cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHRONIC TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM

Chronic telogen effluvium is not uncommon. It is a form of diffuse hair loss affecting the entire scalp for which no obvious cause can be found. It usually affects women of 30 to 60 years of age who generally have a full head of hair prior to the onset of shedding. The onset is usually abrupt, with or without a recognizable initiating factor. The degree of shedding is usually severe in the early stages and the hair may come out in handfuls. Chronic telogen effluvium has distinctive clinical and histologic features that are usually diagnostic. Chronic telogen effluvium contrasts with classic acute telogen effluvium by its persistence and its tendency to fluctuate for a period of years. Patients are particularly troubled by the continuing hair loss and fear total baldness. Repeated reassurance that the condition represents shedding rather than actual hair loss and does not cause complete baldness is necessary. Chronic telogen effluvium does appear to be self-limiting in the long run.
Teaching Child Psychiatry in the U.S.A.

There is no field of medicine that requires as much integration of the biopsychosocial mesh of human beings as the subspecialty of child psychiatry. In the U.S.A. the linkages between new knowledge of biological and psychological data and the constant changing social fabric are intricately woven into the tapestry of our perceptions about our child patients. One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of teaching child psychiatry is delineating, studying and integrating the biological, psychiatric and social aspects of our child and adolescent patients. In doing this we should not sacrifice medical rigor, skill and ethos. The child psychiatric trainee has to increase his medical skill and knowledge by continuous artistic care of his patients and by thorough, scholarly research pursuits. He or she has to become the “artistic scientist”1. While learning child psychiatry, the trainee has to continually increase his knowledge of general psychiatry. Child psychiatrists treat the unresolved parental dilemmas which profoundly affect parents in their parenting roles. Parents and children are under the continuous impact of the present and the past which determines their anticipation and expectation of the future.
A High-Performance MEMS Capacitive Strain Sensing System

This paper describes a high-performance strain sensing microsystem. The system consists of four parallel differential MEMS capacitive strain sensors with a nominal capacitance value of 440 fF, converting an input strain to a capacitance change with a sensitivity of 265 aF per microstrain (muepsiv), and low-noise integrated sensing electronics, which employ a differential continuous-time synchronous detection architecture converting the capacitive signal to an output voltage for further signal processing. Based on system noise characterization, the prototype design shows a capability of measuring a strain resolution of 0.9 nepsiv/radicHz, while demonstrating a maximum dc input stain range of 1000 muepsiv. The overall system consumes 1.5 mA dc current from a 3-V supply
Ethics in Social Research—A Review Essay*

(1983). Ethics in Social Research—A Review Essay. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 453-462.
Compressive characteristics of an internally threaded post system.

Purpose The effects of oblique compressive forces were evaluated for extracted teeth restored with posts of solid and internally threaded designs. Materials and Methods A group of 25 roots was restored with crowns supported by Para-post dowels and pin-retained composite resin cores, and a second group was restored with gold copings cast to internally threaded stainless steel-post prototypes. Samples were then embedded in epoxy resin and loaded at 45° until failure. Failure force and type were statistically analyzed to determine statistical difference (P < .05) between groups. Results No statistical difference was shown between groups for either fracture force or type. Conclusions The internally threaded post system resisted oblique loading forces similarly to a solid post system.
Complications of cystectomy in patients with a history of pelvic radiation.

Abstract Objectives. To compare the complications occurring during the first year of follow-up after radical cystectomy in two groups, one with and one without a history of pelvic radiation. Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is the treatment of choice for invasive bladder cancer. Methods. One hundred ninety-four cystectomies were performed between January 1995 and June 2000 by a single surgeon. Twenty-three patients were identified with a history of external beam radiotherapy to the pelvis (EBRT group), and 23 additional patients without a history of pelvic radiation were randomly selected to serve as the control group. Results. Although the overall risk of having a complication was not statistically different in the EBRT group (48%) than in the control group (30%; P = 0.183), complications directly related to surgery were higher in the EBRT group than in the control group (48% versus 26%; P = 0.045). The patients in the EBRT group were more likely to require an invasive procedure (39% versus 9%; P = 0.018). In addition, 5 (22%) of 23 patients in the EBRT group had a symptomatic fluid collection, which was diagnosed as a urine leak (n = 2) or an abdominal abscess (n = 3). In contrast, no patient in the control group developed a symptomatic fluid collection. Conclusions. Cystectomy after pelvic radiation is associated with acceptable morbidity; however, compared with cystectomy performed in a nonirradiated pelvis, the risk of complications that will require invasive intervention is increased. A history of prior pelvic radiation significantly increases the risk of a symptomatic fluid collection.
Carotenoid content of fruits and vegetables: An evaluation of analytic data

Abstract The test of the association between dietary intake of specific carotenoids and disease incidence requires the availability of accurate and current food composition data for individual carotenoids. To generate a carotenoid database, an artificial intelligence system was developed to evaluate data for carotenoid content of food in five general categories, namely, number of samples, analytic method, sample handling, sampling plan, and analytic quality control. Within these categories, criteria have been created to rate analytic data for β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin in fruits and vegetables. These carotenoids are also found in human blood. Following the evaluation of data, acceptable values for each carotenoid in the foods were combined to generate a database of 120 foods. The database includes the food description; median, minimum, and maximum values for the specific carotenoids in each food; the number of acceptable values and their references; and a confidence code, which is an indicator of the reliability of a specific carotenoid value for a food. The carotenoid database can be used to estimate the intake of specific carotenoids in order to examine the association between dietary carotenoids and disease incidence.
PCR assays of variable nucleotide sites for identification of conservation units

A number of authors have recently suggested that the best approach for identifying units of conservation is to follow a systematics model of character analysis (Amato, 1991; Cracraft, 1991; Vogler and DeSalle, 1994). This approach necessitates the use of an operational, typological, evolutionary species concept. The use of the phylogenetic species concept has the utility and philosophical logic appropriate for this task. Additionally, there is a large body of literature that uses this framework, along with a parsimony based character analysis to identify patterns of phylogeny (Cracraft, 1983; Nelson and Platnick, 1981; Nixon and Wheeler, 1990).
Using program decomposition to guide modifications

The authors use data-flow techniques to form a notion of direct sum decomposition for programs. The decomposition yields a method and guidelines for software maintainers to use so that changes can be assured to be completely contained in the modules under consideration and that there are no undetected linkages between the modified and unmodified code. Thus, the impact of small changes can be gauged. The decomposition can also be used to limit the amount of testing required to assure that the change is correct; under suitable conditions, modification testing will be required only for the changed code. Moreover, if these hypotheses are violated, the modifier can be virtually assured that proposed changes will have a wider impact than that which is contemplated. >
Separation of peptide fragments of a protein kinase C substrate fused to a β-hairpin by capillary electrophoresis

Synthetic peptides incorporating well-folded β-hairpin peptides possess advantages in a variety of cell biology applications by virtue of increased resistance to proteolytic degradation. In this study, the WKpG β-hairpin peptide fused to a protein kinase C (PKC) substrate was synthesized, and capillary-electrophoretic separation conditions for this peptide and its proteolytic fragments were developed. Fragments of WKpG-PKC were generated by enzymatic treatment with trypsin and Pronase E to produce standards for identification of degradation fragments in a cellular lysate. A simple buffer system of 250 mM H3PO4, pH 1.5 enabled separation of WKpG-PKC and its fragments by capillary electrophoresis in less than 16 min. Using a cellular lysate produced from Ba/F3 cells, the β-hairpin-conjugated substrate and its PKCα-phosphorylated product could be detected and separated from peptidase-generated fragments produced in a cell lysate. The method has potential application for identification and quantification of WKpG-PKC and its fragments in complex biological systems when the peptide is used as a reporter to assay PKC activity.
B ± →DK ± with direct CP violation in charm

We investigate the implications of direct $CP$ violation (CPV) on the determination of the unitarity triangle angle $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ from $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}DK$ decays. We show that $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ can still be extracted even with the inclusion of direct CPV in charm if (i) at least one of the $D$ decays has negligible $CP$ violation; and (ii) data from a charm factory at threshold are used. If approximate expressions without direct $CP$ violation in charm are used, this can result in a shift in $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ that is $\mathcal{O}({r}_{D}/{r}_{B})$. It is modest for $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}DK$ but can be $\mathcal{O}(1)$ for $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}D\ensuremath{\pi}$. We illustrate the size of the shift using an example of the Gronau-London-Wyler method.
Lessons Learned from Mesh Litigation for Prolapse and Incontinence

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can cause significant impairment in quality of life and lead many women to seek surgical correction. These procedures are often performed using polypropylene mesh. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Notification to inform patients of adverse events related to the use of mesh placed in these repairs. Since this time, there have been almost 50,000 legal proceedings related to complications of polypropylene mesh in the urogynecology setting. Currently, the FDA is conducting further studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of polypropylene mesh, but it is still available for use in the repair of SUI and POP. Thus, patients should be carefully selected and counseled appropriately regarding conservative management options and alternative surgical therapies prior to mesh placement. As a result of the FDA recommendations, researchers are currently trying to develop a treatment alternative to mesh.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Hydrogen Diffusion in Aluminum

Hydrogen diffusion impacts the performance of solid-state hydrogen storage materials and contributes to the embrittlement of structural materials under hydrogen-containing environments. In atomistic simulations, the diffusion energy barriers are usually calculated using molecular statics simulations where a nudged elastic band method is used to constrain a path connecting the two end points of an atomic jump. This approach requires prior knowledge of the “end points”. For alloy and defective systems, the number of possible atomic jumps with respect to local atomic configurations is tremendous. Even when these jumps can be exhaustively studied, it is still unclear how they can be combined to give an overall diffusion behavior seen in experiments. Here we describe the use of molecular dynamics simulations to determine the overall diffusion energy barrier from the Arrhenius equation. This method does not require information about atomic jumps, and it has additional advantages, such as the ability to incorpor...
ON THE NAME ORNITHOMYA VS. ORNITHOMYIA (DIPTERA: HIPPOBOSCIDAE).

In 1962 (Pac. Ins. 3: 584), the question was raised by me regarding the nomenclatural correctness of the name Ornithomya Latreille 1802 vs. Ornithomyia Latr. 1804. No comments were heard before the publication of my second paper on the family (1963 Pac. Ins. Mon. 6: 1–186) upon which two eminent dipterists wrote in strong objection against the correctness of the original spelling Ornithomya. They reasoned that the name in question is more often spelled as Ornithomyia than as Ornithomya and that in Diptera there already exist many generic names with the ending - myia rather than - mya . These are quite true and it would be only too convenient to have a uniform spelling for the roots (radicals) of all generic names that derive from one same etymological origin. But if my interpretation of the Article 32 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (London 1961) is not wrong, the emendation of Ornithomya to Ornithomyia seems unjustified.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Freedom of Association Rights: The Precarious Quest for Legitimacy and Control in Global Supply Chains

Corporations have increasingly turned to voluntary, multi-stakeholder governance programs to monitor workers’ rights and standards in global supply chains. This article argues that the emphasis of these programs varies significantly depending on stakeholder involvement and issue areas under examination. Corporate-influenced programs are more likely to emphasize detection of violations of minimal standards in the areas of wages, hours, and occupational safety and health because focusing on these issues provides corporations with legitimacy and reduces the risks of uncertainty created by activist campaigns. In contrast, these programs are less likely to emphasize workers’ rights to form democratic and independent unions, bargain, and strike because these rights are perceived as lessening managerial control without providing firms with significant reputational value. This argument is explored by coding 805 factory audits of the Fair Labor Association between 2002 and 2010, followed by case studies of Russell...
The “Insider” Principal: Perceptions of the Leadership Effectiveness of an Internal Successor:

The current study builds on earlier leader succession research, focusing on a school where the “insider”—who was believed to be strong before being hired as the formal school leader—drew sharp crit...
Developing Capacity for Local Watershed Management: Essential Leadership Skills and Training Approaches

Management of water resources at a watershed scale often occurs at the local level and relies on the effectiveness of local staff and leaders. Four land-grant universities in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Ohio are delivering training programs that build the capacity of local water resource professionals. Based on experience from these programs, a survey on watershed management core competencies, and two surveys of information and training needs for watershed groups, we examined what core proficiencies are needed by watershed group leaders, how existing programs have approached professional training, and effective methods for delivering the training. Results indicated that successful watershed leaders said they must have skills in leadership, communication, collaboration, technology, policy, and planning along with a solid understanding of natural science disciplines. More importantly, they must be able to integrate these skills to solve problems. The mode of delivery (distance or in-person) depended on the audience and training goals, emphasized networking opportunities with the instructor and other participants, and encouraged participants to apply lessons to their own situations. Features of a successful training program that effectively build watershed leadership capacity are provided.
Ring Resonator Delay Elements for Integrated Optical Beamforming Networks: Group Delay Ripple Analysis

The group delay ripple of cascaded optical ring resonator (ORR) delays is quantitatively studied with a genetic algorithm. Initial measurement results are also reported for a fabricated optical beam forming network chip utilizing cascaded ORRs.
Systemic Barriers Faced by Women Attempting to Leave Abusive Military Marriages

This narrative study features 8 women who shared their stories of systemic barriers faced in the process of leaving an abusive military marriage. The themes of power and control, protection of the service member, entitlement, infallibility, safe places are not safe, and cultural ideals of loyalty are presented and emphasized with excerpts from the women's narratives. Implications are identified for counselors in the roles of practitioner and advocate, along with suggestions of future directions for research.
Cone Beam Computed Tomographic imaging in orthodontics.

Over the last 15 years, cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging has emerged as an important supplemental radiographic technique for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in situations which require an understanding of the complex anatomic relationships and surrounding structures of the maxillofacial skeleton. CBCT imaging provides unique features and advantages to enhance orthodontic practice over conventional extraoral radiographic imaging. While it is the responsibility of each practitioner to make a decision, in tandem with the patient/family, consensus-derived, evidence-based clinical guidelines are available to assist the clinician in the decision-making process. Specific recommendations provide selection guidance based on variables such as phase of treatment, clinically-assessed treatment difficulty, the presence of dental and/or skeletal modifying conditions, and pathology. CBCT imaging in orthodontics should always be considered wisely as children have conservatively, on average, a three to five times greater radiation risk compared with adults for the same exposure. The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the operation of CBCT equipment as it relates to image quality and dose, highlight the benefits of the technique in orthodontic practice, and provide guidance on appropriate clinical use with respect to radiation dose and relative risk, particularly for the paediatric patient.
Electric field control of ferromagnetism at room temperature in GaCrN (p-i-n) device structures

We have demonstrated a room temperature dilute magnetic semiconductor based on GaCrN epitaxial layers grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Saturation magnetization Ms increased when the GaCrN film is incorporated into a (p-GaN/i-GaCrN/n-GaN) device structure, due to the proximity of mediated holes present in the p-GaN layer. Zero field cooling and field cooling were measured to ascertain the absence of superparamagnetic behavior in the films. A (p-GaN/i-GaCrN/n-GaN) device structure with room temperature ferromagnetic (FM) properties that can be controlled by an external applied voltage has been fabricated. In this work, we show that the applied voltage controls the ferromagnetic properties, by biasing the (p-i-n) structure. With forward bias, ferromagnetism in the GaCrN layer was increased nearly 4 fold of the original value. Such an enhancement is due to carrier injection of holes into the Cr deep level present in the i-GaCrN layer. A “memory effect” for the FM behavior of the (p-i-n) GaCrN device structure persisted for 42 h after the voltage bias was turned off. These measurements also support that the observed ferromagnetism in the GaCrN film is not due to superparamagnetic clusters but instead is a hole-mediated phenomenon.
Terahertz attenuators based on dielectric stacks with alternating refractive indices

This article demonstrates the design of dielectric terahertz (THz) attenuators comprising of periodically placed x-cut and z-cut ion-sliced lithium niobate dielectric layers. Changes introduced in the propagating wave due to alternating refractive indices of a ferroelectric material have been exploited for the design of an effective attenuator. The electrical and optical properties gathered from experimental investigations have been used to study the influence of different crystalline orientations on the design. The conduit comprising the periodically placed dielectric slabs has been configured as a tristate switch by modulating the amplitude of the traversing THz wave by altering its angle of incidence. Full-wave finite-element simulations have been conducted over a series of parametric configurations to come up with the optimized design. A modulation depth as high as 94.76% is achieved. The proposed low-cost, easily configurable THz dielectric attenuators operating around 0.625 THz can be potentially used as an external modulator for THz quantum cascade lasers.
The role of T2*-weighted gradient echo in the diagnosis of tumefactive intrahepatic extramedullary hematopoiesis in myelodysplastic syndrome and diffuse hepatic iron overload: a case report and review of the literature

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is the proliferation of hematopoietic cells outside bone marrow secondary to marrow hematopoiesis failure. Extramedullary hematopoiesis rarely presents as a mass-forming hepatic lesion; in this case, imaging-based differentiation from primary and metastatic hepatic neoplasms is difficult, often leading to biopsy for definitive diagnosis. We report a case of tumefactive hepatic extramedullary hematopoiesis in the setting of myelodysplastic syndrome with concurrent hepatic iron overload, and the role of T2*-weighted gradient-echo magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating extramedullary hematopoiesis from primary and metastatic hepatic lesions. To the best of our knowledge, T2*-weighted gradient-echo evaluation of extramedullary hematopoiesis in the setting of diffuse hepatic hemochromatosis has not been previously described. A 52-year-old white man with myelodysplastic syndrome and marrow fibrosis was found to have a 4 cm hepatic lesion on ultrasound during workup for bone marrow transplantation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse hepatic iron overload and non-visualization of the lesion on T2* gradient-echo sequence suggesting the presence of iron deposition within the lesion similar to that in background hepatic parenchyma. Subsequent ultrasound-guided biopsy of the lesion revealed extramedullary hematopoiesis. Six months later, while still being evaluated for bone marrow transplant, our patient was found to have poor pulmonary function tests. Follow-up computed tomography angiogram showed a mass within his right main pulmonary artery. Bronchoscopic biopsy of this mass once again revealed extramedullary hematopoiesis. He received radiation therapy to his chest. However, 2 weeks later, he developed mediastinal hematoma and died shortly afterward, secondary to respiratory arrest. Mass-forming extramedullary hematopoiesis is rare; however, our report emphasizes that it needs to be considered in the initial differential diagnosis of hepatic lesions arising in the setting of bone marrow disorders. We also show that in the setting of diffuse hepatic iron overload, tumefactive extramedullary hematopoiesis appeared isointense to background liver on T2* gradient-echo sequence, while adenoma, hepatoma, and hepatic metastasis appear hyperintense. Thus, T2*-weighted gradient-echo sequence may have a potential role in the imaging diagnosis of mass-forming hepatic extramedullary hematopoiesis arising in the setting of diffuse iron overload.
Growth and slaughter characteristics of ram and wether lambs implanted with zeranol.

Forty-nine Columbia ram and wether lambs born in April 1990 and 46 born in April 1991 were studied to determine the effects of zeranol implants on growth, difficulty of pelt removal, and carcass characteristics. Implanting ram and wether lambs once (1990) or twice (1991) with 12 mg of zeranol did not change live weight or ADG but gain/feed decreased (P < .05) in ram lambs slaughtered at approximately 50 kg. Testes weight was reduced approximately 50% by implanting. Two implants reduced (P < .05) the force needed to pull the pelt from the hind legs of ram lambs, but implanting tended to increase the force required to pull the pelt from wether lambs. Data for pelt weight, force required to pull the pelt, percentage of the carcass in the shoulder or splenius muscle, and Warner-Bratzler shear values showed that zeranol implants resulted in ram lambs becoming more like wethers and wether lambs becoming more like rams. Implanting with zeranol did not affect closure of the metacarpal growth plate in ram or in wether lambs. Difficulty of pelt removal can be reduced by implanting ram lambs with 12 mg of zeranol at approximately 114 d of age and reimplanting zeranol 28 d later.
5-Fluorouracil and Glaucoma Filtering Surgery: I. An Animal Model

Failure of a glaucoma filtering procedure commonly results from scarring at the surgical site. Fibroblasts play an important role in the scarring process. 5-fluorouracil is an antimetabolite capable of inhibiting fibroblast proliferation. We tested the ability of 5-fluorouracil to inhibit cicatrization at the filtering site in an experimental model. Posterior lip sclerectomies were performed in each eye of ten normal owl monkeys. Postoperatively, one eye of each animal received subconjunctival injections of fluorouracil and the fellow eye received saline injections in a randomized, masked fashion. Two animals died of undetermined causes. None of the control eyes developed blebs, but six of the eight treated eyes in surviving animals developed blebs. The difference between intraocular pressures in fluorouracil-treated and control eyes was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). Signs of ocular toxicity included persistent corneal epithelial defects and delayed healing of the conjunctival incision. These results are considerably more favorable than those previously reported with experimental filtering procedures in non-human primates. Pharmacologic modulation of wound healing may decrease the risk of failure of filtering operations.
The Impact of Health Disparities on Cancer Caregivers

The daily routine of giving care to a person ill with cancer is difficult under the best of circumstances. In the dynamic ebb and flow of need and care, crisis and chronicity, the on-going strain exacts a toll, even for people who take pride and satisfaction in being able to provide care. Difficulties are magnified when the climate for caregiving is worsened by such factors as poverty, discrimination, substandard access to services and treatment, language or cultural barriers.
What is the Relationship between Organizational Slack and Innovation

Innovation is generally viewed as critical to the competitive health of organizations, industries, and nations. As such, how, why, when, and which organizations innovate has been a subject of interest in such diverse literatures as economics, business strategy, RD March and Simon, 1958). Although, as will be discussed later, there are various definitions of slack (Bourgeois, 1981), all of them reflect the notion of excess resources that both cushion the organization from environmental changes and represent an opportunity for discretionary allocations, such as to innovation activities. According to Rosner (1968), slack allows firms to purchase innovation, absorb failure, bear the cost of developing and implementing innovations, and explore ideas in advance of" an actual need. As an illustration, Lee and Grewal (2004) showed that slack was related to retailers' adoption of the Internet as a communication channel. However, this "cushion," which can enhance the competitive position of the firm and be a source of funding for innovation activities, may also be viewed as an impediment to organizational performance in general and to innovation activities in particular. At the organizational level, some have argued that slack reflects inefficiencies in organizations (e.g., Thompson, 1967; Yasai-Ardekani, 1986)--witness the emphasis on consolidation, streamlining, downsizing, and other efficiency-driven initiatives of the last 20 years--and that poor internal control systems in public corporations contribute to inefficiencies in deploying such resources (Jensen, 1993). At the innovation level, it has been proposed that slack gives rise to reduced discipline in the management of projects, thereby impairing innovation outcomes (Nohria and Gulati, 1996). Thus, slack has been viewed as both creating funding opportunities for innovation, and as encouraging wasteful, undisciplined spending that hurts innovation outcomes. Trying to reconcile these positions, Bourgeois (1981) postulated a curvilinear relationship between slack and organizational "success" in general, while Nohria and Gulati (1996) and Geiger and Cashen (2002) extended the argument to the slack-innovation relationship in particular and offered empirical evidence to support such a relationship. These researchers suggest that too little slack may inhibit experimentation leading to innovation, while too much slack may lead to diminishing returns, or accelerating diminishing returns, as a consequence of undisciplined spending and improper oversight of innovation projects. The purpose of this study is to further explore and extend previous research on the nature of the relationship between organizational slack and innovation in several important ways. First, this study addresses some of the methodological limitations of the oft-cited Nohria and Gulati (1996) study, thereby testing the robustness and generalizability of their findings. …
Events and Accountability

What was the cause? Is anyone responsible? Who is to blame? These are the first questions asked after a misfortune or a moral affront. The event itself could be as privately experienced as a lovers’ quarrel or as public as technological failure at a nuclear power generating plant; it could have been produced carelessly or after careful premeditation; its consequences could be as ephemeral as momentary chagrin or as terrible as widespread destruction and loss of life. Whatever their other features, negative events demand explanation, a demand frequently satisfied by finding someone who is answerable for the occurrence. How that search proceeds is the topic of this book.
Development of integrated pest management techniques: Insect pest management on soybean

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is one of the most damaging insect pests of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, in the Midwestern United States and soybean producing Canadian provinces. Although significant advances in soybean aphid management have occurred using biological control (classical and conservation) and aphid resistant varieties, most growers continue to rely on insecticides for aphid management. Many groups have evaluated the efficacy of different insecticides. However, few if any have addressed the effect of insecticide application techniques on insecticide efficacy. We compared the effect of three insecticide application techniques on soybean aphid populations in Iowa over a three-year time period (2005-2007). Foliar contact insecticides (a pyrethroid, an organophosphate, both alone and in combination) were applied to naturally occurring soybean aphid populations. The insecticides were applied using techniques that varied the coverage. Coverage was varied by nozzle selection (TeeJet ® 8002 XR and 11002 TJ), pressure (138 Kpa and 276 Kpa), and carrier volume (181 and 362 L per ha) to achieve
Regional cost analysis for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common procedure performed by general surgeons in the United States, with approximately 600,000 procedures performed annually. As the cost of care rises, there is increasing emphasis on utilization and quality. Our objective was to evaluate the cost of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our health system and to compare the operative times and outcomes at high- and low-cost centers. We evaluated all laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed in our system over a 1-year period. The operating room supply costs and procedure durations were obtained for each of the hospitals. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program outcomes and demographics were compared to the costs for each hospital. During the study period, 7601 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed at 20 hospitals (170–759/hospital) by 227 surgeons. The average cost per case ranged from $296 at the lowest cost center to $658 at the highest cost center. The average operative time varied between sites from 46 to 95 min. There was no association between cost and operative time or case volume. There was a slight trend toward increased cost with higher number of emergency procedures, but this was not well correlated (R2 = 0.03). The patient demographics and comorbidities were similar between sites. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between high- and low-cost centers. The items with the greatest increase in cost were disposable trocars, disposable hook cautery, disposable endoscissors, and disposable clip appliers. We estimate that a savings of over $300/case is possible by using reusable instruments, which would result in an annual savings of $1.3 million for our health system, and $285 million nationwide. Performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with reusable instruments can significantly decrease costs and does not increase operative time or postoperative complications.
Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis: Analysis of twenty cases at a single institution.

Abstract Objectives Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare cause of neonatal respiratory distress that is difficult to treat. The primary objective of this study was to identify factors that predict the need for initial and revision surgery for CNAPS. The secondary objective is to identify risk factors in maternal history associated with the development of CNPAS. Methods Infants with CNPAS between 2010 and 2017 were identified by ICD- 9 and 10 codes. Demographics, maternal history, anatomic features on imaging and medical and/or surgical management were reviewed. Frequencies, means and standard deviations were calculated. A p-value Results Twenty infants were included. All underwent flexible nasal endoscopy with inability to pass the scope in either nostril in 65% of infants. Nineteen had a CT scan and 13 had a MRI with midline defects in 76.3% and 53.8%, respectively. Solitary central mega-incisor was present in 65%. Half underwent surgical intervention at a mean age of 74.8 days, with 90% requiring revision surgery. There was no difference in pyriform aperture distance in the surgical and non-surgical patient subgroups (5.4 mm and 5.2 mm, p = .6 respectively). No specific variables were predictive of need for initial or revision surgery. Maternal diabetes mellitus (MDM) was found in 55% of mothers of infants with CNPAS. Conclusion Pyriform aperture distance was not a predictor of surgical intervention. MRI should be considered in all infants with CNPAS as the rate of intracranial complications is high. MDM may be a risk factor for CNPAS.
A novel group of secretory cells regulates development of the immature intestinal stem cell niche through repression of the main signaling pathways driving proliferation

The intestinal epithelium has constant turnover throughout the life of the organ, with apoptosis of cells at the tips of folds or villi releasing cells into the lumen. Due to constant turnover, epithelial cells need to be constantly replaced. Epithelial cells are supplied by stem cell niches that form at the base of the interfold space (zebrafish) and crypts (birds and mammals). Within the adult stem cell niche of mammals, secretory cells such as Paneth and goblet cells play a role in modulation of proliferation and stem cell activity, producing asymmetric divisions. Progeny of asymmetric divisions move up the fold or villi, giving rise to all of the epithelial cell types. Although much is known about function and organization of the adult intestinal stem cell niche, less is understood about regulation within the immature stem cell compartment. Following smooth muscle formation, the intestinal epithelium folds and proliferation becomes restricted to the interfold base. Symmetric divisions continue in the developing interfold niche until stem cell progeny begin asymmetric divisions, producing progeny that migrate up the developing folds. Proliferative progeny from the developing stem cell niche begin migrating out of the niche during the third week post-embryogenesis (zebrafish) or during the postnatal period (mammals). Regulation and organization of epithelial proliferation in the immature stem cell niche may be regulated by signals comparable to the adult niche. Here we identify a novel subset of secretory cells associated with the developing stem cell niche that receive Notch signaling (referred to as NRSCs). Inhibition of the embryonic NRSCs between 74 hpf to 120 hpf increases epithelial proliferation as well as EGF and IGF signaling. Inhibition of post-embryonic NRSCs (6 hpf to 12 dpf) also increases epithelial proliferation and expression level of Wnt target genes. We conclude that NRSCs play a role in modulation of epithelial proliferation through repression of signaling pathways that drive proliferation during both embryogenesis and the post embryonic period.
On Observability and Stability of Moving-Horizon Estimation in a Distributional Framework

In this work, we propose a unifying framework in the space of probability measures for gradient-based and sampling-based moving-horizon estimation methods. We begin with an investigation of the classical notion of strong local observability of nonlinear systems and its relationship to optimization-based state estimation. We then present a general moving-horizon estimation framework for strongly locally observable systems, as an iterative minimization scheme in the space of probability measures. This framework allows for the minimization of the estimation cost with respect to different metrics and divergences. In particular, we consider two variants, which we name W 2 -MHE and KL-MHE, where the minimization scheme uses the 2- Wasserstein distance and the KL-divergence respectively. The W 2 -MHE yields a gradient-based estimator whereas the KL-MHE yields a particle filter, for which we investigate asymptotic stability and robustness properties. Stability results for these moving-horizon estimators are derived in the distributional setting, against the backdrop of the classical notion of strong local observability which, to the best of our knowledge, differentiates it from other previous works. We also present results from numerical simulations to demonstrate the performance of these estimators.
Robust Reachable Set: Accounting for Uncertainties in Linear Dynamical Systems

Reachable set computation is one of the primary techniques for safety verification of linear dynamical systems. In reality the underlying dynamics have uncertainties like parameter variations or modeling uncertainties. Therefore, the reachable set computation must consider the uncertainties in the dynamics to be useful i.e. the computed reachable set should be over or under approximation if not exact. This paper presents a technique to compute reachable set of linear dynamical systems with uncertainties. First, we introduce a construct called support of a matrix. Using this construct, we present a set of sufficient conditions for which reachable set for uncertain linear system can be computed efficiently; and safety verification can be performed using bi-linear programming. Finally, given a linear dynamical system, we compute robust reachable set, which accounts for all possible uncertainties that can be handled by the sufficient conditions presented. Experimental evaluation on benchmarks reveal that our algorithm is computationally very efficient.
Was Quetelet’s Average Man Normal?

Quetelet’s data on Scottish chest girths are analyzed with eight normality tests. In contrast to Quetelet’s conclusion that the data are fit well by what is now known as the normal distribution, si...
8 – Consumer Demand

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses separable preferences and income and substitution effects in consumer demand. When preferences are represented by additive utility, the theory thereby obtained is a good introduction to the general case. Because changes in income leave the first-order equalities unchanged, all derivatives are nonincreasing in increasing quantity. In the case of income and substitution effects, laws of consumer demand are presented in a framework of preference maximization, without reference to utility. The substitution effect is simply the inverse of the matrix of second-order conditions in cost. The matrix is negative quasi-definite by virtue of the cost-minimization conditions. The substitution effect is divided into terms that include a substitution term directly determined by the dependency on various goods of the marginal rate to substitution and into a term dependent on relatively complicated indirect effects.
Comparison of Survival After Transoral Robotic Surgery vs Nonrobotic Surgery in Patients With Early-Stage Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Importance Transoral robotic surgery has been widely adopted since approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in December 2009, despite limited comparative data. Objective To compare the long-term outcomes of transoral robotic surgery with those of nonrobotic surgery for patients with early-stage oropharyngeal cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort comparative effectiveness analysis was performed of patients in the National Cancer Database with clinical T1 and T2 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015, who underwent definitive robotic and nonrobotic surgery. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and propensity score matching were performed in patients with known human papillomavirus status to adjust for patient- and disease-related covariates. Survival after robotic and nonrobotic surgery was also compared in 3 unrelated cancers: prostate, endometrial, and cervical cancer. Statistical analysis was performed from April 10, 2019, to May 21, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall survival. Results Of 9745 patients (7652 men [78.5%]; mean [SD] age, 58.8 [9.6] years) who met inclusion criteria, 2694 (27.6%) underwent transoral robotic surgery. There was a significant increase in the use of robotic surgery from 18.3% (240 of 1309) to 35.5% (654 of 1841) of all surgical procedures for T1 and T2 oropharyngeal cancers from 2010 to 2015 (P = .003). Robotic surgery was associated with lower rates of positive surgical margins (12.5% [218 of 1746] vs 20.3% [471 of 2325];P Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests that transoral robotic surgery was associated with improved surgical outcomes and survival compared with nonrobotic surgery in patients with early-stage oropharyngeal cancer. Evaluation in comparative randomized trials is warranted.
Case 35-2020: A 59-Year-Old Woman with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Obtundation.

A Woman with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Obtundation A 59-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes and a 2-year history of cognitive decline presented with obtundation. There was diffuse, symmetric hyp...
The Value of Handwritten Notes: A Failure to Find State-Dependent Effects When Using a Laptop to Take Notes and Complete a Quiz:

Background:Many students use laptops in the classroom to take notes; however, even when laptops are used for the sole purpose of taking notes they can negatively impact academic performance.Objecti...
Pruritus assessment tools for 6 to 7‐year‐old children: KidsItchyQoL and ItchyQuant

Background/objectives Measures of pruritus severity and quality of life (QoL) are necessary for the development of therapeutics for children with chronic pruritus. In children, questionnaires need to be developed for specific age groups given the differences in cognitive levels. In this study, we aimed to develop tools to assess QoL and pruritus severity in children 6 to 7-years-old with chronic pruritus. Methods Based on open interviews with children, we developed a cartoon-annotated QoL instrument, KidsItchyQoL, and validated an existing pruritus severity instrument, ItchyQuant, that measures pruritus impact and severity for the preceding week. Both instruments were administered to 100 children aged 6-7 years with chronic pruritus. The data were analyzed for reliability, reproducibility, construct validity, and responsiveness. Results We found the 14-item KidsItchyQoL to be reliable (Cronbach's α = 0.846) and reproducible (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.66) as was the ItchyQuant (ICC = 0.47). With respect to construct validity, examination of eigenvalues of the inter-item polychoric correlation matrix suggested three dominant factors. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis suggested that a 3-dimensional simple structure model with correlated factors provided a reasonable data representation. The responsiveness of KidsItchyQoL and ItchyQuant (P = .005, GLM procedure) were demonstrated with scores changing as expected with the self-reported change of itch severity. Conclusions These results demonstrate promise for a new set of reliable research tools to assess QoL and pruritus severity in children 6 to 7 years of age.
Using Critical Analysis of Scientific Literature to Maintain an Interactive Learning Environment for In-Person and Online Course Modalities

Every instructor has concerns about effectively balancing the amount of course content with experiences to enhance a student's skills for professional success The COVID-19 pandemic made this process even more challenging by requiring many instructors to shift rapidly from in-person to online instruction while maintaining academic integrity The objective of this course on tissue engineering, a multidisciplinary field that aims to repair and/or replace body damage, was to increase undergraduate students' ability to read primary scientific literature and use critical analysis to creatively solve problems Every week, a lecture covered the necessary background information to identify the current research questions and prepare students for reading the assigned research article Students completed an analysis worksheet prior to the subsequent class, and a summary presentation followed by a student-led critical analysis discussion occurred in class Small student groups completed an in-class thought exercise that designed several experiments that built on the article's data The modular course design enabled a quick and successful transition to an online asynchronous modality in less than two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic A recorded weekly lecture was posted online by the instructor, and students completed the analysis worksheet, watched a student-recorded summary presentation, and posted to a discussion board The experimental design worksheet became an individual assignment to provide more flexibility Pretransition and posttransition assessment showed no significant differences and provided positive proof of concept evidence This process can be adapted to a number of topic-themed scientific courses that use in-person, online, or hybrid modalities