cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Tools of Discovery for the Mutual Benefit of Author and Audience” (Chouinard, 1985, p. 5)

The quotation from Chouinard used above as title for the chapter has been seen already in the previous chapter. Chouinard was speaking primarily about writing, and I applied his words there to speaking as well. I’d like to apply them now to the science of psychology.
Compromise on the Board: Investigating the Antecedents and Consequences of Lead Independent Director Appointment

Board leadership has always been conceptualized as a tradeoff between two desirable yet mutually exclusive organizational attributes. Classical organization theory prescribes unity of command, achi...
Clonal Features of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells in Aging

Abstract It is traditionally thought that Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) maintain blood homeostasis through long-term self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. This concept, however, is challenged by two recent studies in which the fundamental features of unperturbed hematopoiesis are evaluated by different approaches of lineage tracing. Both the kinetic analysis of HSC output by the Rodewald group and our clonal analysis with transposon barcoding suggest a dominant role of non-transplantable short-term HSCs and progenitors, but not the long-term HSCs, in driving native blood cell production. In addition, our longitudinal analysis of peripheral blood demonstrates extensive clonal succession in granulocyte production. These findings collectively suggest a distinct mechanism of native hematopoiesis that differs significantly from what has been learned in transplantation experiments. At the same time, they bring to light new questions regarding the ultimate fate of the progenitor population and the exact contribution of HSCs under normal physiological conditions. To address these questions, we examined clonal features of HSCs and progenitors in aged mice. Our results show a progressive reduction in clonal complexity and a concurrent increase in clonal stability when blood granulocytes are analyzed up to a hundred ten weeks after transposon barcoding. As time elapses, clonal overlapping between granulocytes and B cells become much more extensive, suggesting an increased tendency toward multilineage differentiation during aging. Analysis of stem and progenitor cells in bone marrow of aged mice reveals prevalent lineage output by multipotent progenitors (MPPs), whereas a lower fraction of HSC clones are found to produce mature progeny. While this overall pattern of differentiation is reminiscent of what has been observed in young and middle-aged animals, a two-fold increase in HSC clonal output was observed in these old mice, indicating their increased contribution to blood cell production. A comparison of clonal compositions in blood and marrow cell populations demonstrates an MPP origin of stable peripheral blood clones, and a smaller fraction of these clones can even be traced back to HSCs. These observations hence suggest extensive self-renewal and asymmetric cell division of these two cell populations in aging. Taken together, our results indicate that the aged hematopoietic system is characterized by reduced clonal complexity, increased clonal persistence, and HSC activation. The higher propensity to self-renewal during aging may also explain the elevated risk of malignant transformation in the elderly population. Disclosures Camargo: Cell Signaling Technologies: Consultancy; Vital Therapies: Consultancy.
Immune Receptors and Co-receptors in Antiviral Innate Immunity in Plants.

Plants respond to pathogens using an innate immune system that is broadly divided into PTI (pathogen-associated molecular pattern- or PAMP-triggered immunity) and ETI (effector-triggered immunity). PTI is activated upon perception of PAMPs, conserved motifs derived from pathogens, by surface membrane-anchored pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). To overcome this first line of defense, pathogens release into plant cells effectors that inhibit PTI and activate effector-triggered susceptibility (ETS). Counteracting this virulence strategy, plant cells synthesize intracellular resistance (R) proteins, which specifically recognize pathogen effectors or avirulence factors and activate ETI. These coevolving pathogen virulence strategies and plant resistance mechanisms illustrate evolutionary arms race between pathogen and host, which is integrated into the zigzag model of plant innate immunity. Although antiviral immune concepts have been initially excluded from the zigzag model, recent studies have provided several lines of evidence substantiating the notion that plants deploy the innate immune system to fight viruses in a manner similar to that used for non-viral pathogens. First, most resistance (R) proteins against viruses so far characterized share structural similarity with antibacterial and antifungal R gene products and elicit typical ETI-based immune responses. Second, virus-derived PAMPs may activate PTI-like responses through immune co-receptors of plant PTI. Finally, and even more compelling, a viral avirulence factor that triggers ETI in resistant genotypes has recently been shown to act as a suppressor of PTI, integrating plant viruses into the coevolutionary model of host-pathogen interactions, the zigzag model. In this review, we summarize these important progresses, focusing on the potential significance of antiviral immune receptors and co-receptors in plant antiviral innate immunity. In light of the innate immune system, we also discuss a newly uncovered layer of antiviral defense that is specific to plant DNA viruses and relies on transmembrane receptor-mediated translational suppression for defense.
Students' Perceptions of Jesus' Personality as Assessed by Jungian-Type Inventories:

The present study was the first phase of an exploration of college students' perceptions of the personality of Jesus Christ as assessed by two Jungian-type inventories, the Myers-Briggs Type Indica...
Conclusions—Plane Elements: Polynomial Stresses of Degree n

The patch test, which was one of Iron’s brilliant ideas, initiated various innovations in formulating new finite elements. In the spirit of eliminating MacNeal’s (Finite Elem Anal Des 5(1):31–37, 1989) element deficiencies or “failure modes” all terms from the Rayleigh modes, which are necessarily in equilibrium, are included. Here the minimum number of additional nodes, where equilibrium of forces and displacement compatibility should be enforced, are preferred over rotational degrees-of-freedom.
Thermo-Oxidative Induced Damage in Polymer Composites: Microstructure Image-Based Multi-Scale Modeling and Experimental Validation

A multi-scale modeling approach is presented to simulate and validate thermo-oxidation shrinkage and cracking damage of a high temperature polymer composite. The multi-scale approach investigates coupled transient diffusion-reaction and static structural at macro- to micro-scale. The micro-scale shrinkage deformation and cracking damage are simulated and validated using 2D and 3D simulations. Localized shrinkage displacement boundary conditions for the micro-scale simulations are determined from the respective meso- and macro-scale simulations, conducted for a cross-ply laminate. The meso-scale geometrical domain and the micro-scale geometry and mesh are developed using the object oriented finite element (OOF). The macro-scale shrinkage and weight loss are measured using unidirectional coupons and used to build the macro-shrinkage model. The cross-ply coupons are used to validate the macro-shrinkage model by the shrinkage profiles acquired using scanning electron images at the cracked surface. The macro-shrinkage model deformation shows a discrepancy when the micro-scale image-based cracking is computed. The local maximum shrinkage strain is assumed to be 13 times the maximum macro-shrinkage strain of 2.5 × 10−5, upon which the discrepancy is minimized. The microcrack damage of the composite is modeled using a static elastic analysis with extended finite element and cohesive surfaces by considering the modulus spatial evolution. The 3D shrinkage displacements are fed to the model using node-wise boundary/domain conditions of the respective oxidized region. Microcrack simulation results: length, meander, and opening are closely matched to the crack in the area of interest for the scanning electron images.
Low Temperature High Magnetic Field Activities at the Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory

The high field facilities of the FBNML offer to its 300 or more annual users a wide range of cryogenics support to complement its 28 water-cooled magnets and two hybrid magnets. That support includes 9 metal cryostats, three 3He refrigerators, three dilution refrigerators, and a liquid H2 apparatus for high current Jc tests in the 14–20 K range. Recently, the Laboratory’s newest hybrid magnet achieved a record dc field of 34.2 tesla in a 33-mm bore. Its Bitter magnet contributed a field of 21.7 T; the surrounding superconducting magnet, operating at 1.7 K, produced 12.5 T. Subsequently, a field of 37.25 ± 0.5% T was measured in a 2-rnm gap between Ho pole pieces immersed in a 4.2 K bath. The facility’s original hybrid magnet routinely operates at 30 T and has logged more than 3000 hours since 1981.
POEM in the Treatment of Esophageal Disorders.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a novel minimally invasive technique that has emerged as the preferred option for the treatment of achalasia and spastic esophageal disorders (SED) at many centers around the world. In this article, we review and summarize the recent literature on POEM in patients with achalasia and SED. The current article is largely focused on the new developments and findings, extended applications, and long-term outcomes of POEM in patients with achalasia and SED. POEM is a safe and effective therapy for patients with achalasia and SED. POEM is comparable to Heller myotomy (HM) in terms of safety, efficacy, and complications, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Outcomes of POEM are excellent even in patients who had prior failed therapies for achalasia, including failed HM and prior POEM. Recent data also suggest the efficacy and safety of POEM in both pediatric and geriatric patients. GERD after POEM is common, and the majority of patients are asymptomatic. The management, goals of therapy, and long-term outcomes of GERD after POEM are unclear. Objective testing for all patients is recommended. POEM is a validated treatment for all patients with achalasia and SED. Candidates should be carefully selected and appropriately counseled on expected outcomes and the need for long-term surveillance.
The Intact Xenopus Laevis Eye Rudiment: A Quasi-In Vivo System for the Study of Retinal Development and Degenerations

The purpose of this chapter is to demonstrate the validity and value of the “quasi-in vivo” intact eye culture system fromXenopus laevistadpoles as a model for the study of retinal development and degenerations.
Brain HIV-1 Infection Modeling in Humanized Mice

The HIV-1-associated neurologic disorders were described earlier in HIV-1 pandemia and are now recognized as a complex of pathologic changes related to the HIV-1 infection of brain perivascular and resident cells, such as microglia. At the same time, the significant contribution to the neurocognitive deficit in humans could be related to the secondary events, such as chronic emotional stress, chronic immune activation due to mucosal barriers deficiency, opportunistic viral and bacterial infections, malnutrition, and other factors that could not be excluded or controlled like on experimental laboratory animals. Animals carrying human hemato-lymphoid tissue and chronically infected with HIV-1 could provide valuable information about the pathogenesis of neurocognitive dysfunction and serve as a model for therapeutic development.
Is Currency Depreciation or Deficit Spending Effective for Indonesia? Application of an Extended IS-MP-AS Model

Applying an extended IS-MP-AS model, the paper finds that real appreciation raised real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during 2000.Q1-2012.Q1 whereas real depreciation increased real GDP during 2012.Q2-2016.Q4 and that a higher deficit/GDP ratio does not influence real output in Indonesia. Moreover, a lower real federal funds rate in the U.S., a higher real stock index, a lower real crude oil price or a lower expected inflation rate would help increase real output. These results suggest that either real depreciation or real appreciation of the rupiah may increase or reduce real output, depending upon the time period under consideration and that deficit-financed expansionary fiscal policy is ineffective due to complete crowding-out effect.
DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF THE LEVER SIGN IN DETECTING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT TEARS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

Background The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured ligaments in the knee. With the prevalence of ACL tears increasing, there is a growing need for clinical tests to rule in and rule out a suspected tear. A new clinical test for detecting ACL tears has been introduced with preliminary studies showing promising results. Hypothesis/purpose To systematically review and analyze information from the current literature on the diagnostic accuracy of the Lever Sign test for the use of diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in a clinical setting. Study design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A computerized search of PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus, and Proquest databases as well as a hand-search was completed on all available literature using keywords relating to the diagnostic accuracy of the Lever Sign Test. A quality assessment was performed on each article included in this review utilizing the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS). Results Eight articles were included, with only three studies exhibiting high quality, however the study samples were heterogenous. Included studies indicated that the Lever Sign test is both sensitive and specific in diagnosing ACL tears. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.77 and 0.90, respectively. The negative likelihood ratio is 0.22 and the positive likelihood ratio is 6.60. Conclusion The Lever Sign test is comparable to other clinical tests used in current practice to detect an ACL rupture. The pooled data from current available literature on the Lever Sign indicate that a positive or negative test should result in a moderate shift in post-test probability. This test may be used in addition to other tests to rule in and rule out the presence of an ACL rupture. Level of evidence 2a- Systematic Review of Level 2 diagnostic studies.
Optimizing the network edge for flexible service provisioning

The virtualization of network resources provides unique flexibility in service provisioning in most levels of the network stack. Softwarization of the network control and operation (SDN) is a key enabler of that development. Starting from the network core, SDN is a dominant trend in the evolution of network architectures with increased emphasis recently on the network edge. I will present some recent results in this area starting with a study on migration from legacy networking to SDN enabled network modules. The tradeoff between the benefits of SDN upgrades and the cost of deployment is addressed and captured by an appropriate sub-modular function that allows to optimize the penetration pace of the technology. Validation on some real world network topologies and traffic matrices will be presented as well. Then we move our attention to the network periphery. A wireless multi-hop extension at the network edge is considered and the problem of enabling SDN is addressed via replication of SDN controllers. The delay constraints of the controlled data-path elements is appropriately modeled and the problem of locating the controllers is addressed via optimization and a proof-of concept implementation. An alternate approach is considered then for the wireless network where we assume coexistence of SDN enabled components with network islands operating under distributed adhoc routing protocols. The trade-off of the coexistence is studied and the impact of SDN penetration is evaluated. Some paradigms of collaborative network services are presented finally as they are enabled by the above architectural evolution.
Applying stress theory to higher education: lessons from a study of first-year students

Studies of stress and coping effects on college performance have yielded inconsistent results, which might be clarified by stricter adherence to stress theories. Here, university students (n = 1212...
Mechanisms of Nitric Oxide Induced Injury to the Alveolar Epithelium

The major function of the lung is gas exchange. The movement of both oxygen and carbon dioxide across the blood-gas barrier is by simple diffusion. This process is optimized by the large alveolar surface area, the close proximity of the alveolar and pulmonary capillary membranes, and the lack of any significant amount of fluid in the alveolar space. The relative dryness of the alveolar space is thought to be the result of: (1) the low permeability of the alveolar epithelium to both electrolytes and plasma proteins; (2) the presence of pulmonary surfactant, which lowers the surface tension of the blood-gas interface; and (3) the ability of alveolar epithelial cells to actively transport sodium ions from the alveolar to the basolateral spaces1.
TDP-43 regulates transcription at protein-coding genes and Alu retrotransposons

The 43-kDa transactive response DNA-binding protein (TDP-43) is an example of an RNA-binding protein that regulates RNA metabolism at multiple levels from transcription and splicing to translation. Its role in post-transcriptional RNA processing has been a primary focus of recent research, but its role in regulating transcription has been studied for only a few human genes. We characterized the effects of TDP-43 on transcription genome-wide and found that TDP-43 broadly affects transcription of protein-coding and noncoding RNA genes. Among protein-coding genes, the effects of TDP-43 were greatest for genes <30 thousand base pairs in length. Surprisingly, we found that the loss of TDP-43 resulted in increased evidence for transcription activity near repetitive Alu elements found within expressed genes. The highest densities of affected Alu elements were found in the shorter genes, whose transcription was most affected by TDP-43. Thus, in addition to its role in post-transcriptional RNA processing, TDP-43 plays a critical role in maintaining the transcriptional stability of protein-coding genes and transposable DNA elements.
Robust, Evidence-Based Data Fusion

Abstract This paper presents a strategy for determining system state estimates from unreliable and noisy system inputs. The concepts of sensor error orthogonality, meta-sensors, output equivalence, and adaptive state estimation are discussed. Although the proposed data fusion strategy is applicable to a large range of both 2-D and 3-D applications that consume unreliable inputs to support real-time control, an autonomous ground vehicle is used as a motivating example.
An Introduction to Separation of Powers and Bicameralism

The importance of separation of powers and bicameralism is first highlighted through an example using court curbing legislation. Several research questions, which will be explored in the book, are then presented and involve court curbing, administrative court curbing, court structuring legislation, judicial review, and justiciability. Nagel’s (1965) influence on separation of powers is presented next, which includes the introduction of several variables that affect the relationship between Congress and the Courts. The justification of using measures reported out from a judiciary committee is then presented, and followed by an explanation of why different results are expected between the House and the Senate. This chapter concludes with a brief account of the contents of the remaining chapters in the book.
Management of Thoracoabdominal Blast Injuries

Management of blast injuries to the chest and abdomen is complex and requires an understanding of the primary blast effect on air-filled organs, the secondary effect of penetrating injuries, and the tertiary effect of blunt trauma. The vast majority of thoracoabdominal blast injuries are associated with injury to multiple body regions. Surgical intervention is indicated for hemodynamic instability, air embolus with hemodynamic collapse, massive hemothorax, perforation of gastrointestinal tract, and open wound management as well as specific injuries diagnosed on CT scan requiring repair. A high index of suspicion for injury to multiple body regions must be maintained and thorough investigation of all body cavities is indicated for any serious blast injury.
Efficiency of microvascular free flap reconstructive surgery: An observational study.

Abstract Objective We aimed to assess operative workflow and efficiency in microvascular free flaps via a direct observational study based on Lean principles of quality improvement (QI). Methods Observers monitored the workflow of twenty-three free flaps. Pre-operative preparation and surgical duration was recorded with supplemental data provided from our institution's surgical tracking database. Traffic patterns of operating room (OR) staff were documented as “entries” and “exits” from the OR and classified by role and the reason that the entry or exit was required. Patient data was obtained via chart review. Results The mean surgical time was 9.0 h. Approximately 20% of OR time was dedicated to the pre-incision process, averaging 1.6 h per case. One third of entries and exits occurred during this period. In total, 180.2 surgical hours were observed during which 6215 “entries” and “exits” occurred. The mean number of entries and exits per case was 270; the most common reasons were supplies and communication. No association was observed between elapsed surgical time or total number of entries and exits with post-operative infection rates. Conclusion Comprehensive observational workflow studies of free flaps are challenging to execute due to lengthy procedure times. At our high-volume institution, a significant portion of OR time is devoted to the pre-incision period, largely due to inadequate supply availability and pre-operative communication. These findings will serve as a foundation for QI interventions at our institution, while our observational model provides a broadly applicable framework for assessing surgical efficiency.
Flood vulnerability and its influencing factors

Riverine floods are the major weather-related disaster affecting both agriculture production and physical infrastructures in Nepal. Climatic factors aggravated by anthropogenic measures contribute to increasing household-level vulnerability in the country. We use face-to-face interview data collected from 217 households located in the Saptari district of Nepal to understand the household-level vulnerability of farmers impacted by floods. Our model combines variables of household sensitivity, adaptive capacity, and exposure to flooding in an integrated vulnerability index to assess the vulnerability status of households and factors influencing the vulnerabilities. Findings indicate a high vulnerability level of most households stems from higher exposure to flood and lower adaptive capacity. Using the ordinal response model, we find that indicators such as credit access, migration, female-proportion, and perception and familiarity with flood incidences positively influence the vulnerability. However, gender, livestock owned, per capita income, adaptation measures, and distance to water bodies have a negative influence on the vulnerability level. These findings can be used to tailor micro-level policies to minimize the impact of floods in the district. Governmental level effort, such as river control strategy, is needed to minimize the flood risk at a larger scale in the future.
Religion’s Future and the Future’s Religions Through the Lens of Science Fiction

While most scholarship in religious studies focuses on the past and present, the study of what the future may hold in store for religion deserves attention. Studying the treatment of religious themes and characters in science fiction provides one way of accomplishing this objective. From the possibility of time travel to key events in the history of religion, to the possibility of acquiring godlike attributes by technological or other futuristic means, science fiction regularly touches on topics such as the nature and universality of truth or the nature of personhood and of divinity in ways that can be deeply theological, even if the authors of the tales are not theologians or even religiously inclined. In stories about contact with extraterrestrial sentient life forms, sci-fi tales can explore questions about diversity in the values and ideas we hold, but on a much larger scale than that provided by our own planet. Yet these stories reflect the convictions and concerns human beings currently have about our ability to understand one another and our sometimes seemingly incommensurable commitments. Such stories provide natural conversation partners for present-day religious communities. The study of such literature and film provides insight into how major conceptual and ethical questions are being explored and wrestled with even today.
A comparison of radial versus femoral artery access for acute stroke interventions.

Objective In this study, the authors aimed to investigate procedural and clinical outcomes between radial and femoral artery access in patients undergoing thrombectomy for acute stroke. Methods The authors conducted a single-institution retrospective analysis of 104 patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy, 52 via transradial access and 52 via traditional transfemoral access. They analyzed various procedural and clinical metrics between the two patient cohorts. Results There was no difference between patient demographics or presenting symptoms of stroke severity between patients treated via transradial or transfemoral access. The mean procedural time was similar between the two treatment cohorts: 60.35 ± 36.81 minutes for the transradial group versus 65.50 ± 29.92 minutes for the transfemoral group (p = 0.451). The mean total fluoroscopy time for the procedure was similar between the two patient cohorts (20.31 ± 11.68 for radial vs 18.49 ± 11.78 minutes for femoral, p = 0.898). The majority of patients underwent thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b/3 revascularization, regardless of access site (92.3% for radial vs 94.2% for femoral, p = 0.696). There was no significant difference in the incidence of access site or periprocedural complications between the transradial and transfemoral cohorts. Conclusions Acute stroke intervention performed via transradial access is feasible and effective, with no significant difference in procedural and clinical outcomes compared with traditional transfemoral access. Larger studies are required to further validate the efficacy and limitations of transradial access for neurointerventional procedures.
Epitaxial growth of metastable semiconductor alloys

Abstract The desire to access new alloys with desirable properties for semiconductor devices has moved the field of semiconductor epitaxial growth into the region of metastable alloys, i.e., those with a thermodynamic equilibrium state of two separate phases; however, utilizing kinetic hindrance, metastable alloys can be grown having a uniform, single phase, i.e., alloys that are thermodynamically unstable, but which are stable for practical purposes such as device fabrication. This review will concentrate on the growth, properties, and applications of these new materials. The materials to be discussed include the group III/V semiconductors as well as group IV, II/VI, IV/VI, oxide, and other semiconductor alloys. The thermodynamics of semiconductor alloys will be reviewed, including the simple DLP model, that predicts that alloys of elements having very different sizes will be subject to phase separation, as well as the results of first principles calculations. This is followed by a description of the utilization of kinetic effects during epitaxial growth to allow access to metastable, single-phase alloys. This will lead to discussions of specific metastable semiconductor alloys of current interest, including the effects of the microstructure due to metastability on the materials properties. The prospects of these materials for advanced devices will be discussed with an emphasis on the advantages and disadvantages of the microstructure, particularly the formation of coherent compositional fluctuations, on important materials parameters such as minority carrier lifetime, carrier mobility, minority carrier diffusion coefficients, and thermal conductivity.
Microfluidic Device for the Identification of Biological Sex by Analysis of Latent Fingermark Deposits

To date, most research regarding amino acid detection and quantification in fingermarks relies on spectrometric methods. Herein, the Sakaguchi colorimetric test was adapted to a rotationally-driven microfluidic platform and used to detect and quantify arginine in fingermarks deposited by male and female donors. A red color indicates the presence of arginine in a given sample following the reaction, and the intensity of this color is linearly proportional to the concentration. Objective detection and quantification of arginine were accomplished using image analysis software (freeware) based on this colorimetric result. The mean concentrations obtained in a blind study were 96.4 ± 5.1 µM for samples from female donors and 55.3 ± 5.3 µM for samples from males. These were not statistically different from the literature values of 94.8 µM ± 12.9 µM for females (p = 0.908) and 54.0 ± 12.6 µM for males (p = 0.914), respectively (± SEM in all cases). Conversely, the experimental means from males and female samples were statistically different from each other (p < 0.001). Objective differentiation between male and female fingermark deposits was achieved in a blind study with 93% accuracy. Additionally, the method was compatible both with samples lifted from common surfaces and with magnetically-powdered samples.
Decision Analysis Applied to Natural Hazards

Formal methods to handle decision-making under uncertainty that have been created for business management lend themselves to applications in many other areas, in which uncertainties play a major role. Hence, the authors and their co-workers have applied decision analysis to landslides since the 1980′s but many other approaches to landslide assessment and management have in principle done so. The keynote lecture itself will illustrate the application of decision analysis with many examples. For this reason, we concentrate in this paper on the principles of decision-making under uncertainty and the concept of using these principles in hazard and risk analysis of natural threats. We also like to note that what we present here is a summary of our past work. The paper starts with an introduction to the decision-making process and its application to natural threats. Risk management of natural threats is then demonstrated in detail with decision trees and Bayesian networks. This leads to sensitivity analyses to determine which risk management action is most effective.
Comparison of FDA-Approved Electrical Neuromodulation Techniques for Focal Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review of DRG, HF10, and Burst Neuromodulation.

Background Evidence suggests that dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) is a more effective treatment for focal neuropathic pain (FNP) compared with tonic, paresthesia-based dorsal column spinal cord stimulation (SCS). However, new advancements in waveforms for dorsal column SCS have not been thoroughly studied or compared with DRGS for the treatment of FNP. Objectives The purpose of this review was to examine the evidence for these novel technologies; to highlight the lack of high-quality evidence for the use of neuromodulation to treat FNP syndromes other than complex regional pain syndrome I or II of the lower extremity; to emphasize the absence of comparison studies between DRGS, burst SCS, and high-frequency SCS; and to underscore that consideration of all neuromodulation systems is more patient-centric than a one-size-fits-all approach. Study design This is a review article summarizing case reports, case series, retrospective studies, prospective studies, and review articles. Setting The University of Miami, Florida. Methods A literature search was conducted from February to March 2020 using the PubMed and EMBASE databases and keywords related to DRGS, burst SCS, HF10 (high-frequency of 10 kHz), and FNP syndromes. All English-based literature from 2010 reporting clinical data in human patients were included. Results Data for the treatment of FNP using burst SCS and HF10 SCS are limited (n = 11 for burst SCS and n = 11 for HF10 SCS). The majority of these studies were small, single-center, nonrandomized, noncontrolled, retrospective case series and case reports with short follow-up duration. To date, there are only 2 randomized controlled trials for burst and HF10 for the treatment of FNP. Limitations No studies were available comparing DRGS to HF10 or burst for the treatment of FNP. Data for the treatment of FNP using HF10 and burst stimulation were limited to a small sample size reported in mostly case reports and case series. Conclusions FNP is a complex disease, and familiarity with all available systems allows the greatest chance of success.
A holistic approach to the optimization of neutron beam transport at the LANSCE facility

Abstract An advanced neutron beam collimation system has been developed as part of an effort to optimize neutron beam transport at the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) Facility [1] , located within the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The goal of this work was to develop and demonstrate techniques to tailor neutron delivery in order to provide maximum available flux on sample with a specific beam profile, while simultaneously reducing unwanted background. A holistic approach was taken, upgrading the facility spallation target, facility metrology infrastructure, and flight path shutter insert to support the implementation of this advanced collimation system. Modern instruments and software were employed to conduct facility surveys, characterization of as-built geometry of critical components, 3D ray tracing and neutron transport calculations. Beam images and flux measurements were acquired after installation to evaluate the performance of the collimation system and to demonstrate consistent agreement with MCNP simulations which showed an 87% increase of flux on sample while providing suppression of background neutron impingement on the sample frame by 10 3 .
Use of Outdoor Education to Increase Physical Activity and Science Learning among Low-Income Children from Urban Schools

Background: Outdoor education may positively impact the educational, physical, and emotional development of youth, but studies are sparse among urban children.Purpose: To investigate 1) physical ac...
Fiscal risks and the quality of fiscal adjustment in Hungary

The government of Hungary has contained the main fiscal risks of the transition to a market economy. It has paid off and resolved most problems in the banking and enterprise sectors. Since 1995 it has implemented fiscal adjustment with the objective of long-term fiscal stability rather than an immediate deficit target. The main result has been pension reform, which has raised temporary deficits but reduced the long-term public liability. Only the health sector awaits the reform needed for long-term fiscal stability. Levels of government spending, budget deficits, and public service remain high, but the government has made great progress toward rationalizing public spending and improving the management of budget and off-budget fiscal risks. In the transition, the government has taken on new fiscal risks--mainly state guarantees and growing programs of credit and guarantee agencies (operating on behalf of the government) organized after privatization to support, first, industries and, later, exporters. The government has dealt with these new programs of contingent government support prudently and transparently, with reasonable ceilings on (and reporting of) risks. Hungary is likely to face pressure for additional spending. Priorities in fiscal policy should include reforming health financing, establishing checks on hidden subsidies in guarantee programs, and determining the government's optimal exposure to risk. In terms of institutions, the government should aim to create a more flexible, responsive budget process and greater capacity to analyze medium-term fiscal risks, to build a more results-oriented budget management system, and to improve mechanisms for sharing risk between the public and private sectors under government programs.
AUV Turbulence Measurements in the LOCO Field Experiments

Abstract : The long-term goal of this project is to quantify the role of turbulence and fine scale vertical shear and buoyancy on the formation, evolution, and breakdown of thin phytoplankton layers. Particular attention is given to understanding the relationship of the space and time statistics of the physical fields to that of the phytoplankton thin layers. (1) Quantify the horizontal and vertical structure of turbulence and identify the most probable mechanism of generation and maintenance. Particular attention will be given to the turbulent field arising from the internal wave train. Estimate the micro and fine scale parameters relating to thin layer studies: the turbulent dissipation rate, the buoyancy Reynolds number, the turbulent rms velocity, the turbulent eddy diffusivity, fine scale velocity shear, and fine scale stratification. (2) Examine the role of turbulence on the evolution of the spatial structure of thin phytoplankton layers. (3) Quantify the role of physical processes, such as turbulence mixing (diffusion), shear dispersion, and mean current advection on the temporal and spatial distribution and evolution of thin layers in the coastal ocean. The observational approach is to use the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, T-REMUS. T-REMUS is a custom designed REMUS 100 vehicle manufactured by Hydroid Inc., containing the Rockland Microstructure Measurement System (RMMS), an upward and downward looking 1.2 MHz ADCP, a FASTCAT Seabird CTD, and a WET Labs BB2F Combination Spectral Backscattering Meter/ Chlorophyll Fluormeter. In addition, the vehicle contains a variety of "hotel" sensors which measure pitch, roll, yaw, and other internal dynamical parameters.
Adult systemic cat scratch disease associated with therapy for hepatitis C

Background We describe the first case of systemic cat scratch disease in a patient receiving peginterferon α-2a and ribavirin for treatment of hepatitis C. Cases of adult systemic CSD are extremely infrequent and immunomodulatory treatment for hepatitis C has been associated with aberrant host responses to common pathogens.
Recent Results on CP Lifetime Differences of Neutral D Mesons

The mixing parameter y_cp for the neutral D system can be obtained by comparing the lifetimes of CP eigenstate decays of the D mesons. Recent results on the lifetime differences from the Belle, CLEO, FOCUS(E831) experiments are summarized in this article. The neutral D decay modes analyzed by the experiments are: The D0->Kpi mode with the assumption that it is an equal mixture of CP even and odd eigenstates, and the CP even modes D0->KK and D0->pipi.
Temperature-Sensitive Mutants of Murine Leukemia Virus IV. Further Physiological Characterization and Evidence for Genetic Recombination

Several temperature-sensitive mutants of the Rauscher strain of murine leukemia virus representing three distinct physiological groups have been further characterized. Genetic recombination between different pairs of these mutants has been demonstrated. Several representative genetic recombinants were isolated and shown to replicate equally well at the permissive (31 C) and nonpermissive (38 C) temperatures and to have serological characteristics of the wild-type parental virus. Alternative models for the mechanisms involved in recombination between type C RNA viruses are discussed.
Electrophysiologic findings in amyloid myopathy.

Myopathy is an uncommon manifestation of systemic amyloidosis. A retrospective chart review of 17 patients seen between 1975 and 1997 with biopsy-proven amyloid myopathy was performed to characterize the electrophysiologic features. Nerve conduction study abnormalities occurred in 14 of 17 patients (82%). The most common abnormality was a low peroneal and/or tibial compound muscle action potential amplitude (n = 9). Mild abnormalities also occurred in seven other nerves. Repetitive stimulation at 2 Hz in 10 nerves was normal. Electromyography demonstrated fibrillation potentials in 69% of muscles, most frequently in the gluteus medius (90%) and paraspinals (87%). The fibrillation potentials were sparse in 60%. Short-duration, low-amplitude motor unit potentials (MU Ps) were found in 72% of the muscles examined, were mild in 81%, and were more common in proximal muscles. Long-duration MUPs were found in 19% of muscles and a mixed population of MUPs in 4%. These findings are similar to those of common chronic, inflammatory myopathies.
Early detection of local buckling in composite bars

Most structural health monitoring analyses to date have focused on the determination of damage in the form of crack growth in metallic materials or delamination or other types of damage growth in composite materials. However, in many applications local instability in the form of buckling can be the precursor to more extensive damage and unstable failure of the structure. If buckling could be detected in the very early stages, there is a possibility of taking preventive measures to stabilize and save the structure. Relatively few investigations have addressed this type of damage initiation in structures. Recently, during the structural health monitoring of wind turbine blades, local buckling was identified as the cause of premature failure. Results from this investigation suggested that stress waves could be used for detecting the early signs of change in the local curvature that precedes buckling type of failure in this structure. These conditions have been replicated in the laboratory and detailed investigation on the ability of low frequency vibrations to detect the buckling displacement has been carried out. The experiment was performed on a composite bar. The results clearly show that low frequency vibrations could be used to detect the onset of buckling in which the local deflection is only of the order of 0.25 inches.
Formation of stable crystalline enzyme–substrate intermediates at sub-zero temperatures

Sub-zero temperatures can be used to trap intermediates in enzyme-catalysed reactions using suitable cryosolvents. The feasibility of obtaining such intermediates in the crystalline state for X-ray diffraction studies has been demonstrated with several proteases, using specific substrates and optimal pH.
Identity Distress and Negative Affect in College Students

Many young people attend college during the peak years of identity exploration. This research examines the prevalence of identity distress among college students and the degree to which participants may meet the DSM-IV classification for identity problem. In addition, this study examines the extent to which participants with high levels of identity distress report symptoms of depression and other symptoms of negative affect. Findings indicated that 8.1% of the sample met the DSM-IV description for identity problem as assessed with the Identity Distress Survey. Those who met the criteria for identity problem reported significantly more loneliness, overwhelming anger, hopelessness, and depression, compared with those without identity problem. The identity areas of long-term goals, friendships, and career were more likely to be rated as causing severe distress and were more likely to be associated with specific negative affect symptoms. Implications regarding prevention programming for emerging adults and co...
Gestures, but not meaningless movements, lighten working memory load when explaining math

Gesturing is ubiquitous in communication and serves an important function for listeners, who are able to glean meaningful information from the gestures they see. But gesturing also functions for speakers, whose own gestures reduce demands on their working memory. Here we ask whether gesture's beneficial effects on working memory stem from its properties as a rhythmic movement, or as a vehicle for representing meaning. We asked speakers to remember letters while explaining their solutions to math problems and producing varying types of movements. Speakers recalled significantly more letters when producing movements that coordinated with the meaning of the accompanying speech, i.e., when gesturing, than when producing meaningless movements or no movement. The beneficial effects that accrue to speakers when gesturing thus seem to stem not merely from the fact that their hands are moving, but from the fact that their hands are moving in coordination with the content of speech.
Hour-ahead wind power prediction for power systems using Hidden Markov Models and Viterbi Algorithm

This paper presents a new stochastic method for very short-term (1 hour) wind prediction in electrical power systems. The method utilizes Hidden Markov Models (HMM) and the Viterbi Algorithm (VA). Past wind farm power production data are required to develop the HMM model. The accuracy of the predictions improves drastically if hourly weather forecast data are used as pseudo-measurements. Computer simulations using Northwestern weather recordings from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) website show good correlation between our predictions and the actual data.
Evidence that amphetamine and Na+ gradient reversal increase striatal synaptosomal dopamine synthesis through carrier-mediated efflux of dopamine

Abstract Amphetamine (AMPH) releases dopamine (DA) from striatal synaptosomes and concomitantly increases DA synthesis. Since AMPH may release DA through carrier-mediated diffusion via reversal of the DA uptake system, the increase in DA synthesis might depend on a functioning uptake carrier. Consistent with such a mechanism, the uptake inhibitors nomifensine (NMF) and benztropine (BZT) completely prevented the AMPH-induced increase in DA synthesis at concentrations known to inhibit DA uptake. Changes in the Na + gradient across the synaptosomal membrane also promote DA release, since DA and Na + are cotransported by the neuronal uptake carrier. Incubation of synaptosomes in medium containing decreasing Na + increased DA synthesis inversely proportional to Na + over the range 128 to 20 mM. Similarly, incubations in the presence of 10 −4 M ouabain to inhibit Na + , K + -ATPase and allow intracellular accumulation of Na + also increased DA synthesis. These changes in DA synthesis could also be prevented by BZT and were non-additive with the AMPH-induced increase in DA synthesis. However, a concentration of ouabain (10 −6 M) which by itself did not increase DA synthesis, and does not promote DA release, potentiated the AMPH-induced increase in DA synthesis. Further, the increased DA synthesis promoted by all three manipulations was only marginally dependent on the presence of Ca 2+ in the incubation medium. However, at 5 and 10 mM Na + , a second component of increased DA synthesis was observed which was insensitive to BZT, but was prevented by Ca 2+ removal. These results suggest that the increase in DA synthesis, and presumably DA release promoted by AMPH, lowered Na + , and ouabain, depend on the availability of the DA carrier at the internal face of the neuronal membrane and the intracellular content of Na + . The second component of increased DA synthesis which is evident at 5 and 10 mM Na + is discussed in terms of a possible Ca 2+ -mediated change in DA synthesis which is independent of the DA carrier.