the Market - And It's Wrong

Recent scholarship overwhelmingly contends that the fraud on the market securities class action has neither deterrent nor compensatory effect and should be cut back or even abandoned entirely. This scholarship largely focuses on two critiques: circularity, which holds that shareholder class action claimants are suing themselves, making compensation impossible; and diversification, which holds that fraud constitutes a diversifiable risk, such that diversified shareholders both gain and lose from fraud in equal measure and hence are not negatively impacted. These critiques are arguably the most important and widely-used theoretical development of the last two decades in securities law, and enjoy a broad consensus. Unfortunately, these critiques are wrong. After tracing the evolution of these critiques, this paper demonstrates economically that, despite widespread acceptance, none of the principal claims of these critiques are correct. In particular: fraud on the market does indeed compensate defrauded purchasers despite circularity (under certain conditions, perfectly); and diversified investors do have expected losses from fraud and have incentives to undertake deadweight precaution costs. Further, the fraud on the market remedy deters both precaution costs and, under certain conditions, fraud itself. The critiques are fundamentally flawed, the academic consensus on fraud on the market is incorrect, and the panoply of reform proposals based on these critiques is without foundation. These critiques have fueled a trend of cutbacks and ongoing existential challenges to fraud on the market (as in Halliburton) that, in light of these results, should be rethought.
In Situ Flushing of Donor Kidneys: Its Technique and Rationale

In situ flushing of kidneys through an isolated segment of aorta was done on mongrel dogs. The 500 cc cold perfusate at 3 to 4C (delivered in 6 minutes) effectively cooled the kidneys to about 15C. This simplified technique of in situ flushing, its usefulness and rationale are discussed.
An Examination of Model and Official National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Size Forecasts

AbstractWhile the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been issuing analyses and forecasts of tropical cyclone wind radii for several years, little documentation has been provided about the errors in these forecasts. A key hurdle in providing routine verification of these forecasts is that the uncertainty in the wind radii best tracks is quite large for tropical cyclones that are well away from land and unmonitored by aircraft reconnaissance. This study evaluates the errors of a subset of NHC and model 34-, 50-, and 64-kt (1 kt = 0.514 m s−1) wind radii forecasts from 2008 through 2012 that had aircraft reconnaissance available at both the initial and verification times. The results show that the NHC wind radii average errors increased with forecast time but were skillful when compared against climatology and persistence. The dynamical models, however, were not skillful and had errors that were much larger than the NHC forecasts, with substantial negative (too small) biases even after accounting for their ...
Significant discrepancies exist between clinician assessment and patient self-assessment of functional capacity by validated scoring tools during preoperative evaluation

Preoperative assessment of functional capacity is necessary to direct decisions regarding cardiac evaluation and may help identify patients at high risk for perioperative complications. Patient self-triage regarding functional capacity could be useful for discerning which patients benefit from a clinician evaluation at a Preoperative Evaluation Center prior to the day of surgery. We evaluated the feasibility of preoperative, patient self-triage regarding functional capacity. Patients were recruited immediately prior to their preoperative evaluation. Study participants completed electronic versions of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS)–Short Form 12a–Physical Function. DASI and PROMIS questionnaire responses were scored and evaluated for correlation with clinician assessments of functional capacity. Correlation was analyzed around the dichotomous outcome of <4 metabolic equivalents of task (METs) or ≥4 METs. Patients also evaluated the usability of the questionnaires. After IRB approval, 204 patients were enrolled and completed both DASI and PROMIS questionnaires. Clinicians assessed functional capacity at <4 METs for 109 patients (53.4 %) compared to 18 (8.8 %) patient self-assessments <4 METs as estimated by DASI. These results represent a significant discrepancy between assessments (Fisher’s exact, two-tailed P value <0.0001). The standard T-score of PROMIS estimates of functional capacity correlated with DASI estimates (R 2 0.76). The mean and standard deviation for PROMIS T-scores were 43.3 and 9.86, respectively (mean 50.0; SD 10.0 for the general population). Of the 203 patients who completed the entire study survey, 192 (94.6 %) stated that they did not require assistance from another person, and 187 (94 %) responded either “agree” or “strongly agree” to the DASI questionnaire being “easy to understand” and “easy to complete;” 186 (93 %) and 188 (94 %), respectively, responded similarly to the PROMIS questionnaire. While both electronic questionnaires were easy to understand and complete for most study participants, there was a significant discrepancy between clinician assessments and patient self-assessments of functional capacity. Further study is needed to determine if either patient self-triage by means of activity questionnaires or clinician evaluation is valid and reliable in the preoperative setting.
Tax strategies and organisational communication in MNC supply chains: case studies

ABSTRACTCommunication is a key component of operational efficiency which in turn contributes to a firm’s profitability by reducing costs. In addition taxes are a significant expense for profitable firms. Multiple methods for tax avoidance have been developed by firms and their advisors but the effects on operations are rarely considered. Evidence was found that tax avoidance decisions are made in isolation at the head office and operational monetary and cultural costs are not fully accounted for. Better communication can mitigate these disruptions but it is not a primary concern of central management. Depending on its operational intrusiveness, there is variation in levels of organisational disruption caused by the tax avoidance method implemented. These effects can be far reaching. Careful consideration of organisational costs for each tax avoidance method should be made prior to any being adopted. A framework to help practitioners focus on total costs versus tax savings, is proposed.
Titanium dioxide nanotube membranes for solar energy conversion: effect of deep and shallow dopants

Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been intensively investigated as a material of choice for solar energy conversion in photocatalytic, photoelectrochemical, photovoltaic, and other photosensitized devices for converting light into chemical feedstocks or electricity. Towards management of light absorption in TiO2, while the nanotubular structure improves light absorption and simultaneous charge transfer to mitigate problems due to the indirect bandgap of the semiconductor, typically dopants are used to improve light absorption of incident solar irradiation in the wide bandgap of TiO2. While these dopants can be critical to the success of these solar energy conversion devices, their effect on photophysical and photoelectrochemical properties and detailed photokinetics are relatively under-studied. Here, we show the effect of deep and shallow metal dopants on the kinetics of photogenerated charged carriers in TiO2 and the resulting effect on photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical processes using these nanotube membranes. We performed a detailed optical, electronic, voltammetry and electrochemical impedance study to understand the effect of shallow and deep metal dopants (using undoped and niobium- and copper-doped TiO2 nanotubes) on light absorption, charge transport and charge transfer processes. Using wireless photocatalytic methylene blue degradation and carbon dioxide reduction, and wired photoelectrochemical device measurements, we elucidate the effect of different dopants on solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency and simultaneously describe the photokinetics using a model, to help design better energy conversion devices.
Fructan reduction by downregulation of 1-SST in guayule

The natural rubber producing plant guayule (Parthenium argentatum Gray) stores carbohydrates mainly in the form of fructans, synthesized and stored in the same tissues at the same time as the rubber polymer, and a potential source of carbon for rubber biosynthesis. The first committed step to fructan synthesis is catalyzed by sucrose:sucrose-1-fructosyltransferase (1-SST), which was downregulated to test whether reduction of carbohydrate synthesis would divert carbon instead to rubber biosynthesis. Guayule leaf strips were transformed by Agrobacterium-mediated technology, and plants with downregulated 1-SST were evaluated in the laboratory and greenhouse. The plant tissue fructan concentration was reduced significantly, and sucrose concentration increased, especially in root tissues of greenhouse-grown plants. However, increased natural rubber production did not result.
Rise of a Cereal Killer: The Biology of Magnaporthe oryzae Biotrophic Growth

The rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae, causes one of the most destructive diseases of cultivated rice in the world. Infections caused by this recalcitrant pathogen lead to the annual destruction of approximately 10–30% of the rice harvested globally. The fungus undergoes extensive developmental changes to be able to break into plant cells, build elaborate infection structures, and proliferate inside host cells without causing visible disease symptoms. From a molecular standpoint, we are still in the infancy of understanding how M. oryzae manipulates the host during this complex multifaceted infection. Here, we describe recent advances in our understanding of the cell biology of M. oryzae biotrophic interaction and key molecular factors required for the disease establishment in rice cells.
Separating Common from Unique Variance Within Emotional Distress: An Examination of Reliability and Relations to Worry.

Background High comorbidity rates among emotional disorders have led researchers to examine transdiagnostic factors that may contribute to shared psychopathology. Bifactor models provide a unique method for examining transdiagnostic variables by modelling the common and unique factors within measures. Previous findings suggest that the bifactor model of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) may provide a method for examining transdiagnostic factors within emotional disorders. Aims This study aimed to replicate the bifactor model of the DASS, a multidimensional measure of psychological distress, within a US adult sample and provide initial estimates of the reliability of the general and domain-specific factors. Furthermore, this study hypothesized that Worry, a theorized transdiagnostic variable, would show stronger relations to general emotional distress than domain-specific subscales. Method Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the bifactor model structure of the DASS in 456 US adult participants (279 females and 177 males, mean age 35.9 years) recruited online. Results The DASS bifactor model fitted well (CFI = 0.98; RMSEA = 0.05). The General Emotional Distress factor accounted for most of the reliable variance in item scores. Domain-specific subscales accounted for modest portions of reliable variance in items after accounting for the general scale. Finally, structural equation modelling indicated that Worry was strongly predicted by the General Emotional Distress factor. Conclusions The DASS bifactor model is generalizable to a US community sample and General Emotional Distress, but not domain-specific factors, strongly predict the transdiagnostic variable Worry.
Biochemical analysis of bovine follicular fluid: albumin, total protein, lysosomal enzymes, ions, steroids and ascorbic acid content in relation to follicular size, rank, atresia classification and day of estrous cycle.

To investigate some biochemical changes during bovine follicle development, ovaries were obtained from cyclic heifers (7 to 11 heifers/d on each day of the 21-d estrous cycle; N = 152). Follicular fluid from the two largest follicles from both ovaries and a pool from small follicles (N = 30/cow) were collected from each animal and analyzed for ionic, enzymatic and endocrine changes in relation to day of the estrous cycle, follicle size, rank and atretic or growing status. Follicular fluid alkaline phosphatase activity and ascorbate concentrations were highest in all follicular sizes during the earlier portion of the estrous cycle (d 1 to 12; P less than .05), then decreased to the lowest levels (d 13 to 21). As follicular size (diameter) increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid and alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced in follicular fluid (P less than .05). Alkaline phosphatase and LDH activity tended to be increased in atretic follicles (P less than .10), and was correlated with increased progesterone and androgen concentrations of follicular fluid (r = .4, P less than .05). Both albumin and total protein concentrations decreased as follicular diameter increased (P less than .05). Sodium concentrations in follicular fluid were greater in growing-antral than atretic follicles, and increased with follicular enlargement (P less than .05). Follicular potassium concentrations increased as the estrous cycle progressed (P less than .05), and tended to be elevated in atretic follicles (nonsignificant). Both Ca and Mg concentrations increased with follicular enlargement (P less than .05). Dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone were the predominant androgens in follicular fluid (androstenedione, the lowest concentration); their concentration decreased with follicle development (P less than .05), but were quite variable. Estradiol was increased in growing follicles (P less than .01). Estrone and estradiol concentrations increased as ovulation approached, particularly in small follicles (less than or equal to 4 mm diameter). Changes of biochemical components found in follicular fluid that relate to the growth and atresia process may provide a more sensitive and accurate method to classify follicle status, and thus aid in understanding the complexity of events associated with maturation of the bovine follicle and oocyte.
Nonlinear Xenon Oscillations

Space-independent xenon oscillations are linearly unstable at high neutron flux, even with a negative power coefficient of reactivity, if the magnitude of the power coefficient is too small. These linearly unstable oscillations typically develop into stable limit cycles when nonlinear neutronics and xenon burnout are included. If the equilibrium flux is greater than about 2 × 1010, some linearly stable cases exhibit an unstable limit cycle inside a stable limit cycle. An example of this was first described in 1961 by Jack Chernick as “relaxation oscillations within the domain of linear stability.” This paper describes some aspects of the system in parameter space and state space.
Evaluation and treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension

Abstract Background and purpose Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a significant, treatable cause of postural headache, although the best diagnostic approach to diagnosing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks remains uncertain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the most common techniques used to diagnose leaks, the most frequent leak sites, and epidural patch treatment characteristics. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records and radiographic findings of 30 patients clinically treated for SIH at a single university hospital between January 2015 and December 2016. Clinical symptoms, imaging findings and epidural patch details including dates, injection location, and amount of blood/fibrin injected were recorded. Results Of 30 SIH patients identified, 11/30 (37%) had a localized leak and 14/30 (47%) had a non-localized leak. The first modality to identify the leak was most commonly CT myelogram (17/25, 68%), followed by MRI spine (6/25, 24%) and MRI myelogram (2/25, 8%). The most frequent leak sites were C7–T1, C5–C6, and T10–T11 in decreasing order. All patients underwent CT-guided epidural patch, averaging 2.3 procedure sessions, 3.4 injection sites, and 7.8 mL of injectate per site. Conclusion Spinal CSF leak remains a challenging diagnosis, with CT myelography most frequently confirming the diagnosis, supplemented by spine MRI and MRI myelography. Patients frequently require multiple injections at multiple sites, and physicians and patients should be aware of the possible need for repeat treatments. Given the most common sites of leak, empiric blood patch at the cervicothoracic or thoracolumbar junction should be considered if no definitive leak is identified.
The effects of aging on sleep parameters in a healthy, melatonin-competent mouse model.

Background Sleep disturbances are common maladies associated with human age. Sleep duration is decreased, sleep fragmentation is increased, and the timing of sleep onset and sleep offset is earlier. These disturbances have been associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Mouse models for human sleep disturbances can be powerful due to the accessibility to neuroscientific and genetic approaches, but these are hampered by the fact that most mouse models employed in sleep research have spontaneous mutations in the biosynthetic pathway(s) regulating the rhythmic production of the pineal hormone melatonin, which has been implicated in human sleep. Purpose and method The present study employed a non-invasive piezoelectric measure of sleep wake cycles in young, middle-aged and old CBA mice, a strain capable of melatonin biosynthesis, to investigate naturally-occurring changes in sleep and circadian parameters as the result of aging. Results The results indicate that young mice sleep less than do middle-aged or aged mice, especially during the night, while the timing of activity onset and acrophase is delayed in aged mice compared to younger mice. Conclusion These data point to an effect of aging on the quality and timing of sleep in these mice but also that there are fundamental differences between control of sleep in humans and in laboratory mice.
Epitaxial Lift Off of II-VI Thin Films Using Water-Soluble MgTe

This paper reports an epitaxial lift-off (ELO) method that uses water-soluble MgTe to obtain free-standing single-crystal CdTe/MgCdTe double-heterostructure (DH) thin films from samples grown monolithically on lattice-matched InSb substrates. Photoluminescence measurements on as-grown and free-standing films reveal that the optical quality of the DH survives ELO. This method potentially enables substantial increases in the conversion efficiencies of thin-film solar cells through enhancement of the photon-recycling effect. This process holds promise in multijunction PV applications that considers the integration of a 1.7-eV MgCdTe top cell and a crystalline Si bottom cell to form a tandem device with efficiency potentially higher than 30%. Additionally, the method can be applied to other families of devices, such as infrared photodetectors.
Incorporating an agent-based decision tool to better understand occupant pathways to GHG reductions in NYC buildings

Abstract A number of cities globally have developed ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and New York City has publicly committed to reducing emissions 80% by 2050 (80 × 50). While physical infrastructure is important, cities can gain important insights through information about human behavior, as people are the end users of buildings, transportation, and other physical assets. In this paper, we present a simplistic, pilot agent-based model (ABM) for New York City with projections about the city's potential for reaching the 80 × 50 goal in the building sector. Importantly, the ABM models occupant choices about technology adoption to predict the prevalence of green buildings in coming years. We find that even though traditional building types are slow to transition, CO2 production still decreases substantially over the forecast interval. Traditional buildings begin to slow their dominance in the model pathways by approximately 10 years into the forecast. Although the ABM presented here relies on simplistic assumptions about human agents and brings a high level of uncertainty, it presents a useful pilot tool to begin to understand system-level impacts from micro-level actions of households and individuals, and provides vast potential for future use of ABMs for this task.
GPU implementation of coherence-based photoacoustic beamforming for autonomous visual servoing

Visual servoing is a promising technique for surgical tool tip tracking and automated visualization of photoacoustic targets during interventional procedures. However, visual servoing in photoacoustic imaging is challenged by the trade-off between laser safety limits and the energy needed for reliable segmentation. Short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) imaging has the potential to overcome this challenge by improving the signal quality of images acquired with low laser energies. This study introduces the first known GPU-based real-time implementation of SLSC imaging for photoacoustic imaging and applies this real-time algorithm to enhance segmentations for visual servoing. Results with ex vivo bovine tissue demonstrate that SLSC imaging recovers signals obtained with low energy (i.e., ≤ 268 µJ) with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 11.2 ± 2.4, compared to a SNR of 3.5 ± 0.8 with conventional delay-and-sum (DAS) imaging. When energies were lower than the safety limit for skin (i.e., 400 µJ for 900 nm wavelength), real-time SLSC imaging produced lower errors during fiber tracking tasks (i.e., accuracies of 0.67 ± 0.42 mm and 4.91 ± 6.01 mm with SLSC and DAS, respectively). Similarly, for probe centering tests, the tracking error with SLSC and DAS imaging was 0.85 mm ±0.44 and 1.05 ± 0.30 mm, respectively. These results are promising for complicated visual servoing tasks in high-noise environments.