cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beta heavy-spectrin has a restricted tissue and subcellular distribution during Drosophila embryogenesis.

The components of the membrane skeleton play an important role in maintaining membrane structure during the dynamic changes in cell shape that characterize development. beta Heavy-spectrin is a unique beta-spectrin from Drosophila melanogaster that is closer in size (M(r) = 430 × 10(3)) to dystrophin than to other beta-spectrin members of the spectrin/alpha-actinin/dystrophin gene super-family. Here we establish that both the subcellular localization of the beta Heavy-spectrin protein and the tissue distribution of beta Heavy-spectrin transcript accumulation change dramatically during embryonic development. Maternally loaded protein is uniformly distributed around the plasma membrane of the egg. During cellularization it is associated with the invaginating furrow canals and in a region of the lateral membranes at the apices of the forming cells (apicolateral). During gastrulation the apicolateral staining remains and is joined by a new apical cap, or plate, of beta Heavy-spectrin in areas where morphogenetic movements occur. These locations include the ventral and cephalic furrows and the posterior midgut invagination. Thus, dynamic rearrangement of the subcellular distribution of the protein is precisely coordinated with changes in cell shape. Zygotic message and protein accumulate after the germ band is fully extended, in the musculature, epidermis, hindgut, and trachea of the developing embryo. beta Heavy-spectrin in the epidermis, hindgut, and trachea is apically localized, while the protein in the somatic and visceral musculature is not obviously polarized. The distribution of beta Heavy-spectrin suggests roles in establishing an apicolateral membrane domain that is known to be rich in intercellular junctions and in establishing a unique membrane domain associated with contractile processes.
Computer modeling of wound gape following radial keratotomy.

BACKGROUND The edges of radial keratotomy incisions remain separated by epithelium or new collagen. To determine if the amount of gape of the incision edges agrees with the induced corneal flattening, two mathematical models of the cornea were studied. METHODS A finite element model of the eye was constructed; radial incisions through Bowman's membrane and stroma were simulated, as well as incisions confined to the stroma but not involving Bowman's or Descemet's membranes. Geometrical calculations were also performed in a second morphologic model of a spherical shell. RESULTS The finite element and geometrical models agree closely on the corneal curvature change for a given incision gape. Both models predict that linear intrastromal incisions that do not involve Bowman's layer would not produce significant corneal flattening. CONCLUSIONS Corneal flattening after radial keratotomy is closely related to incision gape, mediated through structural weakening of the cornea. Purely intrastromal radial incisions, as might be created with Nd:YAG lasers, prevent wound gape and would not appear to be a promising technique for flattening the cornea.
The use of dominant mutations in the study of hormonal responses in plants

In the absence of any in vitro systems which carry out hormone-mediated responses, we are forced to rely on in vivo experiments to develop models for hormone action in plants. Such models are by necessity very generalized because of the long lag times between hormone application and the development of measurable responses. The use of single gene mutations that affect hormonal responses can provide the means to refine these models and ultimately to isolate and characterize biochemical components of the signal transduction pathways. In this chapter, I will present a general model for hormone signal transduction in plants and then consider how one class of known hormone mutants, the dominant hormone-insensitive mutants, relate to this model. I will then describe current efforts to isolate the genes responsible for these mutations.
Structure of the mantle beneath Montana LASA from analysis of long-period, mode-converted phases

Abstract Coherent precursors to shear phases ( S , SKS , ScS ) observed on long-period seismograms recorded at LASA are interpreted as shear-to- P type mode conversions, or Sdp phases, from mantle discontinuities at depth d . Polarization analysis on three-component beam traces confirm that the precursors are compressional phases. Mode conversions are distinguished from multiple surface reflections on the basis of apparent slownesses, constant lead times of mode-converted phases relative to the shear phases for different focal depths, and amplitude considerations. The waveform shapes of mode conversions are modeled using the matrix propagator method. Two mode conversions from the top and bottom of a low-velocity zone between 171 and 226 km depth explain the waveform shape immediately in front of the primary shear waves. The strongest mode conversion is produced by a discontinuity at about 451 km and has a velocity contrast of about 10 per cent. The variation in the measured S 451 p -to-primary- S amplitude ratio recorded at the subarrays strongly correlates with the variation in the P -to- S amplitude ratios and is probably caused by focusing and defocusing effects in the lithosphere beneath the array. A 556 km discontinuity is inferred from the partial interference of S 556 p with S 451 p . Interfering S 671 p and S 770 p phases seem to be present on one of the beam traces. However, the presence of these mode conversions is problematic because they do not appear on all the beam and subarray traces.
Visual response and anatomical changes on sequential spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in birdshot chorioretinopathy treated with local corticosteroid therapy

Birdshot chorioretinopathy is a chronic bilateral inflammatory disease of unknown etiology characterized by bilateral retinal vasculitis, mild to moderate vitritis, retinal vascular leakage, cystoid macular edema (CME), and typical “birdshot” chorioretinal lesions. Typically, patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy are treated with systemic immunosuppressive and/or corticosteroid therapy in an effort to minimize loss of vision. Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) has shown regional or generalized photoreceptor loss in addition to both retinal as well as choroidal thinning in these patients. The present study describes anatomical changes of the retina and alterations in choroidal thickness and vasculature on sequential spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in 4 patients with birdshot chorioretinopathy treated with local corticosteroids. A retrospective observational case series identified 4 consecutive patients (8 eyes) at New England Eye Center, Boston diagnosed with birdshot chorioretinopathy according to the research criteria of the international consensus conference that were managed by a single retina specialist and treated exclusively with local corticosteroid therapy (intravitreal/sub-tenon injections) without systemic immunosuppression. All patients underwent longitudinal SD-OCT imaging with both the 512 × 128 cube scan and the 1-line raster protocol. A chart review was performed to review the visual response to treatment. Two independent observers analyzed sequential SD-OCT images for retinal parameters such as occurrence of CME at any time during the course of disease, presence of retinal thinning and presence of hyper-reflective foci within the retina, and choroidal parameters including its thickness and its vasculature. Mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 47 years (26–60 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 96 months. All patients were HLA-A29 positive. Visual acuity remained stable in 75 % of eyes, 63 % eyes had central retinal thinning, 75 % eyes had hyper reflective foci within the retina and 75 % eyes had CME during follow-up. Mean total sub-foveal choroidal thickness of all 8 eyes at the time of the last SD-OCT was significantly lower than at initial SD-OCT (p = 0.03). This case series suggests that treatment with local corticosteroids may have good visual outcome despite retinal and choroidal thinning. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to further determine the benefits of local corticosteroid therapy.
A Review of “The Archaeology of North Pacific Fisheries”

The Archaeology of North Pacific Fisheries is a collection of papers written by zooarchaeologists about the relationship between fishes and people of the North Pacific. Edited by Madonna Moss and A...
Navigation and Perception for an Autonomous Titan Aerobot

[Abstract] The Huygens probe arrived at Saturn’s moon Titan on January 14, 2005, unveiling a world that is radically different from any other in the Solar system. The data obtained, complemented by continuing observations from the Cassini probe, show methane lakes, river channels and drainage basins, sand dunes, cryovolcanos and sierras. This has lead to an enormous scientific interest in a follow-up mission to Titan, using a robotic lighter-than-air vehicle (or aerobot). Aerobots have modest power requirements, can fly missions with extended durations, and have very long distance traverse capabilities. They can execute regional surveys, transport and deploy scientific instruments and in-situ laboratory facilities over vast distances, and also provide surface sampling at strategic science sites. This paper describes our progress in the development of the autonomy technologies that will be required for exploration of Titan. We provide an overview of the autonomy architecture and some of its key components. We also show results obtained from autonomous flight tests conducted in the Mojave desert.
Anderson Localization Fibres

Recent advances in the theoretical and experimental understanding of disordered Anderson localization optical fibers are reviewed, potential applications are explored, and challenges in the fundamental understanding, design and optimization, fabrication, and device implementation are discussed.
Introduction: other sensualities

This article, which serves as an introduction to the special issue explains our collective interest in the haptic as an object of inquiry. These collected essays generate critical insight into emergent tactile economies and approach the haptic as a specific set of material negotiations between bodies, spaces, and objects. Together the essays consider how touching, folding, fingering, or tracing the texture of an object, offer themselves as techniques of knowing in art and performance. In so doing, they expand the critical parameters of what the haptic can mean not simply in diverse contexts of art and art making, but more specifically, at the crucial edges of performance and social practice.
Imaging for lung physiology: What do we wish we could measure?

The role of imaging as a tool for investigating lung physiology is growing at an accelerating pace. Looking forward, we wished to identify unresolved issues in lung physiology that might realistically be addressed by imaging methods in development or imaging approaches that could be considered. The role of imaging is framed in terms of the importance of good spatial and temporal resolution and the types of questions that could be addressed as these technical capabilities improve. Recognizing that physiology is fundamentally a quantitative science, a recurring emphasis is on the need for imaging methods that provide reliable measurements of specific physiological parameters. The topics included necessarily reflect our perspective on what are interesting questions and are not meant to be a comprehensive review. Nevertheless, we hope that this essay will be a spur to physiologists to think about how imaging could usefully be applied in their research and to physical scientists developing new imaging methods to attack challenging questions imaging could potentially answer.
Invasion and Density of German Cockroach in Shaoguan City

Objective To evaluate the invasion and density of German cockroach (Blattellla germanica) and provide evidence for the development of the prevention and control measures. Method 60 enterprises from specially-selected industries, 40 general enterprises and 100 households were selected in this study. The invasion was determined by physical examination and drug-activation. The density of cockroach was determined using the cockroach-sticky boxes. Result The invasion rate for the special-industry enterprises, general enterprises, and household was 100%, 37.5%, and 17%, respectively. The density (number of cockroach/box/night) was 15.09, 1.79 and 1.41 among the special-industry enterprises, general enterprises,and households, respectively. The special-industry enterprises suffered the most serious invasion and had the highest density of cockroach than the general enterprises and households. The places of invasion were kitchens, desert-rooms, food warehouses, cooked-food rooms, employees′ dressing rooms and the layer restaurants. Conclusion With the increase in invasion and density of the German cockroach, the damages have become increasingly severe. The places invaded spread from special-industry enterprises like guesthouses, restaurants and recreation places to general enterprises and households. This would post a serious public health problem and bringing about a new challenge for the prevention and control of cockroacn.
Making Use of Modern Long-distance Education and Putting forward Popular Education

Long-distance education is the key project of "Plan for Facing 21 st Educational Vitalization", which is a great measure to push the development of higher educational reform. The writer as a the manager in an experimental college of long-distance education illustrates the way, in which long-distance education is developed, based on somproblems in the experimental works. Some direetive suggestions are also proposed.
The Pennsylvanian gastropod genera Orthonema Meek and Worthen and Streptacis Meek from the Appalachian Basin

Numerous specimens of the gastropod genera Orthonema and Streptacis occur through- out the marine units of the Pottsville, Allegheny, and Conemaugh groups in the Appalachian Basin. Collections from nine marine units include ten species of Orthonema and three species of Streptacis. On the basis of numerous well preserved specimens it was determined that Orthonema sayrei Knight should be placed in synonymy with 0. salteri (Meek and Worthen) and 0. strigatum Warthin in synonymy with 0. nebrascense (Geinitz). The type specimen for Orthonema conicum Meek and Worthen was located in the University of Illinois collection and helped clear up the discrepancy in the description of this species. Well preserved specimens of Streptacis whitfieldi Meek show the presence of ornamentation on the lower portion of each whorl. New species described are Ortho- nema semiornamenta from Allegheny units, 0. ascensus from Pottsville, Allegheny, and Cone- maugh units, 0. chorda from Allegheny units, and 0. ammissidecoris from Conemaugh units.
The crystal and molecular structure of 9-α-d-arabinofuranosyladenine

Abstract The glycosyl torsional angles in two crystallographically-independent molecules of α-araA are −73 and −64°, both of which are in the “anti” region. The sugar conformations are C(3′)-endo and C(2′)-exo-C(3′)-endo.
Performance of sampling plans to determine aflatoxin in farmers' stock peanut lots by measuring aflatoxin in high-risk-grade components.

Five 2 kg test samples were taken from each of 120 farmers' stock peanut lots contaminated with aflatoxin. Kernels from each 2 kg sample were divided into the following U.S. Department of Agriculture grade components: sound mature kernels plus sound splits (SMKSS), other kernels (OK), loose shelled kernels (LSK), and damaged kernels (DAM). The kernel mass (g), aflatoxin mass (ng), and aflatoxin concentration (ng of aflatoxin/g of peanuts) were measured for each of the 2400 component samples. The variabilities associated with measuring aflatoxin mass (ng) in OK + LSK + DAM, or A(OLD)ng, and in LSK + DAM, or A(LD)ng, and aflatoxin concentration (ng/g) in OK + LSK + DAM, or A(OLD)ng/g, and in LSK + DAM, or A(LD)ng/g, were determined. The variance associated with measuring aflatoxin in each of the 4 combinations of components increased with aflatoxin, and functional relationships were developed from regression analysis. The variability associated with estimating the lot concentration from each of the 4 combinations of components was also determined. The coefficients of variation (CV) associated with estimating the aflatoxin for a lot with aflatoxin at 100 ng/g were 90, 86, 94 and 96% for aflatoxin masses A(OLD)ng and A(LD)ng and aflatoxin concentrations A(OLD)ng/g and A(LD)ng/g, respectively. The performance of aflatoxin sampling plans using the combination of aflatoxin masses in OK + LD + DAM and LD + DAM components was evaluated with a 2 kg test sample and a 50 ng/g accept/reject limit.
Infection and asthma. V. Study of childhood asthma and viral infection by cytological analysis of nasal smears

Cytological analysis of nasal smears was carried out for 295 asthmatic children aged 2 to 15 years old at the time of asthma attack and non-attack, in combination with blood tests and chest roentgenograms. Damaged ciliated cells (ciliocytophhthoria, CCP) were looked for as a marker of viral infections. The appearance rate of greater than 2+ of CCP was higher among children during attack (38/70, 54.3%) than that among children not suffering an attack (6/29, 20.7%); this was pronounced among young children under five. However, the results of blood examinations and chest roentgenograms did not correlate with the rate of positive signs of infections in CCP positive- or negative-attack. These results suggest that the cytological examination of nasal smears in useful in evaluating the presence of viral infections during asthma aggravation among young children, whereas evaluation of these infections may be difficult by blood tests or chest roentgenograms.
Managing Biomarker Outsourcing: CRO Evaluation, Streamline Outsource Process, and Quality Management

For the past decade the pharmaceutical industry has faced numerous challenges, such as the rising cost of RD assessment and selection of CRO, application of the strategic partnered relationship outsourcing model, and trust and execution. Completion of successful outsourcing will establish a relationship that can be fruitful and rewarding for future projects and help support an innovative drug development process.
Filter-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for rapid and sensitive detection of the fungicide ferbam in water

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been widely applied for rapid and sensitive detection of various chemical and biological targets. Here, we incorporated a filter syringe system into t...
Resistant actors, resistant landscapes? A historical political ecology of a forested conservation object in exurban southeastern Pennsylvania

Exurban political ecologists (ExPE) are interested in landscape contestations, particularly where material–cultural entanglements play out through land-use decision-making processes. ExPE research ...
The Other Side of Here and Now: Cross-Cultural Reflections on the Politics of Improvisation Studies

Scholarship on African-American avant-garde jazz and European free music is prominently featured in the emergent field of improvisation studies, premised upon an allegorical understanding of the phenomenon as a musical analogue for counter-hegemonic political dialogue and action. However, from an ethnomusicological standpoint rooted in improvisational traditions from Africa to Asia, serious questions arise about the cross-cultural validity of this axiological paradigm. Drawing upon studies of West African and South Asian traditions of improvisation, this essay brings a critical global perspective to bear upon issues of improvisation, community, and social practice, to elucidate the manner in which universalistically conceived ideological commitments can shape the political meanings of extemporaneous music-making. Ultimately, an ethnographic focus on ritual overdetermination of meaning within festive performance frames can reveal the significance that ICASP organizers’ conception of improvisation—as “a crucial model for political, cultural, and ethical dialogue and action”—plays in empowering artists to imagine and realize utopian, transcultural, socio-sonic communities.
Lower bounds for the Laplacian energy of bipartite graphs

Abstract Given a simple undirected graph G = ( V , E ) with n vertices, if for the largest eigenvalue of its Laplacian matrix λ 1 there exists a lower bound λ 1 ≥ α ≥ d G n n − 1 , then we have that its Laplacian energy satisfies L E ( G ) ≥ max { 2 d G , 2 ( α − d G ) } , where d G = d 1 + ⋯ d n n is the average degree of G . This generic lower bound, obtained with the majorization technique, allows us to obtain two lower bounds for L E ( G ) which are valid for any connected bipartite graph, and for which the equalities are attained by K n 2 , n 2 and S n .
The legal implications of public pension funds divestment of investments in companies doing business in South Africa

As chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Employee Retirement Association of Colorado, the author felt compelled to engage in legal research of Colorado law with regard to the South African divestiture issue when the investment committee of PERA was called upon to deal with it in a proposal that required divergence from the direct financial benefits of investment safety and return for retirement security. In the article the author examines the legal basis in Colorado law for the Board's consideration of the 'issue' and offers to the reader a legal rationale for the ruling made by Judge Woodrich and insight as to how the "prudent man rule" in his or her state would apply to the issue if he or she had to face it as a member of a board of directors of a public pension fund.
Treatment delays in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A national cancer database analysis.

Objective To characterize treatment delays in laryngeal cancer and associate delays with patient, tumor, and treatment factors and with overall survival. Methods We identified 33,819 adults with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) in the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2013. We calculated durations of diagnosis-to-treatment initiation, surgery-to-adjuvant treatment, radiotherapy duration, total treatment package, and diagnosis-to-treatment end intervals. Delays were associated with patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics via multivariable logistic regression and with overall survival by Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Median durations of diagnosis-to-treatment initiation, surgery-to-radiation initiation, radiation treatment, total treatment package, and diagnosis-to-treatment end were 28, 42, 48, 91, and 107 days in surgical patients; median durations of diagnosis-to-treatment initiation, radiation treatment, and diagnosis-to-treatment end were 33, 50, and 85 days in nonsurgical patients. Race and insurance status were linked to delays in most intervals. Academic and high-volume facilities had less delayed radiation treatment but increased delays in most other intervals. Delayed surgery-to-radiation and total treatment package intervals were associated with overall survival in surgical patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.15 [1.03-1.29], P = 0.015; HR = 1.16 [1.02-1.31], P = 0.025). Diagnosis-to-treatment initiation and diagnosis-to-treatment end intervals were associated with overall survival in nonsurgical patients (HR = 1.08 [1.02-1.14], P = 0.007; HR = 1.09 [1.03-1.16], P = 0.003, respectively) but not in surgical patients (HR = 0.96 [0.87-1.06] P = 0.440; HR = 1.13 [0.99-1.29], P = 0.062). Radiation delays were associated with overall survival in surgical and nonsurgical patients (HR = 1.21 [1.09-1.36], P = 0.001; HR = 1.37 [1.30-1.44], P Conclusion These durations can serve as national benchmarks. Delays could be considered quality indicators in LSCC. Level of evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 128:2751-2758, 2018.
Scroll Wave Unpinning with External Field is Impeded by Filament Alignment with Field

Scroll waves in excitable media can anchor to non-excitable inclusions. We study in a generic three-dimensional medium how external fields can unpin anchored scroll waves and destroy them. We find that external fields of increasing amplitude progressively deform the scroll wave's center of rotation (filament). Sufficiently large field force both segments of the anchored filament to align with the field. For smaller inclusions, the two segments of the filament get so close to each other that they collapse and the scroll wave is destroyed. For larger inclusions, the two segments stabilize at a distance that allows them to coexist and they are both oriented in the direction of the external field. In this configuration, they are insensitive to the presence to external fields and the scroll wave cannot be unpinned. The existence of such a stable scroll wave configuration may pose problems for defibrillation approaches that are based on unpinning.
Orchestration of the Circadian Clock Network by the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Abstract Daily “about-24-hour” cycles of physiology and behavior, referred to as circadian rhythms, are generated by molecular “clocks” that are present in virtually all cells of the body. Individual clocks are synchronized to each other and to solar time by a molecular “master clock” in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus. The SCN detects environmental light and uses this time-of-day information to coordinate clocks throughout the body. Thus, the SCN directs a systemic circadian clock network to drive whole-animal regulation of 24 h rhythmicity. The importance of homeostatic regulation of systemic circadian processes to health maintenance is only beginning to be understood. Clock disruption brought on by shift work in human populations predisposes the affected people to numerous health risks, including increased risk of breast and prostate cancers, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and increased incidence of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes. This chapter describes the current state of knowledge concerning systemic regulation of the circadian clock network by exploring: (1) the molecular underpinnings of cellular clocks that use transcriptional and translational feedback networks to generate oscillations in individual cells, (2) the generation and entrainment of circadian rhythmicity by the SCN, and (3) the transmission of timekeeping information to the output network.
Communication in Grey Parrots

Psittacids (members of the parrot family) are usually regarded as mindless mimics, but Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) can solve various cognitive tasks and acquire and use English speech in ways that often resemble very young children. Although their level of linguistic language use is only about that of a 2-year-old human, their cognitive processes are more like those of a 5- or 6-year-old child. This article describes how Grey parrots acquire and use a human communication code. Given that the walnut-sized psittacine brain is organized differently from that of mammals, these results have intriguing implications for the study and evolution of vocal learning, communication, and cognition.
Fluorescent Microscopy and Imaging

With the immunocytochemistry protocol completed, the tissue or cell preparation is now ready to be examined with a microscope. The type of microscope and the location of the microscope were determined in Chapter 9 when the Immunocytochemistry Experimental Design Chart and Section 6, Microscopy, were completed.
Deep Learning in Data-Driven Pavement Image Analysis and Automated Distress Detection: A Review

Deep learning, more specifically deep convolutional neural networks, is fast becoming a popular choice for computer vision-based automated pavement distress detection. While pavement image analysis has been extensively researched over the past three decades or so, recent ground-breaking achievements of deep learning algorithms in the areas of machine translation, speech recognition, and computer vision has sparked interest in the application of deep learning to automated detection of distresses in pavement images. This paper provides a narrative review of recently published studies in this field, highlighting the current achievements and challenges. A comparison of the deep learning software frameworks, network architecture, hyper-parameters employed by each study, and crack detection performance is provided, which is expected to provide a good foundation for driving further research on this important topic in the context of smart pavement or asset management systems. The review concludes with potential avenues for future research; especially in the application of deep learning to not only detect, but also characterize the type, extent, and severity of distresses from 2D and 3D pavement images.
Detection of Damage During Quasi-Static Loading of a Single Stringer Panel Using Passive Thermography and Acoustic Emission

The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodology of measuring damage onset and growth in a composite structure during quasi-static loading using passive thermography and acoustic emission. The early detection and measurement of damage progression is important to understand failure modes. A single stringer panel was subjected to quasi-static loading to induce deformation which resulted in the formation of damage between the stiffener flange and skin. The loading was stopped when damage growth was detected. Passive thermography and acoustic emission were used to detect damage in real-time as a function of the applied load. Of particular interest are the small transient thermographic signals resulting from damage formation which can be challenging to detect, as compared to the persistent passive thermography indications of cyclic fatigue loading. We describe a custom developed thermal inspection system for detection of composite damage during quasi-static loading. The thermal results are compared to a two-dimensional multi-layered thermal simulation based on the quadrupole method. Acoustic emission is used to further characterize the damage by comparing the acoustic emission events with the thermal imagery. Results are compared to ultrasonic measurements to document the damage through-the-thickness.
Factors That Predict Institutional Adoption of Professional Physical Therapist Education Programs.

Background Between 1995 and 2015, the number of accredited physical therapist education programs in the United States rose from 127 to 224. Colleges and universities have been known to develop new programs in an effort to generate revenues through student tuition. Objective In the present study, sources of institutional revenue and expenditures were used as predictors for the adoption of physical therapist education programs. Design Yearly data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System for 1731 higher education institutions were combined with dates from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education for physical therapist education program accreditation from 1995 to 2015. Methods A retrospective event history analysis of yearly institutional data was used to calculate the hazard of an institution adopting a physical therapist education program on the basis of institutional revenues and expenditures. Results Private institutions were 62% less likely to adopt a physical therapist education program when they experienced a 1% increase in total revenue per full-time-equivalent student. Conversely, a given private institution was 2.71 times more likely to adopt a physical therapist education program for every 1% increase in total expenditures per full-time-equivalent student. Both public and private institutions experienced an increased chance of adopting an entry-level (professional) physical therapist education program when instructional expenditures rose. They were also more than twice as likely to adopt physical therapist education programs when they experienced a 1% increase in the number of students. Limitations Causation between professional physical therapist education program adoption and the variables studied cannot be determined through observational analysis alone. Conclusions The more revenue a private institution generated, the less likely it was to add a program in the search for further revenues. As expenses rose, the chance of adoption trended upward beyond increases in institutional revenues for both public and private not-for-profit institutions.
Marketing sustainability through sport: testing the sport sustainability campaign evaluation model

Research question: The sport industry has deepened its commitment to implementing and deploying environmental sustainability initiatives. However, until this study there were no uniform ways to eva...
Tension Band Plate (TBP)-guided Hemiepiphysiodesis in Blount Disease: 10-Year Single-center Experience With a Systematic Review of Literature.

Background Primary treatment for Blount disease has changed in the last decade from osteotomies or staples to tension band plate (TBP)-guided hemiepiphysiodesis. However, implant-related issues have been frequently reported with Blount cases. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the surgical failure rates of TBP in Blount disease and characterize predictors for failure. Methods We performed an Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective chart-review of pediatric patients with Blount disease to evaluate the results of TBP from 2008 to 2017 and a systematic literature review. Blount cases defined as pathologic tibia-vara with HKA (hip-knee-ankle) axis and MDA (metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle) deviations ≥11 degrees were included in the analysis. Surgical failure was categorized as mechanical and functional failure. We studied both patient and implant-related characteristics and compared our results with a systematic review. Results In 61 limbs of 40 patients with mean follow-up of 38 months, we found 41% (25/61) overall surgical failure rate and 11% (7/61) mechanical failure rate corresponding to 11% to 100% (range) and 0% to 50% (range) in 8 other studies. Statistical comparison between our surgical failure and nonfailure groups showed significant differences in deformity (P=0.001), plate material (P=0.042), and obesity (P=0.044) in univariate analysis. The odds of surgical failure increased by 1.2 times with severe deformity and 5.9 times with titanium TBP in the multivariate analysis after individual risk-factor adjustment. All 7 mechanical failures involved breakage of cannulated screws on the metaphyseal side. Conclusions Most of the studies have reported high failure rates of TBP in Blount cases. Besides patient-related risk factors like obesity and deformity, titanium TBP seems to be an independent risk factor for failure. Solid screws were protective for mechanical failure, but not for functional failure. In conclusion, efficacy of TBP still needs to be proven in Blount disease and implant design may warrant reassessment. Level of evidence Level III-retrospective comparative study with a systematic review.
Latinos in Twitter News: The Effects of Newsroom and Audience Diversity on the Visibility of Latinos on Twitter

This study examines Latinos’ visibility on Twitter, exploring whether social media serve as an alternate space to promote the coverage of Latinos who are almost invisible in news and entertainment ...
Mid-term results of MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for relapsing superficial desmoids.

PURPOSE Desmoids are locally infiltrative, nonmalignant soft tissue tumors. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy have been the mainstay of treatment, but relapse is common and side effects can result in significant morbidity. MR-HIFU is increasingly recognized as an alternative treatment modality. We assessed the success rate of MR-HIFU for the treatment of extra-abdominal desmoids at our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five patients with relapsing desmoid tumors (three males, two females; age range 40-79 years) were treated using the Sonalleve system in an outpatient setting without general anesthesia. Changes in total tumor volumes were measured with a tumor tracking software. Adverse events were documented. RESULTS MR-HIFU was successful in all patients without severe side effects. Follow up ranged from 13 to 60 months. Three patients required more than one treatment session. In 3 patients with small lesions (mean = 9.7 mL), complete ablation was achieved with no evidence of viable tumor on follow up MRI at an average of 35.7 months, while in two patients with larger lesions (mean = 46 mL) the targeted tumor volumes decreased by 73% at 14 months. Skin injuries comprised first- and second-degree burns and were observed with short distance to skin (mean = 0.9 cm) and proximity to bone (i.e. ribs). Skin burns healed within weeks with topical treatment. CONCLUSION MR-HIFU shows good mid-term result for extra-abdominal desmoids with complete response for small lesions and stabilization of larger lesions. MR-HIFU for desmoids can be performed under regional anesthesia/sedation as outpatients.
Electrochemical mapping of oxygenation in the three-dimensional multicellular tumour hemi-spheroid

Blood capillaries deliver oxygen and nutrients to surrounding micro-regions of tissue and carry away metabolic waste. In normal tissue, capillaries are close enough to keep all the cells viable. In...
Research on freshman and sleeping habits: A text message-based sleep intervention

AbstractObjective: Lack of understanding regarding the function of sleep and lack of education regarding healthy sleep practices may hinder college students from getting sufficient quality sleep. The current study examines the effect of a text message based educational intervention aimed at improving sleep quality and sleep hygiene behaviors in freshman undergraduate college students.Participants: 135 undergraduate students were recruited fall of 2016.Methods: Three discussion groups were held to test and refine the text message content. Students were randomized into a three-group pretest–posttest experimental design. Participants completed measures of sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and sleep knowledge.Results: Data analysis indicated the intervention did not demonstrate significant differences between groups over time on sleep quality, sleep hygiene behaviors, and sleep knowledge.Conclusion: More research is needed to understand how best to harness text messaging technology and sleep health education to p...
Playground Politics Among Older Adults: How Elder Abuse Can Ruin the Golden Years

As the US population grows older with the graying of the Baby Boomers, elder abuse is becoming increasingly common. From financial manipulation through physical abuse and neglect, the elderly are a particularly vulnerable group, especially those struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. This chapter reviews the research on elder maltreatment beginning with a review of definitions and prevalence rates. We then apply the bullying definitional framework to elder abuse and then discuss elder abuse in the context of community settings (i.e., when elders reside with their families or on their own) and institutional settings (i.e., nursing homes).
Differences in root phenology and water depletion by an invasive grass explains persistence in a Mediterranean ecosystem.

Author(s): Phillips, Michala L; McNellis, Brandon E; Allen, Michael F; Allen, Edith B | Abstract: PREMISE:Flexible phenological responses of invasive plants under climate change may increase their ability to establish and persist. A key aspect of plant phenology is the timing of root production, how it coincides with canopy development and subsequent water-use. The timing of these events within species and across communities could influence the invasion process. We examined above- and belowground phenology of two species in southern California, the native shrub, Adenostoma fasciculatum, and the invasive perennial grass, Ehrharta calycina to investigate relative differences in phenology and water use. METHODS:We used normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to track whole-canopy activity across the landscape and sap flux sensors on individual chaparral shrubs to assess differences in aboveground phenology of both species. To determine differences in belowground activity, we used soil moisture sensors, minirhizotron imagery, and stable isotopes. RESULTS:The invasive grass depleted soil moisture earlier in the spring and produced longer roots at multiple depths earlier in the growing season than the native shrub. However, Adenostoma fasciculatum produced longer roots in the top 10 cm of soil profile in May. Aboveground activity of the two species peaked at the same time. CONCLUSIONS:The fact that Ehrharta calycina possessed longer roots earlier in the season suggests that invasive plants may gain a competitive edge over native plants through early activity, while also depleting soil moisture earlier in the season. Depletion of soil moisture earlier by E. calycina suggests that invasive grasses could accelerate the onset of the summer drought in chaparral systems, assuring their persistence following invasion.
Realistic soil particle generation based on limited morphological information by probability-based spherical harmonics

Three-dimensional imaging techniques, such as X-ray computed tomography, have been used to scan realistic particle geometries. However, these techniques are labor intensive, time-consuming, and costly to obtain a large number of particles. Therefore, it is desirable if computers can be taught to generate realistic particles based on given morphological properties. This paper develops a particle generation technique by integrating spherical harmonics and probability functions. This technique only requires morphological information from one particle to generate a large number of particles and eliminates the need for scanning many particles for particle generation. The spherical harmonics coefficients of this particle are analog of the morphological gene. The probability function is used to add variances to spherical harmonics coefficients to simulate gene mutation. A dimensionless factor is developed to control degrees of gene mutation. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed technique are verified by particle shape descriptors computed by the computational geometry techniques.
Extending deep-UV multi-beam laser writing for optical and EUV masks

Laser mask pattern generators (MPGs) write the majority today’s masks. They are the tools of choice for the application spaces of legacy-node chip production and second-level writing for advanced masks. Increasingly, they are also being used to print masks with large data volumes resulting from optical proximity corrections. To improve throughput and print performance for these masks, a software-based data path has been implemented on the ALTA® multi-beam MPG platform. Running on a scalable multicore architecture, the new data path provides more than an order of magnitude increase in processing speed for data preparation and rasterization compared to the existing hardware solution. The programs performing the data preparation and rasterization, along with the general-purpose computers on which they run, are referred to as the raster engine (RE). The RE accepts MEBES®, OASIS®, and GDSIITM formats, optimizes the data on a 0.1-nm grid, and applies both system and user-defined critical dimension (CD) corrections prior to printing. During mask printing, the prepared data are rasterized out to a 0.5-nm writing grid while applying additional corrections required by the ALTA architecture. A beam engine (BE) converts the rasterized data to radio frequency (RF) signals that drive the 32-channel acousto-optical modulator. The edge-placement resolution in the scan direction is controlled using timing rather than grey level interpolation of a fixed pixel grid. The stripe-axis resolution is achieved using fixed beam spacing with 80 gray intensity levels. Significant improvements are observed in the scan-axis print performance and the consistency of corner rounding. This paper also examines the effects of the number of passes used in multi-pass printing on the tradeoff between print quality and mask write times. Finally, the capability to align to the fiducials defined by the SEMI P48 standard for EUV masks has been added to the ALTA system.
On the essentials of drought in a changing climate

Droughts of the future are likely to be more frequent, severe, and longer lasting than they have been in recent decades, but drought risks will be lower if greenhouse gas emissions are cut aggressively. This review presents a synopsis of the tools required for understanding the statistics, physics, and dynamics of drought and its causes in a historical context. Although these tools have been applied most extensively in the United States, Europe, and the Amazon region, they have not been as widely used in other drought-prone regions throughout the rest of the world, presenting opportunities for future research. Water resource managers, early career scientists, and veteran drought researchers will likely see opportunities to improve our understanding of drought.
Optimal Control and Temperature Variations of Malaria Transmission Dynamics

Malaria is a Plasmodium parasitic disease transmitted by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Climatic factors, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind, have significant effects on the incidence of most vector-borne diseases, including malaria. The mosquito behavior, life cycle, and overall fitness are affected by these climatic factors. This paper presents the results obtained from investigating the optimal control strategies for malaria in the presence of temperature variation using a temperature-dependent malaria model. The study further identified the temperature ranges in four different geographical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, suitable for mosquitoes. The optimal control strategies in the temperature suitable ranges suggest, on average, a high usage of both larvicides and adulticides followed by a moderate usage of personal protection such as bednet. The average optimal bednet usage mimics the solution profile of the mosquitoes as the mosquitoes respond to changes in temperature. Following the results from the optimal control, this study also investigates using a temperature-dependent model with insecticide-sensitive and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes the impact of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes on disease burden when temperature varies. The results obtained indicate that optimal bednet usage on average is higher when insecticide-resistant mosquitoes are present. Besides, the average bednet usage increases as temperature increases to the optimal temperature suitable for mosquitoes, and it decreases after that, a pattern similar to earlier results involving insecticide-sensitive mosquitoes. Thus, personal protection, particularly the use of bednets, should be encouraged not only at low temperatures but particularly at high temperatures when individuals avoid the use of bednets. Furthermore, control and reduction of malaria may be possible even when mosquitoes develop resistance to insecticides.