cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cumulative recruitment experience in two large single-center randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Abstract Background Trial recruitment is challenging for researchers, who frequently overestimate the pool of qualified, willing participants. Little has been written about recruitment and the comparative success of recruitment strategies. We describe one center's experience with recruitment in two regional single-center clinical trials with a combined total of 1971 participants. Methods The heart failure trial was conducted between 1999 and 2003. The asthma trial was performed between 2003 and 2006. Trial databases were queried for referral source of each individual. Data were analyzed for effectiveness of referral source using three measures: percentage of enrollment due to that source, subject commitment to the trial (retention rate), and economics (cost per enrollee). Results 47.8% of CHF enrollees came from computer-generated lists or from healthcare provider referrals. Average marketing cost for enrollees and completers was $29.20 and $41.96 respectively. The most economical marketing strategy was self-referral in response to flyers. Most asthma participants (53.5%) were referred from healthcare providers, mailings to lists from local healthcare institutions, or self-referred in response to flyers. Average marketing cost for enrollees and completers was $20.44 and $38.10 respectively. The most economical marketing strategy was patient mailings. Retention rates were not markedly different among referral sources in either trial. Conclusion In order to be considered effective, a recruitment strategy must demonstrate a balance between response to recruitment, retention rates, and economics. Despite the differences between these two clinical trials, the most effective recruitment strategies in both trials were mailings to locally-generated, targeted lists, and referrals from healthcare providers.
Charisma in the 1952 Campaign.

The term charisma—miraculously-given power—was transferred by Max Weber from its original religious meaning to politics. He described it as “the absolutely personal devotion and personal confidence in revelation, heroism, or other qualities of individual leadership.” He contrasts charisma with leadership based on custom and tradition or on competence related to “rationally created rules” of law. The charismatic leader is thus the one whose claim to rule is neither as a perpetuator of traditional values nor as one who resolves conflicting interests by reasonable and just means but as one endowed with superhuman powers to solve political problems. In the abstract, pure case he is seen by his followers as being all-powerful, all-wise, and morally perfect.
Evolution in Microbes

This review presents a broad survey of experimental microbial evolution, covering diverse topics including trade-offs, epistasis, fluctuating conditions, spatial dynamics, cooperation, aging, and stochastic switching. Emphasis is placed on examples that highlight key conceptual points or address theoretical predictions. Experimental evolution is discussed from two points of view. First, population trajectories are described as adaptive walks on a fitness landscape, whose genetic structure can be probed by experiments. Second, populations are viewed from a physiological perspective, and their nongenetic heterogeneity is examined. Bringing together these two viewpoints remains a major challenge for the future.
Serotonin and seasonal variation in the pancreatic structure of bats: possible presence of serotonergic axons in the gland.

The serotonin concentration in the bat pancreas was determined at nine times during the year. Pancreatic ultrastructure was also examined. The pancreatic level of serotonin was uniform throughout the year except in late May, when it fell dramatically from a normal level of 3.14 +/- .19 mugm/gm to 0.40 +/- .05 mugm/gm. No seasonal changes in islet fine structure were found; however, the ultrastructure of exocrine cells was seen to be changed radically only in bats captured in late May. At this time, bats develop unusual cytoplasmic structures in the exocrine cells. These structures consist of membrane-limited bodies containing long, straight, and parallel paracrystalline arrays of stacked membranes and round or pleomorphic osmiophilic granules. Depletion of serotonin with reserpine or parachlorophenylalanine, or incubation of pancreatic tissue with different concentrations of serotonin, failed to provoke the formation of these structures in exocrine cells of active bats. Administration of 3H-5-hydroxytryptophan to bats, or incubation of bat pancreas with 3H-serotonin, failed to demonstrate a labeling of pancreatic exocrine cells. Incubation of the gland with 3H-serotonin, however, led to intense labeling of a subset of pancreatic terminal axons. It is concluded that the natural fall in the concentration of serotonin in late May is not the cause of the formation of the paracrystalline structures in pancreatic exocrine cells. The specific pancreatic uptake mechanism for serotonin found by Kovary et al. ('80) is probably a property of pancreatic neurites; these neurites might be serotonergic.
Recent developments on processing and properties of V 3 Ga composite wires

The addition of small amounts of third elements to V-Ga alloy rods have resulted in improvements in ductility. Cerium, yttrium, and titanium additions have been studied. Cerium (0.2atomic%)and yttrium (0.2 atomic%) additions reduced the microhardness from 180 to 160 KG/mm2. Lower mlcrohardnesses in alloy rods facilitates the metallurgical processing to small filament diameters used in multifilamentacy V 3 Ga wire. The effects of these alloy additions on V 3 Ga wire formed by the modified bronze technique are presented. Progress is reported on the development of high critical current density V 3 Ga wires using the V-Ga/Cu-Ga modified bronze process.
Particle Kinetics: Energy

As a youngster, you may have visited an amusement park where you were captivated by the variety of entertainment, diversions, rides, and contests. You may have since wondered about the engineering marvels ranging from the stupefying Ninga challenge roller coaster to the pleasurable Ferris wheel. As an adult, you have undoubtedly been exposed to the technological wonders of space exploration and to the stunning accuracy of modern weapons systems. The analysis and design of such systems of peace and combat require experimentation, innovative approaches, unique experience, and much insight. The examination of many such kinetic problems is often made easier using energy principles.
Cellular Glutathione Peroxidase Knockout Mice Express Normal Levels of Selenium-Dependent Plasma and Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidases in Various Tissues

Selenium-dependent cellular glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) knockout [GPX1(-)] mice were derived from 129/SVJ x C57BL/6 hybrid mice by microinjecting C57BL/6 blastocysts with recombinant embryonic stem cells carrying a target mutation in the GPX1 gene. Experiment 1 was conducted to determine the effects of the GPX1 knockout on the susceptibility of mice to dietary vitamin E and Se deficiency and on the expression of the Se-dependent plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX3) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPX4), and the Se-independent glutathione S-transferase (GST). Eleven GPX1(-) and 11 control mice (5 wk old, six males and five females) were fed a Se-deficient, Torula yeast basal diet (0.02 mg Se/kg, no supplemental vitamin E) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.5 mg Se/kg (as Na2SeO3) for 13 wk. Experiment 2 was conducted to determine the effect of the GPX1 knockout on the total Se concentration in the liver of Se-adequate mice. Six GPX1(-) and four control mice (5 wk old, half males and females) were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.2 mg Se/kg and 15 mg of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg for 5 wk. There was no difference in body weight gain or apparent susceptibility to dietary vitamin E and Se deficiency between the GPX1(-) and control mice. Knockout of GPX1 resulted in almost complete abolishment of GPX1 activity in various tissues, but had no effect on the GPX3 or GPX4 mRNA level and activity or the GST activity in several tissues at either level of dietary Se. The liver total Se concentration in the Se-adequate GPX1(-) mice was only 42% of that in the controls (P < 0. 0001). These results indicate that GPX1 is expressed independently of GPX3 or GPX4 and represents approximately 60% of the total hepatic Se in Se-adequate mice.
Excited Levels in Mn 56

The half-lives of the first three excited levels of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{56}$ have been measured by looking at the cascade gamma rays from neutron capture in ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{55}$. They are found to be ${10.7}_{\ensuremath{-}3}^{+2}$ m\ensuremath{\mu}sec, 4.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6 m\ensuremath{\mu}sec, and \ensuremath{\le}0.5 m\ensuremath{\mu}sec. A fairly plausible assignment of spins and parities to the first, second, and third excited levels of ${\mathrm{Mn}}^{56}$ would seem to be ${2}^{+}$, ${1}^{+}$, and ${2}^{+}$, respectively. The technique described in the paper should be useful in those cases in which excited levels of unstable nuclei cannot be reached through beta decay.
Minifragment plate fixation of high-energy navicular body fractures.

Background:The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of miniplate fixation in navicular fractures to restore medial column stability, maintain reduction, and determine the impact this app...
The taxadiene-forming carbocation cascade

A complete pathway (structures and energies of intermediates and transition state structures connecting them) from geranylgeranyl diphosphate to taxadiene, obtained using quantum chemical calculations, is described. This pathway is fully consistent with previous labeling experiments, despite differing in several subtle ways (in terms of conformations of certain carbocation intermediates and in the concertedness and synchronicity of certain bond-forming events) from previous mechanistic proposals. Also, on the basis of the theoretical results, it is proposed that the 2-fluoro-geranylgeranyl diphosphate substrate analogue in the recently reported X-ray crystal structure of taxadiene synthase is bound in a nonproductive orientation.
The Interaction of Basic Science and Population-based Research: Autoimmune Thyroiditis as a Case History

This brief commentary illustrates how laboratory research compliments populational research. The finding that susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid disease in animals is due to the additive effects of a number of unrelated genes led to a field study of a genetically predisposed population. In humans, as in animals, the major histocompatibility complex plays a preeminent role. Unlike many other autoimmune diseases, however, different HLA haplotypes predominate in different families, just as different H-2 haplotypes determine susceptibility in different strains of mice. Like the predisposed chicken, humans have a number of other genes that act independently to influence autoimmune susceptibility. Insight into the nature and action of the additional genes depends upon renewed studies of the animal models. Thus, we see a symbiotic relation between basic science as practiced in the laboratory and population-based research in the field.
Stenosis of the afferent antireflux valve in the Kock pouch continent urinary diversion: diagnosis and management

AbstractBetween August 1982 and May 1988, 503 patients underwent construction of a continent ileal reservoir (Kock pouch) for cutaneous urinary diversion at our university. Stenosis of the afferent antireflux valve resulted in upper urinary tract obstruction in 11 patients (2%). In addition, 2 patients underwent Kock pouch diversion elsewhere and upon referral to our institution they had afferent valve stenosis. To date 13 patients have been identified with this problem.Hydronephrosis was present in 100% of the functional kidneys in these patients. Radiographs of the Kock pouch were uniformly normal without evidence of reflux or other pathological condition. The most common presenting symptom was flank pain in 7 patients (54%) and the most common presenting sign was creatinine elevation above baseline in 7 (54%). Infections recurred with or without sepsis in 5 patients (38%). Ureteroileal anastomotic strictures were not present in any patient. The interval from creation of the Kock pouch to the diagnosis ...
In vitro and in vivo host range of Anopheles gambiae densovirus (AgDNV)

AgDNV is a powerful gene transduction tool and potential biological control agent for Anopheles mosquitoes. Using a GFP reporter virus system, we investigated AgDNV host range specificity in four arthropod cell lines (derived from An. gambiae, Aedes albopictus and Drosophila melanogaster) and six mosquito species from 3 genera (An. gambiae, An. arabiensis, An. stephensi, Ae. albopictus, Ae. aegypti and Culex tarsalis). In vitro, efficient viral invasion, replication and GFP expression was only observed in MOS55 An. gambiae cells. In vivo, high levels of GFP were observed in An. gambiae mosquitoes. Intermediate levels of GFP were observed in the closely related species An. arabiensis. Low levels of GFP were observed in An. stephensi, Ae. albopictus, Ae. aegypti and Cx. tarsalis. These results suggest that AgDNV is a specific gene transduction tool for members of the An. gambiae species complex, and could be potentially developed into a biocontrol agent with minimal off-target effects.
Efficiency analysis and comparative study of hard and soft switching DC-DC converters in a wind farm

This paper focuses on efficiency analysis and comparative study of hard- and soft-switching dc-dc boost converters in wind farms. The efficiency of an ac or a dc-based wind farm is dependent on the efficiency of its key components such as dc-dc converters. The demand for dc-dc converters depends on how voltage fluctuations are adjusted. This paper analyzes the efficiency of the switching method used in dc-dc converters. The switching and conduction losses of all the components of the dc-dc converters are modeled and the efficiency is calculated accurately. The power rating vs. efficiency of the dc-dc converters is also considered. The efficiency of the converter in soft switching mode is greater than in hard switching mode. The efficient operation of the converter at a given power rating is shown graphically.
Aflatoxin B1-lysine adduct in dried blood spot samples of animals and humans.

Dried blood spots (DBS) were proposed as potentially viable method for exposure assessment of environmental toxicants in infant and young children. For this study, we validated an experimental protocol to quantify AFB1-lysine adduct in DBS samples of AFB1-treated F344 rats, as well as samples from human field study. Significant dose-response relationships in AFB1-lysine adduct formation were found in DBS samples of rats treated with single- and repeated-dose AFB1. AFB1-lysine levels in DBS samples were highly correlated with corresponding serum sample levels. The Person coefficients were 0.997 for the single-dose exposure, and 0.996 for the repeated-dose exposure. Levels of AFB1-lysine adduct had also good agreement between DBS and serum samples as shown by Bland-Altman plot analysis. For human field study samples (n = 36), a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.784 was found between AFB1-lysine adduct levels of DBS and corresponding serum samples. Bland-Altman plots showed the distribution of the log differences between DBS and serum AFB1-lysine levels are within 95% confidence intervals. These results showed AFB1-lysine adduct levels in DBS cards and serum samples from animals and human samples are comparable, and the DBS technique and analytical protocol is a good means to assess AFB1 exposure in infant and children populations.
Reversal Agents for Oral Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Treatment During Bleeding Events: Current Strategies

There is an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases that warrant antithrombotic therapy. Antithrombotic therapy includes antiplatelet agents and anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or non-Vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Antithrombotic therapy is associated with increased rates of bleeding. In this review we summarize the evidence and provide strategies for the management of severe bleeding in the setting of antithrombotic therapy. There is limited data on the management of bleeding in the setting of antiplatelet therapy. We recommend discontinuation of the antiplatelet, as well as administration of platelet transfusions and desmopressin only in the setting of life-threatening bleeding. For patients presenting with severe bleeding in the setting of VKAs, we recommend discontinuation of VKA and prompt administration of 10 mg intravenous vitamin K plus 50 units/kg 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). If 4-factor PCC is not available 3-factor PCC or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) can be used, but these are inferior to 4-factor PCC. For patients presenting with severe bleeding while on dabigatran, we recommend discontinuation of dabigatran and intravenous administration of 5g idarucizumab. There is currently no available reversal agent for factor Xa inhibitors. Andexanet alpha is a factor Xa-specific inhibitor that is currently undergoing FDA review. Until andexanet alpha becomes available we recommend discontinuation of the factor Xa inhibitor and administration of 50 units/kg 4- factor PCC. The decision to discontinue and/or reverse antithrombotic therapy should be made on a case-by-case basis and the competing risk from discontinuation and/or reversal of antithrombotic therapy should be taken into consideration.
Effects of an abbreviated obesity intervention supported by mobile technology: The ENGAGED randomized clinical trial.

Objective To determine the effects on weight loss of three abbreviated behavioral weight loss interventions with and without coaching and mobile technology. Methods A randomized controlled efficacy study of three 6-month weight loss treatments was conducted in 96 adults with obesity: 1) self-guided (SELF), 2) standard (STND), or 3) technology-supported (TECH). STND and TECH received eight in-person group treatment sessions. SELF and STND used paper diaries to self-monitor diet, activity, and weight; TECH used a smartphone application with social networking features and wireless accelerometer. Results Weight loss was greater for TECH and STND than SELF at 6 months (−5.7 kg [95% confidence interval: −7.2 to −4.1] vs. −2.7 kg [95% confidence interval: −5.1 to −0.3], P < 0.05) but not 12 months. TECH and STND did not differ except that more STND (59%) than TECH (34%) achieved ≥ 5% weight loss at 6 months (P < 0.05). Self-monitoring adherence was greater in TECH than STND (P < 0.001), greater in both interventions than SELF (P < 0.001), and covaried with weight loss (r(84) = 0.36-0.51, P < 0.001). Conclusions Abbreviated behavioral counseling can produce clinically meaningful weight loss regardless of whether self-monitoring is performed on paper or smartphone, but long-term superiority over standard of care self-guided treatment is challenging to maintain.
Why Pharmacokinetics? An Introduction And Overview

In the last two decades, worldwide contraceptive use has risen dramatically, and much of this increase took place in the developing world. From 1960–65 to 1990 the percentage of couples using contraceptives in developing countries rose from 9 to almost 51 percent (United Nations Population Fund 1991). This increase reflects the adoption of three principle types of contraceptives: sterilization, intra-uterine devices, and hormonal methods. Of the approximately 400 million persons contracepting in the late 1980’s, 155 million were sterilized, 61 million used hormonal methods and 80 million used the IUD. Different methods appear to be favored (either by providers or clients) in different regions. The global popularity of sterilization and the IUD reflects the popular use of these methods in Asia and the Pacific, the region where 64% of the 400 million contraceptors are living. Yet hormonal methods account for 31% of total use in the Americas and they account for 50% of all method use in Africa (Mauldin and Segal 1988). A recent report on contraceptive use in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) suggests that as countries shift from low contraceptive prevalence to higher levels, traditional methods give way to hormonal contraception, followed by a rapid adoption of female sterilization (National Research Council 1993).
Surgery for diverticulitis in the 21st century: recent evidence

Sigmoid diverticulitis is an increasingly common disease in Western countries. As technology has led to increased knowledge about the disease and options for treatment, management strategies have become less certain. In previous years, the rationale for early elective surgery was largely preventive, due to concern that diverticulitis recurrence would result in increased risk of sepsis or the need for a colostomy. New technology has enabled diagnosis, through computed tomography scans, predictive information through clinical and administrative databases, and less invasive treatment options, through laparoscopic techniques. While the new data have mitigated outdated beliefs regarding recurrence prevention strategies, there is little to replace previous guidelines for care. For example, we lack clear guidelines for whether and when to use percutaneous drainage, intra-peritoneal lavage, minimally invasive techniques, and fecal diversion via ostomy. Fortunately, several newly published high impact studies attempt to address these more nuanced questions. In this paper, we review available findings and potential for use of the data from recent surgical randomized controlled trials. It is important to note that controlling sepsis when present remains the most important goal of treatment.
Initiation of nutation in sunflower hypocotyls.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the initiation of nutation in sunflower hypocotyls. If, prior to the onset of nutating activity, one could see random walk type movements by the epicotyl that in time grow large enough to elicit a gravitropic response with overshoot, then one should interpret this as additional support for the validity of Johnsson's model for circumnutation. The chapter discusses three different ways to obtain such confirmation. In all the three methods, all observations were made by infrared (IR) sensitive video cameras operating in time lapse mode. One initial method was to begin with older seedlings that were rotating on horizontal clinostats. It had been reported prevuisly that clinostatting abolished nutational oscillations in the sunflower hypocotyls; however, the observations from this method showed that it was not always the case. Under gravity compensation on the clinostat, it was found that a plant's nutational cycles were reduced; however, on an average, it persisted at about 20% of the normal excursion and at an increased oscillation frequency. Although this method yielded acceptable data, it was preferred for several reasons to expend most of the effort on another method of applying the axially directed g-stimulus that seemed to be responsible for initiating oscillatory behavior.
Modeling Southern Pine Beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) Population Dynamics: Methods, Results and Impending Challenges

SPBMODEL is a computer simulation model that predicts southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), infestation growth in currently infested pine stands over a three-month period. SPBMODEL estimates number of currently infested trees, cumulative total number of dead trees, and associated timber volume and dollar losses in loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) or shortleaf (P. echinata Mill.) pine stands.
Type of Anticoagulant Used After Total Knee Arthroplasty Affects the Rate of Knee Manipulation for Postoperative Stiffness.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to perform a population-level analysis on the effect of different types of anticoagulation on postoperative stiffness after total knee replacement, requiring manipulation under anesthesia. We hypothesized that patients receiving warfarin would have a higher rate of manipulation under anesthesia compared with patients receiving low-molecular-weight heparin. We also hypothesized that aspirin, direct factor Xa inhibitors, and fondaparinux would have no effect on the rate of manipulation under anesthesia. METHODS Using the PearlDiver patient database, we analyzed 32,320 patients who underwent a primary unilateral total knee replacement from 2007 to 2015. Patients were included if they filled a prescription for anticoagulation medication within 2 days of their discharge and were excluded if they were taking a prescription anticoagulation medication (except for aspirin) in the 3 months before total knee replacement. The primary outcome was manipulation under anesthesia performed within 6 months after a primary total knee replacement. RESULTS The most commonly prescribed postoperative anticoagulation was warfarin (38.0%), followed by low-molecular-weight heparin (33.8%). There were 1,178 patients (3.64%) who underwent manipulation under anesthesia within 6 months of total knee replacement. In multivariable analysis using low-molecular-weight heparin as a comparison group and accounting for age, sex, comorbidities, and length of stay, there was a significant increase in the risk of manipulation under anesthesia for patients who received warfarin (hazard ratio [HR], 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01 to 1.36]; p = 0.032), direct factor Xa inhibitors (HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.20 to 1.66]; p < 0.001), or fondaparinux (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.72]; p = 0.038). Although patients who received aspirin had the same risk estimate as patients who received warfarin, there was not a significantly increased risk of manipulation under anesthesia in patients who received aspirin compared with low-molecular-weight heparin (HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 0.72 to 1.80]; p = 0.493). CONCLUSIONS We found an increased rate of manipulation under anesthesia after total knee replacement in patients who received oral anticoagulants including warfarin, direct factor Xa inhibitors, and fondaparinux, in comparison with patients who received aspirin or low-molecular-weight heparin. We recommend that patients receiving oral anticoagulants after total knee replacement should be counseled about associated stiffness. Furthermore, surgeons should take these data into account when selecting thromboprophylaxis for patients after total knee replacement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Cognitive flexibility deficits in male mice exposed to neonatal hyperoxia followed by concentrated ambient ultrafine particles

Abstract Epidemiological evidence indicates an association between early-life exposure to air pollution and preterm birth. Thus, it is essential to address the subsequent vulnerability of preterm infants, who are exposed to unique factors at birth including hyperoxia, and subsequently to air pollution. Health effects of air pollution relate to particle size and the ultrafine particulate component (
Study of Er-166 by means of the (He-3, d) and (alpha, t) reactions

Two-proton quasiparticle states in $^{166}\mathrm{Er}$ have been studied with ($^{3}\mathrm{He},d$) and ($\ensuremath{\alpha},t$) reactions on $^{165}\mathrm{Ho}$. Rotational bands built upon quasiparticle states formed by the [$523\ensuremath{\uparrow}$] proton state coupled with the [$411\ensuremath{\downarrow}$], [$404\ensuremath{\downarrow}$], and [$541\ensuremath{\downarrow}$] proton states were identified. For each rotational band, the cross sections have a characteristic pattern which has been used to identify the band. Assignments were checked by comparing the ratios of ($^{3}\mathrm{He},d$) and ($\ensuremath{\alpha},t$) cross sections for each level.[NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{165}\mathrm{Ho}(^{3}\mathrm{He},d)^{166}\mathrm{Er}$, $E=35.6$ MeV, $^{165}\mathrm{Ho}(\ensuremath{\alpha},t)^{166}\mathrm{Er}$, $E=46$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{d},\ensuremath{\theta})$ and $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{t},\ensuremath{\theta})$; $^{166}\mathrm{Er}$ deduced levels, $J$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$.]
“The Stress of the Situation has Changed us Both”: A Grounded Theory Analysis of the Romantic Relationship of Parents Raising Children with Autism

Extant literature on family life and autism demonstrates that parents of children with autism experience significantly more parental stress when compared with parents of typically developing children, as well as parents of children with other types of disabilities. In two-parent households, however, how having a child with autism specifically impacts the parents’ romantic relationship with each other is less well understood. The present study aims to better understand how family life that includes parenting a child with autism impacts the romantic relationship of parents; what particular challenges this poses for these parents; and what specific resources, tools, and skills parents bring to bear on negotiating these challenges. This study uses a grounded theory approach to gain an in-depth, phenomenological perspective on family life with autism, from the perspective of nine (n = 9) parents participating in interviews with the study’s primary investigator. A research team approach was used in the development and analysis stages of the project. Analysis of the nine interview transcripts with parents of children with autism revealed 45 master categories, grouped into 14 key categories, which were further grouped into four constructs: (1) Parents’ Expectations of What Family Life Would Have Been Like Without Autism, (2) Perceptions of Family Life, (3) Perceptions of Challenges that Autism Brings to the Family, and (4) Coping Strategies. An emergent theory is articulated concerning how these constructs are interrelated, including the role of specific facilitative factors, barriers, and coping strategies present in the lives of these parents. Through a grounded theory analysis, the present study demonstrates that parents’ expectations for and perceptions of their child with autism has an effect on their ability to cope and to co-parent, and that these experiences, in turn, influence their relationship with their partner.
Neural Responses to Sexual Stimuli in Heterosexual and Homosexual Men and Women: Men’s Responses Are More Specific

Patterns of genital arousal in response to gendered sexual stimuli (i.e., sexual stimuli presenting members of only one sex at a time) are more predictive of men's than of women's sexual orientations. Additional lines of evidence may shed light on the nature of these differences. We measured neural activation in homosexual and heterosexual men and women using fMRI while they viewed three kinds of gendered sexual stimuli: pictures of nude individuals, pictures of same-sex couples interacting, and videos of individuals self-stimulating. The primary neural region of interest was the ventral striatum (VS), an area of central importance for reward processing. For all three kinds of stimuli and for both VS activation and self-report, men's responses were more closely related to their sexual orientations compared with women's. Furthermore, men showed a much greater tendency to respond more positively to stimuli featuring one sex than to stimuli featuring the other sex, leading to higher correlations among men's responses as well as higher correlations between men's responses and their sexual orientations. Whole-brain analyses identified several other regions showing a similar pattern to the VS, and none showed an opposite pattern. Because fMRI is measured identically in men and women, our results provide the most direct evidence to date that men's sexual arousal patterns are more gender specific than women's.
Considering on the Bigger Picture of Public Health: Student Reflections on University Mission:

Public health remains dedicated to the mission of prolonging life, promoting health, and preventing disease, and with what some may consider theological connections to assisting the poor and needy....
SCOPIT: sample size calculations for single-cell sequencing experiments

In single cell DNA and RNA sequencing experiments, the number of cells to sequence must be decided before running an experiment, and afterwards, it is necessary to decide whether sufficient cells were sampled. These questions can be addressed by calculating the probability of sampling at least a defined number of cells from each subpopulation (cell type or cancer clone). We developed an interactive web application called SCOPIT (Single-Cell One-sided Probability Interactive Tool), which calculates the required probabilities using a multinomial distribution (www.navinlab.com/SCOPIT). In addition, we created an R package called pmultinom for scripting these calculations. Our tool for fast multinomial calculations provide a simple and intuitive procedure for prospectively planning single-cell experiments or retrospectively evaluating if sufficient numbers of cells have been sequenced. The web application can be accessed at navinlab.com/SCOPIT.
Psychoactive compounds at environmental concentration alter burrowing behavior in the freshwater crayfish.

Abstract Pharmaceutically active compounds (PhAC) have been increasingly detected in freshwater and marine waterbodies worldwide and are recognized as major emerging micropollutant threat to the aquatic environment. Despite their low concentrations in the environment, there is evidence of effects on non-target aquatic organisms in natural habitats. To assess the potential effects of PhACs on its burrowing behavior, we exposed the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii to methamphetamine or tramadol at the environmentally relevant concentration of 1 μg/L. Methamphetamine-exposed females constructed burrows of lower depth and volume relative to individual weight than did controls. Tramadol-exposed females consistently exhibited a tendency for smaller burrows, but this difference was not significant. Exposed males showed a non-significant tendency to excavate larger burrows compared with the control. Control and tramadol-treated females maintained the natural tendency of constructing relatively deeper and/or larger-volume burrows compared with males. This sex-related pattern was not detected in the methamphetamine group. The rate of human therapeutic PhAC usage is relatively stable year-round, and impacts on crayfish burrowing can be particularly damaging during periods of drought, when the dilution of waste waters is reduced, and burrowing becomes a critical survival strategy. Our results suggest that an increasingly broad range of environmental impacts of PhACs on non-target organisms can be expected in natural ecosystems.
Helping Introductory Statistics Students Find Their Way Using Maps

Maps are a primary method of displaying statistical data that comes from a geographical frame. Maps are esthetically appealing and make it easier to identify geographic patterns in a dataset. Howev...
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of POGIL in a Large-Enrollment General Chemistry Course

Process oriented guided inquiry learning (POGIL) is a specific type of active learning centered on a learning cycle where students first explore a concept through scientific models, followed by a c...
Clinical significance of contralateral testicular diameter in non-palpable cryptorchidism in children

Objective To explore the clinical significance of contralateral testicular length in non-palpable cryptorchidism.Methods Retrospective analyses were performed for 82 children with unilateral non-palpable cryptorchidism during January 2008 and December 2011.Their age range was 1-2 years.The testicular diameter was measured by conventional ultrasound.They were divided into the study (diameter＞1.7 cm,n =40) and control (＜1.7 cm,n =42) groups.Laparoscopy was used to observe the development status of affected testis.Results In the study group,there were contralateral testicular atrophy (n =37),missing (n =1) and non-atrophy (n =2); in the control group,atrophy (n =10) and non-atrophy (n =32).The intra-group comparison revealed statistical difference in atrophic rate (92.5 ％ vs 23.8 ％,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions For infants with single cryptorchidism,contralateral testis with a diameter greater than ＞1.7 cm offers a simple guide whether or not there is testicular atrophy or absence. Key words: Cryptorchidism; Laparoscopy; Child
Fracture of a Three-Layer Material with an Opening Mode Central Crack

This paper describes a problem of the theory of elasticity for a three-layer material in which two layers located symmetrically relative to the central layer have identical properties. The central layer has an opening mode crack whose tops are located in the neighboring layers. The solution of this problem is reduced to solving a system of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind. A stress intensity factor for opening mode cracks is determined, and its dependence on the problem parameters is investigated.
An endometrial organoid model of Chlamydia-epithelial and immune cell interactions

ABSTRACT Our understanding of how the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis reprograms the cell biology of host cells in the upper genital tract is largely based on observations made in cell culture with transformed epithelial cell lines. Here we describe a primary spherical organoid system derived from endometrial tissue to recapitulate epithelial cell diversity, polarity, and ensuing responses to Chlamydia infection. Using high-resolution and time-lapse microscopy, we catalogue the infection process in organoids from invasion to egress, including the reorganization of the cytoskeleton and positioning of intracellular organelles. We show this model is amenable to screening C. trachomatis mutants for defects in the fusion of pathogenic vacuoles, the recruitment of intracellular organelles, and inhibition of cell death. Moreover, we reconstructed a primary immune cell response by co-culturing infected organoids with neutrophils, and determined that the effector TepP limits the recruitment of neutrophils to infected organoids. Collectively, our model details a system to study the cell biology of Chlamydia infections in three dimensional structures that better reflect the diversity of cell types and polarity encountered by Chlamydia upon infection of their animal hosts. Summary statement 3D endometrial organoids to model Chlamydia infection and the role of secreted virulence factors in reprogramming host epithelial cells and immune cell recruitment
Robotic LESS and Reduced-Port Hysterectomy Using the da Vinci SP Surgical System: A Single-Institution Case Series.

ABSTRACT Study Objective To present a series of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) and reduced-port hysterectomy cases and discuss the surgical technique required for successful use on this new platform. Design Retrospective case series. Setting Academic medical center. Patients All patients undergoing robotic LESS or reduced-port hysterectomy with the SP1098 da Vinci SP Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) from December 2019 to March 2020. Interventions Robotic LESS or reduced-port hysterectomy. Measurements and Main Results A total of 8 cases of hysterectomy were performed successfully. Four cases included concomitant resection of endometriosis. Five cases required placement of an additional port. The average uterine weight was 136.1 g ± 61.5 g (range 87–246). The average estimated blood loss was 37.5 mL ± 27 mL (range 20–100). The average operative time was 86.5 minutes ± 27.1 minutes (range 60–132). The time required for vaginal cuff closure was available for patients 5 to 8, and ranged from 10 minutes to 13 minutes. All patients had same-day discharge. There were no conversions to alternative surgical modality, complications, or readmissions. Conclusion Our preliminary experience with the SP1098 da Vinci SP Surgical System demonstrated the technical feasibility and safety of this surgical modality for gynecologic surgery. Additional studies examining postoperative outcomes and prospective studies comparing this modality with traditional robotic surgery are indicated.
Exploring fourth-year students' perceptions of the hidden curriculum of a doctor of veterinary medicine program through written reflections

Introduction: Hidden curriculum (HC) is embedded into interactions and learning opportunities involved with a formal curriculum. The curriculum of US-based Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Programs is still understudied. We explored how fourth-year students perceive the HC during their final clinical year in a US-based DVM program. Methods: We used a thematic analysis approach that involved iterative steps of coding and re-coding to explore fourth-year DVM students' perceptions of the HC. We analyzed 182 students' written reflections to a brief reading on HC in veterinary medicine and collected reflections from three cohorts of students during their clinical (4th) year. Results: The three features of the HC (individual development process [IDP], teaching–learning environment [TLE], and communication approaches) were well represented from the coding analysis of fourth-year student reflections. From the three larger features of HC, a total of twenty sub features emerged. The sub features were reported as different frequencies, with the IDP and TLE sub features being reported the most. The different features and sub features of HC are interdependent and further illustrate the complexities of HC. Moreover, findings show that HC is made up of various elements that create a unique HC of DVM programs. Conclusion: Student perceptions of the HC in veterinary settings are diverse and portray many interrelated themes that come together to form a unique HC culture that is supplementary to the formal curriculum of a DVM setting.
Lessons Learned and the Implications for Teacher Learning in Professional Development for Science Teachers

Professional development (PD) is about teachers’ learning and improving their teaching practices to facilitate an increase in student achievement. The teachers in U-FUTuRES PD program, were being prepared to respond to the current reform efforts in science education. Practitioner inquiry was introduced to them as a tool to purposefully examine and make shifts in their teaching practices to accommodate the learning of the range of learners in their classrooms. In this chapter, I present an analysis of the teachers’ responses to practitioner inquiry one year after completing their initial inquiry. Data was garnered from interviews and teachers’ formal reflection on their learning and the ways their practices were impacted by the knowledge constructed during the practitioner inquiry. From the analysis, I posit that practitioner inquiry should be added as one of the elements of effective PD.
Post-op brain tumor bed detection and segmentation using 3D Mask R-CNN for dynamic magnetic resonance perfusion imaging

Detecting and segmenting neoplasms are an important part of radiotherapy treatment planning, disease monitoring, and predicting patient outcome. In the brain, functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) like dynamic susceptibility contrast enhanced (DSC) MRI are important tools for disease monitoring post-surgical resection (post-op) and post-radiotherapy. However, the manual contouring of these neoplasms of the brain is time consuming, expensive, and introduces inter-observer variability. In this work, we propose to uDetecting and segmenting neoplasms are an important part of radiotherapy treatment planning, disease monitoring, and predicting patient outcome. In the brain, functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) like dynamic susceptibility contrast enhanced (DSC) MRI are important tools for disease monitoring post-surgical resection (post-op) and post-radiotherapy. However, the manual contouring of these neoplasms of the brain is time consuming, expensive, and introduces inter-observer variability. In this work, we propose to use a 3D Mask R-CNN method to automatically detect and segment the brain tumor bed contour for DSC MRI perfusion images. Sixteen patients’ perfusion sequence images, each with 60 time point volumes, were used in this study. Experimental results show that our proposed 3D Mask R-CNN method achieves an overall Dice similarity, precision, recall and volume of difference (VoD) were 82%±6%, 84%±3%, 89%±3% and 86%±3% respectively.
Exploiting structured data for learning contagious diseases under incomplete testing

One of the ways that machine learning algorithms can help control the spread of an infectious disease is by building models that predict who is likely to get infected whether or not they display any symptoms, making them good candidates for preemptive isolation. In this work we ask: can we build reliable infection prediction models when the observed data is collected under limited, and biased testing that prioritizes testing symptomatic individuals? Our analysis suggests that under favorable conditions, incomplete testing might be sufficient to achieve relatively good out-of-sample prediction error. Favorable conditions occur when untested-infected individuals have sufficiently different characteristics from untested-healthy, and when the infected individuals are "potent", meaning they infect a large majority of their neighbors. We develop an algorithm that predicts infections, and show that it outperforms benchmarks on simulated data. We apply our model to data from a large hospital to predict Clostridioides difficile infections; a communicable disease that is characterized by asymptomatic (i.e., untested) carriers. Using a proxy instead of the unobserved untested-infected state, we show that our model outperforms benchmarks in predicting infections.
The Acute Abdomen

The rapid and accurate diagnosis in patients with an acute abdomen is essential if the morbidity and mortality of disease processes affecting the abdomen is to be significantly decreased.
Deemed Ineligible: Reasons Homeowners in Puerto Rico Were Denied Aid After Hurricane María

In Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria, about 60% of all applications received by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) were declared ineligible. ...
Wurseln Menschlichen Widerstands Gegen Tierrechte: Psychologische Und Konzeptuelle Blockaden (Roots of Human Resistance to Animal Rights: Psychological and Conceptual Blocks)

German Abstract: Eine kombinierte psychologisch-erkenntnistheoretische Untersuchung der menschlichen Blockaden, die der Anerkennung der Empfindungsfahigkeit und der gesetzlichen Rechte nichtmenschlicher Tiere im Wege stehen. Dies ist eine deutsche Ubersetzung der Originalarbeit, "Wurzeln des menschlichen Widerstands gegen Tierrechte: psychologische und konzeptionelle Blocke", veroffentlicht von der Lewis and Clark-Gesetzesjournal, Animal Rights, im Jahr 2002. English Abstract: A combined psychological-epistemological study of the human blocks that stand in the way of the recognition of the sentience and legal rights of non-human animals. This is a German translation of the original paper, "Roots of Human Resistance to Animal Rights: Psychological and Conceptual Blocks," published by the Lewis and Clark law journal, Animal Rights, in 2002.