cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Males have Inferior Achilles Tendon Material Properties Compared to Females in a Rodent Model

The Achilles tendon is the most commonly ruptured tendon in the human body. Numerous studies have reported incidence of these injuries to be upwards of five times as common in men than women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the sex- and hormone-specific differences between Achilles tendon and muscle between female, ovariectomized female (ovarian hormone deficient), and male rats. Uninjured tissues were collected from all groups for mechanical, structural, and histological analysis. Our results showed that while cross-sectional area and failure load were increased in male tendons, female tendons exhibited superior tendon material properties and decreased muscle fiber size. Specifically, linear and dynamic moduli were increased while viscoelastic properties (e.g., hysteresis, percent relaxation) were decreased in female tendons, suggesting greater resistance to deformation under load and more efficient energy transfer, respectively. No differences were identified in tendon organization, cell shape, cellularity, or proteoglycan content. Additionally, no differences in muscle fiber type distribution were observed between groups. In conclusion, inferior tendon mechanical properties and increased muscle fiber size may explain the increased susceptibility for Achilles tendon injury observed clinically in men compared to women.
RESEARCH ON CONSTRUCTION METHOD OF STOCHASTIC JOINTS 3D-NETWORK MODEL OF EQUIVALENT ROCK MASS

Because that it is hardly applicable for mechanical analysis of rock mass currently,equivalent rock mass model,which is constructed to reflect actual space status of joints,is the research foundation for stability analysis of rock mass engineering.Taking Baiyunebo eastern iron open pit in Inner Mongolia as research background,based on the field joint investigation by scanline,the dip direction,dip angle,spacing and trace length of field joints are statistically analyzed with bias correction;and then their corresponding probability distribution models are established by using probability statistics theory.Based on these work,Monte Carlo stochastic simulation theory and Matlab software are adopted to obtain simulated joints data.Based on OPEN GL technique,these data are then used to construct visual stochastic joints 3D-network model of equivalent rock mass,which reflects the distribution feature of field joints.The simulation result shows excellent statistical similarity with the measured data.These research achievements can be utilized by equivalent rock mass technique,and can lay a foundation for following quantitative research of rock mass property,such as deformation,strength,size effect,anisotropy,representative elemental volume(REV),key block identification,excavation effect and fracture mechanism.
Contract Law Important to the Purchase of a Farm

A contract for the purchase of a farm, whether it is a binder contract, a long term installment contract or a contract in a note or mortgage is none the less a contract. The general law of contracts applies, just as it applies to contracts for bolts and nuts, contracts of insurance and contracts for hired help. Accordingly, we will first look at some fundamentals from the general law of contracts.1
Sparing bilateral neck level IB in oropharyngeal carcinoma and xerostomia outcomes.

OBJECTIVES To assess whether sparing neck-level IB in target delineation of node-positive (N+) oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) can improve xerostomia outcomes without compromising locoregional control (LRC). METHODS A total of 125 N+ OPC patients with a median age of 57 years underwent chemoradiation between May 2010 and December 2011. A total of 74% of patients had T1-T2 disease, 26% T3-T4, 16% N1, 8% N2A, 48% N2B, 28% N2C; 53% base of tongue, 41% tonsil, and 6% other. Patients were divided into those who had target delineation sparing of bilateral level IB (the spared cohort) versus no sparing (the treated cohort). Sparing of contralateral high-level II nodes was also performed more consistently in the spared cohort. A prospective xerostomia questionnaire (patient reported) was given at each patient follow-up visit to this cohort of patients to assess late xerostomia. Clinical assessment (observer rated) at each patient follow-up visit was also recorded. RESULTS The 2-year LRC for the spared and treated cohorts was 97.5% and 93.8%, respectively (median follow-up, 23.2 mo). No locoregional failures occurred outside of treatment fields. The spared cohort experienced significant benefits in patient-reported xerostomia summary scores (P=0.021) and observer-rated xerostomia scores (P=0.006). In addition, there were significant reductions in mean doses to the ipsilateral submandibular gland (63.9 vs. 70.5 Gy; P<0.001), contralateral submandibular gland (45.0 vs. 56.2 Gy; P<0.001), oral cavity (35.9 vs. 45.2 Gy; P<0.001), and contralateral parotid gland (20.0 vs. 24.4 Gy; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Target delineation sparing of bilateral level IB nodes in N+ OPC reduced mean doses to salivary organs without compromising LRC. Patients with reduced target volumes had better patient-reported xerostomia outcomes.
G126(P) Early rehabilitation in children with hypoxic brain injury: An outcome study

Objectives Children with hypoxic brain injuries have been considered to make poorer recovery than children with traumatic brain injuries. We aim to highlight that early rehabilitation may contribute to better outcomes than widely appreciated. Methods Retrospective study. Setting: two hospitals in the UK with paediatric intensive care units (ICU) and neurorehabilitation wards. Inclusion criteria: children under 16 years; admitted to ICU for ventilation; encephalopathy following cardiorespiratory arrest January 2010 to December 2014; survived to discharge from ICU. Exclusion criteria: children under 1 year of age; cardiorespiratory arrest following trauma. Results 16 children (8 male) were identified. Mean age: 99 months. Causes of cardiorespiratory arrest: strangulation (3); hypovolaemia (2); near-drowning (2); peri-operative (2); cardiac arrhythmia or unexplained (3); asthmatic arrest (2); other (2). Return of spontaneous cardiac output was 15 min or more in 11 out of 16 children. Mean length (SD) of stay on ICU: 11.5 (12.4) days. Eleven children had bilateral basal ganglia injury with varying cortical involvement; no imaging abnormality was identified in one child. Six children required prolonged parenteral nutrition or gastrostomy; two required ileo-colectomy; three children required tracheostomy. Four children required re-admission to ICU or high dependency care. Movement disorders requiring medications (baclofen, diazepam, L-Dopa) were common. Discharge from hospital occurred at median (range) 107 (9–706) days after injury. Ten children were discharged home directly. Discharge KOSCHI score was 3B (severe disability) or worse in nine children; four children were at 5A or 5B (good recovery). 60% of children were sitting independently 150 days and walking independently 500 days post injury. Duration of cardiac arrest did not alter outcomes but mode of injury played a more significant role in predicting outcome. Conclusions Severe disability or vegetative state after hypoxic encephalopathy is a frequent, but not inevitable outcome in children who survive to discharge from ICU. This group of children often require several months of inpatient admission to achieve medical stability during which time they are capable of active participatory rehabilitation. There is some potential for continued improvement following discharge.
3D medical image interaction and segmentation using Kinect

Most medical images, especially radiology images, naturally reside in the 3D space. The interaction with the medical images and with the image computing procedures, unfortunately, are limited to 2D due to the physical properties of the mouse, touch pad, etc. In this research, we present a 3D image interaction system and an image segmentation process based on such 3D interaction utilizing spatially free-form motions/gestures and voice commands through the Kinect sensor. The algorithm as well as the entire hardware/software system has been tested on tasks such as abdominal organ and brain tumor viewing and segmentation. Among them, we show some particular cases that are rather challenging where the segmentation leakage is very difficult to handle under the conventional 2D mouse-based interaction. Moreover, as our proposed 3D image interaction and segmentation method is dynamically driven by a audio and gesture combination, we provide a demonstration video on YouTube to better show the capability and procedure of our system.
The Role of Theory in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention

In early childhood special education and early intervention, a variety of theories influence practices. Behaviorism, constructivism, sociocultural theory, and maturationist theory, all from psychology, all have contributed to understanding children’s learning and development. In addition, the field of sociology has contributed theory on social integration and, along with systems theory, has provided insights about how families operate as systems and how children with disabilities may affect the family. All of these theories influence practice and policy in early childhood special education and early intervention. Researchers translate theory into practice through their applied scientific examinations of the efficacy of interventions and identification of evidence-based or recommended practices. Practitioners may choose to follow a single theory (e.g., a behavioral or constructivist program), or they may draw from multiple theories in designing programs for young children with disabilities and their families. When following the latter approach and selecting carefully practices that are evidence based, practitioners follow a “technical eclectic” form of practice that is firmly based on science and professional judgment and also informed by theory.
Nonlinear Analysis of Shells of Revolution via Semi-Analytic Finite Elements with Application to Tires

A computational procedure is presented for the geometrically nonlinear analysis of shells of revolution. The three key elements of the procedure are: 1) semianalytic three-field mixed finite element models in which the shell variables are represented by Fourier series in the circumferential direction and piecewise polynomials in the meridional direction; 2) multilevel operator splitting to uncouple the equations associated with different Fourier harmonics; and 3) multilevel iterative procedures and reduction technique to generate the response of the shell.
Test Generation for Static CMOS Circuits

In the previous chapter we discussed testing methods for combinational dynamic CMOS circuits. In this chapter we will concentrate on combinational static CMOS circuits. Test generation for a static CMOS circuit, as in the case of a dynamic CMOS circuit, can be done from either its gate-level model or its transistor-level description. We will discuss both the approaches.
From British Westinghouse to The New Flamenco : Misunderstanding Mitigation

Both the venerable British Westinghouse decision and the current New Flamenco case have been analyzed in terms of mitigation. Properly understood, in neither is mitigation relevant. Although in the former, the House of Lords came to the right result, the replacement of the substandard turbines with new superior ones was not to mitigate damages — the buyer would have installed the new turbines even had the Westinghouse turbines met the contractual specifications. Even if Westinghouse’s failure accelerated the replacement (which it almost certainly did not) it would have been a mistake to compensate the buyer for the cost of the new (Parsons) turbines.The New Flamenco involved the anticipatory repudiation of a time charter with two years remaining. An identical substitute charter was not “available.” The owner sold the ship before the market meltdown of 2008 for over $23 million and by 2009 its value had fallen to $7 million. The Court of Appeal held that because it avoided this loss, the owner suffered no harm. However, the damages would be the change in the value of the charter at the time of the repudiation. By selling the ship, the owner in effect allowed the new owner to put the ship to its highest and best use. Damages should reflect the fact that the new owner expected to use the ship for at least part of the remaining two years. The subsequent fall in the value of the ship had nothing to do with the damages suffered by the original owner.
High-Power Integrated Photodiode-Antenna Emitter for 100 GHz Applications

We report on an optically driven microwave emitter based on a high-power modified uni-traveling carrier photodiode and a Vivaldi antenna. A high unsaturated effective radiated power of-1.5 dBm at 100 GHz and a 6 dB-bandwidth of 14 GHz are demonstrated.
Equivalence of live tree carbon stocks produced by three estimation approaches for forests of the western United States

Abstract The focus on forest carbon estimation accompanying the implementation of increased regulatory and reporting requirements is fostering the development of numerous tools and methods to facilitate carbon estimation. One such well-established mechanism is via the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS), a growth and yield modeling system used by public and private land managers and researchers, which provides two alternate approaches to quantifying carbon in live trees on forest land – these are known as the Jenkins and Fire and Fuels Extension (FFE) equations. A necessary consideration in developing forest carbon estimates is to address alternate, potentially different, estimates that are likely available from more than one source. A key to using such information is some understanding of where alternate estimates are expected to produce equivalent results. We address this here by focusing on potential equivalence among three commonly employed approaches to estimating individual-tree carbon, which are all applicable to inventory sampling or inventory simulation applications. Specifically, the two approaches available in FVS – Jenkins and FFE – and the third, the component ratio method (CRM) used in the U.S. Forest Service’s, Forest Inventory and Analysis national DataBase (FIADB). A key finding of this study is that the Jenkins, FFE, and CRM methods are not universally equivalent, and that equivalence varies across regions, forest types, and levels of data aggregation. No consistent alignment of approaches was identified. In general, equivalence was identified in a greater proportion of cases when forests were summarized at more aggregate levels such as all softwood type groups or entire variants. Most frequently, the FIA inventory-based CRM and FFE were determined to be equivalent.
JAK2 (V617F) Mutation Status and Neutrophil Apoptotic Resistance in Myelofibrosis with Myeloid Metaplasia (MMM): Correlation and Potential Identification through Phosphorylation Status of STAT3.

Abstract Background: We have previously described a resistance to the normal process of apoptosis in neutrophils of patients with myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) (Blood 2003; 102:11). Most recently, an activating mutation of JAK2 (V617F) has been described in approximately half of the patients with MMM as well as in variable proportion of patients with other myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). In the current study, we investigated the correlation between JAK2 V617F mutation status and neutrophil apoptosis in MMM. Methods: Neutrophils were isolated by density centrifugation from patients with MMM, other MPDs, and normal controls and assessed for apoptosis at baseline and after 24 hours in culture (IMDM with 20% sterilized fetal calf serum to simulate spontaneous apoptosis). Apoptosis was quantified using three-color flow cytometry using CD45 (to confirm leukocyte presence), annexin V (AN) (marker of apoptosis; detects aberrant externalization of phosphatidylserine during apoptosis), and propidium iodide (PI) (marker of dead cells). Mutation analysis for JAK2 V617F was performed in DNA derived from the isolated neutrophils using genomic DNA amplified by PCR, or extracted from cytogenetic pellets in archived specimens. Apoptotic rates after 24 hours in culture were correlated between patients and controls for both JAK2 mutation status and clinical parameters. Immunoblotting was performed on a subset of patients for correlation of JAK2 mutation status and downstream phosphorylation of the JAK2 target, STAT3, which transcriptionally activates several antiapoptotic genes. Results: Spontaneous neutrophil apoptosis was significantly decreased in MMM patients (n=50; median % apoptotic cells at 41%) compared to both healthy volunteers (n=9; 66%) and patients with other MPD (n=11; 53%) (p=0.002). Resistance to apoptosis in MMM correlated with both anemia (p=0.01) and the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation (p=0.01). Furthermore, the specific abnormality was more pronounced in patients with homozygous JAK2 V617F; median % apoptotic cells of 47% for patients with wild-type allele (n=22) vs. 39% for heterozygotes (n=23) vs. 22% for homozygotes (n=5; p=0.008). The JAK2 mutation status did not appear dependent on other peripheral blood or clinical features. Neutrophils from 14 MMM patients were assessed simultaneously for both JAK2 mutation and STAT3 phosphorylation status by immunoblotting. Strong expression of phosphorylation of STAT3 was seen in all 3 homozygotes and 4 of 5 heterozygotes, but only 1 of 6 with wild-type allele (p=0.026). Conclusions: Impaired neutrophil apoptosis in patients with MMM correlates with the functional presence of JAK2 V617F in an allele-dose dependent manner and STAT3 phosphorylation. The current observation supports a pathogenetic role for the specific mutation in sustaining clonal myeloproliferation.
Restoration through Imagination in Planning and Management

Different paradigms, perspectives and images of the watershed are the basis for imaginative thinking and innovation. In planning and management such paradigms serve to direct our thinking toward new and imaginative solutions to our water resource problems. How do we imagine the watershed? Do we see a hydrologic construct of rivers and reservoirs, or a riverine-riparian ecosystem of habitat and species, or perhaps a bioregion, a geographical area of interacting life systems? What is the place of an economic or ecological conscience in our perspective? Do technics and narrative tell different stories of the watershed and its needs? How do we view negotiations in making trade-offs of different values and interests? Does adaptive management with its emphasis on data collection offer a different way of looking at the watershed? And do we have the desire to do our planning in a manner that builds relationships in addition to developing information? The discussion of these questions is informed by an examination of the purposes and conflicts at Corps of Engineers reservoirs in the United States.
Removal of 1, 4-Dioxane and Volatile Organic Compounds from Groundwater Using Ozone-Based Advanced Oxidation Process

ABSTRACTOzone and ozone/peroxide processes were evaluated for the removal of 1,4-dioxane from laboratory water and site groundwater. The effect of process parameters such as solution pH and dosage of peroxide was studied. Ozone alone was not very effective in removing 1,4-dioxane from water (≤ 20% removal). Enhanced oxidation of 1,4-dioxane was achieved by increasing the solution pH or by adding peroxide at neutral pH. Pseudo–first-order rate constants were calculated for the removal of 1,4-dioxane using ozone. Correlations were developed for the consumption of ozone per 1,4-dioxane removed. Acidic and neutral pH conditions resulted in higher consumption of ozone per dioxane removed. Basic solution pH and presence of hydrogen peroxide enhanced the dioxane removal, which resulted in lower consumption of ozone per dioxane removed. Following the lab study, ozonation was used for the remediation of site groundwater contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and chlorinated volatile organics. Presence of 5 mg/L of hydrogen...
Decision Rules for the Policy Metaphor.

This essay presents a set of decision rules developed mainly from the policy making metaphor, pertaining to jurisdiction, policy selection and argument evaluation. Rules for various metaphors shoul...
Design of Energy Efficient Digital Circuits

Recent technology advances have resulted in power being the major concern for digital design. In this chapter we address how transistor sizing affects the energy and delay of digital circuits. The state of the art in circuit design methodology (Logical Effort) is examined and we identify its limitations for design in the energy-delay space. We examine how to explore the entire energy-delay space for a circuit and present an approach for the design and analysis in the energy-delay space which allows for energy reduction without performance penalty. Finally, we present techniques for the design of energy-efficient digital circuits.
Interprofessional oral health initiative in a nondental, American Indian setting.

Background and purpose Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease and American Indian (AI) children are at increased risk. Pediatric primary care providers are in an opportune position to reduce tooth decay. The purpose of this study was to integrate and evaluate a pediatric oral health project in an AI, pediatric primary care setting. Methods The intervention set included caregiver education, caries risk assessment, and a same-day dental home referral. All caregiver/child dyads age birth to 5 years presenting to the pediatric clinic were eligible (n = 47). Conclusions Most children (n = 35, 91.1%) were scored as high risk for caries development. Of those with first tooth eruption (n = 36), ten had healthy teeth (27.8%) and seven had seen a dentist in the past 3 months (19.4%). All others were referred to a dentist (n = 29) and 21 families (72.4%) completed the referral. Implications for practice In fewer than 5 min per appointment (x = 4.73 min), the primary care provider integrated oral health screening, education, and referral into the well-child visit. Oral health is part of total health, and thus should be incorporated into routine well-child visits.
Renal Functional Outcome of Partial Nephrectomy for Complex R.E.N.A.L. Score Tumors With or Without Neoadjuvant Sunitinib: A Multicenter Analysis.

Abstract Background Sunitinib might optimize the feasibility of partial nephrectomy (PN) for complex renal tumors with imperative indications. We compared the renal functional outcomes of patients with complex renal masses who had undergone sunitinib before PN with those of patients who had not required neoadjuvant sunitinib before PN. Patients and Methods We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with renal cell carcinoma who had undergone PN for a complex renal mass (R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score, 10-12) and imperative indications from January 2012 to July 2014. Neoadjuvant sunitinib was used in cases for which PN was not considered feasible. The cohort was divided into those patients who had undergone PN without neoadjuvant sunitinib and those who had undergone PN after sunitinib (no-neoadjuvant vs. neoadjuvant). The change in tumor size and R.E.N.A.L. score were assessed. The primary outcome was the change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) from preoperatively to the last postoperative follow-up visit. Results The data from 125 consecutive patients were analyzed (47 neoadjuvant and 78 no-neoadjuvant; median follow-up, 21 months). The neoadjuvant plus PN patients had had a greater median tumor size preoperatively (7.2 vs. 6 cm; P = .045). Sunitinib caused a significant decrease in the median tumor size (from 7.2 to 5.8 cm [19.4%]; P = .012) and R.E.N.A.L. score (from 11 to 9; P = .001). No significant differences were found between the neoadjuvant and no-neoadjuvant groups in the ischemia time ( P = .413) or incidence of complications ( P = .728). The median ΔeGFR was similar (neoadjuvant, 6.4; no-neoadjuvant, 6.1; P = .534). Linear regression analysis for factors associated with an increasing ΔeGFR demonstrated increasing age (estimate, −0.074; P = .009) increasing body mass index (estimate, −0.087; P = .043), and decreasing baseline eGFR (estimate, −0.104; P = .02) as significant factors. Conclusion The use of neoadjuvant sunitinib might facilitate complex PN and result in renal functional outcomes similar to those of patients with a complex renal mass who had not required neoadjuvant sunitinib.
Impacts of different shapes of through-silicon-via core on 3D IC performance

In 3D IC technology, Through Silicon Via (TSV) is the primary medium used to distribute power and signal between layers of chips. Placement of a large number of TSVs in close vicinity leads to performance degradation due to interferences and crosstalk. The core of a TSV is usually circular column shape. In this paper, different shape for the core of the TSV is investigated to find the best possible shape and structure that can reduce different losses like return loss and insertion loss in the TSV design. We have explored circular, rectangular, octagonal and hexadecagonal shapes for the core. Simulation results indicate that rectangular TSV's performance is better than other polygonal TSVs and conventional circular TSV. We have also performed simulation to estimate the E-field and H-field coupling between two TSVs. These two are important performance parameters for TSV. The performance of the TSVs seems to degrade with the increasing number of segments in the polygon representing its shape.
MicroRNA-Based Attenuation of Influenza Virus across Susceptible Hosts

Influenza A virus drives significant morbidity and mortality in humans and livestock. Annual circulation of the virus in livestock and waterfowl contributes to severe economic disruption and increases the risk of zoonotic transmission of novel strains into the human population, where there is no preexisting immunity. Seasonal vaccinations in humans help prevent infection and can reduce symptoms when infection does occur. However, current vaccination regimens available for livestock are limited in part due to safety concerns regarding reassortment/recombination with circulating strains. Therefore, inactivated vaccines are used instead of the more immunostimulatory live attenuated vaccines. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been used previously to generate attenuated influenza A viruses for use as a vaccine. Here, we systematically targeted individual influenza gene mRNAs using the same miRNA to determine the segment(s) that yields maximal attenuation potential. This analysis demonstrated that targeting of NP mRNA most efficiently ablates replication. We further increased the plasticity of miRNA-mediated attenuation of influenza A virus by exploiting a miRNA, miR-21, that is ubiquitously expressed across influenza-susceptible hosts. In order to construct this targeted virus, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to eliminate the universally expressed miR-21 from MDCK cells. miR-21-targeted viruses were attenuated in human, mouse, canine, and avian cells and drove protective immunity in mice. This strategy has the potential to enhance the safety of live attenuated vaccines in humans and zoonotic reservoirs.IMPORTANCE Influenza A virus circulates annually in both avian and human populations, causing significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. High incidence of zoonotic infections greatly increases the potential for transmission to humans, where no preexisting immunity or vaccine exists. There is a critical need for new vaccine strategies to combat emerging influenza outbreaks. MicroRNAs were used previously to attenuate influenza A viruses. We propose the development of a novel platform to produce live attenuated vaccines that are highly customizable, efficacious across a broad species range, and exhibit enhanced safety over traditional vaccination methods. This strategy exploits a microRNA that is expressed abundantly in influenza virus-susceptible hosts. By eliminating this ubiquitous microRNA from a cell line, targeted viruses that are attenuated across susceptible strains can be generated. This approach greatly increases the plasticity of the microRNA targeting approach and enhances vaccine safety.
Validation of an Algorithm to Predict the Likelihood of an 8/8 HLA-Matched Unrelated Donor at Search Initiation.

Abstract A strategy to rapidly determine if a matched unrelated donor (URD) can be secured for allograft recipients is needed. We sought to validate the accuracy of (1) HapLogic match predictions and (2) a resultant novel Search Prognosis (SP) patient categorization that could predict 8/8 HLA-matched URD(s) likelihood at search initiation. Patient prognosis categories at search initiation were correlated with URD confirmatory typing results. HapLogic-based SP categorizations accurately predicted the likelihood of an 8/8 HLA-match in 830 patients (1530 donors tested). Sixty percent of patients had 8/8 URD(s) identified. Patient SP categories (217 very good, 104 good, 178 fair, 33 poor, 153 very poor, 145 futile) were associated with a marked progressive decrease in 8/8 URD identification and transplantation. Very good to good categories were highly predictive of identifying and receiving an 8/8 URD regardless of ancestry. Europeans in fair/poor categories were more likely to identify and receive an 8/8 URD compared with non-Europeans. In all ancestries very poor and futile categories predicted no 8/8 URDs. HapLogic permits URD search results to be predicted once patient HLA typing and ancestry is obtained, dramatically improving search efficiency. Poor, very poor, andfutile searches can be immediately recognized, thereby facilitating prompt pursuit of alternative donors.
Biological sex variation in bone mineral density in the cranium and femur.

Abstract Objectives Sex and age trends in bone mineral density (BMD) play an important role in the estimation of age-at-death (AAD) of unidentified human remains. Current methodologies lack the ability to precisely estimate age in older individuals. In this study, BMD of the cranium and femur measured by DXA were examined to establish their applicability for age estimation in older adults. BMD as measured by DXA, is most commonly used clinically for prediction of osteoporotic fracture risk. We hypothesized that weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing bones, the femur and cranium, respectively, would provide valuable insights for aging. Methods The sample consists of 32 sets of excised cranial fragments from the Regional Forensic Center, Johnson City, Tennessee and 41 associated crania and femora from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. All crania and femora were scanned using a Hologic (R) DXA scanner and data were analyzed using Student t-tests, Loess regression, and ANOVA. Results Student t-tests indicate a significant relationship between the sexes and cranial BMD and a significant relationship between age cohorts and femoral neck BMD. The Loess regression showed different aging patterns in the cranium for females and males older than 55. And the ANOVA showed changes in femoral neck after age 55. Conclusions These results indicate age and sex dependent changes in BMD especially for individuals over the age of 55, which offers improvement from current aging methods for older individuals. Further research using a larger sample size could improve the predictive capabilities of the model.
Thoughts on the diagnosis and control of Johne's disease in cattle

The reliable detection of Map infected animals prior to progression to shedding significant quantity of the infectious organism and clinical Johne's disease continues to frustrate. A lack of ‘good’...
Developing jurisdiction-specific SPFs and crash severity portion functions for rural two-lane, two-way intersections

Transportation agencies rely on the Highway Safety Manual's (HSM) scientific predictive procedures to quantify road safety; however, the HSM methods may not be accurate for use by local jurisdictio...
Real and Momentum Space Probes in CeCoIn 5 : Defect States in Differential Conductance and Neutron Scattering Spin Resonance

The development of scanning tunneling microscopy, specifically its spectroscopic imaging mode of operation, has enabled detailed studies of the local electronic structures of many superconductors.
Cytology and surgical pathology of the mediastinum.

Mediastinum refers to the space in the thoracic cavity that is bound by the pleura, sternum, vertebral column, thoracic inlet, and diaphragm. It contains major anatomic structures and can be involved by diverse pathologic processes. It is customarily to divide the mediastinum into several compartments: superior, anterior, middle, and posterior because the lists of differential diagnoses vary according to the location. (see Table 1) In addition, the patient’s age may also be helpful. For example, thymoma and carcinoid are less common in children.
Prospects for pharmacological targeting of pseudokinases

Pseudokinases are members of the protein kinase superfamily but signal primarily through noncatalytic mechanisms. Many pseudokinases contribute to the pathologies of human diseases, yet they remain largely unexplored as drug targets owing to challenges associated with modulation of their biological functions. Our understanding of the structure and physiological roles of pseudokinases has improved substantially over the past decade, revealing intriguing similarities between pseudokinases and their catalytically active counterparts. Pseudokinases often adopt conformations that are analogous to those seen in catalytically active kinases and, in some cases, can also bind metal cations and/or nucleotides. Several clinically approved kinase inhibitors have been shown to influence the noncatalytic functions of active kinases, providing hope that similar properties in pseudokinases could be pharmacologically regulated. In this Review, we discuss known roles of pseudokinases in disease, their unique structural features and the progress that has been made towards developing pseudokinase-directed therapeutics.
Can CT Measures of Thoracic Muscle Provide Prognostication among Heart Transplant Recipients

Purpose As the waitlist of heart transplant patients continues to rise, it is important to objectively identify patients who will have positive outcomes post-transplant surgery. Skeletal muscle characterization by computed tomography (CT) is prognostic in various disease states and may provide important information for selecting optimal transplant candidates. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CT measured muscle measures on hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality following heart transplantation. Methods A single-center heart transplant database from 1999 to present (n=370) was used to find all patients having a pre-transplant chest CT scan and associated outcome measures of LOS and mortality (n=189). Subjects having CT scans within 6 months of transplant were analyzed separately (n=103). Pre-transplant axial CT scans were analyzed for muscle quantity (cm2) and muscle density (Hounsfield units; HU) at the 12th thoracic vertebrae (T12) and aortic arch (AA) (i.e. pectoralis muscles). Muscle quantity was further delineated by low density area (tissue with HU from 0 - 30; LDM) and normal density area (tissue with HU range from 31 - 100; NDM). Mean HU was additionally measured at a region of interest in the middle of the right pectoralis major muscle on the AA axial slice (ROI HU). Results In a multivariable Cox model, after adjusting for age and gender, patients with higher mean ROI HU had greater 1-year survival rates in both the total cohort, and in the subset of patients with CT within 6-months of transplant (HR = 0.967, p=0.032, and HR = 0.950, p=0.043, respectively). In both the total cohort and within the subset cohort, patients having increased LDM, normalized to body surface area, had lower LOS days (p=0.045 and p=0.053, respectively) and those having a higher AA ratio of NDM to LDM had higher LOS days (p=0.005 and p=0.008, respectively). No other muscle metrics at the T12 area were prognostic. Conclusion In heart transplant recipients, greater ROI HU measured by CT scan prior to transplant was associated with higher 1-year survival whereas greater LDM (indexed to body surface area) at the AA axial slice was associated with lower LOS post-transplant. Prospective trials are necessary to determine the significance of CT muscle measures at the AA to identify patients that will positively benefit from heart transplantation.
High-performance competence of polyaniline-based nanomaterials

Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the important types of intrinsically conducting polymers. Processability of PANI is daunting due to high level of conjugation and rigid backbone. PANI-based nanomateria...
Magnetocardiographic identification of prolonged fetal corrected QT interval in women receiving treatment for opioid use disorder

AIM Pregnant women undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) may be exposed to multiple QT prolonging agents. We used magnetocardiography to measure fetal QT intervals in mothers with OUD on buprenorphine therapy. METHODS Fetal and maternal magnetocardiography was performed in pregnant women receiving buprenorphine-assisted treatment (Disorder group); these were matched by gestational age to pregnant women who were opiate naive (Reference group). Corrected QT intervals were determined using Bazett's formula and compared between groups. RESULTS A total of eight women in the Disorder group matched to eight in the Reference group. Seven of the mothers (88%) in the Disorder group were smokers; there were no smokers in the Reference group. The average fetal corrected QT was significantly longer (P = 0.022) in the Disorder group than that in the Reference group (505 milliseconds [ms] ± 68.6 [standard deviation] vs 383 ms ± 70.3 [standard deviation]). CONCLUSION Novel data from this small sample demonstrate prolongation of fetal corrected QT in women with OUD participating in buprenorphine assisted therapy. Additional investigation from a larger sample is needed to clarify if fetal buprenorphine and/or tobacco exposure is associated with changes in fetal QT which would warrant further prenatal and postnatal testing.
How does faculty research motivation type relate to success? A test of self-determination theory

Abstract Studies show institutional, demographic, and social-environmental factors to be incomplete predictors of professor research productivity; meanwhile, the effects of motivation on faculty research are relatively understudied. The current study tested the extent to which self-determined motivation served as a predictor of faculty research success. Analysis of 1846 USA faculty from 19 institutions using structural equation modeling found autonomous motivation (enjoyment, value) positively related to self-reported research productivity and number of publications, beyond demographics and position details. The basic needs of autonomy and competence predicted autonomous motivation, and indirectly predicted achievement. External motivation (rewards) had relatively smaller positive relationships with research productivity, while introjected motivation (guilt) had no relationships. The results contribute to both the faculty development and motivation research literatures.
Fiber-Crawling Microrobots

Microrobots that crawl along fibers can work as linear actuators and as active components in assembling 3D structures from microscale parts. They are also a potential topic for microrobotics demonstrations and competitions, analogous to contests in the macroscale rope-climbing robot domain. In this work, we briefly review cable-traveling robots, then demonstrate a magnetically driven wire crawler where the wire provides the driving power, causing the robot to vibrate. Stick-and-slip friction creates motion along the wire. We discuss scaling down both the magnetic actuator and the flexible contacts that produce stick-and-slip motion. Two types of compliant frictional contacts are demonstrated: a thin plastic film, and at a smaller scale, anisotropic microbristles made from natural materials. Lastly, we discuss a path to further miniaturization.
The Truth Can Be Deceiving: How Criminal Justice Headlines Are Misinterpreted

Just as the criminal justice system has a profound effect on those involved, media accounts of the criminal justice system can profoundly affect those reported on. It is important for those in the media to not only report accurately criminal justice matters, but also to be aware of how factually accurate reports can be misunderstood by lay audiences and the resulting consequences these misunderstandings can have. The purpose of this study is to examine how various newspaper headlines regarding the criminal justice system are commonly interpreted. In doing so, journalists are provided valuable information to guide them in determining what to report on, and how to best craft headlines. Additionally, journalistic resources, such as the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, are examined for their lack of guidance provided.
Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)—Not So Asymptomatic after All

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) is considered to be a benign precursor condition that may progress to a lymphoproliferative disease or multiple myeloma. Most patients do not progress to an overt condition, but nevertheless, MGUS is associated with a shortened life expectancy and, in a minority of cases, a number of co-morbid conditions that include an increased fracture risk, renal impairment, peripheral neuropathy, secondary immunodeficiency, and cardiovascular disease. This review aims to consolidate current evidence for the significance of these co-morbidities before considering how best to approach these symptoms and signs, which are often encountered in primary care or within a number of specialties in secondary care.
Palliative Care Team Involvement in Patients With COVID-19 in New York City.

Background:With the highest number of cases in the world as of April 13, 2020, New York City (NYC) became the epicenter of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The data regardin...
Breakfast of Champions: Universal Free Breakfast and Student Conflict and Test Scores in Texas Schools

This paper investigates the relationship between student test scores and discipline outcomes in Texas public schools and whether or not schools participated in the Universal Free Breakfast Program (UFB). Eating a routine breakfast leads to increased physical and mental performance, as well as test scores. Surprisingly, there has been little focus on how eating a routine breakfast affects disruptive behaviors including violence, truancy, and other classroom incidents. I compile a panel data set from two administrative sources in Texas, spanning school years 2011/2012-2016/2107. Using fixed effects models and a staggered difference in differences model, I find that schools that offer UFB do indeed have higher test scores, and also have reduced conflict outcomes such as fights, substance abuse, and truancy. I also employ a fuzzy regression discontinuity that shows strong results when the 80% free and reduced eligibility cutoff was passed in the Texas state legislation in 2015. These results suggest that the benefit schools receive from taking part in UFB help their students achieve better outcomes in both schooling, behavior, and general well-being, and increase funding from lower truancy rates.
Retrospective analysis of use of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) for detection of metastatic lymph nodes in dogs diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma.

The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to determine if fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) could potentially be an accurate staging tool for detecting metastatic lymph nodes in dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma based on the quantitative measurement of the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of lymph nodes. A total of 53 dogs were identified that presented for staging via 18F-FDG PET/CT for primary appendicular osteosarcoma. Patients were categorized according to lymph node status of having either metastatic or non-metastatic nodes based on cytological or histological analysis. Maximum standard uptake (SUVmax) values of the sampled lymph node(s) were recorded and 3/77 (3.9%) of sampled lymph nodes were confirmed metastatic. A Mann-Whitney test revealed a statistical difference in the SUVmax of the metastatic versus non-metastatic lymph nodes [median: 6.6 to 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.56 to 14.37 versus 2.18 95% CI: 2.32 to 3.17, respectively, P-value = 0.05]. This retrospective analysis revealed a significant difference in the SUVmax as measured on 18F-FDG PET/CT between metastatic lymph nodes and non-metastatic lymph nodes in canine patients afflicted with appendicular osteosarcoma, in spite of the small numbers analyzed. While these results are promising, they should be interpreted with caution and further studies are justified.
Human population, social justice, and climate policy

We illustrate how human population has been mostly ignored with regard to climate policy by conducting a systematic review of the literature in the context of social justice and six transformative steps for climate change mitigation. Despite this, implementing socially just population policies could make substantial contributions to climate mitigation and adaptation while also promoting social justice and gender equity. We detail how this is possible using a number of policy examples, including increasing the availability of voluntary family planning services and improving education for girls and young women.
An innovative medical student curriculum to address Human Papillomavirus vaccine hesitancy

Purpose: Vaccination rates against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the US remaining alarmingly low. Physicians can significantly influence a parent's decision to vaccinate. However, medical education often lacks training on specific strategies for communicating with vaccine hesitant parents. Our advancement in technology is the creation of an innovative curriculum designed to teach medical students how to address HPV vaccine …