cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel 14,21-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acids: structures, formation pathways, and enhancement of wound healing.

Chronic wounds remain a medical challenge, where well-coordinated cellular and molecular processes required by optimal healing are impaired by diabetes, aging, or other diseases. In determining mechanisms that regulate wound healing, we found that wounding induced formation of novel endogenous 14S,21S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,7Z,10Z,12E,16Z,19Z-hexaenoic acids (14S,21S-diHDHA);14R,21R-diHDHA; 14S,21R-diHDHA; and/or 14R,21S-diHDHA. 12-lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 catalysis in tandem converted docosahexaenoic acid to 14S,21R-diHDHA and 14S,21S-diHDHA through the intermediacy of 14S-HDHA; P450 also converted 14R-HDHA to novel 14R,21R-diHDHA and 14R,21S-diHDHA. Macrophages function as the combination of 12-lipoxgenase and P450 to generate these 14,21-diHDHA stereoisomers, as well as their intermediates 14S-HDHA, 14R-HDHA, and 21-HDHA. The structure and formation pathways of 14,21-diHDHA stereoisomers were further confirmed by macrophage biosynthesis of 14,21-diHDHA-21,22,22,22-d4 stereoisomers, 14S-HDHA-d5, 14R-HDHA-d5, and 21-HDHA-d4 from DHA-21,21,22,22,22-d5. We found that 14S,21-diHDHA and 14R,21-diHDHA enhanced wound closure, reepithelialization, granulation tissue growth, and capillary vasculature formation of murine wounds. 14S,21-diHDHA and 14R,21-diHDHA produced by macrophages may partially represent the molecular mechanisms for macrophage pro-healing function. Taken together, 14,21-dihydroxy-DHA stereoisomers and their formation pathways may represent a novel mechanism in the orchestration of wound healing processes, which may provide new insight for developing novel therapeutic modalities that counteract impairments to wound healing.
A Beginner’s Guide to Writing the Nursing Conceptual Model-Based Theoretical Rationale

Writing the theoretical rationale for a study can be a daunting prospect for novice researchers. Nursing’s conceptual models provide excellent frameworks for placement of study variables, but moving from the very abstract concepts of the nursing model to the less abstract concepts of the study variables is difficult. Similar to the five-paragraph essay used by writing teachers to assist beginning writers to construct a logical thesis, the authors of this column present guidelines that beginners can follow to construct their theoretical rationale. This guide can be used with any nursing conceptual model but Neuman’s model was chosen here as the exemplar.
Cognitive Map-Design Research in the Twentieth Century: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches

Cognitive map-design research has the goal of understanding human cognition in order to improve the design and use of maps. As a systematic sub-discipline of cartography, cognitive map- design research is a phenomenon of the twentieth century, specifically the latter half. Robinson's The Look of Maps, published in 1952, played a seminal role in the genesis of cognitive map-design research in several countries, but it had interesting precursors. Empirical work that followed from The Look of Maps included psychophysical studies of graduated circles and studies of eye movements during map reading. Theoretical work that followed included a variety of cognitive theories but especially the development of the communication model as a comprehensive framework for scientific cartogra- phy. I chart the changing fortunes of cognitive map-design research after The Look of Maps and offer explanations for these changes. I also consider the legacy of cognitive map-design research—ways in which it has or has not mattered. I conclude with a list of questions suggested, but not decisively answered, by this exploratory essay.
Effect of Uniaxial Strain on the Superconducting Transition Temperature in thin YBa2Cu3O7 Film

The effect of uniaxial strain e on superconducting transition temperature T c of thin YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 film is presented. The value of T C increases linearly with compressional strain with a slope of -275K/e. Under tensile strain, T c initially decreases to a value ∼ 0.3K below the zero-strain value and then remains constant with additional strain. In compression, the logarithmic strain derivative of T c , (1/T c )(dT c /de), is -3 per unit strain which is slightly less than 4–6 per unit strain observed in conventional superconductors.
Geometry, electrostatic measure and orthogonal polynomials on Julia sets for polynomials

The Julia set B for an N'th degree polynomial T and its equilibrium electrostatic measure μ are considered. The unique balanced measure on B is shown to be μ. Integral properties of μ and of the monic polynomials orthogonal with respect to μ, Pn, n = 0, 1, 2, …, are derived. Formulae relating orthogonal polynomials of the second kind of different degrees are displayed. The measure μ is recovered both in the limit from the zeros and from the poles of the [Nn − 1/Nn] Pade approximant to the moment generating function to μ. For infinitely many polynomials of each degree N the zeros and poles all lie on an increasing sequence of trees of analytic arcs contained in B. The properties of these Pade approximant sequences support conjectures of George Baker which have not previously been tested on measures supported on sets nearly as complicated as Julia sets spread out in the complex plane.
Competition, Reciprocity and Mutation at the Molecular Level: Irradiation of a Synthetic Replicator Generates a Superior Species

A system has been developed to model aspects of chemical evolution. In this model, two replicating structures of essentially identical efficiency were allowed to compete for resources. One of these templates was then irreversibly altered to provide a more efficient replicator, which proceeded to surpass in concentration the competing template.
Sensors and actuators for combustion control

This paper addresses an experimental investigation of a combustion system using a backward step configuration, with the goal of understanding combustion instability and its control. In order to carry out a systematic study of the various subcomponents of the combustion dynamics including hydrodynamics and heat-release, various sensors and actuators have been included in this setup that provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms, which are discussed in this paper. A preliminary model using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and a model-based controller using the adaptive posi-cast strategy are presented. The model and the control design are verified using an air-flow injector in the step combustor at Re=6300 and an equivalence ratio of 0.85 and are shown to result in a 7.5 dB pressure reduction.
Major suppression of pro-α1(I) type I collagen gene expression in the dermis after keloid excision and immediate intrawound injection of triamcinolone acetonide

Abstract Background: A keloid is a benign tumor that contains excess collagen, primarily type I collagen. A common therapy is intralesional injection of a glucocorticosteroid, such as triamcinolone acetonide (TA). Surgical excision is also common; often a glucocorticosteroid is injected weeks after excision when wound repair has already begun. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy of TA in reducing the pro-α1(I) type I collagen mRNA in the dermis, when TA is injected into the wound bed immediately after surgical excision of the keloid. Methods: Six patients with previously untreated keloids were studied. Three were treated with 10 mg/ml of TA immediately after excision of the keloid (experimental group); the other three patients were not treated with TA until 2 weeks after excision (control). Punch biopsy specimens were obtained from the TA-treated sites 2 weeks after removal of the keloid and from the wounds of the control group of patients before they were treated with TA. Sections were prepared for in situ hybridization analysis of the pro-α1(I) collagen mRNA, as well as for histochemical analysis of collagen fibers. Results: All keloids showed greatly elevated levels of pro-α1(I) type I collagen mRNA in the dermis. Postsurgical wounds injected with TA after removal of the keloid expressed decreased pro-α1(I) collagen transcripts, compared with skin not treated with TA. The collagen bundles were also thinner and less dense in the TA-treated skin. Conclusion: Downregulation of the type I collagen gene expression is elicited by immediate TA injection after keloid excision. This suggests that prevention of recurrent keloid growth is possible if surgical excision is accompanied by immediate TA injection into the wound bed and that healing of the wound is not apparently compromised by inhibition of type I collagen gene expression. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:586-9.)
Controversy: Clipping of Asymptomatic Intracranial Aneurysm That is <7 mm Yes or No?

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) constitute a significant public health problem in the United States, with 2% of the population being affected, and it is a growing concern given the increasing frequency of detection on noninvasive brain imaging. Available natural history data suggest that key risk factors for hemorrhage among patients with UIAs include aneurysm size, location, and potentially presence of a daughter sac, and Japanese or Finnish race/ethnicity. In addition, there are some data that suggest a family history …
Virtual Cairo: An Urban Historian's View of Computer Simulation

Recent advances in computer-visualization technology have brought urban historians new tools for analyzing the growth of historic cities. This paper examines both the prospects and problems involved in using this technology to map the development of urban form. Using a computer model of Cairo in two different periods of the Middle Ages, the author has attempted to reconstruct the physical reality of the city and to animate the city so that modernday observers may experience its principal streets. While the work has shown computer simulation to be a significant tool for helping urban historians understand the built environments of the past, it has also exposed possible pitfalls in the seductive potential of such simulations.
An evaluation of the necessity of 24-hour incubation for oxacillin minimum inhibitory concentrations.

Current standards of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) for microtube dilution recommend 24-hour incubation of staphylococci when testing for oxacillin/methicillin resistance. This study was conducted to quantify the need for this requirement. Standard 16-hour readings were compared with subsequent 24-hour readings of 515 fresh clinical isolates (256 Staphylococcus aureus, 259 coagulase-negative staphylococci) that were susceptible to oxacillin (microtube dilution minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≤2 μg/mL) after 16 hours. Five hundred two of the susceptible isolates (97.5%) were still susceptible at 24 hours. The remaining 13 isolates were resistant (MIC >2 μg/mL) at 24 hours. Duplicate retesting, alternative method testing (Kirby-Bauer, E-Test) and mec A gene analysis were performed on these 13 isolates. All 13 isolates possessed the mec A gene. Four isolates always tested resistant (including all 16-hour repeat microtube dilution readings), and one isolate always tested susceptible. The remaining eight isolates produced variable results suggestive of an MIC very close to the resistance/susceptible break point. Overall, conversion from susceptible to resistant was entirely dependent upon the 16-hour MIC. There were 53 isolates with 16-hour MICs of 2 μg/mL. All 13 converters came from this group. No isolate with an oxacillin MIC <2 μg/mL at 16 hours was resistant at 24 hours. Based on these results, the authors instituted a selective reincubation of only those staphylococcal isolates with oxacillin readings of 2 μg/mL at 16 hours.
Resistance in the eye gnat Hippelates collusor to soil insecticides.

Two strains of Hippelates collusor (Townsend) from two different areas in southern California were compared for tolerance to organochlorine and carbamate insecticides. Treated soil was tested against immature stages; dosage response lines and LD50 and LD90 were determined. Resistance level in the Coachella Valley collusor (C.V.C.) strain was determined by comparing its tolerance level with that of the Orange County collusor (O.C.C.) strain which was considered to be highly susceptible to some of the organochlorine insecticides. At LD90 level the C.V.C. strain exhibited 970-and more than 1,000-fold resistance to dieldrin and heptachlor, respectively. It indicated 190-, 17-, and 15.5-fold tolerance to aldrin, toxaphene, and endrin, respectively. The two strains indicated similar levels of response to DDT treatments, with the C.V.C. strain only slightly more tolerant to DDT than the O.C.C. strain. After 4 years of large-seale control treatments with DDT, tolerance in the C.V.C. strain increased four- to fivefold compared with the pretreatment level. At the LD90 level, the C.V.C. strain manifested approximately 2-fold tolerance to Sevin® (1-naphthyl N -methylcarbamate) and to Zectran® (4-dimethylamino-3,5-xylylmethylcarbamate). The C.V.C. strain showed 3.8- and 4-fold tolerance to AC-5727 ( m -isopropyl phenyl N -methylcarbamate) at the LD50 and LD90 levels, respectively, when compared with the O.C.C. strain.
Use of CX Cylinders in Association with AMS700 Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

AbstractRecently the triple-layered CX or controlled expansion cylinders were introduced, which consisted of a middle layer of expandable monofilament knitted polypropylene-like material sandwiched between 2 silicone layers. These cylinders provide uniform nonaneurysmal expansion to a girth of 18mm. CX cylinders were implanted in 34 patients for a variety of situations. The results have been gratifying in each case and patient satisfaction has been high.
A study on the reliability of measuring dynamic balance ability using a smartphone

[Purpose] Evaluation of the reliability of smartphones as measuring equipment for dynamic balance ability was the goal of this study. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects were 30 healthy young students in their 20s. The first and second rounds of measurements were taken at a one-day interval to confirm test-retest reliability. The subjects stood on the footboard of the Biodex Balance System. Balance was measured using a smart phone. [Results] Acceleration rates corresponding to subjects with open eyes were 2.7 ± 2.2 (first measurement) and 3.3 ± 1.5 (second measurement), and the interclass correlation coefficient ICC (1,1) was 0.8. Acceleration rates corresponding to subjects with closed eyes were 4.1 ± 2.4 (first measurement) and 4.5 ± 1.8 (second measurement), and the ICC (1,1) was 0.9. Gyroscope rates corresponding to subjects with open eyes were 1.7 ± 1.2 (first measurement) and 2.3 ± 1.5 (second measurement), and the ICC (1,1) was 0.7. Gyroscope rates corresponding to subjects with closed eyes were 6.7 ± 2.4 (first measurement) and 6.6 ± 2.3 (second measurement), and the ICC (1,1) was 0.6. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that smartphones have sufficient potential as measuring equipment for dynamic balance ability.
A 14-bit 8.9GS/s RF DAC in 40nm CMOS achieving >71dBc LTE ACPR at 2.9GHz

We show for the first time an 8.9 GS/s RF current-steering DAC, with an on-chip 1∶1 Balun, and an 8-lane 12.5 Gbps JESD204B compliant SerDes, with a measured LTE ACPR >71 dBc in the adjacent 20 MHz band for a 2.9 GHz channel. The DAC has IM3 <−65 dBc for output frequencies up to Nyquist. This performance is accomplished using a novel DAC switch driver and data/dummy-data scheme to minimize the pattern dependent sourcing/sinking of current on the DAC driver supply and ground. The DAC is fabricated in a 40nm dual-oxide CMOS process and dissipates 1.2W, with the contribution of the synthesized digital block and SerDes excluded.
Kickstart or jumpstart? Understanding women entrepreneurs’ crowdfunding performance

Women entrepreneurs face hindrances while accessing financial capital for their ventures. With the emergence of crowdfunding as a popular mechanism for fundraising, women entrepreneurs are encourag...
Reconstruction of Extensive Urethral Strictures: Circular Fasciocutaneous Penile Flap

AbstractThe circular fasciocutaneous penile flap originates on the distal penis and uses Buck’s fascia as the major vascular conduit. It is hairless, provides up to 15cm. of length, adapts to the entire anterior urethra, can be used in circumcised men, and provides the opportunity for 1-stage reconstruction of complex anterior strictures with excellent functional and cosmetic results. The flap was used in 10 patients with complex strictures 8 to 21cm. long: 1 substitution urethroplasty of 8cm. and 9 onlay urethroplasties (2 of which used a free penile skin graft and a bladder mucosa graft as supplementation to bridge defects of 18 and 21cm., respectively). All patients have normal erectile function. No dilations were required, no strictures have recurred (mean followup 14.4 months) and mean maximal urinary flow rates are normal (mean 21.7ml. per second, range 18 to 30).
Ten simple rules for developing a mentor-mentee expectations document

There is general agreement that effective mentoring is beneficial for mentees, mentors, and overall scientific productivity [1, 2]. Discussions of what to consider in mentoring philosophies and mentor–mentee relationships have been published [3–5], and discipline-specific versions of a curriculum to develop mentoring skills are available (https://mentoringresources.ictr.wisc.edu). However, these resources focus on general concepts about mentoring, such as the importance of communication, consistency, and accessibility. In contrast, concrete strategies to improve the mentor–mentee relationship have been more difficult to define [6]. Funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have supported the implementation of policies aimed at improving this relationship. For example, in 2009, the NSF began requiring the inclusion of mentoring and development plans in grant proposals that request support for postdoctoral fellows; similarly, in 2014, the NIH announced (NOT-OD-14-113) that annual grant progress reports would be required to describe whether and how individual development plans (IDPs) are used to manage the career development of predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. While a development plan can be effective as a tool to help a mentor and mentee work towards the mentee’s long-term goals, this document alone is insufficient as it does not address the day-to-day operations of the lab—the source of many conflicts for both mentors and mentees. Another resource that provides guidance on developing positive mentoring relationships is the “Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors” released by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) [7, 8]. Included in this compact are general principles governing responsibility for career development, development of the research plan, the need for regular feedback, and ethical conduct. However, this society-level document is lacking in details that would outline how these specific guidelines will be followed. Therefore, we have found it effective to develop “expectations documents”—lab-specific documents that detail both big picture elements of the mentor–mentee relationship as well as some of the nitty-gritty rules of how the lab operates. By clarifying the norms for a particular lab, an expectations document can provide a mechanism for prospective mentees to evaluate if a lab will be a good match for their needs. So, how do you develop your own expectations document? See our 10 simple rules below!
Emetine reduces the effective dose of cisplatin or carboplatin required to inhibit bladder cancer cell proliferation

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed a novel therapeutic combination of emetine dihydrochloride added to standard of care chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin, carboplatin, gemcitabine) in human muscle-invasive bladder cancer cell lines to determine if emetine enhanced their anti-tumor activity. METHODS: Cells were treated with emetine, cisplatin (or carboplatin), and gemcitabine for 24–96 h in vitro . Cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle distribution and colony formation were analyzed. RESULTS: Addition of low dose emetine enhanced the anti-proliferative activity of cisplatin-gemcitabine and carboplatin-gemcitabine against muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but not normal urothelial cells. Importantly, lower doses of cisplatin and carboplatin were required to achieve significant growth inhibition when emetine was included in the therapy. Treatment resulted in a combination of growth arrest, apoptosis and autophagy. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of low dose emetine as part of multi-modal therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer could benefit patients by enhancing the anti-tumor activity of standard of care chemotherapy. It allowed for dose reduction of cisplatin and increased the efficacy of carboplatin. This may allow more patients currently unfit for cisplatin-based therapy to benefit from treatment.
Progesterone induces relaxation of human umbilical cord vascular smooth muscle cells through mPRα (PAQR7).

Abstract Progesterone effects on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) relaxation and the mechanism were investigated in cultured human umbilical vein VSMCs. Membrane progesterone receptors mPRα, mPRβ, and mPRγ were highly expressed in VSMCs, whereas nuclear progesterone receptor (nPR) had low expression. Progesterone (20 nM) and 02–0 (mPR-selective agonist), but not R5020 (nPR agonist), induced muscle relaxation in both a VSMC collagen gel disk contraction assay and an endothelium-denuded human umbilical artery ring tension assay. Progesterone and 02–0 increased ERK and Akt phosphorylation and decreased cAMP levels. These effects were blocked by preincubation with pertussis toxin. Progestin–induced muscle relaxation was blocked by pretreatment with mPRα, but not nPR, siRNAs, and by co-treatment with 8-Br-cAMP, AZD6244 (MAP kinase inhibitor), and wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor). Progestins reduced myosin light chain phosphorylation which was blocked with AZD6244 and wortmannin. These results demonstrate progesterone directly relaxes human VSMCs through mPRα/Gi and MAP kinase/ERK-, Akt/PI3K-, and cAMP-dependent pathways.
Etonogestrel implant use in women primarily choosing a combined oral contraceptive pill: A proof-of-concept trial

OBJECTIVE:We evaluated a novel concept of initiating the etonogestrel implant as a "back-up" method in women who desire using combined oral contraceptives (COC) but want to decrease their risk of unintended pregnancy with a more effective method. STUDY DESIGN:In this prospective cohort study, we planned to include 20 women as a proof-of-concept. We enrolled both new COC starters and continuing COC users and placed an etonogestrel implant. Participants completed daily bleeding diaries and attended follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months. We assessed implant continuation through six months of study participation and side effects with dual hormonal contraceptive use. RESULTS:Between September and December 2016, we enrolled 10 new starters and 10 current COC users. All participants completed 1-month follow-up, and 18 (90%) subjects completed the 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. Two current COC users had the implant removed for mood changes before 6 months. At the 6-month follow-up visit, 10 women were using both pills and implant, seven relied on the implant only, and one was using a COC only. Three new starters chose implant removal at end of study participation; one for weight gain and acne, another for mood changes, and one for decreased libido. No subjects discontinued the implant for bleeding complaints. CONCLUSION:In this proof-of-concept study, women using COCs were willing to initiate the implant as a "back-up" method to improve pregnancy prevention. Most women continued the implant through 6 months and after completing study participation. IMPLICATIONS:Initiating the etonogestrel implant as a "back-up" method may be an option for women who desire more effective pregnancy prevention while using combined oral contraceptive pills for its bleeding profile or non-contraceptive benefits.
Sexual Differentiation and Development

The golden hamster provides an important model for the study of development. With a short gestation of only 16 days, the investigator is provided with a rapidly developing organism. In some cases, processes that take place prenatally in other animals occur postnatally in the hamster.
A Perspective on Supra-Nationality in Tax Law

The international tax regime is almost a hundred years old. Its basic principles were laid out by the report of the four economists (1923) and the first (League of Nations) model convention (1927). The world has changed tremendously since then with the advent of globalization and the more recent rise of the BRICS. Thus, it is not surprising that even the OECD is raising questions about ways in which the regime can be updated to fit the needs of the 21st century. In fact, the OECD BEPS project, which is driven to a large extent by the G20 and therefore is influenced by the BRICS (who are members of the G20), has the potential of significantly altering the contours of the international tax regime.
Comparative feeding value of hulless vs covered barley for feedlot cattle.

One hundred twenty medium-frame crossbred steers (364 kg) were used in a 106-d feedlot trial to compare the feeding value of Condor, a hulless barley (HB), with Leduc, a conventional covered barley (CB). Dietary treatments consisted of a finishing diet containing 77% grain (DM basis) as 1) steam-flaked corn (SFC); 2) dry-rolled HB (DRB-H); 3) steam-flaked HB (SFB-H); 4) dry-rolled CB (DRB-C); and 5) steam-flaked CB (SFB-C). Feed intake was lower (8.6%, P < .01) for HB than for CB. Diet NE was greater for HB than for CB (P < .01) and for SFB than for DRB (P < .01). Incidence of liver abscess was greater for DRB than for SFB (239%, P < .05) and for HB than for CB (167%, P < .10). Diet NE were greater (P < .10) for SFC than for barley treatments. Treatment effects on characteristics of digestion were evaluated using five Holstein steers (202 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum. There were barley variety x grain processing interactions on ruminal digestion of OM (P < .10), ADF (P < .05), and starch (P < .05). Ruminal OM digestion increased (9.0%) with steam flaking HB and decreased slightly (1.9%) with steam flaking CB. Ruminal digestion of starch was enhanced more dramatically (21.5 vs 8.4%, respectively) with steam flaking HB than with CB. Steam flaking decreased ruminal ADF digestion of HB only slightly (6.2%), whereas with CB the decrease was more dramatic (54.3%). Ruminal degradable N was greater (P < .10) for CB than for HB and for DRB than for SFB (19.8%, P < .05). Estimates of ruminal degradable N in DRB-H, SFB-H, DRB-C, and SFB-C were 69.7, 53.9, 78.5, and 65.0%, respectively. Postruminal digestion of OM (P < .01), starch (P < .05), and N (P < .10) were greater for HB than for CB. Steam flaking barley increased (P < .01) postruminal N digestibility. Total tract digestibility of OM (P < .01), ADF (P < .05), starch (P < .01), and energy (P < .01) were greater for HB than for CB. Digestibility of ADF in barley hulls was only 6.4%. Steam flaking increased (P < .01) total tract digestibility of starch. Ruminal digestibility of OM and feed N was lower (P < .01) for SFC than for barley diets. Ruminal pH was lower (P < .10) for HB than for CB and for SFB than for DRB (P < .01). Ruminal propionate was higher (24.1%, P < .01), and methane was lower (17.9%, P < .01) for HB than for CB.
Minimally Invasive Approaches to Lung Cancer

Minimally invasive thoracic surgical techniques appear to reduce important morbidity and facilitate return to normal activity when compared with standard open approaches [1–3]. Mechanisms for this benefit likely include reduction in pain, earlier ambulation, and decreased inflammatory response to injury [3–6]. Before such techniques are routinely adopted, however, it is incumbent upon thoracic surgeons to demonstrate that therapeutic benefit of the procedure is not compromised. For resection of lung cancer, this means there must be comparable completeness of resection with appropriate lymph node sampling or lymphadenectomy [2, 7–9].
Non-electrocardiographic-gated computed tomographic angiography can be used to diagnose coronary artery anomalies in Bulldogs with pulmonary valve stenosis.

Coronary artery anomalies have been reported in Bulldogs and present an increased risk when performing balloon valvuloplasty. Identification of coronary anomalies has been reported using multidetector-row computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography with electrocardiographic gating. However, the utility of non-electrocardiographic-gated 16-row computed tomographic for MDCT for the identification of coronary artery anatomy or anomalies to the authors' knowledge has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of non-electrocardiographic-gated computed tomographic (CT) angiography to identify coronary anomalies in Bulldogs with pulmonary valve stenosis. In this prospective, observational study, Bulldogs with echocardiographically diagnosed pulmonary valve stenosis, an echocardiographically derived transpulmonic pressure gradient >70 mm Hg, and a clinician recommendation for balloon valvuloplasty were included. Anesthetized dogs underwent a 16-row MDCT non-electrocardiographic-gated CT angiography. A board-certified veterinary radiologist and board-certified veterinary cardiologist reviewed the CT angiography studies and identified the coronary artery anatomy. When normal coronary artery anatomy was detected on CT angiography, a right ventricular outflow tract fluoroscopic angiogram was performed and evaluated during levophase to confirm normal coronary anatomy prior to balloon valvuloplasty. Dogs with coronary anomalies noted on CT angiography were recovered from anesthesia and balloon valvuloplasty was not performed. All dogs (10/10; 100%) had interpretable images from the non-electrocardiographic-gated CT angiography. Coronary anomalies were identified in six dogs based on non-electrocardiographic-gated CT angiography, five with type R2A anomaly and one had a single left coronary ostium. Four dogs had normal coronary anatomy based on non-electrocardiographic-gated CT angiography. Balloon valvuloplasty was performed without incident in these four dogs. We conclude that non-electrocardiographic-gated CT angiography represents a noninvasive method for diagnosing coronary anomalies in Bulldogs with pulmonary valve stenosis.
Band alignment of atomic layer deposited SiO2 on (010) (Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3

The (AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 system is attracting attention for heterostructure field effect transistors. An important device design parameter is the choice of gate dielectric on the (AlxGa1−x)2O3 and its band alignment at the heterointerface. The valence band offset at the SiO2/(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 heterointerface was measured using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The SiO2 was deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) onto single-crystal β-(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The bandgap of the SiO2 was determined by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy as 8.7 eV, while high resolution XPS data of the O 1s peak and onset of elastic losses were used to establish the (Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 bandgap as 5.0 eV. The valence band offset was determined to be 1.60 ± 0.40 eV (straddling gap, type I alignment) for ALD SiO2 on β-(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3. The conduction band offset was 2.1 ± 0.08 eV, providing for a strong electron transport restriction.The (AlxGa1−x)2O3/Ga2O3 system is attracting attention for heterostructure field effect transistors. An important device design parameter is the choice of gate dielectric on the (AlxGa1−x)2O3 and its band alignment at the heterointerface. The valence band offset at the SiO2/(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 heterointerface was measured using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The SiO2 was deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) onto single-crystal β-(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The bandgap of the SiO2 was determined by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy as 8.7 eV, while high resolution XPS data of the O 1s peak and onset of elastic losses were used to establish the (Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3 bandgap as 5.0 eV. The valence band offset was determined to be 1.60 ± 0.40 eV (straddling gap, type I alignment) for ALD SiO2 on β-(Al0.14Ga0.86)2O3. The conduction band offset was 2.1 ± 0.08 eV, providing for a strong electron transport restriction.
Characterizing the knowledge of educators receiving training in systematic literacy instruction

Addressing the needs of students with dyslexia requires an in-depth knowledge of various components of a multi-dimensional approach to reading intervention, which is supported by an understanding of the structure of the language being taught. The current study explored the association between teacher knowledge of the English language and different stages of training provided through 2-year courses that meet the objectives of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) standards of teacher knowledge and practice. It included 347 K-12 licensed teachers who were at various stages of training when they completed a test of knowledge in the areas of Phonological Sensitivity, Phonemic Awareness, Decoding, Spelling, and Morphology. The level of terminal degree (i.e., BA or MA) held by participating teachers and their amount of teaching experience did not predict performance on the test. In contrast, participating teachers differed in their level of knowledge as a function of how much training they had received as part of a 2-year course. Increased training was associated with elevated levels of knowledge. Moreover, teachers who completed the 2-year training program and went on to obtain certification through a national certifying organization had reliably greater knowledge than those who had not. Additionally, the weakest domains of knowledge across all teachers were in spelling and morphology, suggesting a need for improved training in these domains, given that they are identified deficiencies for persistently poor responders to reading intervention and in children presenting with late emerging forms of reading disability.
Crypto galore

I discuss three aspects of mathematical cryptography that have been themes of Mike Fellows' work: applications of parameterized complexity, combinatorial systems, and Kid Krypto. At times my treatment is anecdotal, and on occasion it veers toward the impractical, fanciful, and even downright goofy.
PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION WITH CONCOMITANT LEFT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION: A CHALLENGING CLINICAL SCENARIO

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) that exists in the presence of heart failure with reduced rejection fraction (HFrEF) may be secondary to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction or may represent an independent pathological process. However, identifying the presence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is
In vivo imaging of D 2 receptors and corticosteroids predict behavioural responses to captivity stress in a wild bird

Individual physiological variation may underlie individual differences in behaviour in response to stressors. This study tested the hypothesis that individual variation in dopamine and corticosteroid physiology in wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus, n = 15) would significantly predict behaviour and weight loss in response to a long-term stressor, captivity. We found that individuals that coped better with captivity (fewer anxiety-related behaviours, more time spent feeding, higher body mass) had lower baseline and higher stress-induced corticosteroid titres at capture. Birds with higher striatal D2 receptor binding (examined using positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-raclopride 24 h post-capture) spent more time feeding in captivity, but weighed less, than birds with lower D2 receptor binding. In the subset of individuals imaged a second time, D2 receptor binding decreased in captivity in moulting birds, and larger D2 decreases were associated with increased anxiety behaviours 2 and 4 weeks post-capture. This suggests changes in dopaminergic systems could be one physiological mechanism underlying negative behavioural effects of chronic stress. Non-invasive technologies like PET have the potential to transform our understanding of links between individual variation in physiology and behaviour and elucidate which neuroendocrine phenotypes predict stress resilience, a question with important implications for both humans and wildlife.
Epigenetic Regulation of TLR4 in Diabetic Macrophages Modulates Immunometabolism and Wound Repair.

Macrophages are critical for the initiation and resolution of the inflammatory phase of wound healing. In diabetes, macrophages display a prolonged inflammatory phenotype preventing tissue repair. TLRs, particularly TLR4, have been shown to regulate myeloid-mediated inflammation in wounds. We examined macrophages isolated from wounds of patients afflicted with diabetes and healthy controls as well as a murine diabetic model demonstrating dynamic expression of TLR4 results in altered metabolic pathways in diabetic macrophages. Further, using a myeloid-specific mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) knockout (Mll1f/fLyz2Cre+ ), we determined that MLL1 drives Tlr4 expression in diabetic macrophages by regulating levels of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation on the Tlr4 promoter. Mechanistically, MLL1-mediated epigenetic alterations influence diabetic macrophage responsiveness to TLR4 stimulation and inhibit tissue repair. Pharmacological inhibition of the TLR4 pathway using a small molecule inhibitor (TAK-242) as well as genetic depletion of either Tlr4 (Tlr4-/- ) or myeloid-specific Tlr4 (Tlr4f/fLyz2Cre+) resulted in improved diabetic wound healing. These results define an important role for MLL1-mediated epigenetic regulation of TLR4 in pathologic diabetic wound repair and suggest a target for therapeutic manipulation.
Improving detection of acoustic sources by coiling fiber optic cable (Erratum)

Publisher’s Note: This paper, originally published on 24 April 2020, was replaced with a corrected/revised version on 8 June 2020. If you downloaded the original PDF but are unable to access the revision, please contact SPIE Digital Library Customer Service for assistance.
Ankle fractures in patients over age 55 years: Predictors of functional outcome.

Objectives To identify predictors of functional outcomes following treatment of ankle fracture in patients 55 years or older. Setting Level 1 Trauma Center. Patients/participants Four hundred twenty-nine patients with torsional ankle fractures (44A-C): 233 patients (54%) were ages 55 to 64, 25% were between the ages 65 and 74; 21% were 75 years or older. Intervention Operative or nonoperative management of ankle fracture. Main outcome measure Early complications were assessed for all patients after minimum of 6 months, and functional outcome scores as assessed by the Foot Function Index (FFI; n = 166, 39%) and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA; n = 168, 39%) after median 57 months follow-up. Results Surgical management was elected in 67% of patients. Nonoperative management became more common with advancing age and was associated with fewer unplanned operations (12% vs 3%, P 15, P < .05). Sex, Hispanic ethnicity, tobacco use, open fracture, dislocation, fracture pattern, and operative management were not independent predictors in this regression model. Conclusions Baseline health and ambulatory capacity at injury were more predictive of outcomes following ankle fracture than were fracture characteristics or type of treatment.
Meaning-Making, Forgiveness, and Gratitude: Nurturing a Healthy, Peaceful, and Prosperous Haiti

We have witnessed the growth and resilience of the Haitian people since 2010 and the devastating earthquake, in over fourteen humanitarian missions. In addition, MeaningfulWorld’s global presence, which aims to raise consciousness and nurture resilience and sustainability among local and global communities in Haiti, has highlighted perspectives from vulnerable and marginalized groups including children, women, and traumatized refugees. The results of this work has addressed the ultimate question in resolving emotional and psychological scars and promoting meaning, healing, hope, reconciliation, and trust: what lessons have we learned from our traumatic past? For MeaningfulWorld ambassadors, the only healthy and permanent means of resolution for past traumas is through integration of emotional intelligence (EQ), spiritual connections, love, meaning-making, forgiveness, and empathy, and nurturing gratitude as a basic foundation. This paper will describe the value of cultivating gratitude as a foundation and utilizing forgiveness and meaning-making through post trauma growth, building resilience, and emotional intelligence. Although historically Haiti has shown resilience, while the lessons learned are not only unclear, it is fragmented, misguided, and focused on fear derived from mass spread of horizontal violence, where the majority of the Haitian population pull one another down, and call it the ‘Haitian disease.’
Application of Data Fusion via Canonical Polyadic Decomposition in Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Construction: Procedure and Stability Evaluation

AbstractMissing data is a common problem in data collection for work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risk-assessment studies. It can cause incompleteness of risk indicators, leading to erro...
Does obesity influence the preferred treatment approach for early-stage cervical cancer? A cost-effectiveness analysis

Objectives: Obesity is a major public health concern and can have a negative impact on surgical outcomes. In 2018, a large, randomized control trial evaluated outcomes of minimally invasive radical hysterectomy (MIH) versus open abdominal radical hysterectomy (TAH) for treatment of early stage cervical cancer finding lower rates of disease free and overall survival in TAH. Regarding cost, previous studies have investigated outcomes and costs between MIH and TAH as well as between primary radiation and TAH, yet limited data exists on the outcomes and cost effectiveness of these treatments when compared among different body mass index (BMI) levels. The objective of this study was to examine how outcomes varied by BMI between treatment options for early stage cervical cancer and to ascertain which option was cost effective. Methods: A Markov decision analytic model was designed using TreeAge Pro software to compare the outcomes and costs of primary radiation versus surgery in women with stage IA1-IB1 cervical cancer. We used a theoretical cohort of 6,000 women who were definitively treated with either (1) TAH, (2) MIH, or (3) primary radiation therapy. We compared results for three BMI ranges: Download : Download high-res image (142KB) Download : Download full-size image Results: Among our cohort of 6,000 women with stage IA1-IB1 cervical cancer, TAH was associated with fewer cervical cancer recurrences and deaths compared to MIH; however, TAH resulted in more complications at each BMI level. Surgical complications outnumbered radiation-related complications as BMI increased. Recurrence rates were similar between TAH and radiation therapy, while there were more deaths associated with surgery. Comparing TAH to MIH, women with a BMI less than 30 had an ICER of $6,800 per QALY and women with a BMI 30-39.9 had an ICER of $739 per QALY. In women with a BMI ≥ 40, TAH was dominant. Comparing TAH to radiation therapy, women with a BMI less than 30 had an ICER of $191,000/QALY and women with a BMI 30-39.9 had an ICER of $133,000/QALY, which were not cost effective. In women with a BMI ≥ 40, the ICER was $88,000/QALY, making radiation therapy cost effective. Conclusions: Increasing BMI affects surgical morbidity as well as cost effectiveness of treatment modality for early stage cervical cancer. We found that at a BMI ≥ 40, TAH is both cost effective and provides cost savings when compared to MIH. When compared to primary radiation, TAH is cost effective at a BMI
Monitoring of Coastal Subsidence by Combining Multiple Sensors

The population of coastal cities is growing rapidly. Estimates of sea level rise indicate that the frequency and damage caused by coastal tidal inundation will increase in the future. Here we present a method of measuring land motion that allows precise estimates of perigean tidal inundation at coastal cities by combining multiple geodetic observations. No single sensor or geodetic technique is capable of providing all the spatiotemporal coverage and information needed to estimate future inundation around the globe. We combine the strengths of optical imagery and digital surface models (DSMs) with differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (DInSAR), satellite laser altimetry and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) observations in order to provide street level estimates of inundation. ICESat-2 is used to correct vertical offsets in the DSMs and derive mean sea level. Relative vertical land motion is found using DInSAR with improved coherence when using DSMs from optical imagery. GNSS rates provide an absolute correction to the relative vertical land motions from DInSAR. DSMs provide precise elevations and representations of vulnerable infrastructure. We present initial results from Mumbai, India's largest city and financial capital.
The Effects of UV-B Radiation on the Mammalian Immune System

Photoimmunology is the study of UV light and its effects on the mammalian immune system. UV light in this context is defined as radiation with wavelengths between 250 and 320 nm. These wavelengths describe part of the UV-C (200–280 nm) and all of the UV-A (280–320) waveband ranges. The effects of this radiation on immunity include suppression of the contact hypersensitivity response (CHS), an immune response similar to a poison ivy reaction, and suppression of the rejection of transplanted UV-induced skin tumors, a reaction directly involved in the outgrowth of skin cancer. Some evidence also exists that suggests that certain infectious diseases may be affected by UV immune suppression.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A DYNAMIC RAMP METERING CONTROL MODEL

Abstract This paper presents a new dynamic ramp metering control model that consists of four components:state estimation, O-D prediction, local metering control and area-wide metering control. The local feedback control and the area-wide optimal control are integrated together in a hierarchical structure. A new dynamic optimal control model for the area-wide metering control is formulated and solved as a non-linear programming problem. The simulation results show that the bilevel algorithm that combines the local feedback control and the new area-wide dynamic optimal control works best in all tested scenarios.