cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemiluminescence by Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes from Patients with Active Bacterial Infection

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes of 18 patients during 19 episodes of active bacterial infection produced increased chemiluminescence (mean +/- standard error [SE], 56.3 +/- 4.4 X 10(3) cpm) when the production was compared to that of 29 uninfected controls (35.3 +/- 2.4 X 10(3) cpm; P less than 0.01). Chemiluminescence production remained increased with persistent infection but fell to the levels of controls with appropriate therapy. Phagocytic uptake as determined with radiolabeled bacteria was increased, and chemotactic responsiveness was markedly enhanced in the patients (mean index +/- SE, 260 +/- 51) when these responses were compared with those of controls (77 +/- 18). Chemiluminescence and chemotactic activity correlated in the patients with bacterial infection (r = 0.76), but one function did not appear to depend upon the intactness of the other. The ratio of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-phosphate to cyclic adenosine 3',5'-hosphate in the polymorphonuclear leukocytes of patients with infections (mean +/- SE, 0.102 +/- 0.0008) was also significantly higher than in controls (0.067 +/- 0.007). These data indicate that the polymorphonuclear leukocytes of the majority of patients with active bacterial infection are in an activated state both functionally and metabolically.
Synthesis of a peptide-universal nucleotide antigen: towards next-generation antibodies to detect topoisomerase I-DNA covalent complexes

The topoisomerase (topo) I-DNA covalent complex represents an attractive target for developing diagnostic antibodies to measure responsiveness to drugs. We report a new antigen, peptide 2, and four murine monoclonal antibodies raised against 2 that exhibit excellent specificity for recognition of 2 in comparison to structurally similar peptides by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Although topo I-DNA complex detection was not achieved in cellular samples by these new antibodies, a new strategy for antigen design is reported.
Performance of Lambs Fed Diets Containing Whole Corn Plant Ensiled with Swine Manure Solids1234

Two nitrogen (N) balance trials and one group feeding trial were conducted with growing crossbred lambs to determine the nutritive value of fermented swine manure solids with whole corn plant. Manure solids collected from an open concrete growing-finishing swine feedlot were ensiled with chopped mature whole corn plant at a 26:74 ratio (DMB) in balance trials and a 14:86 ratio (DMB) in the group feeding trial. Fermentation characteristics of the swine manure-corn forage mixtures were evaluated. Diets for the first balance trial were; (1) corn silage alone, (2) waste silage alone, (3) corn silage plus urea and (4) waste silage plus corn grain. Dry matter (DM) intake was highest (P ◄ .01) for the waste silage-corn diet. Intake of corn silage-based diets were lowest. Nitrogen digestibility (P ◄ .01), N intake (P ◄ .01) and N retention (P ◄ .05) were higher for waste silage-based diets than for corn silage-based diets. Dry matter and organic matter (OM) digestibilities followed a similar trend. Diets for the second balance trial were; (1) corn silage plus soybean meal and (2) waste silage plus corn grain. Dry matter intake was highest (P ◄ .01) for the waste silage-corn diet. Nitrogen, DM and OM digestibilities, and N retention were similar (P ► .05) for both diets. Diets for the group feeding trial were: (1) corn silage plus soybean meal and corn grain and (2) waste silage plus corn grain. Average daily gain, feed efficiency, carcass yield and grades and concentrations of Cu, Zn and Fe in lean tissue were similar (P ► .05) for both diets. Higher liver Zn (P = .002), higher kidney Fe (P = .001) and lower kidney Cu (P = .035) concentrations were found in lambs fed the manure silage diet compared to the control corn silage diet. Ensiling swine manure solids with whole corn plant resulted in higher VFA, N, and ash contents compared to corn silage. Total coliform, fecal coliforms, streptococci and salmonella were eliminated after 5 d of fermentation. Swine manure fermented with whole corn plant resulted in a safe and preserved feed that supported efficient iamb growth when balanced with corn grain.
Money and Prices, 1850–1913

In Chapter 5 we reviewed the mechanics of the international gold standard as it operated in the period 1873–1913. After considering an extensive literature on the subject, we considered the operation of the classical gold standard in terms of the behaviour of high-powered money across the various European countries and the United States. A gold standard operating by the classical rules would be expected to show closely matched high-powered money stocks. This result follows because gold and convertible currencies move to equate price levels internationally. While the levels of the high-powered money stocks were in fact highly correlated in this period, we generally were unable to establish an interconnection in the growth rates of high-powered money, and cointegration and Granger-causality tests also failed to indicate integration, even among the major economies that were supposedly supporting the system. In that discussion we did not conclude that the system was not working properly, but clearly something needs to be explained.
Effect of Plasticization on Ionic Conductivity Enhancement in Relation to Glass Transition Temperature of Crosslinked Polymer Electrolyte Membranes

The relationship between glass transition (Tg) and ionic conductivity (σ) of an amorphous crosslinked polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) was examined based on ion–dipole complexation between dissociated lithium cations and ether oxygen of poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate) and plasticization by succinonitrile (SCN). In a binary PEM consisting of a lithium salt/polymer network, Tg increased due to a strong ion–dipole interaction, whereas σ declined due to lower ion mobility coupled to reduced chain mobility. Above the threshold salt concentration of 7 mol %, dual loss tangent peaks were observed in dynamic mechanical studies, which may be ascribed to segmental relaxations of ion–dipole complexed networks and that of polymer chains surrounding the undissociated lithium salt acting like “fillers”. Upon SCN plasticization, these two peaks merged into one that was further suppressed below Tg of the pure network, whereas σ improved to the superionic conductor level. The role of plasticization on the ionic conduct...
The Fifty-Four-Hour Bill and Social Work’s Alternative Professionalization

This chapter focuses on Perkins’s central role in passing the Fifty-Four Hour Bill while working for the Consumers League and her two notable achievements while there. Her influence is shown through her work with Senator McManus on the bill, and the chapter outlines her determination to help the needy through such work. Her alliance with Tammany Hall illustrates her pragmatism and ability to achieve the ends of social work while also aiding Tammany. Through working with government, Perkins resists a growing conservative trend within the social work profession.
Frailty predicts risk of life-threatening complications and mortality after pancreatic resections.

Background To assess the effect of frailty on morbidity and mortality after partial pancreatectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis of National Surgical Quality Improvement Project from 2005–2010 was conducted. A modified frailty index was created based on previously validated methodology. Patients were classified as nonfrail, low frailty, intermediate frailty, and frail. Outcomes of pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy were examined. Results In the study, 13,020 patients were analyzed (8,729 pancreatoduodenectomy and 4,291 distal pancreatectomy). Among the pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy patients, frail patients regardless of the degree of frailty were older, more likely male, had a greater body mass index, lower serum albumin, and greater weight loss compared with the nonfrail patients (all P ≤ .05). Postoperatively, a stepwise increased risk of grade 4 complications (Clavien/Dindo) and mortality was noted from nonfrail to frail patients. Every 1-point increase in modified frailty index was associated with a significantly increased risk of grade 4 complications (∼2–6 times) and mortality (∼2–10 times) from low-frail to frail (adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, albumin, weight loss, and type of pancreatectomy). An abbreviated frailty index incorporating 8 variables was as predictive as the modified frailty index ( P = .68). Conclusion An 11-point frailty index as measured in National Surgical Quality Improvement Project predicts serious complications and death after pancreatectomy. A modification of this index with 8 factors continues to have similar predictive ability. Consideration of frailty may be beneficial prior to the pancreatic surgeon and particularly in discussion of operative risk and selection of patients who might receive benefit from pre-operative optimization.
Review: network connectivity of the right sts in three social perception localizers

The posterior STS pSTS is an important brain region for perceptual analysis of social cognitive cues. This study seeks to characterize the pattern of network connectivity emerging from the pSTS in three core social perception localizers: biological motion perception, gaze recognition, and the interpretation of moving geometric shapes as animate. We identified brain regions associated with all three of these localizers and computed the functional connectivity pattern between them and the pSTS using a partial correlations metric that characterizes network connectivity. We find a core pattern of cortical connectivity that supports the hypothesis that the pSTS serves as a hub of the social brain network. The right pSTS was the most highly connected of the brain regions measured, with many long-range connections to pFC. Unlike other highly connected regions, connectivity to the pSTS was distinctly lateralized. We conclude that the functional importance of right pSTS is revealed when considering its role in the large-scale network of brain regions involved in various aspects of social cognition.
Creative Library Marketing and Publicity: Best Practices, edited by Robert J. Lackie and M. Sandra Wood.

All libraries are anxious to market themselves and demonstrate their value to their constituents. Librarians looking for fresh ideas to connect with their communities can turn to Creative Library M...
Fate of Neural Progenitor Cells Transplanted Into Jaundiced and Nonjaundiced Rat Brains.

High levels of bilirubin in infants can cause kernicterus, which includes basal ganglia damage and dystonia. Stem cell transplantation may be an effective treatment for this disease. In this study,...
Comparative determination of Y3Fe5O12/Pt interfacial spin mixing conductance by spin-Hall magnetoresistance and spin pumping

We studied spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) in a Y3Fe5O12/Pt bilayer at room temperature. The SMR loops precisely follow the magnetization hysteresis loops in both the in-plane and out-of-plane configurations. SMR up to 0.09% is observed, from which an interfacial spin mixing conductance g↑↓= (9.0 ± 2.6) × 1018 m−2 is extracted. In addition, we measured ferromagnetic resonance spin pumping induced damping enhancement in the bilayer, which gives g↑↓ = (6.9 ± 0.6) × 1018 m−2. The agreement in the values of g↑↓ obtained from two reciprocal processes within uncertainty demonstrates the validity of the model for analyzing interfacial spin transmission.
Low Energy Beam Neutrino Nucleus Deep Inelastic Scattering at MINERvA

Neutrinos provide a unique probe of nuclear structure as they interact weakly and couple with partons via the axial as well as the vector current. The MINERvA experiment takes advantage of Fermilab’s NuMI beam line and multiple nuclear targets to study neutrino + nucleus interactions. This note presents preliminary results of MINERvA’s DIS sample in the neutrino energy (Eν ) range of 5 to 50 GeV, and a mean momentum-transfer squared (Q2) of 4.0 (GeV/c)2. Results are presented as ratios of C, Fe and Pb to CH. The ratio of the total cross sections as a function of Eν and differential cross sections as a function of Bjorken-x are presented.
Comparing the Income Elasticity of Health Spending in Middle-Income and High-Income Countries: The Role of Financial Protection.

Background As middle-income countries become more affluent, economically sophisticated and productive, health expenditure patterns are likely to change. Other socio-demographic and political changes that accompany rapid economic growth are also likely to influence health spending and financial protection. Methods This study investigates the relationship between growth on per-capita healthcare expenditure and gross domestic product (GDP) in a group of 27 large middle-income economies and compares findings with those of 24 high-income economies from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) group. This comparison uses national accounts data from 1995-2014. We hypothesize that the aggregated income elasticity of health expenditure in middle-income countries would be less than one (meaning healthcare is a normal good). An initial exploratory analysis tests between fixed-effects and random-effects model specifications. A fixed-effects model with time-fixed effects is implemented to assess the relationship between the two measures. Unit root, Hausman and serial correlation tests are conducted to determine model fit. Additional explanatory variables are introduced in different model specifications to test the robustness of our regression results. We include the out-of-pocket (OOP) share of health spending in each model to study the potential role of financial protection in our sample of high- and middle-income countries. The first-difference of study variables is implemented to address non-stationarity and cointegration properties. Results The elasticity of per-capita health expenditure and GDP growth is positive and statistically significant among sampled middle-income countries (51 per unit-growth in GDP) and high-income countries (50 per unit-growth in GDP). In contrast with previous research that has found that income elasticity of health spending in middle-income countries is larger than in high-income countries, our findings show that elasticity estimates can change if different criteria are used to assemble a more homogenous group of middle-income countries. Financial protection differences between middle- and high-income countries, however, are not associated with their respective income elasticity of health spending. ` Conclusion The study findings show that in spite of the rapid economic growth experienced by the sampled middleincome countries, the aggregated income elasticity of health expenditure in them is less than one, and equals that of high-income countries.
Outcomes of Titanium Mesh Cranioplasty in Pediatric Patients.

Purpose Cranial defects in children have been repaired with various materials ranging from autologous bone to synthetic materials. There is little published literature on the outcomes of titanium mesh cranioplasty (TMC) in calvarial reconstruction in the pediatric population. This study evaluates a pediatric cohort who underwent calvarial defect reconstruction with titanium mesh and assesses the efficacy and outcomes of TMC. Methods An Institutional Review Board approved retrospective review of patients ≤18 years of age who underwent cranioplasty from 1999 to 2014 at 2 centers was performed. The cohort undergoing TMC was studied. Results A total of 159 cranioplasties were performed. Autologous reconstruction included 84 bone flap replacements and 36 split calvarial bone graft reconstructions. Six patients underwent PEEK implant reconstruction. Titanium mesh cranioplasty was performed on 33 patients. Two patients underwent 2 separate cranioplasties. The median age of patients was 6 years (19 months to 18 years). The most common underlying etiologies were congenital syndromes/craniosynostosis (13 patients), and trauma (11). The majority of patients had prior cranial surgeries (85%). Various types of titanium mesh were used with sizes ranging from 2×3 cm to 19×20 cm, with some patients requiring distinct areas of defect reconstruction. Perioperative complications were noted in 2 patients that subsequently improved. Two patients had late soft tissue problems with complications of wound infections requiring resection of a portion of the mesh. Patients were followed an average of 4 years (range 13 days to 6.8 years), with 2 patients lost to follow-up. Overall, all patients with follow-up achieved a cranial contour with good symmetry to the unaffected side, as well as effective protection to the brain. Conclusions Titanium mesh cranioplasty is an effective option for correcting pediatric cranial defects when autologous bone availability is limited and soft tissue coverage allows placement of an implant. The interim outcome for these patients is favorable with few complications and no evidence of growth restriction in the authors' series. Follow-up will be ongoing for these patients.
Diminished Hedonic response in neuroleptic-free youth at ultra high-risk for psychosis.

Abstract Hedonic response is preserved in schizophrenia. However, it is unclear whether this is also true in individuals meeting criteria for “prodromal” psychosis, who are considered to be at symptomatic high risk for developing the disorder. In this study, we examined neurophysiological and self-reported response to emotional stimuli in UHR (n = 23) and healthy control (CN: n = 30) participants who passively viewed pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral images for 500 ms while the electroencephalogram was recorded and then provided self-reports of valence and arousal to the stimuli. The Late Positive Potential (LPP) event related potential (ERP) component was used as a neurophysiological marker of emotional reactivity. Results indicated that CN participants had higher LPP amplitude for pleasant and unpleasant compared to neutral stimuli; however, UHR youth displayed no differences in LPP amplitude among pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral stimuli. Self-report data mirrored neurophysiological data, as UHR youth had lower reports of positive emotion to pleasant stimuli and negative emotion to unpleasant stimuli compared to CN participants. Furthermore, the presence of a mood disorder diagnosis predicted reduced neurophysiological emotional reactivity in UHR youth. Findings suggest that youth at UHR for psychosis display diminished subjective and neurophysiological reactivity to emotional stimuli, and that symptoms of depression may result in diminished emotional reactivity.
Hot Spotting as a Strategy to Identify High-Cost Surgical Populations

Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of “hot spotting” in elective surgical populations.Background:Prospective identification of high-cost patients, known as “hot spotting,” is well developed in medical populations, but has not been performed in surgical populations. Popu
Dopamine Congeners Derived from the Benzo(f)-quinoline Ring

ABSTRACT A conformational analysis has been made of the structures of trans - and cis - octahydrobenzo[f]quinoline systems, and this stereochemistry has been related to that of proposed biologically significant conformers of dopamine and of 2-aminodihydroxytetralins. A trans -N- n -propyl octahydrobenzo[f]quinoline exhibited unusually high dopaminergic activity. The potentiating effect of the N- n -propyl group in many dopaminergic molecules is described and discussed. Structures of the biologically active subject compounds have been compared with the structures of ergoline derivatives and of benzo[a]phenanthridine systems.
Using videotaped lessons to analyse changes in teachers' teaching practices of mathematics

The paper describes the use of videotaped lessons to analyse the changes that occurred in the teaching of mathematics of sixteen elementary school teachers who participated in a local program to become specialists for teaching mathematics in grades 4 to 6. The analysis focuses on the ways in which the data was obtained, coded, and analysed. Changes were observed in the overall structure of the lessons, the inclusion of manipulatives and problem solving into the curriculum, and the development of thinking skills. The analysis of the videotapes provides an important tool to monitor changes in teachers’ practices, raise their awareness about these practices, and reflect on the conditions needed to consolidate the change.
A modular Neural Network Model of the Acquisition of Category Names in Children

A neural network architecture in which names and concepts are learned in separate modules is presented. The categorizing module extracts concepts and provides a complete conceptual interpretation of exemplars to which the naming module associates category names. The output of the categorizing module–the conceptual map–plays an important role in encoding and transmitting important information to the naming module. This paper investigates how the development of a conceptual representation constrains specifically the acquisition of a simple lexicon. The model's behavior is compared to lexical development in children.
Inflammatory Cytokines and Their Role in Bone Metastasis and Osteolysis

Cancer can be promoted and/or exacerbated by a number of infectious and inflammatory processes [72]. Indeed, inflammation produces a supportive tumor microenvironment that is likely a vital component of the metastatic cascade. The mechanisms that link inflammatory responses with cancer development and metastasis are the cytokines and chemokines that are produced by activated innate immune cells or the tumor cells themselves, stimulating and supporting tumor growth and progression. Some soluble tumor-derived mediators can recruit and activate local inflammatory cells, thereby further stimulating tumor progression. This chapter provides an overview of the role of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in tumor progression and osteolytic bone metastasis.
Constraints on ideal binary masking for the perception of spectrally-reduced speech.

This study investigated recognition of sentences processed using ideal binary masking (IBM) with limited spectral resolution. Local thresholds (LCs) of −12, 0, and 5 dB were applied which altered the target and masker power following IBM. Recognition was reduced due to persistence of the masker and limited target recovery, thus preventing IBM from ideal target-masker segregation. Linear regression and principal component analyses showed that, regardless of masker type and number of spectral channels, higher LCs were associated with poorer recognition. In addition, limitations on target recovery led to more detrimental effects on speech recognition compared to persistence of the masker.This study investigated recognition of sentences processed using ideal binary masking (IBM) with limited spectral resolution. Local thresholds (LCs) of −12, 0, and 5 dB were applied which altered the target and masker power following IBM. Recognition was reduced due to persistence of the masker and limited target recovery, thus preventing IBM from ideal target-masker segregation. Linear regression and principal component analyses showed that, regardless of masker type and number of spectral channels, higher LCs were associated with poorer recognition. In addition, limitations on target recovery led to more detrimental effects on speech recognition compared to persistence of the masker.
Design and Development of Lightly Alloyed Ferritic Fire-Resistant Structural Steels

To improve safety in case of building fires, stricter building codes have been proposed requiring structural steels to maintain two-thirds of their room-temperature yield strength after exposure to 873 K (600 °C) for longer than 20 minutes. To address this need, we have designed lightly alloyed structural steels, employing computational thermodynamics in combination with fundamental principles of precipitation strengthening and its temperature dependence, precipitate stability, characterization by optical microscopy and atom probe tomography (APT), and mechanical testing at room and elevated temperatures. The design process resulted in low-carbon ferritic steels with small alloying additions of V, Nb, and Mo that maintain over 80 pct of room-temperature yield strength in compression, and nearly 70 pct in tension, after 2 hours of exposure at 873 K (600 °C). APT demonstrates the formation of nanoscale MX and M2X (where M = V + Nb + Mo and X = C + N) precipitates after exposure to 873 K (600 °C). The favorable high-temperature mechanical properties are discussed with a model of precipitation strengthening by detachment-stress-mediated dislocation pinning at nanoscale semi-coherent MX precipitates.
Firm performance and corporate finance in New Zealand

Low productivity growth in New Zealand has been a paradox. We study New Zealand firms’ profitability, in terms of profit margin and return on assets (ROA), from the viewpoints of productivity enabl...
Ultrashort laser-induced periodic structures on ZnSe substrate

High-power, ultrashort laser-induced periodic surface structures (also referred as ripples), which has been observed on metals, dielectrics and semiconductors surface, could be generated and deliberately modulated by controlling the incident laser pulse. The periodicity, orientation and structure are the typical parameters in the study this near/subwavelength structures. The formation mechanism of LIPSS is still under investigation, and the current formation mechanisms on LIPSS include classical surface scattering model, self-organization, second/third harmonic generation, excitation of surface plasma polaritons, coulomb explosion, and cavitation instability and so on. In our work, 1-on-1 and N-on-1 laser-induced damage experiments were conducted on ZnSe substrate by using 170 fs laser and few-cycle laser to verifying the structure dependence with polarization, periodicity, and laser-induced damage threshold. Damage mechanism based on phenomenon was proposed.
The role of story and place in Indigenous science education: Bigfoot in a youth-designed ecological restoration plan

This study explores some of the ways in which the dominant science education system in the United States suppresses Indigenous knowledge systems and privileges Western knowledge. Using anti-oppressive inquiry through critical self-reflection, this study is situated in experiences I have encountered as a non-Indigenous doctoral student, curriculum developer, educator, and budding educational researcher on a 3-year STEM education project with Native youth in two tribal communities in the Pacific Northwest. I describe the cultural tensions experienced between project stakeholders in attempting to plan and implement a culturally-relevant curriculum dominated by Western STEM, and how a pivotal moment in which youth incorporated Bigfoot stories into a stream restoration activity challenged my awareness of this paradox. Therefore, Bigfoot became my teacher in provoking my recognition and appreciation of Indigenous knowledge systems, the role of communal narrative in Indigenous education, and the importance of displacing cognitive imperialism. This study adds to the dialogue that science education must be accessible for diverse learners, including culturally-appropriate and culturally-relevant pedagogies and curriculum, by challenging the status quo of hegemonic knowledge in the dominant system. Indigenous knowledge provides place-specific and contextually meaningful insights about the natural world, which is shortchanged if not provided consideration in its role within science education. As a result, this paper provides a space to consider how acknowledging and accepting diverse knowledge systems as ways of understanding the natural world, including those outside of the dominant system, provides a more holistic and meaningful approach to science education.
Bayesian Inference Identifies Combination Therapeutic Targets in Breast Cancer

Objective: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among US women; hence, identifying potential drug targets is an ever increasing need. In this paper, we integrate existing biological information with graphical models to deduce the significant nodes in the breast cancer signaling pathway. Methods: We make use of biological information from the literature to develop a Bayesian network. Using the relevant gene expression data we estimate the parameters of this network. Then, using a message passing algorithm, we infer the network. The inferred network is used to quantitatively rank different interventions for achieving a desired phenotypic outcome. The particular phenotype considered here is the induction of apoptosis. Results: Theoretical analysis pinpoints to the role of Cryptotanshinone, a compound found in traditional Chinese herbs, as a potent modulator for bringing about cell death in the treatment of cancer. Conclusion: Using a mathematical framework, we showed that the combination therapy of mTOR and STAT3 genes yields the best apoptosis in breast cancer. Significance: The computational results we arrived at are consistent with the experimental results that we obtained using Cryptotanshinone on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines and also by the past results of others from the literature, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of our model.
Autonomous Art Systems: an introduction

Media-N, the Journal of the New Media Caucus, invited submissions for this issue about the use of Autonomous Art Systems, tethered and untethered systems of making, autonomous vehicles, and related programming in creative fields of study. Relevant subjects included: artworks that address concepts of drones or surveillance as subject or form; the influence of emerging technologies on studio art practices; or critical/historical analysis of the entanglement of art and technology.
The Efficiency Wage Hypothesis and the Role of Corporate Governance in Firm Performance (Presentation Slides)

As well as a two-fold contribution to the literature as highlighted in their paper, “Financial Disruptions and the Cyclical Upgrading of Labor” (2017:8), and elaborated on by Epstein et al, the reconciliation of two quantitative limitations of current general equilibrium theories constituting part of such contribution, this paper highlights the need to incorporate other theories such as those relating to the economics of the firm – in explaining firm performance – given the previously highlighted limitations of “canonical models”. The inability to account for variables which are independent of exogenously or endogenously determined factors and which are outside their model, also necessitates the incorporation of other theories and factors to be taken into account in arriving at more accurate conclusions which determine firm performance.
Passive quadrature demodulation of an ultrasonic fiber-optic interferometric sensor using a laser and an acousto-optic modulator

We propose and demonstrate the use of a single-frequency laser and an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) for quadrature demodulation of fiber-optic ultrasonic sensors whose spectrum features sinusoidal fringes. The light from the laser is split into two channels, before it is combined into the fiber leading to the sensor, with an AOM in one of the channels introducing a frequency shift to the light. Thus, the light in the fiber contains two wavelengths whose difference is designed to be an odd number times a quarter of the free spectral range of the sensor, so that at least one of them is located on the spectral slope of the fringes for sensitive ultrasonic detection without the need to tune the laser wavelength. The intensities of the light in the two channels are sinusoidally modulated at two different frequencies much higher than the ultrasonic frequency, and the ultrasound signal is encoded into the amplitude of the intensity modulations. The optical signals from the two channels are separated in the frequency domain, and the ultrasound signals are detected by simple envelope detectors. Using a low-finesse Fabry–Perot interferometric sensor formed by two weak chirped fiber Bragg gratings written on a coiled bend-insensitive fiber, we demonstrate that this method can perform ultrasound detection, even when the spectrum of the sensor experiences large environmental drifts.
The evolution of the seasonal ice mass balance buoy

Abstract Arctic sea ice plays a crucial role in the global climate system, acting as both an indicator and an amplifier of climate change. Sea ice mass balance, which is simply the net difference between ice grown and ice melted, is an important parameter that can connect changes in ice thickness to environmental forcings. Opportunities for long-term observations of sea ice mass balance have been greatly expanded by the use of autonomous ice mass balance buoys, which are able to resolve changes to local ice mass balance by measuring time series of snow depth and ice surface and bottom position. This paper presents the design for a newly improved Seasonal Ice Mass Balance buoy (referred to as SIMB-3) that was created to enhance the ability to monitor mass balance with design features that maximize reliability and survivability, reduce installation difficultly, and reduce cost. Operational advancements were also made to make the buoy easy to manufacture, ship worldwide, and assemble in the cold. A custom low-cost datalogger-controller was developed to operate the mass balance sensor package while allowing future expandability for use with non-standard instruments. Several test deployments were conducted in 2018, and the instrument demonstrated ability to successfully collect mass balance data in seasonal sea ice. Results from one of these test deployments in the Beaufort Sea during April 2018, are presented and discussed.
Image-Guided Procedures of the Shoulder

There are numerous causes of shoulder pain and dysfunction which can be diagnosed or treated with an image-guided procedure. This chapter discusses the fluoroscopic and sonographic techniques for glenohumeral joint injection/aspiration, injection of the acromioclavicular joint, subdeltoid bursa, biceps tendon sheath, scapulothoracic bursa, and sternoclavicular joint, aspiration and lavage of calcific tendinosis, and aspiration of paralabral cysts.
Immunization with Pneumocystis recombinant KEX1 induces robust and durable humoral responses in immunocompromised non-human primates.

Infection with the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Pneumocystis jirovecii causes life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. In addition to HIV-1 infected patients, individuals at r...
Assessing contaminants from ion-exchange membranes in the evaluation of aqueous electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction

Abstract In the search for new value-added products from CO2 electroreduction, it is critical that the detected species is derived from conversion of the reactants. Here we characterize contaminants from common ionomer anion- and cation-exchange membranes and demonstrate for one case how this can lead to misinterpretation of the product species by NMR spectroscopy. In particular, the membrane casting solvent N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) is demonstrated to be interpretable by NMR as other possible four-carbon products of the CO2 electroreduction. While the recommended commercial membrane pretreatment procedures greatly reduced the contaminant concentrations, this was not sufficient for all membrane types.
Reviewing the role of plant litter inputs to forested wetland ecosystems: leafing through the literature

The input of senescent terrestrial leaf litter into soil and aquatic ecosystems is one of the most massive cyclic subsidies on Earth, particularly within forested ecosystems. For freshwater systems embedded within forests, litter inputs provide a vital source of energy and nutrients that allows greater production than in situ resources can provide. In return, freshwater food webs can provide an enormous amount of material to the terrestrial landscape through biotic respiration, photosynthesis, and organism emergence. Most research concerning this important aquatic‐terrestrial link has focused on lotic ecosystems (i.e., streams and rivers); far less attention has been given to its role in lentic systems (i.e., wetlands and lakes). A focus on small forested wetlands is particularly important, as these systems account for a disproportionate amount of global carbon flux relative to their spatial coverage, and the decomposition of leaf litter is a major contributor. Here, we review six themes: (1) the evidence for the role of leaf litter inputs as an ecologically important subsidy in forested wetlands; (2) the bottom‐up effects of quantitative and qualitative variation in litter inputs; (3) how diversity in litter mixtures can alter ecological functioning; (4) evidence for top‐down consequences of litter inputs through toxic effects on predators and parasites, and the alteration of predator–prey interactions; (5) the relevance of our review to other research fields by considering the role of litter inputs relative to other types of subsidies and environmental gradients (e.g., temperature, canopy cover, and hydrology); and (6) the interaction of litter subsidies with anthropogenic disturbances. We conclude by highlighting several high‐priority research questions and providing suggestions for future research on the role of litter subsidies in freshwater ecosystems.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Women

The purpose of this review is to give an overview of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction in women including evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. The prevalence of PFM dysfunction is thought to be higher in women and may contribute to urinary, defecatory, and sexual dysfunction, as well as chronic pelvic pain. PFM dysfunction is more prevalent amongst athletes, women who have given birth, and postmenopausal women than the general population. Stress and urge incontinence, urinary frequency and urgency, functional constipation, and fecal incontinence are all symptoms that may result from PFM dysfunction. PFM dysfunction can also cause chronic pain as seen in pelvic floor myofascial pain syndrome, bladder pain syndrome, and vestibulodynia/vulvodynia. Physiatrists play a key role in the comprehensive management of these conditions via behavioral and lifestyle modifications, focused pelvic physical therapy interventions, medications, and therapeutic injections.
Real-world effectiveness of the pegfilgrastim on-body injector in preventing severe neutropenia.

IntroductionGranulocyte colony-stimulating factors are used in medical oncology for the prevention of neutropenia. On-body injectors (OBI) have an advantage over the traditional injection (TI) meth...
Sharp Recanalization of Chronic Central Venous Occlusions of the Thorax Using a Steerable Coaxial Needle Technique from a Supraclavicular Approach.

To evaluate the technical success and safety of a steerable coaxial sharp recanalization technique that utilizes routine needles in patients with refractory thoracic central venous occlusions. This retrospective study was performed on 36-attempted sharp recanalizations in 35 patients (mean age 50 years, 23 male) performed via a supraclavicular approach. In all cases, an 18-gauge trocar needle was custom curved to provide directional control during fluoroscopic triangulation. A 22-gauge Chiba needle was then advanced coaxially across the occlusion. A tractogram was performed to assess for traversal of unintended structures. Procedures were completed by catheter placement, angioplasty, or stenting follow successful recanalizations. Sharp recanalization using this steerable coaxial needle technique demonstrated a technical success rate of 94% (34/36). The mean occlusion length was 30 mm (range 3–53 mm). In 11 patients, success was achieved using this technique after failure of other advanced techniques. In five procedures, stent interstices were traversed. Sharp recanalization was the direct cause of one major complication consisting of pleural transgression causing mild hemothorax treated successfully with a stent graft. The proposed technique is effective and safe for patients who have failed traditional blunt recanalization techniques. Level 4, Case Series.
The mRNA-LNP platform's lipid nanoparticle component used in preclinical vaccine studies is highly inflammatory

Vaccines based on mRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a promising new platform used by two leading vaccines against coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). Clinical trials and ongoing vaccinations present with very high protection levels and varying degrees of side effects. However, the nature of the reported side effects remains poorly defined. Here we present evidence that LNPs used in many preclinical studies are highly inflammatory in mice. Intradermal injection of these LNPs led to rapid and robust inflammatory responses, characterized by massive neutrophil infiltration, activation of diverse inflammatory pathways, and production of various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The same dose of LNP delivered intranasally led to similar inflammatory responses in the lung and resulted in a high mortality rate. In summary, here we show that the LNPs used for many preclinical studies are highly inflammatory. Thus, their potent adjuvant activity and reported superiority comparing to other adjuvants in supporting the induction of adaptive immune responses likely stem from their inflammatory nature. Furthermore, the preclinical LNPs are similar to the ones used for human vaccines, which could also explain the observed side effects in humans using this platform.
First Principle QCD QED Potentials, Quark Confinement and Electron-Positron Pair Annihilation

The mystery of the origin of the mass of the elementary particles persists despite the success of quantum field theories to the highest level of accuracy. Renormalization program has been the essential part of the calculation of the scattering amplitudes where the infinities of the calculated mass of the elementary particles are subtracted for progressive calculation of higher order terms. The mathematical structure of the mass from quantum field theories expressed in the form of infinities suggests that there exists finite dynamical mass in the limit the input mass parameter becomes zero. The Lagrangian recovers symmetry at while the self energy diagrams acquire finite dynamical mass. The first principle QCD and QED potentials are obtained by replacing the fixed mass and coupling constant in Yukawa potential with the scale dependent running coupling constant and the corresponding mass.
Revisiting the structure of nominals in Japanese and Korean

Models of nominal structure in Japanese and Korean (JK) are commonly built on the assumption that the nominal domain must be head-final because JK clauses show head-final ordering, rather than being directly supported by observable empirical head-final patterns. In order to produce the surface orders that are found in JK nominals, all head-final analyses require massive hidden movements from underlying structures which are never overtly realized in any surface sequencing. This paper suggests that a much more parsimonious analysis of JK nominal structure is available if JK are not taken to be uniformly head-final in their syntax but exhibit a degree of mixed-headedness, as found in German, Hindi, Hixkaryana, Amharic, Persian and other languages. The paper develops such an analysis, in which underlying head-initial structures do occur in surface syntax, and refines this further with support from the patterning of various numeral-classifier-noun relations in Japanese and Korean. The resulting analysis proposes that the functional structure of JK nominals is head-initial, while the lexical domain (nP, NP) is head-final. Such mixed-headedness is shown to accord with the Final Over Final Constraint/FOFC, and hence is not an unconstrained departure from the pure head-finality widely assumed for JK.
News Management, Moral Hazard, and the Properties of Earnings, Prices, and Compensation

I explore the theoretical properties of earnings, prices, and compensation contracts under the assumption that strategic managers are evaluated based on audited financial reports of their own making. If auditors require managers to provide verifiable evidence substantiating the contents of their financial reports, and if such evidence is produced with the agency problem in mind, then the model rationalizes market values that exceed book values, a reporting preference for immediate expensing, historical cost, or fair value depending on the cost of producing verifiable evidence, compensation contracts with floors and ceilings, an asymmetric relation between positive versus negative economic performance and earnings, a discontinuity in the earnings distribution, and an S-shaped earnings-returns relation. These phenomena are concentrated in settings where the cost of producing verifiable evidence is moderate and assets are optimally held at historical cost.
Sleep Quality and Quantity of Portland State University Intercollegiate Student-Athletes: A Case Study

According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rulebook, student-athletes are limited to 20 hours/week of official athletic activity. While this in and of itself is not a huge time commitment, when it is combined with the academic expectations that come with being a college student and athletic activities that are not included in the 20 hours/week, there isn’t much time left in the week for student-athletes to get everything done. In addition to imposing daily stress, such time demands may negatively affect sleep. This study examined the sleep quality and quantity of studentathletes, as well as how much time they spend on athletic and academic activities. It was predicted that the student-athletes overall would not have a “good” sleep rating, and that they would not be getting the recommended 10 hours of sleep per night. It was also predicted that in-season student-athletes would be spending more than the allotted 20 hours per week on their athletic activities. All data for this study were collected through online surveys, which included several demographic and background questions, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), an instrument that provides a measurement of an individual’s sleep quality. A score 5 is considered “bad” sleep quality. The 42 participants in this study (29 female; 13 male) were student-athletes at Portland State University (PSU) and represented all but one of the sports offered at PSU. All student-athletes listed on the official team roster received two e-mails requesting their participation in the study. There was at least one respondent in each class level, with 13 reporting as in-season student-athletes and 29 reporting as out-of-season student-athletes. ii Of the 42 respondents, only 3 received a “good” sleep quality rating. The median sleep quality rating for the entire sample was 9, and the median amount of sleep obtained was 7 hours/night, with a median bedtime of 2330. The median amount of self-reported time spent on athletics was 15.5 hours/week and the median time spent on academics was 15 hours/week. It was concluded that PSU student-athletes do not get enough sleep, and their sleep quality is very low. In-season student-athletes also self-reported spending more time in their athletic activities than the maximum NCAA limit. Although the sample size was small, these data support the need for increased education about the benefits of sleep. Also, an examination of the policies regarding what qualifies as an athletic activity, and how much time athletes should spend on such activities is recommended. iii Table of