cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metamorphic signature of snow revealed in SSM/I measurements

Brightness temperatures (19, 22, 37, 85 GHz) measured by the special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) are analyzed using data from the snow monitoring network within the former Soviet Union during the 1987-1988 winter period. It is shown that in the beginning of winter, the SSM/I measurements display the classical snow scattering signature, i.e., the brightness temperatures decrease with increasing depth, and the largest decrease occurs at the highest frequency. Dramatic deviations from this pattern are observed in the middle of winter, where the brightness temperature approaches a minimum and then begins to increase despite the fact that the snow depth remains constant or continues to grow. The two-stream radiative transfer model is combined with results from dense media theory to help explain the phenomenon. Model results suggest that the increase in brightness temperature is due to a decrease of the single scattering albedo as the snowpack ages. This decrease of the albedo is related to changes in the snow crystalline structure due to metamorphism. Consequences for the interpretation of satellite measurements and development of algorithms for deriving snow water equivalent are discussed.
Epidemiologic observations on the compression of morbidity: evidence from the Alameda County Study

Data on the health experience of two cohorts of Alameda County, California adults selected in 1965 and 1974 are used to examine evidence for a compression of morbidity. These data, based on two representative cohorts that have been prospectively followed, indicate major declines in age-specific mortality rates between the two cohorts. Accompanying these declines in risk of death is an increase in the age-specific prevalence of a number of chronic conditions and symptoms and a decrease in the association between these conditions and symptoms and risk of death. This increase in morbidity is accompanied, in turn, by an increase in the amount of disability associated with specific chronic conditions and symptoms. The overall picture is one of increased survival accompanied by increased morbidity and disability. These data do not provide evidence in support of a compression of morbidity. A further consideration of the methodologic and conceptual problems that are raised by the compression of morbidity hypothes...
Mast cells: accessory cells which potentiate fibrosis.

(1995). Mast Cells: Accessory Cells Which Potentiate Fibrosis. International Reviews of Immunology: Vol. 12, No. 2-4, pp. 259-279.
Effect of grinding and fluoride-gel exposure on strength of ion-exchanged porcelain.

Strengthening of dental porcelain through a diffusion heat treatment at 450°C of a potassium-enriched, ion-exchange surface coating has been demonstrated in several recent studies. However, little attention has been focused on the potential strength reduction of these materials when the treated surfaces are ground or etched under clinically simulated conditions. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that partial removal of the surface layers of ion-exchanged porcelains by grinding or exposure to acidulated fluoride gel will significantly reduce their flexure strength. Nine groups of body porcelain disks were ion-exchanged at 450'C for 30 min. One of these groups was subjected to ion exchange and no further surface treatment. Eight specimen groups were subjected to the following procedures after ion exchange: grinding to depths of 50 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, 200 μm, and 250 μm, and exposure to acidulated fluoride for 30 min, 60 min, and 300 min. A tenth group (FC) was fired at 960°C and fast-co...
Service Quality and Business Performance: The Role of Organizational Factors

The effect of organization factors, such as leadership and market orientation, on corporate performance has been reported in the literature. While there has been consistent call on the examination of the role of organization factors on the formation of service quality perceptions and business performance, there has been scant theoretical and empirical research on how they interact. The present study investigates the impact of two organization factors, management leadership and market orientation on service quality and corporate performance, as measured by employee performance and business performance. The results indicate a significant effect of the organization factors on service quality and corporate performance measures.
Determination of Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Patients With Cerebral Infarction: Use of Fluoromethane Labeled With Fluorine 18 and Positron Emission Tomography

• Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was determined using the tissue kinetic of fluoromethane labeled with fluorine 18 and positron emission tomography (PET) in 13 normal subjects and 21 patients with cerebrovascular diseases. The mean brain rCBF was 42.9 ± 4.3 mL/100 g/ min during the resting state. The highest rCBF (60 ± 8 mL/100 g/min) was noted in the mesial occipital region corresponding to cortical area 17. All 17 cases of cerebral ischemic infarcts had depressed rCBF in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the infarct. Every area of decreased density shown in the conventional computed tomograms (CT) was detected on the PET as an area of decreased rCBF (mean rCBF of infarcted area, 14.3 ± 6 mL/100 g/ min). The PET images showed a wider area of depressed rCBF than the region of the anatomic infarct. Five types of remote effects were noted in areas without structural damage: (1) decreased flow in the thalamus and caudate ipsilateral to the infarct; (2) decreased flow in the hemisphere contralateral to the cerebral infarct; (3) decreased flow in the cerebellar hemisphere contralateral to the cerebral infarct; (4) decreased flow in the visual cortex distal to the optic radiation lesion; and (5) decreased flow in the frontal cortex ipsilateral to the infarct. The effects in the contralateral hemisphere and the cerebellum were present only in the acute postictal phase. In four cases of transient ischemic attacks, rCBF was normal. It is concluded that this technique of measuring rCBF is a reliable method of identifying cerebral ischemia and that the determination of the extent of impaired rCBF provides a more accurate assessment of the region of brain dysfunction than CTs.
Delivering Research Data Management Services: Fundamentals of Good Practice edited by Graham Pryor, Sarah Jones, and Angus Whyte

Europe and Australia are ahead of the United States when it comes to thinking, planning, establishing and funding services related to the long-term management, preservation, technology, and systems...
Nephrologist-Facilitated Advance Care Planning for Hemodialysis Patients: A Quality Improvement Project

Background The Renal Physicians Association's clinical practice guideline recommends that physicians address advance care planning with dialysis patients. However, data are lacking about how best to implement this recommendation. Study Design Quality improvement project. Settings & Participants Nephrologists caring for patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis at 2 dialysis facilities identified patients who might benefit most from advance care planning using the "surprise" question ("Would I be surprised if this patient died in the next year?"). Quality Improvement Plan Patients identified with a "no" response to the surprise question were invited to participate in nephrologist-facilitated advance care planning, including completion of a Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form. Outcomes Change in MOLST completion rate and identification of preferences for limits on life-sustaining treatment. Measurements Pre- and postintervention code status, MOLST completion rate, and vital status at 1 year. Results Nephrologists answered "no" to the surprise question for 50 of 201 (25%) hemodialysis patients. Of these, 41 (82%) patients had a full-code status and 9 (18%) had a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status. Encounters lasted 15 to 60 minutes. Following the encounter, 21 (42%) patients expressed preference for a DNR status and 29 (58%) maintained full-code status ( P =0.001). The MOLST completion rate increased from 10% to 90%. One-year survival for patients whose nephrologists answered "no" to the surprise question was 58% compared to 92% for those with a "yes" answer ( P Limitations Sample size and possible nonrepresentative dialysis population. Conclusions Nephrologist-facilitated advance care planning targeting hemodialysis patients with limited life expectancy led to significant changes in documented patient preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and limits on life-sustaining treatment. These changes demonstrate the benefit of advance care planning with dialysis patients and likely reflect better understanding of end-of-life treatment options.
What is hot in CHI

As the premier international forumon human-computer interaction, "ACM Conference on Human Factors in ComputingSystems" (CHI), has continued to grow and broaden its range of topics and contributing disciplines. CHI 2014 received over 2000 submissions. Those papers and notes were from diversified research domains — psychologists and computer scientists began to meet new visions from sociology, engineering and manufacturing, communication sciences, design and arts, among others. Here, I would like to introduce progress in HCI research which will bring new opportunities and challenges to AI community.
The Solution to a Nonlinear Lamm Equation in the Faxén Approximation.

An exact solution in the Faxen approximation is given for the Lamm equation in which the sedimentation coefficient is related to concentration as s = s 0(1-kc). It is shown that the solution in this case can be expressed in terms of the solution to the linear case (k =0) with a modified argument. The boundary sharpening phenomenon expresses itself very clearly in the solution presented here.
Neogene planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico

We have evaluated the planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of several Gulf of Mexico Eureka boreholes, emphasizing the Miocene depositional history of the northeastern region (De Soto Canyon). The E68-136 borehole (De Soto Canyon; 1826', 557m present depth) provides the most continuous Miocene record, although deposition was punctuated by several short (<2.0 m.y.) hiatuses. The E66-73 borehole (De Soto Canyon; 2802', 854m present depth) provides an uppermost lower to upper Miocene and upper Pleistocene record. E68-151 (north of the Florida Escarpment; 4340', 1323m present depth) provides a discontinuous record of lower, upper middle, and upper upper Miocene sediments. By integrating planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy with nannoplankton biostratigraphy and Sr-isotope stratigraphy, we were able to estimate the ages of the hiatuses associated with six distinct unconformities at E68-136 (23.7-23.2 Ma; 18.0-16.5 Ma; 16.3-15.2 Ma; 14.1-13.6 Ma; -10.4-9.5 Ma, 5.0-1.9 Ma), three at E66-73 (-11.5-10.8 Ma, 10.3-9.2 Ma, 6.5-1.7 Ma), and two at E68-151A (19.0-12.6 Ma, 12.5-6.9 Ma). We correlate these unconformities with previously reported unconformities from other deep-sea locations, although their causes (i.e., whether related to sea-level or deep-water changes) remain uncertain. We relate a distinct Pliocene unconformity to intensification of the Loop Current associated with the closure of the Isthmus of Panama.
The Du Pont Modified Williams Plastometer

Abstract Webster defines plasticity as “the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation”. Plasticity measurements are made by rubber technologists for one or more of the following reasons: (1) to measure the workability of rubber or synthetic elastomers; (2) to determine the effect of natural or accelerated aging on the processability of compounded rubber or synthetic elastomers; (3) to determine to what extent softeners or compounding ingredients may have affected the workability of rubber or synthetic elastomers; (4) to serve as a control test in the manufacture of synthetic elastomers. The Williams Plastometer has been widely used in the rubber industry for a number of years. Since its introduction in 1924 by Williams it has undergone a number of refinements which have improved its mechanical efficiency and simplified its operation. However, the fundamental operating principles of this machine have been retained. This article discusses the modifications that have been incorporated into t...
An interdisciplinary accounting forensics course to improve computer science enrollments

Nationwide undergraduate enrollments in Computer Science classes have been declining over the years. Enrollments can be increased by introducing interdisciplinary information assurance and security courses with interfaces to other majors. This paper emphasizes the importance of introducing a general Computer Forensics course and a more specific Accounting Forensics course addressing current issues to interface with Business and Criminal Justice majors.
Exploring academic e-book use: part II through focus groups and interviews

Purpose – In two previous papers, the authors discussed a text analysis method utilized to explore e-book usage across disciplines at Columbia University. To verify the method, the authors conducted focus group and interviews sessions with faculty members and graduate students to understand when and why e-books are used in conjunction with scholarly activities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Participants answered eight pre-determined questions during one-on-one interviews and dual moderator focus group sessions. They were also invited to complete a questionnaire regarding e-book discovery, access, and use. All sessions were transcribed and the data were analyzed using grounded theory approach to examine emerging themes. Findings – The findings suggest that faculty and graduate students use e-books for discontinuous reading and quick reference purposes. They value the ability to customize learning environments to suit immediate circumstances and needs. Frustration occ...
Epidemiological Analysis of Viral Hepatitis during 1993-2003 in Tongcheng City

Objective To study epidemiological features of viral hepatitis in Tongcheng city so as to provide the basis for its preventive intervention. Methods A retrospective study was conducted for 7595 viral hepatitis cases occurred in Tongcheng city during 1993～2003. Results The incidence of viral hepatitis showed a downward trend, especially hepatitis A. But hepatitis B had no obvious reduction. Conclusions Reducing the incidence of hepatitis A and B was key to control and prevent viral hepatitis. Health education and vaccination for all people were the most effective measures.
Analysis of Electroneurographic Determination of Acute Flaccid Paralysis in Children's Hand-foot-mouth Disease

Objective To analyze the characteristics of electroneurographic determination of AFP caused by HFMD.Methods Fifty HFMD cases(thirty-one male,nineteen female) with AFP were enrolled.The electromyogram(EMG),electroneurographic determination finding were collected,meanwhile the characteristics of electroneurographic determination were analyzed.Results Most cases of acute paralysis caused by HFMD manifested the reduction of compound muscle action potential(cMAP) amplitude.Only very few cases manifested the decrease of motor nerve conduction velocity(MCV).All the cases have normal sensory conduction.Conclusion The affections of AFP caused by HFMD involve the motoneuron of cornu anterius medullae spinalis and the main manifestation is motor axonal neuropathy.
Utilizing Health-Care Resources Wisely: Understanding the Efficacy of Our Interventions

Health-care costs in the United States continue to grow, unabated, despite a variety of strategies to control costs. Sadly, despite the largest per-capita expenditure on health care among the member states of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States lags far behind many other members of the OECD in quality and outcome measurements1. Caring for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions contributes to a substantial portion of our health-care expenses. A recent assessment of direct and indirect costs of musculoskeletal care estimated an annual cost of $213 billion and 5.73% of our gross domestic product, with an overall combined societal cost of $874 billion2. Our aging population, orthopaedic innovation, and discovery all contribute to these costs. Many of these innovations have led to dramatic improvement in the orthopaedic surgeon’s ability to deliver successful musculoskeletal care and an actual savings of health-care and societal costs. Appropriate utilization of new technology lowers overall costs by allowing our patients to continue to work and remain active and to prevent the development of comorbid conditions associated with inactivity. Unfortunately, some of our new discoveries, which were rapidly embraced and introduced into our armamentarium of patient care, were more expensive, but no more effective, than a prior treatment. If we as orthopaedic surgeons aspire to remain leaders in musculoskeletal health-care innovation and to have the necessary resources to care for our patients, we need to play a leading role in controlling costs. Identifying the clinical indications for …
Can I pray with you

A 40-year-old woman with no significant family history of cancer came to me for a second opinion about her widely metastatic infiltrating gastric cancer.
Waves and popular feminist entanglements: diffraction as a feminist media methodology

Waves … are not things per se; rather, they are disturbances … that propagate in a medium. (Karen Barad 2007, 76)Waves are conceptually integral to feminist history and politics. Most recently, thi...
A Device for Vertex Imaging

A lead-plywood device has been designed to assist in enhancing the quality of vertex imaging. The device can be easily constructed for adaptation to the scintillation camera.
Energy portfolio simulation considering environmental and public health impacts

Traditional thermal electricity production is associated with undesirable public health and environment consequences. There is growing interest in the production of electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and biomass. Not unlike traditional power generation, renewable electricity production also must strike a balance among cost, reliability, and compatibility. Certainly the economic and health benefits make renewables a consideration for regions endowed with natural resources that facilitate such enterprises. The 'business' of electricity generation may also be a stimulus for job and wealth creation in a region. A portfolio mix of production methods that maximizes the economic benefits while minimizing the negative health and environmental impacts is attractive. This paper utilizes a system dynamics approach to model the dynamics and effects associated with various energy portfolios mixes. This research introduces a model that can be used to assess complex electricity portfolios, ones that quantify environmental and public health impacts for a region. To demonstrate its functionality, the model is both calibrated and simulated on the U. S. Hampton Roads - Peninsula Region for the years 1996 through 2002.
Connecting Volunteerism to a Career: My Journey With the American Cancer Society and Pharmacy

Christine Kane is a 2016 graduate from the Purdue College of Pharmacy. In this article, she describes how two passions, the profession of pharmacy and volunteerism with the American Cancer Society, became intertwined to change the course of her career. She implores fellow students to never underestimate the impact an extracurricular activity can have on the rest of your life.
Presence of multiple coronary angiographic characteristics for the diagnosis of acute coronary thrombus.

Background: Coronary angiography is frequently employed to aid in the diagnosis of acute coronary thrombosis, but there is limited data to support its efficacy. The aim of the study was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of five commonly used angiographic characteristics for diagnosis of acute coronary thrombosis: Ambrose complex lesion morphology; spherical, ovoid, or irregular filling defect; abrupt vessel cutoff; intraluminal staining; and any coronary filling defect. Methods: Coronary angiography of 80 acute myocardial infarction or stable coronary artery disease subjects were assessed in blinded fashion, for the presence or absence of five angiographic characteristics. Only lesions of ≥ 10% stenosis were included in the analysis. Presence or absence of each angiographic characteristic was compared between lesions with or without the following study defined outcomes: 1) histologically confirmed thrombus, 2) highly probable thrombus, and 3) highly unlikely thrombus. Results: A total of 323 lesions were evaluated. All studied angiographic characteristics were associated with histologically confirmed and highly probable thrombotic lesions vs. lesions not meeting criteria for these outcomes (p 0.05). Specificity for identifying histologically confirmed or highly probable thrombotic lesion was high (92–100%), especially for spherical, ovoid, or irregular filling defect (99–100%) and intraluminal staining (99%). Sensitivity for identification of histologically confirmed or highly probable thrombotic lesions was low for all tested angiographic characteristics (17–60%). Conclusions: The presence of spherical, ovoid, or irregular filling defect or intraluminal staining was highly suggestive of coronary thrombus. However, none of the evaluated angiographic characteristics were useful for ruling out the presence of coronary thrombus. If confirmed in an independent cohort, these angiographic characteristic will be of significant value in confirming the diagnosis of acute coronary thrombosis.
Longitudinal changes in patient-reported symptoms and physical function during taxane-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

10098Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting toxicity of several commonly used chemotherapy drugs including taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and platinum compounds...
Linguistic Tone of Municipal Management Discussion and Analysis Disclosures and Future Internal Control Quality

We investigate relations between the textual content of municipal disclosures and future internal control quality. Specifically, we examine whether the linguistic tone of municipal management discussion and analysis (MD&A) disclosures is associated with the likelihood of future internal control weaknesses. Using a sample of 362 municipal MD&A disclosures in fiscal year-end 2011, our empirical analysis suggests that positive (negative) tone in municipal MD&A disclosures is associated with fewer (more) subsequent year internal control weaknesses after controlling for other governance, demographic, and performance factors. Overall, our findings suggest that language in municipal MD&A disclosures plays an important role in signaling confidence in financial reporting systems, indicating that MD&A content contains important information in predicting the quality of future municipal financial reporting.
On the seasonal prediction of the western United States El Niño precipitation pattern during the 2015/16 winter

A “typical” El Nino leads to wet (dry) wintertime anomalies over the southern (northern) half of the Western United States (WUS). However, during the strong El Nino of 2015/16, the WUS winter precipitation pattern was roughly opposite to this canonical (average of the record) anomaly pattern. To understand why this happened, and whether it was predictable, we use a suite of high-resolution seasonal prediction experiments with coupled climate models. We find that the unusual 2015/16 precipitation pattern was predictable at zero-lead time horizon when the ocean/atmosphere/land components were initialized with observations. However, when the ocean alone is initialized the coupled model fails to predict the 2015/16 pattern, although ocean initial conditions alone can reproduce the observed WUS precipitation during the 1997/98 strong El Nino. Further observational analysis shows that the amplitudes of the El Nino induced tropical circulation anomalies during 2015/16 were weakened by about 50% relative to those of 1997/98. This was caused by relative cold (warm) anomalies in the eastern (western) tropical Pacific suppressing (enhancing) deep convection anomalies in the eastern (western) tropical Pacific during 2015/16. The reduced El Nino teleconnection led to a weakening of the subtropical westerly jet over the southeast North Pacific and southern WUS, resulting in the unusual 2015/16 winter precipitation pattern over the WUS. This study highlights the importance of initial conditions not only in the ocean, but in the land and atmosphere as well, for predicting the unusual El Nino teleconnection and its influence on the winter WUS precipitation anomalies during 2015/16.
Recent Advances in the Accessibility of Digitally Delivered Educational Assessments

The last few years have seen rapid adoption of computer-based testing across a majority of states. A variety of technology-enhanced items (TEI) have been introduced to state testing programs. Several state testing programs have experimented with automated scoring. Many testing programs and test vendors have embraced the concept of interoperability and have begun developing test content and delivery systems that comply with internationally recognized standards. And the concept of accessible test delivery has shifted testing programs from accommodating students with special needs to increasing accessibility for all. This chapter describes several advances in accessibility that have occurred over the past decade. Many of these advances have capitalized on the flexibility of digital technology to embed accessibility content into test items and accessibility supports into test delivery systems. Using information about each student’s accessibility needs, digital tests are now able to customize the content presented to students and the access tools available to them as they perform a test. In addition, interoperability standards support the exchange of items across systems, and guidelines have been developed to inform the creation of specific representational forms of content. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the need to create consistency and commonality across a number of areas: accessibility supports, terminology, and guidelines and standards used to inform the development and encoding of accessibility information. Standardizing accessibility will require compromise by assessment programs and test vendors but will solidify recent advances and create common practices and expectations across classrooms.
Palatopharyngeal wall Perforation during Glidescope® Intubation:

We report a case of palatopharyngeal wall perforation during intubation with a GlideScope laryngoscope. The likely mechanism was advancing and rotating the endotracheal tube against a taut palatopharyngeal fold. This was missed during the initial laryngoscopy, because there is a potential blind-spot in the oropharynx when attention is focused on the GlideScope" monitor Fortunately, there were no sequelae other than minor bleeding and a mild sore throat and no surgical intervention was necessary. The use of unnecessary force during the endotracheal tube insertion, the use of too large a laryngoscope blade and the use of a rigid stylet could possibly also have been contributory factors to this complication.
Analysis of Interleukin 8 Secretion by a Stem-Cell-Derived Human-Intestinal-Epithelial-Monolayer Platform.

In vitro models of the human intestinal epithelium derived from primary stem cells are much needed for the study of intestinal immunology in health and disease. Here, we describe an intestinal monolayer cultured on a porous membrane with accessible basal and apical surfaces for assay of intestinal cytokine production in response to stimuli. The system was composed of a differentiated, confluent epithelial monolayer derived from human primary stem cells obtained from small or large intestine. Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were the most abundant inflammatory cytokines produced by the intestinal epithelium. The epithelium from all five tested regions of the intestine preferentially secreted into the apical reservoir of the monolayer, with a 26-fold greater concentration of IL-8 present in the apical reservoir of the colonic monolayer relative to that in the basal reservoir. Upon application of tumor-necrosis factor α (TNF-α) to the basal surface of the colonic monolayer,...
A Primer for Information Technology General Control Considerations on a Private and Permissioned Blockchain Audit

SUMMARY Blockchain is a disruptive technology that offers advantages to the audit profession such as transparency into all transactions, an immutable ledger, and the potential for real-time auditin...
The Armed Conflict in Eastern Ukraine: Exploring Competing Narratives

How do we understand the armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine and what are its implications for Ukraine’s domestic politics as well as for stability in the region? The media, policymakers, and political analysts have used several competing narratives to explain the armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine. This paper examines three competing narratives of the armed conflict. The first narrative focuses on domestic causes of the conflict; the second narrative examines the role of Russia in the insurgency; and the third narrative describes the conflict as a result of Western policies and interference.
Portopulmonary Hypertension: A Survey of Practice Patterns and Provider Attitudes.

Background The role of liver transplantation (LT) in the management of portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to better understand provider attitudes and practice patterns regarding the management of patients with POPH and to assess the concordance between clinical practice and current guidelines. Methods We performed a multicenter survey study of hepatologists and pulmonary hypertension (PH) physicians at US LT centers that performed >50 transplants per year. Survey responses are summarized as number (%). Associations were assessed using a Wilcoxon-rank sum, chi-square, or Fisher exact test, as appropriate. Results Seventy-four providers from 35 centers were included. There was marked variability regarding screening practices, management, and attitudes. Forty-two percent responded that POPH nearly always or often improves with LT, and 15.5% reported that POPH rarely or never improves. In contrast to current guidelines, 50.7% agreed that treated POPH should be an indication for LT in patients with compensated cirrhosis. Hepatologists were more likely than PH physicians to agree that POPH should be an indication for LT (P = 0.02). Forty-nine percent of respondents thought that the current POPH Model for End-stage Liver Disease exception criteria should be modified, and management of patients with an elevated mean pulmonary arterial pressure and normal pulmonary vascular resistance differed from current policies. Conclusions There is marked variability in provider attitudes and practice patterns regarding the management of POPH. This study highlights the need for prospective studies to inform practice and for improved implementation of practice guidelines in order to standardize care.
Redox conditions and pH control trace element concentrations in a meandering stream and shallow groundwater of a semiarid mountain watershed, Red Canyon, Wyoming, USA

The interface between oxic surface water and anoxic groundwater plays an important role in trace element cycling in mountains streams. In this investigation, stream water and shallow groundwater were sampled in a semiarid mountain catchment at Red Canyon, Wyoming, USA to evaluate variability in redox conditions and trace element concentrations. Samples were collected in July 2013 during summer baseflow conditions and in May 2014 during snowmelt runoff. Field measurements showed dissolved oxygen-saturated stream water and anoxic groundwater, with relatively higher pH in surface water. Groundwater and surface water chemistry were remarkably similar during both the summer and spring sampling events, indicating overall stability of the oxic/anoxic transition and trace element concentrations. Similar stable water isotope values indicate a close connection between the surface water and groundwater (δ18O and δD ranged from − 18.1 to − 18.9‰ and from − 140 to − 147‰, respectively). Concentrations of most trace and major elements were a factor of two higher in groundwater relative to surface water. Notably, Mn, Fe, and Ce concentrations were 7–90-fold higher in groundwater relative to surface water. In contrast, As, Se, and V concentrations were 3–30-fold lower in groundwater relative to surface water, likely due to pH- and redox-driven changes in speciation and sorption. This study is important for characterizing trace element cycling in mountainous areas, where measurements are rare, and has implications for furthering understanding of the key biogeochemical processes that occur during groundwater–surface water interactions.
The dietary lysine requirement for optimum protein retention differs with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) strain

Abstract A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to compare the dietary lysine requirement of a fast-growing strain (FGS) and a slow-growing strain (SGS) of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Five isonitrogenous (37% digestible protein) and isocaloric (17.6 MJ/kg of digestible energy) diets were formulated and supplemented with l -lysine HCl (98.5% lysine) in increments of 0.40% (1.80, 2.20, 2.60, 3.00 and 3.40% diet) resulting in analyzed lysine values of 1.83 (Lys1.83), 2.20 (Lys2.20), 2.67 (Lys2.67), 3.06 (Lys3.06) and 3.52 (Lys3.52) g/100 g diet, respectively. Juvenile rainbow trout from the FGS (initial weight 12.2 ± 0.3 g) and the SGS (initial weight, 8.54 ± 0.19 g) were randomly stocked to 145-L tanks, each containing 35 fish per tank, in a 2 by 5 factorial design. Each diet was fed to three replicate tanks of each strain to apparent satiation three times daily. After 12 weeks of feeding, the FGS had significantly higher final weight and daily feed intake (g/fish) than the SGS. No significant diet by strain interactions were detected. Dietary lysine significantly improved body weight gain, and calculated indices of weight gain in both strains up to 2.20% dietary lysine, but not higher. However, whole body crude protein and crude lipid levels significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in both strains with increasing dietary lysine supplementation up to 2.7%–2.8% using broken line regression. The only significant difference between strains was found in protein retention, indicating differences in lean body weight gain. Using broken-line regression analysis of protein retention, the optimum dietary lysine level for the FGS and SGS were 2.75 (6.18) and 2.23 (5.01) % of diet (% of dietary protein), respectively. Lysine retention decreased with increasing dietary levels in both strains. Whole body essential amino acid content, with the exception of arginine, showed significant increases with dietary lysine levels in both strains of rainbow trout. Liver aspartate transaminase activity significantly increased with increasing dietary lysine in both strains, but alanine transaminase activity did not. The results suggest that the optimum dietary lysine requirement of rainbow trout for lean-body growth and protein retention differs with fish strain and is independent of feed intake.
Puberty, Peers, and Perspective Taking: Examining Adolescent Self-Concept Development Through the Lens of Social Cognitive Neuroscience

Adolescence is a key transitional period, characterized by significant physical, psychological, and social changes, which encourage increased self-exploration and self-evaluation. This article examines adolescent self-concept development through the lens of social cognitive neuroscience. Key social and cognitive changes are summarized, particularly enhanced perspective taking and peer influence. These behavioral changes are then linked with relevant trajectories of functional brain development. An overview of neuroimaging research exploring self-evaluative processing is provided, underscoring the importance of cortical midline structures, as well as regions supporting reward processing and social cognition. Adolescent and adult neural patterns are also compared, highlighting neurodevelopmental differences within the aforementioned regions.
Transient expression of anthocyanin genes in barley epidermal cells : potential for use in evaluation of disease response genes

A transient assay is described that should allow evaluation of the role of host genes in disease response by enhancing or disrupting expression of those genes in specific cells and looking for effects on disease development. The assay also has the potential for assessing utility of host and non-host genes in enhancing resistance to disease in transgenic plants. Particle bombardment with a helium discharge particle gun was utilized to transiently express genes in epidermal cells of coleoptiles of barley (Hordeum vulgare). An anthocyanin reporter gene construct provided a means of identifying those cells that were transiently expressing introduced DNA. Optimal transient expression rates were achieved two days following bombardment with 1800 psi helium pressure, 1.0 μm diameter gold particles, and coleoptile pre- and post-treatment in 0.30--0.35 m mannitol/sorbitol. Under optimal conditions, at least 35 cells expressed anthocyanin per bombardment. Transiently expressing cells were inoculated with the fungal pathogen, Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei, and fungal development observed. Neither the bombardment procedures, the presence of nearby dead cells, nor accumulation of anthocyanin within living cells affected fungal development in living cells. Therefore, incorporation of disease-related genes onto the same plasmid as the reporter genes will allow evaluation of the role of those genes in disease development or suppression. Since particle bombardment is possible with a great range of different plant tissues, the described methodology should exhibit wide applicability for evaluating genes in diverse plant-pathogen interactions, as well as genes involved in many other biological processes
Platform Competition with Multihoming on Both Sides: Subsidize or Not?

A major result in the study of two-sided platforms is the strategic interdependence between the two sides of the same platform, leading to the implication that a platform can maximize its total pro...
Ebbs and Flows: Revisiting the Relationship between Student Mobility, Segregation, and Neighborhoods

ABSTRACTIn order to access and take advantage of the educational opportunity promised by the Brown decision, student mobility is an operative consideration. In this study, I examine the relationshi...
Mass cytometry identifies expansion of double positive and exhausted T cell subsets in the tumour microenvironment of patients with POEMS syndrome

We sought to dissect the tumour microenvironment in a small cohort (N = 10) of patients with POEMS at diagnosis and after therapy using mass cytometry. We included 10 MGUS patients as controls. We identified 29 immune cell subsets in the CD45+ and CD3+ compartments. Double positive T cells and PD-1 positive CD4 T cells were expanded and naive CD4 T cells were decreased in the bone marrow of patients with newly diagnosed/progressing POEMS. These findings provide evidence for possible antigenic-driven selection as a driver of disease pathogenesis in POEMS.
8.22 – Particle Toxicities

The documentation of particle toxicities dates back to several centuries, with lung diseases in miners, smelters, and stonecutters being described in early scientific writings in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The pathological and toxic effects of airborne particles, however, began to be aggressively studied only in the early 1900s when increased respiratory diseases were noted among people in occupations involving dusty trades (e.g., coal and granite mining and foundries). Much of the early work of assessing the hazards of airborne particles focused on crystalline silica, whereas in more recent times (specifically, the second half of the twentieth century), other nonoccupational exposures to airborne particulates (i.e., ambient air pollution, tobacco smoke, and diesel exhaust) and their relation to pulmonary disease, functional deficits, and, in some cases, mortality among healthy and susceptible populations were investigated. However, not all particles cause toxicity. Nuisance dusts (i.e., titanium dioxide (TiO2)), for example, cause very little or no toxicity or lung remodeling unless incredibly high exposures are experienced over prolonged durations. There are a number of factors that influence whether a particle is toxic or relatively inert, including its respirability (e.g., ability to enter the respiratory tract), patterns for pulmonary deposition, clearance and retention, solubility, and surface reactivity. This chapter reviews how different types of airborne particles and fibers can lead to very different biological responses, depending on their physicochemical characteristics, biopersistence, and internal dose. This chapter will also touch upon the theoretical or known mechanisms by which some airborne particles cause toxicity, including how particle physicochemistry can influence particle deposition and clearance patterns and ultimately lead to different patterns of site-specific or broad-based structural changes in the lungs.
The origins, evolution, and future directions of achievement goal theory

Abstract Quickly after its introduction in the early 1980′s, achievement goal theory blossomed into one of the most popular frameworks in motivation research. Over three plus decades, the theory evolved in a number of ways. Some of these developments brought about much-needed conceptual and methodological clarity; but, they also involved a shift away from questions of complexity and contextualism that marked the earlier research on achievement goals. In this paper, we consider the original focus of achievement goal theory, several ways in which the theory has changed, and what we have learned from intervention research and examinations of achievement goals among diverse populations. The paper concludes with suggestions for future directions in achievement goal research to increase focus on complexity, educational contexts, and issues of ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity.
Proactive C-L Psychiatry Beyond Academic Hospital Settings: A Pilot Study of Effectiveness in a Suburban Community Hospital.

Background Proactive consultation-liaison psychiatry improves identification of psychiatric needs and reduces time to psychiatric consultation and length of stay (LOS) among medical inpatients in academic clinical settings. Objective To evaluate the effect of a proactive model on LOS, consult rate, and consultation latency in a nonacademic community hospital. Methods We implemented a modified proactive consultation-liaison service (PCS) in a 32-bed acute care medical-surgical unit in a community hospital. We compared outcomes during a 90-day PCS intervention period to preintervention and postintervention cohorts receiving consultation-as-usual in the same unit. During the intervention, a psychiatrist reviewed the electronic medical record of patients admitted to the study unit to guide recommendations and collaborated with existing unit staff. Primary outcomes were LOS, consultation rate, and consultation latency. Secondary outcomes included restraint utilization, 1:1 companion utilization, and a survey completed by unit nursing staff. Results Half of patients on the study unit had psychiatric comorbidity. Median LOS in the PCS cohort was 3.0 days versus 5.0 days in the preintervention and postintervention cohorts. The consultation rate was higher in the PCS cohort (1.4% before intervention; 33% intervention; 6.5% after intervention), and median consultation latency was also reduced during the intervention (57.6 h before intervention; 19.2 h intervention; 48 h after intervention). Conclusions Implementation of a modified PCS model is feasible in a community hospital setting and can reduce LOS, enhance psychiatric service utilization, and reduce consultation latency. This study demonstrates that proactive consultation-liaison may offer the same benefits to nonacademic community hospitals as it does to large academic centers.
The Partisan Logic of City Mobilization: Evidence from State Lobbying Disclosures

Why do local governments sometimes hire lobbyists to represent them in other levels of government? I argue that such mobilization efforts depend in part on the policy congruence between localities and their elected delegates in the legislature. I provide evidence consistent with this theory by examining how municipal governments in the United States respond to partisan and ideological mismatches with their state legislators—a common representational challenge. Using almost a decade of original panel data on municipal lobbying in all 50 states, I employ difference-in-differences and a regression discontinuity design to demonstrate that cities are significantly more likely to hire lobbyists when their districts elect non-co-partisan state representatives. The results are broadly consistent with a model of intergovernmental mobilization in which local officials purchase advocacy to compensate for the preference gaps that sometimes emerge in multilevel government.
Moving human muscle physiology research forward: an evaluation of fiber type-specific protein research methodologies

Human skeletal muscle is a heterogeneous tissue composed of multiple fiber types that express unique contractile and metabolic properties. While analysis of mixed fiber samples predominates and holds value, increasing attention has been directed toward studying proteins segregated by fiber type, a methodological distinction termed "fiber type-specific." Fiber type-specific protein studies have the advantage of uncovering key molecular effects that are often missed in mixed fiber homogenate studies but also require greater time and resource-intensive methods, particularly when applied to human muscle. This review summarizes and compares current methods used for fiber type-specific protein analysis, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages for human muscle studies, in addition to recent advances in these techniques. These methods can be grouped into three categories based on the initial processing of the tissue: 1) muscle-specific fiber homogenates, 2) cross sections of fiber bundles, and 3) isolated single fibers, with various subtechniques for performing fiber type identification and protein quantification. The relative implementation for each unique methodological approach is analyzed from 83 fiber type-specific studies of proteins in live human muscle found in the literature to date. These studies have investigated several proteins involved in a wide range of cellular functions that are important to muscle tissue. The second half of this review summarizes key findings from this ensemble of fiber type-specific human protein studies. We highlight examples of where this analytical approach has helped to improve understanding of important physiological topics such as insulin sensitivity, muscle hypertrophy, muscle fatigue, and adaptation to different exercise programs.
Rural California Suffers a Painful Shortage of Lawyers

This op-ed about the rural lawyer shortage in California was published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal and the San Francisco Daily Journal on the occasion of the American Bar Association's release of its 2020 Profile of the Legal Profession. That ABA report highlighted the problem of "legal deserts," the places in the United States where few or no lawyers practice. The op-ed suggests steps that various stakeholders, e.g., the State Bar of California, the California General Assembly, law schools, members of the Bar, can take to alleviate the rural lawyer shortage and its consequences for rural communities.