cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A heritable predisposition to pituitary tumors

Pituitary tumors are prevalent in the general population, with a frequency of nearly 1 in 5. The cause of most pituitary tumors remains unknown, although a genetic contribution is recognized for some. We analyzed the Utah Population Data Base (UPDB), a resource combining a computerized genealogy of the Utah population with a statewide tumor registry, to investigate familial clustering of pituitary tumors. We analyzed the genetic relationships among 741 individuals diagnosed with benign or malignant pituitary tumors who had Utah genealogy data. To test for evidence of genetic contribution to predisposition, we compared average relatedness between all pairs of individuals with pituitary tumors with the expected relatedness in this population. We also estimated relative risks (RRs) for pituitary tumors in close and distant relatives of cases by comparing observed and expected numbers of cases among relatives. Relative risks for first- and third-degree relatives were significantly elevated (RR = 2.83 and 1.63, respectively), while relative risk for second-degree relatives was not significantly different from 1.0 (RR = 0.83). The average pairwise relatedness of pituitary tumor cases was significantly higher than expected, even when close relationships were ignored. The significantly elevated risks to relatives as well as the significant excess distant relatedness observed in cases provide strong support for a genetic contribution to predisposition to pituitary tumors. Multiple high-risk pedigrees can be identified in the UPDB, and study of such pedigrees might allow identification of the gene(s) responsible for our observations. Recognizing genetic contribution to the disease may also help with counseling family members of affected individuals.
Dental Utilization by Low‐income Mothers

Objective: This study examines the influence of predisposing, enabling, and need variables on whether low-income mothers sought dental care during the past year. This report is a substudy of mothers and children on their self-reported health status, utilization, access, and satisfaction with health care in general. Methods: A convenience sample of 502 mothers and youngest child younger than 6 years old was administered a face-to-face questionnaire in four Ohio counties. Information was collected at county human services offices and WIC clinics between November 1995 and July 1996. Using whether or not the mother sought dental care as the dependent variable, logistic regression models were created for the variables within the predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics separately and together. Results: Fewer than one-half of the mothers sought dental care during the past year. Variables associated with the predisposing characteristic explained little about who sought care. Those mothers who have Medicaid coverage are 2.7 times more likely to have a dental visit than those without insurance. Moreover, those mothers who perceive any dental need are several times less likely to have received dental care than those who have no perceived need. Conclusion: Even among a somewhat homogeneous population of low-income women, source of payment for dental services and perceived need for dental care are discriminating variables in determining who seeks dental care.
Genetic Variation in the M Antigen of Group A Streptococci: Reassortment of Type-Specific Markers and Possible Antigenic Drift

The phylogenetic relationships of 73 strains of group A Streptococcus isolated over a six-year period from a population with a high prevalence of streptococcal infections were analyzed with use of four serotype-specific markers: the serum opacity factor (OF), the T antigen, the determinant of the M antigen that precipitates with antibody, and the M antiphagocytic determinant. OF inhibition tests divided the strains into five subtypes: a, b, c, d, and e. Strains within subtypes a, b, and c shared a previously unidentified M precipitin. The identification of this new common M precipitin was based on absorption studies, double agar immunodiffusion, and immunoelectrophoresis analysis. Antisera directed against representative strains from subtypes a, b, and c contained cross-reactive bactericidal antibody, and absorption studies indicated that determinants of the M precipitins were identical, whereas determinants of resistance to phagocytosis were closely related but not identical. The association of a common M precipitin with three different OF antigens, two different T antigens, and three different, yet similar, antiphagocytic determinants is discussed in light of the possibility that the genes that code for these antigens have reassorted or recombined. Moreover, the possibility that differences in the antiphagocytic determinants of these strains have resulted from antigenic drift in a common gene is considered.
The diversity of the orthoreoviruses: molecular taxonomy and phylogentic divides.

The family Reoviridae is a diverse group of viruses with double-stranded RNA genomes contained within icosahedral, non-enveloped, double-layered protein capsids. Within the Reoviridae, the Orthoreovirus genus includes viruses that infect reptiles, birds and mammals (including humans). Recent sequencing efforts have produced a great deal of new molecular data for the fusogenic orthoreoviruses, a group of reoviruses that induce cell–cell fusion during an infection. This new data has allowed a fresh look at the phylogenetic relationships among the members of the Orthoreovirus genus, and has provided insight into the evolution of orthoreovirus species and species groups. This review mainly focuses on the molecular taxonomy of the fusogenic orthoreoviruses, and aims to provide insight into their relationships with the non-fusogenic orthoreoviruses and other selected Reoviridae genera.
When Traumatic Stressors are not Past, But Now: Psychosocial Treatment to Develop Resilience with Children and Youth Enduring Concurrent, Complex Trauma

While providing school-based treatment for 450 urban impoverished children and youth from 2006 to 2014, we found implementing specific elements of PTSD treatment models reduced engagement and aggravated clients’ symptoms. Clients’ traumas were neither past nor single-type, but were multiple (complex) and unavoidably occurring concurrently with treatment. We speculated that many trauma treatment elements needed revision to be effective. Using a participatory action research methodology, we developed a resilience-focused treatment model for concurrently-traumatized clients. Drawing from the strengths perspective, self-determination, and hope theories, key treatment elements revised here are triggers, re-enactment, avoidance, “silencing,” and dissociation. Treatment guidelines include creating a safe zone, entering clients’ worlds completely, frame flexibility, client self-determination of treatment agendas and duration, and pleasurable play.
Role of Kv4.3 in Vibration-Induced Muscle Pain in the Rat.

Abstract We hypothesized that changes in the expression of voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv) 4.3 contribute to the mechanical hyperalgesia induced by vibration injury, in a rodent model for hand-arm vibration syndrome in humans. Here we show that the exposure of the gastrocnemius muscle to vibration injury induces muscle hyperalgesia that is accompanied by a significant downregulation of Kv4.3 in affected sensory nerve fibers in dorsal root ganglia. We additionally show that the intrathecal administration of antisense oligonucleotides for Kv4.3 messenger RNA itself induces muscle hyperalgesia in the rat. Our results suggest that attenuation in the expression of Kv4.3 may contribute to neuropathic pain in people affected by hand-arm vibration syndrome. Perspective Our findings establish Kv4.3 as a potential molecular target for the treatment of hand-arm vibration syndrome.
Attribution patterns in men with sexual problems: analysis and implications for treatment

ABSTRACTPrevious research indicates that individuals with sexual problems are more likely to attribute negative sexual experiences to themselves, in contrast with sexually functional individuals who attribute negative experiences to external factors such as their partner, circumstance, or relationship. Both men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and men with premature ejaculation (PE) show such patterns, as demonstrated through separate studies. In this analysis of 1249 men responding to an online survey posted on the Internet, we undertook a head-to-head comparison of men with ED and PE problems to determine whether their attribution patterns, though clearly different from functional men, were also different from one another. We also compared men with combined PE and ED to men with just PE to ascertain whether patterns of self-blame in these men were greater. Results indicate that men with PE accepted a higher level of self-blame than men with ED for negative sexual experiences. Men with both PE and ED exhib...
Leukaemia cutis after starting bendamustine: cause or coincidence?

A 55-year-old man with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia presented with diffuse skin lesions that began 1 week after starting a new chemotherapy regimen with bendamustine and rituximab. The lesions appeared as erythematous papules that were neither itchy nor tender, and did not blanch with pressure. Initially, they began on his scalp and flanks and, over the next few days, spread diffusely throughout his body, becoming darker in colour. Skin biopsy showed atypical clonal B-cell proliferation in a perivascular, periadnexal and dermal band-like distribution, which was further characterised by immunohistochemical evaluation. These findings were suggestive of leukaemia cutis and consistent with the patient9s chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, which was previously confirmed by bone marrow biopsy. The bendamustine was stopped and the patient9s chemotherapy regimen was switched to fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab. Shortly thereafter, the leukaemia cutis regressed significantly.
The high cost of conflict

Conflict is inevitable, especially in highly stressed environments. Clinical environments marked by nurse-physician conflict (and nurse withdrawal related to conflict avoidance) have been proven to be counterproductive to patients. Clinical environments with nurse-physician professional collegiality and respectful communication show decreased patient morbidity and mortality, thus enhancing outcomes. The growth of managed care, and the organizational turmoil associated with rapid change, makes it imperative to structure the health care environment so that conflict can be dealt with in a safe and healthy manner. Professional health care education programs and employers have a responsibility to provide interactive opportunities for multidisciplinary audiences through which conflict management skills can be learned and truly change the interpersonal environment. Professionals must be free to focus their energy on the needs of the patient, not on staff difficulties.
Cotton Gossypium Spp.Plant Gossypol Contents of Selected GL2 and GL3 Alleles

The gossypol content of cotton Gossypium spp. has been of interest to plant breeders because those that have high levels often carry resistance to the tobacco budworm Heliothis virescens (F.). However, its presence in seed has economic disadvantages to the seed and oil processing industry. Previously, two alleles which control plant gossypol, GL 2 and GL 3 , were successfully transferred from several sources to a common background, XG-15. GL 3 has now been transferred from G. raimondii (Ulbr.), a Peruvian wild diploid species, and G. davidsonii (Kell), a Mexican wild diploid species, into G. hirsutum (Upland) cottons. The plant bud tissue resulting from these crosses is relatively high in gossypol, while seed is relatively low.
Genetic variation in an urban population of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

A survey of genetic variation in urban populations of Aedes aegypti was conducted using starch gel electrophoresis. Ten enzyme loci were examined, 4 of which were found to be polymorphic ( Hk, Mdh, Pgm, Pgi ). The remaining loci were monomorphic ( Aid, Ao, Fum, α-Gpd, Me, 6-Pgd ). The expected heterozygosity of the total population (Hγ) was 9.7%. When the expected total heterozygosity was partitioned, intrapopulation variation accounted for 9.3%; interpopulation variation contributed the remaining 0.4%. The results suggest that the Ae. aegypti population in the Houston area is not genetically subdivided.
Structures and Absolute Configurations of Penicillactones A–C from an Endophytic Microorganism, Penicillium dangeardii Pitt

Penicillactones A-C (1-3) are structurally related natural products with a spirocyclic anhydride structure and were isolated from the endophytic fungus Penicillium dangeardii Pitt. Penicillactones B and C showed inhibition of the release of β-glucuronidase from polymorphonuclear leukocytes with ED50 values of 2.58 and 1.57 μM. A 2D INADEQUATE experiment of 1 was performed at natural abundance to confirm the arrangement of its carbon skeleton. The configurations of 1-3 were established through extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis, selective structural modifications, and CD analysis.
Abstract 5577: Text-mining methods applied to clinical records support an association between androgen deprivation therapy and subsequent cardiometabolic disease

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA We conducted this study to examine the association of androgen deprivation therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer with future metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Here we utilize electronic medical record data from 1.8 million subjects in the Stanford Translational Research Integrated Database Environment. Specifically, we extracted ICD-9 diagnostic codes, patient medication lists and data from clinical notes using a previously validated text-analytics pipeline. Through this approach, we identified a cohort of 4,578 individuals with prostate cancer containing data on all defined covariates including Gleason score, age, race and use of antiplatelet, anticoagulant, antihypertensive and lipid lowering agents. We used multivariable logistic regression techniques to examine the association of androgen deprivation therapy use with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. Following prostate cancer diagnosis, there were 80 new diagnoses of diabetes, 39 new diagnoses of peripheral arterial disease and 72 new diagnoses of stroke with 409 individuals receiving androgen deprivation therapy. The use of androgen deprivation therapy to treat prostate cancer was associated with an increased risk of diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-4.03; P = 0.001), peripheral arterial disease (OR = 2.15; 95% CI 1.07-4.32; P = 0.032) and stroke (OR = 2.88; 95% CI 1.72-4.80; P<0.001). Here we further demonstrate the utility of clinical data obtained during routine care to investigate clinical hypotheses. Additionally, we add evidence to the growing body of literature linking the use of androgen deprivation therapy to future cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Citation Format: Kevin T. Nead, Gregory L. Gaskin, Cariad Chester, Nigam H. Shah, Nicholas J. Leeper. Text-mining methods applied to clinical records support an association between androgen deprivation therapy and subsequent cardiometabolic disease. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 5577. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5577
Deviations in Monthly Staffing and Injurious Assaults Against Staff and Patients on Psychiatric Units

It is widely thought that low staffing levels are associated with higher risk of psychiatric inpatient violence. The purpose of this study was to determine whether odds of an injurious assault are higher in months in which unit staffing levels are higher or lower relative to unit average, using a design allowing each unit to serve as its own control. Using 2011-2013 National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators data from 480 adult and 90 geriatric units in 361 US hospitals, monthly assault odds were modeled as functions of unit staffing. Monthly RN and non-RN staffing (hours per patient day) were categorized as very low, low, average, high, or very high, based on deviation from the unit's average staffing across study months. Endpoints were binary indicators for one or more injurious assaults against staff during the month and for one or more injurious assaults against patients during the month. Despite large sample sizes, neither RN nor non-RN staffing was a statistically significant predictor of odds of assault, nor was there a consistent trend of odds of assault being higher at below- or above-average staffing levels. There was little evidence that monthly deviation in unit staffing is associated with the odds of an injurious assault on a unit. This suggests that staffing-assault rate associations in previous studies of monthly data are largely attributable to between-unit rather than within-unit staffing differences. Hospitals may need to look beyond below- or above-average nurse staffing as a cause of assaults. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biocompatibility and in vivo operation of implantable mesoporous PVDF-based nanogenerators.

The rapid developments of implantable biomedical electronics give rise to the motivation of exploring efficient and durable self-powered charging system. In this paper, we report a mesoporous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based implantable piezoelectric nanogenerator (NG) for in vivo biomechanical energy harvesting. The NG was built with a sponge-like mesoporous PVDF film and encapsulated by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). After embedding this NG into rodents, a Voc of ~200 mV was produced from the gentle movement of rodent muscle. Meanwhile, no toxicity or incompatibility sign was found in the host after carrying the packaged NG for 6 weeks. Moreover, the electric output of this NG was extremely stable and exhibited no deterioration after 5 days of in vivo operation or 1.512 × 108 times mechanical deformation. This NG device could practically output a constant voltage of 52 mV via a 1 µF capacitor under living circumstance. The outstanding efficiency, magnificent durability and exceptional biocompatibility promise this mesoporous PVDF-based NG in accomplishing self-powered bioelectronics with potentially lifespan operation period.
Overview of the TREC-2005 Enterprise Track

The goal of the enterprise track is to conduct experiments with enterprise data — intranet pages, email archives, document repositories — that reflect the experiences of users in real organisations, such that for example, an email ranking technique that is effective here would be a good choice for deployment in a real multi-user email search application. This involves both understanding user needs in enterprise search and development of appropriate IR techniques.
Abstract P270: Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure Predicts Hospital Readmission in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

Background: Left atrial hypertension results in pulmonary hypertension which is a frequent finding in the setting of left ventricular failure. We hypothesized that noninvasive measurement of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) by echocardiography could be used to estimate the risk of hospital readmission in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients discharged from a major urban hospital between June 2009 and October 2009 with a primary diagnosis of CHF. Noninvasive assessment of SPAP by 2D echocardiography performed within 6 months preceding hospital discharge was among the inclusion criteria. A SPAP of 40 mmHg or greater in addition to other factors potentially predictive of re-hospitalization were included in a univariable cox-regression analysis for predicting all-cause readmission. Variables with p-values less than 0.25 were allowed to participate in a stepwise cox-regression model which identified all statistically significant predictors within a mutlivariable setting. Results: 145 patients participated in the stepwise cox-regression analysis. The mean SPAP (mmHg) was 47 with a median of 46. The following statistically significant predictors were identified: hemoglobin nadir < 10 g/dl (HR 1.63; 95% CI 1.07-2.48; P = 0.02), requirement of skilled nursing care after discharge (HR 1.73; 95% CI 1.14-2.63; P = 0.011), diagnosis of COPD (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.04-2.51; P = 0.03), diagnosis of ESRD (HR 2.05; 95% CI 1.18-3.55; P = 0.01), use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (HR 4.71; 95% CI 1.95-11.35; P < 0.001) and SPAP of 40 or above (HR 2.03; 95% CI 1.30-3.18; P = 0.002). Conclusions: Previous limited studies have suggested that pulmonary hypertension is a prognostic marker in patients with cardiomyopathy. Our data suggests that noninvasive measurement of SPAP by echocardiography can help to predict the risk of hospital readmission in patients hospitalized for CHF. A systolic PAP of 40 mmHg or above appears to be a stronger predictor of re-hospitalization when compared to traditional risk factors including COPD, ESRD and anemia.
Corporate Governance: The Jack Wright Series: A Community Bank Problem: Legal Obligations of Directors

Over the last 25 years or so, local banks rolled up through mergers into regional banks and often to national banks. This was the way that such banks as Bank of America and Wells Fargo were built. In 1993, an entrepreneur in a midsize Virginia city, like many others around the country, realized that this trend created an opportunity for new, independent, locally owned community banks and decided to organize one. This new case is an addition to a series of cases on corporate governance and is used in Darden's "Corporate Governance" course elective. Excerpt UVA-OM-1513 Aug. 5, 2014 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: THE JACK WRIGHT SERIES A Community Bank Problem: Legal Obligations of Directors Introduction Over the last 25 years or so, local banks rolled up through mergers into regional banks and often to national banks. This was the way that such banks as Bank of America and Wells Fargo were built. In 1993, an entrepreneur in a midsize Virginia city, like many oters around the country, realized that this trend created an opportunity for new, independent, locally owned community banks and decided to organize one. . . .
The infrared detection of free radicals using flash photolysis methods

A rapid-scan infrared spectrometer has been constructed and successfully applied to the gas phase study of short-lived intermediates produced by flash photolysis. A zinc-doped germanium semiconductor detector and a Littrow mirror rotating at 10 000 rpm permit scan rates of 1 000 cm–1 /100 microseconds. Detector sensitivity extends over a wide spectral range, 2-40 μ. Two intermediates of short lifetime, chloroformic acid and CF2 , have been identified and rough estimates of their half-lives have been obtained, 50-70 microseconds and 2,5 milliseconds, respectively. The possibilities of infrared emission studies are suggested by the emission spectrum from a Cl2 — H2 explosion initiated by flash photolysis.
Using bilateral lower limb kinematic and myoelectric signals to predict locomotor activities: A pilot study

Active lower limb exoskeletons can provide assistance to the lower extremities and may drastically improve the walking abilities of millions of individuals with gait impairments. However, most currently available control systems for these devices cannot predict the user's intended movements and have yet to enable walking with seamless transitions. Recent developments in intent recognition for active lower limb prostheses have demonstrated that using kinematic and kinetic signals from the device and myoelectric signals from the user can provide an intuitive control interface for seamlessly transitioning between different locomotor activities. In this work, we determined the baseline performance of intent recognition systems using neuromechanical signals presumably accessible for controlling active lower limb exoskeletons. We collected bilateral lower limb joint kinematics and muscle activity from three able-bodied subjects while they walked on level ground, ramps, and stairs in order to train an intent recognition system. We found that both combining kinematic and myoelectric signals and including signals from the contralateral leg significantly improved intent recognition performance. We achieved an average offline prediction error rate of 1.4 ± 0.90% using bilateral kinematic and myoelectric signals, demonstrating the promising potential of translating prosthesis-based intent recognition as an alternative control strategy for active lower limb exoskeletons.
Temporal augmentation with poly methyl methacrylate at the time of autologous cranioplasty

Patients undergoing decompressive hemicraniectomy often have temporal wasting. We present a technique to manage temporalis wasting at the time of cranioplasty. Using poly methyl methacrylate, a small temporal implant is placed during cranioplasty. This is both a simple and cost effective technique for temporal augmentation at the time of cranioplasty.
A rapid triage protocol to optimize cold ischemic time for breast resection specimens.

Abstract Prolonged time from specimen excision to adequate formalin exposure, or cold ischemic time (CIT), negatively impacts estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2 biomarker studies routinely performed on breast specimens. Current guidelines recommend CIT of ≤1 h. Since formalin penetrates resections slowly, optimal fixation requires incision. We evaluated the efficacy of a rapid triage protocol developed to optimize CIT. We identified 2821 specimens: 650 (23.0%) excisional biopsies (EB), 1051 (37.3%) lumpectomies, and 1120 (39.7%) mastectomies. CIT was available for 2362 (83.7%), with 1845 (78.1%) ≤1 h and 2323 (98.3%) ≤4 h. IHC was performed in 533/2821 (18.9%) and was associated with lumpectomy and mastectomy procedures when compared to EB. However, IHC was also performed on 11.1% (72/650) of EB specimens despite EB being significantly less likely to have CIT recorded (468/650; 72% for EB vs. 1894/2171; 87.2% for lumpectomies/mastectomies). Our study highlights the need for rapid triage of breast resections with known or suspected malignant diagnoses and outlines our procedure for optimizing CIT. Additionally, we advocate treating ALL breast resections as having the potential of being malignant and requiring biomarker studies for which optimal CIT is of great importance.
CO2 reduction and methane partial oxidation on surface catalyzed La0.9Ca0.1FeO3-δ oxygen transport membranes

Abstract In this paper, we demonstrate CO2 thermochemical reduction to CO in a La0.9Ca0.1FeO3-δ oxygen ion transport membrane reactor. For process intensification, we also show that methane can be used on the sweep side, producing two streams: a CO stream from CO2 reduction on the feed side, and a syngas stream on the other. We show that surface reactions are the rate-limiting steps for fuel-assisted CO2 reduction on a flat LCF-91 membrane. To improve productivity, we study how that adding catalytic porous layers can accelerate these steps and hence, increase the CO2-to-fuel conversion rates. Adding LCF-91 porous layers onto the membrane surface raised the oxygen flux by 1.4X. Secondly, different catalysts (Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 on the feed side and (La0.6Sr0.4)0.95Co0.2Fe0.8O3 on the sweep side) were added onto the porous layers to further accelerate the surface reaction rates. As a result, the oxygen flux was further increased especially at lower temperatures, e.g., at 850°C, oxygen flux was raised by one order of magnitude as compared to the unmodified membrane. Process intensification was tested on the latter membrane configuration, and the syngas produced on the sweep side had a H2:CO ratio very close to 2, ideal for production of fuels. Carbon species balance showed that higher methane concentration on the sweep side could lead to coke formation. Results also show that the selectivity to CO2 near the membrane surface is higher than that at the reactor outlet due to the availability of lattice oxygen and the favorable water-gas shift reactions.
Smoothness of the Scalar Coefficients in the Representations of Isotropic Tensor-Valued Functions.

Abstract : For a three-dimensional space, an isotropic tensor-valued function omega of a symmetric tensor A has the representation omega(A) = alpha(A)I + beta(A)A + gamma(A)A2, in which the coefficients alpha, beta, and gamma are isotropic scalar-valued functions. It is known that these coefficients may fail to be as smooth as omega at those tensors A that do not have three distinct eigenvalues. Serrin (1959) and Man (1994) determined conditions on the smoothness of P that guarantee the existence of continuous coefficients. We give a different proof of their results and also determine conditions on P that guarantee the existence of continuously differentiable coefficients. (AN)
Probabilistic Learning by Positive and Negative Reinforcement in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

This experiment examined learning tendencies in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) using reinforcement feedback for probabilistic outcomes. One hundred sixty-six GAD and 105 non-GAD participants were randomized to a computerized probabilistic learning task that used either negative or positive reinforcement. Participants chose between stimuli with specific probabilities of reinforcement to learn which of each pair had the highest probability. Reinforced choices either removed an angry face (negative reinforcement) or made a happy face appear (positive reinforcement). Results showed that those with GAD learned the correct probabilistic choices at a slower rate over time and to a lesser degree than control participants regardless of reinforcement type. Estimations of the likelihood of receiving a good outcome posttask were also more inaccurate for those with GAD, especially when true likelihoods were high. Furthermore, compared with control participants, those with GAD reported lower perceived reinforcement sensitivity, higher behavioral inhibition sensitivity, and higher undesirable feelings toward probabilistic learning.
Wonder Woman and the public humanities: a reflection on the 2016 Wonder Woman Symposium

In honor of the 75th anniversary of the comic book super heroine Wonder Woman in 2016, Kent State University and Cleveland Public Library partnered to celebrate the intersections of public literacy...
A Comparison of 30-Day Hospital Readmission and Complication Rates After Outpatient Versus Inpatient 1 and 2 Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery: An Analysis of a Medicare Patient Sample.

Background Same-day surgery has been demonstrated to be a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional inpatient surgery. Several studies have demonstrated no differences in the postoperative complication profile or 30-day hospital readmission rates with outpatient versus inpatient anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, none of these studies compared the outcomes in elderly patients (aged >65 years) undergoing ACDF. Whether the results from previous studies can be applied to this subgroup pf patients remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to compare the 30-day hospital readmission rates for Medicare patients (aged >65 years) undergoing outpatient versus inpatient ACDF. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a Medicare database, including data from 17,421 patients. Of the 17,421 patients, 16,386 had undergone inpatient ACDF and 1035, outpatient ACDF. Age, sex, comorbidities, postoperative complications, readmission rates, and overall financial costs were compared between the 2 cohorts. Results In a Medicare sample (aged >65 years), inpatient ACDF was associated with a greater incidence of postoperative complications compared with outpatient ACDF. Outpatient surgery was associated with significantly lower rates of postoperative complications (urinary tract infection, surgical site infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction) and significantly lower treatment costs (P ≤ 0.001). All-cause 30-day hospital readmission rates were also greater for inpatients (10.1% vs. 4%; P = 0.17). Conclusion The results from the present study suggest that outpatient ACDF appears to be safe and effective with low complication and readmission rates in a Medicare patient sample.
Assessing psychosocial risk in pediatric cystic fibrosis.

Background Psychosocial risk factors are known to impact quality of life, treatment adherence, and health outcomes. No standardized comprehensive psychosocial risk screener is routinely utilized in cystic fibrosis (CF) care. The objectives of the study were to describe the range and severity of psychosocial risk within this CF population, investigate the reliability of a comprehensive psychosocial screener in pediatric CF clinical care, and explore relationships between psychosocial risk and key factors affecting health outcomes. It was hypothesized that the PAT-CF total and subscale α coefficients would be similar to those found in other pediatric medical populations. Method Parents of 154 children with CF completed a CF-specific version of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool_All-lit (PAT-CF), an empirically-based psychosocial risk assessment, during routine CF clinical care. Results The internal consistency of the PAT-CF Total score was 0.71. Total score and subscale reliabilities reflect findings in other pediatric populations. Total risk scores fell in the following categories: 7% (Clinical-highest risk), 41% (Targeted), and 52% (Universal-lowest risk), respectively. Increased psychosocial risk was associated with Medicaid status and lower parent education, whereas having private insurance was associated with decreased psychosocial risk. Conclusions The PAT-CF can feasibly be used as an empirically-based comprehensive psychosocial risk tool in routine CF care and is acceptable by parents. In addition to providing universal anticipatory guidance regarding child and family wellness, early identification of risk factors allows care teams to proactively provide targeted support and intervention for specific psychosocial risk factors to promote improved quality of life and ability to sustain daily care.
Manipulating Dendritic Growth: An Undergraduate Laboratory Experience with the Interplay between Mass Transport, Supersaturated Solutions, and Dendrite Structure

Dendrite growth affects material systems across applications as diverse as lithium batteries, organic light emitting diodes, turbine blades, and biological sensors. Their unique crystal structure a...
Relative property (T) for the subequivalence relations induced by the action of SL2(Z) on T2

Abstract Let S be the equivalence relation induced by the action SL 2 ( Z ) ↷ ( T 2 , λ 2 ) , where λ 2 denotes the Haar measure on the 2-torus, T 2 . We prove that any ergodic subequivalence relation R of S is either hyperfinite or rigid in the sense of S. Popa [41] . The proof uses an ergodic-theoretic criterion for rigidity of countable, ergodic, probability measure preserving equivalence relations. Moreover, we give a purely ergodic-theoretic formulation of rigidity for free, ergodic, probability measure preserving actions of countable groups.
Sodium–Calcium Exchanger: Structural Aspects

The Na + –Ca 2+ exchanger (NCX) is a membrane protein that utilizes the electrochemical gradient for Na + to extrude Ca 2+ from the cell. As a Ca 2+ efflux mechanism, NCX plays a prominent role in the maintenance of Ca 2+ homeostasis in a variety of tissues. It is composed of 938 amino acids organized into nine transmembrane segments (TMSs). The first five TMSs are separated from the last four by a large intracellular loop, which comprises more than half of the exchanger. While the transmembrane segments carry out ion transport, the large intracellular loop is involved in regulatory processes. This includes modulation of NCX activity by cytoplasmic factors such as Na + , Ca 2+ , H + , adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and lipids.
Putting the “self” in selfies: how narcissism, envy and self-promotion motivate sharing of travel photos through social media

This study investigates the effects of narcissism, envy and self-promotion on travellers’ sharing of travel-related photographs of themselves (“selfies”) through social media, based upon social com...
Optical measurement of fogged scintillator plastics and development of non-fogging plastic scintillator formulations

In 2010, light scattering defects were observed in several fielded panels of poly(vinyltoluene) plastic scintillators that had experienced losses in radiation sensitivity. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory first deduced that the defects were caused by trapped water. A subsequent multi-lab team funded by the DHS CWMD office found that the defects were produced when the trapped, supersaturated water caused the plastic matrix to yield. In the following years, using sophisticated optical measurements and chemical synthesis, the team discovered that the degree of light scattering and defect appearance was a function of moisture supersaturation in the plastic, scintillator formulation, and cycling history. This report focuses on the recent technical achievements by the team in 1) further understanding the root causes of the observed sensitivity loss, 2) deploying a computational tool to predict when and at which sites fogging may occur, and 3) developing and characterizing a class of fog-resistant formulations that have been demonstrated at full panel-scale and will serve as replacements for failed and at-risk panels.
Behavioral Lessons for Antitrust Enforcement

These are lecture slides to accompany a virtual lecture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8RG50O1Vcw) that Avishalom Tor, professor and director of the Research Program on Law and Market Behavior at Notre Dame Law School, delivered to lawyers and economists of the Department of Justice’s antitrust division in Washington D.C. and throughout the country in the summer of 2020. The lecture provides a systematic review of the lessons empirical behavioral findings offer to antitrust law, enforcement, and policy. Professor Tor introduces key findings of behavioral antitrust and explores their implications for doctrine and enforcement across the field, in areas ranging from horizontal restraints, through market power and monopolization, to vertical restraints and merger policy. The lecture concludes by discussing how behavioral antitrust challenges the very foundations of antitrust law, followed by a Q&A session with the participants.
The Borderline-Size Appendix: Grayscale, Color Doppler, and Spectral Doppler Findings That Improve Specificity for the Sonographic Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis.

Diagnostic criteria for acute appendicitis using graded compression sonography have been well established based on the maximum outer diameter (MOD) of the appendix, with MOD values of 8 mm nearly always indicating appendicitis. However, the "borderline-size" appendix, meaning one whose MOD lies between these ranges (ie, an appendix with MOD of 6-8 mm), presents a diagnostic dilemma because appendices in this size range are neither clearly normal nor abnormal when diagnosis is based on the MOD alone; accordingly, such borderline MOD values are diagnostically equivocal, and sonographic diagnosis must rely on sonographic findings other than the MOD. The goal of this review was to examine the additional sonographic findings that can add specificity and help enable an accurate diagnosis to be made in patients with borderline-size appendices.
Improving Global Access to Transgender Healthcare: Outcomes of a Telehealth Quality Improvement Study for the Air Force Transgender Program

Purpose: To describe the development of the United States Air Force's (USAF) telehealth program from fall 2017 through fall of 2020 in response to the unique challenges associated with providing ca...
The association between vitamin K and medial tibial-femoral knee osteoarthritis progression: Data from the osteoarthritis initiative

Abstract Objective We sought to examine the prospective association of vitamin K with radiographic progression of knee osteoarthritis. Methods In OAI, 1977 participants with radiographic knee OA and having dietary data at baseline were followed up to 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. Vitamin K was assessed with a Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire completed at baseline. To evaluate knee OA progression, we used quantitative medial tibiofemoral joint space width (JSW) based on plain radiographs. Progression was defined by measured Joints Space Width (JSW). The generalized linear mixed model was used to test the association of vitamin K and change in JSW over time, while adjusting for baseline KL grade and other potential confounding factors. Results We found a relationship between dietary Vitamin K with structural progression of knee osteoarthritis measured by quantitative JSW in a dose response manner. When stratified among KL groups, a significant trend was seen in the KL2 (p ​ Conclusion Our results suggest that decreased vitamin K intake from food may be associated with increased progression of knee OA. Replication of these findings in other studies validating decreased vitamin K intake leading to increased knee OA progression are needed. Significance This study provides insight into a potential novel risk factor for the progression of knee OA. These findings have may have clinical implications given the potential for Vitamin K to be a simple therapy for knee OA.
The mechanosensory neurons of touch and their mechanisms of activation.

Our sense of touch emerges from an array of mechanosensory structures residing within the fabric of our skin. These tactile end organ structures convert innocuous forces acting on the skin into electrical signals that propagate to the CNS via the axons of low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). Our rich capacity for tactile discrimination arises from the dissimilar intrinsic properties of the LTMR subtypes that innervate different regions of the skin and the structurally distinct end organ complexes with which they associate. These end organ structures comprise a range of non-neuronal cell types, which may themselves actively contribute to the transformation of tactile forces into neural impulses within the LTMR afferents. Although the mechanism and the site of transduction across end organs remain unclear, PIEZO2 has emerged as the principal mechanosensitive channel involved in light touch of the skin. Here we review the physiological properties of LTMR subtypes and discuss how features of their cutaneous end organ complexes shape subtype-specific tuning. Mammalian skin contains an array of specialized structures that transform mechanical forces into electrical signals. Handler and Ginty provide a comprehensive overview of the features of the skin’s mechanosensory end organs and the neurons with which they associate and consider how their diverse properties contribute to the sense of touch.
Association of Fpr1 gene expression with osteogenesis and adipogenesis of adipose derived stem cells

Formyl peptide receptors (Fprs) play fundamental roles in multiple cell functions including promotion of osteogenesis and bone fracture healing. In this study, the role of Fpr1 gene in osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) was investigated. Primary ADSCs (mADSCs) from either Fpr1 knockout (KO) or wild type (WT) mice and human ADSCs (hADSCs) were treated by osteogenic (OM) or adipogenic (AM) medium, with basal medium as control. Osteogenesis and adipogenesis were measured by histological and biochemical methods. In both hADSCs and mADSCs, Fpr1 gene expression, osteogenic gene expression, as well as mineralization were increased after osteogenic induction. The osteogenic capacity of KO ADSCs was remarkably reduced compared to WT ADSCs, with decreased levels of expression of osteogenic markers, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization. In contrast, the adipogenesis of KO ADSCs was remarkably enhanced compared with WT ADSCs, forming more lipid droplets, and increasing expression of adipogenic markers PPARγ and aP2. Expression of the nuclear transcription factor Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) was decreased in KO ADSCs, while OM and AM caused increase and decrease in FoxO1 expression, respectively. The current study revealed a correlation of Fpr1 gene expression with osteogenesis and adipogenesis of mADSCs, underlying a mechanism involving FoxO1. Our present research suggests that targeting Fpr1 might be a novel strategy to enhance osteogenesis of ADSCs.
Utility of the Human Rights-Based Approach

The human rights-based framework, as outlined in this textbook, can be utilized in other areas of the social work curriculum, including domestic service learning and semester long field placements. We discuss the utility of this approach, specific to these two areas, and describe its implementation.
SYNOPTIC-SCALE VARIABILITY IN THE PROBABILITY OF PRECIPITATION FROM THUNDERSTORMS IN THE UNITED STATES

A synoptic-scale climatology of precipitation amounts from thunderstorms was developed by analysis of amounts from individual storms for 220 stations in the conterminous United States for the period 1948-1977. The probability of having a thunderstorm without rainfall was assessed for each station. For storms which did produce precipitation, the probability distribution of amounts was found to be well summarized by the incomplete gamma distribution. Sets of seasonal maps of the probability of receiving any measurable amount, less than 4 mm, and more than 20 mm of precipitation are presented. Consistent spatial patterns are found. Thunder without precipitation is most likely in the west. The greatest probability of heavy precipitation occurs along the Gulf Coast, extending in the summer throughout the mid-section of the nation. Topographic effects are apparent, with mountainous areas generally having less intense precipitation than surrounding regions. [Key World: thunderstorms, precipitation probabilities,...
Estrogen production in a woman pregnant with an anencephalic fetus

Abstract The clinical importance of maternal urinary estriol excretion has been amply demonstrated in the past. The source of the vastly increased amount of estriol in pregnancy still remains in doubt. The fetal adrenal gland appears to be a major source of estrogen precursors. A woman pregnant with an anencephalic fetus which has an absent or atrophic fetal adrenal cortex received tritiated dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate during a control period and during adrenal suppression. In contrast to the normal pregnancy, the maternal adrenal gland continues to provide estrogen precursors near term.
Thrombosis detection by ultrasound, plethysmography, and phlebography.

The current status of ultrasonic and plethysmographic techniques for the detection of deep venous thrombosis have been reviewed in terms of accuracy as determined by phiebography. The noninvasive tests will detect thrombi which involve the tibial veins, popliteal, femoral, and iliac veins. They are not, however, sensitive to thrombi confined to the soleal plexus of veins, the profunda femoris vein, or the deep pelvic veins. For major venous occlusion, the noninvasive tests will have false-positive and false-negative rates in the range of 5%. Phlebography remains the most sensitive method for detecting venous thrombosis, but will visualize the profunda femoris in only 50% of cases. Furthermore, the iliac veins are inadequately visualized in approximately 20% of patients and cannot be used to examine the pelvic veins. There remains a relatively low incidence of complications, but these are of sufficient concern that the procedure should be performed only when absolutely necessary. If the noninvasive tests are unequivocally positive, anticoagulant therapy may be instituted without venography. When the tests are negative, sequential testing is used to confirm the initial results. When any question remains, the phlebogram must be performed to confirm the diagnosis.