cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloud and radiation budget changes associated with tropical intraseasonal oscillations

[1] We explore the daily evolution of tropical intraseasonal oscillations in satellite-observed tropospheric temperature, precipitation, radiative fluxes, and cloud properties. The warm/rainy phase of a composited average of fifteen oscillations is accompanied by a net reduction in radiative input into the ocean-atmosphere system, with longwave heating anomalies transitioning to longwave cooling during the rainy phase. The increase in longwave cooling is traced to decreasing coverage by ice clouds, potentially supporting Lindzen’s ‘‘infrared iris’’ hypothesis of climate stabilization. These observations should be considered in the testing of cloud parameterizations in climate models, which remain sources of substantial uncertainty in global warming prediction. Citation: Spencer, R. W., W. D. Braswell, J. R. Christy, and J. Hnilo (2007), Cloud and radiation budget changes associated with tropical intraseasonal oscillations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34, L15707, doi:10.1029/2007GL029698.
New Concepts of Professional Expertise: Liberal Learning as Part of A Career-Oriented Education

This report examines the nature of the expertise needed in most professions and higher level occupations based on findings of the Project on Liberal Learning Study. It is noted that all professions commonly hold that effective practice requires more than narrow technical specialization. The report argues that the competent practitioner needs both technical expertise and contextual understanding so that the practitioner possesses the ability to: (1) understand how the physical, social, economic, and political context in which the professional works affects and is affected by the activity; (2) communicate and often collaborate with both clients and colleagues of different backgrounds and expertise; and (3) deal with complexity and ambiguity and recognize the existence of alternatives and trade-offs. It stresses that these elements must be combined into a coherent curriculum is then both liberal and career oriented. Development of such curricula should constitute a top priority for all who are interested in furthering liberal learning within the professions. Contains a 13-item bibliography. (GLR) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ***********************************************************************
Conservation phylogenetics of helodermatid lizards using multiple molecular markers and a supertree approach

We analyzed both mitochondrial (mt-) and nuclear (n) DNAs in a conservation phylogenetic framework to examine deep and shallow histories of the Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum) and Gila Monster (H. suspectum) throughout their geographic ranges in North and Central America. Both mtDNA and intron markers clearly partitioned each species. One intron and mtDNA further subdivided H. horridum into its four recognized subspecies (H. n. alvarezi, charlesbogerti,exasperatum, and horridum). However, the two subspecies of H. suspectum (H. s. suspectum and H. s. cinctum) were undefined. A supertree approach sustained these relationships. Overall, the Helodermatidae is reaffirmed as an ancient and conserved group. Its most recent common ancestor (MRCA) was Lower Eocene [35.4 million years ago (mya)], with a approximately 25 my period of stasis before the MRCA of H. horridum diversified in Lower Miocene. Another approximately 5 my passed before H. h. exasperatum and H. h. horridum diverged, followed by approximately 1.5 my before H. h. alvarezi and H. h. charlesbogerti separated. Heloderma suspectum reflects an even longer period of stasis (approximately 30 my) before diversifying from its MRCA. Both H. suspectum (Mexico) and H. h. alvarezi also revealed evidence of historic range expansion following a recent bottleneck. Our conservation phylogenetic approach emphasizes the origin and diversification of this group, yields information on the manner by which past environmental variance may have impacted its populations and, in turn, allows us to disentangle historic from contemporary impacts that might threaten its long-term persistence. The value of helodermatid conservation resides in natural services and medicinal products, particularly venom constituents, and these are only now being realized.
Complete set of orthogonal scalar operators for the configuration f 3

When Coulomb interactions between f3 and other electronic configurations are taken to third and higher orders of perturbation theory, it becomes necessary to augment the standard set of thirteen electrostatic parameters with eight more. The operators associated with these eight parameters are orthogonalized to the standard set of operators, and a complete set of the matrix elements of all 21 orthogonalized operators is given for f3. The group-theoretical properties of these operators are examined. Each operator corresponds to a unique pair of irreducible representations of R7 (the rotation group in the seven-dimensional orbital space of an f electron) and of G2 (Cartan’s first exceptional group), but the associated quasispin ranks and irreducible representations of Sp14 (the symplectic group in the 14-dimensional spin–orbital space of an f electron) are sometimes mixed. The combinations of quasispin ranks are odd for the three-electron operators t and even for the two-electron operators e.
Marketing the female politician: an exploration of gender and appearance

AbstractThis paper sheds light on issues of gender roles and gender hierarchies using Goffman’s theories on gender and performance as a starting point to explore modern-day manifestations of power structures in political marketing, particularly as related to female politicians. In-depth interviews with four female politicians, 17 aides, volunteers, PAC and media executives as well as two focus groups with registered voters reveal subordination of female politicians through hyper-ritualised displays of social relations. The findings showcase how appearance is used to facilitate the ongoing objectification of female politicians in political marketing and devalue their candidacies. This study is an important step in examining the role of gender and appearance in political marketing and its importance in building brand image for a female politician.
A Flexible High-Speed Sequential Decoder for Deep Space Channels

This paper describes a sequential decoding machine built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which uses a 3-bit quantization of the code symbols and achieves a computation rate of MHz. This machine is flexible and can be programmed to decode any complementary convolutional code with rates down to 1/4 and contraint lengths up to 32. In addition, metric programmability is provided for optimization of decoder performance with respect to channel parameter variations.
POLICY MAKING AND MEANING AS DESIGN OF PURPOSEFUL SYSTEMS

Policy making may be viewed as the design of purposeful systems to deliver values to participants. An operational methodology for policy making/systems design is developed which is applicable to problem definition and solution in complex, multiparticipant, multivalue/goal, ill-structured, dynamic contexts. Policy making/systems design may be treated on an adaptive control (design) problem expressed mathematically by a dynamical system with associated dynamical values in which nothing is considered fixed. Participants choose values, goals, technology and controls. Choice of a goal target involves a goals/values referral process wherein participants can identify and change operational goals and values, as well as negotiation process. Policy making, systems design and meaning arc identified as one—as an act/process of cooperative control to all there is—dissipative self-organizalion—manifested by increasing consciousness (represented mathematically by sets). The result is, hopefully, enlightened operational ...
CLASSIFICATION BIAS IN DISCRIMINANT FUNCTION ANALYSES USED TO EVALUATE PUTATIVELY DIFFERENT TAXA

Discriminant function analysis has been used to assess morphological distinctiveness of putatively different taxa. We used randomizations of previously published morphological data for 2 subspecies of the coyote, Canis latrans frustror and C. l. thamnos, to quantify a recognized but previously unexamined bias in discriminant-function analyses that use resubstitution classification. This bias results in overestimates of intertaxon distinctiveness and is exacerbated when sample sizes are small. An alternative classification technique, jackknife sampling, is relatively unbiased.
Ion implanted passivated contacts for interdigitated back contacted solar cells

We describe work towards an interdigitated back contacted (IBC) solar cell utilizing ion implanted, passivated contacts. Formation of electron and hole passivated contacts to n-type CZ wafers using tunneling SiO2 and ion implanted amorphous silicon (a-Si) are described. P and B were ion implanted into intrinsic amorphous Si films at several doses and energies. A series of post-implant anneals showed that the passivation quality improved with increasing annealing temperatures up to 900 °C. The recombination parameter, Jo, as measured by a Sinton lifetime tester, was Jo ∼ 14 fA/cm2 for Si:P, and Jo ∼ 56 fA/cm2 for Si:B contacts. The contact resistivity for the passivated contacts, as measured by TLM patterns, was 14 milliohm-cm2 for the n-type contact and 0.6 milliohm-cm2 for the p-type contact. These Jo and pcontact values are encouraging for forming IBC cells using ion implantation to spatially define dopants.
On the Use of Fractional-Order Controllers for Performance Improvements in AC Drives

Abstract—The control performance of AC electric drives is sensitive to and often degrades with parametric variations. This article proposes the use of fractional-order controllers to combat parameter variations. The speed control of an AC induction motor drive achieved through indirect field-oriented control is considered for illustration. The performance of the proposed controller is compared with a well-tuned proportional-integral controller when critical motor parameters are subject to parametric variations about their nominal values. Dynamic simulations in MATLAB/Simulink (The Math Works, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) are conducted to assess control performance.
A Tale of Two Identities: The Case of New Venture Creation

It has been well discussed regarding the difference and overlaps between identity theory and social identity theory. However, few research advanced our understanding for how both theories were connected in practice and how both group identity and role identity jointly influence behaviors. This paper bridges social identity theory and identity theory and applied this insights in new venture creation. We developed two kinds of identities, institutional logics related identity and incumbent founder’s identity. We argued that in the fit of identity to situation and commitment dimensions, they are comparable and co-influence successful new venture creation. We also incorporate social network theory and concept of altruism and discuss the meditation and moderation role of network attributes and altruism in the relationship between two identity types and successful new venture creation. This study contributes to the theory by incorporating social psychology theory, institutional theory and network theory and systematically discusses how identity types could influence entrepreneurial actions.
Decreasing spine implant costs and inter-physician cost variation: the impact of programme of cost containment on implant expenditure in spinal surgery

The demand for spinal surgery and its costs have both risen over the past decade. In 2008 the aggregate hospital bill for surgical care of all spinal procedures was reported to be $33.9 billion. One key driver of rising costs is spinal implants. In 2011 our institution implemented a cost containment programme for spinal implants which was designed to reduce the prices of individual spinal implants and to reduce the inter-surgeon variation in implant costs. Between February 2012 and January 2013, our spinal surgeons performed 1493 spinal procedures using implants from eight different vendors. By applying market analysis and implant cost data from the previous year, we established references prices for each individual type of spinal implant, regardless of vendor, who were required to meet these unit prices. We found that despite the complexity of spinal surgery and the initial reluctance of vendors to reduce prices, significant savings were made to the medical centre.
A Particle Tracking Velocimetric Study of Interfacial Slip at Polymer–Polymer Interfaces

Particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) was used in conjunction with rheological measurements to investigate slip at polymer–polymer interfaces during and after startup shear using simple shear geometry, i.e., a sliding plate rheometer. Polymer pairs include styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and polyisoprene (PI) of narrow molecular weight distribution, as well as a PI and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), with Flory interaction parameter χ ≈ 0.001 and χ ≈ 0.08 respectively. During startup shear, the SBR-PI pair was able to deform without interfacial failure up to a critical strain γ = 2, revealing a level of interfacial strength consistent with thermodynamic considerations. This pair also exhibited arrested interfacial slip after shear cessation for high Weissenberg numbers when the step strain exceeds unity. In contrast, the PDMS–PI interface is much weaker, and slip occurs at γ as low as 0.1. These results shed light on the nature of possible mechanical failure at interphases in multicomponent polymer systems duri...
3D Particle Position Reconstruction Accuracy in Plenoptic PIV

The particle reconstruction capabilities of a novel 3-D, 3-C PIV technique, based on volume illumination and a plenoptic camera to measure a velocity field, are tested. This technique is based on light-field photography, which uses a dense microlens array mounted near a camera sensor to sample the spatial and angular distribution of light entering the camera. Tomographic algorithms (MART) are then used to reconstruct a volumetric intensity field after the image is taken, and cross-correlation algorithms extract the velocity field from the reconstructed volume. This paper provides an introduction to the concepts of light fields and describes the tomographic algorithms used to reconstruct the measurement volume. A preliminary test on the accuracy of single particle reconstructions is presented, showing that laterally we can expect errors to be less than a voxel for most cases. A test on the reconstruction quality is presented for a volume of particles as a function of particle density and is shown to vary little as the particle density is increased. Finally a simulated Gaussian ring vortex is presented showing a full simulation as well as the velocity accuracy.
WAVE OVERWASH OF VEGETATED DUNES

Sand dunes play a significant role during coastal storms by absorbing the impacts of storm surge and high waves. Therefore, rapid profile changes and destruction of sand dunes, which may be caused by wave-induced overwash, lead to an increased flood risk landward of dunes. The effects of vegetation on dune erosion and overwash during storm events, however, have never been studied. This study is based on a laboratory experiment investigating the effects of woody plants on dune erosion and overwash of high and low dunes. During the five tests conducted foredune scarping was observed for the three high dune tests but did not occur for the two low dune tests. A narrow vegetation placed on the steep backdune of the high dune did not reduce wave overtopping and sand overwash. However, the wide vegetation figuration, which covered the backdune and foredune, reduced foredune scarping, prevented wave overtopping initially and reduced sand overwash after the initiation of wave overtopping for the high dune. It also slowed down the erosion process of the low dune significantly by retarding wave uprush and reducing wave overtopping and overwash.
Yin-yang and Zheng: Exported from Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine (CM) basic theory differs substantially from modern medicine in methodology. CM views the healthy human body as an entity in yinyang equilibrium. CM practitioners typically diagnose patients with “Zheng (CM syndrome)”-yin-yang status of specific organs, and the ultimate goal of treatment in CM is to restore the yin-yang balance. This concept might seem strange to Western perceptions; however, CM philosophy and methodology have been gradually accepted and used in the West. There is growing evidence from prestigious worldwide journals like Nature, Science and Cell indicating that CM theory is becoming an important component in dealing with health issues in the West.
The number of nuclei in spores of three species of Colletotrichum

(1989). The Number of Nuclei in Spores of Three Species of Colletotrichum. Mycologia: Vol. 81, No. 1, pp. 147-149.
Insecticidal action of carbamates on the eggs of the house cricket

Embryonic development of Acheta domesticus (L.) took 9 days at 35°C. When eggs were dosed with carbaryl or propoxur 3-8 days after deposition, development was normal, and no mortality occurred. Eggs dosed at day 1 or 2 were killed immediately, but this mortality could be caused by the lethal effects of the carrier (DMSO). Cholinesterase (ChE) activity was recorded first at day 4 and increased to maximum embryonic levels by day 7, increasing only slightly at hatching. Carbamates when applied 3-8 days after deposition caused an immediate decrease in the ChE activity level without initiating mortality. ChE activity levels tended to return to normal within 3 days after dosage. Eggs when dosed with carbaryl at Day 3 had a higher ChE activity at hatching than did undosed controls. Pretreatment of eggs did not change the susceptibility of the nymphs to anticholinesterases in most cases. However, nymphs with a ChE activity level higher than normal at hatching (dosed with carbaryl at Day 3) were less susceptible to anticholinesterase agents than were nymphs with a normal ChE activity level.
DENTEX: The emergence of dental therapists in the United States

Dental therapists were introduced into Alaska in 2005 to meet the basic oral health needs of Alaska Native communities. Deployed in 54 countries, dental therapists are well distributed throughout their respective societies. In Alaska, they provide effective, quality, and safe care for children in an economical manner and are generally accepted both by the public and by the dental profession. Dental therapists are increasingly employed in other states. Historical parallels exist between the physician assistant movement and dental therapists in the United States.
Scaling criteria in developing and evaluating an attitude instrument.

Steps are recounted in developing and assessing a questionnaire designed to measure attitudes toward food and nutrition.
Comparison of electric field strength and spatial distribution of electroconvulsive therapy and magnetic seizure therapy in a realistic human head model.

Abstract Background This study examines the strength and spatial distribution of the electric field induced in the brain by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and magnetic seizure therapy (MST). Methods The electric field induced by standard (bilateral, right unilateral, and bifrontal) and experimental (focal electrically administered seizure therapy and frontomedial) ECT electrode configurations as well as a circular MST coil configuration was simulated in an anatomically realistic finite element model of the human head. Maps of the electric field strength relative to an estimated neural activation threshold were used to evaluate the stimulation strength and focality in specific brain regions of interest for these ECT and MST paradigms and various stimulus current amplitudes. Results The standard ECT configurations and current amplitude of 800–900 mA produced the strongest overall stimulation with median of 1.8–2.9 times neural activation threshold and more than 94% of the brain volume stimulated at suprathreshold level. All standard ECT electrode placements exposed the hippocampi to suprathreshold electric field, although there were differences across modalities with bilateral and right unilateral producing respectively the strongest and weakest hippocampal stimulation. MST stimulation is up to 9 times weaker compared to conventional ECT, resulting in direct activation of only 21% of the brain. Reducing the stimulus current amplitude can make ECT as focal as MST. Conclusions The relative differences in electric field strength may be a contributing factor for the cognitive sparing observed with right unilateral compared to bilateral ECT, and MST compared to right unilateral ECT. These simulations could help understand the mechanisms of seizure therapies and develop interventions with superior risk/benefit ratio.
Simultaneous PIV/PLIF Measurements of Multi-mode Perturbed Initial Conditions of Single-Interface Richtmyer-Meshkov Mixing

A Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability (RMI) might occur when a shock wave interacts with the interface between two fluids of different density. An initial perturbation in the interface is an optimal condition for the RMI. This is so because local misalignments between the density gradient across the interface and the pressure gradient of the shock wave induce non-zero baroclinic vorticity that amplifies the initial perturbation. RMI is known to occur in supernovas, collapsing gas bubbles in liquids, supersonic and hypersonic combustion, interacting flame fronts and pressure waves, laser-matter interactions, and inertial confinement fusion (ICF). The effects of RMIinduced mixing are detrimental to energy conversion efficiency in ICF, but can be advantageous in combustion processes.
Optimierung der Abwicklungsprozesse und Erweiterung des GPM-Werkzeugkastens

Die Aufnahme des Kulturmanagements in den Werkzeugkasten erweitert zugleich personliche Managementkompetenz. Deren Handhabung ist dynamisch und abhangig vom Ereignis. Die Grenze fur die Kreativitat ist offen und die Methoden sind jeder uberlassen. Hier erfahren Sie die moglichen Anwendungsbereiche. Systematisch angeleitet erhalten Sie wertvolle Tipps und Vorschlage, wie Sie Ihr bestehendes Kulturkenntnis am eigenen Arbeitsplatz kurzhandig zum Einsatz bringen und sich selber davon profitieren konnen.
Hits and misses of a great mind

John von Neumann was undoubtedly one of the great minds of the twentieth century. It is something of a scandal that there has been no biography until now – almost 40 years after his death. The author, Norman Macrae, is to be commended for his initiative (or should it be bravery?) in undertaking this mission.
Influences of the Mosquito Microbiota on Vector Competence

Abstract Mosquitoes have a diverse intestinal microbiota which plays essential roles in a variety of the insect's physiological functions. This microbiota can also influence vector competence for human pathogens in multiple ways, including immune system activation or suppression, the regulation of other physiological processes, direct inhibition of the pathogen, and competition with the pathogen for limited resources. The mosquito's intestinal microbiome is responsible for eliciting basal immune activity, which in addition to preventing overproliferation of bacteria, also acts against exogenous bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Some endogenous microorganisms directly impair pathogen infectivity or viability, independent of the mosquito, through mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species and other more stable bacteria-/fungi-produced metabolites. Other microorganisms, particularly those with entomopathogenic activity, can influence pathogen transmission by shaping mosquito population dynamics. Exploration of the mosquito gut microbiome's antipathogen and entomopathogenic activities can provide essential knowledge for the development of novel disease-control approaches based on blocking pathogen infection in the mosquito and vertebrate host and/or shortening the mosquito's lifespan.
Predicting transformer incipient faults by dissolved gas in oil analysis

This paper will show that one out of four transformers tested has an onerational fault. We have examined the data from the analysis of the dissolved gas content in transformer oil, obtained by our laboratory over the past three years. This data represents information gained on nearly 5000 units in sizes ranging from 25 KVA through 300 MVA.
An integrative review of the efficacy of motivational interviewing in HIV management.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this integrative review is to examine the use of motivational interviewing (MI) to improve health outcomes in persons living with HIV (PLWH). Methods We reviewed the existing literature, using the PRISMA model. The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched for all relevant studies, using the terms HIV, AIDS, and motivational interviewing. Results Of 239 articles identified initially, 19 met our criteria for synthesis. These studies were conducted throughout the world, including the U.S., Thailand, and South Africa. In general, studies that used MI, either alone or in conjunction with other interventions, reported improved adherence, decreased depression, and decreased risky sexual behaviors. Conclusion This review demonstrates a positive relationship between MI-based interventions and behavioral change, which may lead to improved health outcomes in PLWH. Practice implications Motivational interviewing can be an effective method of therapeutic communication for PLWH, who struggle with adherence, depression, and risky sexual behaviors.
Die Rechtfertigung des Anspruchs des EuGH auf das Auslegungs- und Verwerfungsmonopol in Bezug auf Gemeinschaftsrecht

Wie eingangs dargestellt, entnimmt der EuGH Art. 164 EGV eine ausschliesliche Zustandigkeit zur Wahrung der Autonomie der Gemeinschaftsrechtsordnung und damit der in den Vertragen festgelegten Zustandigkeitsordnung.1
Dilemma: Kan ik ingaan tegen de mening van de arts?

Een verpleegkundige heeft het gevoel dat een kwetsbare patient tegen zijn wil een PEG-sonde krijgt. Moet zij hierover de arts aanspreken, of gewoon zijn beleid uitvoeren?
Effect of pessary use on hydronephrosis in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse: a self-selected interventional trial.

Introduction and hypothesis The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of women who demonstrate improvement in hydronephrosis after pessary placement for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Country Culture and National Innovation

Innovation, the implementation of creative ideas, is not only vital to growth but also to survival as companies and nations must innovate to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. Researchers are just beginning to understand the relationship between country culture and innovation. In a number of studies, cultural dimensions have correlated significantly with measures of innovation and creativity. However, it is difficult to compare findings across studies as multiple frameworks have been used to operationalize culture. Likewise, measures of innovation vary widely across studies. This paper proposes using a new index, the Global Innovation Index (GII), and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions to explore the relationships between country culture and innovation. We begin with definitions and a discussion of innovation and national culture. Then, measures of national culture, innovation, and creativity are critically discussed, and followed by a review of existing research on country culture and innovation. Hypotheses are proposed and tested using Hofstede’s dimensions and the Global Innovation Index. Our results indicate support for four out of the six hypotheses and suggest that innovative societies are characterized by the following cultural values: individualism, low masculinity, pragmatism, and indulgence.
Hippocampal CA3-dentate gyrus volume uniquely linked to improvement in associative memory from childhood to adulthood

Associative memory develops into adulthood and critically depends on the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a complex structure composed of subfields that are functionally-distinct, and anterior-posterior divisions along the length of the hippocampal horizontal axis that may also differ by cognitive correlates. Although each of these aspects has been considered independently, here we evaluate their relative contributions as correlates of age-related improvement in memory. Volumes of hippocampal subfields (subiculum, CA1-2, CA3-dentate gyrus) and anterior-posterior divisions (hippocampal head, body, tail) were manually segmented from high-resolution images in a sample of healthy participants (age 8-25 years). Adults had smaller CA3-dentate gyrus volume as compared to children, which accounted for 67% of the indirect effect of age predicting better associative memory via hippocampal volumes. Whereas hippocampal body volume demonstrated non-linear age differences, larger hippocampal body volume was weakly related to better associative memory only when accounting for the mutual correlation with subfields measured within that region. Thus, typical development of associative memory was largely explained by age-related differences in CA3-dentate gyrus.
In Service to a Danish King: Comparing the Material Culture of Royal Enslaved Afro-Caribbeans and Danish Soldiers at the Christiansted National Historic Site

ABSTRACTNew archaeological research inside the Christiansted National Historic Site in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands, has uncovered a wealth of cultural resources around the Danish West India and Guinea Company Warehouse that have lasting implications for the largely Afro-Caribbean descendent Crucian community living in St. Croix today. Following a stump removal, exposing the remains of a Danish military stock warehouse containing 3,152 artifacts, two excavations targeting the dwelling spaces of royal enslaved Afro-Caribbeans recovered over 4,000 artifacts within the same warehouse structure. This new research brings into focus the daily lives of the enslaved Afro-Caribbean peoples residing within the walls of the Danish West India and Guinea Company Warehouse in service to the King of Denmark. The project also brings attention to the lives of the Danish officers who carried out their operations in the same space. This article explores the relationship between these two groups.
Association of Hip Radiograph Findings With Pain and Function in Patients Presenting With Low Back Pain

Abstract Background Relationships between low back pain (LBP) and the hip in patient cohorts have been described primarily in patients with moderate to severe hip osteoarthritis (OA). Less is known about the links of LBP with hip radiographic findings of hip deformity and minimal OA. Objective To describe the incidence of radiographic hip deformity or hip OA; to describe and compare spine- and hip-related pain and function in the subset of patients who were found to have radiographic hip deformity or hip OA; and to compare patients with evidence of radiographic hip deformity or hip OA to patients without hip radiographic findings. Design Prospective cohort study with cross-sectional design. Setting Tertiary university. Patients A total of 63 patients (40 women, 23 men) with a mean age of 48.5 ± 14 years with LBP and a minimum of one positive provocative hip test. Methods Hip radiographs were assessed by an independent examiner for hip OA and deformity. Main Outcome Measurements Comparisons of hip and lumbar spine pain and function were completed for patients with radiographic findings of hip OA or deformity. Results Moderate to severe hip OA was found in 12 of 60 patients (20.0%). At least one measurement of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) was found in 14 of 60 patients (23.3%) to 33 of 45 patients (73.3%). At least one measurement of developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) was found in 7 of 60 patients (11.6%) to 11 of 63 patients (17.4%). Greater pain and reduced hip and lumbar spine function were found in the patients with moderate to severe hip OA. Patients with LBP and FAI were found to have significantly greater extremes of pain and reduced lumbar spine function. Conclusion Links between the hip and the spine affecting pain and function may be found in patients with LBP and hip deformity and before the onset of radiographic hip OA, and may be associated with hip deformity. Further investigation is needed to better understand these links and their potential impact on prognosis and treatment of LBP. Level of Evidence II
Il vostro kit dei ferri chirurgici vascolari

Immagina la scena: ti stai preparando a riparare una lesione dell’arteria femorale da ferita da arma da fuoco, quando ti accorgi che il paziente, un uomo di 29 anni, ha anche una fistola artero-venosa appena al di sotto dell’inguine destro. Percepisci un gran fremito e un mormorio: sicuramente cio che gli specializzandi definiscono come un “gran caso”.
The Potential Therapeutic Agent Mepacrine Protects Caco-2 Cells against Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin Action

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) causes the diarrhea associated with a common bacterial food poisoning and many antibiotic-associated diarrhea cases. The severity of some CPE-mediated disease cases warrants the development of potential therapeutics. A previous study showed that the presence of mepacrine inhibited CPE-induced electrophysiology effects in artificial lipid bilayers lacking CPE receptors. However, that study did not assess whether mepacrine inactivates CPE or, instead, inhibits a step in CPE action. Furthermore, CPE action in host cells is complex, involving the toxin binding to receptors, receptor-bound CPE oligomerizing into a prepore on the membrane surface, and β-hairpins in the CPE prepore inserting into the membrane to form a pore that induces cell death. Therefore, the current study evaluated the ability of mepacrine to protect cells from CPE. This drug was found to reduce CPE-induced cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells. This protection did not involve mepacrine inactivation of CPE, indicating that mepacrine affects one or more steps in CPE action. Western blotting then demonstrated that mepacrine decreases CPE pore levels in Caco-2 cells. This mepacrine-induced reduction in CPE pore levels did not involve CPE binding inhibition but rather an increase in CPE monomer dissociation due to mepacrine interactions with Caco-2 membranes. In addition, mepacrine was also shown to inhibit CPE pores when already present in Caco-2 cells. These in vitro studies, which identified two mepacrine-sensitive steps in CPE-induced cytotoxicity, add support to further testing of the therapeutic potential of mepacrine against CPE-mediated disease. IMPORTANCEClostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) causes the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of a common bacterial food poisoning and several nonfoodborne human GI diseases. A previous study showed that, via an undetermined mechanism, the presence of mepacrine blocks CPE-induced electrophysiologic activity in artificial membranes. The current study now demonstrates that mepacrine also inhibits CPE-induced cytotoxicity in human enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells and that mepacrine does not directly inactivate CPE. Instead, this drug reduces both CPE pore formation and CPE pore activity in Caco-2 cells. These results suggest mepacrine as a therapeutic candidate for treating CPE-mediated GI diseases.
The challenge of policy coordination

Policy coordination is one of the oldest challenges for governments, but has become even more important as the problems confronting governments change, and the ideas of “New Public Management” are ...
Ionization and Thermal Dependences of Implantation Disorder in Silicon

Proton channeling effect measurements were used to study the implantation lattice disorder in silicon as a function of ion flux (dose-rate), fluence, implant temperature, ion mass, and the presence of ionizing radiation. For both O+ and Sb+ implantation at 87°K the lattice disorder production is the same for equal energy into atomic processes/cm3 for fixed energy into atomic processes/cm3-sec. The disorder production for both light (O+) and heavy (Sb+) ions exhibits a flux dependence at low temperatures and at room temperature. At low temperatures an increase in disorder is observed for increasing flux at constant fluences; however, for low fluence Sb implantation at 300°K, lower disorder is observed with increasing flux. The lattice disorder increases for all ions with decreasing implant temperature from 300°K down to temperatures as low as 38°K, but the variation with temperature is greater for lighter ions. The stimulation of lattice disorder annealing (typically ≈ 10%) by ion beams was observed between 87 and 360°K. The results of disorder production and lattice reordering are interpreted in terms of the energy deposited into atomic and electronic processes, and previously observed lattice defect properties in Si. Ionization due to the energy deposited into electronic processes by the ions is believed to stimulate the anneal of defects from a disorder cluster in a manner similar to the charge state and injection-stimulated vacancy annealing previously observed for neutron and electron damage in Si.
The Intersection of Racial-Ethnic Socialization and Adolescence: A Closer Examination at Stage-Salient Issues.

The literature on parental racial–ethnic socialization (RES) has established the multiple protective effects of RES on developmental outcomes. Although the majority of this literature examines RES processes in adolescence, with the exception of identity processes this literature has not specifically tackled how these messages intersect with specific adolescent developmental processes. We review the literature on RES processes in non-White adolescents with a focus on the parent–adolescent relationship, risk-taking behaviors, romantic relationships, and different contexts (i.e., extracurricular, work, and social media settings). We propose that developmental science needs to account for how parental RES may not only change in adolescence, but in particular responds to the perceived risks associated with this developmental period and interacts with normative developmental tasks and milestones.
QSAR Studies of New Pyrido[3,4-b]indole Derivatives as Inhibitors of Colon and Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation.

We have discovered a new class of pyrido[b]bindole derivatives that show potent and broad spectrum anticancer activity with IC50 values down to submicromolar levels. Structure–activity relationship data acquired with the compounds as antiproliferative agents against several cancer cell lines, i.e., human HCT116 colon cancer cell line, HPAC and Mia-PaCa2 pancreatic cancer cell lines, were subjected to two different QSAR modeling methods. A kernel-based partial least squares (KPLS) regression analysis with chemical 2D fingerprint descriptors, and a PHASE pharmacophore alignment with 3D-QSAR study. The KPLS method afforded successful predictive QSAR models for antiproliferative activity of the HCT116 colon cell line and on two of the pancreatic cancer cell lines HPAC and Mia-PaCa2, with the following statistics: R2s of 0.99, 0.99, and 0.98, for training set coefficients of determination, and external test set predictive r2s of 0.70, 0.58, and 0.70, respectively. The best 2D fingerprint descriptor for both the HCT116 and HPAC data out of the eight finger prints utilized was the atom triplet fingerprint; whereas the one that worked best for the Mia-PaCa2 data was the linear fingerprint descriptor. The PHASE pharmacophore based 3D-QSAR study afforded a four-point pharmacophore model comprising one hydrogen bond donor (D) and three ring (R) elements, which yielded a successful 3D-QSAR model only with the HCT116 cell line data with training set R2 of 0.683, and an external test set predictive r2 of 0.562. With the PHASE 3D-QSAR, the influence of electronic effects and hydrophobicity were visualized, and were in agreement with the observed SAR of substitutions, while the KPLS method the relative extent of contribution of each atom in a compound to the activity. These models will foster the lead optimization process for this potent series of anticancer pyrido [3,4-b]indole compounds.
CHAPTER 74 – Prediction of Autoimmune Disease

Publisher Summary Many autoimmune diseases are chronic in nature with a long asymptomatic preclinical period marked by laboratory abnormalities. Therefore, individuals with asymptomatic disease can be identified prior to developing tissue destruction with immunologic and immunogenetic testing. Accurate prognostication is dependent upon sensitive and specific assays in combination with an understanding of pathophysiology and the natural history of disease. Effective prediction of autoimmune disease requires an understanding of the epidemiologic concepts of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and Bayes' theorem. This chapter emphasizes studies of endocrine autoimmunity, especially type 1 diabetes (T1D). The use of predictive algorithms that incorporate genetic risk expressed by HLA haplotypes or family history of disease, autoantibody production, and early physiological changes such as abnormal first-phase insulin response (FPIR), mildly elevated TSH, or elevated plasma renin activity (PRA), ACTH identifies individuals at different points along the natural history of disease with increasing risk for disease development.
Why Be Generous? Tests of the Partner Choice and Threat Premium Models of Resource Division

The ability to divide resources is crucial for a social and cooperative species like humans, but how humans divide resources remains unclear. Recent results using economic games have suggested conflicting models: The ‘partner choice’ perspective argues that generosity is (in part) a bid for an ongoing cooperative relationship, so generosity is expected to be elicited by cues of cooperative partner value. The ‘threat premium’ perspective argues that generosity is (in part) an attempt to avoid violent retaliation, so generosity is expected to be elicited by cues of threat potential. We tested these competing hypotheses using a dyad study in which pairs of undergraduate participants (N = 312) had a half-hour face-to-face conversation, evaluated each other on components of cooperative partner value and physical dominance, and completed 4 economic tasks comprising 7 resource division decisions. Generosity was uniquely predicted by cues of the ability to produce material benefits in an ancestral environment, this effect was stronger for men, and generosity tracked other measures of social attraction. In contrast, the partner’s physical dominance did not predict generosity. We observed support for the partner choice approach to resource divisions. Implications for the study of social preferences and resource divisions are discussed.
Lecture: The Rule of Reason in the Post-Actavis World

Though known more as U.S. President and Supreme Court Chief Justice, William Howard Taft played an important role in the development of antitrust law. As Sixth Circuit judge, his ruling in the Addyston Pipe case can be linked to modern antitrust law, including the Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in FTC v. Actavis on drug patent settlements. This essay draws lessons from Addyston Pipe for these settlements, explains how courts today apply the Rule of Reason, and explores the analysis of settlements after Actavis.
On the redistribution of charge in La0.7Sr0.3CrO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 multilayer thin films

The atomic and electronic structures of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO)/La0.7Sr0.3CrO3 (LSCO) multilayer thin films are investigated using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging and spectroscopy. Atomic resolution high angle annular dark-field reveals that LSMO layers have an expanded out-of-plane lattice parameter compared to compressed LSCO layers, contrasting with x-ray diffraction measurements. The expansion is found to result from preferential oxygen vacancy formation in LSMO during STEM sample preparation as determined by electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The La/Sr atom column intensity is also found to oscillate by about 4% between the LSMO and LSCO layers, indicative of La/Sr concentration variation. Using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy in combination with image simulations, we confirm the La/Sr inhomogeneity and elucidate the origin of charge redistribution within the multilayer. These results illuminate the sensitivity of the technique to subtle structural, chemical, and electronic features that can arise to compensate charge imbalances in complex oxide heterostructures.
Daniel Immerwahr, How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States. (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2019). 528pp., $30 (cloth); Todd Miller, Empire of Borders: The Expansion of the US Border Around the World. (New York: Verso, 2019). 304 pp., $29.95 (cloth)

In a 2004 academic article, anthropologist Engseng Ho describes the United States as an invisible empire. It is one, he says, characterized by a “see no evil” attitude by much of the country’s popu...
Random lasing from optical fibers with phase separated glass cores.

A novel random laser, integrating a passive optical fiber with a phase separated aluminosilicate core–silica cladding as the feedback medium, is proposed and presented. The core exhibits greatly enhanced Rayleigh scattering, therefore requiring a significantly reduced length of scattering fiber (4 m) for lasing. With a Yb-doped fiber as the gain medium, the fiber laser operates at 1050 nm with low threshold power and possesses an output that can be amplified through conventional means. Furthermore, the laser was found to have a high degree of spatial coherence, spectral broadening with increasing input power, and temporal spectral variation. The facile setup and results herein pave the way for further study and applications based on low threshold random fiber lasers.
David Oliver: Don't let covid-19 drive a wedge between acute and primary care.

When health services are under pressure, unhelpful tension and blame can arise between doctors from different disciplines. I’ve recently seen this play out between GPs and acute hospital doctors, especially in emergency medicine. Changes to services fuelled by covid-19 have amplified it. It’s a worrying precedent, because clinical professions need solidarity and a concerted voice to avoid further fragmentation and undermining of the NHS. I see many similarities between primary care and emergency medicine, which should serve as points of empathy. Both involve “expert generalists” dealing with every age group and every condition that comes through the door, at high volume and pace. Both manage risk and uncertainty. Both have seen steadily rising demand, workforce gaps, and burnout. Both feel misunderstood by the rest of the NHS. Emergency department staff can sometimes feel that their overcrowding, long waits, and pressures stem …
Non-invasive massage technique to aid in removal of a tined sacral neuromodulation lead.

Introduction and hypothesis Describe a novel technique for retrieval of the Interstim lead in part based on techniques used in massage therapy. Methods Retrospective review of patients (single surgeon) identified by CPT code 64585 over 10 years. Exclusion criteria included patients who (1) had explantation for active infection or (2) did not proceed with a stage 2 implant (in the event of a staged procedure). To effect removal, the surgeon applies a focused massage with firm deliberate pressure in deep circular motions to the insertion site and surrounding tissue. At the same time, gentle steady traction is applied to the lead (from the IPG pocket) by the surgeon. Results Sixty women were identified. Mean implant duration was 24 (6-60) months. There were three lead fractures at retrieval (5%). In all three occurrences, the inner conductor wire was removed despite leaving the tined fragment in place. The author did not perform a cutdown to retrieve the retained fragment. There were no peri- or postoperative complications. Conclusions Lead removal is safely accomplished in a matter of a few minutes with the presented technique without the need for a cutdown. Lead breakage was 5% and similar to more invasive techniques.