cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experience With a Modified Composite Sequential Bypass Technique for Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Background Composite sequential femoro-popliteal-distal bypass is a valuable option for treatment of critical limb ischemia when autogenous vein is limited and an isolated popliteal or distal arterial segment exists. We report a modified technique for composite sequential bypass and the results with its use over a 14-year period. Methods Twenty-five modified composite sequential bypass procedures were performed on 24 patients to treat gangrene, ischemic ulceration, and severe rest pain. Vein grafts were anastomosed from blind popliteal or blind distal arterial segments above-knee (7) or below-knee (18) to a distal outflow vessel including the below-knee popliteal (1), posterior tibial (5), anterior tibial (7), or peroneal (12) artery. Polytetrafluoroethylene bypass grafts were then placed from a suitable inflow artery to the proximal hood of the vein graft. Results Cumulative primary patency rates were 80% at 3 years, and 65% at 5 years. The limb-salvage rate was 85% at 4 years. Occlusion of the prosthetic segment with a patent distal vein segment was recognized in two patients who presented with less severe recurrent ischemia. Limb-salvage in these patients was achieved by a secondary prosthetic graft to the patent vein graft. Conclusion Our modified configuration of the prosthetic-vein anastomosis for composite sequential bypass is an alternative to the conventional procedure and may help preserve vein graft patency should the polytetrafluoroethylene graft thrombose.
History of fire and Douglas-fir establishment in a savanna and sagebrush-grassland mosaic, southwestern Montana, USA

Over the past century, trees have encroached into grass- and shrublands across western North America. These include Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) encroaching into mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle) from stable islands of savanna in southwestern Montana. Our objectives were to quantify the relative area occupied by mountain big sagebrush and grasslands versus Douglas-fir savanna in the Fleecer Mountains of southwestern Montana today and in the past, and to identify the historical role of fire and other factors in maintaining this distribution. To do this, we reconstructed a multicentury history of tree establishment and surface fires from 1120 trees sampled on a grid of 50 plots covering 1030 ha of a modern mosaic of sagebrush‐grasslands and Douglas-fir trees. We compared these histories to time series of climate and land use, and to spatial variation in topography and soil moisture availability. Beginning in the mid-1800s, Douglas-fir trees established in areas in which trees did not persist historically. In 1855, less than half the plots (42%) had trees whereas today, most plots do (94%). This encroachment was synchronous with the cessation of frequent surface fires, likely caused by the advent of domestic livestock grazing, and perhaps by the start of several decades of relatively dry summers. Douglas-fir savannas historically occurred on fire-safe sites more often than did sagebrush‐grass. Our inference that frequent fire excluded Douglas-fir in the past was supported by the results of a simulation model of fire and associated vegetation dynamics. In the continued absence of fire, mountain big sagebrush and grasslands in southwestern Montana are likely to become more homogeneous as Douglas-fir trees continue to encroach. Crown Copyright # 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Zonisamide for bipolar depression.

In recent years, research into bipolar depression has increased. Each year, more studies are published using different agents to treat this condition. In addition to effectiveness and tolerability, bipolar depression research has sought agents that do not induce cycling or mania. This paper evaluates an open-label pilot study on zonisamide for bipolar depression that examined the effectiveness and tolerability of this agent while observing for any switch to mania. Zonisamide was found to have a very low switch rate and modest effectiveness. However, a high dropout rate was observed – mostly due to side effects. Until further research is available, zonisamide is not recommended as a first-line treatment for bipolar depression.
Implantable defibrillators in the third millennium: increasingly relegated to a standby role?

In the last five years, evidence has accumulated confirming the superiority of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy compared to antiarrhythmic drug therapy for prevention of sudden death [(1,2)][1]. Clinical trials, with rare exception, have established mortality benefits of ICD
Tanning facility wastewater treatment: Analysis of physical–chemical and reverse osmosis methods

Abstract The process of leather tanning produces harmful chemical and organic pollutants. This study explored physical and chemical treatment methods to efficiently treat the wastewater. Multiple wastewater streams representative of various stages in the tanning and wastewater treatment processes were initially characterized and subsequently treated through means of chemical coagulation and flocculation, adsorption, filtration and reverse osmosis. Through a series of jar test experiments, use of multiple industry-grade polymers as chemical coagulants greatly reduced chromium concentrations and turbidity levels. All samples had chromium levels below 5 mg/L (below USEPA standards). A combination of the polyamine resins was the most effective at reducing chromium concentrations within a short settling period of less than 20 min. Adsorption experiments utilizing titanium dioxide nanoparticles and activated carbon were conducted on the wastewater streams to determine chromium and nitrogen removal efficiency over a 24 h period. Poor adsorption of chromium occurred for both the nanoparticles and activated carbon, the activated carbon was successful in reducing nitrogen levels to about 40%. Additionally, reverse osmosis was used to determine the effectiveness of removing pollutants of concern and to determine its ability to recycle and reuse the wastewater in the tannery processes. Results showed that RO treatment could be used to treat the wastewater to conditions similar to the potable water used. Having tested four different methods for wastewater treatment, the use of polymers as coagulants was the most successful at removal of chromium and improvement in clarity as a conventional method. However, as an alternative method, the reverse osmosis system proved the most successful due to the pristine quality of water produced, especially as a potential for reuse within the tanning facility and potentially a cost effective, sustainable option.
rac-cis-Dicarbonyl-chlorido{1-[2-(diphenyl-phosphanyl-κP)benz-yl]-3-(phenyl-κC(1))imidazol-2-yl-idene-κC(2)}ruthenium(II) dichloro-methane monosolvate.

In the title compound, [Ru(C28H22N2P)Cl(CO)2]·CH2Cl2, the RuII atom exhibits a distorted octa­hedral coordination geometry. The N-phenyl group of the ligand has undergone orthometalation; as a result, the tridentate phosphane-functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand is coordinating in a meridional fashion. This complex is of inter­est with respect to transfer hydrogenation catalysis and also provides an example of C—H activation behavior in late transition metal complexes. The dichloro­methane solvent mol­ecule is disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.873 (14):0.127 (14).
Large-N(c) limit reduces the number of independent few-body parity-violating low-energy constants in pionless effective field theory

The symmetries of the standard model dictate that for very low energies, where nucleon dynamics can be described in terms of a pionless effective field theory $(\text{EFT}(\ensuremath{\pi}\phantom{\rule{-0.5em}{0ex}}/))$, the leading-order parity-violating nucleon-nucleon Lagrangian contains five independent unknown low-energy constants (LECs). We find that imposing the approximate symmetry of QCD that appears when the number of colors ${N}_{c}$ becomes large reduces the number of independent LECs to two at leading order in the combined $\text{EFT}(\ensuremath{\pi}\phantom{\rule{-0.5em}{0ex}}/)$ and large-${N}_{c}$ expansions. We also find a relation between the two isoscalar LECs in the large-${N}_{c}$ limit. This has important implications for the number of experiments and/or lattice calculations necessary to confirm this description of physics. In particular, we find that a future measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry in $\stackrel{P\vec}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}np$ together with the existing result for parity-violating $\stackrel{P\vec}{p}p$ scattering would constrain all leading-order (in the combined expansion) LECs. This is a considerable improvement on the previous understanding of the system.
The Shifting Tide of Economic Policy: Will Indian Country Be Left to Drown?

This article discusses the current state of incentives offered to businesses wishing to partner up with Native American tribes.
Terrorism in the News: The Efficiency and Impact of Sampling Methods on Data Collection and Content Analysis

ABSTRACTThis study identifies the most efficient methodology for sampling from a population of New York Times articles related to terrorism, which were generated through keyword searching. Efficiency was based on which sample statistic was closest to the population parameters of interest. The smallest sample size, where 68 percent of the sample statistics were within one standard deviation of the population mean and 95 percent of the sample statistics were within two standard deviations of the population mean, were identified as the most efficient. In addition, we determine whether the frequency of news articles is correlated to the temporal distribution of terrorist incidents found in the Global Terrorism Database, which could possibly be utilized to more efficiently sample from the population. Our findings confirm prior research that shows that sampling efficiency is related to the weekly news cycle and, contrary to prior research, the sample must include between 20 to 29 constructed weeks to achieve re...
Nonoperative Management Is as Effective as Immediate Splenectomy for Adult Patients with High-Grade Blunt Splenic Injury

Background The comparative effectiveness of nonoperative management (NOM) vs immediate splenectomy (IS) for hemodynamically stable adult patients with grade IV or V blunt splenic injury (BSI) has not been clearly established in the literature. Study Design We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients, from the 2013 to 2014 American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) Participant Use Data Files, who sustained grade IV or V BSI. Outcomes after IS vs attempted NOM were compared using propensity score analysis in order to adjust for patient- and injury-related variables. Results Nonoperative management was attempted in 1,489 (52.2%) of 2,746 patients who sustained grade IV or V BSI. Propensity matching techniques resulted in a cohort of 758 IS and NOM patients who were well matched for all known patient- and injury-related variables. In-hospital mortality was not different between the IS and NOM patients (11.5% vs 10.0%, p = 0.33), although IS patients had a higher incidence of infectious complications (21.4% vs 16.9%, p = 0.02). The rate of NOM failure in our sample was 20.1%. Independent predictors of failed NOM included the presence of a bleeding disorder, early blood transfusion requirement, and grade V injury. Splenic artery embolization was associated with a decreased risk of NOM failure. Patients who had failed NOM had a lower in-hospital mortality rate than IS patients (6.4% vs 16.4%, p = 0.004), but required longer hospitalization. Conclusions Nonoperative management is as effective as IS for hemodynamically stable adult patients with grade IV or V BSI. The delay in operative intervention that results from failed attempts at NOM does not adversely affect the outcomes of patients who ultimately require splenectomy.
Adrenomedullin gene delivery attenuates renal damage and cardiac hypertrophy in Goldblatt hypertensive rats

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a potent vasodilator and natriuretic peptide that plays an important role in cardiovascular function. In this study, we employed a somatic gene delivery approach to explore its potential protective role in renovascular hypertension. A single tail vein injection of adenovirus harboring the human AM gene significantly blunted a blood pressure increase that lasted for more than 3 wk in two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. The expression of human AM mRNA was detected in the kidney, adrenal gland, heart, lung, and liver, and immunoreactive human AM was detected in the plasma and urine of 2K1C rats after human AM gene delivery. A maximal blood pressure difference of 28 mmHg was observed 10 days after AM gene delivery, compared with that in rats injected with the control virus carrying the LacZ gene. Human AM gene delivery significantly attenuated increases in the ratio of left ventricular weight to heart weight, cardiomyocyte diameter, and fibrosis in the heart, as well as glomerular sclerosis, tubular injuries, and protein casts in the kidney. The beneficial effects of AM gene delivery were accompanied by increased urinary cAMP levels, indicating activation of AM receptors. These findings provide new insights into the role of AM in renovascular hypertension and may have significance in therapeutic applications in cardiovascular diseases.
Effects of Cranial Radiation on Structural and Functional Brain Development in Pediatric Brain Tumors

There is emerging research connecting neuroimaging correlates and neurocognitive functioning in pediatric brain tumors. Current work has attempted to measure the impact of cranial radiation on brain and behavior outcomes with the goal of better understanding the mechanisms of treatment late effects. While critical for treatment, cranial radiation can have a substantial impact on the developing brain and on neuropsychological development. This paper provides a critical review of the most recent empirical structural and functional neuroimaging research evaluating the impact of cranial radiation on neuropsychological functioning in pediatric brain tumors. The importance in study methodology, potential outcome moderating variables, limitations, and future directions is discussed.
Global simulation accuracy control in the split-step Fourier simulation of vector optical fiber communication channel

A symmetrized split-step Fourier (SSSF) simulation model with global simulation accuracy control is extended to vector optical fiber multi-span propagation cases, which are applicable to the waveform level simulation of polarization multiplexed coherent optical communication systems. Using local error bound obtained from a scalar simulation package, the prescribed global simulation accuracy can be satisfied for the simulation of propagation of optical signals with dual polarization input. Furthermore, it was found that the computational efficiency for one span simulation can be maintained for multi-span simulation. The developed simulation package can significantly speed up the time-consuming simulations which are typical in coherent optical fiber communication system design.
Practical management of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is a relatively common type of arrhythmia. Although it may result from an acute stress, it is usually a sign of underlying heart disease. Dr Garrett discusses initial patient ma...
A Report of Cytomegalovirus Cystitis and a Review of Other Genitourinary Manifestations of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Abstract We report a case of symptomatic cytomegalovirus cystitis associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome related complex. The diagnosis of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome was established by bladder biopsy. The hematuria resolved after systemic acyclovir therapy. The other known urological manifestations of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome are discussed.
Successful Treatment of Mycobacterium gordonae Sacroiliitis Using a Novel Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Arthrodesis: A Case Report

Case: A 43-year-old man with a history of well-controlled HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection presented with sacroiliac joint destruction from a Mycobacterium gordonae infection. A sacroiliac joint arthrodesis was performed using a minimally invasive technique utilizing both biologic fusion (allograft bone with rhBMP-2 [recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2]) and fixation with titanium ingrowth rods. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of infectious sacroiliitis from a nontubercular mycobacterium (M. gordonae) treated with a combination of joint debridement, biologic fusion with bone graft, and nonbiologic functional fusion using titanium ingrowth rods, all performed in a minimally invasive fashion. This strategy effectively alleviated pain and preserved function at 2 years of follow-up.
Grasping At The Moon: Enhancing Access To Careers In The Health Professions

A former HHS secretary reflects on what’s needed to enable more minorities to become doctors and other health professionals.
Political Social Media in the Global South

We examine the evidence of growing social media use among political elites in low- and middle-income countries, including in places where the proportion of actual voters on social media is small. We propose three ways to view this phenomenon of– first, as signaling, second, as a means for politicians to access elite populations, and third as a way to circumvent mainstream media and exercise direct control over political communication.
Underrepresented Minority Dentists: Quantifying Their Numbers And Characterizing The Communities They Serve

The underrepresentation of Blacks, Hispanics or Latinos, and American Indians or Alaska Natives among dentists raises concerns about the diversity of the dental workforce, disparities in access to ...
Moving Forward on the Air: The Birth of WEVD and the Rise of Commercial Broadcasting

This chapter focuses on the negotiations between large commercial broadcasting interests and the Socialist Party’s station WEVD. As radio became a national phenomenon, it was seen as a potential tool for listener education and community building. Baruch Charney Vladeck, already familiar with merging commercial and Socialist interests, sought the assistance of NBC vice president David Sarnoff to secure a license while distancing the Jewish labor movement from Progressive interests that desired to keep broadcasting noncommercial. Further, the Socialist Party leaders hired Louis Caldwell, the lawyer for WGN and the Tribune Company who sought to keep Chicago’s labor station WCFL off the air. Faced with the challenge of generating revenue while demonstrating to federal regulators that they operated “in the public interest,” WEVD ultimately came to rely on the Forward for financial support. This marked the integration of media of the Jewish labor movement into a broader advertising-driven communications system.
Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series data to assess outcomes of a South American road traffic alcohol policy change.

Abstract Background In Chile, a new law introduced in March 2012 decreased the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving while impaired from 1 to 0.8 g/l and the legal BAC limit for driving under the influence of alcohol from 0.5 to 0.3 g/l. The goal is to assess the impact of this new law on mortality and morbidity outcomes in Chile. Methods A review of national databases in Chile was conducted from January 2003 to December 2014. Segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series was used for analyzing the data. In a series of multivariable linear regression models, the change in intercept and slope in the monthly incidence rate of traffic deaths and injuries and association with alcohol per 100,000 inhabitants was estimated from pre-intervention to postintervention, while controlling for secular changes. In nested regression models, potential confounding seasonal effects were accounted for. All analyses were performed at a two-sided significance level of 0.05. Results Immediate level drops in all the monthly rates were observed after the law from the end of the prelaw period in the majority of models and in all the de-seasonalized models, although statistical significance was reached only in the model for injures related to alcohol. After the law, the estimated monthly rate dropped abruptly by −0.869 for injuries related to alcohol and by −0.859 adjusting for seasonality ( P Conclusions A strong evidence of a reduction in traffic injuries related to alcohol was found following the law in Chile. Although insufficient evidence was found of a statistically significant effect for the beneficial effects seen on deaths and overall injuries, potential clinically important effects cannot be ruled out.
Fuzzy logic control of an autonomous underwater vehicle

Abstract Applications of fuzzy logic for both the low- and high-level control of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) are described. A six degree-of-freedom flight control system for the Ocean Voyager has been developed where heading, pitch, and depth are controlled simultaneously by three separate single axis fuzzy logic controllers. A fuzzily constrained integrator compensates for frictional effects and setpoint error. A nonlinear simulation model is used both to analyze the behavior of the fuzzy logic controllers and to calibrate the rules. Ongoing work with cell state space techniques to optimize performance is described. In addition, a docking controller for the Ocean Voyager based on a fuzzy algorithm is described. The fuzzy rule base recursively drives the vehicle towards intermediate fuzzy goals that become more precise as the final target is approached. Docking proceeds as long as the AUV remains in a funnel of acceptable intermediate positions.
Building integrated pathways to independence for diverse biomedical researchers: Project Pathways, the BUILD program at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Xavier University of Louisiana is a historically Black and Catholic university that is nationally recognized for its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curricula. Approximately 73% of Xavier’s students are African American, and about 77% major in the biomedical sciences. Xavier is a national leader in the number of STEM majors who go on to receive M.D. degrees and Ph.D. degrees in science and engineering. Despite Xavier’s advances in this area, African Americans still earn about 7.5% of the Bachelor’s degrees, less than 8% of the Master’s degrees, and less than 5% of the doctoral degrees conferred in STEM disciplines in the United States. Additionally, although many well-prepared, highly-motivated students are attracted by Xavier’s reputation in the sciences, many of these students, though bright and capable, come from underperforming public school systems and receive substandard preparation in STEM disciplines. The purpose of this article is to describe how Xavier works to overcome unequal education backgrounds and socioeconomic challenges to develop student talent through expanding biomedical training opportunities and build on an established reputation in science education. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)-funded BUILD (Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity) Program at Xavier University of Louisiana, Project Pathways, is a highly-innovative program designed to broaden the career interests of students early on, and to engage them in activities that entice them to continue their education towards biomedical research careers. Project strategies involve a transformation of Xavier’s academic and non-academic programs through the redesign, supplementation and integration of academic advising, tutoring, career services, personal counseling, undergraduate research training, faculty research mentoring, and development of new biomedical and research skills courses. The Program also focuses on mentor training and providing faculty members with opportunities to improve their teaching skills as well as their research competitiveness. In addition to the wide range of activities supported by BUILD within the institution, Xavier University is partnering with a number of major research universities across the nation to achieve Project Pathways’ goals. The strategies developed by Project Pathways are designed to address the challenges and barriers Xavier students face as they work towards graduate studies and entering the biomedical workforce. Xavier University of Louisiana has a long history of providing high quality, rigorous education to African American students in a very supportive environment with highly dedicated faculty and staff. The program highlighted here could be used by other institutions as a model program for assisting students in STEM and other biomedical fields of study to successfully matriculate through college and graduate school and develop their research careers.
The ethics of pure entrepreneurship: An Austrian economics perspective

This paper focuses on the justice of income distribution in a system of private property rights. Milton Friedman argued that the “ethical principle that would directly justify the distribution of income in a free society is ‘to each according to what he and the instruments he owns produces’” (1962: 161–2). In this paper we (a) show that the winning of pure entrepreneurial profit cannot be justified on the basis of Friedman’s ethical principle, and (b) argue that a fuller understanding of the meaning of “pure entrepreneurial profit” reveals that Friedman’s universal ethic is of little relevance to capitalism, properly understood as a free enterprise system. To pass ethical judgment on pure entrepreneurial profit, it is necessary to supplement Friedman’s ethical principle with additional ethical insights. This paper does not argue directly in favor of any one such possible additional insight; it will simply demonstrate how one such additional insight might, if it passes final ethical screening, serve as the ethical defense of pure capitalism, which, we argue, Friedman’s ethical principle is unable to do.
Did Nafta Help Mexico?: An Update After 23 Years

This note compares the performance of the Mexican economy with that of the rest of the region over 23 years, since NAFTA took effect, based on the available economic and social indicators. Among the results, it finds that Mexico ranks 15th out of 20 Latin American countries in growth of real GDP per person, the most basic economic measure of living standards; Mexico’s poverty rate in 2014 was higher than the poverty rate of 1994; and real wages (inflation-adjusted) were almost the same in 2014 as in 1994. It also notes that if NAFTA had been successful in restoring Mexico’s pre-1980 growth rate —when developmentalist economic policies were the norm— Mexico today would be a high-income country, with income per person comparable to Western European countries. If not for Mexico’s long-term economic failure, including the 23 years since NAFTA, it is unlikely that immigration from Mexico would have become a major political issue in the United States, since relatively few Mexicans would seek to cross the border.
Defining the Organism in the Welfare State: The Politics of Individuality in American Culture, 1890–1950

To speak of the “transfer of metaphors between biology and the social sciences” implies a sense of movement from one space into another. Implicit is an understanding of dichotomy, of boundaries to be transgressed. Framing the problem in this way legitimates the disciplinary boundaries central to the professional identity of the biological and social sciences and to their professional authority within the public sphere. For example, one might detail the preponderance of anthropomorphic terms such as “spite” and “slavery” in sociobiology, citing how such transgressions erode the disciplinary authority of the social sciences and breach the nature/nurture divide. Instead of reifying these boundaries, can we bring them into question? Can we alter these disciplinary topographies, shattering the linear movement of words from one space to another, and situate the metaphors within a general field of meaning? Once we begin to explore science as culture, the dichotomy erected between the biological and the social begins to break down. In the subject matter of this essay, biology is a human science.1
HIV-1 vector systems

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) based gene transfer systems are gaining in popularity due to their ability to transduce terminally differentiated and non-dividing cells. Oncoretroviral vectors based on Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV), on the other hand, can only transduce dividing cells. The reasons for increased ability of lentivirus vectors to transduce such cells has been attributed to several of the viral proteins (integrase, matrix and Vpr) that are purported to be involved in the nuclear import of the pre-integration complex (PIC). Nuclear import is also augmented by a unique triple stranded DNA region created during reverse transcription of the incoming viral RNA in the target cell (discussed in chapter 3). This chapter deals with the rationale behind the design of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) based packaging systems with an emphasis on some recent advances in the field for the creation of safe and efficient HIV-1 based vectors. The review covers trans-acting proteins and cis-sequences required for the deployment of HIV-1 vectors for gene transfer. This is a rapidly advancing field that with further refinements may soon allow the utilization of HIV-1 based and/or other lentivirus vectors in a clinical setting.
Dermatologic Disorders Associated with Thyroid Disease

Thyroid diseases need to be considered as contributing to the clinical picture in patients with a host of systemic and dermatologic disorders, many of which are classified as autoimmune. Imagine the following scenario: A 46-year-old woman with a known history of systemic lupus erythematosus complains of the recent development of leg weakness. The clinician needs to determine if this could be due to the lupus itself, a reaction to treatment (such as a steroid-induced myopathy), or if there is a concurrent pathologic process. Considering thyroid disease in this context should be routine; however, it is all too often forgotten as a diagnostic possibility. It is also essential to consider if a patient's medications may be affecting thyroid function. For example, if a patient with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) develops xerosis to the point of being considered as having an acquired ichthyosis, is the ichthyotic skin secondary to the lymphoma or to bexarotene-induced central hypothyroidism? This chapter emphasizes those disorders and medications that merit screening for thyroid disease in the appropriate clinical context, utilizing thyroid function studies or thyroid autoantibodies. The ability to treat thyroid disease should provide an impetus for assessing the thyroid status in patients with the maladies discussed in this chapter. Assessing thyroid function should be considered standard practice in patients with a personal or family history of any autoimmune disease.
Investigation of a model based reconstruction technique for neutron tomography at the PULSTAR reactor

Abstract A model based neutron computed tomography (CT) reconstruction technique is developed and implemented to improve the spatial resolution of the reconstructed images. The spatial resolution of a scintillator and a charge-coupled device (CCD) based digital neutron imaging system is quantified and used as the system response function in the iterative reconstruction process. The response function is included in the forward projection model to provide better estimation of the actual projection, thus improving the spatial resolution of the reconstructed images. Experiments were performed at the neutron imaging facility of the PULSTAR research reactor to corroborate the performance of the developed algorithm with a 50 μ m and a 250 μ m 6LiF:ZnS thick scintillator. The reconstruction results of the model based technique have shown an improvement of nearly 40% in achievable spatial resolution as compared to the standard filtered back projection (FBP) technique.
Laser Ablation Propulsion and Its Applications in Space

Where lasers shine is in propelling a remote object using a space-based mother ship with an onboard laser. In some cases, there is no other reasonable choice. These cases include small low Earth orbit (LEO) debris reentry, large LEO debris nudging to avoid collisions, direct launch to LEO of small payloads at low cost and raising large geosynchronous (GEO) objects to graveyard orbits. We introduce the new, exciting idea of the laser rocket, in which a “burst mode” laser accelerates a 25-kg spherical probe surrounded by a discardable ablator layer to 3.6 km/s in minutes.
Chemoreduction of Orbital Recurrence of Uveal Melanoma by Intra-Arterial Melphalan.

Background/Aims The treatment of orbital melanoma poses a management challenge. This case explores the delivery of high-dose melphalan to an orbital recurrence of uveal melanoma via intra-arterial delivery of melphalan to the orbit. A 62-year-old man developed recurrent orbital disease 7 months after enucleation for a large uveal melanoma. He received 6 monthly intra-arterial infusions of melphalan to the orbit, ranging in dose from 20 to 30 mg per infusion. Following the last infusion, mild temporary erythema was noted on the forehead along the distribution of the supratrochlear artery. The orbital recurrence was reduced in size by 66% in the longest dimension as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, 9 months following intra-arterial melphalan, tumor regrowth was detected on MRI, and additional treatment options were pursued. Conclusion This case demonstrates that intra-arterial melphalan can result in nonsustained tumor regression of recurrent orbital uveal melanoma. It suggests that local delivery of high-dose melphalan may be helpful as a neoadjuvant treatment for uveal melanoma, and future studies will be useful to confirm the value of this approach in additional cases of recurrent and possibly in primary uveal melanoma.
Robotic device shows lack of momentum enhancement for gymnotiform swimmers

Many fish generate thrust by undulating one or multiple elongated fins while keeping their body straight. This propulsion mechanism has stimulated interest in both biology and bio-inspired marine propulsion because its maneuverability and efficiency at low speed. Analytical studies have found that a fin attached to a rigid flat body can produce substantially higher thrust compared to a fin without a body, three- to four-fold for natural swimmers. However, this momentum enhancement has not been confirmed experimentally. In this work, a robotic ribbon fin model with an adjustable-height body was used to test the momentum enhancement for gymontiform swimmers where the undulating fin runs along the ventral side of the body. In a series of experiments, the force generated by the robotic device was measured as the body height of the robot, the undulating fin frequency and the flow speed were changed. It was found that the thrust generated by the ribbon fin is not affected by the presence of a body, thereby resulting in no momentum enhancement due to the fin-body interaction. These results suggest that if there is a benefit at a specific fin-body height ratio of the fishes, the momentum enhancement is not the reason. This result has broader implications in understanding the evolutionary adaption of undulatory fin propulsion and underwater vehicles designs.
Pro-environmental tourism: Lessons from adventure, wellness and eco-tourism (AWE) in Costa Rica

Abstract Adventure tourism, wellness tourism, and ecotourism (AWE) are growing faster than the global tourism growth rate. There is growing evidence that these forms of travel have disproportionately positive effects on reflection, personal meaning, and pro-environmental outcomes in relation to other forms of tourism. This exploratory case study of an AWE experience is driven by three primary questions: 1) what are the characteristics of the AWE experience that travelers feel are most unique in relation to other travel experiences?; 2) how do visitors describe the influence of AWE on their attitudes, knowledge and behavior?; and 3) are there any characteristics of AWE that can be adapted, adopted, and scaled up to inspire pro-environmental behavior across the tourism industry more broadly? To address these questions, interview data from AWE travelers are inductively analyzed. Findings suggest three principal mechanisms motivating travelers to take up healthy new actions, lifestyle changes, and environmental stewardship pledges: immersive experiences, identity reinforcement, and meaningful reflection opportunities during and after the trip. This study provides an empirical complement to a growing body of conceptual research into the precursors of pro-environmental behavior after nature-based travel. The presented analysis invokes theories that have yet to be fully applied to AWE travel, notably, writings that assess the eudaimonic elements of the tourism experience. Given the indication that AWE inspires pro-environmental action, this research identifies new paths for developing our understanding of how the characteristics of AWE can be adapted, adopted, and scaled up to inspire pro-environmental behavior at other niche tourism operators or across the tourism industry more broadly. Management implication ● On-site programming and post-trip communications should reinforce desired identity, provide immersive experience, and prompt eudaimonic reflection. ● Reinforcing pro-environmental identity can lead to similar behavioral spillover into social and environmental stewardship actions upon returning home. ● Characteristics of AWE demonstrated here can likely be further adapted, adopted, and scaled up to inspire pro-environmental behavior across the tourism industry more broadly.
Insufficient sleep and obesity

Abstract The high prevalence of obesity and its associated diseases have prompted calls for the evaluation of innovative approaches to decrease obesity risk and promote healthy weight management. Emerging evidence suggests that sleep plays an important role in energy balance and metabolism. Habitual short sleep associates with an increased risk for obesity in children, adolescents and adults. Experimental studies demonstrate that sleep restriction leads to weight gain, increased daily caloric intake, greater consumption of unhealthy food and drink, and delayed meal timing as well as alterations in appetite-regulating hormones and brain activity that promote positive energy balance and weight gain over time. Addressing sleep issues with individuals who are at risk for uncontrolled weight gain improves daytime functioning and may increase the likelihood of weight-loss success. Pilot studies examining the use of sleep extension as a behavioral approach for healthy weight management have shown promising results.
The Devaluation of Parenthood

Major adjustments in our Parent-Society Contract are needed to give parents a greater return for their investment in children. Because stable families produce productive citizens, our social contract should strengthen families. Because raising children is a public good, it should support parenthood. Children prick our consciences by painfully reminding us that we are flawed models, yet they also evoke our highest ideals. Although conflicts between the interests of older and younger generations are inevitable, the American cultural tradition is to promote competent parenthood. Still, juvenile ageism obscures the rights and needs of children, especially newborn babies.
Occupational Determinants of Job Stress: Socioeconomic Status and Segmented Labor Markets

While organizations are the most proximate determinants of job structures, job structures are not completely determined by them. Job structures are also broadly shaped by customs and laws, such as antidiscrimination and worker safety laws. But the most significant “external” determinant of job structures is the relative availability of individuals with the appropriate “capital,” the knowledge, training, skills, and experience, to fill particular job openings. Jobs differ in the kinds of tasks that need to be performed and individuals differ in both the type and amount of capital that would enable them to perform these tasks. The differences roughly correspond to differences among occupations. Occupations are aggregations of jobs that involve similar tasks or activities regardless of employer, and requiring similar skills and training (Kalleberg and Berg 1987: 78, 84; Vallas et al. 2009: 37). Organizations thus structure jobs to allow them to find suitably trained and skilled workers in the labor market. Hence, part of the explanation for the structure of jobs in organizations is related to the nature of occupations and to the labor market that links workers to those jobs.
Mapping Co-regulation Pathways among Ligand Binding sites in RyR1

Abstract Ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) is an intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release channel required for skeletal muscle contraction. RyR1 is co-regulated by multiple activators – Ca2+, ATP and caffeine (CFF), yet the mechanism of co-regulation and the action synergy of these activators is unknown. Here, we report the detailed network of allosteric connections between the three ligand sites and the pore region in (i) Ca2+ bound – closed, (ii) ATP/CFF bound – closed, (iii) Ca2+/ATP/CFF bound – closed and (iv) Ca2+/ATP/CFF bound – open RyR1 states. We find that two dominant paths mediate the communication between the Ca2+ binding site and pore region in Ca2+-only state. ATP/CFF-only occupied – closed RyR1 has two additional paths with CFF-but not ATP-occupied path using part of the closed Ca2+-only pathway. In the presence of Ca2+, ATP and CFF, major differences between the open and closed states are identified with both using part of the paths of the closed Ca2+-only and ATP/CFF-only states. We find that the three activators Ca2+, ATP, and CFF propagate their effects to the pore region through a network of partially overlapping pathways. Such coordination of allosteric pathway underlies the molecular basis of synergy of channel regulation by multiple activators. Statement of Significance RyRs are a group of Ca2+ channels that bind to several endogenous modulators and regulate Ca2+ release through closed-to-open gating transition. Despite the high-resolution structural data available for RyR1, the allosteric mechanism of RyR1 gating remains elusive. In this study, we employed graph-theoretical approach to demonstrate the allosteric network of synergistic interaction among various activators in RyR1. To our knowledge, for the first time we were able to identify the co-regulation among ligand sites in RyR1 to regulate the closed-to-open gating transition. The explored allosteric coupling in RyR1 may assist in designing advanced therapeutics for several debilitating diseases. Our findings in this study will assist to design new strategies for controlled allosteric regulation of RyR1 functionality in future.
Singles of both sexes expedite reproduction: Shifts in sexual-timing strategies before and after the typical age of female menopause

Abstract How do singles' strategies for engaging in sexual activity with a new partner vary across the adult lifespan? Using three large and independent demographically representative cross-sectional samples of heterosexual single adults in the U.S., we found that females approaching the typical age of menopause became less likely to establish relationship exclusivity prior to sexual activity with a new partner. However, after the typical age of menopausal onset, females returned to earlier levels of commitment choosiness. These changes in commitment choosiness surrounding the age of menopause were consistent across two studies (including a larger dataset combining two samples). Findings suggest that single females approaching menopause—a major life history milestone—alter their behavior to achieve reproductively relevant partnering goals but abandon this mating strategy once the typical reproductive period has ended. Males exhibited similar, though attenuated, changes in expected relationship commitment before sexual activity during midlife as well. Age-related changes in commitment corresponded with the amount of stress expressed regarding one's “biological clock”. However, reduced commitment choosiness did not vary with frequency of sexual thoughts, frequency of sexual behaviors, or external pressures to find a romantic partner. Results are discussed in terms of life history theory and sex differences in sexuality.
ω-Hydroxy isoprenoid bisphosphonates as linkable GGDPS inhibitors

Abstract The enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) is a potential therapeutic target for multiple myeloma. Malignant plasma cells produce and secrete large amounts of monoclonal protein, and inhibition of GGDPS results in disruption of protein geranylgeranylation which in turn impairs intracellular protein trafficking. Our previous work has demonstrated that some isoprenoid triazole bisphosphonates are potent and selective inhibitors of GGDPS. To explore the possibility of selective delivery of such compounds to plasma cells, new analogues with an ω-hydroxy group have been synthesized and examined for their enzymatic and cellular activity. These studies demonstrate that incorporation of the ω-hydroxy group minimally impairs GGDPS inhibitory activity. Furthermore conjugation of one of the novel ω-hydroxy GGDPS inhibitors to hyaluronic acid resulted in enhanced cellular activity. These results will allow future studies to focus on the in vivo biodistribution of HA-conjugated GGDPS inhibitors.
The Correspondence of Charles Darwin as a Tool for Reflecting on Nature of Science

This study took place in an introductory science inquiry course for preservice elementary school teachers as a supplement to lessons on critical thinking. The correspondence of Charles Darwin was used to provide historical context to nature of science concepts of the sociocultural embeddedness of science, the subjective and reflective nature of the knowledge and experiences of scientists, and science is composed of different types of empirically based knowledge. Darwin’s own words, reactions to other’s words and ideas, and personal correspondences illustrate the undercurrent of social interactions and private thought processes that furthered the development of scientific understanding. Qualitative analysis of student data indicates that these historical letters provided a medium through which students were able to recognize ideas commonly identified as NOS. With the appropriate instructional and pedagogical supports described, students demonstrated knowledge of the historical context of Darwin’s work and the social enterprise of science illustrated through that work, leading to their developing understanding of the nature of science.
Supporting Preservice Teachers to Implement Systematic Instruction Through Video Review, Reflection, and Performance Feedback

Eleven preservice teachers in a dual early childhood/early childhood special education teacher education program participated in a case study to determine the effects of a professional development intervention on use of an evidence-based practice (EBP). The intervention included training, practice, planning, video self-reflection, and group feedback to support implementation of constant time delay procedures with children in early childhood special education settings. After participating in the intervention, the majority of participants implemented the practice with fidelity. Implications for teacher education are discussed.