cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Population genomics of divergence within an obligate pollination mutualism: Selection maintains differences between Joshua tree species

2 PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Speciation is a complex process that can be shaped by many factors, from geographic isolation to interspecifi c interactions. In Joshua trees, selection from pollinators on style length has been hypothesized to contribute to the maintenance of diff erentiation between two hybridizing sister species. We used population genomics approaches to measure the extent of genetic differentiation between these species, test whether selection maintains diff erences between them, and determine whether genetic variants associated with style length show signatures of selection. METHODS: Using restriction-site-associated DNA (RAD)-sequencing, we identifi ed 9516 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the Joshua tree genome. We characterized the genomic composition of trees in a narrow hybrid zone and used genomic scans to search for signatures of selection acting on these SNPs. We used a genome-wide association study to identify SNPs associated with variation in phenotypic traits, including style length, and asked whether those SNPs were overrepresented among the group under selection. KEY RESULTS: The two species were highly genetically diff erentiated ( F ST = 0.25), and hybrids were relatively rare in the hybrid zone. Approximately 20% of SNPs showed evidence of selection maintaining divergence. While SNPs associated with style length were overrepresented among those under selection ( P << 0.0001), the same was true for SNPs associated with highly diff erentiated vegetative traits. CONCLUSIONS: The two species of Joshua tree are clearly genetically distinct, and selection is maintaining diff erences between them. We found that loci associated with diff erentiated traits were likely to be under selection. However, many traits other than style length appeared to be under selection. To- gether with the dearth of intermediate hybrids, these fi ndings reveal that these taxa are more strongly diverged than previously suspected and that selec- tion, likely on many targets, is maintaining separation where the two species meet and hybridize.
CHAPTER 8 – Development of Epitope-Specific Immunotherapies for Human Malignancies and Premalignant Lesions Expressing Mutated ras Genes

This chapter focuses on an understanding of the nature of the biologic interactions between the host cellular immune system and products of activated ras genes, mainly in human systems, which may have clinical applications for the development of cell-mediated and antitumor immunity in human neoplasia. It is generally thought that cancer cells are potentially antigenic but lack adequate intrinsic immunogenic properties necessary to elicit protective cell-mediated and antitumor immunity in tumor-bearing hosts. Thus, an important experimental prerequisite for the effective design of immunotherapies for human neoplasms, particularly for solid tumors, is the identification of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) or tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) that express potential cancer regression epitopes. Once defined and characterized, purified or recombinant forms of TAAs or TSAs can then be employed for use as immunogens for activation of the relevant immune effector mechanisms by two major strategies: (1) active immunotherapy, which involves in vivo immunization or vaccination; and (2) passive or adoptive cellular immunotherapy, which involves ex vivo expansion of the in vivo primed, autologous tumor-specific effector cells, which can then be returned to the host..
Future perspectives of SAR polarimetry with applications to multi-parameter fully polarimetric POLSAR remote sensing & geophysical stress-change monitoring

With the un-abating global population increase our natural resources are stressed as never before, and the global day/night monitoring of the terrestrial covers from the mesosphere to the litho-sphere becomes all the more urgent. Microwave radar sensors are ideally suited for space imaging because those are almost weather independent, and microwaves propagate through the atmosphere with little deteriorating effects due to clouds, storms, rain, fog and haze. Globally humidity, haze and cloudiness are increasing at a rather rapid pace for irreversible reasons due to expansive aerosol build-up within the tropical/subtropical belts. Thus, optical remote sensing from space especially in the tropical and sub-tropical vegetated belts will become rather ineffective, and microwave remote sensing technology must now be advanced strongly and most rapidly hand in hand with digital communications technology because operationally radar sensing is more rapidly available especially for disaster mitigation assistance.
BUOYANCY, LOCOMOTION, AND MOVEMENT IN FISHES | Maneuverability

Maneuvers underlie most behaviors of fishes, but understanding their mechanisms and performance is incomplete. Maneuvers are executed by all body and fin surfaces that steer or power rotational and translational changes in posture or swimming trajectory. Minimum turning radii are a small percentage of body length, and prove to be similar for various body and fin effectors. Agility is greater for maneuvers powered by the body and tail. Translational maneuvers include intermittent swimming, behaviors that save energy, and behaviors that slow down and brake. Effectors and common types of maneuver depend on fish size and body form, although the latter lacks definitive experimental verification.
Abstract 165: Saxagliptin Restores Vascular Mitochondrial Exercise Response in Diabetes

Exercise decreases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and all-cause mortality. We and others have defined that exercise stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis via upstream signaling through endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), sirtuins (SIRTs), and/or PPARγ co-activator alpha (PGC1-α). Further, this response is absent in diabetes and hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that pharmacological restoration of vascular signaling with the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor saxagliptin will improve vascular mitochondrial adaptation to exercise through activation of eNOS, SIRTs, and/or PGC1-α. We examined the impact of an 8 day treadmill exercise intervention in the Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat, a model of lean, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and Wistar control rats. Four groups were examined: sedentary or exercise groups with or without saxagliptin. Twenty-four hours post-bout, aortas were probed for mitochondrial complexes I-V, as well upstream signaling molecules. In Wistar rats, the expression of mitochondrial complexes III, IV, and V, along with SIRT3 (p<0.05), eNOS, and PCG1-α, increased with exercise. Conversely, in GK animals, exercise led to a decrease of complexes I, III, and IV, a decrease in the expression of COX IV (p<0.05) and AMPK, and no effect on eNOS or SIRT3. In exercised GK rats treated with saxagliptin, the expression of all mitochondrial complexes increased, complex IV significantly (p<0.05). Significant increases (p<0.05) were also observed in cytochrome c, eNOS and nNOS, PGC1-α, and UCP3 protein content in GK rats treated with both exercise and saxagliptin. Body weight and insulin and glucose concentrations were not significantly different in GK animals across experimental groups, indicating that the effects observed are independent of changes in these parameters. In addition, saxagliptin added to a three week exercise intervention improved running time significantly compared to an exercise intervention alone. In summary, our data suggest that saxagliptin restores vascular mitochondrial adaptation to exercise in a rodent model of diabetes. In conclusion, these data are proof of concept of a targetable mitochondrial defect in the diabetic vasculature.
Developing the System for Observing Behavioral Ecology for Youth in Schools Instrument

BACKGROUND Behavioral support may be effective in increasing physical activity (PA) in school settings. However, there are no data collection systems to concurrently record PA and behavioral support. This paper describes the development and validation of the System for Observing Behavioral Ecology for Youth in Schools (SOBEYS)-an instrument used with existing observation systems to record PA within a behavioral ecological context. METHODS In 2013, experts created a set of behavioral categories to record prompting and reinforcement of PA during a recreational school activity program. The school provided supervision and equipment for lunchtime PA, making it possible to assess both PA and behavioral support. The system was implemented in spring semester 2014 at 1 suburban junior high school (N = 1452; 48% girls, 74% Caucasian) in the western Unites States. RESULTS Following multiple field trials, the SOBEYS instrument recorded behavioral categories of visual and verbal prompting, verbal, and nonreinforcement by adults and peers, and token reinforcement. Construct validity and acceptable interobserver agreement (>90%; kappa between 0.22 and 0.94) resulted. CONCLUSION Trained SOBEYS users can accurately and reliably record the presence of behavioral support aimed at prompting and reinforcing PA in conjunction with established systematic observation instruments to record PA context and quantity.
The Promise of Partnership: Perspectives from Kenya and the U.S.

Universities have come to be viewed as essential in accelerating a country’s knowledge economy in order to maintain its global competitive edge. However, as it currently stands, the Global North governs much of the output of knowledge production through research and scholarship. International partnerships between universities offer the opportunity to bridge this gap by offering new avenues through which these institutions can better prepare students for the globalized world and build institutional capacity. This study examines the process between two universities in initiating and sustaining an international partnership and why this relationship was established. Emphasis is placed on the function of each university partner and how each perceives the other’s contribution towards the objectives outlined in the partnership agreement. Utilizing a case-study approach, the study aims to chart the process undertaken to cultivate a cross-global university alliance. Universitaten werden inzwischen als ein wesentliches Wachstumsmerkmal der wissensbasierten Wirtschaft eines Landes um die globale Wettbewerbsfahigkeit zu garantieren. Jedoch, wie es derzeit aussieht, konzentriert der globale Norden das meiste der Wissensproduktion durch Forschung und Wissenschaft. Internationale Partnerschaften zwischen Universitaten bieten die Moglichkeit an, diese Lucke zu uberbrucken, bieten neue Wege an, durch die diese Institutionen ihre Studierenden besser auf die globalisierte Welt vorbereiten und institutionelle Leistungsfahigkeit aufbauen konnen. Diese vorliegende Arbeit untersucht den Prozess zwischen zwei Universitaten bei der Einleitung und Aufrechterhaltung einer internationalen Partnerschaft und die Grunde fur den Aufbau dieser Beziehung. Hervorgehoben wird die Funktion der einzelnen Universitatspartner und darauf, wie jede der Partner den Beitrag des anderen zur Erreichung der Ziele gemas des Partnerschaftsabkommens wahrnimmt. Durch die Verwendung eines Fallstudie-Ansatzes soll die Studie den Prozess der Kultivierung einer globalen Universitatsallianz rekonstruieren. The full text of the article can be found at 10.18275/fire201401011000
Acceleration of diffraction calculations in cylindrically symmetrical optics.

We have significantly accelerated diffraction calculations using three independent acceleration devices. These innovations are restricted to cylindrically symmetrical systems. In the first case, we consider Wolf’s formula for integrated flux in a circular region following diffraction of light from a point source by a circular aperture or a circular lens. Although the formula involves a double sum, we evaluate it with the effort of a single sum by use of fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) to perform convolutions. In the second case, we exploit properties of the Fresnel–Kirchhoff propagator in the Gaussian, paraxial optics approximation to achieve the propagation of a partial wave from one optical element to the next. Ordinarily, this would involve a double loop over the radial variables on each element, but we have reduced the computational cost by a factor approximately equal to the smaller number of radius values. In the third case, we reduce the number of partial waves, for which the propagation needs to be calculated, to determine the throughput of an optical system of interest in radiometry when at least one element is very small, such as a pinhole aperture. As a demonstration of the benefits of the second case, we analyze intricate diffraction effects that occur in a satellite-based solar radiometry instrument.
A cluster of donor-derived Cryptococcus neoformans infection affecting lung, liver, and kidney transplant recipients: Case report and review of literature.

Donor-derived infections (DDIs) are a very rare but potentially devastating complication of solid organ transplantation. Here we present a cluster of proven donor-derived cryptococcal infection in the kidney, liver, and lung recipients from a single donor. Remarkably, the onset of illness in the kidney and liver recipients occurred more than 8-12 weeks after transplantation, which is beyond the incubation period previously reported for donor-derived cryptococcosis. DDI should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of transplant recipients admitted with febrile illness, even when presenting beyond the first month post-transplant. Communication between reference laboratories, transplant centers, and organ procurement organizations is critical to improve outcomes.
Urban School Success: Lessons From a High-Achieving Urban School, and Students’ Reactions to Ferguson, Missouri:

Due to the recent racially motivated killings in Ferguson, Missouri (2014); Staten Island, New York (2014); Cleveland, Ohio (2014); Charleston, South Carolina (2015); Baton Rouge, Louisiana (2016);...
Insomnia mediates the longitudinal relationship between anxiety and depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample of adolescents.

Background Anxiety and depression are commonly comorbid with each other, with anxiety often temporally preceding the development of depression. Although increasingly research has begun to investigate the role of sleep problems in depression, no study has examined insomnia as a mediator in the longitudinal relationship between anxiety and subsequent depression. Methods The current study utilizes data from Waves I, II, and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative prospective study conducted over a 14-year period (n = 20,745, 50.5% female, M age at Wave I = 16.20). Participants completed portions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale at Waves I and IV to assess depressive symptoms, a six-item anxiety measure at Wave I, and three items assessing insomnia, sleep quality, and sleep duration at Wave II. Results Structural equation modeling indicated that insomnia and unrestful sleep significantly mediated the relationship between anxiety and subsequent depression. The relationship between anxiety and depression was not significantly mediated by sleep duration. Conclusions Findings suggest that anxiety may increase risk for the development of later depression through insomnia.
Economic Competitiveness of Napier Grass in Irrigated and Non-irrigated Georgia Coastal Plain Cropping Systems

Interest and focus on development of renewable biofuels has been increasing over the past decade leading to the introduction of a wide cadre of renewable feedstocks. As a result, numerous perennial warm-season grasses have been introduced and management practices evaluated to determine their suitability as biofuel feedstocks. “Merkeron” napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) plots were established in 2010 and harvested during crop years 2011 through 2015 adjacent to an on-going peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cropping systems study conducted at the USDA/ARS Multi-crop Irrigation Research Farm in Shellman, GA (84 36 W, 30 44 N) on a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudults). Napier grass was produced in both non-irrigated and two irrigated levels with different levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. Peanut, corn, and cotton were produced in non-irrigated and full irrigation regimes. Breakeven prices for napier grass ranged from $65 to $84 Mg−1 at variable and total costs. The breakeven napier grass price was estimated such that the net returns were equal between napier grass and peanut, cotton, corn cropping systems. At variable production cost, comparative breakeven napier grass prices for non-irrigated, 50% irrigated, and full irrigated regimes were $77, $117, and $112 Mg−1, respectively. Napier grass did not compete economically against traditional irrigated cropping systems. Depending on traditional crop prices and bioenergy feed stock prices, napier grass could offer economic opportunities in non-irrigated production environments, riparian buffer zone edges, or non-cropped marginal production areas.
Advance Directives Information Delivery in Medicare/Medicaid-Funded Agencies: An Exploratory Study.

To encourage citizens to plan their end-of-life care to protect their autonomy, Congress passed the Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) in 1990. Under the PSDA, all Medicare/Medicaid-funded agenc...
La adaptación del contrato como medio de tutela precontractual en el Código Civil chileno

El proposito de este articulo es abordar la adaptacion del contrato como medio de tutela precontractual a partir de su actual configuracion en el soft law y determinar si es posible identificar supuestos en que nuestro Codigo Civil la admita, ensayando una relectura de sus disposiciones con la finalidad de incardinarlo en el sistema de proteccion precontractual del acreedor y obtener asi la conservacion del contrato por circunstancias acaecidas en dicha fase.
Engineered noise controls for miner safety and environmental responsibility

Abstract Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) continues to be one of the most prevalent diseases in the mining industry. Several factors contribute to the noise overexposure of miners, including confined workplace conditions, the utilization of heavy-duty mining equipment, and the proximity of machine operators to that equipment. In this context, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts research aimed at reducing the incidence of NIHL by developing noise controls for mining equipment, thereby lessening the level of exposure encountered by miners. To accomplish this task, experimental and computational state-of-the-art engineering tools are used to identify dominant noise sources and to explore different noise control approaches. This chapter provides an overview of these engineering tools, and presents three case studies where noise controls were developed and implemented into a longwall shearer, a roof bolter, and a continuous mining machine.
Delivery of different genes into presynaptic and postsynaptic neocortical neurons connected by a BDNF-TrkB synapse.

Abstract Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) signaling through TrkB receptors has important roles in synapse formation, synaptic plasticity, learning, and specific diseases. However, it is challenging to relate BDNF-TrkB synapses to circuit physiology or learning, as BDNF-TrkB synapses are embedded in complex circuits that contain numerous neuron and synapse types. Thus, analyzing the physiology of neurons connected by BDNF-TrkB synapses would be advanced by a technology to deliver different genes into presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, connected by a BDNF-TrkB synapse. Here, we report selective gene transfer across BDNF-TrkB synapses: The model system was the large projection from rat postrhinal to perirhinal cortex. The first gene transfer, into presynaptic neurons in postrhinal cortex, used a virus vector and standard gene transfer procedures. This vector expresses a synthetic peptide neurotransmitter composed of three domains, a dense core vesicle sorting domain, BDNF, and the His tag. Upon release, this peptide neurotransmitter binds to TrkB receptors on postsynaptic neurons. The second gene transfer, into connected postsynaptic neurons in perirhinal cortex, uses antibody-mediated, targeted gene transfer and an anti-His tag antibody, as the synthetic peptide neurotransmitter contains the His tag. Confocal microscope images showed that using untargeted gene transfer, only 10–15% of the transduced presynaptic axons were proximal to a transduced postsynaptic dendrite. But using targeted gene transfer, ∼70% of the transduced presynaptic axons were proximal to a transduced postsynaptic dendrite. This technology may support studies on the roles of neurons connected by BDNF-TrkB synapses in circuit physiology and learning.
Geovisualization geoscience of large river floodplains

ABSTRACTAlluvial river landscapes of the lower Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers in the south-central USA are flood prone and have shifted historically in position and form, resulting in intervent...
Differential response of malignant human B-cells to anti-IgM immunoglobulin (anti-mu) and B-cell growth factor: unique direct cytotoxicity of anti-mu on prolymphocytic leukemia cells

We examined in vitro tritiated thymidine uptake by B cells from seven prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL), seven chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and four plasma cell leukemia (PCL) patients in response to culture with anti-human IgM antibody (anti-mu) and B-cell growth factor (BCGF). In contrast to the stimulatory effect observed in normal B-cell cultures, the divalent F(ab')2 anti-mu antibody uniquely inhibited the autonomous proliferation and induced marked cytotoxicity in six of seven PLL cell cultures independent of complement or Fc-receptor-mediated mechanisms. There was neither stimulation or inhibition of the slgM+ CLL or the slgM- PCL cells. The inhibitory effect on the PLL cells was observed at an anti-mu concentration below the stimulatory threshold for normal B cells. Significant impairment of trypan blue exclusion was delayed until 48 hours, with morphological cellular changes suggestive of a programmed cell death mechanism or apoptosis. The cytotoxicity was independent of the slgM-staining intensity or the autonomous and BCGF-augmented DNA synthetic activity of the PLL cells and was similar in patients with de novo PLL or with prolymphocytic transformation of CLL. Cells from a PLL patient were separated by elutriation into two fractions, a BCGF-unresponsive large "transformed" cell fraction with marked autonomous DNA synthesis and a smaller lymphoid cell subset with low 3H-thymidine uptake that could be augmented by BCGF. Both fractions were equally susceptible to the cytotoxic effect of anti-mu. These data suggest that certain slgM-bearing malignant B cells are susceptible to anti-mu-triggered cytotoxicity. They may represent the malignant counterpart of a "tolerogenic" normal B-cell subset, and the unique direct cytotoxicity of anti-mu may provide a therapeutic strategy specifically for PLL.
Diet Quality and Biomarker Profiles Related to Chronic Disease Prevention: The Multiethnic Cohort Study

Objective: To understand how diet quality affects chronic disease etiology, the associations of 4 a priori diet quality indices with blood levels of lipid-soluble micronutrients and biomarkers of inflammation, lipid, and glucose metabolism were examined in 5 ethnic groups.Methods: In a cross-sectional design, the Adiposity Phenotype Study, a subset of the Multiethnic Cohort in Hawaii and Los Angeles, recruited participants of white, African American, Native Hawaiian, Japanese American, and Latino ancestry. A total of 896 men and 910 women completed a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurements and donated a fasting blood sample. Using general linear models, covariate-adjusted mean levels of lipid-soluble micronutrients (total carotenes, lycopene, total tocopherols, total lutein, cryptoxanthins), biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP], tumor necrosis factor-[Formula: see text]), adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides), and glucose metabolism (glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) were computed across tertiles of 4 a priori dietary indices Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010, Alternative HEI (AHEI)-2010, alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED), Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH); trends were evaluated in models with diet quality scores as continuous variables.Results: With better diet quality, levels of carotenes, lutein, cryptoxanthin, adiponectin, and HDL-C were significantly higher (ptrend < 0.01), whereas levels of CRP, leptin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR were inversely associated (ptrend < 0.05) with diet quality. With the exception of cryptoxanthins and triglycerides, the associations were consistent across ethnic groups.Conclusions: These findings confirm the association between diet quality and nutrition-related biomarkers and support the idea that a high-quality diet positively influences biologic pathways involved in chronic disease etiology across different ethnic groups.
Introduction to the special issue: Translational research in the work and family field of study

Over the past few decades, scholars trained in a range of disciplines have begun to frame some of their applied research as translational research. For instance, from 2010 to 2018, more than 32,000...
Casein kinase 2 inhibition sensitizes medulloblastoma to temozolomide

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Since surviving patients experience severe neurocognitive disabilities, better and more effective treatments are needed to enhance their quality of life. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is known to regulate cell growth and survival in multiple cancers; however, the role of CK2 in MB is currently being studied. In this study, we verified the importance of CK2 in MB tumorigenesis and discovered that inhibition of CK2 using the small molecule inhibitor, CX-4945, can sensitize MB cells to a well-known and tolerated chemotherapeutic, temozolomide (TMZ). To study the role of CK2 in MB we modulated CK2 expression in multiple MB cells. Exogenous expression of CK2 enhanced cell growth and tumor growth in mice, while depletion or inhibition of CK2 expression decreased MB tumorigenesis. Treatment with CX-4945 reduced MB growth and increased apoptosis. We conducted a high-throughput screen where 4000 small molecule compounds were analyzed to identify compounds that increased the anti-tumorigenic properties of CX-4945. TMZ was found to work synergistically with CX-4945 to decrease cell survival and increase apoptosis in MB cells. O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) activity is directly correlated to TMZ sensitivity. We found that loss of CK2 activity reduced β-catenin expression, a known MGMT regulator, which in turn led to a decrease in MGMT expression and an increased sensitivity to TMZ. Our findings show that CK2 is important for MB maintenance and that treatment with CX-4945 can sensitize MB cells to TMZ treatment.
Pathophysiology of iatrogenic and idiopathic vocal fold paralysis may be distinct

Objective Spontaneous vocal recovery from idiopathic vocal fold paralysis (VFP) appears to differ in time course from recovery in iatrogenic VFP. This study aimed to determine if this difference could be explained by differing mechanisms causing recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) dysfunction, specifically whether idiopathic VFP is consistent with a focal RLN axonal lesion. Study design Case series with mathematical modeling. Methods A review of 1267 cases of unilateral VFP over a 10-year period yielded 114 subjects (35 idiopathic, 79 iatrogenic) with a discrete onset of spontaneous vocal recovery. The time-to-recovery data were fit to a previously described two-phase model that incorporates the Seddon classification of neuropraxia and higher grades of axonal injury. Alternatively, the data were fit to a single phase model that does not assume a focal axonal lesion. Results Time to vocal recovery in iatrogenic VFP can be reliably modeled by the assumption of a focal axonal lesion, with an early recovery group corresponding to neuropraxia and a late recovery group with more severe nerve damage. Time to recovery in idiopathic VFP can be more simply modeled in a single phase, with a time course that mirrors those in diverse biological processes such as transcription and microtubule growth. Conclusion Idiopathic VFP may not be caused by a focal axonal lesion. Neuritis may be a compatible mechanism. The iatrogenic VFP data lend further support to the concept that the severity of RLN injury, not the length of axon to regenerate, is the chief determinant of recovery time after iatrogenic injury. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1520-1524, 2020.
Exposure therapy for childhood selective mutism: principles, practices, and procedures

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of principles, practices, and procedures associated with the exposure-based treatment of childhood selective mutism (SM), a relatively rare but highly impairing anxiety disorder characterized by persistent failure to speak in certain social settings. Recent research has clarified that anxiety and associated avoidance is at the center of SM. In light of growing consensus regarding the critical role of exposure therapy in the treatment of childhood SM, this chapter offers a guiding overview of the key elements of exposure-based treatment for SM—including proper assessment, psychoeducation, reinforcement, stimulus fading, shaping, coping strategies, development of a fear hierarchy, graduated exposures, reinforcement, and homework. We consider important developmental factors throughout, and discuss issues related to promoting generalization of skills in the community, collaborating with schools, calibrating for comorbidity, and improving treatment access. We conclude with a discussion of future directions in the exposure-based treatment of childhood SM.
A Book Review of Sanford Levinson Our Undemocratic Constitution: Where the Constitution Goes Wrong (and How We the People Can Correct It)

Sanford Levinson is shocked to find that the American Constitution is undemocratic. Features like federalism and separation of powers are, upon close inspection, little more than obstructions to effective majority rule. Whatever sense our institutions made in the eighteenth century, they serve no defensible purpose today. In lively and accessible prose, Levinson offers cogent arguments as to why the key structural features of the Constitution-especially representation on a two-senators-for-every-state basis and the electoral college- cannot be reconciled with democratic principles, given population ratios like those of California, Texas, or New York to those of Wyoming, Vermont, or North Dakota.
O-006 Readmission after treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis: a nationwide readmission database analysis

Introduction Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are two common methods for treating symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. However, existing literature on readmission after these procedures is limited. In this study, we characterize the rate and causes of 30 and 90-day unplanned readmissions after CEA and CAS for patients with asymptomatic stenosis. Materials and Methods Data was extracted from the Nationwide Readmission Database spanning 2010 to 2015. The patient population consisted of adult patients who underwent CEA or CAS with a primary diagnosis of occlusion and/or stenosis of a carotid artery without mention of cerebral infarction or TIA. Non-elective readmission within 30 and 90 days were identified and readmission/retreatment rates for CEA vs CAS were also compared. Results Of 485,838 patients treated and discharged alive, 28,336 (5.8%) patients were readmitted within 30 days, and 41,042 (10.0%) patients were readmitted within 90 days. The most common primary diagnoses for non-elective readmission within 30 and 90 days, respectively, were cerebral artery occlusion with infarct (3.9%, 3.5%), carotid artery stenosis/occlusion without infarction (2.8%, 4%), myocardial infarction (3.7%, 3.5%), hematoma (3.5%, 2%), TIA (2.9%, 2.7%), septicemia (2.9%, 3%) pneumonia (2.9%, 3%) and acute kidney failure (2.1%, 2.4%). The 30 and 90 day non-elective readmission rate for CEA vs CAS was 5.7% vs 6.8% (p Conclusion Common reasons for 30 and 90-day non-elective readmission after CEA or CAS for asymptomatic stenosis were cerebral artery occlusion with infarct, myocardial infarction and hematoma. Rates of non-elective readmission/retreatment after 30 and 90-days were higher for CAS than CEA. Disclosures P. Nazari: None. P. Golnari: None. R. Garcia: None. H. Weiss: None. S. Ansari: None. A. Shaibani: None. M. Hurley: None. M. Potts: None. B. Jahromi: None.
Effect of surface chemistry of silica nanoparticles on contact angle of oil on calcite surfaces in concentrated brine with divalent ions.

Abstract Hypothesis For an oil droplet on calcite with an intervening brine film, the water contact angle θw may be reduced markedly (greater water wetness) with surface modified silica nanoparticles (NP). Modification with cationic, anionic, and nonionic ligands may be used to control the nanoparticle adsorption and interactions at the oil-brine and brine-calcite interfaces to influence the rate and degree of reduction in θw. Experiments The colloidal stability at 25 °C was determined in concentrated divalent brine (8 wt% NaCl and 2 wt% CaCl2) with dynamic light scattering, and the NP adsorption was determined on calcite. The NP adsorption at the oil-brine interface was characterized with the elastic dilational modulus. θw was measured for model decane-stearic acid droplets and crude oil droplets on calcite from 25 to 80 °C. Findings The fastest rate and greatest extent of reduction in θw for grafted ligands followed the order: cationic quaternary trimethylamine > sulfonate > methyl phosphonate > gluconamide. New mechanisms for reduction in θw were demonstrated on the basis of changes in interactions from NP adsorption at each interface. The greatest efficacy for the cationic NPs results from the weakest adsorption on calcite, steric repulsion at the three-phase contact line and the greatest desorption of carboxylate surfactants from the calcite.
Decolonizing Teaching for Racial Equity

The colonial legacy has shaped the cultural, racial, and social class aspects of schooling. This legacy has had a significant impact on the school system of colonized countries, like the United States, where minority students continue to be subjected to the coloniality of power (2000). To be exact, this form of western power continues to influence schools through various reconfigured forms of educational oppression, which includes subjecting Black and other students of color to inexperienced and poorly trained racially and culturally to work with Black students and other students of color, who often find them insensitive and prejudice (Dei 2009). Finally, the effects of the coloniality of power on schooling also entails indoctrinating these students to ideologically value European culture, languages, history, and religion over theirs (Dei 2009, 2016; Orelus et al. 2014).
How close is our ΛCDM physical universe to de Sitter spacetime dS4

We introduce a methodology for quantitatively measuring at all times in its evolution how close our physical spatially flat Λ CDM universe with cosmological constant Λ > 0 is to the de Sitter space...
Symmetric Galerkin Boundary Element Method

Boundary Integral Equations.- Two Dimensional Analysis.- Three Dimensional Analysis.- Surface Gradient.- Axisymmetry.- Interface and Multizone.- Error Estimation and Adaptivity.- Fracture Mechanics.- Nonhomogenous Media.- Bean: Boundary Element Analysis Program.
Intraoperative Site Vancomycin Powder Application in Infected Diabetic Heel Ulcers With Calcaneal Osteomyelitis

Background:Intraoperative site application of vancomycin powder has been found to be beneficial in foot and ankle surgery among diabetic patients undergoing elective procedures. However, there are ...
Trends, patterns and health consequences of multimorbidity among South Korea adults: Analysis of nationally representative survey data 2007-2016.

Background Multimorbidity is a global challenge. It is more common in the elderly and deprived populations. Health systems are not providing appropriate care for people with multimorbidity as they are focused on managing single diseases and are not oriented to effectively manage complexity of care-coordination for multimorbidity. This study aims to examine trends, disparities and consequences of multimorbidity over a 10-year period. It also aims to analyze different multimorbidity clusters and their association with quality of life. Methods This study analyzes Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey - a cross-sectional survey repeated each year of 100 000 individuals aged one or more in 192 regions of South Korea - for the 10-year period 2007-2016. This is a population-based study based on nationally representative survey data for 10 years in Korea. Our study included 68 590 adults aged 19 or more who answered questions on presence of diseases. 39 chronic conditions were included. Disease clustering by frequency, composition and number of diseases from the top 10 most common chronic conditions were used to establish patterns of multimorbidity clusters. We performed regression analyses to analyze annual trend and the prevalence of multimorbidity across socioeconomic strata. Regressions were performed to measure association between multimorbidity and unmet need, health care service utilization, sickness days, perceived health status, and EQ-5D. Results Multimorbidity increased in the study period and was more prevalent in the elderly, females, and people with lower household income and education level. Multimorbidity was associated with increased unmet need, health care utilization and sickness days and reduced perceived health status and quality of life. Hypertension was the most common condition in individuals with multimorbidity. Reduced quality of life was associated with increasing number of chronic diseases and multimorbidity clusters which included stroke and arthritis. Conclusions The prevalence of multimorbidity varied across socioeconomic strata, with higher levels and health consequences observed in individuals in lower socio-economic income groups. Different multimorbidity clusters had differential effect on the quality of life. Health system designs incorporating integrated care strategies for complex conditions are required to effectively manage multimorbidity and different multimorbidity clusters.
Neoliberal Film and Feminism

This essay looks at two recent films – Rick Rosenthal’s 2013 Drones and Ana Lily Amirpour’s 2014 A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night – to discuss the intersections between feminism and neoliberalism. ...
A clustering-based quantitative analysis of the interdependent relationship between spatial and energy anomalies in ADS-B trajectory data

Abstract As air traffic demand grows, robust, data-driven methods are required to ensure that aviation systems become safer and more efficient. The terminal airspace is identified as the most critical airspace for both individual flight-level and system-level safety and efficiency. As such, developing data-driven anomaly detection methods to analyze terminal airspace operations has been an active area of research. With the expansion of ADS-B technology, open-source flight tracking data has become more readily available to enable larger-scale analyses of aircraft operations. Generally, the methods developed to detect anomalies in ADS-B trajectory data detect anomalies in either the spatial or energy dimension. These methods distinctly use either spatial metrics or energy metrics, derived from ADS-B trajectory data. Motivated by the limited number of approaches that simultaneously consider both spatial and energy metrics, this paper introduces the concepts of spatial anomalies and energy anomalies and performs a novel investigation into the relationships and interdependencies, if any exist, between the two types of anomalies. To enable this analysis, spatial and energy anomalies are detected in ADS-B trajectory data (and associated derived metrics) using HDBSAN and DBSCAN clustering algorithms, respectively. Four months of ADS-B trajectory data associated with arrivals at San Francisco International Airport is extracted, cleaned and processed. The results that stem from this investigation indicate that if an aircraft is not spatially conforming to an identified set of air traffic flows representing standard spatial operations, then this aircraft is more likely to experience non-conformance to standard operations in its energy metrics. Additionally, this research reveals underlying differences between trajectories that are spatially nominal and energy-anomalous and those trajectories that are spatially anomalous and energy-anomalous. Focusing solely on energy anomalies does not provide insight into potential spatial-related decisions that may have been made to result in off-nominal energy behavior.
Energy Impacts of Wide Band Gap Semiconductors in U.S. Light-Duty Electric Vehicle Fleet

Silicon carbide and gallium nitride, two leading wide band gap semiconductors with significant potential in electric vehicle power electronics, are examined from a life cycle energy perspective and compared with incumbent silicon in U.S. light-duty electric vehicle fleet. Cradle-to-gate, silicon carbide is estimated to require more than twice the energy as silicon. However, the magnitude of vehicle use phase fuel savings potential is comparatively several orders of magnitude higher than the marginal increase in cradle-to-gate energy. Gallium nitride cradle-to-gate energy requirements are estimated to be similar to silicon, with use phase savings potential similar to or exceeding that of silicon carbide. Potential energy reductions in the United States vehicle fleet are examined through several scenarios that consider the market adoption potential of electric vehicles themselves, as well as the market adoption potential of wide band gap semiconductors in electric vehicles. For the 2015-2050 time frame, cumulative energy savings associated with the deployment of wide band gap semiconductors are estimated to range from 2-20 billion GJ depending on market adoption dynamics.
Payday loans and globalization in the age of the Internet – policy recommendations

Purpose – This study aims to analyze Payday loans and many similar products which are a relatively new phenomena in the USA, but have been rapidly expanding particularly after the 2008 financial crisis, and have taken a heavy toll on the most vulnerable members of our society. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive literature review of the key US features of payday loans, the regulatory framework and its limitations, the issues and the most recent actions taken to date. The review also includes work done by the European Union, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations while discussing how the Internet and extraterritoriality influence the current landscape. Findings – With the advent of globalization and the Internet, the issues associated with payday loans have become harder to tackle, particularly in the USA, given the arcane state regulations used to address the numerous frauds and abuses plaguing the industry. The lack of any international approach combined w...
Spätergebnisse nach femoro-cruraler Rekonstruktion

An der Chirurgischen Universitatsklinik Erlangen und dem Stadtkrankenhaus Furth wurden zwischen 1966 und 1978 336 femoro-crurale Rekonstruktionen durchgefuhrt. 89,6% der Patienten wurden mit funktionstuchtigem Transplantat nach Hause entlassen. Die Letalitat betrug 1,5%. Eine Nachuntersuchung im Jahre 1979 zeigte, das nach der Life-Table-Method nach 5 Jahren noch 58,7% und nach 7 Jahren noch 56,7% der Venenbypasse durchgangig waren. In Abhangigkeit vom praoperativen Stadium betrug die Funktionstuchtigkeit 78,3% der im Stadium IIb, 80% der im Stadium III und 36.5% der im Stadium IV operierten Patienten. Die Hohe des cruralen Anschlusses hatte keinen Einflus auf die spatere Durchgangigkeit.
A Dynamic Cascade Model of the Development of Substance - Use Onset

Although the onset of illicit substance use during adolescence can hit parents abruptly like a raging flood, its origins likely start as a trickle in early childhood. Understanding antecedent factors and how they grow into a stream that leads to adolescent drug use is important for theories of social development as well as policy formulations to prevent onset. Based on a review of the extant literature, we posited a dynamic cascade model of the development of adolescent substance-use onset, specifying that (1) temporally distinct domains of biological factors, social ecology, early parenting, early conduct problems, early peer relations, adolescent parenting, and adolescent peer relations would predict early substance-use onset; (2) each domain would predict the temporally next domain; (3) each domain would mediate the impact of the immediately preceding domain on substance use; and (4) each domain would increment the previous domain in predicting substance use. The model was tested with a longitudinal sample of 585 boys and girls from the Child Development Project, who were followed from prekindergarten through Grade 12. Multiple variables in each of the seven predictor domains were assessed annually through direct observations, testing, peer nominations, school records, and parent-, teacher-, and self-report. Partial least-squares analyses tested hypotheses. Of the sample, 5.2% had engaged in substance use by Grade 7, and 51.3% of the sample had engaged in substance use by Grade 12. Five major empirical findings emerged: (1) Most variables significantly predicted early substance-use onset; (2) predictor variables were significantly related to each other in a web of correlations; (3) variables in each domain were significantly predicted by variables in the temporally prior domain; (4) each domain's variables significantly mediated the impact of the variables in the temporally prior domain on substance-use outcomes; and (5) variables in each domain significantly incremented variables in the previous domain in predicting substance-use onset. A dynamic cascade represented the most parsimonious model of how substance use develops. The findings are consistent with six features of social development theories: (1) multiple modest effects; (2) primacy of early influences; (3) continuity in adaptation; (4) reciprocal transactional development; (5) nonlinear growth in problem behaviors during sensitive periods; and (6) opportunities for change with each new domain. The findings suggest points for interventions, public policies, and economics of substance-use and future inquiry.