cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning Network Graph of SIR Epidemic Cascades Using Minimal Hitting Set Based Approach

We consider learning the underlying graph structure of a network in which infection spreads based on the observations of node infection times. We give an algorithm based on minimal hitting set to learn the exact underlying graph structure and provide sufficient condition on number of cascades required (i.e. sample complexity) for reliable recovery, which is shown to be O(logn), where n is the number of nodes in the graph. We then analytically evaluate performance of minimal hitting set approach in learning the degree distribution and detecting leaf nodes of a graph and provide a sufficient condition for its sample complexity which is shown to be lower than that of learning the whole graph. We also generalize the exact graph estimation problem to the problem of estimating the graph within a certain distortion, measured by edit distance. We show that this edit distance based graph estimator has a lower sample complexity. Our experimental results based on both synthetic network topologies and a real-world network trace show that our algorithm achieves superior performance than a previously proposed algorithm based on maximum likelihood.
Meeting the American Standard but Falling Short

Writing official strategy documents is hard. The United States produces a National Security Strategy and a Quadrennial Defense Review every four years, not to mention several other similar efforts....
Utility of the "Surprise" Question in Predicting Survival among Older Patients with Acute Surgical Conditions.

Abstract Background: The surprise question is a validated tool for identifying patients with increased risk of death within one year who could, therefore, benefit from palliative care. However, its utility in surgery is unknown. Objective: We sought to determine whether the surprise question predicted 12-month mortality in older emergency general surgery patients. Design: This was a prospective cohort study. Setting/Subjects: Emergency general surgery attendings and surgical residents in or beyond their third year of training at a single tertiary care academic hospital from January to July 2014. Measurements: Surgeons responded to the surprise question within 72 hours of evaluating patients, ≥65 years, hospitalized with an acute surgical condition. Patient data, including demographic and clinical characteristics, were extracted from the medical record. Mortality within 12 months of initial evaluation was determined by using Social Security death data. Results: Ten attending surgeons and 18 surgical reside...
Mitigating Reductions in Glucose During Exercise on Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery: The Ex-Snacks Study.

Abstract Objective: To assess whether snacking could be used with closed-loop (CL) insulin delivery to avoid exercise-induced reductions in plasma glucose (PG), as well as elevations in PG at the e...
Multiple Testing of Submatrices of a Precision Matrix with Applications to Identification of Between Pathway Interactions

ABSTRACTMaking accurate inference for gene regulatory networks, including inferring about pathway-by-pathway interactions, is an important and difficult task. Motivated by such genomic applications, we consider multiple testing for conditional dependence between subgroups of variables. Under a Gaussian graphical model framework, the problem is translated into simultaneous testing for a collection of submatrices of a high-dimensional precision matrix with each submatrix summarizing the dependence structure between two subgroups of variables.A novel multiple testing procedure is proposed and both theoretical and numerical properties of the procedure are investigated. Asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic for an individual hypothesis is established and the proposed multiple testing procedure is shown to asymptotically control the false discovery rate (FDR) and false discovery proportion (FDP) at the prespecified level under regularity conditions. Simulations show that the procedure works well in...
A Prospective Study of the Impact of Current Poverty, History of Poverty, and Exiting Poverty on Accumulation of Disease Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective To estimate the effect of current poverty, number of years in poverty, and exiting poverty on disease damage accumulation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods For this study, 783 patients with SLE were followed up from 2003 to 2015 through annual structured interviews. Respondents were categorized in each year by whether they had a household income of ≤125% of the US federal poverty level. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of poverty in 2009, number of years in poverty between 2003 and 2009, and permanent exits from poverty as of 2009 on the extent of disease damage (according to the Brief Index of Lupus Damage [BILD] score) or accumulation of a clinically meaningful increase in disease damage (defined as a minimum 2-point increase in the BILD damage score) by 2015. Results After adjustment for sociodemographic features, health care characteristics, and health behaviors, poverty in 2009 was associated with an increased level of accumulated disease damage in 2015 (mean difference in BILD damage score between poor and non-poor 0.62 points, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.25–0.98) and increased odds of a clinically important increase in damage (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% CI 0.98–2.85). Being poor in every year between 2003 and 2009 was associated with greater damage (mean change in BILD score 2.45, 95% CI 1.88–3.01) than being poor for one-half or more of those years (mean change in BILD score 1.45, 95% CI 0.97–1.93), for fewer than one-half of those years (mean change in BILD score 1.49, 95% CI 1.10–1.88), or for none of those years (mean change in BILD score 1.34, 95% CI 1.20–1.49). Those exiting poverty permanently had similar increases in disease damage (mean change in BILD score 1.30, 95% CI 0.90–1.69) as those who were never in poverty (mean change in BILD score 1.36, 95% CI 1.23–1.50) but much less damage than those who remained in poverty (mean change in BILD score 1.98, 95% CI 1.59–2.38). Conclusion The effects of current poverty, “dose” of poverty, and exiting poverty suggest that poverty plays a critical role in the accumulation of damage in patients with SLE.
Prolonged bed rest impairs rapid CPI-17 phosphorylation and contraction in rat mesenteric resistance arteries to cause orthostatic hypotension.

Prolonged bed rest (PBR) causes orthostatic hypotension (OH). Rapid constriction of splanchnic resistance arteries in response to a sudden increase in sympathetic tone contributes to the recovery of orthostatic arterial pressure upon standing. However, the molecular mechanism of PBR-induced dysfunction in arterial constriction is not fully understood. Previously, we showed that CPI-17, a regulatory protein for myosin phosphatase, mediates α1A-adrenergic receptor-induced rapid contraction of small mesenteric arteries. Here, we tested whether PBR associated with OH affects the α1-adrenergic receptor-induced CPI-17 signaling pathway in mesenteric arteries using rats treated by head-down tail-suspension hindlimb unloading (HDU), an experimental OH model. In normal anesthetized rats, mean arterial pressure (MAP) rapidly reduced upon 90° head-up tilt from supine position and then immediately recovered without change in heart rate, suggesting a rapid arterial constriction. On the other hand, after a 4-week HDU treatment, the fast orthostatic MAP recovery failed for 1 min. Alpha1A subtype-specific antagonist suppressed the orthostatic MAP recovery with a small decrease in basal blood pressure, whereas non-specific α1-antagonist prazosin strongly reduced both basal MAP and orthostatic recovery. The HDU treatment resulted in 68% reduction in contraction in parallel with 83% reduction in CPI-17 phosphorylation in denuded mesenteric arteries 10 s after α1-agonist stimulation. The treatment with either Ca2+-release channel opener or PKC inhibitor mimicked the deficiency in HDU arteries. These results suggest that an impairment of the rapid PKC/CPI-17 signaling pathway downstream of α1A-adrenoceptors in peripheral arterial constriction, as an end organ of orthostatic blood pressure reflex, is associated with OH in prolonged bed rest patients.
Preferring more e-cigarette flavors is associated with e-cigarette use frequency among adolescents but not adults.

Introduction Many e-cigarette users find the variety of e-cigarette flavors appealing. We examined whether preferences for e-liquid flavors and the total number of flavors preferred differed between samples of adolescent and adult e-cigarette users. We also examined whether these preferences were associated with e-cigarette use frequency for adolescents or adults, respectively. Materials and methods The analytic samples comprised 1) 396 adolescent, past-month e-cigarette users from 5 Connecticut high schools who completed an anonymous, school-based survey in Fall 2014 (56.1% male; 16.18 [1.18] years; 42.2% past-month smokers), and 2) 590 adult, past-month e-cigarette users who completed an anonymous, MTurk survey in Fall 2014 (53.7% male; 34.25 [9.89] years; 51.2% past-month smokers). Results Compared to adults, a larger proportion of adolescents preferred fruit, alcohol, and “other”-flavored e-liquids, whereas adults disproportionately preferred tobacco, menthol, mint, coffee, and spice-flavored e-liquids (p-values < .05). Adults also preferred a greater total number of flavors compared to adolescents and used e-cigarettes more frequently (p-values < .001). Flavor preferences uniquely were associated with frequency of e-cigarette use within the adolescent sample; the total number of flavors preferred was associated with more days of e-cigarette use (ηp2 = 0.04), as were preferences for fruit (ηp2 = 0.02), dessert (ηp2 = 0.02), and alcohol-flavored (ηp2 = 0.02) e-liquids. Conclusions Flavor preferences differed between adolescent and adult samples. While youth reported less frequent e-cigarette use overall, their preferences for specific flavors and the total number of flavors preferred were associated with more days of e-cigarette use, indicating that flavor preferences may play an important role in adolescent e-cigarette use.
AGGRESSIVE FOREIGN POLICY MARKETING Public Response to Reagan's 1983 Address on Lebanon and Grenada

Building public support for the use of force has become a primary preoccupation for presidents in the post-Vietnam era. Rather than let popular opposition to military actions fester, they pay special attention to public opinion and they attempt to orchestrate these actions in a way that enhances mass support. These strategies and tactics are often aggressive in nature, involving prime-time television appearances, high-profile speaking tours, and a concerted effort by the president's foreign policy advisors to echo the messages delivered by the commander-in-chief. The effect of these actions has been the subject of past research. Unlike other studies of the effects of presidential speeches (Ragsdale, 1984, 1987; Brace and Hinckley, 1992), this one focuses on changes in substantive policy opinion, as opposed to changes in presidential approval. A before/after survey design that incorporates a control group that was not exposed to Ronald Reagan's October 27, 1983 speech on the use of U.S. troops in Lebanon and Grenada reveals that public support for each of these policies increased following the speech. It also reveals that support increased more for Grenada than for Lebanon. The result is consistent with findings by Jentleson (1992) that support is more likely to follow the use of troops to repel a state's violation of another's sovereignty than the use of troops to resolve a political conflict internal to a single sovereign state.
Special Lecture Series

These were held as a tribute to the first radiologist at the MGH to limit his practice almost exclusively to therapeutic radiology. Many interest facets of the life and career of Milford were illuminated in this series. These were held on a yearly and then on a bi-annual basis and the event was designated the department Science Festivity Day.
Coupled Mode Theory and Application

Mutual coupling between optical modes is essential in the design of in­tegrated optic devices. In this chapter we will describe how optical energy couples between modes within and between optical waveguides. Up to now, we have treated the waveguide as an ideal optical wire, which conveys light from one point to another in the form of a “mode”. We have implicitly assumed that these modes, once formed, are unchanging except perhaps through atten­uation due to absorption. In reality, simple mechanisms can lead to significant energy exchange among the various modes of a structure. Coupled mode theory describes this energy exchange, and serves as the primary tool for designing optical couplers, switches, and filters.
Recent Development of Finite Element Methods in the High-Speed Computing Environment

We shall review how finite element methods have been developed and what subjects researchers in the United States are studying at present in the high-speed computing environment.
Seed dormancy in red rice (Oryza sativa). XI. Commercial liquid smoke elicits germination.

A commercial liquid smoke (LS) flavoring product (Reese Hickory brand) in aqueous dilutions of 4–5% (v/v) broke dormancy (40–100% germination) of both intact and dehulled red rice (Oryza sativa). To elicit this response in intact grains, the glumes had to be pricked with a dissecting needle following contact with LS and water rinsing. Germination percentages rose with increasing contact time (up to 7 d), and grains first imbibed with water before transfer to LS showed similar germination percentages as those first incubated with LS before transfer to water. LS dilutions were highly acidic (about pH 3). Dormancy-breaking activity of LS was pH-dependent and was reduced at pH values of 5–7. Buffer controls remained dormant irrespective of pH value. Maximum activity varied primarily among different bottles of LS and only to a minor extent between red rice seed lots. Dry-afterripening at 30°C for up to 14 d increased the sensitivity of unpricked, intact grains to LS compared with water controls. LS concentrations that broke dormancy of intact grains partially inhibited germination of nondormant, fully afterripened grains. Storing grains in containers of flooded soil increased sensitivity to both LS and pricking. Nitrite levels in LS were negligible and insufficient to account for the bioactivity of LS.
Aortic aneurysm: Fluoroquinolones, genetic counseling, June 2018

TO THE EDITOR : The review of thoracic aortic aneurysm by Cikach et al[1][1] was excellent. However, we noted that referral for clinical genetic counseling and testing is suggested only if 1 or more first-degree relatives have aneurysmal disease. Absence of a family history does not rule out
In utero development of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

We report the case of an infant born with perioral vesicles that rapidly spread to involve his mouth and the majority of his body. Histopathology, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunohistochemistry assays confirmed a diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). His mother had no history of EBA, and serum indirect immunofluorescence was negative. The patient improved rapidly with local wound care and oral dapsone.
Influence of External Electric Field Boundary Conditions on Electrospray Emissions

Emission characteristics of a colloid thruster or electrospray depends strongly on the electrochemical property of the ionic liquid as well as its response to the external electric field. Using molecular dynamics, the evolution of the Taylor cone formation for an electrospray device can be analyzed at an atomic level. From our previous work1, it was observed that the electric field strengths required to create and sustain a stable Taylor cone are correlated to the internal nanostructure of the propellant ionic liquid. The location of the applied extraction potential with respect to the capillary produces differences in the strength and the shape of the resulting external electric fields. The varying electric fields are strongest at the mouth of the capillary and affect the emission rate, Taylor cone stability, as well as the internal nanostructure of the ionic liquid. In this work, we will study the effects of variable electric field shape and strength on the Taylor cone structure.
Determining the Health State Utility Value of Urinary Tract Infection in Women.

Objectives Health state utility values are a unique representation of an individual's valuation for being in a particular health state. Depending on the method of evaluation, group of patients, and setting, these values vary significantly. To date, majority of the available estimates for the health-related state utility values for urinary tract infection (UTI) has been in men with comorbid conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder cancer or with spinal cord abnormalities. The utility values in these studies ranged between 0.3 and 0.9. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the health state utility value for UTI in women derived from EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) with the Standard Gamble (SG) interview in a tertiary medical center. Methods Healthy volunteers at least 18 years of age with no history of UTI were approached for study participation. Twenty-five subjects were given a standard sheet describing UTI and its symptoms and were asked to complete the EQ-5D and VAS followed by SG conversation. Results The median utility (interquartile range) for UTI varied based on the methods: EQ-5D, 1.00 (0.124); VAS, 0.98 (0.10); and SG, 0.90 (0.15). Spearman correlation showed that these values were weakly correlated. Conclusions Our data suggest a value of 0.90 to represent the health state utility value of UTI in women older than 18 years. The EQ-5D is not sensitive to impact of UTI in women, and we would not recommend using it for that purpose based on our findings.
Cathrine Curtis and Her 1934–1936 Tax Campaign Part 6: American Voices in a Changing Democracy: Women, Lobbying, and Tax 1924–1936

This Part of AMERICAN VOICES IN A CHANGING DEMOCRACY: WOMEN, LOBBYING, AND TAX 1924-1936 focuses on one woman—Cathrine Curtis—and her organization, Women Investors in America. Cathrine Curtis was a woman of her times and ahead of her times. She had almost as many careers as a cat has lives. At various times, she was a rancher, an actress, a movie producer, and a self-styled financial expert who held a seat on the stock exchange, advocated financial literacy and had a radio show Women and Money. She was a feminist who believed in the rights and power of women and an ardent right-wing conservative. Through her allegedly non-partisan Women Investors in America organization she hoped to give women financial knowledge which they would then act on politically to defeat Roosevelt and preserve traditional conservative values of states’ rights, the free market, and low taxes. Her substantial showmanship skills ensured media coverage of her and her message.
Flat‐Detector CT to Quantify Response to Intra‐Arterial Spasmolytic Therapy for Cerebral Vasospasm

Background and purpose Cerebral vasospasm in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage causes morbidity and mortality due to delayed cerebral ischemia and permanent neurological deficits. Vasospasm treatment includes intra-arterial injection of a spasmolytic during cerebral angiography. To evaluate effectiveness, neurointerventionalists subjectively examine a posttreatment cerebral angiogram to determine change in vessel diameter or increase in microvascular perfusion. Flat-detector computed tomography (FDCT) scanner has the ability to quantitatively measure cerebral blood volume (CBV) within the parenchyma and detect a quantitative change following treatment. Methods This is a prospective study at a single institution between October 5, 2017 and June 3, 2019 that examines CBV studies from the Artis Q biplane (Siemens). Regions of interest were made in various territories to measure the CBV within the parenchyma before and after treatment with the spasmolytic verapamil. All instances of vasospasm involved vasculature within the left middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine significance before and after treatment. Results Our cohort consists of 6 patients who underwent Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and FDCT scans for cerebral vasospasm within the left hemisphere. After intra-arterial injection of 20 mg of verapamil, average increases in blood volume were 59%, 22%, and 24% for the temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes, respectively. P-values associated were .03. We also observed decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure and transcranial Doppler values after treatment. Conclusion In conclusion, FDCT could measure the effectiveness of a change in CBV from infusion of verapamil in the setting of cerebral vasospasm. The authors believe quantifying the change allows for reassurance of improvement of cerebral vasospasm.
Understanding and predicting damage and failure at grain boundaries in BCC Ta

Understanding the effect of grain boundaries (GBs) on the deformation and spall behavior is critical to designing materials with tailored failure responses under dynamic loading. This understanding is hampered by the lack of in situ imaging capability with the optimum spatial and temporal resolution during dynamic experiments, as well as by the scarcity of a systematic data set that correlates boundary structure to failure, especially in BCC metals. To fill in this gap in the current understanding, molecular dynamics simulations are performed on a set of 74 bi-crystals in Ta with a [110] symmetric tilt axis. Our results show a correlation between GB misorientation angle and spall strength and also highlight the importance of GB structure itself in determining the spall strength. Specifically, we find a direct correlation between the ability of the GB to plasticity deform through slip/twinning and its spall strength. Additionally, a change in the deformation mechanism from dislocation-meditated to twinning-dominated plasticity is observed as a function of misorientation angles, which results in lowered spall strengths for high-angle GBs.
The association between pre-treatment serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and survival in stage IV prostate cancer.

5036 Background: Emerging evidence in the literature suggests a positive association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], a standard indicator of vitamin D status, and survival in certain t...
Translational imaging in toxicology

Abstract In vivo imaging has a potential to bring innovation to translational toxicology for drug discovery. This includes magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission tomography, and computed tomography. The utility of imaging comes from its capacity to provide minimally invasive biomarkers for safety profiling and decision-making in drug discovery. Nonspecific biomarkers, such as magnetic resonance imaging relaxometry, computed tomography density, or PET 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy- d -glucose are better suited for preclinical general toxicology and clinical monitoring, while specific ones, such as most of PET and single photon emission tomography ligands, are better suited to clarify mechanisms of toxicity or unwanted target engagement. However, the use of these biomarkers is sporadic and governed by scientific interest and availability rather than its utility. A systematic approach is needed to qualify these biomarkers with regulatory authorities so translational imaging could be incorporated into drug development and its unique potential translated into safer and cheaper medicines.
The Energy State and Structure of Isolated Chloroplasts: The Oxidative Reactions Involving the Water-Splitting Step of Photosynthesis

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the water oxidation site of photosynthesis and discusses the structural and functional changes in the chloroplasts that control the normal and altered energy transduction pathways. The chapter discusses photosystem II (PS II)—its evolution and kinetics. Photosystems are connected by pools of compounds and interbranching networks of cytochromes, which play important roles in the channeling of free energy throughout the electron transport system. PS II is a locus leading to an oxidized intermediate (Mn-protein), which oxidizes water, thereby providing electrons for photosynthesis and reducing plastoquinone (PQ). The physiological pathways of energy transduction and electron transfer can be altered and inhibited in part by changing the basic structure of the grana. This, in turn, often leads to oxidation-induced deteriorations, which, in the past, have been looked upon as confusing at best or as an uninteresting artifact at worst. The investigation of water splitting is a great endeavor that encompasses many scientific disciplines from physical to biological.
Unpacking Sharing in the Peer-to-Peer Economy: The Impact of Shared Needs and Backgrounds on Ride-Sharing

In recent years, the peer-to-peer economy has grown exponentially, particularly in the ride-sharing sector. This growth has been accompanied by a muddying between the sharing and gig economy, and it has become unclear when an activity is sharing a resource vs. providing a service. To unpack this difference, we studied two successful carpooling groups (university students traveling home and commuting among professionals), which we contrast with previous literature on ride-hailing apps (e.g., Uber). The two communities that we studied differ in that: professionals, had more routine ride-sharing needs based on their commute; and students, arranged rides to return home for school breaks or long weekends. We detail how common needs and backgrounds impacted how carpoolers treated each other. Leveraging these findings, we outline design paths for both the sharing and gig economies to better realize the ideas of the sharing economy.
A rapid method to determine 226Ra concentrations in Marcellus Shale produced waters using liquid scintillation counting.

Abstract Concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) in Marcellus Shale produced water presents a challenge for effective management and treatment, because of the vast fluid volumes generated. With an increased emphasis on beneficial reuse and resource recovery from the produced waters, a rapid, yet reliable, method for quantifying radium in these produced waters is needed. The high total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration introduces difficulties when measuring 226Ra by recommended EPA methods that were specifically developed several decades ago for drinking water. While other techniques for measuring radium in these high-TDS fluids have since been developed, these newer techniques often require extensive and complicated pre-concentration steps; and they thus require extensive analytical chemistry skills, utilize hazardous chemicals like hydrofluoric acid, demand long holding times or measurement times, and require high sample volumes. We present a rapid method for 226Ra measurements in high-TDS produced waters by liquid scintillation counting, which has been corroborated herein by concurrent gamma spectrometry analyses. Samples were prepared for analysis by evaporating the fluid and re-suspending the evaporate with acidified distilled deionized water prior to liquid scintillation counting for 1 h. This protocol yielded radium recoveries ≥93%. Per this protocol, the alpha and beta spectra of 226Ra and its daughters were computationally separated by alpha-beta discrimination and spectrum deconvolution. The minimum detectable activities of 226Ra was 0.33 Bq/L (9.0 pCi/L) when the counting time was 60 min and the sample volume was 4 mL. Nine produced waters of varying TDS and radium concentrations from the Marcellus Shale Formation were analyzed by this method and compared with gamma spectroscopy; and these yielded comparable results with an R2 of 0.92. The reduced sample preparation steps, low cost, and rapid analysis position this as a well-suited protocol for field-appraisal and screening, when compared to comprehensive radiochemical analysis. We offer that for a given produced water region, routine and local liquid scintillation analyses can be compared and calibrated with infrequent gamma spec analyses, so as to yield a near-real time protocol for monitoring 226Ra levels during hydrofracturing operations. We present this as a pragmatic and efficient protocol for monitoring 226Ra when produced water samples host low levels of 228Ra—since the progeny of 228Ra can significantly confound the LSC analyses.
Persistently elevated hCG in a patient with no clear evidence of pregnancy

Abstract Background We describe a case of a female patient with a complex medical history, including squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, and persistent elevation in serum hCG and no confirmed intrauterine or extrauterine pregnancy. Methods The clinical chemistry laboratory was called upon to help clarify the situation and reach a diagnosis. Results Multiple potential sources of elevated hCG were considered and excluded. Conclusions This case shows a rare example of paraneoplastic hCG expression and highlights the role of the clinical chemistry laboratory in resolving diagnostic dilemmas and interpreting laboratory results in patients with multiple medical comorbidities.
Therapy of Claw Diseases

The usual treatment of infectious causes of lameness is parenteral antibiotics for foot rot and topical antibiotics and disinfectants for the dermatitides. There continue to be cases of drug resistant foot rot that mostly respond to tylosin when other routine antibiotics fail. Tetracycline powder, oxytetracycline liquid, and a variety of acid or metal salt disinfectants are used successfully to treat digital dermatitis. Greater opportunities for veterinary involvement in lame cow care exist in surgical management of deep sepsis of the digit. Description of claw amputation, simple arthrodesis, navicular resection and arthrodesis, and flexor tendon resection illustrate that there are several field surgical procedures that can be offered for severely lame cows. The outcome for a group of cows from our client farms that received these surgical procedures, without randomization, showed that recovery was better for the arthrodesis procedures than for amputation. Current information on the pathogenesis of digital diseases is included with the discussion of treatment options.
Evolving the capacity for socially guided vocal learning in songbirds: a preliminary study

Socially guided vocal learning, the ability to use contingent reactions from social partners to guide immature vocalizations to more mature forms, is thought to be a rare ability known to be used o...
Caspase-mediated nuclear pore complex trimming in cell differentiation and endoplasmic reticulum stress

During programmed cell death, caspases degrade 7 out of ~30 nucleoporins (Nups) to irreversibly demolish the nuclear pore complex (NPC). However, for poorly understood reasons, caspases are also activated in differentiating cells in a non-apoptotic manner. Here, we describe reversible, caspase-mediated NPC "trimming" during early myogenesis. We find that sublethal levels of caspases selectively proteolyze 4 peripheral Nups, Nup358, Nup214, Nup153, and Tpr, resulting in the transient block of nuclear export pathways. Several nuclear export signal (NES)-containing focal adhesion proteins concomitantly accumulate in the nucleus where they function as transcription cofactors. We show that one such protein, FAK (focal adhesion kinase), drives a global reconfiguration of MBD2 (methyl CpG binding domain protein 2)-mediated genome regulation. We also observe caspase-mediated NPC trimming during neurogenesis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Our results illustrate that the NPC can be proteolytically regulated in response to non-apoptotic cues, and call for a reassessment of the death-centric view of caspases.
Medicare reimbursement for common general surgery procedures has declined over the last decade

Abstract Background The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed reimbursement cuts for operations in 2021. Literature examining reimbursement for common operations is scarce. Methods Reimbursement rates were abstracted (2011–2021). Trends in reimbursement rates were analyzed using linear regression. Results From 2011 to 2021, the national inflation rate was 16.3%. Unadjusted reimbursement rates for open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs increased by 6.5% and 7.2%, respectively. There was an increase in unadjusted reimbursement for open appendectomies of 5.1% and 6.1% for laparoscopic. Unadjusted reimbursement for open cholecystectomies increased by 4.4%, but decreased by 6.8% for laparoscopic. When adjusted to 2021 values, reimbursement for all six operations decreased. Laparoscopic and open cholecystectomies experienced the largest decreases (19.8%, 10.2%). Conclusion Since 2011, there have been decreases in adjusted reimbursement for three common operations, independent of operative approach. Awareness of trends in reimbursement rates should be a priority to ensure sustainable general surgical care.
Review of electrical and thermal properties of carbon and graphite

Some of the electrical and thermal properties of ordered and partially ordered carbons are reviewed. Earlier and current research areas are discussed relative to electrical properties of pyrolytic and polycrystalline graphite; thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties of graphitizable and glassy carbon with heat treatment temperatures in the range 600-2500 C; Josephson junction-like and switching behavior in carbon films; and some high-conductivity and superconducting compounds made from carbon. Due to the newness and complexity of many of the areas examined, the results are not always completely understood, nor have these areas been completely investigated experimentally. Suggestions for future research are made.
Attachment Theory and Fathers: Moving From “Being There” to “Being With”

Attachment theory has played an important role as a framework for exploring and explaining parent–child relationships and the impact of early relationships on child and adult development. This review focuses on our evolving understanding of attachment theory related to father–child relationships during the early childhood years. The history of research questions about fathers and the attachment process are reviewed with attention to the changing social context. A family model of attachment research as it relates to fathers is presented. The article reviews the practice literature and the application to parent and family education. A final section addresses future directions for research and practice and the integrations of family systems, neuroscience, and ecological theory with attachment theory.
The architecture and analysis of a hybrid number system processor

A hybrid number system processor is studied and analyzed. This processor uses the FLP (floating point) to LNS (logarithm number system) conversion algorithm to transform all the incoming 32-b floating-point numbers into 32-b logarithmic numbers. Arithmetic operations are performed in the LNS domain. The output FLP results are also obtained by using the LNS to FLP conversion algorithm. All the arithmetic operations including addition and subtraction can be implemented by using the anti-logarithm PLA (programmable logic array). Error analysis indicates that the Taylor series truncation leads to very small error when the ROM size is properly chosen for the desired precision. Consequently, the finite width truncation becomes the major source of conversion errors. >
Colonialism and sexuality

Within colonialism, or the expansion and maintenance of the sovereignty of one group of people over another, sexuality has played an important role in the representation of the colonized Other, in the drawing and policing of racial, ethnic, and cultural boundaries, and in the ways in which colonial subjects produced livelihoods and imagined futures. Through sexual imaginaries, colonial actors constructed and contested arguments about race and culture, difference and sameness, superiority and inferiority, morality and indecency. By classifying the intimate desires and bodily pleasures of the colonized as “sex,” for example, colonials could prove that these deviated from bourgeois standards of morality and thus required their “enlightened” intervention and reform. The historical legacies of colonial sexual politics continue to shape the lived realities of postcolonial subjects in a variety of ways. Keywords: colonialism; politics of difference; race; sexuality
Chuck versus the ratings: Savvy fans and "save our show" campaigns

Fans rarely have the opportunity to affect the production of their favorite television shows, but sometimes they can save them. "Save our show" campaigns provide an example of fan labor that can influence the decision to renew or cancel a show. These campaigns have previously appeared as fans wrote to the networks en masse and sent in paraphernalia related to the show. The "Finale and a Footlong" "save our show" campaign for NBC's Chuck (2007–12) demonstrates a change in the way that fans understand their role in television consumption and production. By examining this campaign and situating it within a history of these types of campaigns, we can see how the "save our show" campaign for Chuck emphasizes the role of fan as both television viewer and advertisement consumer in a way that privileges the power of the fan as never before.
Measurement of Peptide Binding to MHC Class II Molecules by Fluorescence Polarization

Peptide binding to major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecules is a key process in antigen presentation and CD4+ T cell epitope selection. This unit describes a fairly simple but powerful fluorescence polarization-based binding competition assay to measure peptide binding to soluble recombinant MHCII molecules. The binding of a peptide of interest to MHCII molecules is assessed based on its ability to inhibit the binding of a fluorescence-labeled probe peptide, with the strength of binding characterized as IC50 (concentration required for 50% inhibition of probe peptide binding). Data analysis related to this method is discussed. In addition, this unit includes a support protocol for fluorescence labeling peptide using an amine-reactive probe. The advantage of this protocol is that it allows simple, fast, and high-throughput measurements of binding for a large set of peptides to MHCII molecules.
Livery, Liberty, and Legal Fictions

AbstractIn this essay, I argue that the etymology and function of livery in the early modern period suggests not only servitude, of which livery was a visual marker, but also forms of geographical, economic, and legal freedom. “Livery” itself was a fraught term, denoting clothing that identified one as a servant attached to a particular household or patron, while conceptually suggesting the “freedom” from which the word derived. Through readings of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Dekker's The Shoemaker's Holiday, and Cooke's Greene's Tu Quoque, among several other texts, this essay reveals the paradoxes of freedom and constraint apparent in both the linguistic histories and the material markers of livery and explores the legal fictions they animate and sustain. Outlining five different kinds of livery in the period, this essay furthermore argues that early modern drama signals an understanding of livery both as an aspect of early capitalism, indebted to newer forms of credit and commerce, and as nos...
The Effect of Marijuana Legalization on Anticipated Use: A Test of Deterrence Theory

Marijuana is the most frequently used illicit drug in the world (Erickson, Van Der Maas, and Hathaway, 2013:428). Here in the United States, public support for the legalization of marijuana for recreational use is substantial. With public support, both Colorado and Washington passed state initiatives in 2012 to legalize recreational use of marijuana for individuals aged 21 years and older. Even the federal government has recently reversed their initial position to continue to enforce federal drug laws within these states. With what appears to be increasingly liberal attitudes toward marijuana use and even toward legalization, some are concerned about what this may mean for drug use in America. To many, it appears obvious that with changing attitudes and more lenient policies, use of marijuana will increase and in turn exacerbate a host of individual and societal problems that marijuana use is thought to cause. The primary focus of this study examines the first part of these concerns: to what extent will marijuana use increase with these policy changes? Specifically, this research looks at what extent current abstainers of marijuana might use if it were legalized.
Age influences the lymphocyte response to the ellagitannin oenothein B and acai polysaccharides. (VET2P.1040)

The effects of nutritional supplements on immunity are still not well understood. For example, although aging affects immune cell responsiveness, it is not well known if immune stimulation by some nutritional supplements is also affected by aging. We have previously shown that the ellagitannin oenothein B and Acai berry polysaccharides (AcaiPS) enhance IFNγ production by both bovine and human NK cells and T cells. We wanted to examine the effect age had on this activity. Studies comparing immune responses in immature individuals to those in adults are difficult to perform in humans and mice. As such, we utilized the bovine system to examine the responsiveness of T cells and NK cells from newborn calves, older calves, and adult cows to oenothein B and AcaiPS in vitro . Oenothein B induced greater IFNγ production by T cells from adults compared to calves. Within the responsive T cell population, we found that CD45RO+ T cells expressed more IFNγ in response to oenothein B than CD45RO- T cells. Similar responses were seen in a limited analysis with human cells. In contrast, AcaiPS, both alone and in combination with IL-18, induced greater IFNγ production by NK cells from calves, especially newborn calves, compared to adults. Our data suggest that immune stimulation of T cells and NK cells by oenothein B and AcaiPS is influenced by age. It also suggests that the bovine model may be very useful in examining the effect of age on immune stimulation by nutritional supplements.
Sports Participation in Genotype Positive Children With Long QT Syndrome

Abstract Objectives The study sought to examine the prevalence and outcomes of sports participation (both competitive and recreational) in our single-center LQTS genotype positive pediatric population. Background The risks of sports participation in patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS) are not clearly elucidated. Methods A retrospective review was performed on genotype positive patients referred for the evaluation and management of LQTS between 1998 and 2013 at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Pediatric patients participating in competitive or recreational sports were included in the analysis and their charts were reviewed for documented LQTS events during follow-up. Results The cohort of genotype-positive LQTS patients included 212 patients, and 103 patients (49%, female n = 53, average follow-up 7.1 ± 4.0 years, average QTc 468 ± 42 ms) participated in sports. A total of 105 LQTS disease-causing mutations were identified: KCNQ1 n = 60 (58%), KCNH2 n = 36 (35%), SCN5A n = 6 (6%), KCNE1 n = 1 (1%), and KCNE2 n = 2 (2%). All patients were treated with beta-blockade, with noncompliance in 1 patient and intolerance in 1 patient. Twenty-six patients participated in competitive sports (26%, female n = 15, average follow-up 6.9 ± 4.1 years, average QTc 461 ± 35 ms). Seventy-seven patients (75%, female n = 35, average follow-up 7.3 ± 3.9 years, average QTc 470 ± 43 ms) participated in recreational sports. No patients had LQTS symptoms during sports participation. Five appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks occurred in 2 patients, though none were related to sports participation. Conclusions In this series no cardiac events and no deaths were observed in treatment-compliant LQTS children while participating in sports in 755 patient-years of follow-up.
Thermolability of the stringent factor in rel mutants of Escherichia coli.

Abstract The stringent factor extracted from several independently isolated rel - mutants is more thermolabile than the stringent factor extracted from the parental rel + strain. This thermolability is characteristically different in each of the mutants. This strongly suggests that the stringent factor is the product of the rel gene.
Spatial Scale of Fenvalerate Resistance in Pear Psylla (Homoptera: Psyllidae) and Its Relationship to Treatment History

Data on fenvalerate susceptibility, pyre throed use, and related information for 48 sites in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California were analyzed to clarify the spatial scale and causes of fenvalerate resistance in pear psylla, Psylla Agricola Foerster. LC50’s for fenvalerate varied significantly among regions and subregions. The number of pyrethroid treatments per site explained a significant portion of the variation in fenvalerate LC50 over all sites, within regions, and within subregions. For a given number of pyrethroid treatments, the expected LC50 for fenvalerate varied significantly among regions and subregions. Within-season timing of pyrethroid treatments, continuity of pyrethroid use, intensity of pear production in the surrounding area, and number of pyrethroid treatments at neighboring sites were not significantly associated with LC50’s for fenvalerate. Prospects for managing resistance to fenvalerate are best in Oregon and California (where levels of resistance were generally lower) compared with Washington and British Columbia. Results showing that local variation in LC50 for fenvalerate was significantly associated with local variation in pyrethroid use suggest that growers can reduce local increases in resistance by limiting pyrethroid treatments.
Carcinogenic chemical-response "fingerprint" for male F344 rats exposed to a series of 195 chemicals: implications for predicting carcinogens with transgenic models.

Transgenic model systems have recently been advocated as replacements for traditional methods of testing chemicals for carcinogenicity in rodents. To shed light on the diversity of responses induced by chemicals in natural whole animal systems, a type of fingerprint is devised and, in turn, applied to describe the results of testing approximately 200 chemicals in male F344 rats. Such focus helps develop an appreciation of the complexity involved in the chemical carcinogenic response. When we ask transgenic systems to serve as replacements for natural whole animals, for predicting the risk of chemically induced cancer, we are asking them somehow to reflect or express this complexity so that the effects of exposure in humans can be realistically appraised. For the fingerprint, a graphic data display is used to represent the different tissues and organs that show statistically significant, chemically related tumor increases. Chemicals vary extensively according to the particular sites and the array of sites that display a carcinogenic response; but any given site may also show a carcinogenic response to a variety of different chemicals. The data suggest that a large number of different genetic factors may underlie the determination of the chemical carcinogenic response. This apparent genotypic expression would seem to make it quite difficult, if not impossible to decide on the specific performance requirements of transgenic systems for detecting carcinogens. Unless this and other obstacles can be overcome, the transgenic approach to identifying carcinogenic chemicals for regulatory purposes may best be abandoned.