cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preventing Endocrine-Related Laminitis

both of which may further diminish insulin sensitivity. 3 Exercise should be increased in obese horses/ponies with the primary intention of improving insulin sensitivity and secondarily decreasing excess body weight. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity without a change in diet, body condition score (BCS), or body weight. 4,5 It has been shown in horses that improved insulin sensitivity can begin after only a few days of exercise. 6 The amount of increase in exercise will depend on factors including how sedentary the horse/pony is currently, body condition score, musculoskeletal health, and others. Although some obese horses may never develop EMS, they should all be considered EMS candidates, especially those with unusual fat deposits or those with suspected genetic predisposition. 7 All soluble carbohydrates in the form of grain feeding and treats should be removed from the diet of horses/ ponies diagnosed with EMS. If the patient is a pregnant horse/pony, any high-carbohydrate concentrate may need to be gradually replaced with a higher-fat concentrate to prevent negative energy balance and hyperlipemia. In many cases, hay will become the entire diet of horses with EMS. The hay should be routinely tested, mixing samples from several bales from the same field if possible; hay fed to EMS horses/ponies should have a nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content of less than 12%. Some forage analysis laboratories will not provide NSC content but will providewater-solublecarbohydrateandstarchpercentages. This is similar to the NSC, and when added together, should also be below 12%. Mixed grass hay harvested in the summer before seed head formation will usually meet thiscriterion,aswillsomecuttingsofalfalfa.Thehayshould be fed at approximately 1.5% body weight (BW). When we are unsure of the NSC content of hay being fed to EMS patients in our hospital, we may soak the hay in cold water for 30 minutes before feeding to remove some of the sugars in the hay.Thiscan bedoneon a farmwhereEMS horsesexist andwhen hayanalysis has notbeen performed.Pelleted hay with low NSC content and timothy cubes are commercially available and promoted as alternative feeds for horses with EMS or equine cushing’s disease (ECD).
Effects of dietary caffeine and alcohol on liver carbohydrate and fat metabolism in rats.

Background The effects of caffeine on fatty liver induced by high-fat (low-carbohydrate) diets were examined in the presence or absence of alcohol consumption by rats. Material/methods For periods ranging from two to twelve weeks, male Long-Evans rats were given alcohol-free or alcohol-containing liquid diets balanced for energy content, but varying in fat and carbohydrate. In addition, several of the groups were given 0.05% caffeine as a constituent of the liquid diet. At the end of the experiments, trunk blood was collected for blood glucose and plasma leptin, epididymal fat pads were weighed, and liver was taken for analysis of glycogen, glucose, and fat. Results Ethanol-containing diets increased liver fat and depleted liver glycogen and glucose as compared to the corresponding ethanol-free diets, but these effects were less severe in rats given high-carbohydrate diets as compared to those maintained on the high-fat diet. The inclusion of 0.05% caffeine in the diet increased the motor activity of animals with access to a running wheel, yet had no protective effect against ethanol-induced depletion of liver glucose and induction of fatty liver. In fact, caffeine appears to exacerbate the effect of ethanol to deplete liver glycogen, decrease epididymal fat pad weight and lower serum leptin. Conclusions Since liver glycogen stores can be depleted by treatments such as caffeine which do not exacerbate ethanol-related liver fat accumulation, the depletion of liver glycogen following chronic ethanol is not the single causal determinant of the resulting fatty liver. Other aspects of carbohydrate metabolism, including accumulations of endogenous regulatory intermediates or ethanol-derived compounds, might be more directly influenced by chronic alcohol ingestion.
Cardiac responses to isometric exercise: comparative effects with different postures and levels of exertion.

The time course of cardiocirculatory responses to different levels of isometric handgrip (IHG) in sitting position were studied noninvasively in normal males and compared to supine IHG results in the same subjects. Control Comparisons. Resting postural differences were as expected: sitting heart rates (HR), pre-ejection phase (PEP) and PEP/LVET were higher while left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and ejection time index (ETI) were lower than those supine (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). The following trends, while not statistically significant, were also noted: systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower while pressure-rate product (PRP), the interval from appearance of the Q wave to the first major "mitral" component of the first heart sound (Q-IM), and isovolumic contraction time (IVCT) tended to be higher than those supine. Isometric Exercise. The supine IHG results are consistent with data reported in the literature. During sitting IHG at 15% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) there was no statistica...
Construction of high rate codes from an infinite memory constraint graph

The authors explain and demonstrate specific techniques used in constructing codes for a class of graphs. A constraint graph describing sequences for a novel recording and detecting technique can be used as the basis for constructing both rate 4/5 and a rate 5/6 sliding block decodable codes. Normally, a straightforward application of the state-splitting algorithm of R. Adler et al. (1983) could be used to construct such codes. However, the constraint graph of this problem has infinite memory and thus requires code construction techniques beyond that given by Adler et al. The modifications to the state-splitting algorithm that were used to construct highly efficient codes from an infinite memory constraint graph are discussed. >
Transendoscopic laser ablation of upper respiratory cysts in 12 horses, 1993-2003

Laser logs and hopstial medical records were examined to determine the number of horses presented for transendoscopic laser ablation of upper respiratory cysts. The two most common lesions were subepiglottic cysts and dorsal pharyngeal cysts. The majority of the horses presenting with these two cystic lesions were under four years of age. Two horses, six and eight years of age, were presented with maxillary sinus cyst of less than 2 cm diameter as demonstrated by radiography. The two horses which presented for nasal cyst were significantly older than any others, being eighteen and twenty-five years of age. Cysts located in the nasal passage and pharynx were visible endoscopically via either of the nasal passages. In the case of the maxillary sinus cyst, trephination allowed for a visual examination and treatment. All horses were treated by transendoscopic laser ablation using either the Nd:YAG laser or the 50-watt 980 nm diode laser using standing sedation. The twelve-year-old horse with the subepiglottic cyst returned, after receiving laser photoablation, for surgical resection of the deflated cyst as portions of it could still be observed on endoscopic examination. For the remainder of the horses, transendoscopic laser photoablation of the respiratory cyst proved to be a satisfactory means of treating the lesion with minimal complications.
Heparin delivery at the site of angioplasty with a nevel drug delivery sleeve

Abstract We conclude that the infusion sleeve can be used in conjunction with standard angioplasty equipment to deliver agent at the site of angioplasty. Further studies are ongoing to determine the safety and efficacy of this approach.
Selected washing processes affect thermal gelation properties and microstructure of mechanically deboned chicken meat.

Cooked mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM), washed with tap water, 0.5% sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.2; ionic strength, 0.1), or 0.1M sodium chloride had increased (P lt;0.05) gel strength compared to unwashed MDCM. The selected washing solutions affected (P lt;0.05) lightness (HunterLab L values) of washed meat, and also had a slight (Plt;0.05) influence on water-holding capacity and textural properties. These differences were attributed to pH and washing solvent residue in the washed MDCM. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct differences between the washed and unwashed MDCM. The washed meat showed a fibrous protein network structure resulting from protein gelation.
Sound Propagation in a Shallow Water Region Overlying a Viscoelastic Halfspace

Sound propagation in shallow water is investigated using the Green's function and normal mode expansion techniques. The ideal fluid is bounded above by a pressure-release condition and below by a viscoelastic solid. A depth-dependent sound velocity is considered in the fluid column. Numerical results are evaluated using a digital computer to perform the calculations determined by the theory. The input parameters are chosen from the conditions described at an experimental site in the Baltic Sea. The output is in the form of a plot of transmission loss versus horizontal source-receiver separation distance. The computer simulation agrees qualitatively with the experimental results and demonstrates the importance of the bottom boundary composition on the attenuation of the sound. The authors' approach to the bottom boundary condition incorporates the concept of impedance and hence is very general in application.
Research for Classroom Teachers

Abstract A Study to Determine the Criteria and Methods Used By Business Departments or Divisions of Midwestern Colleges and Universities in Evaluating Faculty For Raises, Promotions, and Tenure… Ed.D. Study — College of Business Northern Illinois University Dekalb, Illinois by Terry A. Madoch Elmhurst College Elmhurst, Illinois A Study of the Content in Selected Textbooks for the Commonly Offered Basic Business Courses in Secondary Schools… Ph.D. Study Indiana State University by L. Eugene Jones Northeast Louisiana University Monroe, Louisiana An Assessment of the Secretarial and Clerical Programs in the Area Vocational-Technical Schools of Arkansas… Ed.D. Study University of Mississippi by Donald R. Roberts Arkansas State University An Assessment of the Secretarial and Clerical Programs in the Area Vocational-Technical Schools of Arkansas… Ed. D. Study University of Mississippi by Donald R. Roberts Arkansas State University
Event-driven implantable neural recording integrated system using level-crossing detectors

This paper presents a low-power multi-electrode neural recording system using an activity-dependant architecture. Various low-voltage circuit design techniques are shown to enable the operation of the system at supply voltages of 0.35 V and 0.7 V. As a proof of concept, a 10-channel neural recording prototype is demonstrated in a 0.13 μm CMOS technology. The total power consumption of this prototype reduces from 17.6 μW in the continuous recording mode to 7.6 μW in the proposed activity-dependent recording mode.
Decreased Jejunal Uptake of Labeled Folic Acid (3H-PGA) in Alcoholic Patients: Roles of Alcohol and Nutrition

Abstract The jejunal uptake of labeled folic acid (3H-PGA) was measured in chronic alcoholic patients without definite liver disease. The intestine was perfused through a triple lumen tube with a solution containing 3H-PGA in a concentration of 25 ng per milliliter. Uptake was low in eight patients who gave a history of poor diet during the alcoholic binge that preceded admission (20.4 per cent ± 4.16 S.D.). A significantly greater value was obtained in nine abstinent subjects fed a hospital diet for two weeks (36.5 per cent ± 5.75). The subsequent administration of ethanol for two weeks to seven patients did not change the mean uptake of 3H-PGA (34.8 per cent ± 9.87). This study confirms that the absorption of folic acid is decreased in malnourished, actively drinking alcoholics. The data suggest that the functional defect is caused by poor nutrition rather than a toxic effect of ethanol on the jejunum.
A New Case of Mu Heavy Chain Disease: Clinical and Immunochemical Studies

A new case of mu heavy chain disease is described. The patient, a 48-yr-old Italian housewife, suffered from chronic lymphocytic leukemia of 3 yr duration with anemia and hepatosplenomegaly, but no peripheral lymph node enlargement. Serum protein studies disclosed a small M component with gamma-1 mobility ascribable to free kappa chains, hypogammaglobulinemia, and mu chain fragments with abnormally anodic mobility. Appreciable amounts of kappa chains were also detected in the urine. The mu chain disease protein had a molecular weight of approximately 54,000 and a heterogeneous NH2 terminus, alanine being the main identifiable residue. The NH2 terminal of the kappa chain was glutamic acid. No J chain was detected by polyacrylamide electrophoresis of the partially reduced and alkylated mu chain disease protein.
Feedback Control during Mode Transition for a Marine Dual Fuel Engine

Abstract Mode transition is an important control challenge for dual fuel engines, particularly for marine applications where fuel quality and composition may vary over a wide range. Feedback control is critical for dealing with fuel uncertainties and assuring robust performance. In this paper, a model-based approach is pursued for dual fuel engine mode switch control. A mean-value control-oriented model for a marine dual fuel engine is constructed in MATLAB™/ Simulink™environment. This model is used to emulate the mode transition process for shipboard generator set applications. Three different control architectures are examined for feedback control based on engine speed regulation during mode transitions. Based on the metric that reflects engine speed tracking error, it is found that a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) architecture with feedback corrections applied to both gas fuel and diesel is advantageous versus architectures that apply corrections to only one (either diesel or gas) fuel command.
The Results of Four Wisconsin Focus Groups: Roles of Husbands and Wives in Farm Decisions

The study consisted of four gender-segregated focus groups in which farm couples were asked to describe an actual and a hypothetical farm decision. We used this study to triangulate the findings of a survey of six hundred couples on farm decision making. We also used it to formulate a theoretical model of farm decision making and to determine which explanatory variables to include. The findings indicate that while couples exhibit a high degree of cooperation, share goals, and make long-term decisions jointly, they have different preferences and different spheres of influence and decision making on the farm. This points to a cooperative bargaining model of decision-making behavior. Factors that most influenced decision making were age, debt load, and wives' off-farm income.
Transcription Factor Integration from Pathways Regulating Adult Blood Stem Cell Production and Self-Renewal.

Self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) involves multiple signaling and transcription factors. We recently showed that prostaglandin (PG) E2 regulates the induction and engraftment of vertebrate HSC pathways. Yet, the targets and transcriptional output of the PGE2 pathway remains to be defined. The wnt pathway similarly affects HSC formation; activation of wnt signaling in heat-shock inducible transgenic zebrafish led to enhanced HSC formation, while inhibition of wnt/β-catenin signaling at the membrane level (dickkopf), in the cytosol (axin) or in the nucleus (dominant negative TCF), reduced HSC numbers. Using wnt transcriptional reporter zebrafish with multimerized TCF-binding sites. PGE2 was found to increase activity during embryonic development, demonstrating a direct interaction between these signaling pathways. The transcriptional output of the wnt pathway is linked to the interaction of TCF with β-catenin. Based on the transcriptional increase in multimerized TCF binding sites in vivo, we had hypothesized that prostaglandin signaling directly stimulates β-catenin activation. β-catenin is known to be phosphorylated on critical residues that modulate its activity. In marrow-derived cells, we demonstrate that prostaglandin increases a cyclic AMP pathway that leads to the PKA phosphorylation of β-catenin, thereby increasing its transcriptional activity. In HSCs, the interaction of multiple signaling pathways with transcriptional output is a method for modulating self-renewal in the stem cell pool as well as tissue differentiation.
The Pathogenesis of Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Polygenic Disease

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disease, consuming almost 15% of annual health care expenditures in the United States. The focus of this review is on type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus, which accounts for approximately 90% of diabetic patients. The current understanding of the pathogenesis of type II diabetes is multifaceted. Complex defects in both insulin action and insulin secretion produce the metabolic derangements responsible for the disease. The pathophysiology is the result of a combination of polygene defects and environmental factors. The search for the responsible gene or genes is described and several candidate genes are discussed. Diabetogenes are addressed in the context of type II diabetes representing a prototype for the identification of the genetic basis of common diseases.
A computational study of a hybrid plasmonic-microring for label-free detection

We computationally investigated the geometrical parameters of a hybrid plasmonic-microring resonator to enhance the detection sensitivity of the sensor without compromising the device performance. The detection sensitivity of the device is 77 fm per binding event of a thyroglobulin molecule.
Conducting Research in Lebanon: An Overview of Historical Sources in Beirut (Part I)

Nearly two decades of war in Lebanon crippled possibilities for historical research during a period when scholarship underwent significant theoretical and methodological developments. The last several years, however, have seen a renewed vigor to preserve, catalog, and promote all types of sources that could possibly shed light on the rich history of the country and of the Middle East in general. Sources and resources in Lebanon are largely decentralized, rendering the country something of a logistical labyrinth that can cost scholars considerable expenditures of time and energy. This article is a modest attempt to facilitate research in Beirut. Although mostly geared towards historians, we hope that this article may prove useful to scholars from other fields as well. It is slightly slanted towards the British and American academies, particularly since the Francophone world has been so much more embedded in the intellectual and scholarly atmosphere of the country.
What Have You Done for Me Lately? Educational Research and Urban Schools:

Educational scholars have argued that poverty can hamper student achievement. In this critical discussion paper, we provide a historiography of how urban poverty increased in America over the last ...
A Systems Approach to Behavior

This paper is an empirical exploration of a new approach to understanding how organisms develop selective and organized behavioral interactions with differing environments. By investigating mutually dependent “interbehavioral” transactions between individuals and environments, need exists for reformulating “reinforcement,” “learning,” and “motivation” conceptions and replacing them with parametric specifications of particular organismic, spatial, temporal, and historical variable configurations. Only such a “systems” analysis will suffice for future theoretical progress.
Educating through Microaggressions: Self-Care for Diversity Educators.

Universities increasingly call upon employees to educate campus community members on diversity, yet the experiences of these educators are rarely addressed. Via scholarly personal narratives, a team of diversity educators at a predominantly White research university shared their experiences facilitating diversity trainings while attempting to maintain self-care, including their processes of (a) navigating resistance through intersectional identities, (b) proving legitimacy as diversity educators, (c) experiencing burnout, and (d) validating and supporting each as other cofacilitators.
Development of a soft-inflatable exosuit for knee rehabilitation

This paper presents the design, development and preliminary evaluation of a soft-inflatable exosuit for knee rehabilitation. Soft-inflatable actuators made of heat-sealable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials are fabricated in two different beam-like structures (I and O cross-section actuators) and mechanically characterized for their torque performance in knee-extension assistance. The fabrication procedure of both types of actuators is presented as well as their integration into a lightweight, low-cost and body-conforming interface. To detect the activation duration of the device during the gait cycle, a soft-silicone insole with embedded force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) is used. In evaluation studies, the soft-inflatable exosuit device is tested for its ability to reduce muscle activity during the swing phase of the knee. Using sEMG (surface electromyography) sensors, the rectus femoris muscle group of a healthy individual is recorded while walking on a treadmill at a constant speed, with and without the soft device. Preliminary testing presents a promising 7% reduction in muscle activity and demonstrates the applicability of the soft-inflatable exosuit in knee rehabilitation scenarios.
User-Centred Evaluation for Machine Learning

Activity tracking wearables like Fitbit or mobile applications like Moves have seen immense growth in recent years. However, users often experience errors that occur in unexpected and inconsistent ways making it difficult for them to find a workaround and ultimately leading them to abandon the system. This is not too surprising given that intelligent systems typically design the modelling algorithm independent of the overall user experience. Furthermore, the user experience often takes a seamless design approach which hides nuanced aspects of the model leaving only the model’s prediction for the user to see. This prediction is presented optimistically meaning that the user is expected to assume that it is correct. To better align the design of the user experience with the development of the underlying algorithms we propose a validation pipeline based on user-centred design principles and usability standards for use in model optimisation, selection and validation. Specifically, we show how available user experience research can highlight the need for new evaluation criteria for models of activity and we demonstrate the use of a user-centred validation pipeline to select a modelling approach which best addresses the user experience as a whole.
Processing of insect retrotransposons by self-cleaving ribozymes

We show that several classes of insect non-LTR retrotransposons harbor self-cleaving ribozymes of the HDV family at their 5′ termini. In Drosophila the R2 ribozymes exhibit highly differential in vivo expression and robust in vitro activity, modulated by an upstream sequence originating from the insertion site. Our data suggest a role for self-cleaving ribozymes in co-transcriptional processing of retrotransposons with implications for downstream events, including translation and retrotransposition.
Effects of physiological factors on oxygen transport in an in vitro capillary system.

Mathematical simulation of oxygen transport in the microcirculation normally requires the introduction of a number of simplifying assumptions to reduce the very complicated physical situation to a form that is tractable. Unfortunately, there are difficulties in designing and executing experiments that will serve to test these assumptions critically. As a result, various workers use different sets of inadequately tested simplifying assumptions. Somewhat analogous difficulties exist in measurement of detailed oxygen concentrations and transport rates in vivo. Considerable progress has been made in these important measurements, but there are experimental difficulties in exact determination of several important parameters, including the capillary wall boundary conditions and the capillary dimensions.
Revised Sentencing Guidelines and the Ex Post Facto Clause

Federal judges must sentence convicted offenders according to guidelines promulgated and periodically revised by the United States Sentencing Commission ("The Commission").' By both statute and guideline, sentencing judges are required to apply the Guidelines Manual in effect at the time of sentencing.2 Citing the Ex Post Facto Clause,3 however, every circuit has rejected sentences produced by this rule where an applicable guideline was revised to the offender's detriment between the time the offense was committed and the time of sentencing.4 A more difficult situation arises when the defendant is convicted of two offenses, the first committed before, and the second after, a revised edition of the Guidelines Manual becomes effective. The guidelines direct the courts to apply the revised Manual to both offenses.5 The circuit courts are split as to whether this violates the Ex Post Facto Clause.6 This Comment concludes that the provision requiring this result, ? 1B1.11(b)(3), is unconstitutional. The Ex Post Facto Clause provides simply, "No ... ex post facto Law shall be passed."7 This prohibition is understood to extend to a special class of criminal laws -those that act retrospectively and to the disadvantage of the offender.8 "Critical to relief under the Ex Post Facto Clause is ... the lack of fair notice and governmental restraint when the legislature increases punishment beyond what was prescribed when the crime was consummated."9 While notice ex ante is
Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis Comparing Semitendinosus Alone and Semitendinosus with Gracilis Tendon Autografts.

The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to compare patient-reported outcomes and functional knee parameters of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery with semitendinosus (ST) and ST-gracilis (G) grafts. This study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. All studies in PubMed and Embase that reported functional knee parameters and patient-reported outcomes after ACL reconstruction with ST and ST-G grafts independently were included in the review. Selected end points for random effects, pairwise meta-analysis included side-to-side deficit (%) in isokinetic peak torque, peak torque ratio (%), side-to-side difference (mm) in anterior laxity, and patient-reported outcome scores at minimum 2-year follow-up. A total of 15 primary references comprising 1,109 participants were identified. The ST group had decreased side-to-side deficit in isokinetic peak torque when compared with the ST-G group for flexion at 60 degrees/s (p = 0.02) and 180 degrees/s (p = 0.01) at 2-year follow-up. There were no significant differences in side-to-side difference in anterior laxity (p = 0.81), hamstring/quadriceps peak torque ratios at 60 degrees/s (p = 0.83) and 180 degrees/s (p = 0.36), and patient-reported outcomes in the International Knee Documentation Committee score (p = 0.06) and Lysholm score (p = 0.67). The addition of the gracilis tendon to the hamstring autograft in ACL reconstruction results in increased side-to-side deficits in isokinetic peak flexion torque. However, patient-reported outcome scores and knee laxity measurements are comparable with those of ST grafts.
Neural Implant Materials: Safety Evaluation in Implanted Neural Probes Under MRI

Tissue temperature rise caused by MRI-induced currents can pose a serious risk to the safety of patients with implanted neural probes in their brain while undergoing MRI scans. In this paper, we present the initial results of finite element method simulations which predict the temperature rise induced by MRI gradient coils in an implanted disk using a brain tissue phantom. In order to verify the results of our simulations we used a model consisting of a disk which is implanted into a cylindrical tissue phantom inside an animal bore found in the literature. Multiple electromagnetic and transient thermal simulations were performed on the disks made of various materials which are used commonly for the fabrication of neural probes including titanium, iridium, platinum, titanium nitride, and cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC). Hereby, we primarily focus on the effects of MRI gradient coils that generate a time-varying electromagnetic field with a switching frequency of 500 Hz at the rate of 25 T/s. These simulations revealed that the 3C-SiC disk has the lowest temperature rise and specific absorption rate (SAR), in comparison with the other common materials, under MRI scans.
A randomized trial of laryngeal organ preservation evaluating two cycles of induction chemotherapy with platinum, docetaxel, and a novel Bcl-xL inhibitor.

6066Background: Laryngeal bio-selection with induction chemotherapy (platinum + 5-FU infusion: PF) has been demonstrated to result in impressive rates of survival and organ preservation with modera...
An evaluation of adaptive planning by assessing the dosimetric impact of weight loss throughout the course of radiotherapy in bilateral treatment of head and neck cancer patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dosimetric impact of weight loss in head and neck (H&N) patients and examine the effectiveness of adaptive planning. Data was collected from 22 H&N cancer patients who experienced weight loss during their course of radiotherapy. The robustness of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) treatment plans were compared including the potential need for replanning. The dosimetric impact of weight loss was evaluated by calculating a verification plan for each patient on an assessment CT scan taken during the course of treatment. Using a regression analysis, significance was tested for the dosimetric change in target volumes and 10 specific organs at risk (OAR) using an anatomical separation difference in the H&N at corresponding levels. For both the IMRT and VMAT plans, a significant correlation was found for the dose to 5% of the high risk Planning Target Volume (PTV) (D5), dose to 95% of the intermediate risk PTV and Clinical Target Volume (CTV) (D95), and the percentage of the pharynx receiving 65 Gy. An independent t-test was also performed for each metric in the VMAT and IMRT plans showing the dose to 95% of the intermediate risk PTV as significant. No quantitative method for finding the threshold of anatomical separation difference requiring a replan was established. Based on the increase in dose to organs at risk and increased target coverage due to separation loss, it was concluded that adaptive radiotherapy may not always be necessary when alignment of bony anatomy and remaining soft tissue is within tolerance. Physician judgment and preference is needed in such situations.
Is on-site wastewater a significant source of phosphorus to coastal plain streams?

On-site wastewater systems are commonly used to treat wastewater in rural areas, and many studies have shown these systems to be efficient at reducing phosphorus concentrations. However, as rural areas urbanize and the density of on-site systems increases, effluent discharges to the subsurface may contribute to water quality degradation. Many residences (~ 50%) use on-site systems in North Carolina where excess nutrient loadings have caused water use impairment. The goal of this study was to determine whether on-site system inputs had a measurable influence on stream phosphorus concentrations and loads. Seven watersheds including 3 served by on-site systems and 4 control watersheds served by a municipal sewer system in coastal North Carolina were sampled each month for 13 months during baseflow conditions and during two storm events for total phosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus analyses and physical and chemical characterization. Watersheds served by on-site systems had significantly (p < 0.05) larger concentrations of total phosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus relative to the control watersheds (municipal sewer) that did not receive wastewater discharges. Mass loads of total phosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus were also significantly (p < 0.05) greater from watersheds served by on-site systems relative to municipal sewer. These data suggest that on-site systems influenced the water quality of streams with regard to in-stream phosphorus concentrations and led to higher phosphorus loading to downstream aquatic ecosystems relative to control watersheds. Watershed nutrient management plans should address phosphorus contributions from both on-site systems and municipal sewer systems in coastal plain regions.
NMR Imaging Investigations of Case II Diffusion in Polymers

Case II diffusion in glassy polymers is studied extensively using techniques that require destruction of the sample or interruption of the diffusion processes to make proper measurements. NMR imaging is a new technique that does not require the destruction of the sample or interruption of the diffusion processes. This investigation shows that NMR imaging is applicable to studying diffusion processes in polymers. FLASH images provide an accurate representation of the concentration profiles from diffusion of methanol into PMMA and show the major aspects of Case II diffusion. A special diffusion imaging pulse sequence provides information on the self-diffusion of the methanol in the PMMA. Images based on NMR relaxation times show the differences in molecular motions of the methanol in the bulk solvent, at the bulk-rubber interface and at the rubber-glass interface.
The Influence of Cultural Values on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Diffusion Levels: A Cross-National Study

It has been posited that information and communication technology (ICT) diffusion can be explained by national culture since individuals from different cultures think and behave differently toward ...
Association of High Mortality With Postoperative Myocardial Infarction After Major Vascular Surgery Despite Use of Evidence-Based Therapies.

Importance Patients undergoing vascular surgery are at high risk of postoperative myocardial infarction (POMI). Postoperative myocardial infarction is independently associated with significant risk of in-hospital mortality. Objective To examine the association of patient and procedural characteristics with the risk of POMI after vascular surgery and determine the association of evidence-based therapies with longer-term outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data within a statewide quality improvement collaborative database between January 2012 and December 2017. Patient demographics, comorbid conditions, and perioperative medications were captured. Patients were grouped according to occurrence of POMI. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with POMI. The collaborative collects data from private and academic hospitals in Michigan. Patients undergoing major vascular surgery, defined as endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, open abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral bypass, carotid endarterectomy, or carotid artery stenting were included. Analysis began December 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures The presence of a POMI and 1-year mortality. Results Of 26 231 patients identified, 16 989 (65.8%) were men and the overall mean (SD) age was 69.35 (9.89) years. A total of 410 individuals (1.6%) experienced a POMI. Factors associated with higher rates of POMI were age (odds ratio [OR], 1.032 [95% CI, 1.019-1.045];P Conclusions and Relevance Despite high rates of discharge with evidence-based therapies, the long-term burden of POMI is substantial, with a high mortality rate in the following year. Patients with diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and valvular disease warrant additional consideration in the preoperative period. Further, aggressive strategies to treat patients who experience a POMI are needed to reduce the risk of postoperative mortality.
The effector mechanism of siRNA spherical nucleic acids

Spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) are nanostructures formed by chemically conjugating short linear strands of oligonucleotides to a nanoparticle template. When made with modified small interfering RNA (siRNA) duplexes, SNAs act as single-entity transfection and gene silencing agents and have been used as lead therapeutic constructs in several disease models. However, the manner in which modified siRNA duplex strands that comprise the SNA lead to gene silencing is not understood. Herein, a systematic analysis of siRNA biochemistry involving SNAs shows that Dicer cleaves the modified siRNA duplex from the surface of the nanoparticle, and the liberated siRNA subsequently functions in a way that is dependent on the canonical RNA interference mechanism. By leveraging this understanding, a class of SNAs was chemically designed which increases the siRNA content by an order of magnitude through covalent attachment of each strand of the duplex. As a consequence of increased nucleic acid content, this nanostructure architecture exhibits less cell cytotoxicity than conventional SNAs without a decrease in siRNA activity.
Technoeconomic model of second-life batteries for utility-scale solar considering calendar and cycle aging

Abstract The rapid proliferation of electric vehicles is creating a fleet of millions of lithium-ion batteries that will be deemed unsuitable for the transportation industry once they reach 80% of their original capacity. The repurposing and deployment of these batteries as stationary energy storage provides an opportunity to reduce the cost of solar-plus-storage systems, if the economics can be proven. We present a techno-economic model of a solar-plus-second-life energy storage project in California, including a data-based model of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide battery degradation, to predict its capacity fade over time, and compare it to a project that uses a new lithium-ion battery. By setting certain control policy limits, to minimize cycle aging, we show that a system with state-of-charge limits in a 65–15% range, extends the project life to over 16 years, assuming a battery reaches its end-of-life at 60% of its original capacity. Under these conditions, a second-life project is more economically favorable than a project that uses a new battery and 85–20% state-of-charge limits, for second-life battery costs that are
6 – FORTRAN SUBROUTINES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses Fortran subroutines. A Fortran subroutine is any set of Fortran statements that is compiled and assembled as a single unit. Some Fortran compilers distinguish among main routines, subroutines, and function subroutines. The main routine happens to be the one that the monitor system enters when it begins execution. From the point of view of the monitor, the main routine is a subroutine. A function subroutine is similar to an ordinary routine except that it puts a number into the accumulator before returning to the calling program. The chapter also discusses how the machine transfers control from the calling program to the subroutine and how the machine transfers information. It discusses how the compiler, assembler, and loader facilitate the transfer of information. A program consists of one or more subroutines. These subroutines are processed quite independently of each other until they come to the loading phase.
Used dental implant healing abutments elicit immune responses: A comparative analysis of detoxification strategies

Purpose To determine if healing abutments (HA) can be "decontaminated" using four strategies available in clinical settings and compare the detoxification efficacy by quantifying residual biomaterial and capacity to elicit an inflammatory response in-vitro. Materials and methods Forty HA collected from subjects following intraoral use were randomly distributed into four test groups (A-D): A: autoclave only, B: ultrasonic bath plus autoclave, C: prophy-jet plus autoclave, and D: Scrub sponge plus autoclave. New, sterile HA: group E (Control). Residual protein concentration was determined by Micro BCA assay and stained with Phloxine B for macroscopic examination. HA were placed in human CD14+ monocyte derived-macrophage (mo-Mφ) cultures and supernatant collected at 4, 24, 48, and 5 days to analyze cytokine profiles using multiplex bead assay. Results Test groups showed visible differences in "decontamination" levels compared to control. Groups C and D showed most effective debris removal and lowest residual protein concentration. Multiplex assay showed marked induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines by groups A and B and to a significantly lower level by groups C and D. Conclusion HA were not entirely "decontaminated" using common methods available relative to new, sterile HA and were capable of stimulating an immune response.
Bone Mineral Density – Clinical Relevance and Quantitative Assessment

Bone mineral density (BMD) measurement by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is an internationally accepted standard-of-care screening tool used to assess fragility-fracture risk. Society guidelines have recommended which populations may benefit from DXA screening and the use of the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) to guide decisions regarding pharmacologic treatment for osteoporosis. According to the U.S. National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines, postmenopausal women and men at least 50 y old with osteopenic BMD warrant pharmacologic treatment if they have a FRAX-calculated 10-y probability of at least 3% for hip fracture or at least 20% for major osteoporotic fracture. Patients with osteoporosis defined by a clinical event, namely a fragility fracture, or with an osteoporotic BMD should also be treated. Patients who are treated for osteoporosis should be monitored regularly to track expected gains in BMD by serial DXA scans. With some drug therapies, BMD targets can be reached whereby further improvements in BMD are not associated with further reductions in fracture risk. Although reaching this target might suggest a stopping point for therapy, the reversibility of most treatments for osteoporosis, except for the bisphosphonates, has dampened enthusiasm for this approach. In the case of denosumab, it is now apparent that stopping therapy at any point can lead to an increase in multiple-fracture risk. For patients who do not respond to antiosteoporosis pharmacologic therapy with an improvement in BMD, or who have an incident fragility fracture on therapy, secondary causes of osteoporosis or non-compliance with medical therapy should be considered.
Field Determined Live Load Distribution Factors for Modular Press-Brake-Formed Tub Girders:

This paper is focused on the field performance of a modular press-brake-formed tub girder (PBFTG) system in short span bridge applications. The scope of this project to conduct a live load field te...
Analysis of intraoperative human brain tissue transcriptome reveals putative risk genes and altered molecular pathways in glioma-related seizures.

Abstract Background The pathogenesis of glioma-related seizures (GRS) is poorly understood. Here in, we aim to identify putative molecular pathways that lead to the development of GRS. Methods We determined brain transcriptome from intraoperative human brain tissue of patients with either GRS, glioma without seizures (non-GRS), or with idiopathic temporal lobe epilepsy (iTLE). We performed transcriptome-wide comparisons between disease groups tissue from non-epileptic controls (non-EC) to identify differentially-expressed genes (DEG). We compared DEGs to identify those that are specific or common to the groups. Through a gene ontology analysis, we identified molecular pathways enriched for genes with a Log-fold change ≥1.5 or ≤−1.5 and p-value Results We identified 110 DEGs that are associated with GRS vs. non-GRS: 80 genes showed high and 30 low expression in GRS. There was significant overexpression of genes involved in cell-to-cell and glutamatergic signaling (CELF4, SLC17A7, and CAMK2A) and down-regulation of genes involved immune-trafficking (CXCL8, H19, and VEGFA). In the iTLE vs GRS analysis, there were 1098 DEGs: 786 genes were overexpressed and 312 genes were underexpressed in the GRS samples. There was significant enrichment for genes considered markers of oncogenesis (GSC, MYBL2, and TOP2A). Further, there was down-regulation of genes involved in the glutamatergic neurotransmission (vesicular glutamate transporter-2) in the GRS vs. iTLE samples. Conclusions We identified a number of altered processes such as cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, inflammation-related, and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of GRS. Our findings offer a new landscape of targets to further study in the fields of brain tumors and seizures.
Guillain-Barre syndrome following the first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine: A temporal occurrence, not a causal association

Safety monitoring is of paramount importance for vaccines authorized for emergent use (EUA) by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) against SARS-CoV-2. Mass immunization is an essential tool to end the current pandemic, but vaccine surveillance is necessary to identify any potentially associated harms. At the same time, probability of temporal bias should be borne in mind before making conclusions about causality between the vaccine and an attributable undesired effect. We report a case of Guillain-Barre syndrome after the first dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and believe this is a temporal, rather than causal association.
Family vulnerability and disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic: prospective pathways to child maladjustment.

Background This study evaluated two risk pathways that may account for increases in child internalizing and externalizing problems during the COVID-19 pandemic: one pathway operating through pre-existing family vulnerability and a second pathway operating through disruption in family functioning occurring in response to the pandemic. We assessed family disruption and family functioning with measures of key family-level and parenting dimensions, including family cohesion, conflict and routines, and parents' harsh discipline, lax discipline and warmth. In all models, pre-pandemic parent emotional distress, financial strain and child maladjustment were included as covariates. Methods The sample included 204 families, comprised of parents who had children (MAge = 4.17; 45.1% girls). Parents (MAge = 27.43) completed the first survey prior to COVID-19 onset in the United States, a second survey after COVID-19 onset in May 2020 and a third survey two weeks later. Results Analyses were conducted in a model-building fashion, first computing structural equation models for each family and parenting dimension separately, then advancing significant dimensions into one integrated model for the family-level factors and a second model for parenting quality factors. Results provided more support for the family disruption hypothesis across all tests. In the family-level domain, decreases in family cohesion and increases in family conflict each uniquely predicted subsequent child maladjustment. In the parenting domain, increases in harsh discipline and lax discipline each uniquely predicted subsequent child maladjustment. Family routines and parental warmth were not associated with child adjustment. However, parents' emotional distress prior to the pandemic exhibited a robust association with children's internalizing problems. Conclusions These findings indicate that efforts to support families in adapting to unique conditions of the pandemic will yield the greatest effect for child adjustment. Specifically, interventions should include efforts to help families maintain cohesion and manage conflict, and help parents minimize increases in harsh and lax discipline.