cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teachers' Conceptions of the Contemporary Goals of Science Education.

This study was initiated to examine what middle and high school science teachers believe should be the goals of science education for the remainder of the 1980s. Participants were given a questionnaire that had at one extreme statements reflecting 1960s goals, and at the other extreme statements corresponding to modern science education goals. Additional information such as year of degree, grade level taught, and attendance at workshops was compiled. The results of this survey indicated a lack of commitment to modern goals from the majority of respondents. However, when only those responses indicating a preferred goals orientation were considered, teachers expressed predilection towards 1980s goals. Furthermore, those teachers who favor 1980s goals felt stronger in their conviction than teachers expressing a 1960s goals preference. A discriminant analysis was employed to study whether or not differences in definitive 1960s or 1980s views were associated with one or more items on the personal data questionnaire. It was found that a combination of teaching middle school grades (6–8) and attending more in-service workshops is moderately associated with an 80s orientation to the goals of science education. The results of the study lead the authors to recommend that a concerted effort be made by professional organizations to convey the importance of contemporary goals to teachers at the high school level. Additionally, an effort should be made to disseminate these goals through local seminars and workshops.
Learning a Dictionary of Shape Epitomes with Applications to Image Labeling

The first main contribution of this paper is a novel method for representing images based on a dictionary of shape epitomes. These shape epitomes represent the local edge structure of the image and include hidden variables to encode shift and rotations. They are learnt in an unsupervised manner from ground truth edges. This dictionary is compact but is also able to capture the typical shapes of edges in natural images. In this paper, we illustrate the shape epitomes by applying them to the image labeling task. In other work, described in the supplementary material, we apply them to edge detection and image modeling. We apply shape epitomes to image labeling by using Conditional Random Field (CRF) Models. They are alternatives to the super pixel or pixel representations used in most CRFs. In our approach, the shape of an image patch is encoded by a shape epitome from the dictionary. Unlike the super pixel representation, our method avoids making early decisions which cannot be reversed. Our resulting hierarchical CRFs efficiently capture both local and global class co-occurrence properties. We demonstrate its quantitative and qualitative properties of our approach with image labeling experiments on two standard datasets: MSRC-21 and Stanford Background.
Prenatal ultrasonographic and molecular diagnosis of apert syndrome

Apert syndrome is a rare craniosynostosis syndrome with significant bilateral syndactyly of the hands and feet. Usually it is detected by ultrasonography during the third trimester unless there is a family history. We present an interesting sporadic case with features consistent with Apert syndrome detected as early as the first trimester. A first-trimester ultrasound evaluation prior to chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for maternal age 41 was within normal limits except for the suggestion of a 'mitten-like' hand and proximally placed thumb. Mid-trimester ultrasound was not diagnostic; however, following the development of polyhydramnios in the third trimester, the evaluation of the digits and facial features were strongly suggestive of Apert syndrome. Amniocentesis was performed and a molecular diagnosis of Apert syndrome was made and confirmed on cord blood.
Claw-free graphs. IV. Decomposition theorem

A graph is claw-free if no vertex has three pairwise nonadjacent neighbours. In this series of papers we give a structural description of all claw-free graphs. In this paper, we achieve a major part of that goal; we prove that every claw-free graph either belongs to one of a few basic classes, or admits a decomposition in a useful way.
Benefit Finding and Physical Health: Positive Psychological Changes and Enhanced Allostasis

Many individuals who undergo stressful life events report that they have derived some positive benefit from the experience. Although the majority of research on benefit finding has focused on its psychological correlates, there is intriguing evidence that benefit finding may also have effects on physical health. In this paper, we review the emerging literature on benefit finding and physical health and present an integrative model in which we identify specific psychological and physiological pathways through which benefit finding may influence physical health outcomes. In particular, we consider the hypothesis that benefit finding may involve changes in a number of psychological domains – namely, changes in appraisal and coping processes, relationships, goals and priorities, and positive affect – that lead to a state of enhanced allostasis, buffering against negative effects of catabolic stress responses and promoting activity in restorative physiological systems. Empirical evidence for this model is reviewed, focusing on studies that have examined positive psychological constructs relevant to benefit finding and their effects on stress reactivity, recovery, and habituation, as well as restorative processes.
Food preferences and factors influencing food selectivity for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract Although clinicians and parents widely accept that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit more feeding problems than their typically developing peers, little information is available concerning the characteristic food items accepted by these children or the possible factors contributing to these feeding problems. This article used an informant-based questionnaire to survey parents of children with autism spectrum disorders ( N = 138) to determine: (a) the types of feeding problems their children typically exhibit, (b) the food items their children prefer, (c) the relationship of feeding problems to family eating preferences, and (d) the relationship of the diagnostic characteristics of autism to feeding behavior. Results indicated that the children preferred fewer types of food items within groups than their families; however, family food preferences appeared to influence food selection more than the diagnostic characteristics of autism.
Effects of polyelectrolytes on drug transport. I. Diffusion.

Abstract: The capillary method was used to determine the diffusive transport properties of radioactive salicylate ion in the presence of a commonly used polyelectrolyte, sodium carboxy- methylcellulose. In a solution of this polymer, the self-diffusion coefficient of salicylate was found to decrease only moderately, even though the bulk macroscopic viscosity increased about two to three orders of magnitude. These data were evaluated with two theories from the literature. The tracer drug release rate out of the polymer solutions was also studied and was more rapid than if the polymer were not present. Increases of up to 40% were observed.
The impact of race on managers' experiences of developmental relationships (mentoring and sponsorship): An intra‐organizational study

This study examines the influence of race on proteges' experiences of forming developmental relationships. Data were collected from 88 black and 107 white managers, who, collectively, accounted for 487 developmental relationships. The results indicate that white proteges have almost no developmental relationships with persons of another race. Black proteges, however, form 63 per cent of their developmental relationships with whites. Blacks are more likely than whites to form relationships outside the formal lines of authority and outside their departments. Furthermore, same-race relationships were found to provide significantly more psychosocial support than cross-race relationships.
Teacher Training for Implementation of Teaching Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Training received by teachers of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in one southern state was investigated. Teachers (n = 90) reported training received via an online version of the Autism Treatment Survey. The most common type of training reported was attendance at a full- or half-day workshop; fewer than 15% reported receiving training from teacher preparation programs at colleges or universities. The types of training received did not predict the use of evidence-based practices. Individual factors related to training were not significant for education level, years of teaching students with ASD, and type of class (i.e., general or special education). The need for an increased role for personnel preparation programs for teachers of students with ASD is discussed.
Efficient collective operations with ATM network interface support

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to implementing collective communication operations across ATM-interconnected workstation clusters. Under this methodology, performance-critical components, and only these components, of the collective operation are moved "close-to-network", that is, they are performed by the ATM network interface. We argue that ATM network interfaces possess unique advantages for performing this task. Simulation results demonstrate that implementations resulting from this approach outperform conventional user-level implementations by a wide margin.
MEMS Switched Tunable Inductors

This paper presents a new implementation of integrated tunable inductors using mutual inductances activated by micromechanical switches. To achieve a large tuning range and a high quality factor, silver was used as the structural material, and silicon was selectively removed from the backside of the substrate. Using this method, a maximum tuning of 47% at 6 GHz is achieved for a 1.1 nH silver inductor fabricated on a low-loss polymer membrane. The effect of the quality factor on the tuning characteristic of the inductor is investigated by comparing the measured result of identical inductors fabricated on various substrates. To maintain the quality factor of the silver inductor, the device was encapsulated using a low-cost wafer-level polymer packaging technique.
Suppression of Proliferative Defects Associated with Processing-defective Lamin A Mutants by hTERT or Inactivation of p53

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare, debilitating disease with early mortality and rapid onset of aging-associated pathologies. It is linked to mutations in LMNA, which encodes A-type nuclear lamins. The most frequent HGPS-associated LMNA mutation results in a protein, termed progerin, with an internal 50 amino acid deletion and, unlike normal A-type lamins, stable farnesylation. The cellular consequences of progerin expression underlying the HGPS phenotype remain poorly understood. Here, we stably expressed lamin A mutants, including progerin, in otherwise identical primary human fibroblasts to compare the effects of different mutants on nuclear morphology and cell proliferation. We find that expression of progerin leads to inhibition of proliferation in a high percentage of cells and slightly premature senescence in the population. Expression of a stably farnesylated mutant of lamin A phenocopied the immediate proliferative defects but did not result in premature senescence. Either p53 inhibition or, more surprisingly, expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT) suppressed the early proliferative defects associated with progerin expression. These findings lead us to propose that progerin may interfere with telomere structure or metabolism in a manner suppressible by increased telomerase levels and possibly link mechanisms leading to progeroid phenotypes to those of cell immortalization.
Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced TRPC1 expression amplifies store-operated Ca2+ influx and endothelial permeability

We determined the effects of TNF-α on the expression of transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) homologues in human vascular endothelial cells and the consequences of TRPC expression on the end...
The Relationship Between Job Stress and Job Satisfaction of Industrial and Technical Teacher Educators

The researchers examined the relationship between job stress and job satisfaction among a random sample of 133 industrial and technical teacher educators. Correlational analysis revealed a strong inverse relationship between the constructs, with stressors related to lack of organizational support being more strongly associated with job satisfaction than stressors related to the job itself were. There also were significant differences (p ≤.05) in correlations between job satisfaction and frequency of stressors and correlations between job satisfaction and intensity of stressors, suggesting that frequency of stressors had a greater impact on participants' job satisfaction than did intensity of stressors. These results have implications for addressing job stress and job satisfaction in higher education.
Blood Pressure and Hypertension

Physical inactivity increases the risk of many chronic disorders. Numerous studies have convincingly demonstrated that undertaking and maintaining moderate levels of physical activity (e.g., brisk walking 3 h a week) greatly reduces the blood pressure. Constant and adequate pressure in the arterial system is required to drive blood into all of the organs. Abnormally low blood pressure results in inadequate perfusion of organs, while abnormally high blood pressure can cause heart disease, vascular disease, and stroke. Exercise may affect the risk of developing clinically manifested coronary artery disease through two mechanisms. One is a direct effect on the heart and circulation, such as increasing blood flow through collateral blood vessels or improving cardiac output. The other is an indirect impact through the effect of exercise on risk factors such as obesity, blood pressure, or blood concentration of lipoprotein fractions [1, 2].
Synesthesia-like Mappings of Lightness, Pitch, and Melodic Interval

Synesthesia-like mappings between visual lightness and auditory pitch and between visual lightness and melodic interval were examined. When subjects rated how visual lightnesses and auditory pitches "fit together," lighter stimuli fit better with higher pitches, and darker stimuli fit better with lower pitches. These patterns were stronger against black than against white visual backgrounds; however, effects of visual background were eliminated when subjects had a large set of lightness levels from which to choose the visual lightness level that best fit a given auditory pitch or melodic interval. When subjects chose which visual lightness best fit or matched a melodic interval, lighter stimuli were chosen for ascending melodic intervals, and darker stimuli were chosen for descending melodic intervals. Larger melodic intervals produced more extreme (lighter or darker) choices. Auditory pitch exhibits meaningful synesthesia-like mappings with visual lightness when unidimensionally varied in frequency and when multidimensionally varied in interval size and direction.
Simultaneous Determination of Palmatine Hydrochloride,Berberine Hydrochloride and Paeonolin in Compound Yishen Soft Capsules by RP-HPLC

OBJECTIVE:To establish a method for the content determination of palmatine hydrochloride,berberine hydrochloride and paeonolin in Compound yishen soft capsules.METHODS:RP-HPLC method was used.The determination was performed on Diamonsil-C18(200 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm)column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.03 mol·L-1 potassium dihydrogen phosphate(pH 3.10,gradient elution) at a flow rate of 1 mL·min-1.The UV detection wavelength was 265 nm and injection volume was 20 μL.RESULTS:The linear ranges of berberine hydrochloride,palmatine hydrochloride and paeonolin were 0.016 61～0.415 20 μg(r=0.999 9),0.027 01～0.675 20 μg(r=0.999 9),0.157 00～1.255 70 μg(r=0.999 9),respectively.The average recoveries were 99.81%(RSD=0.82%,n=6),98.53%(RSD=0.74%,n=6),99.32%(RSD=0.87%,n=6).CONCLUSION:The method is simple,accurate,and reproducible and can be used for the quality control of Compound yishen soft capsules.
Study of Operational Requirement Analysis Framework about Weapons SoS

As a new concept in the domain of operational requirement analysis(ORA) in information age,ORA of weapons SoS is significant to the development of joint combat capability.Through lucubrating Joint Capability Integration and Development System(JCIDS) of the US army,a new ORA framework about weapons SoS was proposed.The framework based on two pivotal technology: formal description of operational mission and quantification of combat capability.The main processes of the framework included requirement analysis of essential task,requirement analysis of combat capability,production of solution and post independent analysis.The experiments show that the framework can transform joint operation concepts and joint mission into relevant operational requirement effectively,and has wider application perspective.
Toll-Like Receptor 4-Independent Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Fibrosis and Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice: Role of Hepatic Stellate Cells.

Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is implicated in acute and chronic liver injury; its effects are mediated predominantly via the membrane receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, TLR4-independent effects of LPS may play important role in hepatic pathophysiology. We investigated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrosis and LPS-induced acute liver injury in wild-type (WT) and B6.B10ScN-Tlr4lps-del/JthJ [TLR4-knockout (KO)] mice. Effects of LPS on fibrogenic hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from WT and TLR4-KO mice were assessed in vitro. CCl4 produced similar fibrosis and necroinflammation and increased the mRNA and protein expression of cytokines and chemokines in WT and TLR4-KO mice. However, circulating LPS concentration did not increase in CCl4-treated mice. Interestingly, LPS down-modulated α-smooth muscle actin (activated HSC marker) and collagen 1 in both WT and TLR4-KO HSCs. LPS induced similar activation of NF-κB, and stimulated the expression of cytokines and chemokines in WT and TLR4-KO HSCs. Finally, LPS caused similar inflammation and injury in previously untreated WT and TLR4-KO mice. The results provide evidence of the TLR4/LPS-independent mechanisms of liver fibrosis and also indicate that TLR4 is not entirely critical to LPS-induced acute liver injury. The results further indicate that LPS signaling in activated HSCs might be a mechanism of limiting liver fibrosis.
Towards Deep Interpretability (MUS-ROVER II): Learning Hierarchical Representations of Tonal Music

Music theory studies the regularity of patterns in music to capture concepts underlying music styles and composers' decisions. This paper continues the study of building \emph{automatic theorists} (rovers) to learn and represent music concepts that lead to human interpretable knowledge and further lead to materials for educating people. Our previous work took a first step in algorithmic concept learning of tonal music, studying high-level representations (concepts) of symbolic music (scores) and extracting interpretable rules for composition. This paper further studies the representation \emph{hierarchy} through the learning process, and supports \emph{adaptive} 2D memory selection in the resulting language model. This leads to a deeper-level interpretability that expands from individual rules to a dynamic system of rules, making the entire rule learning process more cognitive. The outcome is a new rover, MUS-ROVER \RN{2}, trained on Bach's chorales, which outputs customizable syllabi for learning compositional rules. We demonstrate comparable results to our music pedagogy, while also presenting the differences and variations. In addition, we point out the rover's potential usages in style recognition and synthesis, as well as applications beyond music.
Gender Differences in Pattern Reversal Evoked Potential Amplitude: Influence of Check Size and Single Trial Response Variability

ABSTRACT.Older females consistently demonstrate larger PREP amplitudes than males and there is some consensus that CNS dimorphism does not explain the magnitude of this gender difference. Comparison of gender differences for visually evoked responses to patterned and nonpatterned stimuli suggest that females may have enhanced visual system responsivity to increases in spatial frequencies. PREP amplitude may also be influenced by single trial response variability. Potential contributions of this factor to PREP gender differences have not been investigated. This study evaluated the contributions of check size and single trial response variability to gender differences in PREP amplitudes. For 21 males and 21 females aged 61–75 years, no gender differences in visual acuity, critical flicker fusion threshold, or PREP component latency were observed. Females had larger amplitude PREPs than males, and had a larger differential response to small (15') and large (30') check sizes. Single trial response variability...
Lipopolysaccharide modulates p300 and Sirt1 to promote PRMT1 stability via an SCFFbxl17-recognized acetyldegron.

ABSTRACT E3 ubiquitin ligase recognizes its protein substrates via specific molecular signatures for ubiquitin proteasomal degradation. However, the role of acetylation/deacetylation in the process of E3 ubiquitin ligase recognizing its protein substrates is not fully studied. Here, we report that a tandem IK motif in protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) forms an acetyldegron to recruit the F-box/LRR-repeat protein 17 (FBXL17), a component of the SKP1–CUL1–F-box protein (SCF)-type E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. PRMT1 is polyubiquitylated for proteasome degradation with a half-life of approximately 4 h in lung epithelial cells. SCFFbxl17 mediates PRMT1 polyubiquitylation at K117. SCFFbxl17 specifically binds PRMT1 via a unique motif IKxxxIK. Strikingly, the acetylation/deacetylation status of the lysine residues within the motif determines Fbxl17 binding. Deacetylation on both K200 and K205 by Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and acetylation of p300 (EP300) on K205 collaboratively prepare the motif for SCFFbxl17 binding thereby triggering PRMT1 protein degradation. Pathogen-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) downregulates Sirt1 and p300 to protect PRMT1 from degradation. This study demonstrates that LPS promotes PRMT1 stability by blockade of PRMT1 and SCFFbxl17 binding via an acetylation/deacetylation-modified acetyldegron; and LPS-elevated levels of PRMT1 lead to bronchial epithelial cell overgrowth in pulmonary inflammatory diseases.
A novel approach to columellar reconstruction in a child

We present a novel method for columellar reconstruction using a hidden donor site and review the challenges and limitations of columellar reconstruction in children with Fitzpatrick VI skin type. A staged reconstruction was conceived in which a full-thickness skin graft was transferred to the superior gingivolabial sulcus in the area of the maxillary frenulum. Six months later, the prelaminated soft tissue flap was delivered through a horizontal incision at the subnasale, and the donor site closed primarily. We report satisfactory results following a novel approach to composite soft tissue reconstruction of the columellar subunit in a 9-year-old child. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 128:2718-2720, 2018.
The Longest Obstructive Apnea You Have Ever Seen: A Patient With New-Onset Autonomic Dysfunction

Autonomic dysfunction (AD) has been associated with both obstructive and central sleep apneas. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the emergence of sleep apnea in AD, which include impaired s...
12 – Stem Cells of the Nervous System

The nervous system contains stem cells, which are self-renewing, multipotent progenitors with the broadest developmental potential in a given tissue at a given time. Neural stem cells give rise to multiple different types of neurons and glia. Many different types of neural stem cells are probably present in different regions of the nervous system that differ in the types of cells they produce. Broadly speaking, neural stem cells can be considered to fall within two general classes: central nervous system (CNS) stem cells and neural crest stem cells (NCSCs). These two classes of stem cells are present in different regions of the nervous system, have different developmental potentials, and give rise to different types of cells in vivo. CNS stem cells are born in the ventricular zone of the neural tube and give rise to neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord and brain.
Management of Environmental Challenges and Sustainability of Bulgarian Agriculture

This paper presents major environmental challenges in Bulgarian agriculture, identifies and assesses specific modes for environmental governance in the farming sector, and estimates prospects for changing environmental performance of farms under conditions of EU integration and Common Agricultural Policy implementation. We adapt the framework of the New Institutional and Transaction Costs Economics, and assess the efficiency of diverse market, private, and public modes for environmental governance. Our analysis of the post-communist transformation of agriculture shows that it has changed the state of the environment and brought some new challenges such as degradation and contamination of farmland, pollution of surface and ground water, loss of biodiversity, and significant greenhouse gas emis- sions. Badly defined and enforced environmental rights; a prolonged process of privatization of agrarian resources; use of farming practices that do not motivate long-term investment; high uncertainty assets with low frequency specificity inappropriate for environmentally related transactions—all of these factors are responsible for the failure of market and private modes of environmental management. The strong need for public intervention has not been met by effective government, community, or international assistance; consequently agrarian sustainability has been compromised. The assessment of possible impact of EU CAP implementation under Bulgarian conditions indicates that the main beneficiary of various new support measures will be the biggest operators. Income, technological and environmental discrepancy between different farms, sub-sectors, and regions will be further enhanced.
Regression for Radioactive Source Detection

Detection of radioactive sources is an important capability that led to the deployment of networks for detecting and localizing low-level, hazardous radiation sources. It is generally expected that such networks outperform the individual detectors by intelligently fusing information from several dispersed sensors. In this paper, we develop a network detection method that uses the slope of a linear regression fit as a test statistic for detecting a point radioactive source within a field of detectors. In our regression model, we compute a least-squared linear fit between the average radiation counts at the detectors and the inverse-squared distances of known detector locations to an estimated source location. We show that the slope of this regression fit is an estimate of the source intensity and can be used as a threshold for source detection purposes. We compare performance of our proposed detection method with that of a fusion-based Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) method. For performance analyses, two datasets from the Domestic Nuclear Detection Ofces Intelligence Radiation Sensors Systems (IRSS) outdoor tests are used. Each of these tests consists of several runs of a single radioactive source moving in and out of a detector network. We present receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and optimal threshold values for the performance each detection method, and determine that our detection method using linear regression fit has slightly better overall performance than SPRT method.
Analog Video in Moving Image Archives & Conservation: Infrastructures of Knowledge from Production to Preservation

The essay uses a set of theoretical ideas offered by Susan Leigh Star to argue for a shift in contemporary understandings of, and approaches to, video preservation. Instead of focusing on the granular characteristics of tape and their material stability, I argue, the audiovisual archival community should view preservation as a set of linked systems that function within a web of shifting perspectives and context-driven solutions.
Grand Old (Tailgate) Party? Partisan Discrimination in Apolitical Settings

Recent work in political science demonstrates that the American public is strongly divided on partisan lines. Levels of affective polarization are so great, it seems, that partisanship even shapes behavior in apolitical settings. However, this literature does not account for other salient identity dimensions on which people make decisions in apolitical settings, potentially stacking the deck in favor of partisanship. We address this limitation with a pair of experiments studying price discrimination among college football fans. We find that partisan discrimination exists, even when the decision context explicitly calls attention to another social identity. But, importantly, this appears to function mostly as in-group favoritism rather than out-group hostility.
A Consideration of a National Approach: The US Planetary Impact Emergency Response Working Group (PIERWG); A Joint Effort Between NASA and FEMA

In October 2010, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy reaffirmed to Congress the US Government role in preparing for and responding to an actual or predicted impact of an asteroid on US territory. Since that date, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have conducted several meetings and joint tabletop exercises designed to inform FEMA and NASA leadership of the coordination that would be required to respond to an asteroid impact scenario. In August 2015, a formal charter was signed between the two agencies to codify and organize the effort. This charter provides the framework for the establishment and structure of an Interagency team to advise senior leadership, coordinate responsibilities and assist in determining specific issues of preparedness, response and recovery at the national level when faced with a predicted or actual impact of an asteroid or comet in the United States or its territories.
Behavior problems in child care classrooms: Insights from child care teachers

The present qualitative study examines the insights of child care teachers regarding behavior problems of young children in their classrooms. The number of children being suspended or expelled from...
Increased NF-κB Activity in Osteoprogenitor-Lineage Cells Impairs the Balance of Bone Versus Fat in the Marrow of Skeletally Mature Mice

"Senile osteoporosis" is defined as significant aging-associated bone loss, and is accompanied by increased fat in the bone marrow. The proportion of adipocytes in bone marrow is inversely correlated with bone formation, and is associated with increased risk of fracture. NF-κB is a transcription factor that functions as a master regulator of inflammation and bone remodeling. NF-κB activity increases during aging; furthermore, constitutive activation of NF-κB significantly impairs skeletal development in neonatal mice. However, the effects of NF-κB activation using a skeletally mature animal model have not been examined. In the current study, an osteoprogenitor (OP)-specific, doxycycline-regulated NF-κB activated transgenic mouse model (iNF-κB/OP) was generated to investigate the role of NF-κB in bone remodeling in skeletally mature mice. Reduced osteogenesis in the OP-lineage cells isolated from iNF-κB/OP mice was only observed in the absence of doxycycline in vitro. Bone mineral density in the metaphyseal regions of femurs and tibias was reduced in iNF-κB/OP mice. No significant differences in bone volume fraction and cortical bone thickness were observed. Osmium-stained bone marrow fat was increased in epiphyseal and metaphyseal areas in the tibias of iNF-κB/OP mice. These findings suggest that targeting NF-κB activity as a therapeutic strategy may improve bone healing and prevent aging-associated bone loss in aged patients.
Reconceptualizing information quality as effective use in the context of business intelligence and analytics

Abstract Despite a significant body of knowledge related to BI&A success, questions remain regarding the mechanism through which BI&A contributes to organizational benefits. In this paper, we build on the representation theory of effective use in order to enrich the current understanding of BI&A success informed by the IS success model. The theoretical model proposed here casts an integrated construct, information-quality-as-effective-use, as the mediator between system quality, data quality, and BI&A personnel expertise and performance benefits. The results of the empirical testing support the propositions of the theoretical model. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Interfacial Load Monitoring and Failure Detection in Total Joint Replacements via Piezoresistive Bone Cement and Electrical Impedance Tomography.

Aseptic loosening, or loss of implant fixation, is a common complication following total joint replacement. Revision surgeries cost the healthcare system over $8 billion annually in the US. Despite the prevalence of aseptic loosening, timely and accurate detection remains a challenge because traditional imaging modalities such as plain radiographs struggle to reliably detect the early stages of implant loosening. Motivated by this challenge, we present a novel approach for in vivo monitoring and failure detection of cemented joint replacements. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement is modified with low volume fractions of chopped carbon fiber (CF) to impart piezoresistive-based self-sensing. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is then used to detect and monitor load-induced deformation and fracture of CF/PMMA in a phantom tank. We therefore show that EIT indeed is able to adeptly detect loading force on a prosthetic surrogate, distinguish between increasing load magnitudes, detect failure of implant fixation, and even distinguish between cement cracking and cement de-bonding. Because EIT is a low-cost, physiologically benign, and potentially real-time imaging modality, the feasibility study herein presented has potential to transform the standard of care for post-operative monitoring of implant conditions. Beyond clinical relevance, this technique could positively impact orthopedic researchers by providing, via in vivo monitoring, insight into the factors that initiate aseptic loosening.
Pterygium excision after LASIK.

Abstract Purpose To describe the management of a symptomatic pterygium in an eye with previous LASIK surgery. Observations Significant infiltration of the LASIK flap by the pterygium was noted intraoperatively necessitating the frequent use of a crescent blade. The infiltrative behavior of the pterygium may reflect the inflammatory state after laser refractive surgery. Conclusions and Importance Pterygia are highly prevalent, and with the increasing prevalence of LASIK surgery, the coexistence of these 2 conditions is expected to be increasingly more likely. Optimizing the management of this condition can result in a good functional and cosmetic outcome.
Developing a Guided Imagery Telephone-Based Tobacco Cessation Program for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/aims Guided imagery is an evidence-based, multi-sensory, cognitive process that can be used to increase motivation and achieve a desired behavior. Quitlines are effective, standard care approaches for tobacco cessation; however, utilization of quitlines is low. Using guided imagery-based interventions for smoking cessation may appeal to smokers who do not utilize traditional quitline services. This paper reports the development of program materials for a randomized controlled feasibility trial of a guided imagery-based smoking cessation intervention. The objective of the formative work was to ensure that program materials are inclusive of groups that are less likely to use quitlines, including men and racial/ethnic minority tobacco users. Methods A three-phase process was used to complete formative assessment: (1) integration of evidence-based cessation practices into program development; (2) iterative small group interviews (N = 46) to modify the program; and (3) pilot-testing the coaching protocol and study process among a small sample of smokers (N = 5). Results The Community Advisory Board and project consultants offered input on program content and study recruitment based on their knowledge of minority communities with whom they conduct outreach. Small group interview participants included members of underserved quitline populations (52.37% non-white; 55.56% men). Only 28.26% of participants had prior experience with guided imagery, but others described the use of similar mindfulness and meditation practices. Participant feedback was incorporated into program materials and protocols. Discussion Iteratively collected feedback and pilot testing influenced program content and delivery and informed study processes for a randomized controlled feasibility trial of a telephone-delivered, guided imagery-based intervention.
Strength coaching in America: a history of the innovation that transformed sports: by Jason P. Shurley, Jan Todd, and Terry Todd, Austin, University of Texas Press, 2019, 348 pp., $40.00 (hardback), ISBN: 978-1-4773-1979-6

American culture is, in part, defined by a love of sport. From multi-million-dollar contracts to billion-dollar stadiums, it is impossible to deny sport’s cultural and, at times, political importan...
A general stochastic model for bivariate episodes driven by a gamma sequence

We propose a new stochastic model describing the joint distribution of (X,N), where N is a counting variable while X is the sum of N independent gamma random variables. We present the main properties of this general model, which include marginal and conditional distributions, integral transforms, moments and parameter estimation. We also discuss in more detail a special case where N has a heavy tailed discrete Pareto distribution. An example from finance illustrates the modeling potential of this new mixed bivariate distribution.
Respiratory Failure in an Extremely Premature Neonate with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a condition associated with SARS-CoV-2, typically results in mild infection in infants and children. However, children with risk factors such as chronic lung disease and immunosuppression have higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. We report a case of a 27-week-gestation extremely premature infant born to a mother with COVID-19 infection. The infant, initially treated for surfactant deficiency, developed worsening hypoxic respiratory failure on the fifth day of life requiring escalating ventilatory support, an elevated level of C-reactive protein, thrombocytopenia, and an elevated level of d-dimer. The infant was positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR from Day 1 to Day 42 of his life. The infant responded to a seven-day course of dexamethasone with a gradually decreasing oxygen requirement and could be extubated to non-invasive ventilation by the end of the fifth week after birth. The infant is currently on home oxygen by nasal cannula. Prolonged shedding of the virus may be a unique feature of the disease in premature infants. Extreme prematurity, immature lungs, and an immunocompromised status may predispose these infants to severe respiratory failure and a prolonged clinical course. Instituting appropriate COVID-19 protocols to prevent the spread of the disease in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is of utmost importance. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may have implications in the management of extremely premature infants in the NICU.
Association Between Age and Ethnicity with Pediatric Clinical Outcomes in COVID-2019

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has infected people across the world, including an increasing number of children in the United States (U.S.). The epidemiology of pediatric infection in the U.S. and how it influences clinical outcomes is still being characterized. In this study, we describe a cohort of 989 children with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Children under age 20 in a statewide health system with SARS-CoV-2 infection, defined by positive PCR testing, between February 1 and August 30, 2020 were included in this observational cohort study. Data extracted from the medical record included age, demographic information, clinical illness severity, hospital stay, and comorbidities. Analysis included descriptive statistics and Chi-square as appropriate. Nine hundred and eighty-children met inclusion criteria for this study, ranging from 1 month to 20 years in age. Most children (62.4%) were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis and children over the age of 2 were significantly more likely to be asymptomatic at diagnosis than younger children (P < .05). Hispanic children were significantly more likely to be symptomatic at the time of diagnosis (56.3% asymptomatic; P < .05). The high proportion of children with asymptomatic infection emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique role of children in the pandemic. Older children are more likely to be asymptomatic, but also more likely to experience severe or critical illness when symptoms do develop. Hispanic children were more likely to be symptomatic at diagnosis, highlighting the importance of culturally specific outreach to vulnerable communities.
CT imaging of esophageal foreign bodies in children: a pictorial essay.

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is common in children, particularly from 6 months to 3 years of age. As young children may be unable to provide a clinical history and the ingestion is often unwitnessed, imaging plays an important role in diagnosis, predicting outcomes and detecting complications that require surgical intervention. Since 2015, our institution’s diagnostic algorithm for suspected airway foreign bodies has included a noncontrast airway FB CT (FB-CT) with the z-axis coverage spanning from the larynx to the proximal segmental bronchi of the lower lung zones. The effective dose of radiation from this FB-CT airway protocol is typically less than 1 mSv, compared to an effective dose of just under 1 mSv to up to 3 mSv for a fluoroscopic esophagram in children under 10 years of age and 1–3 mSv for a routine pediatric CT chest. In using the FB-CT airway protocol at our institution, we observed that esophageal rather than airway FBs were sometimes encountered on these exams. However, the confidence among radiologists for definitively diagnosing an esophageal foreign body on noncontrast CT was variable. Consequently, we created a teaching module of positive cases for our group of 21 pediatric body radiologists to increase their diagnostic confidence. This pictorial essay illustrates our institutional experience and can help others to confidently diagnose esophageal foreign bodies using a dedicated CT foreign body imaging protocol. At a similar radiation dose to a fluoroscopic esophagram, CT provides the additional advantage of an expedited diagnosis without the need for a radiologist on site.
Electric field-activated combustion synthesis of Ti5Si3-Nb and Ti5Si3-ZrO2 composites

The field-activated combustion synthesis of the composites Ti5Si3−x Nb (0≤x≤0.35) and Ti5Si3−y ZrO2 (0≤y≤0.3) has been investigated. Composites with x≥0.35 and y≥0.2 can only be synthesized in the presence of an electric field. Although in the absence of a field the systems with x=0.35, y=0.2 and y=0.3 can sustain a non-steady combustion wave, the reaction is not complete. An unstable wave propagates to the middle of the sample and then becomes extinguished. The wave velocity of the Ti5Si3-Nb and Ti5Si3-ZrO2 composites increased slightly with the application of a field.
Hamstring Injury Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention

Injuries of the hamstring muscle complex are common among those participating in sports that involve high-speed running, cutting, and jumping. Mild injuries or strains of the hamstring muscles can typically be managed conservatively, while surgical repair is recommended for more severe partial tears or complete ruptures of the proximal tendon. Hamstring strain injuries remain a challenge for individuals sustaining the injury and the medical professionals involved with their recovery and rehabilitation. High re-injury rates suggest that commonly used interventions and rehabilitation programs do not address underlying impairments associated with the initial injury. Typical return-to-sport criteria included in rehabilitation programs may be insufficient or insensitive to residual impairments and risk factors leading to premature clearance for sport. Recent evidence supports that the risk of re-injury can be minimized by including neuromuscular control exercises and eccentric strength training while objectively measuring symmetry and strength throughout the lower extremities prior to returning an athlete to sport. There is much evidence to support the effectiveness of injury-prevention programs, which have been shown to reduce initial injury rates and reoccurrence rates in a variety of sports.
The Connection Between Unintentional Intestacy and Urban Poverty

Most people think of estate planning and testamentary freedom as issues for the rich and middle class, but there is much to learn about inheritance patterns in lower economic populations. This Essay examines the connection between urban poverty and decedents who failed to appreciate the consequences of dying intestate (without a will). Unintended intestacy causes wealth to fractionate, a problem of particular concern when a decedent owned real property in which surviving family members reside. For individuals near or below the poverty line, the unexpected loss of an anticipated inheritance by an intended beneficiary can cause devastating social and economic consequences. This is especially true for intended beneficiaries forced to vacate the decedent’s home.
Transplantation of Cultured Islets from Two-Layer Preserved Pancreases in Type 1 Diabetes with Anti-CD3 Antibody

We sought to determine whether or not optimizing pancreas preservation, islet processing, and induction immunosuppression would facilitate sustained diabetes reversal after single-donor islet transplants. Islets were isolated from two-layer preserved pancreata, purified, cultured for 2 days; and transplanted into six C-peptide-negative, nonuremic, type 1 diabetic patients with hypoglycemia unawareness. Induction immunosuppression, which began 2 days pretransplant, included the Fc receptor nonbinding humanized anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody hOKT3gamma1 (Ala-Ala) and sirolimus. Immunosuppression was maintained with sirolimus and reduced-dose tacrolimus. Of our six recipients, four achieved and maintained insulin independence with normal HbA1c levels and freedom from hypoglycemia; one had partial islet graft function; and one lost islet graft function 2 weeks post-transplant. The four insulin-independent patients showed prolonged CD4+ T-cell lymphocytopenia; inverted CD4:CD8 ratios; and increases in the percentage of CD4+CD25+ T cells. These cells suppressed the in-vitro proliferative response to donor cells and, to a lesser extent, to third-party cells. Severe adverse events were limited to a transient rash in one recipient and to temporary neutropenia in three. Our preliminary results thus suggest that a combination of maximized viable islet yield, pretransplant islet culture, and preemptive immunosuppression can result in successful single-donor islet transplants.