cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical and Occupational Therapy Use and Cost After Common Hand Procedures

Purpose The use of routine physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) after certain hand procedures, such as carpal tunnel release, remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate baseline use, the change in use, variation in prescribing patterns by region, and costs for PT/OT after common hand procedures. Methods Outpatient administrative claims data from patients who underwent procedures for carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, carpometacarpal arthritis, de Quervain tenosynovitis, wrist ganglion cyst, and distal radius fracture were abstracted from the Truven Health MarketScan database from 2007 to 2015. The incidence of therapy and total reimbursement of therapy per patient were collected for each procedure over a 90-day postoperative observational period. Trends in use of therapy over time were described with average compound annual growth rates (CAGRs), a way of quantifying average growth over a specified observation period. Variations in the incidence of PT/OT use across 4 census regions were assessed. Results The incidence of 90-day utilization of PT and OT after hand procedures was 14.0% and increased for all procedures during the observation period with an average CAGR of 8.3%. Cost per therapy visit was relatively stable when adjusted for inflation, with an average CAGR of 0.63%. Patients in the northeast had a significantly higher incidence of PT/OT use than those in the south and west for all procedures except carpometacarpal arthritis. Conclusions Use of PT and OT has increased over time after common hand procedures. Geographical variation in the utilization rate of these services is substantial. Limiting unwarranted variation of care is a health policy strategy for increasing value of care. Type of study/level of evidence Outcomes Research II.
Potentiation of cetuximab by inhibition of Tregs in metastatic squamous cell cancers of head and neck.

TPS6101 Background: There are few effective treatment options for patients with metastatic squamous cell cancers of head and neck (HNSCC). The only significant advance in the last few decades has b...
Outer Membrane Lipid Secretion and the Innate Immune Response to Gram-Negative Bacteria

The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is an asymmetric lipid bilayer that consists of inner leaflet phospholipids and outer leaflet lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The asymmetric character and unique biochemistry of LPS molecules contribute to the OM's ability to function as a molecular permeability barrier that protects the bacterium against hazards in the environment. Assembly and regulation of the OM have been extensively studied for understanding mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and bacterial defense against host immunity; however, there is little knowledge on how Gram-negative bacteria release their OMs into their environment to manipulate their hosts. Discoveries in bacterial lipid trafficking, OM lipid homeostasis, and host recognition of microbial patterns have shed new light on how microbes secrete OM vesicles (OMVs) to influence inflammation, cell death, and disease pathogenesis. Pathogens release OMVs that contain phospholipids, like cardiolipins, and components of LPS molecules, like lipid A endotoxins. These multiacylated lipid amphiphiles are molecular patterns that are differentially detected by host receptors like the Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 complex (TLR4/MD-2), mouse caspase-11, and human caspases 4 and 5. We discuss how lipid ligands on OMVs engage these pattern recognition receptors on the membranes and in the cytosol of mammalian cells. We then detail how bacteria regulate OM lipid asymmetry, negative membrane curvature, and the phospholipid-to-LPS ratio to control OMV formation. The goal is to highlight intersections between OM lipid regulation and host immunity and to provide working models for how bacterial lipids influence vesicle formation.
Plasticity in the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus): Tube feet regeneration and adhesive performance

Abstract Sea urchins are key members of hydrodynamically intense habitats, such as open coast intertidal and shallow reefs. Secure attachment to the substrata, by means of tube feet and spines, is essential for survival. Previous studies suggest that environmental variables (i.e. hydrodynamics, substrate) can influence the morphology and adhesive performance of tube feet. Catastrophic failure of tube feet occurs often due to strong hydrodynamic forces. The time and ability of amputated tube feet to return to pre-amputation adhesive performance, and the interaction with environmental factors are unknown. To assess the dynamics of adhesive performance and regeneration of tube feet, we 1) evaluated phenotypic plasticity of disc surface area of two urchin populations inhabiting sites with different lithologies (field - in-situ conditions) and, 2) assessed regeneration of their functionality (tube foot length, time of disc first appearance, disc surface area, and tenacity) after amputation (laboratory - ex-situ conditions). Results showed that in the field, tube feet are plastic in their phenotype: sea urchins from the two sites differed in their disc surface area. Plasticity was also observed in the laboratory, where urchins regenerate tube feet that are shorter in length and have smaller discs compared to pre-amputation measurements. Thus, sea urchin tube feet recovering from amputation events in the intertidal may differ in their initial morphology and in the recovery period after amputation. Moreover, tube feet that were never amputated also decreased their disc area, suggesting that plasticity occurs on tube feet of urchins maintained in laboratory conditions. In shallow temperate reef systems, urchins are ecosystem engineers that affect the abundance and distribution of many other organisms. The plastic nature of morphological and adhesive abilities of sea urchin tube feet influences their ability to survive and dominate wave-battered habitats.
Risk-stratifying clinicopathologic criteria for ovarian preservation in premenopausal women with early stage low-risk endometrial cancer.

Objective To establish the rate of occult ovarian micro-metastases in early stage disease and to provide an eligibility framework for providers to consider ovarian preservation in a patient population with presumed early stage disease. Methods A retrospective review from January 2005 to December 2010 identified women with presumed early stage endometrial cancer from a single institutional database. Inclusion criteria included: (1) FIGO grade 1 endometrioid endometrial cancer on endometrial biopsy; or (2) the same pathology as (1) on frozen section specimen with less than 50% myometrial biopsy; and (3) no evidence of metastatic disease on preoperative imaging or visible metastatic disease in the peritoneal cavity. Results Of the 52 patients, 86.5% were diagnosed with stage IA and 11.5% were diagnosed with stage II disease. One patient (1.9%) had microscopic adnexal involvement in a fallopian tube, which upstaged her to stage IIA disease. None of the patients had ovarian involvement. Conclusion Preservation of the ovaries appears to be a safe and viable option for premenopausal women who are diagnosed with presumed early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer. It is believed that ovarian preservation in this select population will provide them with significant health benefits and improve their quality of life.
The evolution of agribusiness management values from labor to brain mechanism that shape leadership style

The managerial values have been changed overtime, because of external environment situations. It is also shaping leadership style in each era of the changes. This article, the authors aim to review the managerial values changing overtime from agricultural, to industrial revolution, computerization, technology, and until today the digitalization era. In each era, there were various scholar proposed management concept and values. Presently, some concepts are still in use, and each concept requires different leadership styles that affecting to organizational performancestrive to success its goals. The most well-known leadership styles are transactional and transformational style. Today, in digital era where artificial intelligent applied and things change swiftly, unpredictably. The leadership style in this era, the authors proposed leader should transform to ‘digitalizationalleader’.
Underwater Buoyancy and Depth Control Using Reversible PEM Fuel Cells

A variable buoyancy device (VBS) operated by a reversible fuel cell (RFC) with feedback depth control is developed. The system varies its buoyancy by inflating or deflating a balloon via gases produced by electrolysis or consumed through fuel cells. The system has advantages in the perspective of energy efficiency since some of the energy used for the electrolysis process is recaptured by the fuel cell. Furthermore, it is noiseless and compact, hence, facilitating smooth integration with other underwater robots requiring buoyancy control. A PDA (Proportional-Derivative-Acceleration) feedback controller is designed to regulate the generation and consumption of gases to position and stabilize the device at a certain depth. The model describing the motion dynamics of the device with bounded gas generation/consumption rates is used to evaluate the range of motion before instability. Then, a minimum jerk trajectory planner (TP) is used to generate an optimal path for the device to move between two known depths. Finally, the effectiveness of the controller is confirmed with experiments. The real-time experiment shows that the controller can track the trajectory correctly with no overshoot and stabilize the VBS at various depths. The device can achieve fine depth control with the depth resolution of 0.1 m, which makes its application promising in bio-inspired underwater robots.
Diagnostic testing for ocular myasthenia gravis: Stronger together

Single-fiber EMG (SFEMG) is a highly sensitive test for ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) that provides quantitative measurement of neuromuscular transmission.1,2 It plays a pivotal role in diagnosing patients with OMG because serologic testing is positive in 90% of patients.4 SFEMG, however, is not a perfect test. Whereas serologic testing is highly specific, abnormal jitter on SFEMG is nonspecific and can be seen in other neurogenic and myopathic disorders. SFEMG can be lengthy, may not be tolerated by all patients, and is available only at specialized centers.
Projected Climate-Fire Interactions Drive Forest to Shrubland Transition on an Arizona Sky Island

Climate stressors on the forests of the American Southwest are shifting species distributions across spatial scales, lengthening potential fire seasons, and increasing the incidence of drought and insect-related die-off. A legacy of fire exclusion in forests once adapted to frequent surface fires is exacerbating these changes. Reducing stand densities and surface fuel loads has been proposed as a means of moderating fire behavior while reducing competition for water, but it is not established whether thinning treatments and restoration of surface fire regimes will be enough to offset the multiple manifestations of a changing climate. We examined the potential for prescribed fuel treatments and restoration of historical fire frequencies to mitigate the effects of climate on forest species distributions, composition, total biomass, and fire severity. We used an ecosystem process model to simulate the effects of projected climate, fire, and active management interactions along an ecological gradient of shrublands, woodlands, and forests on a mountain range in Arizona in the United States. We used historical climate conditions as a baseline to compare results from projected climate for the period 2005-2055 with and without fire and with no fuel treatments, a single-entry fuel treatment, and a second fuel treatment after 20 years. Simulated desert grassland and shrub communities remained compositionally stable and maintained or expanded their extents while woodland and forest communities lost basal area and total biomass and receded to the coolest and wettest aspects and drainages even without fire. Initial fuel treatments reduced the extent and relative mortality of high-severity patches for the first two decades, and secondary treatments at simulation year 20 extended these effects for the remaining 30 years of simulation. Immediate and future fuel treatments showed potential to mitigate the severity of fire effects under projected conditions and slow the transition from forest to shrubland in some vegetation types, however, a reduction in basal area and spatial extent of some forest species occurred regardless of management actions. Results are being used to inform local land managers and partners of potential landscape changes resulting from climate alone and from climate-fire interactions and to coordinate active management of fuels across ownerships.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist and hand

The anatomy of the wrist and hand is complex and contains numerous small structures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often an ideal imaging modality in the assessment of various traumatic and pathologic conditions of this region, and it is frequently performed after initial radiographs. In this manuscript we describe the normal anatomy, imaging techniques, and MRI findings of various traumatic and pathologic conditions of the wrist and hand including occult fractures, osteonecrosis, ligamentous and tendon injuries, and entrapment neuropathies.
A Critical Look at Computational Methods in Corpus Analysis

This article reviews four commonly used computational methods of corpus analysis (i.e., verbal data analysis, corpus linguistics, programming, and sentiment analysis). Focusing on the types of datasets, skills, and tools, we explain the features of each method and offer guidance in how researchers can navigate these methods of corpus analysis. Our critical reflection shows that a mixed-methods and exploratory approach is beneficial for researchers when choosing among different methods.
Successful outcome of a giant inguinoscrotal hernia: a novel two-staged repair using preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum and transversus abdominis release

Giant inguinoscrotal hernias, defined as the extension beyond the midpoint of the inner thigh, continue to require multi-step approaches due to their complexity. Although rare in developed countries, they are commonly present in rural areas after years of neglect. This consequently allows the abdomen to maladapt to lower volumes, creating a loss of domain. Here, we present a giant left inguinoscrotal hernia managed with a unique multi-stage approach, aimed to minimize commonly encountered perioperative complications associated with abdominal hypertension. The combined two-staged approach used begins with preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum, followed by the combined procedures of laparotomy hernia repair (Stoppa technique) and transversus abdominis release, thereby promoting a tension-free closure that is able to accommodate the reduced contents. Various modalities used in treating these hernias have been previously described; however, to our knowledge, the combined use of techniques described here has not been reported.
Making the Case for Women-Specific Recreational Sports

Many men and women participate in recreational sports; however, women often face unique constraints to participation. Because recreational sports should reflect the needs and desires of all, we believe recreational administrators must implement strategies to support women in their communities. Through this commentary, we advocate for best practices that will curtail participation barriers specific to women while, at the same time, create a supportive environment for all participants. The creation of women-specific sporting events and programs may provide a setting where women experience fewer barriers, resulting in increased participation.Subscribe to JPRA
In vivo efficacy of auranofin in a hamster model of Clostridioides difficile infection.

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs) are an urgent public health threat worldwide and are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in healthcare settings. The increasing incidence and severity of infections combined with the scarcity of effective anti-CDI agents has made treatment of CDI very challenging. Therefore, development of new, effective anticlostridial agents remains a high priority. The current study investigated the in vivo efficacy of auranofin in a CDI hamster model. All hamsters treated with auranofin (5 mg/kg) survived a lethal challenge with C. difficile. Furthermore, auranofin (5 mg/kg) was as effective as vancomycin, the drug of choice for treatment of CDIs, against relapsing CDI. Furthermore, auranofin (5 mg/kg) generated a 3.15-log10 reduction (99.97%) in C. difficile count in the cecal contents of hamsters. These results indicate that auranofin warrants further investigation as a new agent to replenish the pipeline of anti-CDI therapeutics.
Experimental Results for Angular Resolution Improvement in Slow-Time Phase-Coded FMCW MIMO Radars

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) radars provide improved angular diversity provided the employed waveforms are orthogonal both at transmit and receive. The use of Slow-Time Phase-Coded (ST-PC) Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) waveforms provides the inherent benefit of better Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) as compared to their counterpart slow-time multiplexing techniques such as Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) FMCW waveforms. Accruing the benefits linked with ST-PC FMCW MIMO waveforms, this paper investigates the use of these waveforms for implementation on actual hardware. Initially, the mathematical signal model for a Slow-Time Phase-Coded (ST-PC) FMCW MIMO radar is derived where it is shown that proper decoding of received returns for moving targets requires phase compensation of induced doppler shifts. Only then, the received returns can be separated corresponding to each transmitter antenna without any residual phase distortions. As a result, accurate angle estimation of the moving targets can be carried out. This derived model was then tested on actual hardware in an open-air setup with actual road targets. Finally, the improvement in angular resolution for ST-PC FMCW MIMO radar was compared with the conventional SIMO spatial spectrum which was unable to locate certain targets.
Effects of limits in milking capacity, housing capacity, or fat quota on economic optimization of dry period lengths.

ABSTRACT The economically optimal dry period length (DPL) of dairy cows remains a topic of interest. Increasing daily milk production and improved management of the transition period require frequent evaluation of the optimal DPL. The economically optimal DPL also depends on the most limiting farm resource such as milking capacity, housing capacity, or fat quota. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine economically optimal DPL under farm constraints on milking capacity, housing capacity, and fat quota given variations in 12 input factor levels. We developed a deterministic whole herd simulation model, including a nonlinear optimizer of the DPL in the first 3 parities. The model included estimates of milk, fat, and protein yield deviations in the subsequent parity and hazard ratios of culling risk and pregnancy rates as functions of the DPL in the current parity. The DPL could vary between 20 and 90 d with step size of 1 d. In addition to a one-factor-at-a-time analysis, we used a definitive screening design and a space-filling design with Latin hypercube sampling to determine important linear and curvature effects of input factors and their interactions. Results indicated that the economically optimal DPL were typically between 35 and 50 d under a large variation in input factor levels. The opportunity costs of equal DPL in all parities were small compared with optimal policies where the DPL were allowed to vary between parities. The DPL under the parlor constraint were generally less than 5 d longer than the optimal DPL under the housing constraint. The optimal DPL under the quota constraint were between those under the parlor and housing constraints. Opportunity costs compared with 50 d dry were often small, but in some cases large. A formal global sensitivity analysis revealed important interactions of input factors that were not discovered with one-factor-at-a-time analyses. In conclusion, economically optimal DPL were often shorter than typically are recommended. Adding uncertainty about the date of calving at the date of dry-off might extend these optimal DPL by some days depending on the risk attitude of the decision maker.
A T cell inflammatory phenotype is associated with autoimmune toxicity of the PI3K inhibitor duvelisib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Several PI3Kδ inhibitors are approved for the therapy of B cell malignancies, but their clinical use has been limited by unpredictable autoimmune toxicity. We have recently reported promising efficacy results in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients with combination therapy with the PI3Kδγ inhibitor duvelisib and fludarabine cyclophosphamide rituximab (FCR) chemoimmunotherapy, but approximately one-third of patients develop autoimmune toxicity. We show here that duvelisib FCR treatment in an upfront setting modulates both CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Decreases in naive and central memory CD4 T cells and naive CD8 T cells occur with treatment, while activated CD8 T cells, granzyme positive Tregs, and Th17 CD4 and CD8 T cells all increase with treatment, particularly in patients with toxicity. Cytokines associated with Th17 activation (IL-17A and IL-21) are also relatively elevated in patients with toxicity. The only CLL feature associated with toxicity was increased priming for apoptosis at baseline, with a significant decrease during the first week of duvelisib. We conclude that an increase in activated CD8 T cells with activation of Th17 T cells, in the context of lower baseline Tregs and greater CLL resistance to duvelisib, is associated with duvelisib-related autoimmune toxicity.
Surface Analysis of Physical Vapor Deposited Semiconducting Oxides

Surface analysis of thin film ITO heat mirror coatings on glass was performed using SAM, ESCA, and TEM. Reactive evaporation of In-5wt%Sn was used to produce ITO films which had excellent infrared reflectivity and visible transmissivity. Oxide films 300–900A thick were produced by evaporation of In-5wt%Sn in a controlled oxygen atmosphere on substrates between 25–300°C. Some evidence of Sn surface segregation was noted, and an increase in film continuity with an increase in oxygen pressure was found.
Reactions of Delocalized Excited States Generated in Restricted Environments

Two cases are discussed in which the interface and small water pools of Aerosol OT reversed micelles are used to generate delocalized excited states having “unusual” photochemical and photophysical reactivity. “Q-state” particles of CdS can be prepared in the reversed micelles and it is found that the size varies with the water/surfactant ratio ω over the range ω = 1 to ω = 30. Luminescence of these particles is quenched by electron acceptors as would be anticipated; however a number of electron donors produce an “antiquenching” which is attributed to removal of recombination sites at the particle surface. Organic cations such as trans-4-stilbazolium and trans-2-stilbazolium can be “concentrated” at the same interfaces; in small water pools at moderate concentrations of the organic cations monomer fluorescence is completely replaced by “excimer” fluorescence and transcis photoisomerization replaced by a moderately selective photodimerization. Preliminary results suggest that very similar phenomena occur at other anionic interfaces such as Nafion or certain clays.
Multicomponent, Multiphase Thermodynamics of Swelling Porous Media with Electroquasistatics: II. Constitutive Theory

In Part I macroscopic field equations of mass, linear and angular momentum, energy, and the quasistatic form of Maxwell''s equations for a multiphase, multicomponent medium were derived. Here we exploit the entropy inequality to obtain restrictions on constitutive relations at the macroscale for a 2-phase, multiple-constituent, polarizable mixture of fluids and solids. Specific emphasis is placed on charged porous media in the presence of electrolytes. The governing equations for the stress tensors of each phase, flow of the fluid through a deforming medium, and diffusion of constituents through such a medium are derived. The results have applications in swelling clays (smectites), biopolymers, biological membranes, pulsed electrophoresis, chromotography, drug delivery, and other swelling systems.
Electromagnetic tornadoes in space: Ion conics along auroral field lines generated by lower hybrid waves and electromagnetic turbulence in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies

Abstract The exotic phenomenon of energetic ion conic formation by plasma waves in the magnetosphere is considered. Two particular transverse heating mechanisms are reviewed in detail: lower hybrid energization of ions in the boundary layer of the plasma sheet and electromagnetic ion cyclotron resonance heating in the central region of the plasma sheet. Mean particle calculations, plasma simulations and analytical treatments of the heating processes are described.
Expansion of the hematopoietic stem cell compartment is necessary but not sufficient for gain-of-function mutant p53 R248Q to accelerate lymphomagenesis.

Expansion of the hematopoietic stem cell compartment is necessary but not sufficient for gain-of-function mutant p53 R248Q to accelerate lymphomagenesis
Shiftwork, sleep habits, and metabolic disparities: results from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin

Background With the expanding demand for a 24-hour society, the prevalence of sleep deprivation and other sleep-related health problems is increasing. Shiftwork is an occupational health risk of growing significance because of its high prevalence and because of its potential role as a determinant of socioeconomic-related health disparities.
Identification of an arteriovenous fistula in a child. Case report and review of the literature.

Background: A 6-year-old girl sustained a subarachnoid hemorrhage after a mild head injury and was discovered to have an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Investigations and treatment: The etiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage was not evident on the initial brain CT. Brain CT with CT angiography identified the lesion. The AVF was further imaged with brain MRI followed by cerebral angiography and successfully embolized. Outcome: The child did not suffer any neurological sequelae.
Differential Role of p38 and c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in NK Cell Cytotoxicity

The serine-threonine mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family includes extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 kinases. In NK cells, spontaneous or Ab-mediated recognition of target cells leads to activation of an ERK-2 MAPK-dependent biochemical pathway(s) involved in the regulation of NK cell effector functions. Here we assessed the roles of p38 and JNK MAPK in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Our data indicate that p38 is activated in primary human NK cells upon stimulation with immune complexes and interaction with NK-sensitive target cells. FcγRIIIA-induced granule exocytosis and both spontaneous and Ab-dependent cytotoxicity were reduced in a dose-dependent manner in cells pretreated with either of two specific inhibitors of this kinase. Target cell-induced IFN-γ and FcγRIIIA-induced TNF-α mRNA accumulation was similarly affected under the same conditions. Lack of inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity in cells overexpressing an inactive form of JNK1 indicates that this kinase, activated only upon FcγRIIIA ligation, does not play a significant role in cytotoxicity. These data underscore the involvement of p38, but not JNK1, in the molecular mechanisms regulating NK cell cytotoxicity.
Participative Budgeting, Psychological Contracts, and Honesty of Communication

This study provides experimental evidence on the effects of breach of subordinates’ psychological contracts on honesty of communications under participative budgeting. While participative budgeting can improve economic outcomes, it can also establish psychological contracts whereby subordinates expect their superiors to fulfill the promise of participation. When these expectations are not met, subordinates’ psychological contracts are breached leading to feelings of violation. To redress the breach, subordinates will respond with less honest budgetary communications relative to subordinates whose psychological contracts are fulfilled. Importantly, psychological contract breach can occur even when the terms of the economic contract are fulfilled. Experimental results indicate that breach of subordinates’ psychological contracts of participative budgeting is associated with lower levels of honesty, even when there is no economic benefit from dishonest communication. Furthermore, the effects of previous psychological contract breach on honesty persist into future periods, even when psychological contracts are no longer breached.
Efficient Algorithms for Geometric Shortest Path Query Problems

Computing shortest paths in a geometric environment is a fundamental topic in computational geometry and finds applications in many other areas. The problem of processing geometric shortest path queries is concerned with constructing an efficient data structure for quickly answering on-line queries for shortest paths connecting any two query points in a geometric setting. This problem is a generalization of the well-studied problem of computing a geometric shortest path connecting only two specified points. This paper covers the newly-developed algorithmic paradigms for processing geometric shortest path queries and related problems. These general paradigms have led to efficient techniques for designing algorithms and data structures for processing a variety of queries on exact and approximate shortest paths in a number of geometric and graphical settings. Some open problems and promising directions for future research are also discussed.
Conceptualizing the Forensic Psychiatry Report as Performative Narrative

Forensic psychiatry has evolved into a recognized specialty. Two core competencies, often overlooked but commonplace in forensic psychiatry, are the constructing of forensic reports and the presenting of oral testimony. This article concerns the written forensic report and conceptualizes it as performative writing. We first review the development of the forensic report's structure over the past 30 years or so and then apply constructs from other disciplines as we propose a process for creating narrative forensic reports. Such writing is grounded in the discipline of psychiatry, relies on ethics-based principles of respect for persons and truth-telling, and uses language to tell a story that persuades the legal audience. We examine the impact of voice, pitfalls to avoid, and the concepts of witnessing and labeling, as we describe the process of formulating the narrative through the voice of the forensic expert.
Flexible organic solar cells using an oxide/metal/oxide trilayer as transparent electrode

Abstract Organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted much attention as a clean and renewable energy convention system, owning to the low-cost and easy-processing nature of organic semiconductors. While indium tin oxide (ITO) is commonly used in OSCs as the transparent conductive electrode, the rising cost of indium, the high temperature process and the poor flexibility of ITO, make it incompatible with large-scale roll-to-roll manufacture of OSCs. In this paper, the MoO 3 /thin metal/MoO 3 trilayer structure was used to replace the ITO electrode in OSCs. The optical and electrical properties of the trilayer were shown to depend on the material and thickness of the intermediate metal layer. The maximum power conversion efficiency of up to 2.5% under simulated 1 sun AM 1.5 solar illumination was achieved for OSCs based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), compared to a maximum efficiency of 3.1% for the ITO-based devices. Moreover, due to the flexible nature of the trilayer structure, the OSCs with the trilayer electrode exhibited good mechanical flexibility. The efficiency of the flexible device was only reduced by ∼6% from its original performance after 500 bending cycles with a bending radius of 1.3 cm. Therefore, the performance of the ITO-free devices on rigid/flexible substrates suggests that this oxide/metal/oxide trilayer electrode is a promising ITO replacement in OSCs.
Cerebral lateralization and heartbeat discrimination.

This study examined individual differences in visceral perception as a function of cerebral lateral preference as assessed by conjugate lateral eye movements. Subjects were classified as “left movers” (i.e., right hemisphere preferent) or “right movers” (i.e., left hemisphere preferent). “Right movers” performed at chance level on a heartbeat detection task, whereas “left movers” performed significantly above chance. With knowledge-of-results (KOR) training all subjects showed a significant increment in performance, but the left movers maintained their superiority. These results support the hypothesis that performance on a visceral perception task may be subserved by relative activation of the right hemisphere.
Non-canonical role for the TRAIL receptor DR5/FADD/caspase pathway in the regulation of MyoD expression and skeletal myoblast differentiation

We report herein that the TRAIL receptor DR5/FADD/caspase pathway plays a role in skeletal myoblast differentiation through modulation of the expression of the muscle regulatory transcription factor MyoD. Specifically, treatment with the selective caspase 3 inhibitor DEVD-fmk or the selective caspase 8 inhibitor IETD-fmk in growth media (GM), prior to culture in differentiation media (DM), inhibited differentiation. Further, this treatment resulted in decreased levels of MyoD message and protein. We next explored a role for the TRAIL receptor DR5/FADD pathway. We found that expression of either dominant negative (dn) FADD or dominant negative (dn) DR5 also resulted in decreased levels of MyoD mRNA and protein and blocked differentiation. This decreased level of MyoD mRNA was not a consequence of altered stability. Treatment with TSA, an inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs), allowed MyoD expression in myoblasts expressing dnDR5. Finally, acetylation of histones associated with the distal regulatory region (DRR) enhancer of MyoD was decreased in myoblasts expressing dnDR5. Thus, our data suggests a non-canonical role for the TRAIL receptor/FADD pathway in the regulation of MyoD expression and skeletal myoblast differentiation.
Quantitative PCR by real-time detection

Using homogeneous 5' nuclease assay (an energy transfer probe) as the reporting system, the progress of the polymerase chain reaction is monitored by laser induced fluorescence. Progress from cycle to cycle and within the extension plateau of a given cycle is measured in the exponential, linear and plateau phases. Quantitation of initial concentration is best done using exponential phase data. Information on the dynamics of PCR and enzyme kinetics are an important byproduct of the investigation.
Locomotor stepping elicited by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus persists after lesion of descending fibers of passage

Locomotion initiated by electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus could be due to activation of local neurons or of fibers of passage descending from locomotor regions in the basal forebrain. This study mapped hypothalamic sites for electrically elicited locomotion in six rats with electrolytic lesions of the ipsilateral basal forebrain sources of descending fibers of passage. For mapping, anesthetized rats were held in a stereotaxic apparatus supported by a sling so that stepping movements rotated a wheel. Anesthesia was maintained by periodic injections of Nembutal (7 mg/kg) supplemented by lidocaine injections. Stimulation (25 and 50 microA, 50 Hz, 0.5 msec cathodal pulses, 10 sec trains) was applied through 50-80 microns diameter pipettes filled with 2 M saline. In all cases, locomotor stepping could be elicited by stimulation in sites ipsilateral to the lesion at currents of 50 microA or less. In the one case in which 25-microA sites were not found in the lateral hypothalamus, the lesion extended caudally to within 1 mm of the stimulation sites. These findings do not exclude a locomotor role for fibers of passage but they suggest that activation of lateral hypothalamic neurons is sufficient to initiate locomotion.
Peptide probe study of the critical regulatory domain of the cardiac ryanodine receptor.

The recently devised domain peptide probe technique was used to identify and characterize critical domains of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2). A synthetic peptide corresponding to the Gly2460-Pro2495 domain of the RyR2, designated DPc10, enhanced the ryanodine binding activity and increased the sensitivity of the RyR2 to activating Ca2+: the effects that resemble the typical phenotypes of cardiac diseases. A single Arg-to-Ser mutation made in DPc10, mimicking the recently reported Arg2474-to-Ser2474 human mutation, abolished all of these effects that would have been produced by DPc10. On the basis of the principle of the domain peptide probe approach (see Model 1), these results indicate that the in vivo RyR2 domain corresponding to DPc10 plays a key role in the cardiac channel regulation and in the pathogenic mechanism. This domain peptide approach opens the new possibility in the studies of the regulatory and pathogenic mechanisms of the cardiac Ca2+ channel.
Immortalization of normal human oral keratinocytes with type 16 human papillomavirus

Primary human oral keratinocytes were transformed by transfection with recombinant human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) DNA, and two transformed cell lines named human oral keratinocytes-16A and -16B (HOK-16A and HOK-16B) were established. While normal cells and cells transfected with vector only exhibited a limited lifespan, the HOK-16A and HOK-16B lines demonstrated immortality and altered morphology from their normal counterpart. The HOK-16A and HOK-16B lines contained approximately 40 and approximately 25 copies of intact HPV-16 DNA as integrated form per cell respectively, and both cell lines expressed several viral specific poly(A+) RNAs. Notably these cell lines also overexpressed cellular myc proto-oncogene in comparison with the normal counterpart. However, the immortalized cell lines were not able to produce tumors in nude mice, indicating that the cells are partially transformed. The HOK-16A and HOK-16B lines are, therefore, useful for investigating the multistep molecular events of oral carcinogenesis.
The Art of Science: Quine and the speculative reach of philosophy in natural science

In this essay it is shown that the imaginative art of scientific theorizing – at its technical best – animates Quine's philosophy as importantly as the more Spartan norms honored in his present pantheon of virtues. By drawing a contrast between the standing of theories in philosophy and theories in science, it will be shown that the speculative reaches of philosophy, along with developments in semantic theory, now oblige an internal revision of Quine's stance against meaning as it was announced in “Two Dogmas of Empiricism.” So, corollary to this proposed revision, I argue that in natural philosophy, the muse of the “art of science” deserves an address along with the more Spartan norms in Quine's present philosophical pantheon. As semantic theory and analyticity thus gain a measure of philosophical tenability, Quine's holism emerges as the more central doctrine of his mature vision.
Tactical adjustment of signalling leads to increased mating success and survival

Most sexually reproducing animals overcome the challenge of searching for and attracting mates by utilizing signals that are broadcast through a spatially and temporally varying environment. A diverse suite of behavioural solutions exist for overcoming such environmental variability, including the adjustment of signalling behaviour based upon receiver feedback. Few studies have directly examined the relationship between such tactical signalling adjustments and proxies of male fitness; the few that have, failed to find a relationship. Using the wolf spider, Schizocosa rovneri , we set out to first quantify among-male variation in the form and degree of responsiveness to female feedback. Following exposure to female receptivity cues, some males increased their signalling on an effective signalling substrate (filter paper) while others decreased signalling on the effective substrate. These groups of males were then run through mating trials, conducted in a heterogeneous environment, to examine the relationship between male signalling adjustments and subsequent mating success. Males that adaptively adjusted their signalling (i.e. increased signalling on a more effective substrate) were (1) more likely to copulate, (2) achieved a copulation more quickly and (3) were less likely to be attacked; thus establishing a positive relationship between tactical adjustments of courtship signalling and male fitness.
Gendered voice and robot entities: Perceptions and reactions of male and female subjects

There is recent evidence that males and females view robots differently, from the way robots are conceptualized, to the way humans respond when they interact with them. In this paper, we further explore gender-based differences in human-robot interaction. Moreover, we provide the first available evidence for sex-related differences in reactions to gendered synthetic voices that are either disembodied or physically embodied within a robot. Results indicate that physical embodiment and perceived entity gender may interact with human sex-related characteristics and pre-experimental attitudes in determining how people respond to artificial entities.
Experimental study of exospheric hydrogen atom distributions by Lyman-alpha detectors on the TWINS mission

[1] Exospheric atomic hydrogen (H) resonantly scatters solar Lyman-α (121.567 nm) radiation, observed as the geocorona. Measurements of scattered solar photons allow one to probe time-varying three-dimensional distributions of exospheric H atoms. The Two Wide-angle Imaging Neutral-atom Spectrometers (TWINS) mission images the magnetosphere in energetic neutral atom (ENA) fluxes and additionally carries Lyman-α detectors (LADs) to investigate exospheric atomic hydrogen. Knowledge of exospheric properties is essential for the interpretation of magnetospheric images in ENA fluxes produced in charge exchange between energetic ions and H atoms. We describe the process of obtaining exospheric distributions and present, as an example, a global H number density distribution for 11 June 2008. The TWINS LAD experimental data are especially sensitive to atomic hydrogen at geocentric distances from 3 to 8 Earth radii. The distribution reveals asymmetries from day to night, dawn to dusk, and north to south. We discuss the available data sets and their coverage, limitations, and promise for a study of exospheric response to seasonal, solar, and geomagnetic variations.
Micron size optically altered regions and nanocrystal formation in femtosecond laser processed CdSxSe1−x doped silicate glass

Femtosecond laser processing of a CdSxSe1−x doped borosilicate glass by a 1 kHz femtosecond laser with pulse energies up to 100 μJ gave rise to smooth altered micron-size regions within the glass. The fs-laser exposed glass formed nanocrystals when heat treated above the glass transition temperature. The fluorescence intensities in the non-resonant to resonant transition regimes indicated no differences in size or preference for formation of nanocrystals within the laser exposed regions.
Key Drivers of Effectiveness in Managing a Group of Multiple Projects

Because of resource limitations, project managers in many organizations are tasked to lead more than one project at a time. In this research, these project managers are referred to as multiple-project managers and such a management condition is referred to as management of a group of multiple projects (MGMP). This study is among the first to investigate effectiveness in MGMP, a multiple project management form that has been utilized widely in industry but not broadly researched. The objective is to empirically identify the significant predictors of MGMP effectiveness in terms of two criteria: project performance and the learning of project managers. This study is a continuation of previous research, which was conducted using a case study methodology to explore the definition of MGMP effectiveness, factors affecting MGMP effectiveness, and criteria for measuring such effectiveness. Based on a survey of 169 multiple-project managers, the findings from the research reported in this paper suggest multiple factors as significant predictors of MGMP effectiveness. First, the competencies of multiple-project managers in terms of multitasking and multiteam management were found to contribute to both dimensions of effectiveness. Second, project manager assignment and sufficient resource allocation contribute to improved project performance. Finally, management of the interdependence between projects contributes to project manager learning.
“Mi Hija Vale Dos Personas”: Latino Immigrant Parents' Perspectives About Their Children's Bilingualism

Abstract This paper presents the voices of 16 Latino immigrant parents whose children were upper elementary students in a bilingual education class in the southwestern United States. In interviews that focused on their children's language learning and usage, the parents spoke of a commitment to a better life for their children. All believed that English proficiency and bilingualism were keys to social and economic advancement and that speaking Spanish represented an essential tie to familial and cultural roots, and all demonstrated awareness and involvement in their children's education and language use. Many parents had begun to notice subtle signs of Spanish erosion and resistance, despite the fact that Spanish was the home language of all. To counteract the social and political forces drawing their children away from bilingualism, the parents were using a variety of strategies although most of them worked long hours simply to survive, and thus, had little free time. This study urges that educators take...
Spin and statistics in Galilean covariant field theory

The existence of a possible connection between spin and statistics is explored within the framework of Galilean covariant field theory. To this end fields of arbitrary spin are constructed and admissible interaction terms introduced. By explicitly solving such a model in the two-particle sector it is shown that no spin and statistics connection can be established.
Advanced practice nursing: Is the physician's assistant an accident of history or a failure to act?

Abstract The medical profession has attempted for several decades to establish collaborative relationships with the nursing profession. The reported responses of some nursing professional organizations to these overtures may be responsible for the development of the physician assistant profession and should occasion consideration of the voices heard from these organizations today. The nursing profession should examine its past responses to these overtures, reflect on its status in the 1990s, and learn from its past while planning strategies to cope with the current chaos in health care.