cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Wearable System for Articulated Human Pose Tracking Under Uncertainty of Sensor Placement

To precisely track human motion, today's state-of-the-art employs either well-calibrated sensors tightly strapped to the body or high-speed cameras confined to a finite capture volume. These restrictions make such systems less mobile. In this paper, we aim to break this usability barrier around motion-capture technology through a wearable system that has sensors integrated directly into garments. We develop a pose-estimation approach based on classic kinematics and show that it is insufficient to analyze motion in such a system, leading to mean Euler angle errors of up to $\pm 60^{\circ}$ and standard deviations of 120°. Thus, we motivate the need for data-driven algorithms in this domain. Through a quantitative study, we attribute motion-estimation errors to the high-degree of sensor displacement (up to 118°standard deviation from the nominal value) with respect to the body segments that are present when human poses change. Based on controlled experiments, we develop a new dataset for such systems comprising over 3 hours of biomechanical motion recordings from 215 trials on 12 test subjects.
An Examination Of The Effectiveness Of CEO Stock Option Granting Decisions Toward R&D Investments?

Stock options are used to motivate investments in risky projects, such as RD (2) a firm’s financial leverage; and (3) the CEO’s stock ownership prior to stock option grants. This paper addresses the effectiveness of CEO stock option granting decisions by examining whether compensation committees take these three factors into account. Using a recent sample over the period of 1992-2006, we find that firms with greater growth opportunities and firms in lower financial leverage are more likely to award CEO stock options to motivate R&D investment. These findings are consistent with that options are designed effectively to motivate managerial risk taking, thereby aligning the interests of managers with those of shareholders . However, contrary to our prediction, compensation committees tend to grant more to CEOs with larger stock ownership to induce R&D spending. A potential explanation for this finding is that CEOs with relatively large stock ownership affect the granting process and grant themselves with excessive stock options. Taken together, the evidence of CEO stock option granting process partially supports the notion that firms make effective stock option plans to mitigate incentive problems of risk-averse managers.
Section 1983 Liability And Custodial Suicide: A Look At What Plaintiffs Face in Court

This paper reviews recent federal court rulings on section 1983 cases relating to custodial suicide. The criteria for succeeding in such cases was not clearly articulated until the Farmer v. Brennan case was decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1994. Unfortunately for the families of deceased inmates, the Farmer ruling made the already challenging task of prevailing in federal court even more difficult. This paper includes an analysis of the defenses available to corrections personnel faced with a section 1983 lawsuit for a correctional suicide that occurred on their watch.
Analyzing Nodule Occupancy Using Antibiotic-Resistant Markers

Antibiotic-resistant marked strains of rhizobia may be identified by their ability to grow on media containing antibiotics. The antibiotic marker technique is applied in ecological studies where strain identification is not possible by serology due to cross-reactions of the strains, or because of unavailability of antisera. Antibiotic markers also provide useful confirmatory data.
Energy Metabolism in Feasting and Fasting

The history of humans is, in large part, a chronicle of their quest for food. Humans can feast when food is available and fast during caloric deprivation without serious consequences. The capability of humans to survive marked extremes in caloric intake depends on the ability (1) to selectively oxidize and excrete certain nitrogenous metabolites, (2) to store carbohydrate and lipid metabolites in an economical form during caloric excess, and (3) to spare protein and to selectively mobilize and oxidize substrates derived from fat stores during caloric deprivation.
Treatment of Non-Linearities

Three nonlinear model problems have been discussed in previous chapters, the Burgers’ equation (inviscid and viscous) and the transonic small disturbance equation (TSD). Explicit as well as implicit schemes have been introduced to solve these equations, using time-marching and relaxation algorithms. In all cases, a linear equation or system for the new values was solved to update the solution.
Design and Implementation of Clinical Trials of Ion Beam Therapy

Design and implementation of clinical trials are complex even when those trials involve established technologies. Ion beam therapy (IBT) imposes additional requirements including sufficient institutional experience using ions for treatment, credentialing of institutions, formulating hypotheses of interest to investigators and to patients, and securing funding from national and private agencies. The effort, though, is very important to the future of radiation oncology.
Abstract 3593: Noncoding RNAs in early detection of radiation-induced late pulmonary effects

Normal tissue toxicity is an undesired outcome in patients receiving radiation therapy, manifested as acute radiation syndromes (ARS) and as late effects in survivors. The purpose of the study is to develop biomarkers for assessing the extent of lung inflammation and early detection of delayed and late radiation toxicities such as pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Circulating miRNAs offer great promise as diagnostic predictive biomarkers due to their high abundance, high stability and sensitivity. A longitudinal analysis of evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNAs was done using NanoString platform in serum samples from leukemia patients and pneumonitis-prone BALB/c mice exposed to clinically relevant doses of whole-body, organ-targeted/protected irradiation to compare the treatment-induced alterations. The associated immune response was evaluated by cytokine multiplexing and gene expression analysis and imaging with micro-CT. Bleomycin and targeted miRNA knockout mice models were used to evaluate functional significance of the identified biomarkers. Quantification of time-dependent alterations in serum and plasma miRNAs from rodents samples collected after thoracic, gut versus whole-body exposure have identified a panel of five miRNAs that are capable of providing an early readout of delayed lung toxicities. The specificity of the candidate miRNAs as potential early indicators of lung injury was confirmed in a bleomycin model of acute lung injury where an overlapping miRNA signature was observed in serum. Among these conserved miRNAs, serum miR-21 and miR-29a were found significantly elevated in two weeks in lung irradiated animals with concomitant increase in proinflammatory cytokines. The significance of the markers was further validated in serum miRNA profile of leukemia patients who exhibited pneumonitis symptoms post radiation therapy. The functional role of miR-21 in promoting radiation-induced inflammation was evident from compromised response of genes associated with inflammation in irradiated miR-21-/- mice. Our study has identified a panel of evolutionarily and functionally conserved sensitive miRNA biomarkers that facilitate rapid and early detection of late pulmonary toxicities in leukemia and lung cancer patients who receive therapeutic radiation. Analysis of circulating biomarkers will potentially assist in making therapeutic and follow-up decision based on individual9s own physiologic response and developing strategies for timely mitigation and treatment. Citation Format: Marshleen Yadav, Feifei Song, Zahida Qamri, Arnab Chakravarti, Naduparambil K. Jacob. Noncoding RNAs in early detection of radiation-induced late pulmonary effects [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3593.
Impact of care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC): A comprehensive cancer center on overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with AJCC stage IV pancreas adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

e18128Background: PDAC has a rising incidence and relatively static mortality rates. Current cytotoxic regimens confer median survivals of 8.5- 11 months (Von Hoff, Conroy, et al. NEJM 2013, 2011)....
Effects of adolescent Bisphenol-A exposure on memory and spine density in ovariectomized female rats: Adolescence vs adulthood.

Abstract The endocrine disruptor, Bisphenol-A (BPA), alters many behavioral and neural parameters in rodents. BPA administration to gonadally intact adolescent rats increases anxiety, impairs spatial memory, and decreases dendritic spine density when measured in adulthood. Since BPA's action seems to be mediated through gonadal steroid receptors, the current experiments were done in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats to examine the effects on behavior and spine density of adolescent BPA exposure under controlled hormone conditions. OVX (postnatal day, PND, 21) female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 66) received subcutaneous injections of BPA (40 μg/kg/bodyweight), 17β-Estradiol (E2, 50 μg/kg/bodyweight), or saline during adolescence (PND 38–49). Following the last injection brains were processed for Golgi impregnation (Exp1), behavioral and spine density in adolescence (Exp2), or in adulthood (Exp3). In Exp1, E2 increased spine density in CA1 pyramidal cells and BPA decreased spine density in granule cells of the dentate gyrus (DG). In Exp2, BPA impaired spatial memory on the object placement (OP) task, E2 increased spine density in CA1, BPA decreased spine density in the DG and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). When measured in adulthood (Exp3), BPA impaired OP and object recognition (OR) performance, E2 increased spine density in CA1, and BPA decreased spine density in CA1, the mPFC and the DG. Results provide novel data on the effects of adolescent BPA in an OVX model and are compared to data in intact animals and within the context of understanding the importance of the profound neuronal alterations occurring during adolescent development.
Damage detection and localization using random decrement technique on metallic plates

Technique with the capability of detecting and localizing damage of structures using naturally operating environments can provide a possibility of developing more efficient and simpler structural health monitoring systems. This passive sensing technique would eliminate the need of active actuation which requires power either from battery or ambients to generate controlled excitation source. In a recent study, self-Green’s functions (GF) were reconstructed using auto-correlation (AC), combined with a damage index by comparing the differences in GFs between damaged and pristine metallic panels to locate the damage. In this paper, random decrement (RD) technique is proposed to reconstruct GF with computational efficiency. While the RD has been widely used for damage detection and structure parameter extraction in civil structures, in the frequency usually below 1 kHz; this study explores using RD up to 15 kHz for transient wave reconstruction and then damage localization. The concept is first validated through simulation for a plate structure, and the results show that the reconstructed self-Green’s function match well with the one from the auto-correlation technique after approximately 10,000 averages of the RD signatures.
Feeding Access of Eastern Oysters to the Winter–Spring Phytoplankton Bloom: Evidence from Jamaica Bay, New York

The filtering capacity of dense bivalve populations can exert strong controls on phytoplankton biomass, leading to increased water clarity and reduced hypoxia. Bivalves, particularly oysters, therefore are the focus of many restoration efforts and ecosystem-based management plans. The hypothesis is tested that oysters have feeding access to the classic major phytoplankton bloom of the year in winter–spring. Jamaica Bay is a highly eutrophic urban estuary where oyster restoration is being considered as a means to improve water quality. Strong winter–spring and summer phytoplankton blooms occur in Jamaica Bay, and oyster feeding rates and oxygen consumption were examined to see if oysters would be able to feed during both seasonal pulses of phytoplankton. Temperature-related feeding rates were found to vary to the degree that feeding did not occur at the cold temperatures that exist during the winter–spring blooms. Indeed, feeding rate and proportion feeding were found to be zero at 10°C, which corresponds to March–April. But feeding would be vigorous in late spring and summer. Oysters, therefore, do not have the ability to regulate a major fraction of phytoplankton during the year in Jamaica Bay and likely in the rest of the mid-Atlantic states region and New England. Feeding rates are much higher during the time of the summer blooms, and oysters in shallow well-mixed waters would, therefore, have access to feeding and possibly control of phytoplankton biomass at this time.
Doubling down on siRNAs in the brain

Divalent siRNAs induce widespread gene silencing in the brains of mice and non-human primates.
Counternarratives from the Margins: School Stories in Children’s Voices

This chapter recognizes and challenges a dominant narrative that children’s academic/school stories are limited to what can be calculated, charted, and ranked. It suggests that we instead attend to children’s testimonies and counterstorytelling of their own academic/school stories in order to disrupt the essentializing and deficit narratives that children are taught to believe and name as their own. In this project, counter-storytelling frames the testimonies of children as curriculum. Counterstorytelling is a methodological component of Critical Race Theory (CRT) that challenges dominant narratives and truths by centering the voices and lived experiences of marginalized groups—in this case, children—whose stories of how they experience and co-create their school lives have been suppressed. From the children’s counternarratives emerge qualities of experience that reflect social patterns of what Marx terms “estranged labor” in the context of schooled/capitalist modes of production. The chapter concludes with examples of lived/living curriculum emerging from rich counternarratives that represent children’s knowledges and wonderings and deep intelligences.
Characterization and Deconstruction of Oligosaccharides in Black Liquor From Deacetylation Process of Corn Stover

The NREL developed, atmospheric pressure, low severity Deacetylation and Mechanical Refining (DMR) process under atmospheric pressure, generates highly fermentable, low toxicity sugar syrups and highly reactive lignin streams. The dilute alkali deacetylation step saponifies acetyl groups from the hemicellulosic fraction of biomass into a black liquor waste stream that also contains solubilized acetic, ferulic, p-coumaric acids and lignin-carbohydrate complexes (LCCs), oligosaccharides, and solubilized lignin. Valorization of the soluble components in the deacetylation black liquor waste stream requires characterization of the black liquor. WeOur analyses show that glucan, xylan and lignin were three main components in black liquor and the oligosaccharides in the black liquor were mainly xylan dimers and trimers with arabinofuranose branch groups mainly on the xylooligomers. GPC chromatograms showed that the black liquor also contained oligomeric lignin moieties with molecular weights ranging between 1800 to ~10,000 Da. Enzymatic saccharification of the black liquor was conducted based on the compositional and structural information. Incorporation of Novozymes Cellic® CTec2 and HTec2 commercial cellulase and hemicellulase enzyme preparations with various accessary enzymes showed up to 57% hydrolysis of the xylooligosaccharides in the black liquor to monomeric sugars, which could be used to improve biorefinery carbon utilization in biological fermentations to improve end product fuel or bioproduct volumes per metric tonne of biomass processed. This is so far the first study about characterizing DMR black liquor and exploring breaking down the oligosaccharides in black liquor for potential use.
III-V photonic integrated circuit with waveguide-coupled light-emitting diodes and WSi superconducting single-photon detectors

We demonstrate cryogenic, all on-chip, single-photon-level photonic integrated circuits on a III-V platform with waveguide-coupled quantum-well sources and tungsten silicide superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. We have measured the dark count rates below 10−3 counts/s and have reduced the cross talk to an adjacent waveguide by 30 dB.
Fasciotomy: Upper Extremity

Early fasciotomy is the standard of care for upper extremity compartment syndrome (UECS) and may prevent the development of irreversible contractures of forearm and hand musculature, a pathology initially described by Volkmann (VOLKMAN Centralblat fur hirurgie 8:801–803, 1881). Compartment syndrome (CS) is a feared orthopedic complication and common cause for permanent functional damage and limb loss as well as one of the most common causes for litigation in orthopedic surgery (DePasse et al. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 25:e109–e113, 2017; Marchesi et al. Injury 45(Suppl 6):S16–S20, 2014). CS of the forearm is the second most common cause of CS in the extremities given the injury proneness of the upper extremity and hand as a prime organ of prehension and grasp (Leversedge et al. J Hand Surg Am 36:544–559, 2011). Given this important physiologic function, one can argue that the functional loss due to an established CS is higher than that of the lower extremity. For UECS, a high level of alertness to clinical symptoms such as pain to passive stretch and increasing pain or analgesic requirements is key to not miss the diagnosis in the alert patient. UECS shares common etiologies for CS seen in other body areas: either an external reduction of CS size such as external pressure from casts, dressings, and gravity or increase in compartmental size as seen in bleeding and fracture displacement, microvascular barrier damage in ischemia, burn injury, and envenomations (Leversedge et al. J Hand Surg Am 36:544–559, 2011). Several additional etiologies are pertinent to UECS such as iatrogenic extravasations of intravenous fluids, upper extremity arterial catheterizations (Omori et al. Orthopedics 36:e121–e125, 2013), and electrical trauma (Lee et al. J Am Acad Orthop Surg, 2018). UECS is most commonly encountered in the forearm, which has three designated compartments (i.e., the lateral (mobile wad), the dorsal extensor, and the volar) of which contains the bulk of muscle mass in the flexor compartment. There are ten designated hand compartments which can be affected in hand compartment syndrome as seen, for instance, in crushing injuries (exploded hand syndrome), fractures and dislocations, as well as extravasations.
Cancer Stem Cells and Stem Cell Tumors in Drosophila.

Accumulative studies suggest that a fraction of cells within a tumor, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) that initiate tumors, show resistance to most of the therapies, and causes tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSCs could be either transformed normal stem cells or reprogrammed differentiated cells. The eventual goal of CSC research is to identify pathways that selectively regulate CSCs and then target these pathways to eradicate CSCs. CSCs and normal stem cells share some common features, such as self-renewal, the production of differentiated progeny, and the expression of stem-cell markers, however, CSCs vary from normal stem cells in forming tumors. Specifically, CSCs are normally resistant to standard therapies. In addition, CSCs and non-CSCs can be mutually convertible in response to different signals or microenvironments. Even though CSCs are involved in human cancers, the biology of CSCs, is still not well understood, there are urgent needs to study CSCs in model organisms. In the last several years, discoveries in Drosophila have greatly contributed to our understanding of human cancer. Stem-cell tumors in Drosophila share various properties with human CSCs and maybe used to understand the biology of CSCs. In this chapter, we first briefly review CSCs in mammalian systems, then discuss stem-cell tumors in the Drosophila posterior midgut and Malpighian tubules (kidney) and their unique properties as revealed by studying oncogenic Ras protein (RasV12)-transformed stem-cell tumors in the Drosophila kidney and dominant-negative Notch (NDN)-transformed stem-cell tumors in the Drosophila intestine. At the end, we will discuss potential approaches to eliminate CSCs and achieve tumor regression. In future, by screening adult Drosophila neoplastic stem-cell tumor models, we hope to identify novel and efficacious compounds for the treatment of human cancers.
Surgical Management of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Men with Spinal Cord Injury

Following spinal cord injury, many patients can experience neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (nLUTD), which can result in a poorly compliant bladder and/or unpredictable urinary emptying. When medical and intravesical options fail to manage nLUTD, augmentation cystoplasty can be considered to create a urinary reservoir that can store larger volume of urine at low pressures. Continent catheterizable channels can be considered to facilitate ease of catheterization to drain the bladder. Multiple options exist in managing those with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency including bulking agents, bladder neck sling, bulbar urethral sling, artificial urinary sphincter (AUS), and bladder neck closure (BNC). In certain individuals, urinary diversion is a desired treatment option to manage nLUTD. This chapter will explore these various surgeries and their indications, contraindications, surgical approaches and techniques, outcomes, and complications.
Characterization of a cell bridge variant connecting the nodose and superior cervical ganglia in the mouse: Prevalence, anatomical features, and practical implications.

While autonomic ganglia have been extensively studied in rats instead of mice, there is renewed interest in the anatomy of the mouse autonomic nervous system. This study examined the prevalence and anatomical features of a cell bridge linking two autonomic ganglia of the neck, namely, the nodose ganglion (NG) and the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) in a cohort of C57BL/6J mice. We identified a cell bridge between the NG and the cranial pole of the SCG. This cell bridge was tubular shaped with an average length and width of 700 and 240 μm, respectively. The cell bridge was frequently unilateral and significantly more prevalent in the ganglionic masses from males (38%) than females (21%). On each of its extremities, it contained a mixed of vagal afferents and postganglionic sympathetic neurons. The two populations of neurons abruptly replaced each other in the middle of the cell bridge. We examined the mRNA expression for selected autonomic markers in samples of the NG with or without cell bridge. Our results indicated that the cell bridge was enriched in both markers of postganglionic sympathetic and vagal afferents neurons. Lastly, using FluoroGold microinjection into the NG, we found that the existence of a cell bridge may occasionally lead to the inadvertent contamination of the SCG. In summary, this study describes the anatomy of a cell bridge variant consisting of the fusion of the mouse NG and SCG. The practical implications of our observations are discussed with respect to studies of the mouse vagal afferents, an area of research of increasing popularity.
Direct detection of RNA modifications and structure using single molecule nanopore sequencing

ABSTRACT Many methods exist to detect RNA modifications by short-read sequencing, relying on either antibody enrichment of transcripts bearing modified bases or mutational profiling approaches which require conversion to cDNA. Endogenous modifications are present on several major classes of RNA including tRNA, rRNA and mRNA and can modulate diverse biological processes such as genetic recoding, mRNA export and RNA folding. In addition, exogenous modifications can be introduced to RNA molecules to reveal RNA structure and dynamics. Limitations on read length and library size inherent in short-read-based methods dissociate modifications from their native context, preventing single molecule analysis and modification phasing. Here we demonstrate direct RNA nanopore sequencing to detect endogenous and exogenous RNA modifications over long sequence distance at the single molecule level. We demonstrate comprehensive detection of endogenous modifications in E. coli and S. cerevisiae ribosomal RNA (rRNA) using current signal deviations. Notably 2’-O-methyl (Nm) modifications generated a discernible shift in current signal and event level dwell times. We show that dwell times are mediated by the RNA motor protein which sits atop the nanopore. Further, we characterize a recently described small adduct-generating 2’-O-acylation reagent, acetylimidazole (AcIm) for exogenously labeling flexible nucleotides in RNA. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of AcIm for single molecule RNA structural probing using nanopore sequencing.
Benchmarking Accomplishments of Leaders in American Surgery and Justification for Enhancing Diversity and Inclusion.

Objective To comprehensively assess the level of achievement and demographics of national surgical society presidents. Background Data on the accomplishments needed to rise to positions of national surgical leadership is scarce and merit alone does not always yield such opportunities. Recognizing the shortcomings of sex and ethnic diversity within academic surgical leadership, the American College of Surgeon (ACS), American Surgical Association (ASA), Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), and the Society of Black Academic Surgeons (SBAS) partnered to address these challenges by performing a comprehensive assessment of their presidents over the last 16 years. Methods ACS, ASA, AWS, and SBAS presidents' CVs, at the time of their presidential term, were assessed for demographics and scholastic achievements. Regression analyses controlling for age were performed to determine relative differences across societies. Results A total of 62 of the 64 presidents' CVs were received and assessed (97% response rate). There was a large discrepancy in the average age in years of ACS (70) and ASA (66) presidents compared to the AWS (51) and SBAS (53) presidents. For the ACS and ASA cohort, 87% were male and 83% were White, collectively. After controlling for age (52), the AWS and SBAS presidents' scholastic achievements were comparable to the ACS (and ASA) cohort in 9 and 12 of the 15 accessed metrics, respectively. Conclusion The ACS and ASA presidents' CVs displayed unsurpassed scholastic achievement, and although not equivalent, both the AWS and the SBAS presidents had comparable attainment. These findings further substantiate that women and ethnic minority surgeons are deserving of additional national leadership consideration as organized medicine pursues a more diverse and reflective physician workforce.
Validity and Reliability of a Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for High School-Aged Adolescents.

Abstract Objective To determine the validity and reliability of a nutrition knowledge questionnaire for adolescents. Methods An adult questionnaire was administered to 4 high school student convenience samples with and without known prior nutrition education. Questionnaire refinement was determined by item-total correlation, item discrimination, and item difficulty. Mean percentage of correct answers was calculated, and the group difference was assessed using an independent samples t test. A post hoc regression analyzed the association between mean percentage of correct answers and group while controlling for school. Results The questionnaire, with 1 question eliminated, had good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach α = 0.83). The nutrition education group (n = 174) demonstrated significantly (P Conclusions and Implications Results suggest that the questionnaire is valid and reliable for measuring nutrition knowledge in high school–aged adolescents.
Far posterior rib plating: Preliminary results of a retrospective case series.

Abstract Introduction Far posterior, or paraspinal rib fractures, defined as fractures that are medial to the medial border of the scapula (and may involve the costovertebral articulation), are often treated nonoperatively. However, in certain cases, including severe displacement, persistent pain, nonunion, or persistent respiratory distress, stabilization with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may be warranted. There is a paucity of literature regarding the surgical approach and clinical outcomes following ORIF for far posterior rib fractures and fracture-dislocations. The purpose of this paper is to describe the surgical approach and to report the first collection of clinical outcomes for patients undergoing paraspinal rib ORIF. Patients and methods A retrospective case series was performed at a single urban level 1 trauma center. Patients 18 years of age or older who underwent ORIF of far posterior rib fractures were included in this study. Far posterior rib fractures were defined as fractures that occurred medial to the medial border of the scapula underneath the paraspinal musculature. Data collection including patient demographics, injury characteristics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results Twenty-six patients, with a mean age of 50.7 years, who underwent paraspinal rib ORIF were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 12.1 months. 80.8% of patients had a flail chest injury. On average, 3.4 ribs were instrumented posteriorly with 22.8% of patients requiring fixation spanning the costotransverse articulation. No intraoperative complications occurred. Only one patient required a repeat procedure. Total hospital length of stay averaged 17.3 days with an intensive care unit stay averaging 6.2 days. Total ventilator time averaged 4 days. 7 patients were diagnosed with postoperative pneumonia and 6 patients required tracheostomy. Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation for far posterior, or paraspinal rib fractures and fracture-dislocations is a safe procedure with low complications rates and favorable postoperative outcomes including hospital length of stay, ICU length of stay, need for tracheostomy, postoperative pneumonia, and mechanical ventilation time.
Demonstration of a diamond NMR gyroscope

We demonstrate a nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope based on the 14N nuclear spins intrinsic to nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. Nuclear spins were polarized and readout optically, without the use of microwave transitions [1]. We used double-quantum nuclear Ramsey technique that increases sensitivity to rotations while suppressing the effect of thermal drifts. The device was mounted on a rotation platform and faithfully reported rotation rates in the range of 5-500 mHz. Significant progress can be expected by switching to bulk 13C nuclear spins in the diamond crystal that will be optically polarized via NV centers.
Helps My Family Survive Hard Times: An Innovative Summertime Food Relief Program in New Haven, Connecticut

To achieve healthy communities, addressing food insecurity (FI) is critical. This study describes a unique food distribution program combining a mobile Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) for childr...
La Face "Cachée" Des Sociétés Civiles Au Maghreb: Un Espoir Pour Demain?: by Emmanuel Matteudi, Fatima Chahid, and Martin Péricard, prefaces by Tahar Ben Jelloun and Benjamin Stora, La Tour d'Aigues, Éditions de l'Aube, 2020, 240 pp., €22 (softcover), ISBN 978-2-8159-4029-0

The state-society dialectic has long defined the basic framework used to explain North Africa's most enduring political puzzle: why has the Maghreb's putatively democratic civil society failed, ove...
Subgingival microbiome of deep and shallow periodontal sites in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study

Subgingival microbiome in disease-associated subgingival sites is known to be dysbiotic and significantly altered. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the extent of dysbiosis in disease- and health-associated subgingival sites is not clear. 8 RA and 10 non-RA subjects were recruited for this pilot study. All subjects received full oral examination and underwent collection of subgingival plaque samples from both shallow (periodontal health-associated, probing depth ≤ 3mm) and deep subgingival sites (periodontal disease-associated, probing depth ≥ 4 mm). RA subjects also had rheumatological evaluation. Plaque community profiles were analyzed using 16 S rRNA sequencing. The phylogenetic diversity of microbial communities in both RA and non-RA controls was significantly higher in deep subgingival sites compared to shallow sites (p = 0.022), and the overall subgingival microbiome clustered primarily according to probing depth (i.e. shallow versus deep sites), and not separated by RA status. While a large number of differentially abundant taxa and gene functions was observed between deep and shallow sites as expected in non-RA controls, we found very few differentially abundant taxa and gene functions between deep and shallow sites in RA subjects. In addition, compared to non-RA controls, the UniFrac distances between deep and shallow sites in RA subjects were smaller, suggesting increased similarity between deep and shallow subgingival microbiome in RA. Streptococcus parasanguinis and Actinomyces meyeri were overabundant in RA subjects, while Gemella morbillorum, Kingella denitrificans, Prevotella melaninogenica and Leptotrichia spp. were more abundant in non-RA subjects. The aggregate subgingival microbiome was not significantly different between individuals with and without rheumatoid arthritis. Although the differences in the overall subgingival microbiome was driven primarily by probing depth, in contrast to the substantial microbiome differences typically seen between deep and shallow sites in non-RA patients, the microbiome of deep and shallow sites in RA patients were more similar to each other. These results suggest that factors associated with RA may modulate the ecology of subgingival microbiome and its relationship to periodontal disease, the basis of which remains unknown but warrants further investigation.
Bend or Break? Small Business Survival and Strategies during the COVID-19 Shock

Abstract This manuscript studies the impact of the exogenous COVID-19 pandemic shock on small businesses in the United States. We provide early evidence on how small business owners were affected by COVID-19 and the implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. We collected online survey data from a national sample of 463 small business owners across the United States. The survey was conducted in June 2020, eight weeks after the passage of the CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The survey data include information about business characteristics, financial well-being, current response to the crisis, beliefs about the future of their business survival, and the business-owning family demographic information. There are three main themes that emerge from the results. First, drivers of income loss were not necessarily associated with time to recovery. Second, businesses that were undercapitalized were more likely to suffer higher income loss, longer time to recovery, and less likely to be resilient. Resilient was operationalized as a scale merging perceived success, potential for growth, and perceived profitability. Third, business model changes were necessary due to the pandemic but not all adaptive strategies led to better business outcomes. The results from this research study will lead to a better understanding of key vulnerabilities and adjustments that small businesses make to fully recover from economic shocks.
Agent-based Investigation of the Impact of Low Rates of Influenza on Next Season Influenza Infections

Abstract Introduction Interventions to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during the 2020-21 influenza season essentially eliminated influenza during that season. Given waning antibody titers over time, future residual population immunity against influenza will be reduced. The implication for the subsequent 2021-22 influenza season is unknown. Methods We used an agent-based model of influenza implemented in the FRED (Framework for Reconstructing Epidemiological Dynamics) simulation platform to estimate cases and hospitalization over two succeeding influenza seasons. The model uses a synthetic population to represent an actual population, and individual interactions in workplaces, school, households and neighborhoods. The impact of reduced residual immunity was estimated as a consequence of increased protective measures (e.g., social distancing and school closure) in the first season. The impact was contrasted by the level of similarity (cross-immunity) between influenza strains over the seasons. Results When the second season strains were dissimilar to the first season (have a low level of cross immunity), a low first season has limited impact on second season cases. When a high level of cross-immunity exists between strains in the 2 seasons, the first season has a much greater impact on the second season. In both cases this is modified by the transmissibility of strains in the 2 seasons. In the context of the 2021-22 season, the worst case scenario is a highly transmissible strain causing increased cases and hospitalizations over average influenza seasons, with a possible significant increase in cases in some scenarios. The most likely overall scenario for 2021-22 is a more modest increase in flu cases over an average season. Discussion Given the light 2020-21 season, we found that a large, compensatory second season might occur in 2021-22, depending on cross-immunity from past infection and transmissibility of strains. Furthermore, we found that enhanced vaccine coverage could reduce this high, compensatory season. Young children may be especially at risk in 2021-22 since very young children were unlikely to have had any exposure to infection and most immunity in that age group would be from vaccination, which wanes quickly.
Psicoterapia Integrativa en el fratamiento de Trastornos de Personalidad: Estudio Descriptivo de Resultados Terapéuticos

La presente investigacion se plantea el objetivo de realizar una descripcion exhaustiva y rigurosa de los resultados terapeuticos obtenidos por pacientes con diagnostico de trastorno de personalidad tratados con la modalidad de rapia integrativa propuesta por el Modelo Integrativo Supraparadigmatico. Una muestra de 50 pacientes fue evaluada en diez escalas clinicas al inicio de la psicoterapia y luego de transcurrido un minimo de seis meses en tratamiento. Los msultados terapeuticos, expresados por el cambio en los valores de las escalas clinicas, son analizados descriptivamente a nivel de grupo y a nivel individual utilizando tecnicas estadisticas estandar y el criterio de cambio clinicamente significativo propuesto por Jacobson, Roberts, Bcrns y Mc Glinchey (1999). Los resultados revelan patrones de cambio estadisticamente significativos y clinicamente relevantes en algunos pacientes.
An alternative to methodological individualism: a non-reductionist approach to studying technology adoption by groups

Studies on groups within the MIS discipline have largely been based on the paradigm of methodological individualism. Commentaries on methodological individualism within the reference disciplines suggest that studies embracing this paradigm can lead to potentially misleading or incorrect conclusions. This study illustrates the appropriateness of the alternate non-reductionist approach to investigating group-related phenomenon, specifically in the context of technology adoption. Drawing on theories of group influence, prior research on conflict, technology characteristics, task-technology fit, group communication media, and recent theoretical work surrounding group technology adoption, the paper proposes and empirically tests a new non-reductionist model for conceptualizing technology adoption by groups. Further, the study also empirically compares this non-reductionist model with a (hypothetical) methodological individualist model of technology adoption by groups. Results strongly support most of the assertions of the non-reductionist model and highlight that this model provides a more robust explanation of technology adoption by groups than a methodological individualist view. Further, the study also highlights some conditions wherein the methodological individualist view fails to provide correct explanations. The implications of the study's findings for future research are discussed.
Efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy with trastuzumab concurrent with anthracycline- and nonanthracycline-based regimens for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Background To evaluate the pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients receiving neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) with trastuzumab in combination with an anthracycline- or a non-anthracycline-based regimen.
PC initiative at Virginia tech

The reality of having a personal computer as a personal tool for engineering education is rapidly engulfing the university community. Virginia Tech continues to be the only public state institution requiring that all entering engineering students purchase their own personal computer. It is the intent of this short note to present some features and aspects of this program which began its third year in Fall 1986.
α-Aminoisobutyric Acid Transport in Liver Slices from Rats Fed Low Protein Meals

The effect of low protein intake on alpha-aminioisobutyric acid (AIB) transport has been examined in liver slices from meal-fed rats. Treatments (force-feeding casein or gelatin hydrolysates, glycine, or potassium chloride; injecting glucagon, or preincubating liver slices with cyclic AMP) which stimulated transport in control rat fed 3-hour meals containing 18% casein were less effective in rats fed 6% casein meals for 8 days. Responses of protein-depleted rats to glucagon or cyclic AMP had become essentially normal after they had consumed 18% casein meals for 2 days, whereas between 6 to 10 days were required for complete recovery of the response to casein hydrolysate. Stimulation of AIB transport by casein hydrolysate was also normal in depleted rats after they had consumed 40% casein meals for 2 days. Basal, non-stimulated transport of AIB was not significantly depressed in rats fed the low protein diet. Casein hydrolysate-induced increases in hepatic cyclic AMP concentrations were smaller in rats fed low protein meals. The results show that, although various stimuli of hepatic AIB transport become less effective in the protein-deprived rat, relatively rapid recovery of the response can occur upon refeeding adequate or high levels of protein.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Flexible Reamer System Technique and Pitfalls

Anatomic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has been shown to improve stability of the knee, particularly rotational stability, potentially leading to superior clinical outcomes and a shorter return to sport. Nonanatomic ACL reconstruction has been linked to graft failure and abnormal cartilage loading thought to contribute to progression of degenerative joint disease. Use of the far anteromedial portal (FAMP) to uncouple the tibial and femoral tunnels has led to improved reproduction of the femoral footprint and facilitates drilling of the femoral tunnel in an anatomic position. The use of the FAMP and straight reamer systems introduces its own set of potential complications, including short femoral tunnels and peroneal nerve injury. These potential complications have been addressed by drilling the femoral tunnel in a hyperflexed position, which can lead to difficulty with positioning the operative extremity, visualization, and identification of anatomic landmarks. The purpose of this case report was to review the advantages and technical aspects of using a flexible reamer system and the FAMP to achieve an anatomic ACL reconstruction while avoiding potential complications and pitfalls. Flexible reamer systems allow an additional way of uncoupling the tibial and femoral tunnels to clearly visualize and establish an anatomic starting point within the femoral footprint of the native ACL while avoiding the complications associated with knee hyperflexion and straight reamers with the far anteromedial portal. In the authors' experience, an anatomic reconstruction of the ACL can be achieved safely using flexible reamers while avoiding some of the difficulties seen with straight reamers used in conjunction with an uncoupled, far anteromedial approach.
Casein interactions as studied by gel chromatography and ultracentrifugation.

Abstract Gel chromatographic and ultracentrifugal methods were employed to demonstrate structural differences in the soluble casein complexes obtained by several pathways. In solutions containing the purified κ- and α s1 -casein fractions or whole acid casein at pH 6.85, I 0.26, 30 °C, an equilibrium mixture is established which promotes the formation of a unit weight ratio complex with a Stokes radius of 114 A and M r 700 000. At the low protein concentrations obtained by zonal gel chromatography, the complex dissociates to yield free κ-casein. Whole casein isolated by high speed centrifugation and freed of calcium at pH 6.85 (first cycle casein) is shown to be an associating system with the polymeric species in rapid equilibrium. First cycle casein dissociates at low protein concentrations to a unit complex with a diameter of about 100 A and M r approx. 270 000. The unit complex is shown by gel electrophoresis to contain κ-, α s 1 - and β-caseins. The mild preparative methods employed in obtaining whole casein by centrifugation at pH 6.6 probably yield complexes more representative of their native quarternary structure than the casein complexes discussed previously. Our results, therefore, support a model of the native casein micelle built up from a 100-A-diameter complex containing all the casein fractions.
The behavioural ecology of desert grasshoppers I. Presumed sex-role reversal in flight displays of Trimerotropis agrestis

Abstract Several aspects of the adult behaviour of Trimerotropis agrestis gracewileyae (Tinkham 1960) have been analysed. Sound spectrograms of flight sounds have been illustrated and discussed. Males and females both produce distinct acoustic signals (crepitations) during spontaneous and socially induced flights and they can fly silently (with only a slight rustle of the wings) when disturbed. The flight display of sexually receptive females is significantly of greater amplitude than the usual crepitation of either sex, and although it was observed but once and was not recorded on tape, it is worthy of reporting. Although Tinkham in his description of the subspecies reported that females were the sole crepitators and, therefore, responsibility for initial pair formation has been reversed in this population, our observations during 3 years and four separate visits to the localities through the season indicate that Dr Tinkham may have observed the rarely heard virginal or, more probably, normal disturbance-induced flights of females during the early part of the adult season and at times of the day when males are least active in flights. In general, therefore, the flight signalling patterns of this subspecies do not differ in kind from those of other oedipodines.