cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Range-wide genetic analysis of Dermacentor variabilis and its Francisella-like endosymbionts demonstrates phylogeographic concordance between both taxa

The American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, is an important vector of pathogens to humans, wildlife and domestic animals in North America. Although this tick species is widely distributed in the USA and Canada, knowledge of its range-wide phylogeographic patterns remains incomplete. We carried out a phylogenetic analysis of D. variabilis using samples collected from 26 USA states and five Canadian provinces. Tick samples (n = 1053 in total) originated from two main sources: existing archives (2000–2011), and new collections made from 2012 to 2013. We sequenced a 691 bp fragment of the cox1 gene from a subset (n = 332) of geographically diverse D. variabilis. DNA extracted from individual ticks (n = 1053) was also screened for a Francisella-like endosymbiont, using a targeted 16S rRNA sequencing approach, and important pathogens (Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii), using species-specific quantitative PCR assays. Maximum parsimony analysis of cox1 sequences revealed two major groups within D. variabilis with distinct geographical distributions: one from the eastern USA/Canada (Group 1) and one from the west coast states of the USA (California and Washington; Group 2). However, genetic subdivisions within both of these two major groups were weak to moderate and not tightly correlated with geography. We found molecular signatures consistent with Francisella-like endosymbionts in 257 of the DNA extracts from the 1053 individual ticks, as well as Rickettsia spp. and Coxiella burnetii in a small number of ticks (n = 29 and 2, respectively). Phylogenetic patterns for Francisella-like endosymbionts, constructed using sequence data from the bacterial 16S rRNA locus, were similar to those for D. variabilis, with two major groups that had a nearly perfect one-to-one correlation with the two major groups within D. variabilis. Our findings reveal a distinct phylogenetic split between the two major D. variabilis populations. However, high levels of genetic mixture among widely separated geographical localities occur within each of these two major groups. Furthermore, our phylogenetic analyses provide evidence of long-term tick-symbiont co-evolution. This work has implications for understanding the dispersal and evolutionary ecology of D. variabilis and associated vector-borne diseases.
Imitation: Cognitive Implications

Social influence and social learning are important for the survival of many organisms. However, certain forms of social learning may also have important implications for cognitive mechanisms on which they may be based. The various forms of social influence and learning are discussed with special emphasis on the mechanisms that may be responsible for opaque imitation (the copying of a response that the observer cannot easily see when it produces the response). Three procedures are examined, the results of which may qualify as opaque imitation: the bidirectional control procedure, the two-action procedure, and the do-as-I-do procedure. Variables that appear to affect the emergence of opaque imitation are identified, and other complex forms of response copying are discussed.
Acute endotracheal tube occlusion caused by use of an esophageal detector device: Report of a case and a discussion of its utility

An experienced intensivist performed an emergency endotracheal intubation on a 72-year-old woman without difficulty. The vocal cords were visualized during the intubation. An esophageal detector device was used to confirm correct airway placement. After aspiration of the device, it was impossible to easily ventilate the patient. The endotracheal tube was removed and found to be occluded by a mucus plug. It is postulated that aspiration of the syringe on the esophageal detector device suctioned the mucus plug from the bronchial tree into the endotracheal tube and precluded ventilation of the airway. This complication has not been previously reported. The utility and possible hazards of the esophageal detector device are discussed.
Quantifying soybean evapotranspiration using an eddy covariance approach

Abstract Quantification of evapotranspiration (ETc) from crops is critical in irrigation scheduling in agriculture. In a pioneering study, in the Mississippi (MS) Delta region, we quantified ETc from soybean (Glycine max L.) using the eddy covariance (EC) approach (ETe). We also monitored ETc using a residual energy balance (EB) approach (ETb) and compared the fluxes. The unclosed energy fluxes in the EC were post-analysis closed using the Bowen ratio (BR) and latent heat (LH) methods. The measurements were conducted in a 35-ha clay soil planted to irrigated soybean in the lower MS Delta in 2016. The crop reached physiological maturity in 126 days after emergence (DAE). Maximum LAI was 5.7 and average grain yield was 4900 kg ha−1. The EC showed an energy balance closure of about 88% on a 30 min and 90% on a daily flux accumulation. The ETe was 18.2, 6.8, and 15.9% lower than ETb, and ETe corrected using BR (ETebr) and LH (ETele) approaches, respectively. Average soybean seasonal ETe, ETb, ETebr, and ETele were 422, 499, 451, and 490 mm, respectively. Seasonal reference-crop evapotranspiration for alfalfa (ETo) and grass (ETr) were 470 and 547 mm, respectively. Daily ETe, ETb, ETebr, ETele, ETo, and ETr averaged across the whole season were 4.4, 5.2, 4.7, 5.1, 4.9, and 5.7 mm, respectively. For scheduling irrigations, based on grass and alfalfa reference crop ET calculated from weather data, averages of the ETe, ETb, ETebr, and ETele daily estimates were used in deriving crop coefficients (Kc). The Kc for grass reference varied between 0.56 and 1.29 and for alfalfa reference varied between 0.56 and 1.02. The information developed will be useful for scheduling irrigations in the MS Delta region, and the methodology developed can be adapted for generating similar information elsewhere.
Dispersal of Ruffed Grouse: A Large-Scale Individual-Based Model

We present an efficient data structure enabling us to model, in a microcomputer environment, as many as 10 000 individual ruffed grouse on a landscape subdivided into 9216 contiguous, 10-acre (4 ha) sites. The model is fully stochastic both in a demographic and in an environmental sense. It features use of geographic information about habitat quality and hunting pressure to define site-specific natural and hunting mortality. It combines factors describing the time-specific social landscape, i.e., local density constraints and other social interactions, together with habitat quality, into a site-suitability function. This information is then used to guide the individual movements that in aggregate simulate the dispersal process. Values for parameters controlling the dispersal submodel were determined interactively by comparing model predictions of dispersal distance and duration with actual research findings from a study conducted in central Wisconsin. Additional geographic inputs to the model specify the starting distribution of grouse on the landscape and identify potential metapopulations (habitat islands) and other geographic units such as parcels of land ownership or study areas. Storage of the population state of each subarea enables later analyses of population dynamics in terms of patch attributes. Complete life histories of the individuals in the model are available as model outputs, as are snapshots of the distribution of grouse on the landscape at any user-specified time.
Preparing Psychologists: More Focus on Training Psychologists for a Future in Evolving Health-Care Delivery Systems (Elliot & Klapow, 1997) (or, I'll Hire Your Graduates If...)

Preparation of psychologists has been influenced by the emergence of organized health-care delivery. Elliot and Klapow (1997) proposed that psychologists be trained to assume the role of behavioral scientists and called for the revisions of training models so psychology can maintain its prominent role in health-care delivery systems. This manuscript extends Elliot and Klapow's (1997) discussion of training psychologists in a manner that helps them meet the needs of consumers and be marketable. Thus, it (1) presents concrete recommendations for fostering a behavioral scientist approach, (2) recommends the development of training communities that could assist in the expansion of the roles and functions of psychologists, and (3) discusses the implementation of business management training focusing on managing managed care.
Making headway for discussions about concussions: experiences of former high school and collegiate student-athletes

In order to better understand how to identify and treat student-athletes who experience concussions, better insight into reporting behavior of athletes is needed. This study aims to identify information influencing athletes’ attitudes towards reporting their concussions and the perceived trajectory of their recovery both athletically and academically. Twenty-five former high school and collegiate athletes who experienced concussions in a wide variety of sports, organizational levels, and time periods gave insight through structured, qualitative interviews. A number of factors regarding education about concussions, proper diagnosis of concussions, and motivational pressures within high school and collegiate athletics were assessed. Eight major themes were identified regarding the participants’ experiences with sport-related concussion: optimism bias, invisibility of the injury, diagnostic barriers, desire to play, external support and pressures, uncertainty of long-term prognosis, generational factors, and protection of future athletes. Our findings support that underreporting of concussions among those players interviewed is related to misperceived risk, lack of education, and a struggle between internal and external pressures to play through injury. However, those who did seek medical and academic support, often did receive the necessary aid.
Molecular Mechanisms of Membrane Curvature Sensing by a Disordered Protein

The ability of proteins to sense membrane curvature is essential for the initiation and assembly of curved membrane structures. Established mechanisms of curvature sensing rely on proteins with spe...
Toward high-throughput defect density quantification: A comparison of techniques for irradiated samples

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an established tool used for the investigation of defects in materials. Traditionally, diffraction contrast techniques-two-beam bright-field and weak-beam dark-field-have been used to image defects due to contrast sensitivity from weak lattice strains. Use of these methods entail an intricate tilt series of imaging using different diffracting vectors, g, to verify the g•b invisibility criterion relative to the different defect types and habit planes inherent to the material. Recently, the addition of down-zone imaging and STEM imaging has also proven to be effective imaging techniques for defect density analysis. Interest in nanocrystalline (NC) materials, spurred by their conjectured superior properties compared to their coarse-grain counterparts, has been thriving and the investigation of their defect morphologies is essential. Maneuvering within NC samples in the TEM adds another layer of difficulty making the aforementioned techniques not practical for application to specimens with complex microstructures. For this reason, we have devised a protocol for identifying NC grains optimally oriented for quantitative analysis using NanoMegas ASTAR automated crystal orientation mapping (ACOM) in the TEM. In this work, we conduct a series of experiments assessing the effectiveness of conventional two-beam bright-field, weak-beam dark-field, and down-zone STEM imaging. We also evaluate an ACOM-assisted multibeam imaging method and compare defect density results obtained using each technique in an irradiated nanocrystalline Au sample.
67. YEAR ONE OF A NEW RESIDENCY PROGRAM: REFLECTIONS FROM THE INAUGURAL INTERN CLASS TO LEADERSHIP

Background As the number of graduating medical students is increasing, the number of residency positions is remaining the same. One solution to this problem is the creation and accreditation of new residency programs to help bridge the gap. However, the distinct challenges and opportunities that new training programs present for learners and faculty have not been extensively studied or described. Objective Determine and understand the distinctive perspective of a group of resident physicians who served as the inaugural interns in a new categorical pediatrics residency program. Methods We conducted a modified qualitative analysis of themes to generate resident perspectives. Seven residents (70% of the total class) agreed to answer six initial open-ended questions followed by a analysis of themes. These residents then met as a group and identified three consensus themes in each of the three topic areas: Strengths, Challenges, and Lessons Learned from a new program. In small working groups key areas were investigated and themes were consolidated, reviewed and edited for flow by faculty over a 2-month period and presented in a summarized form. Results Residents described strengths of participating in a new residency-training program as the opportunity to shape the program, individualized learning experience, and enthusiastic and available faculty. They identified challenges of training in a new program as lack of upper level residents, diverse faculty expectations, resident morale, and coping with challenges. Lessons learned included themes of resident engagement, standard expectations and feedback, and resident driven wellness. Conclusions Our inaugural class of residents identified the key challenges and opportunities of training in a new program. These perspectives should prove informative for educators who are planning new programs in graduate medical education.
“Geologic issues: Community impacts and science communication”—An introductory geoscience assignment designed to help underrepresented minority students see value in the geosciences

Responding to the need for recruitment and retention of a diverse geoscience population, we developed a capstone homework assignment for use in introductory-level geoscience courses. In this articl...
Progress on the Development and Single-Laboratory Validation of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for the Determination of Carbadox and Pyrantel Tartrate in Type B and C Medicated Feeds

Carbadox, an antimicrobial agent, and pyrantel tartrate, an anthelmintic, are feed additives that are often used in combination in the United States. The current AOAC methods for these analytes are spectrophotometric, using standard addition techniques. These methods are labor-intensive and prone to variability as well as matrix interferences. Published methods for both analytes that use high-performance liquid chromatography were evaluated and a test method was developed. The method uses a water prewetting step to enhance extraction of pyrantel followed by extraction with acetonitrile-ethanol (50 + 50). Sample extracts are filtered through a glass fiber filter and purified using alumina solid-phase extraction columns. Chromatography is performed on a C18 column with a gradient mobile phase of dibutylamine acetate and acetonitrile. The data show that both analytes exhibit acceptable peak shape when a C18 column that is both acid- and base-deactivated is used. Linearity has been established and initial recovery studies on medicated swine feeds are promising.
Values and visions for the field of psychological trauma, from brain to re-moralization and social transformation.

I write this editorial from my experience as a 54-year-old psychologist who has studied psychological trauma and dissociation from many perspectives, ranging from research on neurobiology and memor...
Disrupting the Norm: Disability, Access, and Inclusion in the German Language Classroom

This chapter proposes an intervention into traditional language pedagogy by examining the ways in which communicative language teaching frequently fails to take the spectra of ability statuses among learners and educators into account. Specifically focusing on the postsecondary German language classroom, I consider the detrimental impact of pedagogy training and teaching materials that perpetuate a narrowly defined ideal of normalcy. Drawing on core concepts of disability studies, the chapter contextualizes the intervention into German language pedagogy through an examination of the general barriers to inclusion and equity that exist in higher education. I conclude with a discussion of the rethinking that will be necessary, in order to create meaningful changes toward the inclusion of students and faculty of varying abilities in a productive learning community.
Clinical and histopathologic characteristics of patients undergoing surgical excision with Essure coils: Longitudinal experience at a women's specialty hospital.

Abstract The introduction of the Essure (Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany) device made possible a less invasive approach for patients desiring sterilization. Following FDA approval in 2002, problems were reported in some patients with these devices including most commonly pain. Labeling changes were mandated in 2016, and as of late 2018, the devices are no longer being sold in the United States. A comprehensive description of Pathologic findings in patients with these devices has not been reported. This study characterizes pathologic findings in patients undergoing surgery who had Essure in place, regardless of the indication for surgery. 137 cases were found, 126 of which had submitted tissue, 121 of which had fallopian tube(s) submitted. Duration for coils being in place was available for 104/137 patients (mean 48 months; median 43 months, range 0–166 months). Cases ranged from 2009 to 19, with a peak in cases noted in 2016. A chief complaint relating to the phrase “pelvic pain” was the most common, noted in 72/137 cases. Obliteration, defined as loss of the fallopian tube epithelium with filling of the lumen with fibrotic material, was noted in 33/121 cases. Inflammation was noted in 59/126 cases, 31/59 showed with giant cells, chronic inflammation (lymphocytes and/or plasma cells) in 37/59 cases, and acute inflammation 19/59 cases, with 14/19 showing eosinophils. Acute inflammation was noted in those with a shorter duration of coil implantation, while chronic inflammation, including giant cells, were noted across the span. This study has expanded knowledge of patients with removal of Essure coil devices.
The Role of Telemedicine in Kidney Transplantation: Opportunities and Challenges

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with advanced kidney disease who are medically and surgically fit to undergo the procedure and have reasonable life expectancy. It provides improved survival and quality of life for recipients and overall cost savings to the health care system (1,2). The process of undergoing kidney transplantation involves several phases of care including pretransplant referral and evaluation, waitlist management, and follow-up. In all phases of care, transplant centers interface with candidates and recipients who live across a wide geographic range, with many patients traveling significant distances to a transplant center (3). In the United States, 41,077 candidates were added to the waiting list in 2019 and 23,401 received a transplant. There are approximately 220,000 prevalent kidney transplant recipients and 250 centers actively performing kidney transplants (4). With this continually growing patient population and a limited number of transplant providers, transplant centers are in need of innovative models of health care delivery that ( 1 ) allow them to reach and monitor candidates and recipients, particularly those that live far away; and ( 2 ) improve utilization of transplant center resources. Telemedicine, the practice of medicine using technology to deliver care at a distance, represents an opportunity to do both. The technology used may include telehealth videoconferencing (TVC), the internet, store-and-forward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communication (5). Although telemedicine has been successfully used by numerous specialties, its utilization in the field of kidney transplantation has been lagging. Telemedicine has the potential to affect and improve the delivery of kidney transplant care through the following: ( 1 ) replacing or supplementing in-person visits with virtual visits through TVC, ( 2 ) electronic consultation, and ( 3 ) remote monitoring and provision of education through mobile technology (6). Here we focus on TVC and highlight opportunities for its use …
The Unconscionable Impossibility of Reparations for Slavery; or, Why the Master's Mules Will Never Dismantle the Master's House

This Chapter discusses the curious unwillingness of the legal system to provide compensation for the harms of slavery. Ultimately the Chapter concludes that the failure of law in this area – the impossibility of reparations -- is no accident. Rather, the legal system is doing what it was always designed to do. Law itself is a social construct designed by societal elites to protect elite interests, and the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.
Evaluation of misrepresented findings in the abstracts of acute respiratory distress syndrome randomized trials with nonsignificant primary endpoints.

OBJECTIVE We investigated the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to assess the presentation and frequency of misrepresented research findings, also known as spin. METHODS We searched PubMed (MEDLINE) for studies published from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2019. We included randomized controlled trials with an ARDS intervention and a nonsignificant primary endpoint. Trial screening and data extraction was performed on all studies independently and in duplicate. The primary endpoint was to investigate the frequency and manifestation of spin in RCT abstracts. Our secondary endpoint was to investigate associations between funding source and spin. RESULTS Our PubMed search returned 766 articles with 37 meeting inclusion criteria. Spin was present in 14 (14/37, 37.8%; 95% CI 22.5%-55.2%) abstracts. The most common manifestations of spin were claiming benefit based on a significant secondary endpoint (6/14, 42.9%), followed by the use of 'trend' statements, such as 'trend toward significance' (2/14, 14.3%; 95% CI 1.8%-42.8%). The most common spin in abstract conclusions was in the form of claiming benefit due to a significant secondary endpoint (3/4, 75%; 95% CI 19.4%-99.4%). Our secondary endpoint did not identify a significant difference in the prevalence of spin in publicly funded (5/19, 26.3%; 95% CI 9.1%-51.2%) compared to privately funded (4/12, 33.3%; 95% CI 9.9%-65.1%) studies (p>.05). CONCLUSIONS RCTs of ARDS interventions with nonsignificant primary endpoints often included spin in the abstract. Spin in the abstract may influence clinician appraisal and interpretation of diagnostic or treatment modalities.
Gut Microbiomes Differ Among Dietary Types and Stool Consistency in the Captive Red Wolf ( Canis rufus)

Captive management of many wildlife species can be challenging, with individuals displaying health disorders that are not generally described in the wild population. Retrospective studies have identified gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, in particular inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as the second leading cause of captive adult red wolf (Canis rufus) mortality. Recent molecular studies show that imbalanced gut microbial composition is tightly linked to IBD in the domestic dog. The goal of the present study was to address two main questions: (1) how do red wolf gut microbiomes differ between animals with loose stool consistency, indicative of GI issues, and those with normal stool consistency and (2) how does dietary type relate to stool consistency and red wolf gut microbiomes? Fresh fecal samples were collected from 48 captive wolves housed in eight facilities in the United States and from two wild wolves living in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC, United States. For each individual, the stool consistency was categorized as loose or normal using a standardized protocol and their diet was categorized as either wild, whole meat, a mix of whole meat and kibble or kibble. We characterized gut microbiome structure using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. We found that red wolves with a loose stool consistency differed in composition than wolves with normal stool consistency, suggesting a link between GI health and microbiome composition. Diet was not related to stool consistency but did significantly impact gut microbiome composition; gut microbiome composition of wolves fed a kibble diet were significantly different than the gut microbiome composition of wolves fed a mixed, whole meat and wild diet. Findings from this study increase the understanding of the interplay between diet and GI health in the red wolf, a critical piece of information needed to maintain a healthy red wolf population ex situ.
A model of robust positions in social networks

This article introduces a network model that pictures occupants of robust positions as recipients of diversified support from durably located others and portrays occupants of fragile positions as dependents on tenuously situated others. The model extends Herfindahl's index of concentration by bringing in the recursiveness of Bonacich's method. Using Newcomb's study of a college fraternity, we find empirical support for the contention that fragility reduces future growth in status. Applications of the model to input-output networks among industries in the U.S. economy and to hiring networks among academic departments are also presented. Implications for future research are discussed.
Identification of simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that are associated with the nectariless trait of Gossypium hirsutum L

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has nectar containing modified stomates called nectaries that can be located on leaves, bracts or calyces. The nectar attracts some beneficial insects such as bees, but also predatory damaging insects such as heliothines and Lygus species. There is a naturally occurring mutation that eliminates the nectar containing nectaries and makes the cotton plants less attractive to insects. The nectariless (ne) trait is associated with a double recessive mutation of two genes (ne1 and ne2) on homeologous chromosomes 12 and 26. Expression of the trait can be variable and is also affected by environmental conditions. This makes accurately selecting for the trait based on phenotype difficult. This study identified SSR and SNP markers that can be used by breeders for marker assisted selection (MAS) of the nectariless trait. DNA markers associated with the genes conditioning the trait and used for MAS, will allow cotton cultivars to be easily developed that have decreased attractiveness to insects and reduce the need for insecticides, especially those harmful to beneficial insects such as honeybees.
Vascular entrapment neuropathy of the tibial nerve within the gastrocnemius muscle.

Background Vascular compression is an extremely rare cause of mononeuropathy and compression of selective tibial nerve branches is an additionally a rare finding and makes diagnosis difficult. Case Description Here within, we describe the case of a 41-year-old male who presented with isolated mononeuropathy of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) branch of the tibial nerve presented as persistent fasciculations and atrophy. After electromyography and clinical evaluation, surgical exploration was recommended. A vascular bundle was found to be compressing the MG branch of the tibial nerve and thus was ligated to decompress the nerve. Postoperatively, all fasciculations improved and muscle atrophied improved. Conclusion Vascular compression resulting in mononeuropathy of the peripheral nerves is a rare clinical entity. Clinicians should include these etiologies on their differential when considering surgical exploration of mononeuropathies.
Ceramic Additive for Aerospace

The cruise altitudes and speed of flight will be higher than ever before for next-generation aerospace applications. While this will enable superior efficiency and reach, especially for military aerospace vehicles, it comes at the cost of harsher environments experienced by the component materials. Ceramic materials are of interest for these applications since they can withstand higher temperatures and harsher environments than many traditional metal or polymer aerospace components. Beyond increased temperature capability, they also offer increased erosion resistance, higher stiffness, lower density, and, in some cases, multi-functional properties. Additive manufacturing (AM) of ceramics offers a more agile manufacturing method to create the complex-shaped components needed for next-generation component designs. Due to the complexities that come with forming dense ceramic materials, the field of AM of ceramics is still in initial stages of adaptation. This chapter will briefly introduce background on the variety of AM routes that exist for forming ceramic materials along with some advantages and disadvantages of each. A more detailed account will be given to some recent advances in AM of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites using the technique of direct ink writing.
Emotion Regulation Difficulties in Military Fathers Magnify Their Benefit from a Parenting Program.

Military service members who were exposed to combat-related traumatic events may exhibit emotion regulation problems, which can compromise emotion-related parenting practices (ERPPs). After Deployment, Adaptive Parenting Tools (ADAPT) is a preventive intervention developed for military families to improve parenting behaviors, including ERPPs. Parental emotion regulation difficulties may affect parents’ responses to this parenting program. Thus, this study aimed to use a baseline target moderated mediation design to examine the intent-to-treat (ITT) effect of the ADAPT program on deployed fathers’ emotion-related parenting practices (ERPPs) at the 1-year follow-up as well as the moderation and mediation effect of fathers’ emotion regulation difficulties. The sample consisted of 181 deployed fathers and their 4–13-year-old children. At both baseline and 1 year, fathers’ ERPPs (i.e., positive engagement, withdrawal avoidance, reactivity-coercion, and distress avoidance) were observed during a series of structured parent–child interaction tasks. Results of path analyses showed no ITT effects on fathers’ ERPPs, but emotion regulation difficulties significantly moderated ITT effects on distress avoidance. Fathers with higher levels of emotion regulation difficulties at baseline showed decreases in distress avoidance behaviors at 1 year if randomized to the intervention condition. Emotion regulation difficulties also significantly mediated the program’s effect on reductions in reactivity coercion for fathers with high levels of emotion regulation difficulties at baseline. These findings highlight parental emotion regulation as a key baseline target of the ADAPT program and provide insight into how and for whom a parenting program improves parenting practices.
Distal adding-on in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis results in diminished health-related quality of life at 10 years following posterior spinal fusion.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between the various definitions of adding-on identified in the literature and HRQoL at 10 years following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) to identify a clinically relevant definition. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, patients with Lenke type 1 or 2 AIS with 10-year follow-up after PSF were identified in a multicenter registry. Adding-on was identified independently using 5 published definitions and expert spine surgeons' visual confirmation. Worsening of HRQoL was defined as a preoperative to 10-year postoperative decrease in SRS-22 domain score ≥ the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Results One hundred fifty patients were included, and 118 had HRQoL data available for the main analysis. Worsening pain was noted in 49 (41.5%) patients, appearance in 1 (0.8%), and activity in 70 (59.3%) from preoperative to postoperative. 4 of the 5 definitions of adding-on demonstrated no evidence of association with worsening HRQoL. By Cho's definition (either 1. ≥ 5° increase in Cobb angle AND increase in number of vertebrae in curve distally, or 2. ≥ 5° increase in angulation of 1st disc below LIV), adding-on (27 patients, 22.9%) was associated with an increased risk of worsening pain (59.3% vs. 36.3%, p = 0.033) and activity (77.8% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.026). There was no evidence of association with changes in appearance. Risk of worsening pain and activity was increased by 1.75 and 1.51 times (p = 0.023 and p = 0.002), respectively. Conclusion Cho's definition of adding-on was associated with worsening HRQoL at 10 years following PSF for Lenke type 1 and 2 AIS. Consistent use of this definition will allow us to compare studies and obtain meaningful information in this population. Level of evidence Level II.
A fast projector/backprojector pair modeling the nonstationary scatter response function for scatter compensation in SPECT imaging

The authors present a novel fast algorithm for implementing SDSE (slab derived scattered estimation) that reduces computation time by a factor of 16 compared to a direct implementation. Projection data computed with the new algorithm compare well with that from Monte Carlo simulations. When combined with faster computers and iterative reconstruction algorithms that converge rapidly, this fast projector/backprojector pair makes iterative-reconstruction-based scatter compensation feasible. >
The Potential Effects on United States Agriculture of an Avian Influenza Outbreak

The U.S. poultry industry has spent considerable resources to date preparing for an outbreak of avian influenza in this country. This research quantifies the potential effects of two alternative avian influenza scenarios on the poultry industry. In addition, this research looks at effects on other agriculture sectors including the loss of feed demand from an outbreak and the impacts on aggregate measures like farm income and consumer food expenditures. The economic sector model maintained by the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) is employed for these scenarios.
Predictors of survival in patients with prostate cancer and spinal metastasis. Presented at the 2009 Joint Spine Section Meeting. Clinical article.

Object Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy to cause death in men, with metastases to the spine being the most common site of metastatic burden. A retrospective observational study was performed to determine survival of patients in whom spinal metastasis from prostate cancer had been diagnosed. Methods The patient population was obtained from the Prostate Clinical Research Information System (CRIS) at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Patients were observed over a period of 19 years, between June 1990 and April 2009. Clinical covariates were studied in their relationship to overall survival, the primary outcome, by using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. Results Of a total of 9010 patients in the Prostate CRIS database, 333 were identified as having developed spinal metastases. The median overall survival after diagnosis of spinal metastasis was 24 months (95% CI 21–28 months). The estimated 1-year overall survival was 73% (95% CI 67%–77%). In 85% of patients, at least 1 addition...
Background story of the invention of efficient blue InGaN light emitting diodes (Nobel Lecture)

huji Nakamura discovered p-type doping in Gallium Nitride (GaN) and developed blue, green, and white InGaN based light emitting diodes (LEDs) and blue laser diodes (LDs). His inventions made possible energy efficient, solid-state lighting systems and enabled the next generation of optical storage. Together with Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano, he is one of the three recipients of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics. In his Nobel lecture, Shuji Nakamura gives an overview of this research and the story of his inventions***.
Calpain-2 proteolysis of MARCKS and MLP1 regulates ENaC activity (LB273)

MARCKS is a ubiquitously expressed protein while MARCKS like protein (MLP1) is more abundantly expressed in mouse kidney. The effector domain of MARCKS and MLP1 is similar and serves as the functio...
Simone Forti Goes to the Zoo

In 1968, choreographer and dancer Simone Forti moved from the United States back to Italy. During her brief stay in Rome, she spent time observing animals in the zoo, as well as working and performing among Arte Povera sculptures. This article investigates how Forti's encounters in Italy with new methods of movement and materiality, including models of collaboration between animate subjects and inanimate objects, became pivotal to her procedures of constructing dance.
Kinematics of the Chugach metamorphic complex, southern Alaska: Plate geometry in the north Pacific margin during the Late Cretaceous to Eocene

[1] The Paleogene plate geometry of the north Pacific margin is poorly constrained because all of the plates involved, except the trailing Pacific plate, have been subducted. However, the kinematic history of the Chugach metamorphic complex in southern Alaska constrains plate configurations because of its link to ridge-subduction. We synthesize recent regional mapping of the complex, finite strain data, and geochronology to show that progressive deformation records the Paleogene triple junction interaction occurred over a period of less than 2 m.y. across ∼350 km of the margin. We document that 140–190 km of distributed dextral shear occurred across the complex during the latest phase of deformation in the complex. This analysis suggests dextral motion of at least 70–95 mm/yr which can account for most, or all, of the margin parallel plate motion during a brief period of the Eocene. We use these results to compare and evaluate possible plate configurations based on older and newer plate motion models. Using modern plate motion models it is difficult to reconcile a Kula-Farallon ridge-subduction model with the available data, but our preferred plate geometry model involving a Kula-Resurrection ridge provides a reasonable explanation for our observations.
The School Principal and the Administration of Justice

ecause principals must often formulate and enforce rules and regulations, they must function in quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial roles in addition to their primary administrative role. To a large degree, school principals are lawmaker, prosecutor, judge, and jury for students and, to a lesser degree, teachers and other members of the staff in their schools. Because of these broad powers and the nature of schools in American society, principals take special care to act in a just manner at all times. The purpose of this discussion will be to clarify several basic concepts of justice as they particularly relate to the rule-making and adjudication functions of the school principal.
Enhanced function of immuno-isolated islets in diabetes therapy by co-encapsulation with an anti-inflammatory drug.

Immuno-isolation of islets has the potential to enable the replacement of pancreatic function in diabetic patients. However, host response to the encapsulated islets frequently leads to fibrotic overgrowth with subsequent impairment of the transplanted grafts. Here, we identified and incorporated anti-inflammatory agents into islet-containing microcapsules to address this challenge. In vivo subcutaneous screening of 16 small molecule anti-inflammatory drugs was performed to identify promising compounds that could minimize the formation of fibrotic cell layers. Using parallel non-invasive fluorescent and bioluminescent imaging, we identified dexamethasone and curcumin as the most effective drugs in inhibiting the activities of inflammatory proteases and reactive oxygen species in the host response to subcutaneously injected biomaterials. Next, we demonstrated that co-encapsulating curcumin with pancreatic rat islets in alginate microcapsules reduced fibrotic overgrowth and improved glycemic control in a mouse model of chemically-induced type I diabetes. These results showed that localized administration of anti-inflammatory drug can improve the longevity of encapsulated islets and may facilitate the translation of this technology toward a long-term cure for type I diabetes.
Issue continued: anatomically correct dolls: should they be used as the basis for expert testimony?

Background Two decisions by the California Supreme Court of Appeal in the spring of 1987 have made it difficult to admit evidence based on anatomically correct doll interviews with children. Here, Dr. Yates and Dr. Terr continue their discussion of the arguments raised in the March 1988 Debate Forum.
Historical mathematics in the French eighteenth century.

ABSTRACT At least since the seventeenth century, the strange combination of epistemological certainty and ontological power that characterizes mathematics has made it a major focus of philosophical, social, and cultural negotiation. In the eighteenth century, all of these factors were at play as mathematical thinkers struggled to assimilate and extend the analysis they had inherited from the seventeenth century. A combination of educational convictions and historical assumptions supported a humanistic mathematics essentially defined by its flexibility and breadth. This mathematics was an expression of l’esprit humain, which was unfolding in a progressive historical narrative. The French Revolution dramatically altered the historical and educational landscapes that had supported this eighteenth‐century approach, and within thirty years Augustin Louis Cauchy had radically reconceptualized and restructured mathematics to be rigorous rather than narrative.
In vivo neurochemical imaging of olfactory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.

Olfactory dysfunction is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and has been attributed to early deposition of α-synuclein pathology in olfactory areas. The pathophysiology of olfactory dysfunction in PD, however, remains poorly understood. Changes in odor identification suggest in part impairment in odor memory, possibly due to hippocampal dysfunction. Olfactory dysfunction occurs also in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and increases with severity of dementia. Cholinergic degeneration is not only a feature of AD but can also occur in PD, at least in a subset of patients with cognitive changes. We reported previously that impaired odor identification in early PD is more closely correlated with hippocampal dopaminergic than nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation. Results of our multi-tracer PET studies show that odor identification deficits in PD are best predicted by cholinergic denervation and to a lesser extent by dopaminergic denervation. These results suggest that olfactory dysfunction in PD may have multiple components including hippocampal dysfunction secondary to cholinergic and dopaminergic denervations. Olfactory dysfunction in PD may be the most marked in subjects at risk of incipient dementia, and may reflect the transition of PD toward a stage with more heterogeneous multi-system neurodegenerations. Our preliminary imaging data do not support a significant contribution of amyloidopathy or serotoninergic denervation to abnormal olfactory functions in PD, at least in the absence of dementia. We outline how progressive changes in olfaction may be used as a biomarker of cholinergic denervation and cognitive decline in PD patients. We will discuss also the utility of olfactory testing as an early screening test for neurodegeneration.
Improved barium fluoride process YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7- x films via post-anneal monitoring

The continuous monitoring of the conversion, of Y, Cu and BaF2 precursors to form superconductor thin films has been achieved using a fluorine-specific-ion electrode immersed in an effluent gas-washing cell. High-quality thin films of YBa2Cu3O7-x deposited on NdGaO3, LaA103 and LaGaO3, have been produced by limiting the wet oxygen annealing phase of the post-deposition anneal. When the films were over-annealed in humidified oxygen the superconducting transition temperature as measured by inductive methods and the crystal quality, determined by x-ray rocking curves were degraded.
Constrained game formulations and interpretations for data envelopment analysis

Abstract Constrained game formulations are provided for DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) which extend the original (unconstrained) game formulations of R. Banker. Interpretations are also supplied which show how the optimal solutions may be used to improve the efficiency of DMUs (Decision Making Units) being evaluated with repeated uses of DEA. Uses of these ideas in testing for the presence of ‘organization slack’, are described, as in the literature of organization theory. Possibilities are also suggested for uses of game theory to study tendencies toward specialization by some DMUs, including specializing tendencies which take the form of developing new products or undertaking other activities to escape pressures from the repeated use of relative evaluations that are present in market competition as well as DEA.
Glaciofluvial infilling and scour of the Puget Lowland, Washington, during ice-sheet glaciation

The Puget lobe, the southwesternmost extension of the Cordilleran ice sheet, last advanced into the Puget Lowland of western Washington at about 15 ka. The advancing ice sheet deposited voluminous sediment on a prograding, proglacial outwash plain that extended from the Olympic Mountains to the Cascade Range, herein recognized as the "great Lowland fill." Subsequent overrunning by the ice sheet excavated deep linear troughs now occupied by the large lakes and marine waters of Puget Sound. Excavation of these troughs and valleys of the Puget Lowland required the net transport of about 1000 km3 of sediment, almost entirely during ice occupation and primarily by subglacial water. These landforms of glaciofluvial deposition and erosion define the modern landscape here, emphasizing the importance of these processes in the region's geomorphology.
The diffusion of fission products in thorium metal

Abstract A study was performed of the diffusion in α-thorium of fission products representing impurity atoms with a diversity of size and valance differences with respect to the solvent lattice. The atoms were recoil injected into thorium disks. Diffusion coefficients were determined for 133Xe by monitoring its release during annealing, and for the other isotopes by post-annealing concentration profile analysis. The Arrhenius constants d o (cm 2 /sec) , resp. Q(kcal/mole) were obtained for the diffusion coefficients where. D = D o exp (−Q/RT) ; 99 Mo: 7.6 × 10 −4 and 37.6; 132 Te: 1.32 × 10 6 and 95.6; 133 I: 2.7 × 10 −1 and 66.2; 133 Xe: 3.6 × 10 2 and 82.3; 140 Ba: 2.3 × 10 −2 and 59.4; 141 Ce − 143 Ce: 1.8 × 10 −2 and 60.0. The fission product diffusion behavior, in general, fit either the vacancy or the substitutional-interstitial diffusion mechanisms for impurity atoms in a fcc metal. Both valence and ionic radius correlations were found. The data indicate low rates of diffusion for the operating temperatures at which α-thorium-based fuel might be used.
Annotating Attributions and Private States

This paper describes extensions to a corpus annotation scheme for the manual annotation of attributions, as well as opinions, emotions, sentiments, speculations, evaluations and other private states in language. It discusses the scheme with respect to the "Pie in the Sky" Check List of Desirable Semantic Information for Annotation. We believe that the scheme is a good foundation for adding private state annotations to other layers of semantic meaning.