cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of skid trails and haul roads on understory plant richness and composition in managed forest landscapes in Upper Michigan, USA

Abstract We evaluated impacts of disturbance in interior haul roads and skid trails on understory vegetation by documenting the areal extent of these features and plant composition along 10 m ×100 m belt transects. Ten belt transects were sampled in each of three comparable northern hardwood forests under even-aged management. These forests were approximately 80 years old and were last entered for thinning 4–6 years prior to sampling. Soil compaction, canopy cover, and the richness and composition of trees, shrubs, and herbs were quantified within each feature (i.e. haul roads, skid trails, and forest without soil disturbance) encountered along transects. These variables were also quantified in unmanaged northern hardwood stands of comparable age. Differences in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and soil moisture between haul roads and adjacent patches of forest were measured along line transects placed across haul roads, perpendicular to their main axis. On average, haul roads and skid trails comprised 1 and 16% of total managed stand area, respectively. Compaction, PAR, and soil moisture were highest in haul roads. Understory plant richness was significantly greater in haul roads than in skid trails and forest, and resulted from significantly greater percentages of introduced species (13%) and wetland species that were native to the area, but not normally abundant in northern hardwood stands (23%). Skid trails had a greater percentage of wetland species (9%) than in forest, but differences in richness between skid trails and forest were not statistically significant. Up to the present time, the impact of haul roads on understory vegetation has received far less attention than impacts on soil properties and water quality. Although haul roads comprise a relatively small proportion of total stand area, they serve as primary conduits for the dispersal of introduced species into the interior of managed stands and contribute to significant shifts in plant richness and composition at the stand level.
Ties that Bind: Three Studies of Obligation in Adult Relationships with Family

This article reports three exploratory studies that describe aspects of obligation in ongoing relationships with family. Using independent samples of young married couples and single, college-age adults, five dimensions of felt obligation were identified as expectations for appropriate behavior about: (1) family contact and participation in family ritual; (2) assistance; (3) conflict avoidance; (4) self-sufficiency; and (5) personal sharing in specific relationships with kin. Initial evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was established for the felt obligation measure. Gender differences in felt obligation dimensions were found across studies with women generally reporting higher levels of obligation than did men. Felt obligation differed as a function of kinrole relationship (i.e. parents and in-laws, mother, father) across the three studies. Among married couples, felt obligation towards parents was related to higher levels of psychological symptomatology, depression and neuroticism for men b...
Redwood of the reef: growth and age of the giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta in the Florida Keys

The growth of animals in most taxa has long been well described, but the phylum Porifera has remained a notable exception. The giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta dominates Caribbean coral reef communities, where it is an important spatial competitor, increases habitat complexity, and filters seawater. It has been called the 'redwood of the reef' because of its size (often(1 m height and diameter) and presumed long life, but very little is known about its demography. Since 1997, we have estab- lished and monitored 12 permanent 16 m diameter circular transects on the reef slope off Key Largo, Florida, to study this important species. Over a 4.5-year interval, we mea- sured the volume of 104 tagged sponges using digital images to determine growth rates of X. muta. Five models were fit to the cubed root of initial and final volume esti- mates to determine which best described growth. Additional measurements of 33 sponges were taken over 6-month intervals to examine the relationship between the spongocoel, or inner-osculum space, and sponge size, and to examine short-term growth dynamics. Sponge volumes ranged from 24.05 to 80,281.67 cm 3 . Growth was variable, and specific growth rates decreased with increasing sponge size. The mean specific growth rate was 0.52 ± 0.65 year -1 , but sponges grew as fast or slow as 404 or 2% year -1 . Negative growth rates occurred over short temporal scales and growth varied seasonally, significantly faster during the summer. No differences in specific growth rate were found between transects at three different depths (15, 20, 30 m) or at two different reef sites. Spongocoel volume was positively allometric with increasing sponge size and scaling between the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the sponge indicated that morphology changes from a frustum of a cone to cylindrical as volume increases. Growth of X. muta was best described by the general von Bertalanffy and Tanaka growth curves. The largest sponge within our transects (1.23 9 0.98 m height 9 diameter) was estimated to be 127 years old. Although age extra- polations for very large sponges are subject to more error, the largest sponges on Caribbean reefs may be in excess of 2,300 years, placing X. muta among the longest-lived animals on earth.
Presymptomatic diagnosis of adult onset polycystic kidney disease by ultrasonography

Results of an ongoing prospective study of progeny of patients with adult-onset polycystic kidney disease using grey-scale ultrasound and high-dose nephrotomography are reported. Six asymptomatic subjects out of 17 at risk for polycystic kidney disease were found by ultrasonography to have multiple renal cysts; this included two unrelated children aged 18 months and 6 y who had normal high-dose nephrotomography. We suggest that ultrasonography may be the method of choice for presymptomatic detection of polycystic kidney disease. Serial studies of at-risk individuals by sonography will be useful in determining the earliest age of detection, the latest age of ultrasonography presentation, and in following the natural history of polycystic kidney disease.
Pulsed photothermal spectroscopy with near-field detection

The author investigated the conditions under which pulsed photothermal spectroscopy may be practised using near-field detection of deformation or temperature. It is shown that there are several ways to do this, with accessible ranges of absorption coefficient differing somewhat. As with previous photoacoustic/photothermal spectroscopies, spectroscopic information may be obtained from 'difficult' samples (opaque, for example). The results also show the advantage of using thin samples for deformation measurements, as relatively large signals are obtained, and saturation is pushed to higher values of the absorption coefficient. Finally, it is noted the techniques described can be utilized in a vacuum environment, in contrast to those requiring a fluid in contact with the sample surface. >
The relationship of theory of mind and executive functions to symptom type and severity in children with autism

Although neurocognitive impairments in theory of mind and in executive functions have both been hypothesized to play a causal role in autism, there has been little research investigating the explanatory power of these impairments with regard to autistic symptomatology. The present study examined the degree to which individual differences in theory of mind and executive functions could explain variations in the severity of autism symptoms. Participants included 31 verbal, school-aged children with autism who were administered a battery of tests assessing the understanding of mental states (knowledge and false belief) and executive control skills (working memory, combined working memory and inhibitory control, and planning) and who were behaviorally evaluated for autism severity in the three core symptom domains. Whereas theory of mind and executive control abilities explained the significant variance beyond that accounted for by language level in communication symptoms, neither explained the significant variance in reciprocal social interaction or repetitive behaviors symptoms. These findings are discussed in terms of a proposed distinction between higher level, cognitive-linguistic aspects of theory of mind and related executive control skills, and more fundamental social-perceptual processes involved in the apprehension of mental state information conveyed through eyes, faces, and voices, which may be more closely linked to autistic deficits in social reciprocity.
Embryo coculture: A review

Since the inception of in-vitro fertilization, various attempts have been made to improve in-vitro embryo development, therebyenhancing implantation and in turn, pregnancy rates. Coculture, the simultaneous culture of somatic cells together with theembryo, is one strategy that has been used to achieve this goal. We review the rationale behind the technique of coculture, currentmethods utilized, and the evidence supporting its use.
The distribution of histochemically demonstrable glycogen in human blood and bone marrow cells.

By applying Schiff’s reagent after periodic acid treatment to blood and bone marrow films, a cytoplasmic staining reaction is seen in some cells of the myeloid series, as well as in megakaryocytes and platelets. The intensity of the staining reaction in the myeloid cells increases with their maturation. The staining reaction can be prevented altogether in alcohol-fixed films by salivary digestion, but only incompletely in air-dried films. The staining reaction is due to the presence of glycogen in some chemical association, possibly with protein.
The Effect of a Comb on the Longevity of Caged Adult Honey Bees

Groups of caged honey bees, Apis mellifera , L., supplied with a section of comb, survived between 4 and 12 days longer than groups of bees not supplied with a comb.
Probability-Based Genetic Algorithm for Composite Laminate Optimization

INTRODUCTION In the past few years, there has been some interest in genetic algorithms that use statistical analysis of the population of designs to create a probability distribution of the optimum alleles for each gene. This probability distribution can then be used to create new designs instead of using crossover operators. The approach is sometimes called Bayesian Optimization Algorithms (BOA), because the probabilities can be updated from one generation to the next using Bayesian probability update rules. If standard genetic algorithms may be viewed as imitating directed breeding of animals or plants, BOA algorithms may be likened to genetic engineering, where good genes are identified by statistical means and inserted directly into the genome.
Ir Laser Assisted Grading Of Mocvd GaAsp

We hypothesize that a primary growth mechanism for the MOCVD growth of GaAsP is a series of surface catalyzed methane elimination reactions, and that they can be affected either thermally or photochemically by the absorption of light from a CO2 TEA laser tuned to an absorption maxima. Our preliminary results show that the laser dramatically alters the morphology and supresses the phosphorus incorporation rate when the laser is tuned to an absorption maxima for the AsH3. We interpret these results to indicate that, for the conditions used, the the primary effect of the laser is photochemical, and that the phosphorus incorporation can be increased by exciting PH3 instead of AsH3. Once the growth mechanisms are better understood and the growth conditions are optimized GaAs1−xPx/GaAs1−yPy superlattices with atomically abrupt junctions should be able to be grown simply by turning the laser on and off.
Ballet Music:: An Essay and Bibliography (Music Mini-Perspectives; no. 2)

A short social history of ballet music is presented, with the view that music for the choreographic muse has gone from a relatively low social status to a much higher status in about a century and a half. A selected, annotated bibliography on ballet music is also given.
BREEDING STRUCTURE OF A YUCCA FILAMENTOSA (AGAVACEAE) POPULATION

Yucca filamentosa and its species-specific pollinator, the yucca moth, Tegeticula yuccasella (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae), form a relationship that is often cited as a classic example of a coevolved plant-pollinator mutualism. Observations of the moth's behavior have led to predictions that moth dispersal is relatively limited and that, as a consequence, the self-compatible Y. filamentosa should experience relatively high rates of self-fertilization. In contrast, analyses of its mating system indicated that Y. filamentosa was predominantly outcrossed. To better understand effective breeding patterns in Y. filamentosa populations, 10 polymorphic allozyme loci were investigated to analyze the breeding structure of a natural Y. filamentosa population. Analyses revealed that Y. filamentosa is predominantly outcrossed, has multiply sired fruits, and that each fruit was sired by a different set of pollen donors. The effective number of pollen donors per fruit ranged from 1.56 to 3.13, indicating that some correlated mating exists within fruits. Paternity analyses revealed that pollen moved from 6 m to 293 m (mean = 118 m) within the study population and that a minimum of 10% of the progeny were sired by pollen originating outside of the population. These results are discussed in the context of the yucca-yucca moth mutualism.
Study of Clinical Strategy of Minimally Invasive Treatment for Breast Abscess in Lactating

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of minimally invasive treatment for breast abscess in lactating and discuss the treatment strategies during the operation.Methods The data of 126 patients undergoing minimally invasive treatment for breast abscess in lactating during the period December 2002 to January 2010 in Chaozhou Women's children's Hospital reviewed.Results Minimally invasive treatment for breast abscess was successfully perform in 119 cases,The cure rate was 94.4%.7 patients received mastostomy instead of minimally invasive treatment.Conclusions Clinical strategy of minimally invasive treatment for breast abscess in lactating is an effective,safe and minimally invasive surgical technique.To clinical treatment strategies:as areola area and a big choice of abscess after weaning.Therefore,clinical strategy of minimally invasive treatment for breast abscess in lactating can achieve similar or better consequence than traditional surgery.
Looking for the unusual: how older adults utilize self-tracking techniques for health management

Self-tracking applications for health management have become popular both in industry and in academia. Half of older adults in the U.S. track health indicators, but they rarely use technology for that purpose. We conduct a qualitative study to investigate older adults' self-tracking practices in order to understand their needs as potential users of self-tracking technology. Our data indicates that monitoring the onset of abnormal changes in health is a primary reason for tracking for this population. This finding suggests that self-tracking technology that targets elderly users must assist them to identify changes in health condition.
Intolerance of uncertainty and post-traumatic stress symptoms: An investigation within a treatment seeking trauma-exposed sample.

Abstract Background Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) has been associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the literature. However, no research to date has investigated the relationship between IU and PTSS within a clinical trauma-exposed sample, which is an important next step in the literature and crucial for the generalizability of these findings. Therefore, the current study hypothesized that IU would be related to increased PTSS within a clinical sample of trauma-exposed individuals. Further, we hypothesized that IU would be related to elevated PTSS after accounting for anxiety sensitivity (AS) and negative affect (NA), two known correlates of PTSS. Finally, we examined the relations between IU and the PTSS clusters (i.e., avoidance, emotional numbing, hyperarousal, and re-experiencing) while covarying for AS and NA. Methods Participants included community adults (n = 126) presenting at an outpatient clinic. All participants had previously experienced a traumatic event as defined by the DSM-5 PTSD Criterion A. Methods Results revealed that IU was significantly associated with increased PTSS above and beyond AS and NA. Further, results indicated that IU was significantly related to the avoidance, hyperarousal, and emotional numbing PTSS clusters, even after covarying for AS and NA. IU was not significantly associated with the PTSS re-experiencing cluster once AS and NA were taken into account. Conclusions Our results expand upon the extant literature by demonstrating that IU is associated with PTSS above and beyond AS and NA within a clinical trauma-exposed sample. These findings are discussed in terms of promising directions for future research and treatment strategies.
Symmetry systems and compartments in Lepidopteran wings: the evolution of a patterning mechanism

The wing patterns of butterflies are made up of an array of discrete pattern elements. Wing patterns evolve through changes in the size, shape and color of these pattern elements. The pattern elements are arranged in several parallel symmetry systems that develop independently from one another. The wing is further compartmentalized for color pattern formation by the wing veins. Pattern development in these compartments is largely independent from that in adjacent compartments. This two-fold compartmentalization of the color pattern (by symmetry systems and wing veins) has resulted in an extremely flexible developmental system that allows each pattern element to vary and evolve independently, without the burden of correlated evolution in other elements. The lack of developmental constraints on pattern evolution may explain why butterflies have diverged so dramatically in their color patterns, and why accurate mimicry has evolved so frequently. This flexible developmental system appears to have evolved from the convergence of two ancient patterning systems that the butterflies inherited from their ancestors. Mapping of various pattern types onto a phylogeny of the Lepidoptera indicates that symmetry systems evolved in several steps from simple spotting patterns. Initially all such patterns were developmentally identical but each became individuated in the immediate ancestors of the butterflies. Compartmentalization by wing veins is found in all Lepidoptera and their sister group the Trichoptera, but affects primarily the ripple patterns that form the background upon which spotting patterns and symmetry systems develop. These background pattern are determined earlier in ontogeny than are the symmetry systems, and the compartmentalization mechanism is presumably no longer active when the latter develop. It appears that both individuation of symmetry systems and compartmentalization by the wing veins began at or near the wing margin. Only the butterflies and their immediate ancestors evolved a pattern formation mechanism that combines the development of a regular array of well-differentiated symmetry systems with the mechanism that compartmentalizes the wing with respect to color pattern formation. The result was an uncoupling of symmetry system development in each wing cell. This, together with the individuation of symmetry systems, yielded an essentially mosaic developmental system of unprecedented permutational flexibility that enabled the great radiation of butterfly wing patterns.
Solvent extraction of copper ions by 3-substituted derivatives of β-diketones

ABSTRACTTwo derivatives of acetylacetone (acac, 1), namely 3-butyl-acac (2) and 3-allyl-acac (3), were synthesized. A liquid–liquid partition and spectrophotometric methods were used to examine the process of complexes formation of all ligands with Cu(II) ions. It has been shown that 2 and 3 were forming two very stable complexes of ML and ML2 type. The absorption spectra proved that the extraction of copper was simplified because flat-square complexes were formed. The high values of partition ratios of two types of complexes confirm this fact. The rate of extraction of Cu(II) complexes decreases in the order 3 > 2 > 1.
The effect of local supply chain on regional economic impacts of mining

Abstract This paper presents an approach, based on input-output analysis, for identifying critical commodities in a supply chain to guide a local procurement supply chain management strategy aimed at creating shared value and more sustainable outcomes. The Missouri stone mining and quarrying industry is used to illustrate the approach. The work shows that the approach can be used to produce a ranked list of critical commodities, which can then be used to guide decisions to build local capacity to create shared value. For the Missouri stone mining and quarrying industry, there are 89 backward commodities. The proposed method predicts potential change in local supply of $1 million or more for each of 18 of these commodities. In particular, enhanced local procurement of tires; securities, commodity contracts, investments, and related services; and transportation have the highest potential impacts on the Missouri economy. There are 30 commodities which cannot be used to target shared value creation through improved local procurement because there are negligible imports into the Missouri stone mining and quarrying sector or exports out of Missouri.
Adaptive neural-fuzzy inference system to control dynamical systems with fractional order dampers

In this paper, an adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-based control technique is proposed to stabilize dynamical systems with fractional order dampers. For this purpose, a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) is first designed for the analogous linearized integer order systems where the fractional damper is replaced by the combination of an integer spring and an integer damper. Next, the ANFIS-based controller is trained based on the responses of the closed-loop LQR-controlled system under different scenarios such as several initial conditions and/or inputs. Since the number of fuzzy rules increases exponentially by increasing the number of inputs, a fusion function proposed in the literature is used to reduce the number of inputs in the ANFIS-based controller. Hence the number of fuzzy rules is reduced as well. The result of this training is a trained ANFIS-LQR controller that can be used for stabilizing the fractional-order models with fractional order dampers. As an illustrative example, the proposed technique is employed to stabilize an under-actuated double inverted pendulum on the cart with fractional order dampers.
Constraints on rapidity-dependent initial conditions from charged particle pseudorapidity densities and correlations at the LHC

Abstract The initial three-dimensional entropy distribution of the quark-gluon plasma produced in relativistic heavy-ion collision is systematically studied using parametric initial conditions. We apply a cumulant generating function approach to parametrize the rapidity dependence of local entropy deposition and extend the boost-invariant initial condition model T R ENTo to include longitudinal structure. Two different parametrizations are tested and their parameters optimized by comparing to centrality dependent charged particle pseudorapidity densities of p+Pb (5.02A TeV) and Pb+Pb (2.76A TeV) using Bayesian inference. Successful parametrizations are then selected based on their ability to describe two-particle psuedorapidity correlations. Finally, we predict the pseudorapidity dependent flows and event-plane decorrelations using the optimized initial conditions and a 3+1D hybrid hydro+micro model.
Cost Savings of Standardization of Thoracic Surgical Instruments: The Process of Lean

Background Our objective is to show the effect that standardization of surgical trays has on the number of instruments sterilized and on cost. Methods We reviewed our most commonly used surgical trays with the 3 general thoracic surgeons in our division and agreed upon the least number of surgical instruments needed for mediastinoscopy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, robotic thoracic surgery, and thoracotomy. Results We removed 59 of 79 instruments (75%) from the mediastinoscopy tray, 45 of 73 (62%) from the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery tray, 51 of 84 (61%) from the robotic tray, and 50 of 113 (44%) from the thoracotomy tray. From January 2016 to December 2016, the estimated savings by procedure were video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (n = 398) $21,890, robotic tray (n = 231) $19,400, thoracotomy (n = 163) $15,648, and mediastinoscopy (n = 162) $12,474. Estimated total savings were $69,412. The weight of the trays was reduced 70%, and the nonsteamed sterilization rate (opened trays that needed to be reprocessed) decreased from 2% to 0%. None of the surgeons requested any of the removed instruments. Conclusions Standardization of thoracic surgical trays is possible despite having multiple thoracic surgeons. This process of lean (the removal of nonvalue steps or equipment) reduces the number of instruments cleaned and carried and reduces cost. It may also reduce the incidence of "wet loads" that require the resterilization of instruments.
Change in liver function as measured by change of Child Pugh Score to predict survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during the treatment course.

310Background: HCC is the sixth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Most HCCs develop in severely damaged liver. Methods: The effect of multiple treat...
Introduction: Between Weather and the Void— Welcome to Night Vale

In this introduction to the volume, editor Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock first offers an overview of the podcast’s history and considers reference points and sources of inspiration for the program, before focusing attention on the program’s juxtaposition of ordinary and strange, and the roles of voice and sound on the program. Attention is paid to how the program creates a sense of intimacy between announcer Cecil Baldwin and the listener, as well as to how the program subverts expectations. Night Vale’s humor and absurdity are also explored, as are the program’s politics and values, including its anti-corporatism and emphasis on inclusivity.
Distinct Binding of Rhenium Catalysts on Nanostructured and Single-Crystalline TiO2 Surfaces Revealed by Two-Dimensional Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy

High surface area TiO2 electrodes are extensively used in photocatalytic solar cells. However, it remains controversial how molecular catalysts interact with the TiO2 surfaces and how the electrodes affect the functionality of catalytic adsorbates. Here, we examine the CO2 reduction catalyst ReI(dcbpy)(CO)3Cl (dcbpy = 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine) on TiO2 by probing spectroscopically isolated carbonyl modes that are highly sensitive to the complex electronic structure and solvation environment. Combining interferometric two-dimensional sum frequency generation spectroscopy and ab initio simulations of the spectra, we find distinct spectroscopic and dynamical properties of catalysts bound to single crystals and nanocrystalline surfaces. Different cross-peak patterns resulting from interferences between elements of the fourth-order susceptibility, along with different vibrational relaxation dynamics, reveal distinct vibrational relaxation pathways of the catalysts on different TiO2 surfaces that could be ...
Dynamic Setpoint Control of Electric Hot Water Heater Tanks for Increased Integration of Solar Photovoltaic Systems

The integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems onto the existing grid provides a clean source of electrical power. However, PV systems can only produce power during the day and it is often intermittent. Utility companies must implement mitigation strategies that account for large ramp rates and high variability. The strategies include energy storage and the control of dispatchable resources that can react quickly to abrupt changes in demand and generation. The charging of electric water heater tanks can be controlled dynamically to help the grid match PV generation more closely. This paper reports on a simulation effort that evaluated this potential. The experiment implemented a dynamic setpoint controller that synchronized the charging of the electric water heater (EWH) tanks with the sun and used the storage to bridge periods when no solar PV was available. The simulation results were coupled with data from an actual feeder that supported 2,900 residential homes and had a 6 megawatt PV system. The approach successfully synchronized the EWH with the PV and on average maintained a comfortable temperature for the occupants.
Cinnamaldehyde in flavored e-cigarette liquids temporarily suppresses bronchial epithelial cell ciliary motility by dysregulation of mitochondrial function.

Aldehydes in cigarette smoke (CS) impair mitochondrial function and reduce ciliary beat frequency (CBF), leading to diminished mucociliary clearance (MCC). However, the effects of aldehyde e-cigare...
Building the Evidence Base to Inform Planned Intervention Adaptations by Practitioners Serving Health Disparity Populations

Many evidence-based interventions (EBIs) have been developed to prevent or treat major health conditions. However, many EBIs have exhibited limited adoption, reach, and sustainability when implemented in diverse community settings. This limitation is especially pronounced in low-resource settings that serve health disparity populations. Often, practitioners identify problems with existing EBIs originally developed and tested with populations different from their target population and introduce needed adaptations to make the intervention more suitable. Although some EBIs have been extensively adapted for diverse populations and evaluated, most local adaptations to improve fit for health disparity populations are not well documented or evaluated. As a result, empirical evidence is often lacking regarding the potential effectiveness of specific adaptations practitioners may be considering. We advocate an expansion in the emphasis of adaptation research from researcher-led interventions to research that informs practitioner-led adaptations. By presenting a research vision and strategies needed to build this area of science, we aim to inform research that facilitates successful adaptation and equitable implementation and delivery of EBIs that reduce health disparities.
Neutralization, Moral Disengagement, and Delinquency in Adolescence: Testing the Reciprocal Effects of Proactive Criminal Thinking and Guilt on Future Offending

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the direction of the relationship between proactive criminal thinking (PCT) and guilt in models of delinquency development. Toward this end, PCT...
Abstract 014: Race and Sex-Based Disparities Associated With Carotid Endarterectomy in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Introduction: The indications and risks associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) are well established. We sought to investigate sex and race-based disparities in the incidence of CEA after adju...
Civilising Globalisation: Human Rights and the Global Economy

David is currently work on a number of interrelated projects comprising principally, a study of the interrelations between the trade, the WTO and human rights, corporations and human rights, and a study of the human rights law dimensions of the World.
CyberKnife Robotic Stereotactic Radiosurgery

The CyberKnife, developed by John Adler, a neurosurgeon at Stanford, treated its first patient in 1994. This pioneering system was the first dedicated stereotactic radiosurgery device that did not require an invasive stereotactic frame, allowing investigation of stereotactic principles in extracranial sites. The CyberKnife led to early studies of stereotactic radiotherapy for the lung, pancreas, spine, prostate, and other sites in the body. We review the early history of the development of the CyberKnife, describe the components of the system that allow for stereotactic accuracy, highlight how advances in the technology over the years have contributed to clinical outcomes, and look to where the CyberKnife, and the field of radiosurgery, may be headed in the future.
Recognition of the β-lactam carboxylate triggers acylation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae penicillin-binding protein 2.

Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) has become a major threat to human health. The primary mechanism by which N. gonorrhoeae becomes resistant to ESCs is by acquiring a mosaic penA allele, encoding penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2) variants containing up to 62 mutations compared with WT, of which a subset contribute to resistance. To interpret molecular mechanisms underpinning cephalosporin resistance, it is necessary to know how PBP2 is acylated by ESCs. Here, we report the crystal structures of the transpeptidase domain of WT PBP2 in complex with cefixime and ceftriaxone, along with structures of PBP2 in the apo form and with a phosphate ion bound in the active site at resolutions of 1–7-1.9 Å. These structures reveal that acylation of PBP2 by ESCs is accompanied by rotation of the Thr-498 side chain in the KTG motif to contact the cephalosporin carboxylate, twisting of the β3 strand to form the oxyanion hole, and rolling of the β3–β4 loop toward the active site. Recognition of the cephalosporin carboxylate appears to be the key trigger for formation of an acylation-competent state of PBP2. The structures also begin to explain the impact of mutations implicated in ESC resistance. In particular, a G545S mutation may hinder twisting of β3 because its side chain hydroxyl forms a hydrogen bond with Thr-498. Overall, our data suggest that acylation is initiated by conformational changes elicited or trapped by binding of ESCs and that these movements are restricted by mutations associated with resistance against ESCs.
Little, Clarence Cook

Clarence Cook Little (1888–1971) made major contributions to the history of genetics and medicine through his work with inbred mice. He founded the Jackson Laboratory as a mammalian genetics research institute, and from 1929 to 1956, he built it into a major center of inbred mouse research, education, and supply. Little remains a controversial figure whose activities link the history of medicine, genetics, and higher education.
SPT-3G Computing

SPT-3G, the third generation camera on the South Pole Telescope (SPT), was deployed in the 2016-2017 Austral summer season. The SPT is a 10-meter telescope located at the geographic South Pole and designed for observations in the millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The SPT is primarily used to study the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The upgraded camera produces an order of magnitude more data than the previous generations of SPT cameras. The telescope is expected to collect a petabyte (PB) of data over course of five years, which is a significantly larger data volume than any other CMB telescope in operation. The increase in data rate required radical changes to the SPT computing model both at the South Pole and University of Chicago. This paper will describe the overall integration of distributed storage and compute resources into a common interface, deployment of on-site data reduction and storage infrastructure, and the usage of the Open Science Grid (OSG) by the SPT collaboration.
Recombinant Adenovirus Vectors as Mucosal Vaccines

Abstract Mucosal vaccines, unlike systemic vaccines, are best suited to induce immune responses at mucosal surfaces, the most common portal of pathogen entry. Vaccines based on replication-competent or replication-defective adenoviruses derived from multiple serotypes and designed to express antigens from other pathogens are well tolerated in humans. Upon systemic application, they induce potent and sustained T and B cell responses to the transgene product. Adenoviruses naturally infect through mucosal surfaces, and adenovirus-based vaccine vectors should thus be suitable for mucosal vaccination. This review gives an overview of adenoviruses and adenovirus vectors and discusses the use of adenovirus vectors for mucosal immunization, addressing available results, feasibility, and potential advantages as well as disadvantages.
Survivors' perceptions of support following a parent's suicide.

Children who experience a parent’s suicide are vulnerable to an increased risk for mental health disorders and suicide attempts. In this study, 17 adults, each a child survivor of their parent’s su...
Measuring grit in veterans with mental illnesses: Examining the model structure of grit.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the model structure, reliability, and validity of the Grit-S for veterans with mental illnesses. Method: A total of 156 veterans with mental illnesses (Mage = 37.85, SD = 10.74) were recruited from Amazon MTurk to complete an online survey consisting of the Short Grit Scale (Grit-S), the Brief Resilience Scale, the PERMA-Profiler, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II. Results: Results revealed that grit is a multidimensional construct in veterans with mental illnesses. The Grit-S was found to have acceptable reliability and concurrent validity. Grit was found to be negatively associated with functional disability in veterans with mental illnesses after controlling for demographic variables. Conclusions and Implications: The Grit-S is a multidimensional, reliable, and valid scale for measuring grit in veterans with mental illnesses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Regulation of apical constriction via microtubule-dependent Fog signaling activity and apical enrichment of apical/junctional proteins during tissue invagination

The formation of an epithelial tube is a fundamental process for organogenesis. During Drosophila embryonic salivary gland (SG) invagination, Folded gastrulation (Fog)-dependent Rho-associated kinase (Rok) promotes contractile apical myosin formation to drive apical constriction. Microtubules (MTs) are also crucial for this process and are required for forming and maintaining apicomedial myosin. However, the underlying mechanism that coordinates actomyosin and MTs networks is still unclear. Here, we show that MT-dependent intracellular trafficking has regulates apical constriction during SG invagination. Key components involved in protein trafficking, such as Rab11 and Nuclear fallout (Nuf), are apically enriched near the SG invagination pit in a MT-dependent manner. Disruption of the MT networks or intracellular trafficking impairs apicomedial myosin formation and apical constriction. We show that MTs and dynein motors regulate Fog signaling activity. We further show that MTs are required for apical enrichment of key apical and junctional proteins in the SG, including the apical determinant protein Crumbs (Crb), the key adherens junction protein E-Cadherin (E-Cad) and the scaffolding protein Bazooka/Par3. Targeted knockdown of these genes in the SG disrupts apical myosin networks and results in apical constriction defects. Our data suggests a role of MT-dependent intracellular trafficking in regulating actomyosin networks and cell junctions, to coordinate cell behaviors during tubular organ formation.
Situated Computations: Bridging Craft and Computation in the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

Hand crafts, and the people who practice them, are typically seen as opposite to digital technologies. This paper challenges this split, and proposes eight principles for developing computational d...
Long-Life, Ultrahigh-Nickel Cathodes with Excellent Air Storage Stability for High-Energy Density Lithium-Based Batteries

With an increased energy density and cost advantage, ultrahigh-nickel layered oxides (LiNixM1 – xO2, x = 0.9–1.0) are becoming a front-runner as cathodes for next-generation lithium-based batteries...
Endothelial p130cas Confers Resistance to Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy

Adaptive resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–targeted therapies occurs frequently among cancer patients. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we established an array of orthotopic mouse models of ovarian cancer with adaptive resistance to anti-VEGF antibodies (AVAs). Genomic profiling showed an important role of endothelial p130cas in AVA resistant tumors. AVA treatment induced internalization of a p130cas/VEGFR2/TNKS1BP1 (a tankyrase-1–binding protein) complex in endothelial cells and initiated cell death and autophagy; knockdown of LC3B or caspase-10 reversed cells’ resistance to AVA treatment. Targeting host p130cas reduced the growth of AVA-resistant orthotopic ovarian tumors. Genomic ablation of vascular p130cas in p130casflox/floxTie2Cre mice significantly prolonged survival of mice carrying syngeneic ovarian tumors with adaptive resistance to AVA therapy. In ovarian cancer patients, higher p130cas expression in tumor-associated vasculature was associated with higher mortality. Collectively, these findings have important implications to guide future therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy.
Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Self- Consolidating Concrete

Abstract This study investigates the fresh and mechanical properties of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) reinforced by synthetic polymer fibers. The influence of hybrid fiber reinforcement on these properties and the effect of fiber manufacturing method are reported. Eight mixtures on which seven are reinforced with a fiber volume fraction of 1% with varied percent of macro and microfibers are investigated. The concrete density, filling ability, passing ability, segregation, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength are recorded. The test results showed that the higher the macro fibers in the mixture, the denser the concrete and the less macro fibers in the hybridization, the higher the slump flow. For mixtures with hybrid fibers, the compressive strength decreases with increasing microfiber percent. The combination of macro and microfibers achieved higher tensile strength than the single fiber mixture. The research also found that when compared with concrete reinforced with monofilament polypropylene fibers, concrete reinforced with a collated fibrillated fiber is less flowable with less passing ability, lower compressive and splitting tensile strength. Multivariable regression was also conducted for all investigated properties to optimize the volume fraction for each fiber type.
Physics Teacher Retention, Migration, and Attrition

The issue of science teacher turnover has been examined in many national studies, yet most educational policies related to teacher preparation and student performance are determined at the state le...
Learning to Become an E-citizen: The European and Italian Policies

It is almost generally acknowledged that the application of ICTs may represent a strong vehicle for social innovation and progress in the hands of governments, of political representatives and of citizens. So, when the focus is on e-Democracy, which nowadays represents one major strategic approach of ICT applications, it must be interpreted and explored in connection with the more general, traditional and philosophical concept of Democracy. In the World Wide Web context the citizen becomes an e-Citizen: this means that citizens must learn how to turn real citizens of an electronic community and how to use the Internet possibilities in order to become aware of what e-Citizenship implies.
Rapid rise of serum prostate specific antigen levels after discontinuation of the herbal therapy PC-SPES in patients with advanced prostate carcinoma: report of four cases.

BACKGROUND PC-SPES is an herbal supplement whose mechanisms of action are poorly understood, but may be estrogenic. The objective of the current report is to describe the effects of discontinuing PC-SPES treatment in four patients with androgen-independent prostate carcinoma. METHODS Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed. A MEDLINE search was performed to investigate whether these effects of PC-SPES had been previously reported. RESULTS Four men whose metastatic prostate carcinoma progressed despite androgen ablation and subsequent PC-SPES treatment are described. All four patients developed a rapid increase in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) within one month of stopping PC-SPES, ranging from 345% to 880%. Two patients increased their PSA levels to 1300% and 1400% after 7 weeks. Compared to the rate of rise of PSA levels prior to and during PC-SPES therapy, the rise after stopping this treatment was much higher than expected. Clinical symptoms remained relatively stable despite the serologic changes. CONCLUSIONS Discontinuing PC-SPES therapy can be associated with a rapid rise in PSA. To the authors' knowledge, this effect has not been reported previously. This effect should be considered in the design of clinical trials as well as in the standard management of androgen-independent prostate carcinoma patients. Cancer 2002;94:686–9. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10269
Drug‐Related Hospital Admissions

To describe the frequency and pattern of drug-related morbidity that results in hospital admission and the extent to which these admissions are avoidable, we prospectively reviewed the charts of 452 consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit or internal medicine service of a university-affiliated, county hospital. Of these, 73 (16.2%) were admitted due to drug-related morbidity. Forty patients (54.8%) experienced drug therapy failure, 24 (32.9%) had an adverse reaction, and 9 (12.3%) had overdoses. Thirty-six (49.3%) of these admissions were definitely avoidable. Compared with patients admitted for other reasons, these patients were more likely to report noncompliance with drug therapy (65.8% vs 15.7%, p < 0.0001) and were taking more drugs (p = 0.0037). We conclude that approximately half of drug-related hospital admissions are avoidable. Targeting patients taking several drugs and with a history of noncompliance may reduce this problem.
The Development of Discontinuous Galerkin Methods

In this paper, we present an overview of the evolution of the discontinuous Galerkin methods since their introduction in 1973 by Reed and Hill, in the framework of neutron transport, until their most recent developments. We show how these methods made their way into the main stream of computational fluid dynamics and how they are quickly finding use in a wide variety of applications. We review the theoretical and algorithmic aspects of these methods as well as their applications to equations including nonlinear conservation laws, the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, and Hamilton-Jacobi-like equations.
The Significance of Cognitive Phenomenology

This is the second in a series of two articles that serve as an introduction to recent debates about cognitive phenomenology. Cognitive phenomenology can be defined as the experience that is associated with cognitive activities, such as thinking, reasoning, and understanding. What is at issue in contemporary debates is not the existence of cognitive phenomenology, so defined, but rather its nature and theoretical role. The first article examines questions about the nature of cognitive phenomenology, while the second article explores the philosophical implications of these questions for the role of consciousness in theories of intentionality, introspective self-knowledge, and knowledge of the external world.