cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Are deep-water corals important habitats for fishes?

High densities of fishes in aggregations of deep-water corals (e.g., of the genera Primnoa, Paragorgia, Paramuricea) do not necessarily indicate that corals are important habitats in terms of population processes. Frequency dependent distribution models provide a basis for assessing the role of deep-water corals. It is necessary to understand the overall habitat-related distributions of fish species, at particular life history stages, in order to assess the particular role of corals. Examining the landscape for ecologically equivalent habitats is one approach for assessing the importance of coral habitats. Measures of the functional equivalence of habitats are demonstrated, as an example, for sites from the Gulf of Maine on the northeast United States continental shelf. Fish census data based on surveys with a remotely operated vehicle in 2003 showed that communities in habitats dominated by dense corals and dense epifauna were functionally equivalent when compared with five other less complex habitats (e.g., boulder with sparse coral cover). Comparison of species-individual curves showed that sites with dense coral and dense epifauna habitats supported only moderate levels of fish diversity when compared with other sites. Further, density of Acadian redfish (Sebastes fasciatus) in dense coral and dense epifauna habitats, where this species was dominant, was not statistically different but was higher than an outcrop-boulder habitat with sparse epifauna (the only other site where this species was abundant). Such data suggest that coral habitats are not necessarily unique but have attributes similar to other important habitats. However, the level of their importance in the demography of fish populations and communities remains to be demonstrated. Focusing conservation efforts for deep-water corals on their perceived value to exploited species, without good demographic information on fish populations, may ultimately leave corals open to destructive fishing practices if new and contrary information emerges. Conservation efforts for corals, in the absence of explicit ties to managed fish species, might do better emphasizing the intrinsic value of corals, their slow growth, high sensitivity to disturbance, and the questionable potential for recovery.
Stabilizing the U.S. Corn Market

This article considers stabilization policies when the government acts before and after the weather is known, uses intervention rules that exclude discretion, and considers multiple policy instruments. Simulations shed light on the benefits and costs of corn-market stabilization and the desirability of acreage control or scarcity policy. Coordinated policies consistently reduce the variability of farm prices and incomes. Further, welfare comparisons against the unregulated market are favorable for some programs. Perhaps the government should avoid joint management of acreage and inventories, though, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Easily Tested Three-Level Gate Networks for T or More of N Symmetric Functions

This correspondence considers three-level AND/OR gate realizations for T or more of N symmetric functions and gives a design procedure. The procedure can be used to design relatively large networks. The three-level realizations require substantially fewer test patterns for fault detection, gates, and gate inputs than the minimum two-level network. For example, the minimum two-level network for the 3 or more out of 12 functions requires 286 test patterns, 67 gates, and 726 gate inputs while the three-level realization presented requires 27 test patterns, 25 gates, and 96 gate inputs.
Media Coverage of State Legislatures: Negative, Neutral, or Positive?†

Objective To evaluate how neutral newspapers are in their coverage of state legislatures and whether the tone of this coverage is affected by the partisan orientation of the newspaper's owners and by the focus of the stories. Methods I examine hard news stories in four newspapers from two states, during April 2005, to assess the tone of coverage (positive, neutral, or negative) of their state legislatures and test whether tone varies with owner partisanship and focus of the particular news story on the whole legislature or individual legislators. Results The majority of coverage (81 percent) is neutral in tone. There is no difference in tone when the newspaper's owners share the same partisan orientation as the state legislature compared to when they have a different partisan orientation. There is no difference in tone when the focus of the story is on the whole legislature instead of on individual legislators. Conclusion Contrary to scholarship that suggests the media is negative toward political institutions (including legislatures), or partisan in its coverage, tone is largely neutral. When covering state legislatures, newspaper reporters adhere for the most part to the professional standard of objectivity or neutrality.
Circular Update Directional Virtual Coordinate Routing Protocol in Sensor Networks

In a wireless sensor network, virtual coordinates provide most of the advantages of geographic routing strategies without actually relying on the location information of the nodes. Using a mobile sink provides advantages such as distributing energy consumption throughout the network. However, nodes need to be updated about the new virtual coordinate of the mobile sink as it moves. In this paper, we propose Circular Update-Directional Virtual Coordinate Routing (CU-DVCR), an algorithm specialized in routing towards a mobile sink in virtual coordinates. Through a set of experimental studies we show that CU-DVCR consumes less energy compared to alternative algorithms while providing comparable performance.
Ventricular pacing – Electromechanical consequences and valvular function

Although great strides have been made in the areas of ventricular pacing, it is still appreciated that dyssynchrony can be malignant, and that appropriately placed pacing leads may ameliorate mechanical dyssynchrony. However, the unknowns at present include: 1. The mechanisms by which ventricular pacing itself can induce dyssynchrony; 2. Whether or not various pacing locations can decrease the deleterious effects caused by ventricular pacing; 3. The impact of novel methods of pacing, such as atrioventricular septal, lead-less, and far-field surface stimulation; 4. The utility of ECG and echocardiography in predicting response to therapy and/or development of dyssynchrony in the setting of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) lead placement; 5. The impact of ventricular pacing-induced dyssynchrony on valvular function, and how lead position correlates to potential improvement. This review examines the existing literature to put these issues into context, to provide a basis for understanding how electrical, mechanical, and functional aspects of the heart can be distorted with ventricular pacing. We highlight the central role of the mitral valve and its function as it relates to pacing strategies, especially in the setting of CRT. We also provide future directions for improved pacing modalities via alternative pacing sites and speculate over mechanisms on how lead position may affect the critical function of the mitral valve and thus overall efficacy of CRT.
Host Range and Axenic Culture of the Mycoparasite Syncephalis Sphaerica (Mucorales)

Syncephalis sphaerica (PiptocephaUdaceae, Mucorales) is a biotrophic, haustorial mycoparasite. Fifty genera of fungi, representing four classes, were tested as potential hosts for the parasite. Twe...
FABRICATION OF THIN WALLED GLOW DISCHARGE POLYMER SHELLS

Thin walled (≈ 1 μm) plastic shells, about 900 μm in diameter, are needed for the OMEGA cryogenic experiments. We investigated the possibility of fabricating these targets by modifying the coating ...
A CASE OF PRIMARY SPLENIC MALIGNANT LYMPHOMA AND A REVIEW OF 98 CASES REPORTED IN JAPAN

A 56-year-old male who had chief complaints of abdominal distention and general fatigue during therapy for liver cirrhosis was diagnosed as having primary splenic malignant lymphoma by echography, computed tomography, angiography and other examination procedures. He was treated by splenectomy and chemotherapy. The lesion, localized in the spleen which was 18×10×6 cm in size, had a tumor in its lower pole. The cut surface of the tumor was nodular and whitish-yellow and was demarcated clearly within the intact spleen. The pathological finding of this tumor was immunoblastic, plasmacytoid, B cell-type malignant lymphoma according to A Working Formulation of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas for Clinical Usage.Ninety-eight cases of primary splenic malignant lymphoma have been reported in Japan. The ages of the patients ranged from 14 to 75 years (average 48.8 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1. Most patients had chief complaints of pain and palpable tumor in the left subcostal region. They developed severe splenomegaly 4-45 cm (average 13.4 cm) in size and 280-4500 g (average 1440 g) in weight. Most of them were treated by splenectomy, but their prognosis was mostly poor.It should be emphasized that primary splenic lymphomas can be diagnosed with certainty preoperatively by imaging methods, and that they should be classified pathologically according to A Working Formulation of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas for Clinical Usage, considering their therapy and prognosis.
Trial-and-error marketing: the role of the customer in tech start-ups

This paper explores the role of a customer- or product-centric focus in young technology firms' decision-making and whether the behaviours of these firms differ from 'textbook' marketing. Data from depth interviews with founders of growth-stage tech start-ups reveal that new product development relies on four key approaches: self-focus, need finding, network creation and utilisation, and middle ground. Their 'trial-and-error marketing' is related to several theoretical constructs from the management, marketing and entrepreneurship literature. This paper provides a set of propositions and managerial implications.
Objective Evaluation of Insert Material for Diabetic and Athletic Footwear

Five of the most commonly used materials for shoe inserts (soft Plastazote, medium Pelite, PPT, Spenco, and Sorbothane) were objectively evaluated in the laboratory to characterize their behavior in the following three specific functions that correspond to clinical use: (1) the effect on the materials of repeated compression. (2) the effect of a combination of repetitive shear and compression. (3) the force-distribution (force-attenuation) properties of these materials, both when new and after repeated compression. The last function represents a model for relief of pressure beneath plantar bony prominences, a topic of special concern for the insensitive foot. All materials were effective in reducing transmitted force over the simulated bony prominence with a rank order of effectiveness. Other factors considered were: amount and rate of permanent deformation offset by considerations of enhanced moldability when comparing the neoprene and urethane materials with the polyethylene foams. The ideal insert represents a combination of material to achieve both durability and moldability.
A Meta-Analysis The Relationship Between Parental Involvement and Latino Student Outcomes

This meta-analysis of 28 studies examines the relationship between parental involvement and the academic achievement and school behavior of Latino pre-kindergarten-college-age children. Analyses de...
Tumor necrosis factor-induced endothelial tissue factor is associated with subendothelial matrix vesicles but is not expressed on the apical surface

Cultured endothelial cells can be induced by tumor necrosis factor/cachectin (TNF) and other cytokines to synthesize the procoagulant cofactor tissue factor (TF). Intact monolayers of TNF-treated endothelial cells showed only minimal TF activity. In contrast, after permeabilization of these monolayers with detergent (saponin, 0.02%), there was approximately 10- to 20-fold increase in TF-mediated, factor VIIa-dependent factor Xa formation. Extracellular matrix derived from TNF-treated endothelium, prepared after removing the cells by hypotonic lysis or ammonium hydroxide (0.1 N), also had similarly enhanced TF activity. Incubation with a blocking monoclonal antibody to TF inhibited the procoagulant activity of both TNF-stimulated endothelial cells, whether they were intact or permeabilized, and of their matrices. However, when the apical cell surface was pretreated with anti-TF antibody, washed, and then cells were lysed with water or permeabilized with saponin, similar augmentation of TF activity was still observed, suggesting the presence of a pool of TF to which the antibody did not initially gain access. Consistent with this concept, the presence of TF in the matrix of TNF-treated endothelial cells was shown by immunoblotting and morphologic studies; cultured endothelial monolayers and the native endothelium of aortic segments after exposure to TNF showed TF in extracellular matrix, associated with vesicles. In contrast, TF was virtually undetectable on the apical endothelial surface. Taken together, these findings suggest that endothelial TF can be present in a cryptic pool that only gains access to the blood after alteration in the integrity of the endothelial monolayer.
Thoracic computed tomography is an effective screening modality in patients with penetrating injuries to the chest

Abstract Background The precise role of thoracic CT in penetrating chest trauma remains to be defined. We hypothesized that thoracic CT effectively screens hemodynamically normal patients with penetrating thoracic trauma to surgery vs. expectant management (NOM). Methods A ten-year review of all penetrating torso cases was retrospectively analyzed from our urban University-based trauma center. We included hemodynamically normal patients (systolic blood pressure ≥90) with penetrating chest injuries that underwent screening thoracic CT. Hemodynamically unstable patients and diaphragmatic injuries were excluded. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. Results A total of 212 patients (mean injury severity score = 24, Abbreviated Injury Score for Chest = 3.9) met inclusion criteria. Of these, 84.3% underwent NOM, 9.1% necessitated abdominal exploration, 6.6% underwent exploration for retained hemothorax/empyema, 6.6% underwent immediate thoracic exploration for significant injuries on chest CT, and 1.0% underwent delayed thoracic exploration for missed injuries. Thoracic CT had a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value of 90%, a negative predictive value of 99%, and an accuracy of 99% in predicting surgery vs. NOM. Conclusions Thoracic CT has a negative predictive value of 99% in triaging hemodynamically normal patients with penetrating chest trauma. Screening thoracic CT successfully excludes surgery in patients with non-significant radiologic findings.
Strategy of early postoperative recovery following pediatric cardiac surgery

Abstract Pediatric cardiac surgery involves procedures performed on the some of the most physiologically complex and vulnerable patients. The post-bypass period is especially fraught with life-threatening episodes of malignant arrhythmias, low cardiac output states and excessive hemorrhage. We herein propose a strategy of continuing care in the operating room at the termination of the procedure.
Distal Atrioventricular Conduction System Function

This article addresses electrophysiologic evaluation of the distal AV conduction system in patients with chronic bifascicular block. It was formerly thought that progression to complete AV block was a common cause of morbidity and even sudden death in this condition, and it was hoped that electrophysiologic evaluation, including measurement of the H-V interval, would facilitate prospective identification and prophylactic treatment of patients prone to these complications. However, a decade of clinical investigation has revealed that progression to complete AV block is rare and that although cardiovascular mortality, including sudden death, is substantial, this mortality usually relates to underlying organic heart disease. The current role for electrophysiologic studies in chronic bifascicular block is limited to delineation of the site of electrocardiographically documented second- or third-degree AV block and to the evaluation of unexplained syncope.
Radical resection combined with liver transplantation for foregut tumors.

Between February 1984 and july 1992, six adults with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=1), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (n=2), and cholangiocarcinoma (n=3) underwent radical foregut resections (n=3) or radical pancreaticoduodenectomy (n=3) combined with liver transplantation. The major postoperative complications included diarrhea (n=4), pancreaticojejunostomy leak (n=3), infection (n=7), malnutrition (n=3), refractory ascites (n=2), and late hepatic artery thrombosis (n=1). Tumor recurrence occurred in one patient. The actuarial survival for the group is 82 per cent at 1 year and 55 per cent at 2 years. The results demonstrate that radical pancreaticoduodenectomy/foregut resections combined with liver transplantation offer potential surgical cure of malignancies involving these organs
Mechanisms behind Topoisomerase II SUMOylation in chromosome segregation.

One of the major substrates discovered to be SUMOylated during mitosis is DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A), an enzyme that regulates the topology of genomic DNA. Interestingly, while TOP2A binds throu...
Discussion and Questions

In this final chapter, we state some questions that arose from this work and speculate about future directions related to this project. In Sect. 10.1, we discuss modifications of the diagram D that preserve A-adequacy. In Sect. 10.2, we speculate about using normal surface theory in our polyhedral decomposition of M A to attack various open problems, for example the Cabling Conjecture and the determination of hyperbolic A-adequate knots.
Tuning the size of styrene-maleic acid copolymer-lipid nanoparticles (SMALPs) using RAFT polymerization for biophysical studies

Characterization of membrane proteins is challenging due to the difficulty in mimicking the native lipid bilayer with properly folded and functional membrane proteins. Recently, styrene-maleic acid (StMA) copolymers have been shown to facilitate the formation of disc-like lipid bilayer mimetics that maintain the structural and dynamic integrity of membrane proteins. Here we report the controlled synthesis and characterization of StMA containing block copolymers. StMA polymers with different compositions and molecular weights were synthesized and characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). These polymers act as macromolecular surfactants for 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1'-rac-glycerol (POPG) lipids, forming disc like structures of the lipids with the polymer wrapping around the hydrophobic lipid edge. A combination of dynamic light scattering (DLS), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the size of the nanoparticles created using these StMA polymers. At a weight ratio of 1.25:1 StMA to lipid, the nanoparticle size created is 28+1nm for a 2:1 ratio, 10+1nm for a 3:1 StMA ratio and 32+1nm for a 4:1 StMA ratio independent of the molecular weight of the polymer. Due to the polymer acting as a surfactant that forms disc like nanoparticles, we term these StMA based block copolymers "RAFT SMALPs". RAFT SMALPs show promise as a new membrane mimetic with different nanoscale sizes, which can be used for a wide variety of biophysical studies of membrane proteins.
Cerebral hypoperfusion and cerebrovascular protein alterations induced by diabetes

M associated with uncontrolled diabetes includes cardiovascular disease, loss of sight and renal dysfunctions. Despite recent advances in diabetes treatment, an estimated 40% or more of people currently on available treatment options are not in optimal control of their disease. Therefore, an increased risk of experiencing diabetes complications exists. My research interests amongst others focus on the molecular pathology of diabetic complications, in particular cerebrovascular complications characterized by hypoperfusion/cerebral insufficiency, predisposition to stroke and worst stroke outcome in diabetes. Experimental studies have revealed that chronic dysregulation of glycemic control leads to deficits in cerebrovascular structure and function which may explain some of the clinical complications observed. Such observations as edema, inflammations, neovascularization, protease expression, cerebrovascular remodeling accompanied by altered vascular functions suggesting potential therapeutic targets. We have investigated the effects of diabetes on cerebral blood flow, signaling molecules and essential protein expressions in cerebral microvessles. The identification of potential proteins that can mediate altered cerebrovascular structure and function will serve as therapeutic targets. These protein targets can provide cerebrovascular protection which would not be limited to prevention of diabetes-induced deleterious changes in cerebrovascular structure/function before the occurrence of cerebrovascular incidence but can also be targeted acutely to preventing vascular dysfunction and loss of vascular integrity. The attending consequences and complications of diabetes induce-stroke can be abated with targeted intervention. Therefore, the results from this study would provide an insight into the cerebrovascular changes that is induced by chronic hyperglycemia; identify profiles of proteins affected which contribute to the remodeling and the cerebrovascular complications as therapeutic targets.
Breaking the Silence: 1978

Education is the realm in which the most marked changes have occurred. A high school degree facilitates a father’s arranging a good marriage for his daughter. While women continue to observe the cultural practices of ritual purity and pollution, some question whether these reflect their beliefs. Others openly state their belief that the gods do not discriminate against women. Ritual observance has become a matter largely confined to the village. Bus service has increased intercaste interaction. Adaptation to a secular world necessitates association with members of other castes. Those employed in urban areas provide a base for their siblings to continue their educations.
Low Angle Grain Boundary Dewetting in Sapphire

The structure and composition of low angle grain boundaries produced in sapphire by a liquid phase sintering process were investigated by conventional and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (CTEM and HRTEM, respectively). Considering the current emphasis on producing ceramics with textured microstructures for various applications, the question of grain boundary wetting vs. dewetting has become a relevant issue to determining the microstructure development and the properties of these liquid phase sintered materials. Accordingly, the present study was designed to cover a wide range of tilt misorientations, twist misorientations, and boundary orientations.The boundaries were formed by the directed growth of two sapphire plates, both having nominal , , or surface orientations through an alumina tape-cast containing an anorthite composition glass phase. After an initial hot-pressing stage, followed by an anneal at 1600° C for 200 hours, the samples typically contained a single boundary delineated by isolated pockets of entrapped glass, Fig. 1.
Photolabile protecting groups: a strategy for making primary amine polymers by RAFT

A photolabile ortho-nitrobenzyl primary amine protecting group is incorporated into a methacrylic monomer (ONBAMA). RAFT gives well-defined polymers of ONBAMA of various sizes. The protecting group is sensitive to UV radiation, but stable against visible light, acid and base. This provides a facile pathway to creating well-defined primary amine polymers by RAFT.
48 Calpol: are we overdosing on blood tests?

Background In February 2012, the Commission on Human Medicines recommended lowering the paracetamol toxicity treatment threshold for all patients. Children between one month and six years of age are physiologically distinct and metabolise paracetamol differently, making them less prone to toxicity. Furthermore, overdose in early childhood is almost exclusively accidental, as opposed to predominately deliberate self harm seen in adults and adolescents. As a result, the use of the new 75 mg/kg ingestion threshold for young children would appear to be of unproven benefit, and is substantially lower than the threshold used in other countries. Aim To establish the sensitivity and negative predictive value of using a 150 mg/kg ingestion threshold to identify hepatotoxicity in children one month to six year old group with paracetamol overdoses. Method Retrospective case review. Potential cases were identified by filtering an electronic Patient Management System for a discharge diagnosis of ‘accidental ingestions and poisonings’ over the period 1 st January 2012 to 19th October 2016 (57 months). ED documentation was reviewed to identify cases of paracetamol ingestions by children under the age of 6 years. Those with intentional harm, known staggered ingestions over 1 hour or under one month age (corrected for gestation) were excluded. Clinical notes and laboratory data were reviewed and, data parameters collated using a standardised proforma. Ingested doses were estimated, where possible, by subtraction methods. In some cases, the ingestion time was revised according to the time that the child was previously seen prior to the ingestion. A composite outcome for hepatotoxicity was used consisting firstly of the current UK standard treatment threshold (100 mg/L line on paracetamol toxicity nomogram) together with any evidence of biochemical hepatoxicity or clinical features of potential hepatotoxicity at any subsequent ED attendances over the next 7 days. Results The final cohort consisted of 165 individual patient ingestions. A 150 mg/kg ingestion threshold had a sensitivity of 100.0% (95% CI:47.5 to 100.0) for hepatotoxicity, with a negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI:97.5 to 100.0). Conclusion This retrospective study supports the hypothesis that accidental paracetamol ingestions less than 150 mg/kg, in children one month to six years of age, can be safely managed without investigation or treatment, in accordance with other international guidance. The use of 150 mg/kg threshold would reduce testing in over a third of attendances in our cohort. Study limitations include retrospective bias and the predominate use of serum paracetamol levels to determine toxicity.
The Mature Phase: Four Generations of Scholarship on Colonial Mesoamerica and New Spain

This essay reviews the following works: Native Wills from the Colonial Americas: Dead Giveaways in a New World. Edited by Mark Christensen and Jonathan Truitt. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 2016. Pp. vii + 276. $55.00 cloth. ISBN: 9781607814160. Strange Lands and Different Peoples: Spaniards and Indians in Colonial Guatemala. By W. George Lovell, Christopher H. Lutz, with Wendy Kramer and William R. Swezey. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2013. Pp. ix + 339. $34.95 cloth. ISBN: 9780806143903. Indians and the Political Economy of Colonial Central America, 1670–1810. By Robert W. Patch. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2013. Pp. ix + 284. $36.95 cloth. ISBN: 9780806144009. The Mixtecs of Oaxaca: Ancient Times to the Present. By Ronald Spores and Andrew K. Balkansky. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2013. Pp. xvi + 328. $45.00 cloth. ISBN: 9780806143811. Emotions and Daily Life in Colonial Mexico. Edited by Javier Villa-Flores and Sonya Lipsett-Rivera. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2014. Pp. ix + 257. $29.95 paper. ISBN: 9780826354624.
Transparency in Fair Machine Learning: the Case of Explainable Recommender Systems

Machine Learning (ML) models are increasingly being used in many sectors, ranging from health and education to justice and criminal investigation. Therefore, building a fair and transparent model which conveys the reasoning behind its predictions is of great importance. This chapter discusses the role of explanation mechanisms in building fair machine learning models and explainable ML technique. We focus on the special case of recommender systems because they are a prominent example of a ML model that interacts directly with humans. This is in contrast to many other traditional decision making systems that interact with experts (e.g. in the health-care domain). In addition, we discuss the main sources of bias that can lead to biased and unfair models. We then review the taxonomy of explanation styles for recommender systems and review models that can provide explanations for their recommendations. We conclude by reviewing evaluation metrics for assessing the power of explainability in recommender systems.
Intervertebral disc calcification in children

Symptomatic cervical intervertebral disc calcification in children presents with characteristic signs and symptoms, and usually has a benign, self-limiting and predictable course. The radiological images of the spine likewise have typical appearances, with a recognisable pattern and following a predetermined course. A case report of this uncommon condition in an 8-year-old boy illustrates most of the clinical and radiological findings in this entity.
Assessing the ability of the Sacral Autonomic Standards to document bladder and bowel function based upon the Asia Impairment Scale

Retrospective review of data. To determine if there is a relationship between the Asia Impairment Scale (AIS) and the bladder and bowel components of the International Standards to Document Remaining Autonomic Function after SCI (ISAFSCI). University-Based Academic Rehabilitation Program. Retrospective cross-sectional study assessing International Standards for Neurologic Classification After SCI (ISNCSCI) examination along with bladder and bowel components of the ISAFSCI. Subjects with AIS A injuries were statistically less likely to have history of bladder control and bowel control per investigator determination and bladder sensation via self-report versus patients categorized with AIS B injuries. Self-reported history of bowel sensation and control of voiding were more likely in subjects with C, D, or E injuries than with B injuries. Bowel and bladder control as determined by investigator and bladder and bowel sensation and control as self-reported were all statistically less likely in persons with AIS A injuries versus CDE. This retrospective study provides initial data regarding components of the bladder and bowel sections of the sacral ISAFSCI and AIS. Further prospective research is needed to further characterize the relationship between retention of bladder and bowel sensation and function and the AIS. We suggest that incorporation of the sacral components of the ISAFSCI into the ISNCSCI may be beneficial to obtain further information about retention of sacral function with specific patterns of injury.
Evidence-Based Strategies to Reduce Student Resistance to Active Learning

This chapter summarizes the results of our multi-institution study of student resistance to active learning. The study employed quantitative and qualitative methods to culminate in a survey of 1051 undergraduates and their instructors in 18 engineering courses at several US institutions, as well as focus groups with students and interviews with the instructors. Our study also included a systematic literature review of 412 published studies describing students’ affective responses to active learning in undergraduate courses spanning all STEM disciplines. Through our efforts, we identified three types of student resistance outcomes: whether students participate in activities, the extent to which students distract themselves or others, and how students evaluate the course and the instructor at the end of the term. We found that student resistance is rarely confrontational and that characteristics of the student, instructor, and course are not statistically significant predictors of resistance outcomes. We also found that instructors can reduce student resistance to active learning through a variety of strategies which address three broad categories: planning outside of class time, explanation of the activity, and facilitation during the activity. Two promising directions for future work involve (1) exploring the relationships between instructors’ use of strategies to reduce resistance, students’ affective responses to active learning, and student resistance outcomes and (2) investigating the role of faculty development on instructors’ use of the strategies.
Teaching Tips: Skittles in Water: from First Grade to Fick’s Law

This teaching tip describes an in-class demonstration that can be used to visualize diffusion.
Efficacy of a medical genetics rotation during pediatric training.

With the greater understanding that genetics underlies the basis of health and disease, the practice of medicine is changing such that we are now in an era of genomic medicine. However, there has been a deficiency of training in genetics and genomics among primary care residents. We describe the experience of our institution, which requires pediatric, child neurology, and medicine–pediatric residents to complete a subspecialty rotation in medical genetics. Standardized end-of-rotation evaluation results were analyzed and thematic analysis was performed. The mean overall educational quality of the rotation rated on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) was 4.49. The participation in medical genetics had three main outcomes: (i) a variety of learning opportunities were presented such that it was one of the most educational rotations that trainees experienced; (ii) both trainee competence and confidence in clinical practice improved through knowledge gained; and (iii) an increased awareness and appreciation for interprofessional relationships, especially for the genetic counseling profession, was highly valued. In addition, some residents have gone on to choose medical genetics as a profession. A rotation in medical genetics increases knowledge and awareness of the importance that medical genetics has in clinical practice. Genet Med 18 2, 199–202.
Compound Option Valuation with Maturity Varying Volatility, Maturity Varying Yields, and Maturity Varying Interest Rates

In this paper, a detailed proof is provided for the value of compound options based on geometric Brownian motion with maturity varying yields, maturity varying volatility, and maturity varying interest rates. Most research papers focused on compound options do not address yields on the underlying option nor maturity varying parameters. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap in the literature. The model is also illustrated along with important implementation insights. Various intriguing avenues of research are also indicated.
Virtual complete intersections in P1×P1

Abstract The minimal free resolution of the coordinate ring of a complete intersection in projective space is a Koszul complex on a regular sequence. In the product of projective spaces P 1 × P 1 , we investigate which sets of points have a virtual resolution that is a Koszul complex on a regular sequence. This paper provides conditions on sets of points; some of which guarantee the points have this property, and some of which guarantee the points do not have this property.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Complicated by Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and Pneumothorax.

The first reports of severe acute respiratory symptoms from a novel coronavirus called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019.1 The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic by March 2020.1 The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in a current global health emergency. Clinical information about the findings of COVID-19 and its associated complications are constantly evolving and becoming more widely available. Providers should be familiar with both typical symptoms and image study results for COVID-19 as well as less commonly reported complications of progressive COVID-19, such as spontaneous pneumomediastinum and spontaneous pneumothorax as highlighted in this case.
CR reprograms acetyl-CoA metabolism and induces long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and CrAT expression

Calorie restriction (CR), an age delaying diet, affects fat oxidation through poorly understood mechanisms. We investigated the effect of CR on fat metabolism gene expression and intermediate metabolites of fatty acid oxidation in the liver. We found that CR changed the liver acylcarnitine profile: acetylcarnitine, short-chain acylcarnitines, and long-chain 3-hydroxy-acylcarnitines increased, and several long-chain acylcarnitines decreased. Acetyl-CoA and short-chain acyl-CoAs were also increased in CR. CR did not affect the expression of CPT1 and upregulated the expression of long-chain and very-long-chain Acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (LCAD and VLCAD, respectively). The expression of downstream enzymes such as mitochondrial trifunctional protein and enzymes in medium- and short-chain acyl-CoAs oxidation was not affected in CR. CR shifted the balance of fatty acid oxidation enzymes and fatty acid metabolites in the liver. Acetyl-CoA generated through beta-oxidation can be used for ketogenesis or energy production. In agreement, blood ketone bodies increased under CR in a time of the day-dependent manner. Carnitine acetyltransferase (CrAT) is a bidirectional enzyme that interconverts short-chain acyl-CoAs and their corresponding acylcarnitines. CrAT expression was induced in CR liver supporting the increased acetylcarnitine and short-chain acylcarnitine production. Acetylcarnitine can freely travel between cellular sub-compartments. Supporting this CR increased protein acetylation in the mitochondria, cytoplasm, and nucleus. We hypothesize that changes in acyl-CoA and acylcarnitine levels help to control energy metabolism and contribute to metabolic flexibility under CR.
National Institutes of Health grant opportunities for the neurointerventionalist: preparation and choosing the right mechanism.

Objective The goal of this article is to provide recommendations for the early career neurointerventionalist in writing a successful grant application to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and similar funding agencies. Methods The authors reviewed NIH rules and regulations and also reflected on their own collective experience in writing NIH grant proposals in the area of cerebrovascular disease and neurointerventional surgery. Results A strong proposal should address an important scientific problem where there is a gap in knowledge. The solution offered needs to be innovative but at the same time based on a strong scientific premise. The proposed research must be feasible to implement and investigate in the researcher’s environment. Conclusion Successful grant writing is critical in funding and enhancing research. The information in the article may aid in the preparation stage of grant writing for early career neurointerventionalists.
Radiation Oncology Career Development in an Academic Satellite Network

Over the past decade, academic medical centers have rapidly expanded radiation oncology satellites in the community, creating substantial new opportunities for programmatic growth. In turn, with increasing numbers of radiation oncologists practicing in off-campus satellites, a new model for career growth has emerged in the community setting. This chapter focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities for career development in an academic radiation oncology satellite. A number of areas for career development are discussed including safety and quality, clinical research, national and institutional service and education. Moreover, it is an opportune time for satellite career development with the broad implementation of information technology (IT) resources to facilitate telemedicine and teleconferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic that level the playing field for involvement in main campus endeavors. As integrated satellite practices grow, it will be increasingly important for institutions to develop the careers of satellite radiation oncologists to expand the reach of both the clinical and academic mission in the community. It is even conceivable that with the growth of integrated satellites across the United States, that career opportunities off campus could exceed those at main center campuses in the future.
Maternal Depression and Child Externalizing Behaviors: The Role of Attachment Across Development in Low-income Families

Early attachment quality may be a lasting source of vulnerability or protection in children’s development. In this study, we examine whether attachment quality at age three moderates the impact of subsequent exposure to maternal depression (at age five or nine) on children’s externalizing symptoms at age nine. The sample included 1,917 low-income families (mean child age = 9.28; 55.9% African-American, 20.6% White, 20.0% Latina, 3.5% Other) from the Fragile Families and Child Well Being Study. At age three, 23.9% of children were categorized as insecurely attached based on maternal report of their child’s attachment behaviors. At age nine, mothers, teachers, and children reported on the child’s externalizing behaviors. Mothers also completed measures of maternal depression at child age three, five, and nine. Controlling for age three externalizing (by maternal report) and age three maternal depression as well as various demographic factors, attachment quality interacted with exposure to subsequent maternal depression in predicting externalizing behaviors at age nine. Interaction effects were evident in mother, teacher, and child report of externalizing. Across all three reporters, exposure to maternal depression was associated with greater externalizing behaviors in children who exhibited insecure attachment behaviors at age three. These findings highlight the potential benefit of interventions to improve early parent–child relationships for families at elevated risk because of maternal mental health.
Neurological interest and career exploration among black medical students: Perceptions and solutions for the pipeline.

Abstract Purpose The goal of this study was to identify factors that influence the selection of Neurology as a career choice for Black medical students. Methods Survey data was collected from attendees at a national educational conference and at a large academic medical school. Two proportion z-tests were used to assess responses among students of different racial/ethnic backgrounds. Results 199 students participated in the survey. Compared to their Asian and White counterparts, Black students were significantly less likely to choose or consider a career in Neurology. In addition, we found that these students relied more heavily on their pre-clinical experiences to make this determination, citing preference for another specialty, lack of exposure, a preference for a different patient population, and a lack of racial/ethnic diversity as key reasons to not choose a career in Neurology. Conclusions Neurological disorders are important contributors to morbidity and mortality. It is imperative that the field attract medical students toward careers in Neurology, particularly those students from traditionally and persistently underrepresented backgrounds. Our findings suggest that Black medical students consider Neurology as a specialty choice less frequently than their counterparts do, and this decision may be made prior to training. We conclude that a multifaceted approach is best to improve the racial/ethnic diversity within the neurological workforce, which should include targeted interventions prior to and after matriculation to medical school.
Effect of well chamber altitude pressure corrections for cesium Blu 131 Cs and CivaDot 103 Pd brachytherapy sources.

PURPOSE Previous publications have described how the standard temperature and pressure correction will overcorrect measurements with a low-energy photon low-dose rate brachytherapy source at low ambient air pressures. To account for this effect, an additional correction factor is applied after the standard temperature and pressure correction. This additional correction is dependent on the source being measured and the chamber it is measured in. Well chamber corrections for two sources and findings regarding aspects that may affect the altitude response of the sources are presented. METHODS A purpose-built pressure vessel was constructed previously, which could achieve pressures ranging from 74.661 to 106.66 kPa (560-800 mmHg). Three Cesium Blu sources (131 Cs) from Isoray Inc. and three CivaDots (103 Pd) from CivaTech Oncology Inc. were tested over this pressure range in increments of 2.7 kPa (20 mmHg) in three HDR 1000 Plus chambers, and the Cesium Blu sources were also tested in two IVB 1000 chambers. Both chamber models are air communicating well-type ionization chambers produced by Standard Imaging Inc. Multiple runs of each source/chamber combination were completed, corrected with the standard temperature and pressure correction, normalized to the result at 101.325 kPa, and averaged with runs of the same combination. The chamber response was also simulated using MCNP6 to validate the experimental results. RESULTS Measurements of both sources in all chambers followed the expected power dependence on ambient pressure as seen in previous studies. The Cesium Blu source, however, demonstrated a significant difference in response in the HDR 1000 Plus chamber versus the IVB 1000 chamber. For an altitude correction factor of the form, PA = k1 (P)k2 , new coefficients are proposed for both sources for pressure units of kPa and mmHg. The Monte Carlo calculated chamber response agreed with the experimental results within 2% for all sources and chambers at all pressures. CONCLUSIONS Altitude correction coefficients for two new low-energy photon low-dose rate brachytherapy sources are provided. The directional dependence of the CivaDot has no bearing on its dependence on pressure; however, the difference in construction materials from other 103 Pd sources leads to unique correction coefficients. The higher energy of the Cesium Blu source with respect to 103 Pd and 125 I sources yields a difference in correction factors depending on which model chamber is used for air-kerma strength calculations. Clinics must be careful to select the correct pair of coefficients for the chamber model they used.